Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, February 4, 2018

Kaʻū Learning Academy students on a field trip to Kilauea Volcano with their Every Kid in a Park passes. 
The public is invited to the school's board meeting on Monday, 4 p.m., at its campus, the old
Discovery Harbour Golf Course, concerning KLA's future. Photo from NPS

PUBLIC RESPONSE TO SHUTTING DOWN A MEETING LAST WEEK about the future of Ka‘ū Learning Academy public charter school is flowing onto the school's and The Ka‘ū Calendar's web and social media sites. KLA invites more public comment Monday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m., during a gathering at the school campus at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle, in the old Discovery Golf Course Clubhouse. The event is a KLA board meeting, with public invited to give opinions on video, to be provided to Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission, and possibly the State Board of Education.

     KLA Executive Director and founder Kathryn Tydlacka wrote, "This is a meeting with our own KLA board, so this will be a friendly environment. Negative or positive - we want to hear from everyone. We are running out of time." She requested that those who cannot attend the meeting make a two-minute recording of themselves and email it to kaulearning@gmail.com.

     Tydlacka is responding to Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission's public meeting of the future of the school, held last Monday at the Discovery Harbour Community Association Assembly Hall. Only three community members were allowed to testify before the Commission's Executive Director, Sione Thompson, shut down the meeting, when KLA supporters asked him to give the school administration more time to talk.

     At risk is Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission possibly shutting down the school. The commission put KLA on notice that its charter could be rescinded, pointing to accounting practices that the school administration promises to repair.

     On The Ka‘ū Calendar Facebook, regarding shutting down last Monday's meeting, Sel Danslard commented, "Shameful, let the parents be heard!" Cherub Akin posted, "Let the residents be heard!" Peggy Souza said, "I've attended many public hearings/meetings and this did not remotely resemble any of them... shameful."

     Regarding a comment during last Monday's Commission meeting - when Tommy Akin objected to the school being located in Discovery Harbour, which he described as a retirement community - Melissa Ann Swinsen posted on The Ka‘ū Calendar: "I live in DH. I’m not retired; my 23 year old daughter isn't retired nor are my grand kids." David DeMello posted that Discovery Harbour "is not a retirement community; never has been. I grew up in Ka‘ū. I remember back when Mister Lum ran the golf course." Brucke M. Sene wrote, "I was under the impression that Discovery Harbor was just a beautiful subdivision, not anything specifically catering to any one demographic."

Community member Rachel Ballesteros Velez defended Discovery
Harbour as a family community, not just a place for retirees. 

     Rachel Ballesteros Velez posted, “I was born and raised in Ka‘ū and as far as I remembered Discovery Harbor never was a retirement community. It used to be a place where mostly elderly couples lived because they usually were the ones that could afford it; but since then there have been tons of families who have raised their kids there. Discovery Harbor has stricter rules than the surrounding areas like Mark Twain, but it's never been known as a retirement community. And as far as the school being and eyes sore(sic), it looked way worse before the school started. It was a clubhouse for the golf course, but sat vacant for years. At least it's not there rotting."

     Rachel Fitzner posted statistics about Discovery Harbour to show that it is not a retirement community.

     Part of a comment left by Marcia Duncan on the KLA comment site read, "Some parents were sporadically vocal about their displeasure but in no way was the meeting 'out of control' or needing to be shut down." and that the meeting was "bizarre". Other comments described the meeting as "absolutely infuriating" -Andy Charles, "completely outrageous" -A. Bradford, and "a joke and an insult" –Mike. Priscilla H., Nicholas Bordonaro, and Shirley M. referred to the Hawai‘i State Charter School Executive Director as a "bully". Bonnie and Harold S. wrote, "It makes us pause and wonder just what is this investigations true objective. It certainly does not have the best interest of the students or the families of Ka‘ū! We strongly support the states continuation of Ka‘ū Learning Academy's charter."

From Rachel Fitzner's post showing Discovery 

 Harbour is more than a retirement community.

