Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016

According to developers' plans, the historic building on Maile Street "is to be removed." The former, bank, credit union, dentistry,
training center, pool hall, store and radio station is shown here next to Pahala Theater before the theater fell down more than a
decade ago. Ka`u High art teacher Sandra Lei Johnson captured the theater on canvas before it collapsed in 2005.
See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

RAPID `OHI`A DEATH CONTINUES to march across Hawai`i Island’s native forests.
      A series of aerial surveys of six Hawaiian Islands revealed that the fungal disease has impacted nearly 50,000 acres of native forest. That’s an increase of some 13,000 acres from surveys done earlier this year.
      “It’s important to note that the aerial surveys still need verification by conducting ground-truthing and lab tests,” said Philipp Lahaela Walter, State Resource & Survey Forester for the Department of Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife. While some of the increase is due to expanding the survey area, much of it is due to new tree mortality.

Rapid `Ohi`a Death continues to spread on Hawai`i Island.
Photo from DLNR

      Walter and his team flew in helicopters over vast tracts of forest on Hawai`i Island, O`ahu, Maui, Moloka`i, Kaua`i and Lana`i, criss-crossing the landscape to look for tell-tale signs of the disease. Rapid `Ohi`a Death, first described by scientists as a previously unknown fungus in 2014, kills trees indiscriminately and often quite quickly. “While we believe, based on the aerial survey work, that the disease continues to destroy hundreds of thousands of native `ohi`a lehua on the Big Island, we saw scant evidence that the fungus is killing trees on the other islands. We did spot trees that could be dying of other causes, but so far none of the samples has been positive for the fungus (Cereatocystis) that causes Rapid `Ohi`a Death. Again, we need to conduct ground surveys and either confirm or discount the presence of the disease in laboratory tests,” Walter said. On the Big Island, just over 47,000 acres or nine percent of the forest surveyed showed symptoms of Rapid `Ohi`a Death; brown or no leaves.

Philipp Lahaela Water Photo from DLNR

      “The quarantine measures put into place by the Hawa`‘i Dept. of Agriculture appear to be stopping its spread to other islands,” according to DOFAW’s Rob Hauff. “These rules require inspections of soil and plant materials and prohibit, except by permit, interisland movement of any part of a native `ohi`a tree,” Hauff said.
      Highly valued for their beauty and significance in Hawaiian culture, native `ohi`a lehua forests cover approximately 865,000 acres of land across the state and are considered the primary species providing habitat for countless plants, animals and invertebrates. These forests protect watersheds that provide significant agriculture and drinking water across the state. Rapid `Ohi`a Death threatens the state’s tropical forests and delicate ecosystems and ultimately could jeopardize local water supplies and Hawai`i’s economic vitality.
      The University of Hawai`i Cooperative Extension Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service assisted with planning for the helicopter surveys using specialized equipment. A team of experts from DLNR/DOFAW, the USDA Forest Service, Hawai`i’s Invasive Species Committees and the National Park Service/Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park conducted the surveys.
      Research into treatments for the particular fungus that causes Rapid `Ohi`a Death continues at the USDA Agricultural Research Service lab in Hilo. Investigation into how it spreads is also being conducted with potential culprits being insects, underground via roots, on small wood or dust particles, on shoes and equipment, and possibly on animals. Ultimately, scientists hope that by identifying what is spreading the fungus they’ll be able to mitigate its devastating impacts.
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Community groups held fundraisers at the building during
its time as a community radio station. Photo by Julia Neal

REMOVING THE HISTORIC BUILDING ON MAILE STREET, constructed near lower Mo`aula Road in the early 1900s, is proposed in plans for Pahala Town Square & Hawaiian Springs Facility. The proposal to remove the building comes from PMK Capital Partners, LLC, led by Albert Kam. It has been submitted to Duane Kanuha, director of the county Planning Department, as part of the development project for the old Ka`u Sugar mill site. The development would include more than 136,000 square feet in buildings to include a water bottling facility, storage and retail stores, along with parking for tour buses, vans and cars along Maile Street. The largest building currently on the property is 12,000 square feet.

