Kaʻu News Briefs for Monday, Nov. 21, 2016

The sixth  annual Floating Lantern Celebration will be held this Saturday, Nov. 26 at Punalu`u Black Sand
Beach Medicine Pond from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

DONALD TRUMP MET WITH TULSI GABBARD THIS MORNING. Gabbard released the following statement after their meeting at Trump Tower in New York:
     "President-elect Trump asked me to meet with him about our current policies regarding Syria, our fight against terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as other foreign policy challenges we face. I felt it important to take the opportunity to meet with the President-elect now before the drumbeats of war that neocons have been beating drag us into an escalation of the war to overthrow the Syrian government—a war which has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives and forced millions of refugees to flee their homes in search of safety for themselves and their families.
     “While the rules of political expediency would say I should have refused to meet with President-elect Trump, I never have and never will play politics with American and Syrian lives.

Tulsi Gabbard may be considered
for the Trump cabinet.

     “Serving the people of Hawaiʻi and our nation is an honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly. Representing the aloha spirit and diversity of the people of Hawaiʻi, I will continue to seek common ground to deliver results that best serve all Americans, as I have tried to do during my time in Congress.
     “Where I disagree with President-elect Trump on issues, I will not hesitate to express that disagreement. However, I believe we can disagree, even strongly, but still come together on issues that matter to the American people and affect their daily lives. We cannot allow continued divisiveness to destroy our country.
     "President-elect Trump and I had a frank and positive conversation in which we discussed a variety of foreign policy issues in depth. I shared with him my grave concerns that escalating the war in Syria by implementing a so-called no fly/safe zone would be disastrous for the Syrian people, our country, and the world. It would lead to more death and suffering, exacerbate the refugee crisis, strengthen ISIS and al-Qaeda, and bring us into a direct conflict with Russia which could result in a nuclear war. We discussed my bill to end our country’s illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government, and the need to focus our precious resources on rebuilding our own country, and on defeating al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups who pose a threat to the American people.
   “For years, the issue of ending interventionist, regime change warfare has been one of my top priorities. This was the major reason I ran for Congress—I saw firsthand the cost of war, and the lives lost due to the interventionist warmongering policies our country has pursued for far too long.
     “Let me be clear, I will never allow partisanship to undermine our national security when the lives of countless people lay in the balance."
     Eariler in the day media reports said that she may be considered for an appointment by Trump for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, U.N. Ambassador, Secretary of Defense or Secretary of State.
     According to a Washington Post analysis before the General Election, by Elsie Viebek, who speculated on possible women to be chosen for the White House cabinet, an appointment for the Democrat to the post of VA Secretary "could represent an olive branch to the progressive wing of the party she represents. (Gabbard was a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders in the presidential primary.) Then again, with Gabbard’s political star on the rise, it’s unclear she would want to leave elected office to lead a difficult bureaucracy."
    Representing Ka`u and the rest of rural Hawai`i in the U.S. House of Representatives, Gabbard is involved in a group of young members of congress, who ban together for action despite the polarization of elected officials. She serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee. Gabbard is a Major in the Hawai`i Army National Guard. She served as an aide for veterans affairs with Dan Akaka when he served as U.S. Senator from Hawai`i.
     Gabbard recently gave the Veterans Day address at Kilauea Military Camp in Volcano.

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`ALALA ARE IN THE FOREST, but these endangered Hawaiian crows are living within their own contained aviary until their caretakers can make sure their tracking technology is working to follow them into adaption to life in the wild. A celebration was held Saturday in Hilo honoring the success of raising the endangered species in captivity at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center in Volcano and its sister center on Maui.
     Waiting for their freedom, five male `alalā have been moved to an aviary in the Pu’u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve near Volcano. Overseeing their progress is San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program with help from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

‘Alalā painting commissioned by the State of Hawai`i,
wildlife artist Patrick Ching.

