Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, September 15, 2019

Nāʻālehu School Library will close Monday and reopen Oct. 3 in temporary quarters at the state office building
 next door. After renovations, the library will have three times the space. Photo from Google Street View

NĀʻĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSES MONDAY to move and expand. The long-awaited project requires closure, tomorrow, Sept. 16 through Oct. 2. The library re-opens at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3 at a temporary location in the Nāʻālehu State Office Building, just next door on Highway 11.

     Expected to be completed next October, the expansion is a partnership between the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi, and the United States Department of Agriculture, which provided funding.

     The renovations will triple the size of Nāʻālehu Public Library from 775 square feet to more than 2,300 sq. ft. The library opened in 1994 in a portable building. Nāʻālehu Public Library is considered the southernmost public library in the U.S.

     During the temporary closure, the book drops will be open. Fines for books and materials due during the closure period will be waived.

     All programs scheduled during the closure period are cancelled. Nāʻālehu Public Library staff will work on rescheduling new programs once the temporary site is open.

The "portable" building, which has housed Nāʻālehu Public Library since,
1994, will be replaced with a facility three times the size.
Photo from Nāʻālehu Public Library

     Nāʻālehu Public Library will continue the same service schedule, but close on Hawaiʻi County Council Committee and Council Meeting days, the first and third Tuesday and Wednesday of the month. For more details about the dates and times of the Hawaiʻi County Council meetings, visit hawaiicounty.gov.

     Except for these meeting dates, the library's hours will be: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

     The library apologizes for any inconvenience the closure and program cancellations may cause patrons.

     See more in future Kaʻū New Briefs.

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A PETITION TO CHALLENGE URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL USE OF MAUNAKEA was filed with the state Land Use Commission recently by Hawaiian cultural practitioners Ku‘ulei Higashi Kanahele and Ahiena Kanahele. The two oppose building the Thirty Meter Telescope on land that is classified Conservation. The petitioners contend that the five-plus acre telescope campus should be located on the planned site only if classified Urban by the LUC and zoned Industrial by the county. The Land Use Commission sets the classification of lands and the county sets the zoning.

     Ku‘ulei Kanahele is a student and daughter-in-law of Hawaiian cultural practitioner Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele, who was one of the kūpuna arrested in mid-July for obstructing Maunakea Access Road. Ahiena Kanahele is Pualani Kanahele's son and a former Maunakea ranger.

     The Kanaheles point to the 13 research facilities and associated subleases on Maunakea summit as "evidence of industrial uses suited to the state's 'urban' classification and not the conservation district." Research facilities are generally considered industrial uses under the county's zoning laws.

     Ku‘ulei Kanahele wrote, "Industrial development at the summit of Maunakea desecrates the very nature and essence of my akua. It destroys the open, unobstructed space of the conservation district."

     The Kanaheles state they consider this area a wao akua, sacred realm, which is "supposed to be free from the encroachments of human activity and construction."

Review of Maunakea from September 2018. Photo from University of Hawaiʻi

     The Land Use Commission assigns lands to Conservation, Agricultural, Rural, and Urban classifications. Members of the public propose changes and the LUC votes on whether to approve them. The proceedings are called "boundary amendments."

     The petition states the "absence of boundary amendment proceedings for this de facto industrial use precinct" on Maunakea "deprived the Kanaheles of their opportunity to raise and protect their rights." The Kanaheles also state they would "strongly oppose" any reclassification efforts.

     The Land Use Commission must respond to the Kanaheles' petition within ninety days.

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The red swirl of Hurricane Kiko, right, is expected to die before reaching Kaʻū. The two yellow X's, which indicate
weather disturbances, are not expected to form into storms that will threaten Kaʻū. NOAA image

CATEGORY THREE HURRICANE KIKO was 2,172 miles from South Point, at 5 p.m., moving west at 8 mph. The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Kiko will weaken to a Category Two Hurricane tomorrow and to a tropical storm by the end of the week, while still over 1,500 miles from here.