      Uses of the “to be removed” historic building, during its long life, have included Bank of Hilo and Bank of Hawai`i, a dentist office, pool hall and work training facility during the closing of the sugar plantation in 1996.
      A mural about life in the sugar camps graces several interior walls. It was painted by former Punalu`u Bake Shop manager Patrick Edie.
      After several years of being abandoned, the building’s roof, posts and many windows were replaced, its wooden floors refinished and porch rebuilt in 2000. It became a store, Ka`u Federal Credit Union (now CU Hawai`i Credit Union) and a community radio station with broadcasters including Uncle Bobby and Phoebe Gomes, Auntie Ba, Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a, Harry Evangelista, Demetrius Oliveira and the Diva, as well as Filipino and religious music deejays. Also broadcast was daily news from The Ka`u Calendar newspaper.

Deejay Bobby Gomes hosted local musicians on his program.
Photo by Julia Neal

      It is now the location for broadcast equipment for Hawai`i Public Radio.
      It has also been the site for numerous community fundraisers, including raising money for Ka`u High School students to travel to O`ahu, where they won the statewide Brown Bags to Stardom talent competition. Pig hunters used the site as a weigh-in station during tournaments.
      The restoration inspired the renovation of historic buildings across the street – the Old Pahala Clubhouse and the former ILWU office and health clinic. They are now used for community events and housing. However, the neighboring Pahala Theater collapsed, and its remains were removed. Other historic buildings on Maile Street include the former sugar plantation offices, now Royal Hawaiian Orchards building, the Olson Trust Building, Pahala Plantation Manager's house and numerous supervisors homes from sugar days.
      State law requires that, “prior to approval of any project involving a permit, license, certificate, land use change, subdivision, or other entitlement for use that may affect historic property, State Historic Preservation Division is to be advised by Hawai`i County of the project and allowed an opportunity for review and comment on the effect of the proposed project on historic properties. Moreover, SHPD is to inform the public of any project proposals submitted to it … that are not otherwise subject to the requirement of a public hearing or other public notification."
     Comments on the plan can be sent to planning@hawaiicounty.gov, susan.gagorik@hawaiicounty.gov and larry.nakayama@hawaiicounty.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Federal funds will help HI-EMA's tsunami programs.

HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE $625,477 in grant funding to support Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency in its mission to inform and prepare residents for tsunamis.

      “In Hawai`i, being well prepared for natural disasters like tsunamis can mean the difference between life and death,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. “This critical funding will help improve our tsunami disaster planning so we can better protect Hawai`i’s coastal communities and save lives.”
      As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz has repeatedly championed funding for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s program that provides this grant funding in the Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bill.
      NOAA’s Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program provides funding to coastal states for preparedness activities such as inundation mapping, disaster planning and tsunami education. Because of these funds, Hawai`i became one of the first states in the nation to be declared Tsunami Ready.
      The grant will be used for projects that will support HI-EMA in its mission to inform the public of the risks posed by tsunami, how to prepare for these short-notice events and life-saving mitigating measures. Many of the proposed projects involve collaboration with partnering entities, such as NOAA’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the University of Hawai`i and a host of other federal, state and local stakeholders, including the general public. These collaborations will improve tsunami resilience for Hawai`i residents and visitors.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN is a week from today. The event includes a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon through coffee and former sugar cane fields, macadamia nut groves, eucalyptus forests and grazing pastures.
      All races begin and finish at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
      Register at race360.com/21357.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS is two weeks from today. Originally scheduled for last Saturday, the event was postponed due to possible tropical storm conditions. Taking place at Na`alehu Park, the event includes a parade along Hwy 11.
      For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

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See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, Sept. 9, 2016

Ocean warming may be the greatest hidden challenge of our generation, according to a lead author
of a report on the subject. See more below. Photo by Deepak Apte from IUCN

PAHALA TOWN SQUARE & HAWAIIAN SPRINGS FACILITY’S proposed water bottling plant and retail visitor center on Maile Street on the old sugar mill site in Pahala will be subject to testing of its water source, according to the state Department of Health Clean Water Branch inspector Dale Nagata. Nagata, who works out of the Hilo Clean Water Branch, said that any company bottling water provides results of water testing that covers pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides and other risks before approvals are given. The testing is required at least yearly, he said.

The existing well shaft is near a proposed warehouse.
Map from Hawai`i County Planning Department

      Diagrams submitted to Hawai`i County Planning Department show the existing well shaft at the old mill site.

      Nagata said most bottling companies use filters and inject ozone into the water to help meet standards. He said he is unaware of the Pahala Town Square proposal. However, he said that if it’s related to the Hawaiian Springs company in Kea`au, there should be no problem since it has a good record for clean water.

