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Kaida Houvener, the inspiration for the annual Houvener family Christmas
extravaganza in upper Ocean View, is barely
discernible standing next to Mickey Mouse. Behind
him is a new twelve-foot-tall reindeer. See more below.
Photo by Peter Bosted |
A NEW CHAIR WILL LEAD NĀ MAMO O KĀWĀ into the next decade. The non-profit's Board of Directors elected Ryan Kanakaʻole as Chairman. On the NMOK website, the new chair states he is from Wai‘ōhinu, Kaʻū, "where my family has lived for generations." He attended school in both Nāʻālehu and Pāhala, then transferred to Kamehameha Schools. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and a J.D. and Certificate in Native Hawaiian Law from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa's William S. Richardson School of Law. He states, "Although my law practice is in Honolulu , my work at Kāwā allows me to stay connected with my ʻohana and give back to my community." He is the son of long-time Kaʻū High School teacher Cheryl Kanakaʻole.
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| Ryan Kanakaʻole |
States the NMOK website: "The Kaʻū coast has long been regarded as one of the remaining gems of wild, unadulterated coastline in Hawaiʻi. Kāwā was recognized by the community as a wahi pana integral to the preservation of the Kaʻū coast. Located in the ahupuaʻa of Kaʻalāiki, Hīlea Nui and Hīlea Iki, the Kāwā lands consist of undeveloped coastal lands encompassing approximately 785 acres. As one of the few areas in Kaʻū that feature an array of natural and cultural resources reasonably accessible to the public, Kāwā is of vital importance and has a significant need for a thoughtful and effective community stewardship effort."
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A giant Santa hovers high above an
inflatable snowman. The tall ‘ōhiʻa trees
behind are decorated with lights resembling
fireflies. Photo by Peter Bosted
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For the past
fourteen years, this yard has become famous throughout Kaʻū as the go-to
destination for an extravaganza of Christmas lights and decorations of all
shapes, sizes, colors and themes. The display is on from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
each evening before Christmas, during the holiday season.
Regular visitors
to this seasonal attraction will find many new additions among the old
favorites. Kaida Houvener, whose day time job is managing South Point U-Cart,
is the brains, brawn, sweat and inspiration behind the annual wonderland. The
day after Christmas last year, he was raiding the box stores for greatly
reduced Christmas decor, and this year they are very much in evidence in the
display.
Perhaps the
largest among the large is a new 12-foot reindeer with soulful doe
eyes. Houvener and his wife, Michelle, collaborated on a family of
Scooby-Doo characters: she drew the life-size figures on plywood, he cut them
out and she painted them. In the same way, they created giant nut-cracker
soldiers that seemingly guard the approach to their home. A new set of inflated
Minion characters from the Despicable Me franchise and a North Pole
Starburst are on the list of possible new favorites this year.
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A 12-foot-tall reindeer towers over the roof on which Santa
and his reindeer have come to rest. The reindeer is one of the
many post-Christmas bargains that Kaida Houvener bought
with money donated by the
community. Photo by Peter Bosted
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Houvener also
bought and installed a 100-foot-long white fence that is tall enough for a
light show. Along this he has arranged 22 projectors that throw lighted images
of Christmas icons onto the fence. Candy canes seem to miraculously grow from
the lava. Firefly lights in the topmost
branches of the ‘ōhiʻa trees enhance the feeling of wonderment.
Each year
Houvener adds more attractions – they are either snapped up at post-Christmas
sales, made by him, or donated by stores. The show is powered by two
generators, with a combined total of 10 outlets, from which 125 extension cords
are run to power the lights, projectors, and a plethora of inflatables.
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A view of a small part of the lights and decorations
that light up the night sky each evening before
Christmas from
of Lehua and Palm in Ocean View.
Photo by Peter Bosted
|
His oldest
inflatable, "Let it Snow," is 13 years old, while a mechanical teeter
totter that features Santa on one side and three reindeer on the other and is
constantly in motion, is almost as old.
If purchasing,
storing, setting up, and taking down these displays is not daunting enough,
Houvener has the daily chore of making sure things don't break or get
damaged. Each inflatable is set up on a palette to protect if from the ʻaʻa
of the yard. Each evening, he removes the covering tarps so they can be
inflated and viewed. When the show ends at 8
p.m. , he goes around and tarps each inflatable to protect it. The Hawai’i
sun can make them brittle, if they are not shielded all day.