     KLA administration posted the following on the school website, concerning last Monday's meeting: "The commission promoted the meeting as an opportunity for the parents of the school and other community members to get information about the commission actions to revoke the school's charter, effectively closing the school. The meeting was set up the previous Wednesday. The school found out about the meeting not from the commission, but from a community center staff member. On Thursday, the commission posted a notice on their website. They did not directly contact any of the families of our school as they had previously done when sending out notices of the possible revocation. However, they did provide notice of the meeting to several individuals whom they knew would provide negative comments."

     See KLA's public comment page and the Charter School Commission's portal for community input. See documents regarding Commssion's concerns about KLA. View the wind-up of the Jan. 29 meeting and read more on the KLA website. Read more on page 18 of January's Ka‘ū Calendar, Jan. 30 Kaʻū News Briefs, or Feb. 1 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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IN THE WAKE OF THE FALSE BALLISTIC MISSILE ALERT Jan. 13, Vern T. Miyagi resigned his state position as Hawaiʻi Emergency Agency Administrator as of Tuesday, Jan. 30. When the false alert of an incoming nuclear missile blared on cell phones throughout the state, panic lasted 37 minutes, the time it took for HI-EMA to send out an official correction. The mistake was made during an unannounced internal practice drill at HI-EMA.

Vern T. Miyagi stepped down after false missile alert led to a terrified population.

     Prior to Miyagi's resignation, actions by HI-EMA included: Drills suspended until a full analysis of the mistaken event completed; implementation of a two-person activation/verification rule for tests and real missile launch notifications; set up of an automatic cancellation command to be triggered within seconds of an error.

     The employee who erroneously implemented the alert is terminated from his job. The other members of the State Warning Point team are offered mental health counseling to help recover from the trauma. The warning system that allowed the error is new, installed in mid-December. A federal analysis states: "No technical training was provided to the SWP, only basic application. Many SWP personnel felt this training was inadequate."

     The official report points out several areas where protocols and SOPs were not followed, or not updated sufficiently. The report notes that thorough training and procedure practice is planned for the resumption of drills. Many official recommendations are on record, says the federal report.

     Miyagi closed his resignation announcement with this message: "And to the people of Hawaiʻi, recent events have cast a bright light on our emergency preparedness, and caused many of you to consider whether you are ready for the emergencies we will surely face. Don't let that feeling pass without taking action. Here it is from me one last time: Know where to go, what to do, and when to do it. Have a plan. Be safe, and know that whatever happens, good and courageous people will be there to help."

Young members of Halau Hula O Leionalani, which is open for new registration, with
practice each Wednesday at Pāhala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

     Read more on the DOD website or the Jan. 14, 16, and 25 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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REGISTRATION FOR HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI  classes, led by Kumu Hula Debbie Leionalani Ryder, is open for new students. Ryder teaches Wednesdays at Pāhala Community Center. Keiki classes are 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., adult beginners 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and adult advanced 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Register by coming to class or call 649-9334.

AJ Libunao, pictured with June Domondon of OKK and Trojans

Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Photo from Ka‘ū Athletics

KA‘Ū ATHLETICS RECEIVED DONATION OF ANOTHER $250 prize, won this time by AJ Libunao, during the ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou half-court shot Jan. 20. So far, 2018 has seen Ka‘ū Athletics, which supports Trojan Sports, receive $1,500 in prize monies, donated by six talented young men.

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OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at 

 kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 6, FOR A "YEAR OF THE DOG" WALL HANGING arts and crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, for more.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

AdvoCATS, Inc. comes to Ocean View Community Center and offers free 
cat spay and neuter services. Image from adovocatshawaii.org

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS ARE DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 9, for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations for 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in July. For more, visit hawaiconservation.org.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at their Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC’s Kona Hema Preserve.

