Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, September 25, 2017

Makana Gregg counting ‘opihi, limpets in the intertidal waters of Nihoa within the
 Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.  Photo from NOAA

HOW IS THE ‘OPIHI POPULATION IN REMOTE HAWAI‘I? Scientists and cultural practitioners bent on answering the question of the survivability of the savory rock-hugging limpets that are favored in the Hawaiian diet, returned to the inhabited Hawaiian Islands aboard the research vessel M/V Searcher today. On board was Miloli‘i resident Will Mae Huihui.

These 'opihi counters, including Will Mae Huihui, of Miloli‘i, returned today from
studying intertidal life at Nihoa in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Photo from NOAA

     Scientists and practitioners studied ‘opihi populations and other rocky intertidal organisms in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This year marks the ninth annual intertidal monitoring expedition, which integrates cultural knowledge and practices with western science to assess and better understand the shorelines and shallow waters of high islands within the Monument.

    Participants surveyed Nihoa, Mokumanamana, and La Perouse Pinnacle at French Frigate Shoals. This ongoing research, led by members of the ‘Opihi Partnership, a public-private collaborative partnership consortium, provides managers with insights into how to make better-informed management decisions concerning harvesting of intertidal species in the main Hawaiian Islands.

     Team members had about two days to survey the intertidal areas at each site, engaging in a wide range of protocol addressing natural as well as cultural health and wellness. One focus of the

Science and local knowledge, which often is science,
combined to study intertidal life. Photo from NOAA

expedition was to determine what proportion of ‘opihi - the Hawaiian limpet - populations are actually spawning at this time of year.
     "‘Opihi is a Hawaiian delicacy and culturally important species whose numbers have been dwindling in the Main Hawaiian Islands due to overharvesting. This research aims to help develop sustainable harvest protocols over time," said a statement from the scientists.

     During the voyage, scientists conducted the first rigorous scientific investigation of the limu (algae) along the rocky intertidal habitats in the Monument. A phycologist (limu specialist) from the Waikīkī Aquarium was on board to lead this work. According to the scientists, this expedition also included the first shallow rocky intertidal and subtidal fish surveys in this habitat.  

     Nā Maka o Papahānaumokuākea, a Hawai‘i-based nonprofit organization, led Huli‘ia, a method to collect detailed, holistic observations based on traditional knowledge systems that build intimate knowledge of the surrounding environment. The creation of seasonal calendars is one product born from Huli‘ia where connections are drawn on between dominant patterns in the atmosphere, land and ocean. It is a collaborative effort to strengthen place-based knowledge and re-establish healthy relationships between people and place.

Researching ‘opihi at Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument 
helps scientists make a plan for conserving them. Photo from NOAA

    Members of the expedition also included staff from NOAA and the University of Hawai‘i as well as representatives of coastal communities, like Miloli‘i, who are involved in sustainably managing their own ‘opihi stocks. USFWS biologists conducted studies on endangered species on Nihoa.

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NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY IS SATURDAY, Sept. 30, and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park offers free entrance and two opportunities to help protect Hawai‘i. Both involve removing invasive plant species, one in the park and the other in the Ocean View community.

Invasive Himalayan ginger will be pulled by
volunteers during National Public Lands Day.
Photo from NOAA

      In honor of National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offering the Stewardship at the Summit program from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet volunteers Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m., then head into the forest to remove Himalayan ginger from the summit of Kīlauea. Himalayan ginger is one of the most invasive plants in the park, and on earth. It is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as one of the 100 World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species. 

      A statement from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park says, "The park strives to protect the rainforest habitat of native birds and plants, but Himalayan ginger takes over the native rainforest understory, making it impossible for the next generation of forest to grow, and it crowds out many native plants, including pa‘iniu (a Hawaiian lily), ‘ama‘u fern, and others."

      Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, sunscreen, raingear, snacks, and water. Loppers/gloves provided. No advance registration required. Volunteers for Stewardship at the Summit on Saturday will receive a free park pass to use on another date of their choosing.

Volunteers can help the Ocean View community take out invasive
fountain grass on Saturday, Sept. 30. Meet at OV Community Center.
NPS Photo 

          In Ocean View, volunteers are needed to remove invasive fountain grass from roadsides in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Meet at the Ocean View Community Center this Saturday, Sept. 30, at 9 a.m.; bring lunch, water, a hat and sun protection. This noxious weed increases the risk of wildfire. In 2005, fountain grass was responsible for a 25,000-acre fire that forced evacuation of Waikoloa Village. Contact Park Ecologist David Benitez at 985-6085 or email him at david_benitez@nps.gov for more information about this project.

     Every year on National Public Lands Day, all fee-charging national parks offer free entry. Many parks and public lands across the nation organize stewardship projects and special programs on National Public Lands Day to raise awareness about why it is important to protect our public lands.

   

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Pick up the September edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli`i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online at kaucalendar.com

UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball 

Wednesday, Sept. 27, Ka'ū vs. Ehunui, home.
Friday, Sept. 29, Ka'ū vs. Pahoa, away.

Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

Cross Country
Saturday, Sept. 30, Ka'ū vs. Waiakea, away.
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.

Bowling
Saturday, Sept. 30, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha at Kona Bowl.

Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Konawaena.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART: For Metal Stamped Bracelets, register until Tuesday, Sept. 26. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.

THE ANNUAL ART SHOW OPENS TOMORROW for the Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce. Held in the annex of the CU Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union, the art show will be open for public viewing from Tuesday, Sept. 26, to Friday, Sept. 29, during normal credit union business hours. The public votes on the art to be displayed on the cover of The Directory  2018, the annual business and community guide to the district.
    According to new Chamber co-chairs Alan Stafford and Allen Humble, the annual art show is a fundraiser for the Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. For more details, visit the Chamber website at kauchamber.org or call 936-5288.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet Tuesday, Sept. 26, starting at 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Episcopal Church. For more, call 929-9910.

KA'Ū FOOD PANTRY OFFERS FREE FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

A SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE FOR VETERANS TO PREVIEW the newly installed Telehealth Medical Equipment at Ocean View Community Center is planned for Thursday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon.
     For more information, read the Ka'ū News Briefs from September 10 and September 19, or call 939-7033.

A PERFECT DAY FOR AN ALBATROSS is the draw to a book signing by Volcano artist Caren Loebel-Fried and a talk story with the artist and seabird biologist Cynthia Vanderlip this Thursday, Sept. 28, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

       School Library Journal describes the book as “A wonderful introduction to a magnificent sea bird, this vibrantly illustrated story belongs on every shelf.”

    The artist will share personal experience researching on Midway Atoll, and explain how she created the book, A Perfect Day for an Albatross. She will sign copies amd personalize limited edition prints of the book art. The original art created for the book will also be on display.

     Vanderlip has worked in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands since 1989 for National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and Oceanic Society as a biologist, technician, naturalist and U.S. Coast Guard-licensed boat captain. Since 2002, Vanderlip has led annual field camps at Kure Atoll for the DLNR, Division of Forestry & Wildlife. 

     See more of Caren Loebel-Fried Art at carenloebelfried.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. MEETS Friday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m., at the Hawaiian Ranchos office.

THE ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN PETREL, ‘UA‘U, will be the subject of discussion at Coffee Talk on Friday, Sept. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. inside the Visitor Center at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' National Park.
     Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Avian Research Technician Charlotte Forbes-Perry will present a talk about the life of the ‘ua‘u and the National Park’s efforts to monitor and protect them.
    Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. Entrance to the event and park is free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

HAWAI'I FARMERS UNION United has announced its annual Ka'ū chapter meeting, to be held at Pāhala Plantation House, at 96-3209 Maile St., on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Members and friends are invited to participate in the Ka'ū Chapter business and Convention discussion, election of board members and a potluck dinner.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU a free hike within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more details.

TWO STORY TIME EVENTS ARE OFFERED AT KA'Ū LIBRARIES the first week of October. Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool staff will read a book aloud to keiki of all ages, with "a fun activity and snack provided following the story,” according to the event flier issued by Hawai‘i State Public Library System.

      Story Time is free to attend and will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Monday, Oct. 2, and from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 5.
      For more information call Nā‘ālehu Public Library at 939-2442 or Pāhala Public Library at 928-2015. For more library events, visit librarieshawaii.org/events.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, September 24, 2017

Taiko Drums sounded the celebration for the fourth annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run.
Photo by Peter Anderson

THE COMPLETE RESULTS OF THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN are out after yesterday’s sunny and sturdy trail conditions. Sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou and the Edmund C. Olson Trust, the venue was Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and its trails through coffee fields and macadamia orchards into the rainforest above Wood Valley. Taiko drummers sounded the applause and community groups offered entertainment, food and information.
     In the Mens Half Marathon, Matt Peharda, 29, of Portland, Oregon, won in 1:41:40.9. Second was Alec Richardson. 27, in 1:48:34.4. Third was Lyman Perry, 50, in 1:48:51.0. Fourth was Joe Barica, 47, in 1:50:13:3. Fifth was Justin Young, 39, in 1:56:29:4.
     Dylan Saragosa, 19, took first in the 19 and under group, in 2:09:57.4. Kyle Ignacio, 10, came in second in 2:21:29.5. He was the youngest runner in the race.
     Some of the older runners did well, with 52-year old Shawn Mishler taking seventh overall, and 52 year-old Kai McBride taking tenth overall. 

Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run took competitors high into the forest

 above Wood Valley, past wooden water flumes that 

formerly served the sugar plantation. Photo by Peter Anderson

     The eldest runner in the Half Marathon was Don Zimbeck, 76, who came in ahead of six younger runners.
     First in the Women’s Half Marathon was Bree Wee, 37, of Kona, in 1:51:37. Second was Harmony Wayner, 20, in 2:12:06.8. Third was Sally Marrack, 46, in 2:19:00.9. Fourth was Christina Lundgren, 23, in 2:19:26.3. Fifth was Elda Carreon, 37, in 2:20:54.3. The eldest in the race was 63 year-old Lee Otani. The youngest was the second place finisher.
     The Mens 10K saw Kip Niewlse, 22, coming first across the finish line in 45.51.8, Zachary Hines, 35, second in 46.03.1 and Brian Shiro, 39, in third at 46.24.8. The eldest in the race was 74 year-old Donald Choquette, who beat three younger men. The youngest was the overall winner.
     The Womens 10K saw Megan Lamson, 34, take first in 1:01:04:7, Melissa Kunz, 31, in 1:04:20.9, and Michelle Young, 39, in 1:05:52.5. The eldest in the race was 71 year-old Linda Gross. The youngest was 22 year-old Sarah Bermingham, who finished 15th.
     The Mens 5K saw Troy Aukai, 17, coming in first in 22.08.7, followed by Sumuo Engichy, 17, in 32.25.2 and Alexander Keely, 16, in 23.43.7. The youngest competitor to finish, was Takami Munnerlyn, 4 years of age, who beat four other competitors, 12 to 16 times his age. The eldest in the race was Jay Cable, 74, who finished 20th.
     The 5K women’s competition saw 46 year-old Kendra Ignacio come in first in 25:56:4, and 65 year-old Janet Schleifer second in 27:43.5 and 25-year old Victoria Hines third in 29:19:5. The eldest to finish the race was Madalyn McWhite-Lamson, 73, who beat eight younger women. The youngest was eight-year old Anabella Anthony who placed 17th.
     See all the results at www.webscorer.com and look for the Sept. 23 race date and Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run.

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FriendRaiser welcomes community
support for the November event.
Photo from Nā‘ālehu School

RAFFLE PRIZES AND INFO BOOTHS ARE WELCOMED by Nāʻālehu Elementary Student Council for its second annual FriendRaiser to be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, on the school grounds. The event, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to include games, food, booths, fun and, "most importantly, opportunities to build and strengthen friendships," says a statement from organizers. Community organizations are invited to host information booths.  For more information, contact Amber Keohuloa at ajavar@naalehu.org or 345-9283.

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HAWAI‘I PUBLIC RADIO, with two stations, HPR-1 and HPR-2 reaching Ka‘ū, begins its semi-annual, on-air fundraiser this Wednesday, Sept. 27. The nonprofit is supported by 14,000 member donors, as well as nearly 200 businesses and foundations. Its reach covers the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, with Ka‘ū being the most recent area added, when it obtained the KAHU community radio license. In Ka‘ū, HPR-1 is found at 89.1 FM and HPR-2 is at 91.3 FM.

     During the anticipated ten-day campaign, statewide, the station seeks to break its own pledge drive record by enrolling 1,000 new individual members and growing the rolls of those who contribute monthly from 45 to 50 percent.
     In the last three years, despite steadily increasing costs, according to HPR, it has been able to lower its fund drive goals as more of its donors have opted to become monthly Sustaining Members. This fall's target of $875,000 continues this downward trend, and returns the station to a goal level not seen since the fall of 2013.

HPR President and GM José Fajardo

     HPR President and General Manager José Fajardo states, "A larger base of donors is essential to weather the uncertain future of federal funding for public broadcasting. We are confident that more and more of HPR's listeners have come to realize how much they count on us for their news and entertainment and how HPR, in turn, counts on their support. It's a unique symbiotic relationship and listening to each other is at its core."
     The station's realignment in February, "while generally well-received, elicited suggestions from listeners," says a statement from HPR. "Various programming adjustments have been made when listener demand warranted. The most recent, on Sept.  18, includes a new lineup at 7 p.m. on HPR-1, including the return of the popular weekly wrap-up Left, Right & Center, billed as a "confrontation over politics, policy and popular culture." Other returning shows during this hour are On the Media (Mondays) and Freakonomics Radio (Tuesdays). Two new programs round out the week: Reveal (Wednesdays) is dedicated to investigative reporting and Hidden Brain (Thursdays, starting Oct. 12) uses social science to help people understand the world, current events and themselves.
    Last month, HPR received a top rating from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest charity evaluator. "Attaining a four-star rating verifies that Hawai‘i Public Radio exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work. Only 5 percent of the charities we evaluate have received at least six consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that Hawai‘i Public Radio outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets Hawai‘i Public Radio apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness," states the letter from Charity Navigator.
     Contributions to HPR may be made online at hawaiipublicradio.org, as well as through the HPR mobile app. Fund drive phone lines open on September 27 in the station's two studios. Donations to HPR-1 may be made at (808) 944-8800, toll-free (888) 970-8800, and to HPR-2 at (808) 941-3689, toll-free (877) 941-3689.

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CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF THEIR FAITH, Bahá’í’s of Ka‘ū have issued a statement about the the story of their founder and the 200th anniversary of his birth. They also invite the public to a dinner and open house on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

Bahá’í’s of Ka‘ū adopted a two-mile stretch

 of highway and volunteer to keep it clean. 

Photo from Bahá’í’s of Ka‘ū

     The Bahá'í faith “originated in Iran in the mid-19th century. In less than 200 years it became a universal faith “present in every country in the world with adherents from virtually every national, ethnic, religious and tribal background,” says the statement from Bahá’í’s of Ka'ū.
    The name of the founder, Bahá’u’lláh, who lived from 1817 to 1892, means "The Glory of God.” He is considered by millions of Bahá’í around the world as “the Divine Educator for this age whose coming was foretold by all of the Divine Messengers of the Past.”
     In his writings, Bahá’u’lláh outlines a framework for the development of a global civilization which takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life. His teachings center around the recognition of the oneness of humanity and “offer a compelling vision of a future world united in justice, peace and prosperity.”
    Bahá’u’lláh’s coming was heralded by the Báb who lived from 1819 to 1850. He was a prophet with the name Báb meaning “the Gate. The Báb declared His Divine Mission in 1844, which is considered the beginning of the Bahá’í Era – a new cycle of human history and social evolution,” say the Bahá’í’s of Ka'ū.
To read more about the Bahá’í faith, see      bahai.us/bicentenary-resources. To contact the Bahá’í’s of Ka‘ū and to R.S.V.P. for the Oct. 21 gathering, contact Sandra Demoruelle. Email naalehutheatre@yahoo.com or phone 929-9244.

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A youngster learns to weave lau hala bracelet

 at the 2017 Cultural Festival. NPS Photo/Janice Wei 

“LEARN ONE OF THE GREAT TRADITIONAL ARTS OF HAWAI‘I, ulana lau hala” says Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park regarding its free Lau Hala workshop set to take place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
     Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ press release for the event says “Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items for centuries. Learn to weave lau hala and take home your own piece of lau hala art,” from this Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshop. Park entrance fees apply.

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Aunty Ka‘ohu Monfort demonstrates lā‘au lapa‘au at the 

2017 Cultural Festival.  NPS Photo/Jay Robinson

FAMILIES ARE INVITED FOR A DAY OF FUN, CULTURE AND DISCOVERY for Kahuku ‘Ohana Day in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration required by Friday, Oct. 13).
     Hawai‘i Volcanoes' press release promoting the event says “Learn about the hidden powers that plants have to keep us healthy through the teachings of Aunty Ka‘ohu Monfort, a practitioner of lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian herbal medicine). Collect seeds from native plants and help park rangers bring new life to Kahuku.”
     Kids 17 and under and their families must sign up by October 13 to participate by calling 808-985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat, long pants, shoes and reusable water bottle. Kahuku is located between the 70 and 71 mile markers on Highway 11.

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Pick up the September edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online at kaucalendar.com

UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball 

Wednesday, Sept. 27, Ka'ū vs. Ehunui, home.
Friday, Sept. 29, Ka'ū vs. Pahoa, away.

Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

Cross Country
Saturday, Sept. 30, Ka'ū vs. Waiakea, away.
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.

Bowling
Saturday, Sept. 30, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha at Kona Bowl.

Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Konawaena.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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A VOLLEYBALL CLINIC for five to 14 year-old youth, co-sponsored by the Hawai‘i Police Department, will be held at Ka‘ū District Gym from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 25. The instructor will be Ka‘ū High School girls volleyball coach Joshua Ortega and coaching staff, assisted by the Ka‘ū High School Girls Volleyball team. Gym or court shoes required. Participants must turn in a signed registration waiver form. For more information, and to register, call Ka‘ū District Gym at 928-3102.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

ART ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED TOMORROW, MONDAY, SEPT. 25, for the Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce's Annual Art Show. The art show will be open for public viewing from Tuesday, Sept. 26, to Friday, Sept. 29, in the CU Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union Annex Building (behind CU) in Nā‘ālehu, during normal credit union business hours.
   An Artist Reception for distribution of prizes and art pickup will be the morning of Saturday, Sept. 30.
     Categories include: painting, graphics, photography, craft, lei, weaving, jewelry, quilting, sculpture, and woodworking. There will also be categories for Youth and Keiki entries, for which the entry fee is $1 per artwork - CU Hawai‘i has offered to sponsor any and all keiki who ask.
     The winning popular vote piece will be displayed on the cover of The Directory 2018, according to new Chamber co-chairs Alan Stafford and Allen Humble who describe the annual art show as a fundraiser for the Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. For more details, visit the Chamber website at kauchamber.org or call 936-5288.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART: For Metal Stamped Bracelets, register until Tuesday, Sept. 26. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet Tuesday, Sept. 26, starting at 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Episcopal Church. For more, call 929-9910.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY OFFERS FREE FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

A SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE FOR VETERANS TO PREVIEW the newly installed Telehealth Medical Equipment at Ocean View Community Center is planned for Thursday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon.
     For more information, read the Ka'ū News Briefs from September 10, or call 939-7033.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. MEETS Friday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m., at the Hawaiian Ranchos office.

THE ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN PETREL, ‘UA‘U, will be the subject of discussion at Coffee Talk on Friday, Sept. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. inside the Visitor Center at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
     Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Avian Research Technician Charlotte Forbes-Perry will present a talk about the life of the ‘ua‘u and the National Park’s efforts to monitor and protect them.
    Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. Entrance to the event and park is free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

HAWAI‘I FARMERS UNION United has announced its annual Ka‘ū chapter meeting, to be held at Pāhala Plantation House, at 96-3209 Maile St., on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Members and friends are invited to participate in the Ka'ū Chapter business and Convention discussion, election of board members and a potluck dinner.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU a free hike within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more details.

Ka'ū News Briefs Saturday, September 23, 2017

Pāhoehoe lava flows are common but a hazard to residents in their paths. See story below.
Photo by Alicia Burtner/USGS

RAINA WHITING ANNOUNCED HER BID FOR THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TODAY. The Nā‘ālehu school teacher is campaigning as a Democrat for the District 5 seat that covers the citizenry from Honu‘apo through Nā‘ālehu, Green Sands, Discovery Harbour, South Point and Ocean View through Miloli‘i and up to Holualoa in Kona. District V is currently being represented by Richard Creagan, MD, who has announced he is running for the west Ka‘ū state Senate seat being vacated by Senator Josh Green, MD.
     Whiting said she is committed to championing the issues that matter the most to the nearly 50,000 residents of District 5, including advocating for farmers, "working towards the schools our keiki deserve, infrastructure improvements particularly the state highways, clean elections and the needs of kupuna."

Raina Whiting announced her bid for
state House of Representative today.
Photo from the Friends of Raina Whiting

     She said she believes in coastal preservation and "making a sound plan for sustainable growth and economic development of our island home. This campaign is about building capacity in our community. I am one rural school teacher with a big desire to work hard for the future we desire on our islands - Together, our future is one to believe in!”
     Whiting is a kindergarten teacher at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. She earned her B.A. in Literature with a Certificate in Latin American and Iberian Studies from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and her MS in Education from The Johns Hopkins University.
     A statement from her campaign says, Whiting "is focused on community advocacy, hosting events to feed the community and providing free school supplies; and leading events that engage children in crafting and agriculture. As a school teacher she received over $5,000 in grant funding for the 2017-18 school year. The grant funding will go towards environmental place-based education, musical instruments, new furniture and gardening resources for her students."
     Whiting is the co-founder of the Ka‘ū Farm School and is involved in supporting family farms. Whiting is also an active member of the Hawai‘i Farmers Union United’s Hawai‘i Island Chapter and a member of the Hawai‘i State Teacher’s Association’s Speakers Bureau, having contributed to its recent publication Schools Our Keiki Deserve: a blueprint for public education (hsta.org/index.php/news/schools-our-keiki-deserve-a-blueprint-for-public-education).

Whiting was the elected Democratic
party National Delegate for
Bernie Sanders.
Photo from Raina Whiting

     Whiting was previously a legal advocate for victims of domestic abuse at the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i. She’s served as an AmeriCorps volunteer in legal services and in education as a Teach for America corps member. She has also been active at the state capitol lobbying the legislature on behalf of organizations that advocate for social justice issues such as education, human rights, death with dignity, labor rights, environment, coastal preservation, homelessness, child advocacy and public land access and open space issues.
     Whiting was the elected Democratic Party National Delegate for Bernie Sanders in 2016. She is the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i’s Hawai‘i County Secretary and is a State Senate District 3 representative on the State Central Committee. She is also a member of the Environmental Caucus, serving as an at-large elected officer.      She was recently selected to participate in the Rural School Leadership Academy. Participants in the program learn early school leadership skills and deepen their exposure to the power of the role of the school leader, while building a powerful national network of aspiring school leaders in rural communities. The 2017-18 program is a cohort of 39 teachers from Alabama, Appalachia, Arkansas, Delaware, Eastern North Carolina, Greater New Orleans–Louisiana Delta, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rio Grande Valley, South Carolina, South Dakota, South Louisiana, and Washington.

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on Instagram and Twitter.

Long-view photograph of the Ka‘ū coastal fire from the Cane Haul Road above Nā‘ālehu. Photo by Richard Taylor

THE KA‘Ū COASTAL BRUSHFIRE CONTINUES WITH AROUND 1,600 ACRES BURNED says a Hawai‘i Fire Department press release issued today, Saturday, Sept. 23, around 9 p.m. The fire began near Waikapuna Bay with the first alarm raised at 5:24 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, according to and earlier press release issued by Hawai‘i Fire Department. Now three days in, fire crews are still battling the flames. By mid-morning today, the fire had grown "substantially" with "about 1400 acres" burned. The cause of the fire is "undetermined," says the Hawai`i Fire Department statement.

"This photograph was taken with a telephoto lens of the aircraft and
communications towers below Nā‘ālehu. Many firefighters on the scene
there. Fire is actually some distance from the towers, maybe 1000 feet,
foreshortened by the lens," says Richard Taylor who lives on a nearby ranch.

     The brushfire "is long, reaching from Waikapuna Bay to within .75 miles of Green Sands Subdivision, and has more than a dozen spot fires outside the main burn area." It has "continued to burn through uneven terrain with variable fuel/vegetation mixtures." The "spot fires range from 100 square feet to several acres. Air support by two helicopters using water drops assisted ground units who were extinguishing fires that had jumped fire breaks.
     "By nightfall, the fire was contained, with no further fires outside of 4-wheel roads widened by bull dozers, creating a perimeter for the approximately 1,600 acre fire."
     The location of the fire offers "rugged plains with limited 4x4 vehicle access" over "primarily cattle pasture, with some native trees and archeology of unknown periods," says the release.
     "No structures have burned or are in immediate danger."
     The release states their fire fighting efforts are manpowered by a total of 26 individuals - 14 Hawai‘i Fire Department personal, along with 12 volunteer firefighters - with four privately owned bulldozers, one engine, two tankers, one medic unit, five rescue boat related volunteer apparatuses, two choppers and seven other units being used.

An aerial view of the Ka‘ū coastal fire approaching Nā‘ālehu and Mark Twain. Photo by Shalan Crysdale

     Hawai‘i Fire Department "will remain on scene overnight, and operations will resume in the morning with choppers and ground fire fighting," says the statement.

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Matt Peharda won the Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run
half-marathon and was greeted at the finish line
with a wooden pendant lei presented by 
Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Jami Beck.
Photo by Trevor Goff

THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN Half Marathon welcomed Matt Peharda, 29, of Portland, Oregon, as first across the finish line today at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill in 1 hour and 41 seconds. Peharda, who was hosted overnight by Pāhala Plantation Cottages, described his experience. "I've run several races across Oregon, Colorado and California and this was the most scenic one. The entertainment before and after the race was fun, as well as the emcee."
     Peharda is a senior financial analyst at Adidas and has written a book on running, available on Amazon, entitled Running with a Vengeance.
    The Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run's Mens 10K saw Kip Niewlse coming first across the finish line in 45.51.8, Zachary Hines second in 46.03.1 and Brian Shiro in 46.24.8.
   The Men's 5K saw Troy Aukai coming in first in 22.087.7, followed by Sumuo Engichi in 32.25.2 and Alexander Keely in 23.43.7.  See more results in tomorrow's Ka‘ū News Briefs.
    Today's was the fourth annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run, sponsored ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou and the Edmund C. Olson Trust, which provided the venue at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and the trails through coffee fields and macadamia orchards into the rainforest above Wood Valley.

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KA‘Ū BEAT CHRISTIAN LIBERTY at home in girls volleyball Friday night. With only Varsity in contention, the Trojans won with scores of 25-21, 25-15, 20-25 and 25-17, under Coach Joshua Ortega.

Pick up the September edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered

free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli`i 

through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout

the district. See it online at kaucalendar.com

UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS

Girls Volleyball 

Wednesday, Sept. 27, Ka'ū vs. Ehunui, home.

Friday, Sept. 29, Ka'ū vs. Pahoa, away.

Eight-Man Football

Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.

Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home. 

Cross Country

Saturday, Sept. 30, Ka'ū vs. Waiakea, away.

Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.

Bowling

Saturday, Sept. 30, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha at Kona Bowl.

Cheerleading

Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Konawaena. 

Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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THERMAL MAPS HELP WITH PĀHOEHOE CHALLENGES, says this week's Volcano Watch, written by scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:

      Pāhoehoe lava flows are a common feature on Hawaiian volcanoes, and they have been a serious hazard to residential areas during the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō eruption over the past few decades. Pāhoehoe destroyed much of the town of Kalapana, buried most of the Royal Gardens subdivision, and most recently threatened the town of Pāhoa.
    A challenge with pāhoehoe flows is that they are difficult to track and forecast, in large part owing to how they spread out on the ground. As the surface of a pāhoehoe lava flow cools, lava tubes can develop and transport lava beneath the flow surface. This lava emerges at the active flow front, and on the flow surface in "breakouts" from the tube system. These lava breakouts can occur in many different areas along the length of a flow at any given time. On Kīlauea, lava breakouts are often scattered over areas spanning kilometers (miles).

An example of a thermal map, created on August 9, 2017. The thermal map is limited to the current flow
 (episode 61g flow), which runs along the center of the map. The blue and green colors correspond to lower
surface temperatures, areas of cooled, inactive lava. The orange and red colors show areas of hot, active
breakouts on the flow surface. USGS map

    The scattered nature of breakouts is the main challenge for monitoring and forecasting pāhoehoe flows. In some ways, monitoring pāhoehoe flows can be much more difficult than monitoring ‘a‘ā flows, which are often focused in a single, well-defined lava channel.
    Until recently, geologists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory could only effectively map the margins of a pāhoehoe flow. The advance and expansion of the flow margins provided a picture of evolving behavior at the edge of the flow (and potential hazard), but it was difficult to map out exactly where all the breakouts on the flow surface were located.
    These breakouts are commonly positioned well away from the flow front and margins. Sometimes they advance to reach the flow margins, and drive the flow in a new direction. Knowing where breakouts are clustered, and how they are evolving, is valuable for anticipating where the advance of a pāhoehoe flow might become focused.
    Over the past few years, HVO geologists developed a new technique to map activity across the entire surface of a pāhoehoe flow. During our routine helicopter overflights, scientists use a handheld thermal camera to collect a series of overlapping, oblique images along the entire length of the lava flow, from the vent to the ocean entry. Scientists then use "structure-from-motion" computer software to stitch the individual images into a large mosaic.

Thermal web cam captures images for USGS scientists in Hawai‘i.
Photo from USGS

    This type of software uses the overlapping images to calculate the exact 3-dimensional position of each image pixel on the surface of the Earth. Scientists insert a handful of known coordinates in the image mosaic as "ground control" points, which provide "georeference" for the mosaic and orients it to its correct position on the Earth's surface.
    This mosaic of thermal images is basically a thermal map of the lava flow surface, and reveals the exact location of all the active surface breakouts. The map provides a highly accurate picture of surface activity, improving our ability to anticipate where lava might advance. The added benefit is that scientists can precisely map the path of the main lava tube, which produces a subtle line of warm temperatures on the surface.
    Structure-from-motion software has become much more accessible in the past 5-10 years, and geologists around the world use it to make accurate 3D ground surface models. This software is another example of how rapidly technology is changing. "It also shows how new techniques can overcome long-standing challenges and improve our ability to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes,"
says the Volcano Watch article.

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A FREE CONCERT FEATURING LOCAL RECORDING ARTIST MARK YAMANAKA will be hosted in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' National Park on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
     Mark has been awarded multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards since the debut of his first album, Lei Puakenikeni. His next album, Lei Maile, has also received critical acclaim. A press release from Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ promoting the event says “Mark’s crisp, clear falsetto and rich baritone voice will mesmerize you.” This even is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Park entrance fees may apply.

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Stewardship at the Summit: a local resident removes invasive 

Himalayan ginger from the park. Photo from NPS Photo/Janice Wei

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit event will take place four times in October - Saturdays, Oct. 7 and 21, and Fridays, Oct. 13 and 27, at 9 a.m.
     To join the efforts, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the aforementioned dates. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

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JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL TOMORROW, Sunday, Sept. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes' National Park. This moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

A VOLLEYBALL CLINIC for five to 14 year-old youth, co-sponsored by the Hawai'i Police Department, will be held at Ka'ū District Gym from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25. The instructor will be Ka'ū High School girls volleyball coach Joshua Ortega and coaching staff, assisted by the Ka'ū High School Girls Volleyball team. Gym or court shoes required. Participants must turn in a signed registration waiver form. For more information, and to register, call Ka'ū District Gym at 928-3102.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

ART ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED ON MONDAY, SEPT. 25, for the Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce's Annual Art Show. The art show will be open for public viewing from Tuesday, Sept. 26, to Friday, Sept. 29, in the CU Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union Annex Building (behind CU) in Nā‘ālehu, during normal credit union business hours.
   An Artist Reception for distribution of prizes and art pickup will be the morning of Saturday, Sept. 30.
     Categories include: painting, graphics, photography, craft, lei, weaving, jewelry, quilting, sculpture, and woodworking. There will also be categories for Youth and Keiki entries, for which the entry fee is $1 per artwork - CU Hawai‘i has offered to sponsor any and all keiki who ask.
     The winning popular vote piece will be displayed on the cover of The Directory 2018, according to new Chamber co-chairs Alan Stafford and Allen Humble who describe the annual art show as a fundraiser for the Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. For more details, visit the Chamber website at kauchamber.org or call 936-5288.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART: For Metal Stamped Bracelets, register until Sept. 26. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet Tuesday, Sept. 26, starting at 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Episcopal Church. For more, call 929-9910.

KA'Ū FOOD PANTRY OFFERS FREE FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

A SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE FOR VETERANS TO PREVIEW the newly installed Telehealth Medical Equipment at Ocean View Community Center is planned for Thursday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon.
     For more information, read the Ka'ū News Briefs from September 10, or call 939-7033.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. MEETS Friday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m., at the Hawaiian Ranchos office.

THE ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN PETREL, ‘UA‘U, will be the subject of discussion at Coffee Talk on Friday, Sept. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. inside the Visitor Center at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' National Park.
     Hawai‘i Volcanoes' National Park Avian Research Technician Charlotte Forbes-Perry will present a talk about the life of the ‘ua‘u and the National Park’s efforts to monitor and protect them.
    Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. Entrance to the event and park is free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.