      County Planning Director Duane Kanuha is considering approval of the plan to build a retail center with tour bus and van parking, along with an 80,000 square foot warehouse and a 30,000 square foot bottling facility.

      Comments on the plan can be sent to planning@hawaiicounty.gov, susan.gagorik@hawaiicounty.gov and larry.nakayama@hawaiicounty.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

OCEAN WARMING MAY WELL TURN OUT to be the greatest hidden challenge of our generation, according to Dan Laffoley, Marine Vice Chair of the World Commission on Protected Areas at International Union for Conservation of Nature and one of the lead authors of a new IUCN report on ocean warming. The report was launched at IUCN’s World Conservation Congress in Honolulu, where delegates are emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. “We should reflect that we are locking in a worrying warming trend in the ocean, the only ocean we have, on the only world we know, teeming with life,” a statement from the congress reads. “Now is the moment to be wise and act. Future generations will then no doubt thank us for the wisdom of our deeds.”

Dan Laffoley

      The report, entitled Explaining Ocean Warming: Causes, Scale, Effects and Consequences, sets out the most recent and comprehensive review to date on the topic and shows a complex story of change in the ocean. According to the congress, this change has already begun to impact people’s lives. “This is no longer a single story of ocean warming challenges to coral reefs, but a rapidly growing list of alarming changes across species at ecosystem scales, and across geographies spanning the entire world,” the statement says. “It is pervasive change, driven by ocean warming and other stressors already operating in ways we are only beginning to understand, where essential gaps in marine data, systems and capabilities are leaving the world poorly prepared to cope in the future.”

      Compiled for IUCN by 80 scientists in 12 countries, the report explores impacts of ocean warming on ecosystems and species, and on everyday benefits derived from the ocean – its “goods and services.”
      Major changes caused by ocean warming and other stressors described in the report include impacts on entire ecosystems from polar to tropical regions, predicted to increase further in scale, stretching from accessible coasts to the deep ocean seabed; entire groups of species such as plankton, jellyfish, fish, turtles and seabirds being driven by up to 10 degrees of latitude towards the Earth’s poles to keep within reasonable environmental conditions; loss of breeding grounds for groups such as turtles and seabirds, and impacts on the breeding success of birds and sea mammals; and seasonality shifts by plankton, leading to potential mismatch between plankton species with fish and other marine wildlife.

Sen. Russell Ruderman at IUCN World Conservation Congress.
Photo from Sen. Ruderman

      Changes in the ocean are happening between 1.5 and five times faster than those on land. Such range shifts are potentially irreversible, with great impacts on ecosystems. “What this will result in, decades down the line, is less clear,” the statement says. “It is an experiment where, rather than being a casual observer in the lab, we have unwittingly placed ourselves inside the test-tube.”

      The report also describes inadequacy of current knowledge, capabilities and capacity to adequately study ocean warming and to advise and cope with associated challenges. “The global community is increasingly committing itself to a high-carbon future, which it is poorly equipped to understand, let alone cope with,” the statement says. “The impacts are already outstripping what is fully understood and the capacity of the global community to act.
      “The world, perhaps distracted by the bustle of daily issues on land, has been ignoring the impact climate change has been having on the largest living space on the planet – the ocean. The ocean lies at the heart of the climate system, and it must now lie at the heart of climate discussions. Through the implementation of the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC, Parties should now consider ocean impacts in the so-called ‘nationally determined contributions’ outlining national best efforts towards a sustainable low carbon future. It is now critical to address atmospheric CO2 – the root cause of these and so many other problems – and achieve rapid and significant reductions of what we emit.”
      Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman attended the IUCN World Conservation Congress this week. “I was so inspired to see dedicated people from all over the world working to protect our planet,” he said.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono joined 25 colleagues in sending a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to bring the $1.1 billion Zika funding legislation passed by the Senate to the House floor for a vote. As of today, there are more than 18,000 cases of Zika reported in the United States and its territories.

