Ka`u News Briefs April 30, 2012

Ocean View resident Sammi Hokulani Fo, center, is Lei Day Queen at festivities tomorrow at East Hawai`i Cultural Center in Hilo. Photo by Julia Neal

A 2012 ECONOMIC ACCELERATOR package to improve the economy has been released by Senate Ways and Means Committee chair David Y. Ige. The proposal includes:
* Advancing $400 million to create jobs and to provide needed investments in aging facilities.
* Refocus and enhance film and digital media credits to create more local jobs, expand the industry throughout the state, and enhance the state’s visitor marketing.
* Make strategic investments in our core tourism industry by providing an additional $2 million to develop and implement initiatives to take advantage of expanded visa programs and increased travel opportunities for international visitors, including China. Maximize the synergy between tourism and film by integrating the film office into Hawai`i Tourism Authority.
* Accelerate and enhance the partnership with the car rental industry by appropriating $500 million in revenue bonds to improve facilities.
* Make critical investments in social infrastructure by providing needed funds to the nonprofit community that provides safety-net services for our citizens.

Mufi Hannemann
Photo by Julia Neal

THE MUFI HANNEMANN CAMPAIGN for Congress is warning citizens about a telemarketing technique that poses as legitimate polling. Called Push Polling, it canvasses potential voters and feeds them false and damaging “information” about a candidate under the guise of taking a poll to see how this “information” effects voter preferences. “These telemarketing techniques damage the electoral process in two ways. They injure candidates, often without revealing the source of the information. Also, the results of a Push Poll, if released, “give a seriously flawed and biased picture of the political situation,” says a statement from the campaign. The Hannemann campaign says that pollsters can be screened by listening for the following: 

• A pollster from a credible research firm will always identify the name of his or her firm at the beginning of the call;
• The questions are worded in a clear, neutral, and non-misleading way;
• The questions are typically about more than one candidate or mention both sides of an issue; and
• The interviewer will ask respondents for basic demographic information, such as age, educational background, and party identification.
      “Push polling and other related tactics have no place in Hawai`i’s unique culture of aloha,” says a statement from the Hannemann campaign.

      See more at mufihannemann.com.

A HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT is the initiative of Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, who introduced it into the U.S. Senate last week. It drew support of nearly 200 organizations that work to overcome the health disparities that disproportionately affect minority groups.

Sen. Daniel Inouye
Photo by Julia Neal

Sen. Daniel Akaka
Photo by Julia Neal

      “The Health Equity and Accountability Act makes improving health outcomes for minorities in this country a priority,” Akaka said. He said it will overcome cultural and language barriers and increase research on prevention and treatment of diseases that disproportionately affect minorities. “The diverse nature of our nation’s population requires that we adjust our healthcare system to accommodate for medical conditions, diseases, environmental realities, and mental health issues that frequently affect different minorities,” Inouye said. “When there are barriers to good health care it hurts us all, not only minorities,” Akaka said.

THE  HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION of the Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding community meetings in May to provide opportunities for public input on the development of the 2012-2017 State Historic Preservation Plan. “Historic sites are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide the community with a sense of continuity,” said Pua Aiu, SHPD administrator. “The programs and services offered by SHPD are designed to promote the use and maintenance of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawai`i’s citizens and visitors. Community input is essential to help set priorities for the State Historic Preservation Plan and will guide actions over the next five years.”

Ka`u High school, on the state Register of Historic Places, is one example of historic preservation in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

      The meetings begin with a presentation on historic preservation issues in present-day Hawai`i. Participants can contribute to the discussion on a variety of topics including priorities for historic preservation in Hawai`i and individual communities, key participants, existing community resources and identifying what other resources are needed.
      SHPD receives grant funding from the National Park Service.
      Meetings are scheduled Tuesday, May 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Waiakea High School in Hilo and Thursday, May 17, 5 p.m. to p.m. at Kealakehe Intermediate School in Kona.
      Community members may also share their thoughts by calling 1-877-535-5767, by emailing historicpreservation@smshawaii.com or mailing to SMS, 1042 Fort Street Mall, Suite 200, Honolulu, HI 96813.
      For more information, visit hawaiihistoricpreservation.com.

Sammi Hokulani Fo
Image from leiday.net

HER FLORAL MAJESTY, Sammi Hokulani Fo, of Ocean View, is Lei Day Queen at festivities taking place tomorrow at East Hawai`i Cultural Center in Hilo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A proclamation from Mayor Billy Kenoi names May 1 Lei Day and May “the Month of Lei in Hawai`i County.”

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates May Day tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with live entertainment by Kani Le`a Ma Kilauea `Ukulele Band and a hands-on cultural demonstration of lei making. The event is free. Donations are welcomed, and park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

FRANCES KAKUGAWA shares stories of her life growing up in Kapoho at After Dark in the Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Two-dollar donations support park programs. The program is free, and park entrance fees apply.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs April 29, 2012

The Ka`u Coffee Experience will be the title of the coffee tasting inside Pahala Community Center Saturday, May 12.
Photo by Julia Neal

A REVERSE TRADE MISSION is coming to Ka`u for the second year during the annual Ka`u Coffee Festival. Festival chair Chris Manfredi said the Trade Mission brings specialty coffee industry leaders to the state’s largest agricultural district to “taste and see what Ka`u Coffee is all about.” Those invited by Manfredi whose trips are sponsored by the Festival are Midwest native Anthony Carroll, manager of Coffee Quality for Starbucks and Jeff Taylor, founder of PT’s Coffee Roasting Company in Topeka, Kansas.

Anthony Carroll Photo from nicefmradio.com

      Manfredi said that Carroll taste-tests up to 100 cups of coffee per day to ensure consistency of Starbuck’s core coffees and seasonal favorites. He also develops new coffee blends and seeks out rare and exotic single-origin coffee to add to Starbuck’s exclusive Reserve Program. Last fall, Ka`u Coffee was featured in New York City and select markets through Starbuck’s Reserve menu.
      Manfredi said Taylor is known as one of the top micro-roasters in the nation. His PT Coffee Roasting Company was recently selected to represent the U.S. in the World Roasting Championship. Each spring, Taylor travels to coffee-producing areas to personally select the finest coffees available for roasting and selling throughout the U.S. Taylor is also a former award-winning photojournalist.
      Said Manfredi, “These representatives from the Mainland coffee industry will take farm tours, get in on guided coffee tastings with U.S. Barista Champion Pete Licata and also meet and personally visit our individual growers at friendly festival vendor booths,” during the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a on Saturday, May 12. Open to the public, these activities are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and headquartered at Pahala Community Center.

Jeff Taylor Photo from ptscoffee.com

      Among growers with festival booths are top ten Specialty Coffee Association of America’s 2012 Coffee of the Year winners Will and Grace Tabios with Rising Sun Coffee, Lorie Obra of Rusty’s Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee, and Francis and Trinidad Marques of Ali‘i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee.

      On Sunday, May 13, the visiting coffee experts will share “invaluable insight” on roasting, packaging and marketing coffee to Mainland and international consumers during the 9 a.m. to noon Ka`u Coffee College, said Manfredi. The sessions at Pahala Community Center are geared to Ka`u farmers and will also include a presentation on controlling the coffee berry borer by Dr. Robert Hollingsworth, research entomologist with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service.

       For details on all festival events, visit www.kaucoffeefest.com and follow Ka`u Coffee Festival on facebook, twitter and at kaucoffeefestival.blogspot.com.

Lee McIntosh Photo by
Chuck Greene

THE PRIMARY ELECTION on Aug. 11 will determine Ka`u’s County Council member and the island’s prosecuting attorney, unless there are one or more runoffs in the General Election in November. It is also the primary for state and federal elections, including President of the United States and U.S. senators and House of Representative members. To date, here’s who is running to represent Ka`u, South Kona and Volcano (names in alphabetical order):
· County Council District 6: Marie Burns, Maile David, Brenda Ford, Lee McIntosh and Bradley Westervelt;
· Hawai`i County Prosecuting Attorney: Lincoln Ashida, Paul Dolan and Mitch Roth;
· Hawai`i County Mayor: James Agee, incumbent Mayor Billy Kenoi, Anne Marsh, Abolghassem Sadegh and Dominic Yagong.
      State Representative and Senate Districts are subject to change based on the outcome of a lawsuit challenging reapportionment.
· State Representative District 3 (Punalu`u through Kea`au and parts of Hilo: Fred Fogel, Marlene Hapai and Brittany Smart;