   In explaining the wait on releasing the crows into the wild. Briyce Masuda, conservation program manager of the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, said, "'Alalā are very intelligent and precocious birds and are inclined to play with and manipulate new items, so our ability to observe their behaviors closely and give them more time allows us to make adjustments to the tracking systems we will be using once they are released. It is important for us to track these birds once they go out into the forest so that we can continue to support them as they explore their new home.”
     Praising the state's management of the forest where the `alalā are to be released, Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, Project Coordinator of the ‘Alalā Project, said, “Decades of intensive management by the state Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, in stewardship with local conservation partners, have led to the preservation of some of the most intact native-dominated wet and mesic forest on windward Hawai`i Island, known as Pu`u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve.” See films on the subject at bigislandvideonews.com

FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY to honor relatives and friends who have passed away will be held at Punalu`u Beach park this Saturday, Nov. 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Register today by calling Ka`u Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. Donations help a college scholarship fund for students enrolled in education for health careers. Tax deductible purchase of floating lanterns, t-shirts and photos are limited to the first 50  registrations. The celebration  will feature community potluck, Taiko drummers, Gi Gon demonstration, hula dancers and local music, followed by a special photo powerpoint presentation of loved ones, friends, families, caregivers and previous celebrations. The theme is "Honoring Past, Present and Future Generations.:"

First place photo belongs to Ann Bosted, who photographed
underground to capture the roots of an Ohia tree in Kula Kai
Caverns.

PHOTOGRAPHY WENT UNDERGROUND for the winning photo announced Saturday at the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce art show called the Beauty of Ka`u. Ann Bosted took first place for photography with her photo called `Ohia Roots in Kula Kai Caverns.

Honu`apo Sunrise, a photo by Betty Clark, won
 second place in photography at the art show.

     Ann and Peter Bosted, residents of Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, are enthusiastic lava tube explorers, photographers and mappers. They work to document and conserve lava tubes.
      'Ohi'a Roots in Kula Kai Caverns features a French caver, Annie, below a mass of long 'Ohia tree roots. Bosted said that 'Ohi'a trees and banyans  thrive with roots hanging down into lava tubes.
     For her photo, Bosted set up two side lights to illuminate the roots, and a small front light on Annie. The print was made on metallic paper, which enhances the sharpness and detail of the image. Kula Kai Caverns in Ocean View, is open to the public.

    Second place went to Betty Clark, of Honu`apo, who took her Honu`apo Sunrise photo with an iphone. Clark is site manger of the Tutu & Me program for Ka`u. She lives above Honu`apo Bay and she watches the colors above the horizon develop dramatically before sunrise each morning. She describes Honu`apo daybreak skies as comparable to any sunset. "I took the photo one morning when it was more spectacular than usual."
     See more winners in upcoming Ka`u News Briefs and in yesterday's
edition.
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TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT drew a lot of food for the needy as spectators donated canned goods. It also drew two wins for the Ka`u girls during the annual invitational last Friday and Saturday. The tournament brought in the  first official high school sports played at the new Ka`u Gym.

Trojan girls, with coach Cy Lopez, host the first high school
sports competition in the new Ka`u Gym, with a food
 drive last weekend. Photo by Jen Makuakane

     Ka`u won two games on Saturday, with a 43 to 41 victory over Pahoa and a 38 to 24 win over Kealakehe. The Trojans recorded two losses on Friday, with Kea`au squeaking past Ka`u with two points and final score of 11 - 8. Ke`au jayvee scored three more points than Ka`u jajvee, with final score of 11- 8.
     Competition continues with coaches Cy Lopez, Jen Makuakane and Bridgette Pasion on the following dates:
     Trojan girls travel to Hawai`i Preparatory Academy in Waimea for a tournament Thursday, through Saturday, Dec. 1 - 3.
     The BIIF season kicks off at home for the Trojans on Tuesday, Dec. 13 with Ke`a`au at Ka`u, another tournament on Thursday, Dec. 15 in Hilo, followed by Kealakehe at Ka`u on Thursday, Dec. 22 and Ka`u at Honoka`a on Friday, Dec. 30.
Wednesday, Jan. 4, with Ka‘ū at Kona; Saturday, Jan. 7, Ka‘ū at Kohala; Tuesday, Jan. 10, Pāhoa at Ka‘ū; Thursday, Jan. 12, Hilo at Ka‘ū; Friday, Jan. 13, Ka‘ū at Waiākea; Monday, Jan. 16, HPA at Ka‘ū; and Wednesday, Jan. 18, Kamehameha at Ka‘ū.