      “Zika is now well established in the United States with cases of local transmission by mosquitoes being reported in multiple areas of Florida, as well as the U.S. territories,” the senators wrote. “While babies die, pregnant women and communities suffer, adults worry about future long-term neurological risks from Zika, and U.S. service members and military bases are affected, Congress remains deadlocked in partisan politics. Now is the time to lead and to show the American people that Congress will act to protect them.”
      In their letter, the senators noted the broad bipartisan support in the Senate to act on Zika funding. They cited passage of the Blunt-Murray compromise amendment to the Fiscal Year 2017 MilCon-VA appropriations bill, which included support of 23 Senate Republicans. The letter also reminds the House Speaker that more than 50 health, public health, provider and other organizations have urged Congress to pass a Zika funding bill that can be signed by the president immediately.
      Current funds to address Zika have begun to expire, leaving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention without resources to effectively combat the virus. Due to congressional inaction, the White House has supplemented funding to address Zika by reallocating funds from other public health threats like Ebola. This funding, however, will run out in September.
      “It’s been nearly four months since the Senate overwhelmingly passed a compromise measure that would fund the fight against Zika,” Hirono said. “Since then, it has become clear that Congressional Republicans would rather limit access to family planning services - which puts millions more women at risk of contracting Zika and giving birth to a child with microcephaly - than ensure that we are fully prepared to combat this disease.”

      Eleven travel-acquired cases of Zika have been reported in Hawai`i.

Trojan wahine traveled to Kamehameha this week.

Photo from KHPES by Chad Keone Farias 

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL teams traveled to Kea`au Wednesday to play at Kamehameha Schools. Junior varsity lost in two straight sets, 10-25 and 12-25. Varsity also lost in the best three out of five sets, 8-25, 8-25 and 16-25.

      The teams host Christian Liberty tomorrow at 10 a.m.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER holds its monthly pancake breakfast tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Help remove invasive faya trees next Friday. Photo from FHVNP

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s forest restoration project next Friday. Participants will remove invasive faya trees, providing hands-on learning about the importance of managing invasive plants and how this practice complements out-planting and other restoration practices. 

      “We appreciate the support,” FHVNP Executive Director Elizabeth Fien said. “Removing invasive species in the park is a critical job. We are making progress, and without your help, this would not be possible.”
      Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Monday evening to register.

REGISTRATION FOR KA`U Coffee Trail Run is available through race morning, a week from tomorrow, at 6:30 a.m.
The event includes a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon through coffee and former sugar cane fields, macadamia nut groves, eucalyptus forests and grazing pastures.
      All races begin and finish at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

      Register at race360.com/21357.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Click on document to enlarge

See kaucalendar.com.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016

Incoming Mayor Harry Kim, who begins his term on Dec. 1, yesterday in Pahala greeted students
and thanked constituents for voting for him. Above, he shakes hands
with Ka`u High teacher David Brooks. Photo by Julia Neal

AN INTERAGENCY BIOSECURITY PLAN has been formed to protect Hawai`i’s environment, agriculture, economy and health.

      According to Hawai`i Departments of Agriculture and Land & Natural Resources, Hawai`i is at an invasive species crossroads: the islands are home to more endangered species than any other state. Between 80 to 90 percent of all food is imported, and there are more than eight million visitors annually, with hundreds of arriving flights and ships carrying cargo.
      As invasive species continue to arrive in Hawai`i and spread through the islands, the environment, agriculture, economy and even human health are at risk. Coqui frogs, fire ants, albizia and mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus provide recent examples of impacts to Hawai`i.

Ag inspectors are at the front line of biosecurity.
Photo from state DOA & DLNR

      The state of Hawai`i developed its first comprehensive, interagency approach to biosecurity through the 2017-2027 Hawai`i Interagency Biosecurity Plan. The intended scope of the plan is to address all three biosecurity areas (pre-border, border, and post-border) and to strategically coordinate actions across a wide range of agencies and partners. The planning process, led by HDOA, has joined the efforts of industry representatives and state, federal and county agencies to identify policy, process and infrastructure needs over the next decade. The plan is currently in draft form and awaits public review and input at a series of meetings across the state in early October.

      “My administration has focused on doing the right thing the right way,” Gov. David Ige said. “Protecting Hawai`i from the impacts of invasive species will require agencies and industries to work together to build a better biosecurity system. Our actions now will result in a more robust agriculture industry, protect our natural resources, our economy and our unique way of life here in Hawai`i.”
      “The state’s first line of defense against invasive species has always been the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, but in the 21st century, we need partners,” said Scott Enright, chair of the Hawai`i’s Board of Agriculture. “The threat of potential invasive species goes beyond HDOA’s mandate, and this new interagency biosecurity plan will help the state focus on important priorities that will protect the environment and agriculture in Hawai`i now and in the future.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