The community shows
its appreciation of Houvener's efforts by dropping cash into his Santa mail
box. This allows him to expand his show and give money to the Annual Keiki
Christmas at Kahuku County
Park
"I get to be
a kid myself" is how Houvener explains his role. "I was from a
family of six kids. Mom and Dad didn't have much, so we got a lot of thrift
store gifts. I was happy. I was happy to have a bike to ride on, and I didn't
care if it was not new. I learned you don't have to be rich to make others
happy. I'm not rich, but I can see how all this spreads happiness," said
Houvener. "This is my way of making myself happy."
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| "Let It Snow" is the name of these
three inflatable snow men. It is the oldest Christmas decoration in the
Houvener family display that has been growing and evolving for 14 years. Photo by Peter Bosted |
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Santa in a hula skirt is a big draw. When visitors
press a button, Santa wiggles his hips and swings
his arms as he sings a verse
of Winter
Wonderland. Photo by Peter Bosted
|
DON'T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE urges Hawaiʻi Police
Department. The annual message from HPD was released this week:
"During the
holiday season there are many more people driving the roads in Hawaiʻi County
than on an average day. With that knowledge, the Hawaiʻi Police
Department is asking drivers to be extra cautious when traveling the
roadways. If you consume any intoxicating substance don't drive. Driving
under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous. Fatal crashes
directly related to driving under the influence have devastated far too many
families on the Big Island
"We are
asking for your help. If you see a vehicle that is driving erratic or appears
to be operated by a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
please call the Police Department immediately. 935-3311 is the non-emergency
number and 911 can be called in an emergency. It takes our entire community
working together to have the greatest impact on making our roads safe.
"It's easy:
'If you feel different, you drive different.' Don't drive under influence of
any substance."
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KEIKI CHRISTMAS AT KAHUKU PARK last Saturday was a great
success and involved a lot of people. Event coordinator, Kuʻulei Smith, told The
Kaʻū Calendar that there were more people to thank than those written about
on the Thursday, Dec. 19 Kaʻū News Briefs:
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| A tiny keiki plays a ring game. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
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| Giving elves were in abundance last Saturday at the Keiki Christmas event at Kahuku Park. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
Booth vendors were Malia Kahumoku, Samantha
Behrendt, Kaʻū Skate Club, St. Jude's Church, Anne Pagni, Robert Unger, Ehu
DeAguiar, and Joy Santiago, who gifted the keiki with cookie decorating,
homemade cards, snow cones, handmade pillow cases, stockings, games, and face
painting.
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| The cookie decorating booth. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
Ocean View Fire
Department and Emergency Medical Team transported Santa to the event. Meleana
Smith and Deanna Martin provided all of the printing for the event. Kaʻū Business
Services, Lisa's Gift Shop, and South Point U-Cart offered their business
locations as drop-off sites for the donations for the event. Kaʻū Business
Services, Lisa's Gift Shop, South Point U-Cart, OV Pizzaria, Rancho Ace
Hardware, Kahuku Country Market, and DJ's Pizza all made donations to the
event. Individuals who made donations included Kelly and Greg Goddard, Kindra
Frautus of Gallery on the Go, Juan Martinez, Margaret Steacy, and Gabe and Yolanda
Morales. Karen Savage set up a donation jar at Lisa's gift shop and match an $80
donation, then went shopping for gifts with that money.
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| Families gather at booths for donated items, like handmade cards and pillowcases, stockings, and more. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
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| Snow cones handed out by Kaʻū Skate Club members. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
THE SECOND STORY OF A VOLCANO HOME CAUGHT FIRE last night at
11-3903 Liona Street . The
two-story, 2,514 square foot home is at the end of a more than 200-foot long, narrow
driveway. The initial call came in as a propane fire. Hawaiʻi Fire Department
Volcano units, along with Keaʻau Engine company, entered the upstairs, open
beam living area, where "a significant amount of the living/dining room
content had caught fire."
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| Santa hosts keiki on his lap for photos and presents, in front of a decorated tree and a fireplace made by Rosie Parker. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
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A WIND ADVISORY, HIGH SURF ADVISORY, AND SMALL CRAFT
ADVISORY are in place for Kaʻū through tomorrow. The National Weather Service
warns of east winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 55 mph. NWS
states "Winds this strong are capable of downing trees, tents, and
temporary structures, and causing power outages. Motorists should use caution
when driving high profile vehicles." Gusts are expected to be strongest in
mountain passes, especially in leeward areas.
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| Sound and free wifi were perks sourced for the Keiki Christmas at Kahuku Park. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
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AN OPPORTUNITY FOR KAʻŪ FOOD PRODUCERS TO REACH JAPAN is offered
by the Hawaiʻi Food Manufacturers Association, by signing up for the 2020 HFMA
Japan Export program. Deadline to sign up for a booth, at both the FOODEX and
FABEX tradeshows in Japan
is Friday, Dec. 27. Payment is due within seven days of making a reservation.
HFMA and Mana Up
companies may present products at the FOODEX tradeshow from Tuesday, March 10
through Friday, March 13, in the Department of Agriculture pavilion. The FABEX
tradeshow is held Wednesday, April 15 through Friday, April 17, in the DBEDT pavilion.
Each company will be designated a 12" by 8" by 12" shelf space
area to display product for $300 at each show. Onsite staff will provide
attendees with information about products displayed and provide contact
information. For a higher participation fee, $600, companies can have a product
featured and sampled on a rotating basis throughout show. Import clearance on
products is only needed for products being sampled but recommended if serious
about export. Trade show participants should be able to get feedback on interest
of their products in the market, states HFMA, and may also open opportunities
for initiating or increasing sales in Japan .
HFMA also offers information on tours during the FABEX show, which include a retail market tour and a manufacturing tour. Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, Jan. 15.
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| A smiling keiki has their photo taken with Santa. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
HFMA also offers information on tours during the FABEX show, which include a retail market tour and a manufacturing tour. Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Contact Shawn
Mawae smawae@hicoffeeco.com to
reserve space at in the HFMA booths or tours.
HFMA released Foods
of Hawaiʻi
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| Helpful elves select toys for keiki based on age and gender for Santa to hand out. Photo by Kuʻulei Smith |
HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK'S ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE, landscape
painter Dawn Waters Baker, will present her work to the public at Kahuku Unit's
Visitor Contact Station during this month's Coffee Talk on Friday, Dec.
27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. She will also paint throughout the
park, en plein air. The artist lives in Texas ,
but was born and raised in the Philippines
and lived through the Mt. Pinatubo Volcanoes
National Park
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See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
Girls Basketball
Swimming
UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25
Christmas Buffet, Wednesday, Dec. 25,5-8p.m. , Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, in HVNP. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
FRIDAY, DEC. 27
Monthly Mele & Hula ‘Auana Performances, Friday, Dec. 27, 4-5:30p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Amahl & Night Visitors Show, Friday, Dec. 27-Jan. 3,5-8p.m. , Kīlauea Military Camp's Theater, in HVNP. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
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2019-2020 Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball
Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala
Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa
Boys Basketball
Sat., Dec. 28 host Kohala
Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA
Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa
Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena
Wrestling
Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe
Soccer
Mon., Dec. 23 Boys host Kohala, 3pm
Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm
Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA
Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm
Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa
Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
Ka‘ū Community Cleanup, Sunday, Dec. 22. Space available. BYO-4WD also welcome. R.S.V.P. in advance to 769-7629, mattieHWF@gmail.com, or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. wildhawaii.org
Palm Trail, Sunday, Dec. 22, 9:30-12:30p.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile l
MONDAY, DEC. 23
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Kapa Aloha ‘Āina, the fabric of Hawai‘i with Puakea Forester, Monday, Dec. 23, 11a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9
Kōnane, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 10a.m. -noon , Kīlauea Visitor Center
Christmas Buffet, Wednesday, Dec. 25,
THURSDAY, DEC. 26
Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday – last Thursday, monthly – Dec. 26, 11a.m. -noon , Pāhala Community Center
Kahuku Coffee Talk: Artist in the Park, Friday, Dec. 27, 9:30-11a.m. , Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. F
Amahl & Night Visitors Show, Friday, Dec. 27-Jan. 3,
SATURDAY, DEC. 28
Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Dec. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to
Ocean View Skatepark Design Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 28, 3-5 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Help create a design plan and drawings of skatepark features to present to County Council. Organized by Kalanihale 501- 3c NPO. Public welcome. Kaimi Kaupiko, 808-937-1310
ONGOING
Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees app
Vote for the Best Cottage Decorations at Kīlauea Military Camp through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The public is invited to stroll along the sidewalks around the KMC Cottages where the staff has entered a contest for best Christmas decorations. The outdoor displays are best seen at night. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
KMC hosts a Christmas Day dinner buffet, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. , on Dec. 25 at Crater Rim Café. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child for ages 6-11, five and under free. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
The KMC New Year's Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. at the Lava Lounge will have live music from Blue Tattoo. The $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight . Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.com.
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.
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.