A PERFORMANCE OF NORA EPHRON'S LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Kīlauea Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to raise funds for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. The play is based on a best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman. Tickets are $20 per person. For reservations or more info, call 982-7344.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, a workshop taught by well-known Bonsai Sensei Bill Newton, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, 17, and 24, at Volcano Garden Arts. Sign up for all three classes and receive a complimentary meal at award winning Cafe Ono. Space is limited. For more, call 985-8979 or visit volcanogardenarts.com.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAWAIIAN HOSPOT AND CREATION OF KAHUKU on a hike, Birth of Kahuku, on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 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. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, arranged by Mā Mamo o Kāwā, is hosted Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. Sign up with James Akau by emailing namamookawa@gmail.com or calling 430-3058.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND A RAFFLE are offered at by Ocean View Community Association at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To volunteer, call 939-7033. Visit ovcahi.org for more.

Example of a Zentagle-inspired frame. Image from pinterest.com

LEARN SOMETHING NEW OR WORK ON A FORGOTTEN PROJECT at The Art Express on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com. See discoveryharbour.net/art-express for future dates.

ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn how to use tangles for boarders and how to create elegant frames to hold Zentangle art with Lois & Earl Stokes. Zentagle Basics is recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. Class fees are $30 for VAC members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Mauna Ulu and Pu‘u Huluhulu. Photo from NPS.gov

JOIN VOLCANOLOGIST CHERYL GANSECKI for a Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Sunday Walk-in-the-Park event, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     This moderate three-mile hike explores the Mauna Ulu area, a landscape that was transformed during a five-year eruption, which tells the story of one of the longest-known rift-zone eruptions of Kīlauea. The course skirts gaping fissures, traverses massive lava fields, and features spectacular visuals like lava trees.

     Due to the fragile nature of this significant cultural area, space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. The hike is free for, but restricted to, members of Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. If you are not a member, you can join at https://www.fhvnp.org/become-a-member/join-or-renew/. Call 985-7373 or visit their website to reserve a spot. www.fhvnp.org

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Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, February 3, 2018

Dissolved gasses in groundwater can sometimes precede volcanic unrest or earthquake activity. Learn about the Development of a New Geochemical
Tool to Predict Volcanic Unrest and Earthquake Activity on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

BRENDA FORD PULLED PAPERS ON FRIDAY TO RUN FOR STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. She campaigns as a Democrat for the District 5 seat, which covers the communities of Honu‘apo through Nā‘ālehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Ocean View and Ranchos, up the coast through Miloli‘i, into Kona, to Hōlualoa.
     Primary Election is Saturday, Aug. 11. General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Ford served as a Hawai‘i County Council member for eight years. During her first three, two-year terms, she served Kona. After redistricting placed her home in Council District 6, she ran and became the Council member serving parts of Kona through Ka‘ū into Volcano. However, County Council members are allowed only four successive terms and Ford was unable to file for reelection in 2014. She was succeeded by County Council member Maile David.

Brenda Ford

     The House seat that Ford seeks is held by Dr. Richard Creagan - who announced he is running for the state Senate seat held by Dr. Josh Green, who is campaigning for Lt. Governor.
     Ford, 70, said she is eager to get back to work for Ka‘ū. As a County Councilwoman, she focused on such projects as constructing a second well for Ocean View, adding fire hydrants, upgrading water lines, the new permanent transfer-reuse-recycling-mulch center in Ocean View, the Ka‘ū interactive communication site where citizens can testify and listen to public meetings, and more.
     She said she plans to work toward "permanent low-income rental housing, maximum funding for studies of Rat Lungworm Disease, emergency housing for the homeless, faster State responses to medical emergencies like Dengue, a new South Kona Police Station, and Statewide legal reapportionment and redistricting for a fair and equal vote.
     "I believe we need funding for anti-abuse training for teen dating violence, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. More rehabilitation centers and support will help those who are caught in the cycle of drug abuse," said Ford.

     Regarding allowing houses on farm and ranch lands, Ford said she supports permitting one extra dwelling on each farm for long-term rental income, workers, or family, but opposes using farms for vacation rentals. She also advocates for truth in labeling for Ka‘ū and Kona Coffee, and other local produce, with country origin labeling.

     Ford and her husband Larry live on a small farm in South Kona, where they are retired from growing coffee but still manage their fruit trees.

     Find out more about her campaign at votebrendaford.com.