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THE NAʻALEHU STUDENT COUNCIL WINTER FESTIVAL is announced. The festival will put fun and friends in the spotlight at Na‘alehu Elementary School on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Billed as a “friend-raiser,” the mini-carnival will be held at Naʻalehu Elementary School grounds and will raise needed funds for student council activities and student incentives. 

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE board of directors meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m., St. Jude’s Church. 929-9910

LEI WILI DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET, Thu, Nov. 24, 2 – 6 p.m., Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day buffet at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet features roast turkey, pineapple honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, pumpkin squares, apple crisp, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $21.95 adults, $11.95 child (6-11 years). No reservations required. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356 

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI SHOW & SALE, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 25-27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Gallerygoers are invited to meet the artists in their studios located in Volcano. Artworks will be on display and available for purchase in a variety of media including pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints. Maps to studios available at local businesses & galleries. 987-3472

VOLCANO ARTS CENTER PROGRAMS PREVIEW EXHIBIT, Friday, Saturday Nov. 25/26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Discover what the New Year has to offer. VAC will be on Volcano Artist Hui’s tour, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell poinsettias. 967-8222

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 1 from  9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at  Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 20 , 2016

Best in Show is from Honuʻapo woodworker Thomas King for his Kamalu’s Marimba,
crafted from Eucalyptus and Kiawe.
Photos by Ron Johnson

KAʻŪ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WINNER for The Directory 2017 cover was announced yesterday at the Beauty of Kaʻū art show held at Naʻalehu Hongwanji. The People’s Choice award, chosen by popular vote, will become the cover art for the annual community business and resource guide. The image is a quilt by Reta Hill, of Discovery Harbour, called Sunny Beaches.

Sunny Beaches, a quilt by Reta Hill,
will grace the cover
of The Directory 2017.

     Deadline to submit information and advertising for The Directory is Dec. 15. The Directory advertising and donations allow the Chamber to provide numerous scholarships to Kaʻū residents seeking higher education. The Chamber follows students through colleges, universities and trade schools during their educational career, providing scholarships year after year.
     To support The Directory and the scholarship fund, email geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com for an application. To apply for a scholarship, email lee@leemcintosh.org.

Reta Hill won the popular vote.
Photo by Ann Bosted

BEST IN THE BEAUTY OF KAʻŪ ART SHOW yesterday went to Thomas King, of Honuʻapo, for his ambitious Kamalu’s Marimba, an increasingly popular musical instrument. His creation was carefully crafted from Eucalyptus wood for the frame and Kiawe for the tone bars. He also took first place with his marimba in the Woodworking category.
      The marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones. Resonators suspended underneath the bars amplify their sound. The skill is not only in crafting the tonebars and resonators, but the tune they produce.
      King was on Maui yesterday, so was unable to be present to receive his prize.

      Reta Hill, a quilter from Discovery Harbor, won the People’s Choice award for her large attention-catching creation called Sunny Beaches. Although she has been quilting for eight to nine years, this was the first time she had entered a competition. 

      “I love palm trees, so had fun creating the ones for this quilt. I added some beach chairs and surfboards to make it more beachlike,” explained Hill. “I used only two kinds of fabric – both with batik-looking patterns – that I was able to buy in a fabric store.” 

