Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 11, 2010

Snow came down and blanketed Mauna Loa Friday night, with the white-capped
volcano welcoming the Saturday morning sunrise.

THE NUMBER OF AHI in waters off Ka`u may go down if fishing nations with large industrial ships fail to reduce their catch throughout the Pacific. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, which yesterday wrapped up its annual session on highly migratory fish, said the population of ahi could collapse. Two years ago, nations fishing in the Western and Central Pacific, which includes Hawai`i, agreed to cut back their catch by 10 percent a year, but compliance has been less than perfect. Officials at the conference held on O`ahu said they plan to work on non-compliance and come up with stricter measures at their next annual meeting. One of the problems is that the giant nets catch too many juvenile fish.

Governor Abercrombie receives encouragement from  Senator Dan Inouye
on the night before the election. Abercrombie comes to Ka`u tomorrow
for a ceremony as part of his inauguration festivities.

SOME 45 MEMBERS of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Ka`u plan to greet Governor Neil Abercrombie when he comes to Ka`u tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Pahala Plantation House. The governor will be accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz and First Lady, Dr. Nancie Caraway. Called E Ho’omalu O Hawai`i, the event is a continuation of ceremonies for the inauguration of the new governor. Everyone is invited to attend. 

LEI FOR THE GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY, who meet the public tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Pahala Plantation House, have been made by Mona Chow, of Kapapala, and Dedrick Kealoha Saplan, of Pahala. A pule by Auntie Pele Hanoa and an oli by Kilohana Domingo will be presented. Musical accompaniment will be by Demetrius Oliveira and Denise Peralta. A chant will be presented by Rory Kahakuloa Kailiawa Akau. The governor and lieutenant governor will give short talks. A taste of food grown on the Big Island will be offered. 

     Public officials, such as Senator Russell Kokubun, who will become the next Chairman of the state Department of Agriculture, and new County Council member Brittany Smart are expected to attend.
     The governor asks that everyone bring cans of food or cash donations for area food banks.

THE PAHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE follows the governor’s visit tomorrow. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and has been visiting homes and Ka`u Hospital for more than 40 years. Its organizer is Eddie Andrade.

VOLCANO VILLAGE lights up with its third annual Holiday Lights Celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. tonight at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus. A Christmas tree and light display will accompany Christmas caroling around Volcano Village led by a group of costumed characters. There will be marshmallow roasting, an "Ohia Yule Log Hunt" and a Children's Christmas Ornament Contest. Santa will make an appearance with his leading lady, Mrs. Claus.

CHRISTMAS IN KA`U is filling the air today at the Na`alehu Hongwanji Hall, with live entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring church groups from around the Big Island. A Free Lunch is set from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lucky number drawing and games for adults and children were planned, all sponsored by Thy Word Ministries-Ka`u and other participating churches.

OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU is another happening for today. The free concert at Ocean View Community Center is set for 2:30 p.m. and sponsored by the Ka`u School of the Arts. It features a chorus and the Ka`u `Ohana Band.

Voting for the best decorated cottage at KMC goes through December 20.

DON’T FORGET TO stop in to see the glow of the volcano caldera from the lookout at Jaggar Museum inside Hawai`I Volcanoes National Park, and on your way, see the Kilauea Military Camp Cottages decorations and lighting. You can vote for your top three favorite cottages by picking up an entry blank at the KMC Front Desk, Café, General Store or Recreation Center. Each person who votes will receive a Holiday Dollar that can be used at KMC – including the bowling lanes. The judging for the lights takes place through December 20.