The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Monday, August 19, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, August 19, 2019

Pāhala Preschool's classroom, shiny with newly painted, bright colors. The building and grounds, which have served
Pāhala's pre-Kindergarten keiki for over half a century, got a much needed makeover this summer.

See how Lowe's Heroes Project came through for the school and community, below. Photo from Kathy Andrade

PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER WAS FILLED WITH KAʻŪ HIGH AND PĀHALA ELEMENTARY GRADUATES on Sunday. The annual reunion, luncheon, and celebration welcomes everyone to honor their alma mater.

Getting down at the Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary

Alumni & Friends celebration on Sunday is
Brenda Domondon, who teaches ʻukulele and
singing at Pāhala Senior Center.

Photo by Julia Neal

The potluck drew many ethnic foods from throughout Kaʻū. Makanau filled the air with music. The girl band comprised of three sisters and a daughter features lead singer Denise Peralta; her mother Barbara Muranaka; and Muranaka's sisters, Claudette Sevarias and Bernadette Freitas. Backing up the women on bass is Kimo Tyson.

Many of those gathered at Pāhala Community Center attended Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School as children of sugar cane field and factory workers. They come from many nationalities, including Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Filipino. The plantation closed in 1996. For a review of their history, see the Kaʻū News Briefs Labor Day edition from Sept. 4, 2017.

Attendees like Clement Hirae came from as far as Boston. One of the organizers, Sally Naboa Louis, said she was thrilled with the goodwill and looks forward to next year.
Four members of the hālau of the late Edna Agil performed hula. They were Sally Louis, Maggie Garbacz, Pauline Enriques, and Fran Volpe.

James Yamaki also helped to organize the event on behalf of the class of 1958.
The reunion group also plans a trip once a year to Las Vegas.

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.

TALK ACTION, TAKE ACTION SURVEY DEADLINE EXTENDED through Aug. 31. The surveys ask for information regarding 2018's Kīlauea eruption recovery. They are available for all Hawaiʻi County residents at recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. Focus areas are households, businesses, and community. They are part of the second phase of recovery under the county's Talk Action, Take Action initiative. The initiative will use these three surveys to collect community input, which will shape both near- and long-term recovery efforts on Hawaiʻi Island, with a particular focus on the Puna District.

Makanau, with lead singer Denise Peralta; her mother Barbara Muranaka; Muranaka's sisters, Claudette Sevarias

and Bernadette Freitas; and bassist Kimo Tyson. Photo by Julia Neal

Hard copies of the surveys can also be picked up at Council member offices, the Department of Research & Development, and the Planning Department.

Diane Ley, Director of Research & Development for the county, said, "We hope anyone affected by the Kīlauea eruption will fill out these surveys. By better understanding the specific needs of the community, individuals and businesses at this time, the recovery framework and resulting initiatives will better address the improved well-being of all still recovering. We invite everyone invested in Hawaiʻi Island to respond. The greater the participation, the more clarity the County and its community partners will have moving forward on recovery."

Chowing down on ono grinds at the 18th annual Kaʻū High & Pāhala

Elementary Alumni & Friends celebration on Sunday at Pāhala Community

Center. Playing in the background, Makanau Band provided

music to munch by. Photo by Julia Neal

The Household Impact and Opportunity Assessment will help clarify what unmet needs families are experiencing. It will guide family outreach and long-term community planning.

The Community Impact and Opportunity Assessment will provide direction for decisions about long-term recovery, including hazard mitigation, land use, natural and cultural resource management, infrastructure investments, housing, and economic development. The Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee will use the survey to make informed recommendations on priority objectives at its Tuesday, August 6 meeting.

The Business Impact and Opportunity Assessment follows up on last year's business survey. The results will identify ongoing economic impacts as well as challenges and opportunities for business recovery.

Unless one chooses to be contacted individually, the information from the surveys will be anonymous.

The surveys cover a range of topics, from questions about development in areas with adequate access, to asking individuals and families if they are still in need of replacement housing.

Surveys are at recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite.

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.

LOWE'S HEROES PROJECT VOLUNTEERS SPRUCED UP PĀHALA PRESCHOOL this summer. The preschool has served Kaʻū for over 25 years, under the direction of the Andrade family, beginning with Judy Andrade and currently operated by her daughter, Kathy Andrade. The school, where staff teaches their students "the core values of being a Christian along with development and preparedness for entrance into kindergarten," has welcomed more than 750 keiki for early training in the classrooms and grounds.

Lowe's Project Heroes volunteers, some paint-spattered after some hard work sprucing up Pāhala Preschool.

Photo from Kathy Andrade

Over the last quarter century, on grounds owned by the Methodist Church, the building has withstood numerous hurricanes, earthquakes, and high winds, and was in need of several repairs. This year, through Lowe's Heroes Project, Pāhala Preschool "has been blessed with a makeover," said Andrade.

Ebby, the Lowe's employee who spearheaded the project.

Photo from Kathy Andrade

Lowe's Heroes Project encourages Lowe's employees to volunteer and positively impact their communities. The program is designed to motivate employees to adopt a volunteer project with a local nonprofit organization or school, and make a difference.

Said Andrade, "This momentum of blessings has made a positive improvement to Pāhala Preschool. Lowe's employees have come to Pāhala Preschool as volunteers and have left as family."

Donations from Lowe's helped volunteers transform the school. Colorful new paint covers the interior and exterior, including the children's tables and cubbies. New fixtures, lights, and rugs replace worn versions. New swings for playtime are outside, along with two new table and bench sets, which can be used for snack time, lunch, activities, and fellowship.

Andrade said the Lowe's Heroes Project volunteers donated "hours of hard work, sweat, love, and friendship, as they rejuvenate Pāhala Preschool, to serve children of the Kaʻū district in the future."

Rolling and edging, it took many hands to transform

Pāhala Preschool into its newly painted, colorful self.

Photo from Kathy Andrade

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.

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ARTIST IN RESIDENCE for August, Andy Jarema, performs tomorrow night at an After Dark in the Park concert. the program, on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium is free; park entrance fees apply.

This "young and innovative" Detroit-based musician and composer has created music inspired by the park's fauna and geology, by using a mix of sound-collage techniques, his trumpet, and traditional scoring.

Jarema's said his creative aim for the residency is "to sonically capture the natural landscape of the park with my recording device: the quiet hiss of a steam vent, the screech of an ‘io flying overhead, the rush of the waves striking Hōlei Sea Arch. From there, I would integrate these recordings into various forms of music to stitch together a sonic portrait of the natural beauty of the park." Jarema is known for integrating hip-hop nature beats, music videos and classical music into his work.

The artist in residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation, the National Park Service, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and other generous benefactors. NPAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the national parks by creating dynamic opportunities for artworks that are based in natural and historic heritage. All NPAF programs are made possible through philanthropic support.

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.

‘ŌHI‘A LOVE FEST at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo happens Sunday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free public event offers arts, crafts, and learning centered around the ʻōhiʻa, Hawai‘i's most abundant native tree. The 3rd annual event will also focus on conservation efforts, as ‘ōhi‘a is threatened – especially on Hawaiʻi Isalnd – with two deadly funguses.

‘Ōhi‘a "play an integral role in Hawaiʻi's ecosystems and culture," states the releae from 'Imiloa. "We are all connected to ‘ōhi‘a in some way, from the water we drink, the landscapes we protect, the lei we wear, the mele (songs) we sing, the beauty we take in while hiking, hunting, or even driving over Saddle Road, to that beloved tree in your back yard or favorite forest."

The public is invited to come and listen to history, legends, and workshops about ‘ōhi‘a shared at Mo‘olelo (Story) Corner; take a tour through a 3-D ‘ōhi‘a forest experience; sow some ‘ōhi‘a seeds to take home and start a mini forest; and watch the 3-time Emmy award-winning film Saving ‘Ōhi‘a - Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree, a documentary about the fight against Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death disease. Attendees are invited to get answers to questions about ROD, the fungal disease threatening ‘ōhi‘a, directly from ROD researchers.

‘Ōhi‘a Love Fest also features crafts, games, prizes, educational booths, a photo booth, live music, hula, and food vendors. Attendees will also have free access to ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and the planetarium.

The festival is a zero-waste event; bring personal, reusable water bottles. The event is hosted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources-Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the University of Hawaiʻi Cooperative Extension Service, with support from the Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death Working Group and ʻImiloa Astronomy Center.
See imiloahawaii.org and cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod.

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.

2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:

Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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, AUG. 20

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Aug. 20 (Committees), Wednesday, Aug. 21, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Concert with Artist-in-Residence Andy Jarema, After Dark in the Park, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The Detroit-based musician and composer uses a mixture of sound-collage techniques, his trumpet, and traditional scoring to make site-specific work. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Registration Open: Kickball Instruction, Wednesday, Aug. 21-28, Kahuku Park. Program on Fridays, 2-3:30p.m, from Aug. 30-Sept. 27, for ages 6-12. Athletic shoes required. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, AUG. 22

Registration Open: Handprint Trees, Thursday, Aug. 22-Sept. 3, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Sept. 4, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, Aug. 22, 3-4p.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

SATURDAY, AUG. 24
Free Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs Saturday, Aug. 24, Ocean View. KARES, Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service brings the clinic to Kaʻū in an effort "to reduce the high euthanasia rate within our community." For more and to register, call 328-8455.

Pickleball at KMC, Saturday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 25, Kīlauea Military Camp Tennis Courts, HVNP. $10 in advance. Registration forms at KMC recreation Lodge. 967-8352 or Jim Buck, kilaueajimmy@gmail.com. KMC open to all patrons, and has certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Kapapala Ranch Tour by Volcano Community Foundation, Saturday, Aug. 24, time TBA, Volcano Art Center. Travel along the Peter Lee Road that runs between Pāhala and Volcano, built in 1988. See Volcano Art Center's partner event listed for Aug. 8. $50/person includes lunch. Reserve a space, 895-1011, volcanocommunity@gmail.com

Realms and Divisions, Saturday, Aug. 24, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Dances of Universal Peace, Saturday, Aug. 24, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Church hall, across from Nā‘ālehu post office. Fun, easy to learn dances from many traditions evoking peace. Donations welcome. No registration necessary. 939-9461

SUNDAY, AUG. 25

Free Entry to all National Parks - NP Service 103rd Anniversary, Sunday, Aug. 25. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Give Input on the Draft General Plan for Hawaiʻi County on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Nāʻālehu Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. Drop in anytime to talk with planners. Download the Draft General Plan.

Palm Trail, Sunday, Aug. 25, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

A Taste of Tea & Pottery 2019, Sunday, Aug. 25, noon-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Annual fundraiser for VAC's Fire Arts Programs. $30/VAC members, $35/non-member, includes choice of one handmade tea cup or bowl, tasting of several freshly brewed Hawai‘i grown teas, and option to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Door prizes, silent auction, and cookies, packaged tea, and tea cups available for purchase. Vote for favorite Hawai‘i grown tea through Taster's Choice Award. Hands-on experiences with clay and demonstrations. Eva Lee speaks. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, AUG. 26

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, Aug. 26, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

ONGOING

Applications for Grants to Steward PONC Protected Lands on Hawaiʻi Island are open through Friday, Aug. 31. In Kaʻū, areas of the Kahuku Coast, Kahua Olohu, and Kāwā Bay are eligible. Only 501(c)3 non-profits or organizations that operate under the umbrella of a 501(c)3 non-profit should apply.

Applications are available at records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/95324/2018-19%20PONC%20Stewardship%20
Grant%20Request.pdf. Information and applications are also available at the P&R office, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6, Hilo. Completed applications must be submitted or postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018. Questions? Contact Reid Sewake at 961-8311.

Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival Tickets are on sale at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 8, 4-7p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sept. 15, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Nani Ka ʻIkena, that which is seen is beautiful, features vibrant colors and crisp, wide vistas which highlight the character and drama of Hawaiʻi Island’s landscape. The collection of ten photographs were captured over the past decade by Tunison and also document the dynamic changes which have occurred in such a short period of time. "While the landscape has changed the beauty has endured." Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

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

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, August 18, 2019

Berkeley Yoshida, President of Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club, with his home grown floral display to welcome everyone

to the 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KAʻŪ HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB on Saturday in Pāhala experienced a song sung for the first time in public from Hawaiian songwriter, producer, and performer, Kenneth Makuakane. The words reflect on the history of Hawaiian activists as they gave their lives to stop military weapons testing on the island of Kahoʻolawe. The song also refers to the positive influences of such people as Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and his inspirational version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Its contemporary topic is the future of Maunakea, as protests continue regarding expansion of the telescope campus there, with the song acknowledging the reverence for the mauna that is felt by Hawaiian people. Makuakane, whose family is from Nāʻālehu, said he hopes to record the song very soon.

Kenneth Makuakane introduced a new song about Hawaiian
activism in the past and present. Photo by Julia Neal

The Hawaiian Civic Club anniversary drew members from other civic clubs and many of the founders of the Kaʻū organization. Its president, Berkeley Yoshida, introduced one of the founders, and former Hawaiʻi Island mayor and state senator, Dante Carpenter, who described Kaʻū people as strong and independent. He worked for the old sugar plantation and told many stories of his life here.
The chef for the evening was ʻĀina Akamu, who instructs future chefs at Kaʻū High School.

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.

U.S. CENSUS WORKERS ARE CANVASSING in the first major field operation of the 2020 Census. Address canvassing "improves and refines the Census Bureau's address list" of households nationwide, which is necessary to deliver invitations to respond to the census, explains a release from the bureau. The release states this step plays "a vital role in ensuring a complete and accurate count of everyone living in the United States." In-field address canvassing will continue through mid-October.

Keiki hula performers from Lori Lei's Hula Studio. Photo by Julia Neal

Bureau Director Steven Dillingham said, "The Census Bureau is dedicated to ensuring that we are on track, and ready to accomplish the mission of the 2020 Census. We have made many improvements and innovations over the past decade, including better technologies for canvassing neighborhoods and developing complete and updated address listings and maps."

The bureau created new software called the Block Assessment, Research, and Classification Application (BARCA). It compares satellite images of the United States over time, allowing Census Bureau employees to spot new housing developments, changes in existing homes and other housing units that did not previously exist. Reviewers also use BARCA to compare the number of housing units in current imagery with the number of addresses on file for each block.

Bureau Geography Division Chief Deirdre Bishop said, "We were able to verify 65 percent of addresses using satellite imagery — a massive accomplishment for us. In 2010, we had to hire 150,000 people to verify 100 percent of the addresses in the field, this decade we will only have to hire about 40,000 employees around the nation to verify the remaining 35 percent of addresses." Find out how to get hired.

Dante Carpenter, one of the founders of the Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club,
spoke to the crowd at the club's 50th anniversary celebration.
Photo by Julia Neal

To help identify address listers, employees will have badges and briefcases indicating their affiliation with the Census Bureau. They will introduce themselves as a Census Bureau employee, show their official government ID badge, and explain the purpose of the visit. People may also ask them for a picture ID from another source to confirm their identity. They will ask a few simple questions to verify the address and any additional living quarters on the property for inclusion in the census. The 2020 Census: In-Field Address Canvassing (IFAC) Viewer provides county information on areas that listers will visit.

Said Marilyn Sanders, Chicago regional director, said, "Ultimately, the success of the census depends on everyone's participation. And it's important to remember, when you respond to the census you shape your future and the future of your community."

Kūpuna hula dancers performed at the Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club's
50th anniversary celebration. Photo by Julia Neal

The 2020 Census officially starts counting people in January 2020 in Toksook Bay, Alaska. Most households in the country will start receiving invitations to respond online, by phone, or by mail, in March 2020. The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census of the population be conducted once every 10 years. Census data is used to determine the number of seats each state holds in Congress, and how more than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed for services and infrastructure, including health care, jobs, schools, roads, and businesses.

For more information on address canvassing, visit the Census Bureau website.

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.

MAHI‘AI A OLA FOOD GROWING PROGRAM is a joint effort by Kamehameha Schools (KS) and The Kohala Center (TKC). Nearly 90 percent of Hawaiʻi's food is imported, states a release from the groups, so the school and center are engaged in an ongoing effort to "find and partner with farmers to increase local food production." KS and TKC launched Mahi‘ai a Ola, a campaign to support local farmers, agricultural education, and innovative solutions to improve food security this week.
Mahiʻai a Ola is "an ʻāina-based lifestyle concept that is not about living to eat but rather eating to live. In the larger food system, farmers don’t just cultivate food, they cultivate minds, families, and communities," states the release.

     Mahiʻai a Ola is an initiative that evolved from the Mahiʻai Match-Up program, which began in 2013, as an "opportunity to increase agricultural awareness in support of the farming industry, while reinvigorating innovation, community connections, and a commitment to future generations." Mahiʻai a Ola is made up of three programs:
     Mahiʻai Match-Up is an agricultural business plan competition. The winner is awarded a five-year land agreement with KS and a $10,000 cash prize, donated by Ulupono Initiative. The winner will have the support of KS land asset managers, with wrap-around business services and financial guidance from The Kohala Center. Applications for the contest are due by September 20.
     Mahiʻai a Ao is a scholarship awards program for various agriculture-related educational programs, in partnership with GoFarm Hawaiʻi
     MahiX is an open innovation challenge, seeking cooperative solutions to Hawaiʻi's most pressing agricultural issues.
     Funds raised on behalf of Mahiʻai a Ola will provide scholarships and funding for new and innovative ideas and initiatives that support agriculture and food security.
     Marissa Harman, KS Asset Management Director on Hawai’i Island, said, "When you break down the concept of mahiʻai – it's about the energy and the vigor of working with the land. It's also part of the word ʻāina. Together, it's about sustaining oneself, one's community – feeding the mind, body, and spirit. Because farmers, like students, thrive in a healthy environment, Mahiʻai a Ola is about more than land and money; it is about honoring our mahiʻai as exemplars in our community, true lāhui lifters, who not only grow food but provide sustenance for all."

Food farms on Kamehameha Schools lands. Photo from Kamehameha Schools

     Cheryl Ka‘uhane Lupenui, president and chief executive officer of The Kohala Center, said, "The Mahi‘ai a Ola initiative is truly a unique opportunity for our Hawaiʻi Island farmers. Not only will we be able to grow more local food, but we can grow more viable mahi‘ai working with ‘āina as a meaningful way of life in Hawai‘i. It takes hard work, resources, innovation, and a love for the land to feed our families, neighbors, and communities. This is mahi‘ai a ola. The Mahi‘ai a Ola campaign unites friends and farmers to strengthen our relationship with food for the greater health and well-being of our communities and ‘āina."
     KS stewards more than 160,000 acres of agricultural land on Hawaiʻi Island. Farmers on KS land raise a variety of crops such as papaya, bananas, vegetables, ʻulu, Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, and cacao, and livestock such as pigs and cattle.
     TKC has worked to support the Hawaiʻi island food system with farmer training programs, youth education initiatives, and rural and cooperative business development services "to inspire future generations of food producers and help them succeed."
     To learn more about Mahi‘ai a Ola, or to enter the Mahi‘ai Match-up competition, visit ksbe.edu/mahiai.

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.

Cross Country:

UPCOMING

MONDAY, AUG. 19

Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal (12+), register by Monday, Aug. 19 for Friday, Aug. 23 event from 8:30a.m.-1p.m., HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees may apply. Space limited. R.S.V.P. to Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.org. fhvnp.org

Empower Girls Mtg., Monday, Aug. 19, from 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

TUESDAY, AUG. 20

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 22

SATURDAY, AUG. 24

Kapapala Ranch Tour by Volcano Community Foundation, Saturday, Aug. 24, time TBA, Volcano Art Center. Travel along the Peter Lee Road that runs between Pāhala and Volcano, built in 1988. See Volcano Art Center's partner event listed for Aug. 8. $50/person includes lunch. Reserve a space, 895-1011, volcanocommunity@gmail.com

Realms and Divisions, Sat., Aug. 24, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

SUNDAY, AUG. 25

Free Entry to all National Parks - NP Service 103rd Anniversary, Sunday, Aug. 25. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Palm Trail, Sun., Aug. 25, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

A Taste of Tea & Pottery 2019, Saturday, Aug. 25, noon-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Annual fundraiser for VAC's Fire Arts Programs. $30/VAC members, $35/non-member, includes choice of one handmade tea cup or bowl, tasting of several freshly brewed Hawai‘i grown teas, and option to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Door prizes, silent auction, and cookies, packaged tea, and tea cups available for purchase. Vote for favorite Hawai‘i grown tea through Taster's Choice Award. Hands-on experiences with clay and demonstrations. Eva Lee speaks. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING

Applications are available at records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/95324/2018-19%20PONC%20Stewardship%20Grant%20Request.pdf. Information and applications are also available at the P&R office, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6, Hilo. Completed applications must be submitted or postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018. Questions? Contact Reid Sewake at 961-8311.

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.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, August 17, 2019

A grandfather and his grandchild enjoy stamping a traditional head scarf at tonight's Bon Dance celebration at Pāhala Hongwanji. A mother and her infant, in traditional garb, also enjoy the festivities. Photo by Julia Neal

BON DANCING, THUNDERING TAIKO DRUMS, and Japanese songs at Pāhala Hongwanji Saturday evening honored the agricultural harvest and celebrated a remembrance of ancestors. Participants of all ages, from as far away as Japan, donned kimono and other traditional Japanese attire, dancing in the round, beneath the yagura tower.

A Buddhist priest took up an ʻukulele at the service to kick off Pāhala
Hongwanji Bon Dance tonight. Photo by Julia Neal

To kick off the evening's celebration, a service in the Pāhala Hongwanji sanctuary, open to people of all faiths, offered opportunity to learn about Buddhist teachings and to join in singing. The priest took up an ʻukulele to add to the local flavor of the service. He sang and talked about appreciation of the gift of life and pushing back from discrimination against all others.

During the Bon Dance evening, everyone was invited to learn about the history of Japanese in Kaʻū and all of Hawaiʻi. Stamping of head scarves, traditionally worn during the dance, was open to young and old.

Paul Sakamoto's Taiko Drummers played. The community organization ʻO Kaʻū Kākou and its President, Wayne Kawachi, organized the event, selling food and shave ice.

The facilities at Pāhala Hongwanji include a Japanese school house, now used for aikido and other activities, including a future child care center for coffee workers; an assembly hall with a stage; a kitchen and dining room; and the Buddhist sanctuary and parsonage.

Five-month-old Milo, sporting a traditional head scarf
and baby kimono, participated in tonight's Bon Dance
celebrations. Photo by Julia Neal

Saturday marked the fourth Bon Dance since the revival of the tradition in 2016. The annual event drew together the many cultures of the town for generations during sugar plantation days. It ended in 1999, just three years after Kaʻū Sugar Co. closed its sugar fields and mill in Pāhala. The revival of the Bon Dance in Pāhala includes the broad community.
See more in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

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.

MAUNAKEA ACCESS ROAD BELONGS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS, contends state Sen. Kai Kahele. He said he and Sen. Kurt Favella, of Ewa Beach, will ask the state Attorney General and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to determine who holds title and jurisdiction of Maunakea Access Road.

Kahele, who represents Hilo and is running for Congress to represent the District that includes Kaʻū, posted a memo to Facebook early this morning.

He said that for the state to own Maunakea Access Road, it must: Initiate a land exchange with Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to trade for other land of equal value; complete a land appraisal; conduct beneficiary consultation; and receive approval of the land exchange from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

The pink circle, bottom, shows the intersection of Maunakea
Access Road and Daniel K. Inouye Hwy. The green circle, top,
shows the end of the winding road, about 6.25 miles up the
mauna and about half way to the summit.
Photo from Google Maps

Kahele described the history of the Maunakea Access Road as follows:

On July 9, 1921, Congress passed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act to set aside about 200,000 acres of land in the Territory of Hawaiʻi as a "land trust for homesteading by Native Hawaiians." Native Hawaiians are identified in the act as "having a minimum of 50 percent or more of native Hawaiian blood quantum."

Between 1921 and the late 1970s, thousands of acres of the original land trust were "illegally taken, withdrawn, and transferred via executive authority by the Territory of Hawaiʻi, United States Military (during WWII), and the state of Hawaiʻi, in breach and clear violation of the HHCA," said Kahele.

On Aug. 15, 1983, a federal and state task force on HHCA, chaired by Ann Nathaniel, submitted a report to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Governor of Hawaiʻi on "recommendations to correct many of the past grievances and direct the Federal Government to settle land claims and the State of Hawaiʻi to improve its performance as a trustee." This report was the basis for the 1996 Hawaiian Home Lands and Recovery Act, championed by U.S Senator Daniel K. Akaka, when federal lands of Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Kalaeloa, were returned to the land trust.

In 1991, Gov. John Waiheʻe convened a "Task Force on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Land Title and Related Claims" to investigate and resolve DHHL's "illegal land use claims against the state." The results of the task force became the basis for ACT 14 in 1995.

On Nov. 4, 1994, the Hawaiian Homes Commission discussed "Proposals to Resolve DHHL Land Title and Related Claims (Roads and Highways Proposal)," which identified the Mauna Kea Observatory Road (65.142 acres) as one of the many unsettled land claims throughout the state.

In 1995, the state legislature convened a special session to introduce HB 10-S, which would become Act 14. It established a $600 million cash settlement, including a settlement for all roads and highways that were in breach of the trust. Act 14 specifically called for "the initiation of a land exchange to ready uncompensated use of Hawaiian Home Lands for State roads, claims, and highways."

Sen. Kai Kahele

In 1997, a dispute erupted between DHHL and the state Department of Transportation on whether or not $5 million from the state auctioning off an estate would be used to pay Hawaiian Home Lands to buy land used for state roads and highways. State Attorney General Margery Bronster stated that "no formal agreement took place" and that DOT was not obligated to transfer $5 million to DHHL.

On March 15, 2018, DOT designated the Mauna Kea Observatory Road as a State Highway Route. It is identified as being 6.27 miles in length, starting from the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway, to 125 feet past the Hale Pōhaku Visitor Information Center Entrance.

On Jan. 28 and 29, DHHL received an update on the Act 14 Land Claim Settlement. In that report, under the "Roads and Highways Settlement," DHHL reports that, "To date, no lands have been conveyed to DHHL to satisfy the State's commitment to compensate the trust for its uses of Hawaiian Home Lands as state highways on various islands," totaling a claimed amount of 346.203 acres. The total outstanding land claim is 1,328.745 acres. This includes the Maunakea access road.

On Aug. 14, in a state Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee hearing, Interim DHHL Chair William Aila acknowledged, "There is no evidence of any land exchange" in regards to the Maunakea Access Road as required by ACT 14.

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.

Thirty Meter Telescope supporters lined the roadway near the Hilo Walgreens on Thursday.

Photo from BigIslandVideoNews

THIRTY METER TELESCOPE SUPPORTERS staffed the roadside in Hilo outside Walgreens on Thursday, with about 100 people waving signs and throwing shakas. Signs sported various TMT slogans of support: Imua [move forward] TMT; Kū Kiaʻi [Stand Guard] TMT; TMT A Brighter Future for Hawaiʻi; This Introvert Supports TMT; TMT = Education; TMT = Future; Explore the Stars; and Open the Road.

Jason Chu, Gemini Observatory.
Photo from BigIslandVideoNews

Supporters included members of PUEO, Perpetuating Unique Educational Opportunities, which seeks to "create an environment conducive to learning and foster opportunities in Hawaiʻi in technology and culture." Its website connects modern astronomy with the ancients who discovered Hawai`i traveling to the islands using the sky to navigate. It says the goals of the TMT explorers are similar– seeking knowledge and scientific discovery, with the belief that the new telescope will not negatively impact the environment.

Jason Chu, a post-doctoral fellow with Gemini Observatory, said "As the polls recently showed, there are a lot of people who – in Hawaiʻi – are behind this project." He said there are many "who believe in all the benefits that this project will give, and so we are here to show the governor that there are people here who firmly believe that the project should go forward. And also for him to enforce law and open the roads up for TMT to go up.

"On Big Island, here with Maunakea, we have a very, very valuable scientific resource. We would love to share – with Native Hawaiians and everybody. Share the beauty of the mountain and also share the scientific discoveries that can come from the mountain. And so we share that with the entire world and that will put Hawaiʻi on the map of the entire world."

Kaʻū High graduate, union leader, volunteer firefighter,

Portuguese bread baker Magaret Ann Cabudol and her

friend and community volunteer DeeDee Davis at last

year's Alumni & Friends celebration. Photo by Julia Neal

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 HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS REUNION, the 18th annual potluck and community celebration, happens Sunday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

Bring a favorite dish to share. Live music, and food and fellowship for everyone. The celebration is open to the entire community, and is sponsored by the alumni of Pāhala Elementary and Kaʻū High School. The event also celebrates Hawaiʻi's 60th year of statehood.

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.

HAWAIʻI ISLAND SOUTHWEST AIRLINE FLIGHTS between Hilo and Honolulu start January 19. Flights between Kona and Kahului, the Bay Area, Oakland, and San Jose also start mid-January.

By January, Southwest will operate 34 departures a day on interisland routes alone.

Southwest Airlines started operating in Hawaiʻi in March. Photo from SWAir

Southwest Airlines President Tom Nealon said, "We're energized by the warm aloha Southwest has enjoyed in response to our initial Hawaiʻi offering. This second wave of service is an investment that broadens our everyday value through low fares, no fees to change tickets (though fare difference may apply), and two checked bags free for everyone. We're focused on bringing Hawaiʻi
an authentically Southwest experience, with comfort across all seating – for every customer – along with in-cabin snack enhancements for our flights between Hawaiʻi and the mainland."

The airline offers an "industry-leading" 32-inch seat pitch, "Hawaiʻi and Islands-inspired" drinks and snacks, gate-to-gate connectivity on WiFi-enabled aircraft, and free inflight movies, live TV, and messaging.

Southwest Airlines first operated Hawaiʻi service on March 17.

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.

Cross Country:

UPCOMING

SUNDAY, AUG. 18

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Aug. 18, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. nps.gov/havo

Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School Alumni & Friends Reunion, the 18th annual potluck and community celebration, happens Sunday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

Private Excursion: Trail Less Traveled, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2p.m.-4p.m., Devastation Trail Parking Lot, HVNP. Moderate 2 mile hike. $40/person. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, fhvnp.org

MONDAY, AUG. 19

Empower Girls Mtg., Monday, Aug. 19, from 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

TUESDAY, AUG. 20

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 22

SATURDAY, AUG. 24

Kapapala Ranch Tour by Volcano Community Foundation, Saturday, Aug. 24, time TBA, Volcano Art Center. Travel along the Peter Lee Road that runs between Pāhala and Volcano, built in 1988. See Volcano Art Center's partner event listed for Aug. 8. $50/person includes lunch. Reserve a space, 895-1011, volcanocommunity@gmail.com

Realms and Divisions, Sat., Aug. 24, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

SUNDAY, AUG. 25

Free Entry to all National Parks - NP Service 103rd Anniversary, Sunday, Aug. 25. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Palm Trail, Sun., Aug. 25, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Applications are available at records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/95324/2018-19%20PONC%20Stewardship%20Grant%20Request.pdf. Information and applications are also available at the P&R office, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6, Hilo. Completed applications must be submitted or postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018. Questions? Contact Reid Sewake at 961-8311.

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.

About The Kaʻū Calendar

Monday, August 19, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, August 19, 2019

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, August 18, 2019

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, August 17, 2019