     Nancy Stafford, who assisted with the art show, provided the following results to The Kaʻū Calendar: Painting: First place: Lynn VanLeeuwen, Second place: Masako Sakata, Third place: Alice Hosticka;

Lynn VanLeeuwen won first prize in the painting category  at the Beauty of Ka`u
art show, sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce

     Quilting – First place: Reta Hill, Second place: Kaaren Hughes, Third place: Alice Hosticka;

     Sculpture – First place: Olivia Ling, Second place: Don Elwing;

     Photography – First place: Ann Bosted, Second place: Betty Clark, Third place: Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa;

     Woodworking – First place: Thomas King, Second place: Susan Jennings, Third place: Don Elwing;

     Graphics – First place: Susan Jennings, Second place:  Jennifer Kampf, Third place: Peter and Ann Bosted;

      Crafts – First place: C.S. Tucker; Lei – First place: Eric DePeralta;  Jewelry – First place: Nancy Stafford; Weaving – First place: Alan Stafford; Keiki – First place: Charlotte Crysdale and Youth – First place: Dion Beavins.
     Judges for Beauty of Ka`u

    See more images of the winners in Kaʻū News Briefs this week.
     Judges were Zachary Debarnardi, Kathie Griffeth, Allan Humble and Rich Morrow.

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Kaʻū High graduate Jacob Edwards
after winning a top film award
at Laramie Film Festival.
Photo by Aubrie Shindler

JACOB EDWARDS, KAʻŪ HIGH and University of Wyoming graduate, won top honor at the Laramie Film Festival this weekend for his production, A Potion. He scripted, scored and directed the short film. The film was shown and awards given at the Gryphon Theatre at the Laramie Civic Center. A Potion features the talents of Brendan Ruwart, Tabitha Briscoe and Mike Morgan. The film festival description says: “When our aimless and sullen protagonist (Brendan) follows the advice and direction of his friend, he encounters a femme fatale (Tabitha Briscoe) with her own agenda.”
     Edwards is a program trainer at the ARC of Laramie, teaching direct service workers who provide assistance to persons with head trauma and developmental disabilities.
     The filmmaker is son of Ocean View resident Lisa Edwards and brother to Larissa Edwards, a 2008 graduate of Kaʻū High. Both won track scholarships to University of Wyoming and reside in Laramie. Larissa has worked as a school teacher and has a family.
     Lisa Edwards said her son and daughter like living in Laramie because, like Hilo, the town is centered around university life. See the film at https://youtu.be/kvLaGacYa7U
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MARLEY STRAND-NICHOLAISEN played her final U.H. Hilo volleyball game last night. Next year, it’s graduation from college and most likely a two-year course to become a Physicians Assistant and return to Kaʻū, hoping to work at Kaʻū Hospital to serve her community. Interviewed by reporter Kevin Jakahi for a story in Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald yesterday, the six-foot tall senior and outside hitting Vulcan star raved about her upbringing in Kaʻū and her desire to return home.

Marley Strand-Nicholaisan and Toni Beck
 two volleyball stars from Ka`u. 

   Strand-Nicholaisan told the reporter, “I want to work in Ka‘ū and give back to the community. They’ve provided so much support. The whole Pahala town comes to the Ka‘ū gym to cheer the Trojans. That’s the thing to do there. Giving back to them is my ultimate goal.”

Strand-Nicholaisan with a fan
before last night's game.

     Strand-Nicholaisen also talked about Kaʻū people driving to U.H. Hilo to see her play: “I’m tearing up thinking about it. The best thing is I got to stay close to home, have people drive from Ka‘ū to watch me play, and I was able to play in front of my hometown.” she told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald.
    She graduated from Kaʻū High in 2013 after joining varsity as a sophomore and leading the Trojans to its first Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship in girls volleyball. One of her best friends is another Kaʻū volleyball star, Toni Beck.
     Vulcans coach Tino Reyes told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald, “Marley is a wonderful person and great teammate…Every defense is geared to stopping her.”
     The coach also talked to reporter Kevin Jakahi about the personal qualities of Strand-Nicholaisen and her family: “Before road trips, if kids don’t have rides, she’ll say, ‘Coach, I’ll take care of it.’ She’ll make sure they have rides to the airport and back. For four years, she’s invited girls from other countries or the mainland who don’t go home for Thanksgiving to her house. She and her family (parents Laurie Strand and Robert Nicolaisen) have shown a lot of aloha to her teammates,” the coach told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald. See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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PROPONENTS OF FARMING WITH GENETICALLY MODIFIED crops won a battle in the U.S. Court of Appeals on Friday. Judge Consuelo M. Callahan upheld a lower court ruling which held that Hawaiʻi County’s partial ban is illegal under federal law. The Wall Street Journal earlier called such rulings a “victory to seed and chemical companies in a battle over modern  agricultural techniques.”