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DRU KANUHA PULLED AND FILED PAPERS ON FRIDAY TO RUN FOR STATE SENATE. He will run as a Democrat in the primary against Dr. Richard Creagan, who serves in the state House of Representatives for west Ka‘ū into Kona, and has announced his own bid for state Senate.

Dru Kanuha

     The Senate District 3 seat, sought by Kanuha, spans from Honu‘uapo through Nā‘ālehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Ocean View and Ranchos, up the coast through Miloli‘i, and through all of Kona. It is now held by Dr. Josh Green, who is running for Lt. Governor.
     Kanuha has held the County Council seat representing Kona since 2012. He noted his efforts on projects related to traffic congestion in Kona, like La‘aloa Avenue, and recreation, like Ali‘i Kai.
     He is the chair of the statewide Hawai`i Association of Counties, and lobbies for its agenda before the Hawai'i Legislature. This year's initiatives include affordable housing funding through the property conveyance tax, a higher share for counties from the Transient Accommodations Tax, and additional funding for ambulance services for Hawai'i Island.
     "I believe my experience working for my constituents at the state and federal levels will make me a more effective state Senator, fighting for access to quality education and health care, building a stronger economy, and making more affordable housing available to local families," Kanuha said.
     Kanuha has worked for Kamehameha Schools Land Assets Division and as a legislative aide at the Hawai'i Legislature. He grew up in Kona, and graduated from Kealakehe High School and University of San Diego. He is a longtime member of Kai 'Opua Canoe Club.
     Find out more about his activity at Kanuha's facebook page.

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PROTECTING SEA GRANT is a continuing focus of Sen. Mazie Hirono, who has joined Democrat and one Independent Senators to write to Pres. Donald Trump. Efforts led by Hirono and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) last year helped to prevent proposed cuts to the university-based program.

     "Sea Grant is vital to local businesses and an important part of preserving coastal communities for generations to come," Senators wrote to Trump. "Sea Grant's work supporting waterfront and maritime businesses speaks for itself. The federal investment in Sea Grant centers yields $611 million in economic benefit, an 825 percent return on federal investment. We encourage you to provide robust support for the program in your final Fiscal Year 2019 budget."

      Sea Grant initiatives related to Ka‘ū  include the Coastal Storms Program to help reduce and mitigate risks from storms, weather and climate change; the Voice of the Sea television program and the study and protection of wetlands. The Sea Grant Extension Agent who serves Ka‘ū  is Pelika Andrade who can be reached at 329-2861 and at pelikaok@hawaii.edu.
     A statement from Hirono's office says: "Deep cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which administers the Sea Grant College Program, would disproportionately hurt Hawai‘i and other coastal states." University of Hawai‘i received $1 million from Sea Grant in 2017, according to an announcement made by Hirono in July of last year.

     The letter to the President also says, "We urge you to fund the National Sea Grant College Program at no less than current levels. The National Sea Grant College Program is a federal-local partnership that funds 33 university-based research, extension, and education centers. These centers are results-driven and provide vital resources to local businesses and communities in our states."

Sea Grant Extension Agent
Pelika Andrade.

     The Senators wrote that 2016 saw the program staff help "300 communities improve coastal resiliency, aided 494 communities in adopting sustainable development practices, and supported 4,600 resource managers in using ecosystem-based management strategies. They also helped preserve or protect 1,400,000 acres of wildlife habitat."

     The Senators stated that "Sea Grant is helping to educate the next generation of freshwater and marine scientists. Last year, Sea Grant programs reached 781,000 K-12 students and in 2016 Sea Grant supported over 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students.

     "Sea Grant is vital to local businesses and an important part of preserving coastal communities for generations to come."

     Twenty-one other senators also signed the letter, including former Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders. Read the whole letter online (pdf download).

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VOLCANO WATCH ENTERED ITS 27th YEAR of publication in November 2017. Here is this week's Volcano Watch:

     The long history of this column is, in large part, thanks to the USGS's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates who write the weekly articles, Hawai‘i newspapers and online news outlets that print and post the column, and the dedicated readers who peruse it each week.

     Given the longevity of HVO's weekly column, two milestones are noteworthy. The first may be of interest to readers who refer to the Volcano Watch archive for information.

     This past week, more than a hundred Volcano Watch articles that were written between 1991 and 1995, but had not been available online, were posted to the HVO website. The entire catalogue of articles can now be accessed and searched at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hvo_volcano_watch.html.

Figure from the first Volcano Watch,  Nov. 11, 1991. From Volcano Watch archives.

     Starting in 1991, the articles were simply titled Volcano Watch, and described lava flows erupting from the Kupaianaha vent, the lava pond in Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, and earthquakes beneath the Island of Hawai‘i and the Lō‘ihi submarine volcano. As activity of Kīlauea waxed and waned in subsequent years, topics covered by the weekly column expanded.

     Through the years, articles have included insights from ongoing volcanologic research, eruption and earthquake histories of Hawaiian volcanoes, noteworthy eruptions elsewhere on Earth, tsunami that affected the Hawaiian Islands, and emerging technologies for monitoring volcanoes. HVO's Volcano Watch archive can now serve as a starting point for anyone who is interested in knowing more about how volcanoes work, especially about Hawaiian volcanism.

     The second milestone will likely be of interest to people who are interested in Yellowstone - its remarkable eruptive history, fascinating hot springs and geysers, earthquake activity - and what is being learned by scientists who monitor and study Earth's largest volcanic system.

     On January 1, 2018, a new weekly column inspired by HVO's Volcano Watch was launched by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO). This new column - the Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles - is posted each Monday on the homepage of YVO's website, https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/. Like HVO's Volcano Watch series, the YVO chronicles are peer-reviewed and edited before publication.

Halemaʻumaʻu crater on Jan. 30. Arrows indicate scarring on
 the crater rim from rockfalls. Photo from USGS.gov

     YVO's new column was launched soon after Dr. Mike Poland, a former HVO staff geophysicist (2005–2015) and author of several dozen Volcano Watch articles, was appointed YVO Scientist-in-Charge in late 2017. Poland's enthusiasm and commitment to write about the science of volcanoes, in addition to the widespread, and often intense, public interest in the geologic activity at Yellowstone, motivated him and his colleagues to start the chronicles.

     The inaugural issue of the Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles reviewed activity that occurred in Yellowstone during 2017. It was followed by an article titled, "Just what is the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory?" Topics covered by YVO's chronicles in the weeks since include Yellowstone gas emissions, a history of Yellowstone earthquakes, and what is known about the calderas in Yellowstone.

     YVO scientists are also responsible for monitoring volcanic fields in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. So, in future editions of the Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles, you can expect to read about past volcanism in those states. Future articles will also address new efforts to learn more about volcanic centers and potential hazards in the western United States, as well as updates and geologic history related to Yellowstone Caldera.

     HVO's time-tested Volcano Watch and YVO's new Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles will challenge scientists to be creative as they select subjects for these weekly columns. Readers can look forward to updated information on continuing and new volcanic activity, reports on recent discoveries, accounts of past eruptions, and descriptions of monitoring techniques and what they reveal about volcanoes and potential hazards. Stay tuned and read on!

Early evening view of the lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano on January 30, 2018, when the lake level was 27 m (88 ft) below the crater floor. The bright yellow area of spattering marks the location where the circulating lava descends into the lake, thereby releasing gases trapped beneath the solid black crust on the lake surface. The area around Halemaʻumaʻu remains closed due to ongoing volcanic hazards associated with the lava lake, including high levels of sulfur dioxide gas and unexpected rockfalls and explosions. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

  

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TWO FREE GIRL'S DAY ARTS AND CRAFTS ACTIVITIES have been announced by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation - one in Pāhala and the other in Ocean View.
     A Girl's Day Paper Flower class, for keiki grades K-8, takes place Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center, with registration from Feb. 20 to 27. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102.
     A Girl's Day Headbands class, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, takes place Friday, Mar. 2, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, with registration from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1. Call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.
     For more about these and other recreation programs, visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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June Domondon, Masen Dacalio,
Andre Carvalho, and Kalai Namohala

