Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, February 17, 2018

One of the largest masses of discarded fishing nets to ever wash up on Hawaiʻi's shores rolled
into Kamilo and will be cleaned up by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund. See story below. Photo from International Pacific Research Center/UH

KAʻŪ-BORN JUSTIN KRIPPS PILOTS TWO OF HIS BOBSLED RACES AT THE OLYMPICS in PyeongChang in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Heat one happens at 1:05 a.m. HST, heat two at 3:40 a.m. HST; the races can be viewed live here: http://stream.nbcolympics.com/bobsled-two-man-1-2. The third and fourth two-man races will happen Monday at 1:15 a.m. and 4 a.m. HST. They can be viewed live at http://stream.nbcolympics.com/bobsled-two-man-3-4. He will also pilot the four-man races, which will culminate on Sunday, Feb. 25.

Justin Kripps, born in Ka‘ū, will pilot two and four man bobsleds in Olympic
competition starting Sunday and Monday, way before dawn, Hawaiian time.

     Kripps, who pilots for Canada, was born to a family in Nā‘ālehu and returns to visit friends and family. His two-man team is a favorite for the gold.

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FOURTY TONS OF NET AT KAMILO BEACH will be one of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund's largest single cleanup efforts to date. HWF has removed about 230 tons of marine debris, including many nets from the Ka‘ū Coast, during the last 15 years. The multi-colored mass of nets that washed up recently will be a huge challenge, given the remote location and size.

     The International Pacific Research Center at University of Hawai‘i, which studies climate and environment, sent representatives to Kamilo and they saw the nets. One scientist, Sarah-Jeanne Royer, who made the estimate of the nets weighing 40 tons, said the mass of netting is likely the largest to wash up on Hawai‘i shores in recent times.

     The institute, which is part of the UH School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, researches movement of ocean debris and uses GPS trackers to follow nets, plastics, and other rubbish in the Pacific.
     Reports of new nets and other large masses of debris floating ashore can be reported to Megan Lamson of Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund at megan@wildhawaii.org, or to the DLNR and IPRC. 

Many community groups from home schoolers to regular volunteer coastal cleanup volunteers
 have pulled plastics and ,other rubbish off the Kaʻū Coast for decades. Photo from HWF

     Nets and other debris endanger seabirds, hawksbill turtles that nest on the Ka‘ū Coast, Hawaiian monk seals that haul out onto the Ka‘ū Coast, and humpback whales that live and give birth offshore.

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LOCKDOWN EXERCISES AT LOCAL SCHOOLS will begin soon, as the state Department of Education sends a letter home with students on Tuesday to ask parents to talk with children about staying safe. The letter, released Friday online, comes in the wake of the Parkland Florida high school slaughter of 17 students and staff members on Wednesday.
     The letter from state Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto, says: "The horrific event that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida has had an impact on many parents, teachers, and students. Across the country, school districts are dealing with rumors or threats against school safety that is spread via social media. The Hawai‘i State Dept. of Education is no exception and an investigation is launched."
     Kishimoto goes on to say, "The safety and security for students and staff are top priorities for HIDOE schools," and that all those schools are required to create and update a safety plan, and to conduct five emergency preparedness drills, which include lock-down exercises. She also stated that HIDOE works with county police departments in conducting active-shooter drills.

Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto

     She outlines the penalties for "terroristic threats," which are considered Class A student conduct offenses, with school-led consequences ranging from detention, to dismissal with the possibility of arrest and serious criminal charges.
     "We encourage you to talk with your child and emphasize the seriousness of these types of threats. If you need assistance in determining what is appropriate, the National Association of School Psychologists provides resources," available here. "The well-being of our students is a community effort and we appreciate your help as we work together to keep all our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's school."
     At the legislature, Senate Bill 2576 would require all public schools to carry out surprise emergency practice drills, update emergency management plans annually, and provide teachers and other staff with emergency preparedness training. It passed a second reading on Thursday, and is going before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. However, the Superintendent has asked the legislature to hold off for Department of Education assessments and planning.

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FEDERAL RESPECT FOR STATE MARIJUANA LAW is in legislation, supported by Sen. Mazie Hirono. She joins Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and other senators to urge Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to include the provisions on marijuana in fiscal year 2018 appropriations. Deadline to finalize those appropriations bills is March 23.

Hawai‘i state has legalized marijuana for medical use.

     Hirono and senators wrote that a majority of states - including Hawai‘i - have some form of reduced restrictions on marijuana. The Department of Justice, under Pres. Barack Obama, issued guidance memoranda to provide state and local governments, and citizens, a framework for legitimate businesses. However, on Jan. 4, 2018, the Attorney General under Pres. Donald Trump, rescinded this guidance.

     The senators contend that taking away federal consideration of state law creates "disruption, confusion, and uncertainty throughout the country. Citizens who have been acting in good faith based on federal and state assurances now feel exposed. This disruption may deny medications to the sick, push individuals back into illicit markets, and nullify the previously-effective regulations - all while thwarting the democratically-expressed will of the states.

     "It is our hope that the fiscal year 2018 appropriations will alleviate the turbulence the Attorney General's abrupt decision has caused and that the appropriations will help preserve the strong regulatory frameworks the states have created," the senators continued. "Doing so will provide the opportunity to pursue federal legislation that both protects the legitimate federal interests at stake and respects the will of the states - both those that have liberalized their marijuana laws and those that have not."

     The letter was also signed by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Edward Markey (D-MA).

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS' ANNUAL HŌʻIKE at its Kea‘au campus will be a rock opera called Kū I Ka Mana. With libretto written by theater kumu Eric Stack and music by choir director Herb Mahelona, the production will be presented in Hawaiian and English.
     It opens to the public for two performances: Thursday, March 15, and Friday, March 16, both at 6 p.m., in Koaiʻa Gymnasium. Tickets are $5, available online, at the door, or from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on school days at the high school office or Student Activities Center.
     The performances showcase talents of the entire school body - as actors, dancers, musicians and crew - with the Elementary School Keiki Choir and the Mamalahoe Chapter of the Kamehameha Alumni Chorus joining in.
     The Steampunk-themed rock opera follows the aftermath of the 1874 death of King William Charles Lunalilo, which left the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi without an appointed successor to the throne. The political intrigue and personal drama behind the election that followed, between King David Kalākaua and Queen Emma Rooke, is dramatized in music and dance.

     "Hōʻike productions focus on some aspect of Hawaiian history or culture presented to the public with the goal to educate our haumāna and to share with the community," says the Kamehameha Schools website. "It is a unique opportunity to celebrate Hawaiian culture, history, and language, and to instill pride and appreciation for things Hawaiian."

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WHY ARE HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS TALKING SO MUCH ABOUT MAUNA LOA? This is the question answered in this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey HVO scientists and affiliates:
     In recent weeks, USGS HVO joined forces with several other agencies to talk about Mauna Loa at community events and other public meetings. Unfortunately, some information presented at these gatherings has been misinterpreted. This article will explain why HVO is talking so much about a volcano that hasn't erupted in more than three decades, and to clarify a few facts.

Mauna Loa, Earth's largest active volcano, has erupted 33 times since 1843, producing the lava flows shown in black. All of these historic eruptions started at the summit of the volcano. From there, the eruptions either stayed in the summit area or migrated down the volcano's Northeast or Southwest Rift Zones. Some Mauna Loa eruptions occurred at radial vents, indicated by red squares, scattered across the north and west flanks of the volcano. Map from volcanoes.usgs.gov

     In 2013-2014, HVO started seeing more earthquakes and an increase in swelling at Mauna Loa. By September 2015, this unrest - indicators of magma on the move - was persistent enough for HVO to change the Volcano Alert Level for Mauna Loa from normal to advisory. However, this alert level does not mean that a Mauna Loa eruption will happen in the near future.
     Mauna Loa's earthquake and swelling rates have slowed in recent months, but they are still above the pre-2013 rates and could increase again. So, for now, the volcano's alert level remains at advisory, defined at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/notifications.html.
     Population on the Island of Hawaiʻi has essentially doubled since Mauna Loa's most recent eruption in 1984, almost 34 years ago. So, a generation of kamaʻaina, as well as numerous malihini, have not experienced a Mauna Loa eruption, which can produce large, fast-moving ʻaʻā flows.
     Consider these examples: During the 1984 eruption, Mauna Loa erupted in about 20 minutes the same volume of lava that Kīlauea erupts, on average, in one day. A 1950 Mauna Loa lava flow traveled 13 mi - from its Southwest Rift Zone to the South Kona coast - in just over 3 hours. In contrast, the 2014 Kīlauea lava flow that threatened Pāhoa took four months to travel a similar distance. So, experiencing Kīlauea pāhoehoe flows does not necessarily prepare anyone for Mauna Loa ʻaʻā flows.

Mauna Loa tends to erupt large, fast-moving lava flows. About 36 hours 
after the 1984 eruption began on March 25, lava flowed downstream 
(toward bottom-right of photo) through this ʻaʻā channel down-rift from 
the main vent. For scale, note the USGS scientists at work on the left 
side of the 77-yard-wide lava channel. Photo from volcanoes.usgs.gov

     Given the volcano's past eruptions and recent unrest, it's wise to talk about Mauna Loa now - well before an eruption is about to happen. Thus, HVO is informing residents about the eruptive history, hazards, and current status of Earth's largest active volcano. The challenge is to increase awareness of Mauna Loa and how to prepare for a future eruption, without creating unnecessary anxiety.
     With that in mind, here are some facts about the volcano:
● Mauna Loa, which covers more than half Hawaiʻi Island's surface area, is an active volcano that has erupted 33 times since 1843. It will erupt again, but exactly when is not yet known.
● All 33 eruptions since 1843 started at the summit of Mauna Loa. About half of those eruptions began at the summit, stayed in the summit area, and posed no threat other than increased vog.
● What about the other half? About 24 percent started at Mauna Loa's summit, then migrated down the volcano's Northeast Rift Zone. Eruptions along this rift zone produce flows that could advance toward Hilo, as happened in 1984, but the slopes are gentle enough that it typically takes weeks to months for lava to reach the island's east coast.
● Around 21 percent started at the summit, then migrated to lower elevations along Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone. With steep slopes on both sides of this rift zone, lava flows can reach the ocean in a matter of hours to days. Fast-moving ʻaʻā flows reached the South Kona coast in 3 to 18 hours in 1950, 24 hours in 1919, and 4 days in 1926.
● The remaining Mauna Loa eruptions are from radial vents on the volcano's north and west flanks. In 1859, an eruption from a radial vent at 11,000 feet elevation sent an ʻaʻā flow to the coast in eight days.
● Mauna Loa eruptions have sent lava into both North and South Kona. However, Kailua-Kona is shielded from Mauna Loa flows by Hualālai. Hualālai is also an active volcano, but it is currently showing no signs of unrest.
     The hope of USGS HVO is that Hawaiʻi residents will become more aware of Mauna Loa and how they can prepare for the volcano's next eruption without fear or panic. USGS HVO does not expect Mauna Loa to erupt in the near future. However, HVO and USGS continue to closely monitor the volcano, and will notify authorities and island residents of any changes.

     Updates and monitoring data for Mauna Loa are posted on HVO's website https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/. Guidance on preparing a family emergency plan for natural hazards, including eruptions, is available from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense/.

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MOKUHANGA: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING, a five-session workshop with Sensei Glenn Yamanoha, starts Thursday, Mar. 8, announces Volcano Art Center. The weekly workshop, which takes place from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., continues every Thursday until Apr. 5.

Learn the art of traditional Japanese Woodblock printmaking with 
Sensei Glenn Yamonoga. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     "Do you remember the Great Wave off Kanagawa or Red Fuji? They are classic images immediately recognizable, but did you know they are fine examples of Mokuhanga?" states the event description.

     Traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking is a relief printing technique that uses Japanese tools and natural materials. Instructor Yamanoha will introduce the basic process in four hands-on sessions. Attendees will learn the fundamental techniques of Mokuhanga such as cutting with chisels, preparing blocks and paper, registration, and printing with a baren (printing pad).
     Mokuhanga differs from western woodblock in that it is water-based printing with sumi ink, watercolor and nori (rice paste), so no toxic solvents are used; it is printed with a hand held baren rather than a press; and it employs the accurate "kento" registration method, cut directly into the block. By utilizing non-toxic, "green" materials, it readily combines traditional processes with new printing technologies.
     Yamanoha studied woodblock printing in Kyoto, Japan, on a Monbusho (Japan Government) scholarship between 1988-90. He lives in Volcano Village and runs Volcano Gravel.
     The course fee is $72 per VAC member, $80 per non-member, plus a $40 supply fee. No experience necessary. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult, hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū ENTER THE SECOND DAY OF COMPETITION AT PANA‘EWA STAMPEDE  Rodeo Grounds on Sunday. Grounds open at 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison protects paniolo and entertains - HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY AT PUNALU‘U. The Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at the tiny Hokuloa chapel above the sea. The service will replace the regular worship service in the Wai‘ohinu church. An additional commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a free, Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MONDAY, FEB. 19

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM Volunteers meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Mon., Feb. 19.
Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū ENTER THE THIRD AND LAST DAY OF COMPETITION AT PANA‘EWA STAMPEDE Rodeo Grounds on Monday. Grounds open at 11 a.m. Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison protects paniolo and entertains - HawaiiRodeo
Stampede.com.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meets Monday, Feb. 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Call 929-9576 or visit discovery
harbour.net.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or 
hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUESDAY, FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū; residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

SATURDAY, FEB.24

SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Feb 24, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

    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.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, February 16, 2018

The Chinese lion dance comes to Kaʻū during festivities throughout the years. Friday is Chinese New Year, with 2018 the Year of the Dog. 
See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

A BILL THAT WOULD LIMIT INDUSTRIAL-SCALE SOLAR DEVELOPMENT in residential subdivisions passed another hurdle in the state House of Representatives on Wednesday. House Bill 2665 would require that future solar developments exceeding 15 kW in "non-conforming subdivisions" like those in Ocean View and Puna, obtain a county permit, with public input for the decision-making.

     The idea for the bill developed after SPI Energy acquired the rights to install a 6.75 MW solar project, on 26 house lots among homes in Ocean View subdivisions Ranchos, Kona South, and Kula Kai. ʻŌhiʻa and other trees would be cut and solar panels installed to cover the lots, surrounded by chain-link fencing.

     The project faces strong opposition from the community. More than 650 residents signed a petition and sent in approximately 90 letters to the Public Utilities Commission. The majority of people attending four community meetings opposed the project.

County Council's Maile
David, who supports HB 2665.
Photo by Ann Bosted

     The development is allowed under current law. While Ocean View is home to an estimated 7,000 residents, it is zoned Agriculture and solar development is a permitted activity on certain agricultural lands without a county permit. The need for a county permit, which is required for many businesses on agricultural land, was waived by the legislature to fast track bringing renewable energy to Hawai‘i, to wean the state from reliance on imported fossil fuels. However, the Ocean View project is over five years past the time it was going to be built, and the cost-benefit of alternative energy programs has changed.

     HB 2665 was introduced to the House by Rep. Richard Creagan and is strongly supported by County Council Member Maile David. The bill passed its first reading in the House Jan. 24, and was unanimously passed, with a modification by the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection on Feb. 6.  The bill unanimously passed the Agriculture and Water & Land Committees, which met jointly on Wednesday, Feb. 15,

     The bill's next hurdle will be the House Finance Committee. Once a hearing date is set, the public will have two days to submit testimony. If the committee, chaired by Rep. Sylvia Luke, approves the bill, it will go to the Senate for hearings by state Senate committees.

     Testimony in support of the bill was submitted to the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection by Daniel Orodenker, Director of the Land Use Commission, and Ka`u's County Council member Maile David. Supporting testimony also came from Sandy Shelton, Philip Flanders, Ann Bosted, Larry D. Shelton, Stanley Troeller (owner of South Point U Cart), Verna Loosli, Joan Gunnon, Betsy "Sparow" Guyre-Allen, and Linda Raquinio.

Rep. Richard Creagan,
who introduced HB 2665.
Photo by Ann Bosted

     The joint hearing by the committees for Agriculture and Water & Land received supporting testimony from Orodenker, David, Bosted, Robert and Susan Werner, Raquinio, Anitra Pickett, Diane Ware, and Greta Pickett.

     In testimony to the Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, Philip Flanders wrote: "HB 2665 will protect residential communities from industrialization. The future growth of solar installations is inevitable. County permitting will help prevent mismatches between infrastructure and solar development projects. It is a sensible bill."

     Stanley Troeller, the owner of South Point U-Cart for 35 years, wrote: "If [the developer] would have applied for the proper use permit at the start, we would not have the problem presented to the County today, as it would have been obvious that this was not feasible at that time."

     Verna Loosli wrote: "There are many reasons why this project is not suitable. Public Safety being number one. We do not have fire safety in place. Fire fighters aren't trained for electrical producing facilities. We have no public water or fire hydrants."

     Betsy Guyre-Allen wrote: "I acquired a special use permit for a veterinary clinic as required, despite the fact that veterinary clinics are specified as permitted in ag. zoned/residential neighborhoods. I greatly respect the special use permit process as a fair and balanced way for planning commission and residents alike to make appropriate decisions for commercial businesses operating in a neighborhood. It is a reasonable requirement for any corporate business operating within a residential community."

An example of what the lots might look like, after being covered with solar panels. 

     In testimony to the committees on Agriculture and Land & Water, Bob and Sue Werner wrote: "While large scale solar projects might have, at the time, been appropriate for large agricultural tracts of limited utility, it is certainly not appropriate for residential communities."

     Linda Raquinio, owner of Sunlines Hawai‘i, submitted testimony about public health and safety issues, widespread community opposition, lawlessness, and predicted a "freefall of property values." She concluded: "Please know that I am not anti-solar. I am simply pro-residential and pro-agriculture. I simply recognize the need and indeed fairness that industrial solar entities should be required to adhere to the same rules as other businesses like Bed & Breakfasts, commercial kitchens, water hauling companies, Real Estate companies, and restaurants, etc., as regarding special use permits.

     "This bill is fair, no cost to the state, and protects residents of non-conforming subdivisions (mostly in agricultural areas) the same protections they would receive if located in a Rural District. No one chooses to reside in country communities to live next door or opposite to three acres of eight-foot chain link fence, with ugly signage Danger high voltage keep out where beautiful ʻŌhiʻa trees once stood!"

     Anitra Picket submitted testimony saying that she was forced to leave her Ranchos property and business when the project came to light. She wrote: "In no way is it acceptable for them to be installed in communities with houses. As in other jurisdictions around the world, they are responsibly placed only in areas with no immediate communities or human habitation. Hawai‘i should pass this bill to ensure that our communities are not taken advantage of by speculators, or outside investors seeking loopholes in state laws."

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2018 USHERS IN THE YEAR OF THE DOG TODAY, and there are a lot of ways to celebrate, including going on a hike in Volcano with a Mandarin-speaking guide (see event below). More traditional ways include: setting off firecrackers; cleaning the living space; gifting young relatives with money-stuffed with li see (lucky red envelopes); "feeding" the dragon or lion - dancers in an elaborate costume - money, for good luck; making special foods, such as sesame balls or mochi; visiting temple; ringing bells; and wearing and decorating with a lot of red, which is said to bring happiness.

     The Year of the Dog is so named because of the Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao, which has twelve animals, each taking over from the previous animal between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian (standard) calendar, as Chinese New Year is based on lunar cycles.

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Isolated in an abandoned quarry on the northern slope of Mauna Loa, HI-SEAS 2018 Mission VI began its eight-month long, UH and 
NASA research project this week. See story below. Photos from HI-SEAS

A NEW HI-SEAS CREW BEGAN EIGHT MONTHS OF ISOLATION on Thursday, to simulate space travel and life on Mars. The international crew dwells in a geodesic dome at 8,000 feet in an abandoned quarry on Mauna Loa. HI-SEAS means Hawaiʻi Space Exploration Analog and Simulation. The sixth mission began Thursday around 5 p.m., when four crew members entered the dome. The crew is sponsored by University of Hawaiʻi, NASA, and other institutions, and will gather information on human behavior and performance, in hopes of determining team and individual requirements for lengthy space travel, especially to Mars.

     This year's crew members are "the most international crew in the history of the research project," says the statement from UH-Mānoa. They come from Korea, Scotland, Slovakia, and Australia. They began nine days of training and briefings on Feb. 7.

Sukjin Han is an assistant professor in 

economics at University of Texas at 
Austin, specializing in econometrics. 
His research focuses on developing
 statistical methods to evaluate causal 
effects of treatments or interventions,
 such as medical interventions, social 
programs or economic policies. He is 

particularly interested in settings where 

treatments are endogenously determined
 by agents in the system, due to the 

optimization and interaction of the agents.

     Sukjin Han is an assistant professor in economics at University of Texas at Austin. Calum Hervieu is an astrophysicist and systems engineer from rural Scotland. Michaela Musilova is an astrobiologist with a research focus on life in extreme environments. Lisa Stojanovski is a professional science communicator, who manages the Australian chapter of the Space Generation Advisory Council. Read more about HI-SEAS Mission VI and its crew.

Calum Hervieu is an astrophysicist and 

systems engineer, who grew up in 

rural Scotland. Prior to joining HI-SEAS 

Mission VI, He was part of the 

Spaceship EAC initiative at European 

Space Agency's European Astronaut 

Centre, Germany, where he was working 

to develop goals and best practices for 

future human and robotic missions to the 

lunar surface.

     Professor Kim Binsted of UH- Mānoa, Principal Investigator of HI-SEAS, stated, "This is the first time we've selected a crew that includes members from four different countries of origin. As HI-SEAS is an international collaboration between researchers, mission support, and crew, it is great to see this diversity reflected in the Mission VI crew. For humans to successfully undertake a long-duration spaceflight to Mars, it will require a global collaboration, and so it seems appropriate that our Mission VI begins with this spirit of internationalism."

     As the research and experienced mission control teams watch and support them, the crew will spend the next eight months performing research, exploration tasks, and daily routines.

Michaela Musilova is an astrobiologist 

with experience working at the NASA 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; University 

of London Observatory; on European 

Space Agency’s and UK Space Agency's 

projects; leading numerous expeditions 

to extreme environments and being an 

analogue astronaut and commander at the 

Mars Desert Research Station. She is 

currently the chair of the Slovak Organisation 

for Space Activities, a visiting professor at 

the Slovak University of Technology and a 

lecturer for the International Space University.

     Multiple primary and opportunistic research studies, conducted by scientists from across the U.S. who are "at the forefront of their fields", focus on behavioral research. This includes a shared social behavioral task for team building, continuous monitoring of face-to-face interactions with sociometric badges, a virtual reality team-based collaborative exercise to predict individual and team behavioral health, and performance and multiple stress and cognitive countermeasure and monitoring studies.

     The exploration tasks will be held under strictures designed to emulate the isolated and confined conditions of real space travel and planetary surface exploration. Specifics, like a twenty-minute delay on all outside communications, mirror what present technology would be like in Earth-to-Mars communication.

Lisa Stojanovski is a professional science 

communicator who is passionate about making 

humanity a spacefaring civilization. In 2017, 

She toured remote and regional Australia 

with the Shell Questacon Science Circus to earn 

a master of science communication outreach. 

She creates content for the live web show 

TMRO, while managing the Australian chapter 

of the Space Generation Advisory Council.

     Mundane daily tasks, such as eating and food preparation - from shelf-stable sources only - and exercise, and other tasks, such as research and field work, will be undertaken to align with NASA's planetary exploration expectations.

     HI-SEAS Mission VI continues a series of successful 8-month and 12-month missions that place HI-SEAS in the company of a small group of analogs capable of operating very long duration missions in isolated and confined environments such as Mars500, Concordia, and the International Space Station.

     Video from HI-SEAS Mission V, which ended in Sept. 2017, can be viewed here.

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TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR COMES TO PĀHALA, Sunday, Mar. 11, at 10 a.m., River of Life Assembly of God has announced that the group will minister through song and testimony, as well as spread awareness of the Teen Challenge Program. To find out more, visit rolhawaii.com, or call 443-9394.

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OCEAN VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH ANNOUNCES BASKETBALL CAMP for keiki in 1st through 6th grade at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. The week-long camp, scheduled for Monday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., kicks off with pizza the first day. The event flier states that campers will be able to learn the skills of basketball in a "fun environment." The Ocean View Baptist Facebook page suggests that bible lessons will also be part of the program. Space is limited. Register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

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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.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public Sat., Feb. 17 to Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering will take place at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea.

THE ART EXPRESS, Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 20; Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com - discoveryharbour.net/art-express.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū HEAD TO PANA‘EWA for annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain - HawaiiRodeo

Stampede.com.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitary
camp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult, hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY AT PUNALU‘U. The Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at the tiny Hokuloa chapel above the sea. The service will replace the regular worship service in the Wai‘ohinu church. An additional commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a free, Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MONDAY, FEB. 19

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM Volunteers meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Mon., Feb. 19. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meets Monday, Feb. 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

Volunteers from Japan help clear invasive ginger from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
lands at Stewardship at the Summit. Join the effort on Monday, Feb. 19.
Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUESDAY, FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū; residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

    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.

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