GMO corn is grown for cattle feed on Hawai`i Island
Photo from Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association

  Spokespersons on both sides of the issue sent out statements. Hawaiʻi Crop Improvement Association, which includes Dow Agro Sciences, DuPoint Pioneer, Monsanto and Sygenta, stated, “This is good news for local agriculture in Hawai‘i, as it clears up potential confusion over who has jurisdiction in regulating agricultural operations, leaving that responsibility with the appropriate government agencies.”
      The Center For Food Safety stated: “We will continue to stand and fight with the people of Hawai‘i against these chemical companies, and part of that is going to be demanding action at the state level to protect the people and the environment. We’re considering all legal options, including appeal.”

      The local ordinance protected GMO corn and papaya, created to resist disease, but banned cultivation and open air testing of new GMO crops. It also The required GMO growers to register with the county. Pro GMO farmers and their supportive organizations filed the lawsuit in the federal court. 

     Supporters of GMO restrictions and GMO labeling said they will work at the legislature and in the U.S. Congress  to develop laws that will stand up in federal court. The ruling also applied to bans and restrictions on other islands.

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A BEATING IN OCEAN VIEW more than two years ago has led to first degree assault charges against retired police officer Michael Dubberstein. He was indicted by a Hilo grand jury for allegedly inflicting head injuries, a dislocated shoulder and broken ribs to James Gonzales. A warrant has been issued for Dubberstein’s arrest with bail set at $2,000. The Kona court will handle the case.

At the time of the alleged assault, Dubberstein was already retired from the force. The victim died more than a year later, apparently of unrelated causes. The incident took place at Malama Market.

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THE NAʻALEHU WINTER FESTIVAL is announced. Fun and friends are the spotlight of the Naʻalehu Elementary Student Council Winter Festival on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Billed as a “friend-raiser,” the mini-carnival will be held at Naʻalehu Elementary School grounds and will raise needed funds for student council activities and student incentives. 

    Games like the ring toss will be just 50 cents a play with every player receiving a prize. Hot dogs, chili, chili dogs and drinks will be $1 each. Other fun activities will include a splash booth, jumping castle and jail. Keiki can also get their face painted or a fake tattoo. Raffle tickets will be sold for 50 cents for a chance to win special prizes. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Naʻalehu El. vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 313-4000. 

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PEOPLE & LANDS OF KAHUKU this morning, Sunday, Nov 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. This free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. Learn about emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites that today hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo

IKE HANA NOʻEAU - Experience the Skillful Work on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.  Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves, and more. This beautiful and versatile Hawaiian lei is used for adornments, blessings, ritual, gifts, and as an expression of love and celebration.

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

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016

Kīlauea has continued to erupt all month at its summit and East Rift Zone. According
to the USGS, this past week, the summit lava lake level varied between about 30–66 ft below the vent rim.
The 61g lava flow continued to enter the ocean near Kamokuna, and does not
pose an immediate threat to nearby communities, reports USGS.
Photo by Peter Anderson

KA ʻOHANA O HONUʻAPO has issued a statement opposing the Hawaiian Springs water bottling plant that is planned for Pahala. The organization, which helps steward the Honuʻapo fishponds, bay and surrounding lands, posted on its facebook, the following:

    “Join us in saying #NotoHawaiianSprings proposed water bottling facility in Pahala. Our Hawaiʻi State Constitution and public trust doctrine protects Hawaiʻi’s water for Hawaiʻi’s people. Water is Life. It is time to enforce the state law and oppose this theft of our water resources (for export and commercial gain!).”
     Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo states that it is, “Standing in protest with Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and Surfrider Foundation, Big Island Hawaiʻi Chapter - Kona Kai EA!”
      The bottling plant recently gained a plan approval from the Hawaiʻi County Planning Director, and needs various state and other county approvals. The developers propose to build a retail center for tour buses, vans and cars along Maile Street in Pahala. More than 3 acres would be covered by a bottling plant and related buildings. The water would come from an old sugar plantation shaft that reaches 1500 feet under Maile Street to a source 750 feet below the surface. The company would need to apply to the state for permission to use the water.
      The water was used for mill operations and as an emergency back up source for potable water for houses in the town and firefighting during plantation days. It has not been used for over 20 years, since the sugar mill shut down in 1996.
      Kaʻū’s County Council member Maile David says she plans a public meeting. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

NOVEMBER IS FLEDGLING SEASON FOR HAWAIIAN PETRELS HIGH ON MAUNA LOA and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists entitle this weeks Volcano Watch:  Seabirds Struggle to Survive on Mauna Loa.  They write that “High on the slopes of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, a unique Hawaiian seabird struggles for survival. The ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), spends most of its life at sea, returning to Mauna Loa only to nest and rear young in high-elevation, underground burrows.

Young petrel. Photo by Michael McFarlin/
Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project

     “It is estimated that historic ʻuaʻu populations were likely in the hundreds of thousands to millions of birds, with nests ranging from sea level to high mountain slopes throughout the main Hawaiian Islands. Today, the ʻuaʻu still occurs on several islands, but has become one of the most endangered seabirds in Hawaiʻi. Many threats have contributed to the decline of this endemic species, including historic hunting by humans, non-native predators, and habitat loss. More recently, inflight collisions with structures and groundings caused by disorienting artificial lights have taken a toll on the species.
     “On the Island of Hawaiʻi, ʻuaʻu once nested from the lowlands to the upper slopes of the volcanoes. They are now limited to high elevation sites on Mauna Loa and, possibly, steep cliffs on Kohala. Biologists have monitored remote nesting colonies on Mauna Loa for over two decades, and now estimate the population to be only 75 breeding pairs.    
      “The somewhat mysterious life history of ʻuaʻu makes monitoring this species extremely challenging. ʻUaʻu are pelagic, spending much of their lives at sea, coming to land only for nesting. They forage in distant feeding areas – in some cases, as far north as the Aleutian Islands – and fly to and from nesting areas at night. On Mauna Loa, ʻuaʻu nest in remote underground burrows that are so deep they can’t be seen. Biologists are incorporating new technologies, including remote cameras and satellite transmitters, to better understand the species.
     “ʻUaʻu belong to the taxonomic order Procelleriformes, as do albatrosses, shearwaters, and other petrel species. Like their relatives, ʻuaʻu are long-lived (30-plus years) and do not breed until four to six years of age. Once nesting begins, both parents take turns incubating a single egg for roughly two months. After an ʻuaʻu egg hatches, the adults head out to sea to feed on squid and fish, with foraging trips lasting from several days to several weeks at a time. The chick stays in its burrow, often alone, and waits for its parents to return with food.

A young ʻuaʻu exercises its wings in preparation for its first flight directly
out to sea. The ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian petrel, is a federally  endangered
native seabird that nests at high elevations on Mauna Loa volcano. 
NPS photo.