     Two weather disturbances popped up nearer the islands, one southwest, one southeast. The one to the southwest has a ten percent chance of forming into a major storm. The other has a zero percent chance. Two other disturbances, both south of Mexico, each have a 30 percent chance of forming into major storms. None of these weather systems are expected to impact Kaʻū.

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HOME TURF FOOTBALL on Saturday saw the Kaʻū High School Trojans run the field in the fourth quarter, and take their first game of the season, beating Kohala Cowboys, 28 to 22.

     "The 11-man revolution is on," wrote Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald writer Matt Gerhart, who came out to cover the game Saturday. "The run-heavy mantra was grounded, and the air was open for business… Yet, when the rubber met the road, the Trojans turned to an old eight-man reliable, hit the ground and plowed their way to 28-22 Division II victory that doubled as the BIIF game of the year so far."

     The Trojans debuted their five-receiver spread on Saturday, Gerhart reports, and Trojans coach DuWayne Ke told him, "Every week, we're bringing something different to the game, so no one knows what we're doing."

     Kohala took the first score of the game, but Izaiah "Bobby" Pilanca-Emmsley, the national eight-man rushing leader last season, and Loea Kaupu worked together to tie the game. By halftime, Keliʻikoa Reyes-Nalu and Kainalu Satkofsky also made strides, achieving a 22-14 lead for Kaʻū. In the third quarter, Kohala tied the game, but Kaʻū came through strong, with Luke Watson and Jonah Beck sacking players in the backfield, leading the Trojans to end the game 6 points ahead.

     Reyes-Nalu, after his first game as a passing quarterback, told the Tribune Herald, "It was better than I thought it would be. Just staying calm, trusting my lineman and trust your receivers."

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KAʻŪ TOOK ALL SETS in Girls Volleyball games at Honokaʻa on Friday. The Dragons defended their home turf, but were overcome by the Trojans' efforts on the court.

     Kaʻū Varsity had to fight hard in the first set, but triumphed over Honkaʻa at 25 to 23. The next two sets were also close, 25 to 17 and 25 to 21, but Kaʻū took the game.

     Junior Varsity Trojans ladies also stormed the court, scoring 25 to 14 and 25 to 21.

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ARTISTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT PIECES for the 31st Trash Show: Hawaiʻi Artists Recycle. Trash Art will be accepted Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual event will be held Oct. 4 through 25, with an opening reception 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4, at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in Hilo. For more information, see ehcc.org.

     During the event, the Upstairs Theater will feature An Exploration of Light, Sound & Spirit, a presentation of "amazing imagery and synthesizing music," created by Ken Goodrich of Hawaiʻi Photo Retreat.

     Tickets at the door: general admission, $15; seniors and children, $12. See iraono.com and volcanogardenarts.com.

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Join a brand new ranger guided walk through the fascinating geologic 

features of Kīlauea and learn about their deep connections to Hawaiian 

history and culture. NPS photo/Pono Christianson

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK continues to share Hawaiian culture and tradition through ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau demonstrations, After Dark in the Park talks, volunteer programs, and opportunities to explore the Park's Kahuku Unit. Unless otherwise noted, events are free:

     Enjoy the annual Picnic in the Park at Kahuku Unit on Sunday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The evednt features taiko drumming and other live, musical entertainment from noon to 3 p.m. Food and shave ice will be available for purchase. Information booths will be set up. ʻOhana Day Hike & Craft Activity for attendees 18 and under runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon; registration required, leileni_rodrigues@nps.gov.

     E mākaʻikaʻi iā Kaʻauea: Explore the Summit, daily at 11 a.m., staring Oct. 1.  Meet in front of Kīlauea Visitor Center. Join a park ranger for a brand new ranger guided walk. Discover the fascinating geologic features of Kīlauea and their deep connections to Hawaiian history and culture. All ages.

     Shape America's Future: Find Your Fit in the Federal Government, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Join Park Ranger Ben Hayes as he shows how to find career opportunities in the Federal Government by navigating the USAJobs website, sharing resume writing tips, and explaining how people can "find your fit in the National Park Service" and other Federal agencies. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series.

Take a step back in time to 1912 and meet the founder 

of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. 

Jaggar. NPS photo/Jamie Richards

     Every Kid Outdoors Day, Saturday, Oct. 12. Kid-friendly activities offered throughout the park, including the chance to complete the new Junior Ranger program at the Kahuku unit in Kaʻū. To celebrate the recently-passed Every Kid Outdoors Act, fourth-grade students can earn a free entrance pass to all national parks. To earn a pass, students must fill out and present the paper voucher at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park entrance station. Everyone in the vehicle gets in with the student for free.

     Why Hawaiian Honey May Be the Best on Earth, Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Join local beekeepers and representatives from the Big Island Beekeepers Association to learn more about island varieties of honey and to taste some varieties first hand. Hawai‘i is one of the few places on earth that exposes honeybees to a vast variety of tropical fruit trees and flowers – some found nowhere else on earth. Hawaiian honeys include Lehua, Kiawe, Coffee, Mac Nut, and many more. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series.

     Lei Kukui Demonstration, Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., meet in front of KīlaueaVisitor Center. Join Park Rangers and staff from Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association to learn about, and how to make lei from, one of the most used plants in Hawaiian culture. Nearly every part of the kukui has a use. Hīpuʻu is a style of lei making where the stems of the leaves are tied together to produce lei. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops.

     Kahuku Coffee Talk: Creatures That Have Evolved in the Dark, Friday, Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Visitor Contact Station at the Kahuku Unit. Join local experts to learn about lava tubes and some of the interesting animals that call them home.

Join Park Rangers to learn about one of the 

most used plants in Hawaiian culture, the 

kukui. Nearly every part of the 

kukui has a use. NPS photo

     A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center Tuesdays in October at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar leads a tour of his tiny lab located below Volcano House, showing original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up free ticket at Kīlauea Visitor Center's front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

     Explore Kahuku. Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free. Take a self-guided hike, or join rangers on Sundays for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m.; the trail will vary depending on visitor interest. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended for all hikes.

     See updates on the Park's online calendar of events, and look for program flyers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kīlauea Visitor Center.
     Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association.

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 Fall Athletics Schedule

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Thu., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Pāhoa hosts Kaʻū

Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū

Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals

Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Tue., Sept. 17, 6 p.m., Waiakea hosts Kaʻū

Thu., Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Keaʻau hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū

Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui

Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū

Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau

Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau

Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

Cross Country:

Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., @Keaʻau

Fri., Oct. 4, 3:30 p.m., @HPA

Sat., Oct. 12, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

Sat., Oct. 19, 10 a.m., @Waiakea

Sat., Oct. 26, 2 p.m., BIIF @Kamehameha

Sat., Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m., HHSAA @Maui

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, SEPT. 17

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Sept. 17 (Committees), Wednesday, Sept. 18, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Registration Open: Painting, Tuesday, Sept. 17-23, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, 796-0107, hihs.org

New Discoveries in Hawai‘i Lava Tubes, Tuesday, Sept. 17, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Cave biologist and UH associate professor Dr. Megan Porter introduces the unique community of lava tube animals found on the island. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Sept. 18, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Community Mtg., asking for input from Kaʻū residents on what Kaʻū needs, happens Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Agenda TBA. oha.org

Kanaka Tree in Concert, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Hawaiian music. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

Registration Open: Colorful Craft, Thursday, Sept. 19-24, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8, takes place Wednesday, Sept. 25, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Race Day, Saturday, Sept. 21, 7.a.m, Ka‘ū coffee Mill. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through macnut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Online registration open through midnight, Sept. 19: webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. Race day (not online) registration closes at 6:30a.m. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

Exhibit - 45th Tiny Treasures Invitational, Saturday, Sept. 21, daily, 9a.m.-5p.m.,Volcano Arts Center Gallery. Features small works created at the Volcano Collaboration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Free Haircut, Shower, Clothes, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster, 12 haircut slots available. Free hot showers. Big Island Giving Tree will hand out clothes and personal care items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice with Tom Peek, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

1st Annual Church Bazaar, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-2p.m., Pāhala Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Auction, thrift shop, baked goods, craft goods, plants, and more. $10/steak plate; priority to pre-sale ticket holders. See church member or call Parish Office at 928-8208 for tickets.

Mixed Media Encaustic - Beginner and Intermediate with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Paul Neves with Hālau Ha‘a Kea o Kinohi, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Hālauolaokalani, Saturday, Sept. 21, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Dances of Universal Peace, Saturday, Sept. 21, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Hall, across from Nā‘ālehu Post Office. 939-9461, hualaniom2@yahoo.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Community Coastal Cleanup and Debris Survey, Saturday, Sept. 22. Free; donations appreciated. Limited space available; B.Y.O.-4WD okay. R.S.V.P. required, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. 769-7629, wildhawaii.org

Palm Trail, Sunday, Sept. 22, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day, Sunday, Sept. 22, noon-3p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Live music, family-friendly activities, hikes and more. Free. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

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. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, September 14, 2019

A USGS gas geochemist and colleagues from the United Kingdom carry multi-gas sensors as they approach the degassing 

fissure 8 cone during Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 eruption. The collaboration between HVO and UK universities allowed for 

better characterization of the aerosols emitted during the eruption, which, in turn, has better informed the larger 

volcanology community about the chemistry of these kinds of plumes. See Volcano Watch below.
USGS photo by P. Nadeau, August 2018

AMID THREATS TO SUE THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS, DHHL will seek a private law firm. In a press release on Friday, DHHL Chair William Aila, Jr.  said the agency wants advice on settling promises of money and land owed to DHHL by the State of Hawaiʻi. In focus is the Maunakea Access Road, where ownership is disputed between the state and DHHL. The state claims ownership, with its Department of Transportation is managing the road, where Protectors of Maunakea have blocked it in protest of building the Thirty Meter Telescope since July 13. Protectors and some public officials, including state Sen. Kai Kahele, say DHHL owns Maunakea Access Road.
     Four Protectors of Maunkea announced last week their intent to sue members of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and state Department of Transportation director Jade Butay, along with Attorney General Clare Conner, and the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory. The Protectors said in their statement that "the State of Hawai‘i pledged to enter into land exchanges to compensate the HHCA trust for 346 acres and that compensation has been held back from HHCA beneficiaries for 24 years."
     The plaintiffs from the Protectors' group are expected to be Edward Halealoha Ayau, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele, Keliʻi "Skippy" Ioane, and Samuel Kaleikoa Kaʻeo. The suit was announced at a press conference in the Maunakea Protectors encampment, set up in protest of the TMT project.

     The Protectors' statement asserts that the state "caused and/or permitted" state law enforcement officers to arrest Hawaiian Homes kūpuna beneficiaries "with no rightful jurisdiction, control, or authority… while these beneficiaries engaged in peaceful assembly while observing under Kapu Aloha."

Seated: Edward Halealoha Ayau, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele, and Samuel Kaleikoa Kaʻeo. 

Photo from Puʻuhonua O Puʻuhuluhulu Facebook

     The announcement also states they intend to sue the Thirty Meter Telescope project "for its planned construction activities to erect a structure and conduct industrial operations," as they are "in violation" of "Land Use Commission rules, land use classifications, and other provisions." They recommend TMT observatory abandon planned construction and seek "the required reclassification of the lands on which it plans to build the TMT from Conservation to Urban."

     Ayau said they take this action, "not because we try to make trouble or because we have nothing better to do. We do it as a sense of responsibility, of kuleana of what Kūhiō intended for this program

Congressman Jonah Kuhio
Kalanianaʻole

to be. If you read the purpose of the Commission Act, all of the programs of the Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands is intended to perpetuate the values and practices of the Hawaiʻi people."
     The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which set aside 200,000 acres for native Hawaiians, passed the U.S. Congress in 1920, with lobbying by Hawaiʻi's territorial congressman, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole.

     Protectors of Maunakea's statement says, "Are we not perpetuating our values and practices by standing up for the Mauna? There is no guilt in what we're doing here. There is no fear in what we are doing here."

    Watch the press conference at Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu Maunakea Facebook.

     At the end of August, the state Attorney General, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and DOT issued a statement that declared Maunakea Access Road belongs to DOT. DOT Deputy Director Ed Sniffen said, "State DOT has controlled and maintained Mauna Kea Access Road since it became part of our highways system in 2018. Prior to that time, sections of the road situated on Hawaiian Home Lands were maintained by the County of Hawai‘i pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement between DHHL and the County of Hawai‘i."

     Aila said HHC was briefed by DHHL staff in January on the background of Act 14 and the "status of outstanding issues, which include the transfer of over 1,328 acres into DHHL's inventory. Resolving these issues is in the best interest of beneficiaries and the trust."

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A MEETING WILL BE HELD IN PĀHALA FOR AG PRODUCERS AFFECTED BY NATURAL DISASTERS in 2018 and 2019. They can apply for financial aid through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus. The federal Farm Service Agency will hold the outreach meeting on Sept. 30, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym Multi-Purpose room. The Natural Resources Conservation Service will be on hand to discuss programs for producers and landowners.
     Other outreach meetings on Hawaiʻi Island will take place at Sept. 27, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pāhoa Community Center, and on Oct. 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., CTAHR in Kealakekua.
     USDA "stressed the importance of producers to attend the outreach meetings so they can learn first-hand the records requirements necessary to document their losses in order to apply for assistance."

Halemaʻumaʻu plume from Highway 11, May 15, 2018. 

Ashfall affected crops last year.

Photo by firefighter Lizzy Stabo

     Al Frenzel, executive director of FSA for Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Basin, said, "There is no doubt that extreme weather has greatly impacted Hawaiʻi's agricultural producers over the last several years. Congress recently passed a disaster relief package which will benefit Hawaiʻi and Pacific Basin producers who have suffered from tropical storms, hurricanes, flooding, volcano eruption and typhoon-caused damages."
     WHIP+ Eligibility is available for eligible producers who have suffered eligible losses of certain crops, trees, bushes, or vines in counties with a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration or a Secretarial Disaster Designation. Disaster losses must have been a result of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanic activity, snowstorms, or wildfires that occurred in 2018 or 2019.
     This includes Tropical Storms Gita, Maria, and Olivia; lava and VOG impacting Hawaiʻi County after the volcano eruption; Hurricane Lane; and Typhoons Mangkhut and Yutu.
     Producers in Counties that did not receive a disaster declaration or designation may still apply for WHIP+ but must provide supporting documentation to establish that the crops were directly affected by a qualifying disaster loss.
     Eligible crops include those for which federal crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage is available, excluding crops intended for grazing. Grazing and livestock losses, other than milk losses, are covered by other disaster recovery programs offered through FSA, those losses are not eligible for WHIP+. A list of crops covered by crop insurance is available through USDA's Risk Management Agency Actuarial Information Browser.
     A list of counties that received qualifying disaster declarations and designations, plus more details, is available at farmers.gov/recover/whip-plus.

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Hoʻokena Beach Park, a popular beach for Kaʻū residents, will be closed on Friday. Photo by Bahia Delray

HOʻOKENA BEACH, frequently visited by Kaʻū residents, will close Friday, Sept. 20, while Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation conducts tree trimming work in all areas of the park, including the parking lot and around the pavilion.

     The Department apologizes for any inconvenience this park closure may cause, and thanks the public for their patience and understanding during this temporary closure.

     For more information, please call Parks and Recreation at (808) 961-8311.

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IN THE U.S., 87 PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE NEED OR CHOOSE TO RELY ON CARS on a daily basis, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. WalletHub recently released a list of the best and worst cities for driving. Honolulu, the only city in Hawaiʻi in the study, ranked at 91, the tenth worst, among the 100 largest cities in the U.S. Average gas prices, annual hours in traffic congestion per auto commuter, and auto-repair shops per capita were some of the parameters used to calculate the ranking.
     Honolulu did rank ninth best city in the U.S. for public transportation. It has the highest number of public transport vehicles per 100,000 people, and is 13th highest in safety.

     Nationwide, drivers annually spend an average of more than 310 hours on the road – nearly 13 days, states WalletHub. "Add the costs of wasted time and fuel due to traffic congestion, and our collective tab comes to about $124 billion annually, or $1,700 per household."

     According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, America's highways and bridges are underfunded, with an $836 billion backlog of repairs needed. The World Economic forum ranks U.S. roads at 11th in quality out of 140 economically developed nations.

     Honolulu ranks 26th best in driving safety nationwide, and 35th best in Access to Vehicle Maintenance. Honolulu ranks 87th worst in Traffic and Infrastructure, and 96th worst in Cost of Ownership and Maintenance.

     While Honolulu does not rank highest for gas prices – San Francisco took that honor, at an average $4.13 per gallon – Honolulu did rank highest in the nation for car repair costs.
     View the full reports at wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-to-drive-in/13964 and wallethub.com/edu/cities-with-the-best-worst-public-transportation/65028/.

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VOLCANIC GASSES AND THE SCIENTISTS THAT STUDY THEM are the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

     This week, a group of volcanic gas scientists from across the United States, including staff from the USGS HVO, gather at the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, WA, for a workshop to improve and facilitate collaboration within the volcanic gas community during times of eruption or volcanic unrest. The attendees are a subset of a larger group of volcanologists that form CONVERSE (Community Network for Volcanic Eruption Response).

USGS personnel wear masks to filter out gases while in the field. 
USGS Photo

     During Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse, HVO worked around the clock to monitor, measure, and keep track of all aspects of the ever-changing volcanic activity. But HVO's staff, which numbered 25-30 at the time, couldn't do it alone, especially when it became clear that the eruption was not going to end after just a few days. Colleagues from other USGS volcano observatories, including those in Alaska, Washington, and California, cycled through the eruption response team, with some individuals assisting HVO staff for weeks at a time.

     In addition to USGS colleagues who assisted with the Kīlauea eruption response, university scientists were also integral to the effort in many ways. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo opened its doors to the entire eruption response team when HVO and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park were evacuated. Furthermore, UHH scientists played a crucial role in monitoring the eruption, particularly in terms of situational awareness through UAS (unmanned aircraft systems, or drones) and rapid measurements of changing lava chemistry.

     Still, USGS and UHH expertise is not limitless. In some cases, we needed to reach beyond our USGS and local university colleagues to other academic institutions for specialized expertise with certain instrumentation and measurement techniques.

     For example, HVO measures gas emission rates and the chemistry of volcanic volatiles, but there are also many tiny liquid and solid particles (aerosols) emitted in volcanic plumes. During the 2018 eruption response, HVO did not have the equipment or staff to adequately measure both gases and particles, so colleagues from universities in the United Kingdom were invited to Kīlauea to study the aerosol content of the eruptive plumes.

Sulfur gases are one type of gas studied by USGS scientists.
USGS photo

     Unfortunately, such collaborations are not always as easy or timely as they could be. The volcanology community within the United States and around the world is fragmented between various government agencies, including the USGS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and others, as well as many other academic institutions, such as museums, universities, and colleges.

     This is where workshops like the one this week come in, with the goal of streamlining collaborations between these varied groups. CONVERSE, a research coordination network funded by the National Science Foundation, brings together volcanologists from many different institutions to enhance the ability of the volcanology community to work together on scientific efforts. The network will focus first on U.S. researchers, and eventually on international collaborations.

     Goals of CONVERSE include improved coordination during eruption response efforts so that critical data gaps – like aerosol particle measurements – are addressed. By facilitating smoother collaborations and, therefore, improved datasets, the volcanology community can more effectively advance understanding of magmatic and volcanic processes.

     CONVERSE is not focused specifically on volcanic volatiles, but is an interdisciplinary collaboration, with scientists specializing in other research areas, including seismology, deformation, modeling, petrology, and public communications. Each of the CONVERSE subgroups will have its own focused workshops, and will later come together to create a broad, interdisciplinary plan for studying future eruptions in the United States. In some of those groups, Kīlauea's 2018 eruption response will be a topic of much discussion: what went right during the eruption response, and where might we have been able to do better?

USGS scientist and drone operator. USGS photo 

     By asking such questions and bringing volcanologists from around the country together to answer them, CONVERSE aims to better monitor restless volcanoes. With more collaborative monitoring, we can collect more and higher quality data, and ultimately better understand how volcanoes work, including ours here in Hawaiʻi.

     Volcano Activity Updates

     Neither Kīlauea nor Mauna Loa volcanoes are erupting.

     Deformation monitoring showed no notable changes in Kīlauea over the past week. Rates of seismicity across the volcano remained largely steady. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are low at the summit and below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the Lower East Rift Zone (LERZ). The water pond at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen.

     At or near the 2018 LERZ eruptive fissures, elevated ground temperatures and minor releases of gas – steam, tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide – persist. These are typical post-eruption conditions and are expected to be long-term.

     This past week, 49 small-magnitude earthquakes (less than M2.5) were detected beneath the upper elevations of Mauna Loa. Deformation measurements show continued summit inflation. No significant changes in volcanic gas release were measured, and fumarole temperatures remain unchanged.

    Five earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.4 quake, 9 km (6 mi) south of Leilani Estates at 7 km (4 mi) depth on Sept. 11 at 4:47 p.m.; M3.5 quake, 7 km (4 mi) northeast of Pāhala at 32 km (20 mi) depth on Sept. 9 at 10:24 p.m.; M1.7 quake, 5 km (3 mi) southwest of Volcano at -0 km (-0 mi) depth on Sept. 6 at 8:06 p.m.; M3.2 quake, 6 km (4 mi) southwest of Volcano at -0 km (-0 mi) depth on Sept. 6 at 7:58 p.m.; and M2.7 quake, 2 km (1 mi) south of Volcano at 2 km (1 mi) depth on Sept. 5 at 9:40 a.m.
     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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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 September

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Thu., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Pāhoa hosts Kaʻū

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Tue., Sept. 17, 6 p.m., Waiakea hosts Kaʻū

Thu., Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Keaʻau hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū

Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Cross Country:

Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., @Keaʻau

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

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

People and Land of Kahuku, Sunday, Sept. 15, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, SEPT. 17

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Sept. 17 (Committees), Wednesday, Sept. 18, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Registration Open: Painting, Tuesday, Sept. 17-23, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, 796-0107, hihs.org

New Discoveries in Hawai‘i Lava Tubes, Tuesday, Sept. 17, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Cave biologist and UH associate professor Dr. Megan Porter introduces the unique community of lava tube animals found on the island. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Sept. 18, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Community Mtg., asking for input from Kaʻū residents on what Kaʻū needs, happens Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Agenda TBA. oha.org

Kanaka Tree in Concert, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Hawaiian music. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

Registration Open: Colorful Craft, Thursday, Sept. 19-24, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8, takes place Wednesday, Sept. 25, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Race Day, Saturday, Sept. 21, 7.a.m, Ka‘ū coffee Mill. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through macnut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Online registration open through midnight, Sept. 19: webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. Race day (not online) registration closes at 6:30a.m. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

Exhibit - 45th Tiny Treasures Invitational, Saturday, Sept. 21, daily, 9a.m.-5p.m.,Volcano Arts Center Gallery. Features small works created at the Volcano Collaboration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Free Haircut, Shower, Clothes, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster, 12 haircut slots available. Free hot showers. Big Island Giving Tree will hand out clothes and personal care items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice with Tom Peek, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

1st Annual Church Bazaar, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-2p.m., Pāhala Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Auction, thrift shop, baked goods, craft goods, plants, and more. $10/steak plate; priority to pre-sale ticket holders. See church member or call Parish Office at 928-8208 for tickets.

Mixed Media Encaustic - Beginner and Intermediate with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Paul Neves with Hālau Ha‘a Kea o Kinohi, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Hālauolaokalani, Saturday, Sept. 21, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Dances of Universal Peace, Saturday, Sept. 21, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Hall, across from Nā‘ālehu Post Office. 939-9461, hualaniom2@yahoo.com

ONGOING

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sunday, 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. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted. 

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