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S HALF COURT SHOT WINNERS from Jan. 15 - Masen Dacalio and Andre Carvalho - are shown receiving their $250 prizes from June Domondon of OKK and Trojans Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Like the other winners of the January shots, these young men donated their winnings to support Trojan Athletics.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

LEARN ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS THAT PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN HAWAIIAN CULTURE in a free, moderate, guided hike along the Palm Trail - approx. 2 miles - on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, takes place in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A SUPER BOWL EVENT, WITH QUARTERLY PRIZES, IS OFFERED AT Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 11 a.m. and kick-off is at 1:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 967-8365 after 4:00 p.m. for more details. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

SOUTH POINT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB AND AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE sponsor a Ham Radio Potluck Picnic on Sunday, Feb. 4, from noon to 2 p.m., at Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. For more, call Rick Ward at 938-3058, or visit sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or
sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home.

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at 

 kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 6, FOR A "YEAR OF THE DOG" WALL HANGING arts and crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā’ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at  Pāhala Community Center.

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS ARE DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 9, for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations, for 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in July. For more, visit hawaiconservation.org.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at their Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC's Kona Hema Preserve.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, February 2, 2018

Fees collected through TriPark passes have contributed to projects at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including replacement of lighting in 
Nāhuku-Thurston Lava Tube. See story on the proposed Tri-Park Pass cost hike, below. Photo from NPS

TOXIC FUMES FROM VOLCANIC STEAM IS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF DEATH of Sean King on Thursday morning. The tour guide-photographer, owner of Hawai‘i Stargazing Adventures, was found unresponsive, separated from the tour group of three that he was leading near Kalapana lava viewing area. His tour customers were found with minor injuries, but safe, and removed by helicopter.
     Hawai‘i County Managing Director Wil Okabe said "We don't believe there was any foul play," and confirmed that there will be an autopsy.

Lava entering the ocean can create hydrochloric acid fumes that
can overcome the ability to breathe. Photo by Jessica Ferricane/NPS

     In an interview with Hawai‘i News Now, friend of King, Ikaika Marzo, of Kalapana Cultural Tours, said: "We had a terrible, dumping rain this morning... I'm assuming that, that amount of rain, it got into all the crevasses where the lava is, and with that amount of rain, created a white-out - a blanket of steam - a massive amount of steam. Stretched for a couple miles. I haven't seen it that bad.
     "He's a well-loved person in our community, and I can't believe something like that happened. One of the best photographers out there," said Marzo.
     This is not the first time that a hiker has died from being overcome by volcanic steam on Kīlauea Volcano. In the year 2000, two hikers were found dead by rangers. Autopsies showed they died from swelling of the lungs - pulmonary edema caused by inhaling hydrochloric acid. Their bodies were found in a stage of advanced decomposition from being exposed to acid rain.
     As volcanic geotourism becomes more popular, and adventure tourists push the envelope in their explorations, managers of parks with volcanoes, worldwide, continue to plan for more safety precautions. For more info on gases created in and around volcanoes, go to volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/gas.html.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A PROPOSED TRIPARK PASS FEE INCREASE FOR HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES and Haleakalā National Parks, and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is open for comment through Friday, Mar. 2. The TriPark pass fee is set to go up from $30 to $50 per year on May 1. This annual pass allows unlimited entry to the three parks in Hawai‘i that charge for entry. None charge entrance fees to keiki under 16, nor to holders of America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access, or Military passes.