INCOMING MAYOR HARRY KIM waved a big mahalo sign yesterday afternoon as students departed the Pahala school campus, meeting with constituents near the Pahala bus stop.
      Kim said, “It’s good to be out with the people. I just love this town.”
      Kim talked about economic development for the area and noted that the proposed water bottling plant on Maile Street could be good for jobs.
      Residents and teachers stopped their vehicles to talk with Kim. Among them was Ka`u High teacher David Brooks.
     To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Injury Prevention Program, Prevent Suicide Hawai`i Task Force and Hawai`i Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are holding community events in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month. Each year, events are held to increase awareness about suicide prevention and resources available to support families. This year’s national theme is Strong Alone; Stronger Together.
      Suicide is a significant public health problem in Hawai`i. It is estimated that one person dies by suicide in Hawai`i every two days. Suicide was the most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawai`i residents over the five-year period 2010-2015, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all fatal injuries. Suicide is the leading cause of death in Hawai`i for those ages 15-34, surpassing deaths from cancer, heart disease and other types of injuries.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Image from
Hawai`i Department of Health 

      “The impact suicide has on the lives of family members, friends, co-workers and the community is devastating,” said Eric Tash, chair of the Hawai`i Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The loss of human potential is enormous. Fortunately, there is hope; most suicides are preventable.”

      Out of the Darkness walks honor loved ones who died by suicide. The public is encouraged to participate in Kona on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. Meet at West Hawai`i Today parking lot at 75-5580 Kuakini Hwy. Contact Nancy Sallee at 333-8988 or email orchid_isle_psychotherapy@yahoo.com. Sallee is also the contact for a Suicide Survivor Vigil at King Kamehameha Beach Hotel tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
      Another walk takes place on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lili`uokalani Gardens in Hilo. Contact Saydee Gabriel-Souza at 339-1794 or bigislandootdw@gmail.com.
      On Sept. 14 at 5 p.m., a Survivors of Suicide Loss Memorial at Hospice of Hilo is scheduled. For information, email cathyh@hospiceofhilo.org.
      Sign waving is being arranged by East Hawai`i Suicide Prevention Task Force. Contact Yolisa Duley at 932-7462 for schedule and details.
      For more information or resources on suicide prevention, see http://health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention/home/suicide-prevention/thinking-about-suicide/ or AFSP Hawaii website at https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-hawaii/.

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USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory conducts flight operations
at Kilauea's summit to assess volcanic activity and
maintain instrumentation. Photo from USGS/HVO

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK this month uses aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.

      On Sept. 15 and 16 between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., helicopter training takes place in the Kahuku Unit between 2,500- and 6,000-ft. elevation.
      On Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., aircraft will inspect and fly near the summit of Kilauea.

      On Sept. 22, crews will haul out old fence material from Mauna Loa along the boundary of Kapapala and Ka`u Forest Reserve.
      In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kilauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
      Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

An event next month celebrates Hawai`i Wildlife Fund's
20th anniversary.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED to help Hawai`i Wildlife Fund celebrate 20 years of conservation, research and education projects in Hawai`i. HWF holds a special fun-filled event at Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave. in Hilo on Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

      The ho`olaule`a will include heavy pupus from various local caterers, live music by Adam Kay, Kona Brew Company beer, select wines, HI Kombucha tea, as well as a silent auction with numerous donations from local artists, eco-tourism vendors, bed & breakfasts and restaurants.
      “HWF team members, volunteers and community partners have worked together for 20 years to conserve native wildlife in Hawai`i.” HWF President and Co-founder Bill Gilmartin said. “We are grateful to come together on Oct. 15 to recognize and to celebrate our collective accomplishments, and we look forward to the next 20 years.”
      More information about HWF projects, partnerships and accomplishments over the past two decades can be found at wildhawaii.org or by searching on their Facebook and Instagram accounts (@wildhawaii.org).

      Adult tickets are $30 each or two for $50 and can be purchased on the HWF website in advance. Tickets will be $35 at the door.

      For more details regarding the celebration or to make a donation to the silent auction, contact Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.HWF@gmail.com. 

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Ka`u residents can attend Hawai`i Department of Agriculture's
workshop in Captain Cook today. Image from HDOA

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE is holding an open house event for growers, stakeholders and the public today until 3 p.m. at the state office building in Captain Cook near to the police and fire station. Visit educational booths and talk story with folks from the plant quarantine department, the bee program, coffee berry borer subsidy program and more.

ARTISTS GAIN CONFIDENCE and learn new skills in Vicki Penney Rohner’s two-day oil painting workshop this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk Saturday. The program takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf