Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, May 22, 2019

NOAA GOES-15 satellite image shows Hurricane Lane positioned about 300 miles south of Hawaiʻi Island on Aug. 22. 

NOAA image

CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER PREDICTS FIVE TO EIGHT CYCLONES during the 2019 Hurricane Season that begins June 1. Operated by the National Weather Service, the Center presented its forecast today, pointing out that an average hurricane season sees four to five cyclones originating or passing through the Central Pacific, which includes Hawai`i. The prediction does not narrow the odds to storms expected to directly these islands.

     The heightened activity is expected with warmer Pacific Ocean waters that could fire up cyclones during this El Nino year. A prediction of lighter wind sheer means tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, could have an easier path toward the islands.

     Central Pacific Hurricane Center Director Chris Brenchely forecasts a 70 percent chance of a busier than average hurricane season, a 20 percent chance of a normal season with four to five tropical cyclones and a ten percent chance of a lower than average season. He urged residents to make preparations. "It is essential that you know where and how to get official information, even in the event of a power failure, and that you have your emergency supply kit ready well before any storms threaten."

     Last week, AccuWeather predicted much the same for the Pacific: six to eight named storms, four to six hurricanes, three to five major hurricanes and one to two direct impacts on land in the Central Pacific.

     Gerry Bell, Ph.D., NOAA's lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at the Climate Prediction Center, said El Niño is likely to continue through November, and that ocean temperatures are likely to remain above average. This decreases vertical wind shear, making more and stronger tropical cyclones more likely, and storms originating near the U.S. mainland and Central America more likely to travel across the Pacific.

Last year's Hurricane Olivia. NOAA image

NOAA's Central Pacific 
Hurricane Center, nhc.noaa.gov,
continuously monitors weather conditions, employing a network of satellites, land- and ocean-based sensors, and aircraft reconnaissance missions operated by NOAA and its partners. This array of data supplies the information for complex computer modeling and human expertise, which are the basis for the center’s storm track and intensity forecasts that extend out five days.

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WOODEN POWER POLES RECENTLY INSTALLED TO REOPEN PUNA GEOTHERMAL BEGAN TO SMOLDER and Hawai‘i Electric Light will replace them with steel. The 13 wooden polls and 12 kilovolt lines were put up for distribution service to PGV.

Power poles, like these, are put in place to reconnect PGV and HELCo. Four
on PGV's land are being replaced with steel poles, as the wooden ones are
smoldering. Photo from HELCo

     HELCo reports that four of the new wooden poles – all on PGV's property – "need to be immediately replaced with steel poles, due to residual underground heat causing the wood poles to smolder." Residual heat can be "fully mitigated with the use of steel poles. The Company considers this to be an emergency safety concern that must be and is being addressed in advance of filing its forthcoming application for Commission approval," reports HELCo.

     The poles, which are sized to also carry transmission lines above the distribution lines, vary in height from approximately 60 to 65 feet above the ground. Both transmission line and distribution line conductors were installed on the poles. HELCo tied the new transmission lines to its 6500 line on May 8. None of the new transmission lines were energized.

     When the smoldering was discovered, HELCo reports work on the transmission lines was "immediately stopped," the newly installed wires were disconnected from the 6500 line, and the transmission conductors removed from the poles that are outside PGV's property.

     Once the four steel replacement poles are installed, reports HELCo, the conductors will be transferred over, and the four wooden poles will be removed. PGV will pay for the entire cost of the existing line and replacement poles. Distribution line work is continuing to tie in service to the PGV facility, also at PGV's expense, reports the utility.
     Before hooking up the power for PGA, the Public Utilities Commission will require "an overhead line proceeding" and  public hearing.

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THE ADOPTEE CITIZENSHIP ACT of 2019 was introduced Tuesday by Sen. Mazie Hirono and bipartisan members of the U.S. Senate. This legislation would close a loophole in the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 that prevents internationally-adopted children from receiving U.S. citizenship despite being legally adopted by U.S. citizens. Co-sponsor is Sen. Roy Blunt.

     Said Hirono, "Thousands of internationally-adopted children, who were raised by American parents, have been denied the same rights of citizenship as biological children. These adoptees were raised as Americans in American families and would have received the stability and security that the Child Citizenship Act provided if they had been under the age of 18 when that law went into effect. The Adoptee Citizenship Act would fix this loophole and right this wrong."

Image from Facebook

    Adoptees who were age 18 or over in February 2001 fell in this loophole and were denied citizenship, despite being legally adopted as children by U.S. citizens and raised in the United States. The Adoptee Citizenship Act would fixes this problem by making citizenship automatic for international adoptees who were legally adopted by U.S. citizens as children, regardless of how old they were when the Child Citizenship Act took effect.
  While the CCA guarantees citizenship to most international adoptees, the law applies to adoptees who were under the age of 18 when the law took effect on 

     International adoptees who lack citizenship face many barriers, such as difficulty applying for a passport, license, or student financial aid. In some cases, outdated immigration laws have resulted in adoptees facing deportation to the country in which they were born, where they may have no known family.

      Hirono previously cosponsored the Adoptee Citizenship Act in the 114th and 115th Congresses.
     The bill is also supported by the Adoptee Rights Campaign, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the National Council For Adoption, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Adoptees For Justice, Policy and External Affairs at Holt International, the Center for Adoption Policy, and the Family Coalition for Adoptee Citizenship.

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More than 260,000 Filipino soldiers fought in World War II.
Photo from American Immigration Council

FILIPINO VETERANS FAMILY REUNIFICATION ACT was introduced in both U.S. houses today. Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced legislation to the Senate. Rep. Ed Case introduced companion legislation to the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would expedite the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. Processing their permanent resident applications may still take years if not decades. "As these veterans near the end of their lives, they deserve the certainty of a non-revocable permanent solution,"said Hirono. "This bill would grant them that. In this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and in further recognition of the selfless service and contributions of Filipino veterans of World War II to our country, I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting and passing this bill."

    Said Case, "In 2016, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services created the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, a temporary administrative fix that allows these veterans to request parole for their children or siblings. Under this policy, they can live in the U.S.

     Said Hirono, "During World War II, Filipino soldiers stepped up and answered the call to service, fighting and sacrificing alongside American service members. However, because these family members have been stuck in a decades-long visa backlog, they have not been able to reunite with their relatives in the United States. The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act would fulfill our nation's promise to honor Filipino World War II veterans' service to our country and reunite these families."

Filipino veterans, near the end of their lives, still wish their
families to join them in the United States.
Photo from George Bush White House Archives

     More than 260,000 Filipino soldiers followed America's call to fight under the American flag in World War II. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush granted U.S. citizenship to about 26,000 Filipino nationals in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II. However, the 1990 law did not confer citizenship or residency to the veterans' children, who remained separated from their parents. Due to a visa backlog, Filipino applicants must wait more than two decades before their applications are considered.

     In 2016, after years of advocacy by Hirono, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began implementation of the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program to reunite veterans and their surviving spouses with adult children and certain other relatives. However, the program is limited and provides no guarantee that these veterans will reunite with their loved ones. In 2017, Hirono urged the Trump Administration to continue the FWVP program. The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act provides a permanent solution, amending the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from global limits the sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the 1990 law or other specified laws.

     The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice support the bill.

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JUST ANNOUNCED

WORK EXCHANGE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS are open for individuals interested in committing eight service hours or more in exchange for attending the 26th annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, including a t-shirt and one day's worth of beverage and lunch coupons. Assignments in the Work Exchange Program include assistance with registration and check-in, welcoming conference attendees, session supervision, information technology, and logistics such as t-shirt sales, set up, and break down. WEP attendees have a mandatory orientation on Monday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the day before the conference. Limited spots available. For more information, contact hccwep@gmail.com or see hawaiiconservation.org/conference/2019-wep.

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.

UPCOMING

THURSDAY, MAY 23

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association's 21st annual Rural Health Conference and General Membership Meeting happens Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The meeting features youth achievements recognition and community resource networks, and offers free health screenings, informational booths, food exhibits, and door prizes.

     Special guests are Dr. Neal Palafox, MD, MPH Professor; University of Hawaiʻi; John A. Burns School of Medicine; and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. A focus of the event will be embracing and understanding the cultural transition of Marshallese.

     To be a vendor at the event, call the Resource and Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. See krhcai.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 25
15th Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating, Saturday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Reed's Bay, Hilo, same day Pre-Event, 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m., Ka‘ū Hospital, Pāhala. Pre-event features motorcycle and classic car community riding in procession to the hospital to meet and greet patients, staff and Ka‘ū Community before riding to main event. Celebration of life bracelet available online, $10 donation, limited supply. Public welcome to both events. Benefits Hawai‘i Care Choices. 969-1733, hawaiicarechoices.org

Support Ka‘ū Coast Stewardship by attending the Of Water classical piano and opera concert at Pāhala Plantation House on Saturday, May 25, at 6 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $25, donations for stewardship are welcome. See more, below.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org

MONDAY, MAY 27
Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 3 p.m., Front Lawn, Kīlauea Military Camp. Keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area. Open to public. In case of rain ceremony will be moved indoors. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Memorial Day Buffet, Monday, May 27, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. BBQ Pork Ribs, Local Styles Fried Chicken, Smoked Vegetable Kabobs, salads and more. $20.95/Adults, $11.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, MAY 28
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

After Dark in the Park – Hawai‘i's Landfill Crisis: From Hopeless to Hopeful, Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Special guest speakers Lori Kahikina, P.E. Director, Department of Environmental Services and Jim Howe, Emergency Services Director present sobering look at Hawaiʻi’s future and a call to action that provides hope while separating myth from reality. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, May 29 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

ONGOING

Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open. Uplink All-Stars on Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

     For high school students, Early College runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

     All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

     Open to all people under age 18, no registration required, the Seamless Summer Program offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays in the school cafeteria.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition,  runs through June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

___________________________________________________________________
A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.

Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo

2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum.
HIMF photo

     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more.
     Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
___________________________________________________________________

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 21, 2019

See the entire Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks 2018 Impact Report online, with its history of challenges
brought on by the volcanic activity of 2018. Cover image from Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association

HAWAIʻI PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION released its 2018 Impact Report yesterday afternoon, detailing its challenges and accomplishments. During the earthquakes, eruption, and destabilization of the Jaggar Museum, the Association lost its book store there, one of three inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     A letter from the Association's board chair Rosemary Stancampiano and its Executive Director Margot Griffith introduces the report. It says 2018 is notable for "the great hulihia (overturning, change) wrought to the lands of Kīlauea, the landscape of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park - and to all of us who are privileged to live and work on or near this wahi pana (legendary place)."
     The letter notes that in early 2018, "Visitors flocked to the viewing platform at Jaggar Museum... to enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of the active lava lake in the Summit Overlook Vent, which had overtopped its rim and flowed onto the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu in April.