Example of a TriPark pass. Photo from NPS

     During 2017, the number of TriPark passes purchased reached 13,413, a fee revenue of $6,787,910. This allowed Hawai‘i Volcanoes to engage in ongoing projects that protect native plants, animals, and structures. Hawai‘i Volcanoes worked to provide visitor safety; improve trails and accessibility - like adding wheelchair access to Mauna Loa Lookout; and maintain viewing areas - specifically, a new summit eruption viewing area at Jaggar Museum. Volcanoes installed new lighting n Nāhuku-Thurston Lava Tube. Park staff worked to add and maintain exhibits - such as the ancient Hawaiian Footprints in the Ka‘ū Desert. Volcanoes also worked on restoring the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing of the 1932 Administration Building into a cultural museum.
     Hawai‘i Volcanoes encourages public input on increasing the TriPark pass fee. Comments may be submitted online. The public can also address comments to: Superintendent, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawai‘i National Park, HI 96718. Comment cards are also available at Kīlauea Visitor Center seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     According to a statement from Hawai‘i Volcanoes, the increase would bring Hawai‘i's parks in line with other parks with similar visitor amenities. The fee program, in place since 1997, sees 80 percent go directly to the park for which it was collected. The remaining 20 percent goes to fund the other six national parks in Hawai‘i that do not collect entrance fees. Half are on Hawai‘i Island: Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. The others are: Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Honouliuli National Monument, and WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
     Comments made, along with name, address, phone number, and email address, may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to have personal information withheld may be submitted, but cannot be guaranteed.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY, the Charter School in Discovery Harbour, invites the public to its board meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. School administrators plan to film testimony to provide to the Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission and the state Department of Education. The meeting, to be held at the school, located in the old Discovery Harbour Golf Clubhouse, follows a Commission meeting that was cut short last Monday, Jan. 29. See more on Ka‘ū News Briefs on Thursday, Feb. 1, and Tuesday, Jan. 30, and in the January edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar print newspaper and online at kaucalendar.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

SUPPORT FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View in Ka‘ū can be raised by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration. It will be held Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The Boys & Girls Club has served Hawai‘i Island for 66 years. Its outreach to Ka‘ū provides a safe and educational place for children after school.
     During Youth of the Year, Boys and Girls Club members will perform ‘oli, mele, mo‘olelo, and kalena, to celebrate ‘ohana, community, and ‘āina. The event will include a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honoring outstanding community supporters.

Keiki and staff of BGCBI clean up a beach.

     One highlight will be hearing from the 2018 Youth of the Year, selected for leadership, academic achievement, and community service.
     The honored member will receive an academic scholarship and will serve as spokesperson for BGCBI in the coming year. BGCBI's Youth of the Year winner will represent Hawaiʻi Island at the state competition in the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, and has the chance to compete at the regional and national levels; earn additional scholarships; and possibly visit the White House.
     Learn more about how the Youth of the Year program is helping to create Great Futures at bgca.org.
     The adult Honoree of the Year will be William Walter, who served as Chief Volunteer Officer of BGCBI from 2009 – 2011. "He helped bring stability and executive expertise to BGCBI during his terms on the Board and continues to serve as a valued adviser," says a statement from the organization. Walter is Chairman and CEO of W.H. Shipman, Ltd.

BGCBI keiki collaborate on an art project.

      The Youth Champion Award will go to Russell Chin, who served on the BGCBI Board for over 10 years and headed up the Annual Tee Off for Kids Golf Tournament Fundraiser. In 2013, he led the development of the Youth of the Year on Hawai‘i Island. Chin is Matson District Manager, Hawai‘i Island.
     Tickets range from $80 for one seat, to $3,500 for a Premier 8-person table with many perks.
     To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG CHIN WILL STEP IN AS 13th LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR of Hawai‘i, filling the place vacated by Shan Tsutsui on Jan. 31.
     Chin is known nationally for challenging the Trump administration in federal court on its travel ban and other immigration policies. He is also running for Congress.
     "Public service is a privilege," said Chin. "This was not my plan, but it is the order of succession and I am answering a call to serve. In 18 years, I have been a prosecutor, and the managing director for the City and County of Honolulu, and Hawai‘i attorney general. Each opportunity has shown me how important and valuable the people of Hawai‘i are, and how critical it is for our leaders to find solutions and preserve Hawai‘i's values."

Doug Chin left the AG post to become Lt. Governor and
is also running for Congress.

     Gov. David Ige, who appointed Chin to AG in 2015, has appointed First Deputy Attorney General Russell Suzuki to serve as Acting Attorney General, a position which he may hold for up to 60 days, by which time the next Attorney General must be appointed and confirmed by the Senate. Suzuki has been deputy for 36 years.
     Chin plans to continue his campaign to replace Colleen Hanabusa, to serve as the First District Representative in the US House. Hanabusa is challenging Ige for the governorship.
     "My family and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support since I announced my campaign for Congress," Chin added. "Today, I am more motivated than ever to be Hawai‘i's strong voice in Washington, D.C."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

WITH THE HAWAI‘I STATE LEGISLATURE opening on Jan. 17, many bill packages associated with common interest groups have been proposed.

Opening day, 2018 Hawai‘i State Legislature.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

     In this second year of the two-year legislative session, some bills - sometimes referred to as "zombie bills" -  left over from the 2017 session, are also being considered.
     Learn more at Hawai‘i Legislature's Public Access Room. Search for topics of interest found in bills. Key words like surf, guns, forest, air and taxes will always bring up a bill. Search for lobbyists, sponsors and other interested parties associated with bills.
     New bills have numerical designations indicating submission date: Senate bills begin with 1602 or higher, and House bills begin with 2001 or higher. Each bill has its own webpage, with status, history, title, and indicating whether there is a companion bill. It names who introduced the bill, provides hearing notices, reports, testimonies, and provides the ability to submit testimony if a hearing has been scheduled. Search for specific bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GEOCHEMICAL TOOL TO PREDICT VOLCANIC UNREST AND EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY is discussed at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's After Dark at the Park program on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
     Dissolved gasses in groundwater can sometimes precede volcanic unrest or earthquake activity. Previously, portable instruments to measure these gases have not been reliable, says an event description on nps.gov/HAVO.
     Starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, Dr. Gary McMurtry of SOEST, University of Hawai‘i, describes a brand new means of sampling in the field to detect any rapid changes, in time for effective hazard response and planning. If successful, this new Helium isotope instrument could help save lives and mitigate societal costs of volcanic eruptions and major earthquakes.
     Free; suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. Park entrances apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING, an arts and crafts class hosted at Pāhala Community Center, has been announced for Wednesday, Feb. 21. The free class is scheduled to take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is open to keiki grades K-8. Register Feb. 12 to 20. For more, call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102, or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at 

 kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

FOOD FROM WOOD: GROWING EDIBLE & MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS ON LOGS, STUMPS, AND WOOD CHIPS Workshop takes place at Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Zach Mermel teaches the basics of mushroom cultivation using locally sourced, undesirable exotic trees. The class fee, $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, includes one shiitake mushroom log kit and one King Stropharia mushroom kit. Pre-registration is required. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN GODDESSES, HI‘IAKA & PELE, and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, A BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, meets three times in Pāhala at Ka‘ū District Gym in February. The class is held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday - Feb. 3, 17, and 24. Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi leads and shares traditional health at this free class. To register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team. Visit hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

A PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR ARTISTS WORKSHOP is hosted at Volcano Art Center, from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Feb. 3. Class fee is $35 per VAC member and $40 per non-member. Artist Gwendolyn O'Connor shows how to professionally prepare art for galleries and competitions. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM on Saturday, Feb. 3, and help native plants grow by removing non-native plant species from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.  Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will be offered again on Feb. 9, 17 and 19.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 6, FOR A YEAR OF THE DOG WALL HANGING arts and crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, for more.

SOUTH POINT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB AND AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE sponsor a Ham Radio Potluck Picnic on Sunday, Feb. 4, from noon to 2 p.m., at Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. For more, call Rick Ward at 938-3058, or visit sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative meets Tuesday in Pāhala. 
Event details below. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

LEARN ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS THAT PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN HAWAIIAN CULTURE in a free, moderate, guided hike along the Palm Trail - approx. 2 miles - on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, takes place in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A SUPER BOWL EVENT, WITH QUARTERLY PRIZES, IS OFFERED AT Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 11 a.m. and kick-off is at 1:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 967-8365 after 4:00 p.m. for more details. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.


DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at  Pāhala Community Center.

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Moli Navigation Cylinder by Heather Mettler is available
for viewing at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
Event details below. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.