     “After about three months, the growing ʻuaʻu chick ventures out of the burrow to exercise its newly feathered wings. Within weeks, the ʻuaʻu face many dangers during their time on land. Because they have no natural defenses, both adults and chicks are easy prey for introduced animals like feral cats and mongooses. ʻUaʻu are also at risk when flying between nest sites and the sea. Birds have collided with unexpected structures along flyways, such as wind turbines and power lines. Artificial lights casting an upward glow can disorient ʻuaʻu, causing them to land in unsafe areas, where they are susceptible to predators and cars, and where they may not be able to launch back into flight. The impacts of additional threats to ʻuaʻu, such as climate change and marine plastics, are not yet fully understood.
     “Fortunately, government agencies, private organizations, utility companies, and landowners have joined forces to reduce threats to ʻuaʻu and other Hawaiian seabirds. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with the help of several partners, recently completed a barrier fence to exclude cats from a key nesting area on Mauna Loa (https://youtu.be/m1MfyDbteVw). Collaborative conservation efforts, like this fence, are critical for the protection of 'ua'u and other sensitive species.
     “November is fledging season for ʻuaʻu on Mauna Loa. Island residents can play a role in helping these young birds reach the sea: Direct outdoor lights downward and shield the tops of lights to minimize disorientation of the birds as they fly between the mountain and the sea. Keep domestic cats inside or in outdoor enclosures, and avoid contributing to feral cat populations by preventing unwanted litters of kittens.”
     To report a grounded seabird in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, call park dispatch at (808) 985-6170. Outside the park, contact the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife at (808) 974-4221. For more, see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/uau.htm.

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ULUPOLU INITIATIVE invites community members, including food producers, to listening sessions in Kamuela on Friday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at Kohala Center, and in Hilo at the Hawaiʻi Innovation Center, at 117 Keawe St., on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m.  Ulupono Initiative will host the gatherings at agricultural “hot spots” within each county “to listen, learn and brainstorm solutions to Hawaiʻi’s many challenging food issues.”
     The eBay online auction site’s founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam Omidyar launched the Ulupono Initiative. The Ulupono Initiative is part of The Omidyar Group.  A portfolio statement of Ulupono Initative at ulupono.com states: “Our investment model is based on our founders’ belief that both the non-profit and for-profit sectors can be a force for good.”
     The organization describes itself as “a Hawaiʻi-focused impact investing firm that uses for-profit, non-profit and social investments to improve the quality of life for island residents in three areas: locally produced food, clean renewable energy and waste reduction.”
     The purposes behind the meetings are described as: “In an effort to improve our current local food production metrics and better understand the constraints in the system that make expansion challenging, Ulupono Initiative is inviting key stakeholders throughout the state for insights and suggestions. We hope that these sessions will contribute to the collective knowledge of both the constraints and opportunities for investment of resources that will help us move towards greater food self-sufficiency.”      
    Ulupono has faced some opposition to its proposed dairy farm planned near resorts and a popular surfing and recreational beach on Kauaʻi. Its founders have faced opposition for proposed resort development on Hanalei River, also on Kauaʻi. Anyone interested in attending the meeting in Kamuela or Hilo should RSVP to Lauren Reichelt at lreiochelt1@gmail.com. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is open through New Year’s Day from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at  Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.  Featured is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HIʻIAKA & PELE, Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The famous myth of the volcano goddess Pele and her companion Hiʻiaka is the focus of this free, moderate, one-mile walk. Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena that reveal their story on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

CENTENNIAL WALK: ‘Ōhi‘a Wing – Our New Museum, Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Following up on her After Dark in the Park talk on Tuesday, Nov. 15, Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Carter Schuster is leading an easy walk from Kīlauea Visitor Center to the park’s new museum site. She’ll reveal the history and highlights of the park’s original 1932 park Administration Building and share exhibit plans that will highlight the park’s museum collection

RAINFOREST MELE, Sat, Nov 19, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Funk band Bump City Hawaiʻi performs in the tradition of Tower of Power, Average White Band, James Brown and more. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Nov 19, 5 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The cost is only $.85 per ounce for a self-cooked Mongolian BBQ plate dinner with your choice of protein, veggies, rice & beverage. Open to all authorized patrons & sponsored guests. 967-8356

PEOPLE & LANDS OF KAHUKU, Sun, Nov 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. This free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. Learn about emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites that today hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo


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

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