     "Then came the series of volcanological events that began on April 30th: the draining of the lava lake in Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on Kīlauea's Middle East Rift Zone; the onset of the eruption in the Lower East Rift Zone on May 3; the 6.9 earthquake on May 4; and the draining of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. In anticipation of elevated activity at the summit, most of the park was closed for an indeterminate amount of time beginning on May 11." The two largest Hawaiʻi Pacific Park Association venues closed. "In the days and weeks that followed, Halema‘ma‘u and the surrounding caldera floor subsided dramatically, accompanied by collapse explosions registering as 5+ magnitude earthquakes, thousands of smaller magnitude felt earthquakes, and 60,000 quakes overall."
     The letter describes a "remarkable staff" who moved the Association to temporary locations and "ventured in to Jaggar Museum to affect the rescue of our inventory and equipment." Staff "sorted out real estate, insurance, and other matters; and adapted to new sales environments outside the park in Hilo, all while continuing to deliver service with aloha, and remaining positive."
     After the period of calm on Kīlauea began in early August, lava stopped erupting in lower Puna, and summit subsidence and earthquakes ceased, the park reopened on Sept. 22. The Association resumed operations at Kīlauea Visitor Center, and visitors are returning to the park and its "new normal."
     The letter notes that "More areas are opening all the time, but the park will have tremendous needs in the near future, as the results of assessments of roads, trails, and infrastructure become clear. This time has not been easy for our board, staff, or our park partners. We have had to employ a considerable amount of belt-tightening to our overhead budget, with impacts to staff, and continuing to provide aid to parks funding to our partners has also been challenging. We continued to fund key park programs such as West Hawai‘i park cultural festivals, and fulfilled our commitment of $40,000 in support of endangered species protection at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park."

     In 2018, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association provided financial support to the Park for Interpretation and Volunteers, Species Protection, Hale Rehabilitation, Cultural Programs and Events, and Youth Programs, valued at $690,764 of in-kind support and money, much of it raised through the stores at Kīlauea Visitor Center, Kahuku Unit, and before it closed, Jaggar Museum.
     The Association also supports Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site on the north Kohala Coast; Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, north of Kailua-Kona; Haleakalā National Park on Maui; and National Park of American Samoa.
     See the entire Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks 2018 Impact Report online.
     See more at hawaiipacificparks.org.

Nippon Air passengers can purchased a stuffed Flying Honu
named Lani on flights to and from Hawaiʻi.
Image from All Nippon Airways

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

THE SECOND OF THREE AIRBUS PASSENGER PLANES -- PAINTED UP LIKE HONU, the threatened Hawaiian green sea turtle -- was recently delivered from its French manufacturing plant to All Nippon Airways. Aviation Pulse news says the planes come in "a unique livery. Inspired by the
crystal-clear water of the ocean surrounding

Inflatable Flying Honu toys.
Image from All Nippon Airways 

Hawai‘i, the green livery depicts the face of a Hawaiian Honu (turtle) with a welcoming smile."

Flying Honu model plane.
Image from All Nippon Airways

     Aviation Pulse quotes Yutaka Ito, Executive Vice President of All Nippon Airways: "We are excited to welcome the second A380 into our world class fleet of aircraft. With its visually distinct livery that evokes the folklore and traditions of Hawai‘i, and the outstanding features of the A380, the beautiful Emerald Green FLYING HONU lives up to the ANA standard of excellence. We are ready to welcome the plane to Narita Airport so that we can begin operations."
     The three Aribus A380 Flying Honu are planned for flights between Narita, Japan and Hawai‘i. The first Flying Honu will begin service May 24, the second in June. Passengers can make purchases of Flying Honu toys, including a model Flying Honu plane, inflatable Flying Honu planes, and a soft toy Honu named Lani.

All Nippon Air received 2,197 entries in its design contest for its
new planes. The Honu design won. Photo from All Nippon Airways

    To come up with the Flying Honu name and design, All Nippon Airways launched a design contest in 2016. The airline received 2,197 entries and reported, "For the winning entry, we chose a turtle family-themed design featuring a sea turtle relaxing together with its children in the blue Hawaiian ocean."
     A statement on the All Nippon Airways website says that good luck went into the decision to use the honu for its new aircraft: "The Hawaiian word 'honu' is a term of endearment used towards the sea turtle, and reflects the widespread love that the Hawaiian people feel for this animal. It is believed to be a sacred creature in Hawai‘i, and those who manage to catch a glimpse of one are said to be blessed with good fortune and prosperity. We decided to name these special liveries FLYING HONU (meaning 'flying sea turtle') in the hope that our customers traveling to Hawai‘i on these aircraft will also be blessed with good fortune."

All Nippon Airways decorates its three new Airbus passenger planes, made in France, with images of
the threatened Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, the Honu, and has named the fleet the Flying Honu.
Image from All Nippon Airways

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 MEETING ABOUT THE WIND FARM ON KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL LANDS at South Point will be held this Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Public input on the Pakini Nui Wind Farm, operated by Tawhiri, along South Point Road, will be taken by the Environmental Protection Agency. The concern is for protection of endangered species such as native Hawaiian bats and endangered birds. The wind farm has presented a plan to help prevent their injury and death. The meeting also concerns wind farms on Maui and O‘ahu. See more in the May 10 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

Cattle grazing near Pakini Nui at South Point. Photo by Peter Anderson

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JUST ANNOUNCED

KĪLAUEA LUAU BUFFET happens every Friday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Adults $16.25, keiki ages 6 to 11 $8.25. Free Hula Show on June 7, 14, and 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 967-8356 for more information. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 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.

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 23
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association's 21st annual Rural Health Conference and General Membership Meeting happens Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The meeting features youth achievements recognition and community resource networks, and offers free health screenings, informational booths, food exhibits, and door prizes.

     Special guests are Dr. Neal Palafox, MD, MPH Professor; University of Hawaiʻi; John A. Burns School of Medicine; and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. A focus of the event will be embracing and understanding the cultural transition of Marshallese.

     To be a vendor at the event, call the Resource and Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. See krhcai.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 2515th Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating, Saturday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Reed's Bay, Hilo, same day Pre-Event, 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m., Ka‘ū Hospital, Pāhala. Pre-event features motorcycle and classic car community riding in procession to the hospital to meet and greet patients, staff and Ka‘ū Community before riding to main event. Celebration of life bracelet available online, $10 donation, limited supply. Public welcome to both events. Benefits Hawai‘i Care Choices. 969-1733, hawaiicarechoices.org

Support Ka‘ū Coast Stewardship by attending the Of Water classical piano and opera concert at Pāhala Plantation House on Saturday, May 25, at 6 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $25, donations for stewardship are welcome. See more, below.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org

MONDAY, MAY 27
Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 3 p.m., Front Lawn, Kīlauea Military Camp. Keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area. Open to public. In case of rain ceremony will be moved indoors. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Memorial Day Buffet, Monday, May 27, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. BBQ Pork Ribs, Local Styles Fried Chicken, Smoked Vegetable Kabobs, salads and more. $20.95/Adults, $11.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, MAY 28
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

After Dark in the Park – Hawai‘i's Landfill Crisis: From Hopeless to Hopeful, Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Special guest speakers Lori Kahikina, P.E. Director, Department of Environmental Services and Jim Howe, Emergency Services Director present sobering look at Hawaiʻi’s future and a call to action that provides hope while separating myth from reality. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open. Uplink All-Stars on Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

     For high school students, Early College runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

     All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

     Open to all people under age 18, no registration required, the Seamless Summer Program offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays in the school cafeteria.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition,  runs through June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

___________________________________________________________________
A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.

Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo

2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum.
HIMF photo

     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more.
     Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
___________________________________________________________________

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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, May 20, 2019

More than $7,000 will go to the Roxana and Orlando Argueta family, following Sunday's fundraiser at Miranda Farm.
The family and donors prayed for the fire victims. Photo by Julia Neal

OVER $7,000 WAS RAISED YESTERDAY at a fundraiser for the Argueta family, who lost their newly-built home in a fire in April in Ocean View. Miranda Farm, on Highway 11 near the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, hosted the event, with fresh homemade tacos, Salvadoran and Mexican Tamales, and Miranda Farm's coffee. An auction of donated baked goods helped raise more dough.

Maria Miranda helps Pastor Bob Stevenson auction off a dessert during a
fundraiser for her family members whose new home burned down in
 Ocean View in April. Photo by Lee McIntosh

     Maria Miranda, former Miss Kaʻū Coffee, of Miranda Farm, organized the event. She told The Kaʻū Calendar what happened to her family's home: "On April 23, 2019, my family received a devastating call that our family's house in Ocean View, Hawaiʻi had been engulfed in flames. My Aunt Roxana and my Uncle Orlando had been close to completing the construction of their first home, when in an instant they were left with nothing but the debris of fallen ashes.

     "Unfortunately, since the house was under construction, there was no insurance coverage for the house. Over ten years of savings was completely lost. The loss from the fire is estimated at over $125,000 of material and labor.

The entrance to Miranda Farm from Hwy 11.
Photo by Michael Worthington

     "This tragedy has shaken them, but they are standing strong and are grateful that no one was harmed. They have faith in God that they will rebuild their dream home in the future. I humbly ask that if you find it in your heart to give to this wonderful family, your support would be greatly appreciated."

     Miranda said her family reported that neighbors saw someone leave the house just before it went up in flames. Anyone with clues or information regarding the possibility of arson is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
     Miranda Farms representatives said they hope to hold more fundraisers for the Argueta family to help to rebuild the house lost to fire.
     To donate, see gofundme.com/f/my-aunts-house-burnt-down-today.

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.

Coffee and cattle at Miranda Farm. Photo by Julia Neal

THE COUNTY GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION TOLD THE STATE last week that it wants to provide more input to a Game Management Plan for the island. Commissioners, DLNR representatives, and members of the game hunting community gathered at a public meeting in Hilo last Tuesday.

     Pele Defense Fund leader Palikapu Dedman, originally from Kaʻū, told the commission to develop the plan with input from local hunters before passing it on to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. Commissioner Teresa Nakama said the Game Management Plan is "for our people that we represent; DLNR does not represent us. They are a political entity telling us what to do."

Palikapu Dedman.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     Richard Hoeflinger, who has long worked on developing a plan on behalf of hunters, said they spent a dozen years on a plan for Hawaiʻi Island. In 2007, a group of Hawaiʻi Island hunters met with DNLR officials to ask for a plan that would "sustainably manage Hawaiʻi's resources," to include game that many local people hunt to feed their families. The game includes wild pigs, sheep, turkeys, and other game birds. After the hunters approached the state, DNLR hired a game management planner.

     For three years, DLNR staff and hunters started drafting a plan. It identified game animals and their habitats, the human resources that could manage habitats and hunting, and economics of hunting. The process stalled before a final plan was implemented. Hoeflinter said, "From April 2010 to April 2017, nothing happened."
     In April of 2017, DLNR sent the working group of hunters an "extensively revised version" of the game management plan. Hoeflinger said that DLNR reported during meeting of the working group in May 2018 that it would also issue a contract to create a game bird management plan.

     DLNR wildlife biologist Kanalu Sprout and Steve Bergfield, Hawaiʻi Island forestry manager, both working for DNLR, said they plan to draft a new version of the game management plan from earlier versions, to be presented to the Hawaiʻi County Game Management Commission.   

Steve Bergfield and Kanalu Sproat of DLNR.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     Sproat and Bergfield said the commission should take concerns to state Game Management Advisory Commission representative, Ryan Clauson, first deputy director of DLNR, Bob Matsuda, or DNLR's Division of Forestry & Wildlife administrator, Dave Smith.

     Palikapu Dedman said that DLNR has a "bad habit" of telling local communities what to do with game, fishing, and other natural resources, and that Hawaiʻi Island should be responsible for its own natural resources management.

Donald Garo, with niece Cileyna holding his daughter 

Dlyla, weigh their pig at the Olson Trust weigh in 

site in Pāhala during the second annual Kaʻū 

Multicultural Society Pig Hunt. Photo by Aloha Vierra

     Dedman said the commission needs to listen to hunters so they can "tell how much pigs they catch. How much boars they see. How many billies they see. How many nēnē they see. What part of the district they stay in." He said the "heart of every hunter" is about taking care of "this island, its future, its resources."

     Dedman remarked that game animals could become backup for imported food to survive, in case of disaster. "Get a count, get a map, get everybody kōkua."

     He questioned the classifying of wild boar as an invasive species, saying pork had been "used in our ceremonies for how long?"

     Teri Napeahi, also of Pele Defense Fund, said she is concerned that the present rules are only about control and eradication of invasive species.

     Danny Itos, a hunter who spoke on behalf of himself and other hunters, asked what is being done about invasive weeds.

     Mark Carvilio said he raises goats and sheep to help control invasive plant species without disturbing endemic plants. He will be the guest speaker at the next commission meeting, in June.

Richard Hoeflinger.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     The Hawaiʻi county Game Management Advisory Commission is comprised of Stanley Mendes, Kean Umeda, James O'Keefe, Naniloa Pogline, Abraham Antonio, Grayson Hashida, Bronsten-Glenn "Kalei" Kossow, Teresa Nakama, and George Donev.

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.

TEACHERS NEEDING SCHOOLROOM SUPPLY HELP can sign up at ClassroomGiving.org. The site helps link donors with specific classrooms. Teachers can sign their classroom up by creating a supplies wish list on Amazon; verifying school employment, contact, and delivery information; and emailing the information to give@classroomgiving.org. Teachers can see the instructions at https://sites.google.com/site/classroomgiving/get-listed.

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JUST ANNOUNCED

RED PIN BOWLING happens every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at Kīlauea Military Camp Lanes, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Bowl a strike with the RED PIN in the head pin position and get that game free. $3 per game, $1.75 shoe rental – don't forget to bring socks. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 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.

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Lei, Tuesday, May 21, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 13-17. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 23
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association's 21st annual Rural Health Conference and General Membership Meeting happens Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The meeting features youth achievements recognition and community resource networks, and offers free health screenings, informational booths, food exhibits, and door prizes.

     Special guests are Dr. Neal Palafox, MD, MPH Professor; University of Hawaiʻi; John A. Burns School of Medicine; and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. A focus of the event will be embracing and understanding the cultural transition of Marshallese.

     To be a vendor at the event, call the Resource and Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. See krhcai.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 25
15th Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating, Saturday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Reed's Bay, Hilo, same day Pre-Event, 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m., Ka‘ū Hospital, Pāhala. Pre-event features motorcycle and classic car community riding in procession to the hospital to meet and greet patients, staff and Ka‘ū Community before riding to main event. Celebration of life bracelet available online, $10 donation, limited supply. Public welcome to both events. Benefits Hawai‘i Care Choices. 969-1733, hawaiicarechoices.org

Support Ka‘ū Coast Stewardship by attending the Of Water classical piano and New York Metropolitan Opera soprano concert at Pāhala Plantation House on Saturday, May 25, at 6 p.m.  The soprano is a member of the Lorie Obra family of Ka`u Coffee fame. See more, below.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org

MONDAY, MAY 27
Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 3 p.m., Front Lawn, Kīlauea Military Camp. Keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area. Open to public. In case of rain ceremony will be moved indoors. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Memorial Day Buffet, Monday, May 27, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. BBQ Pork Ribs, Local Styles Fried Chicken, Smoked Vegetable Kabobs, salads and more. $20.95/Adults, $11.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open. Uplink All-Stars on Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

     For high school students, Early College runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

     All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

     Open to all people under age 18, no registration required, the Seamless Summer Program offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays in the school cafeteria.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition,  runs through June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

___________________________________________________________________
A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.

Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo

2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum.
HIMF photo

     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more.
     Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
___________________________________________________________________

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.