Marie Burns Photo by
Chuck Greene

· State Representative District 5 (Honu`apo into Kailua-Kona: Denny Coffman and Rep. Bob Herkes;
· State Senate District 2 (Punalu`u through Puna): Rep. Bob Herkes, Steven Hirakami, Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a, Russell Ruderman and Gary Safarik;
· State Senator District 3 (Honu`apo to Keahole Airport): Josh Green, Michael Last and John Totten;
· U.S. Representative District 2: Patric Brock, David Crowley, Matthew Degeronimo, Tulsi Gabbard, Mufi Hannemann, Esther Kia`aina, Bob Marx, Miles Shiratori and Mark Terry;
· U.S. Senate: Heath Beasley, Ed Case, Charles Collins, Michael Dane Gillespie, Antonio Gimbernat, Mazie Hirono, Linda Lingle, Edward Pirkowski and Arturo Reyes.
· U.S. President: Newt Gingrich, incumbent President Barack Obama, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney.

Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy

KAILEE KUHAULUA-STACY won Evening Gown and Miss Sunshine awards and became Second Runner-up Princess in the Young Miss Lehua Hawai`i competition last night in Hilo. She was the sole participant from Ka`u.

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY this Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, with live entertainment by Kani Le`a Ma Kilauea `Ukulele Band and a hands-on cultural demonstration of lei making. The event is free. Donations are welcomed, and park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

KAPOHO: MEMOIR OF A MODERN POMPEII is the topic Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, when Frances Kakugawa shares stories of her life growing up in Kapoho. Two-dollar donations support park programs. The program is free, and park entrance fees apply.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs April 28, 2012

At center of table, Crystal McIntosh serves her Strawberry Mocha Trifle, which won Best Taste of Ka`u at last year's
Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest. The deadline to enter this year's contest, which takes place Sunday, May 6, has been
extended to Thursday, May 3. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

THE STATE LEGISLATURE’S stalemate over the budget has ended. Rep. Marcus Oshiro and Sen. David Ige have agreed on an $11.2 billion budget and a capital improvement project outlay.
      The budget includes $428 million in new bond-financed state construction, including $250 million for repair and maintenance projects, more money than the House and Gov. Neil Abercrombie had proposed but less than the Senate had wanted to spur economic recovery, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
      The cutoff time for other finance-related bills is now Monday morning, and the 2012 Hawai`i Legislature adjourns Thursday. Check progress of bills at www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

Manele, or Soapberry Wingleaf, is accessible off
Mauna Loa Road in Hawai`i Volcanoes N.P.

A NATIVE TREE FOUND IN KA`U and another in South Kona are two of three trees named National Champions this year on the National Register of Big Trees, a program championed in Hawai`i by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. The manele – soapberry wingleaf – is accessible to the public on the Bird Park/Kipuka Puaulu Trail, off Mauna Loa Road inside Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. It is 73 feet tall, and its crown spreads outward 57.2 feet. It was nominated by the DLNR. 

      The koa is inaccessible and located in the Kona Hema Preserve. It is 115 feet high, and its circumference is 343.3 inches. Its crown spreads 93.3 feet. It was nominated by The Nature Conservancy.
      The third tree on the Big Island is the hau at Hulihe`e Palace in Kona. An ancient tree, its circumference is 110 inches. It was nominated by Sally Inkster.
      The National Register of Big Trees is kept by American Forests, a nonprofit for protection and expansion of forests in the U.S. that advocates the iconic stature of trees. The organization teaches the key role trees and forests play in sustaining a healthy environment.

Koa tree in South Kona makes it onto National
Tree Registry with its huge circumference.

      Each tree is described and shown in the annual publication National Register of Big Trees. To make a nomination, provide measurements of the trunk circumference in inches, height in feet and average crown spread in feet. Send the information, along with GPS coordinates or specific directions to a candidate big tree, to Sheri Mann, CRMF, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813, or by email to Sheri.S.Mann@hawaii.gov. Visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/forestry/big-trees.

BRITTNI PAIVA, who has taught and performed numerous times in Ka`u, is among the `ukulele masters trying to break the world `ukulele record today on O`ahu, hoping for more than 1,600 players to show up and strum. The current world record was broken in Sweden last year when 1,547 showed up in one place to play their tunes. The event is sponsored by Music for Life Foundation. See www.goforarecord.org. It takes place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Blaisdell Auditorium in Honolulu.

THE TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST with a $500 grand prize has extended its entry deadline to this Thursday, May 3. Recipes for cookies, candies and crackers made with Ka`u Coffee can be turned in to Pahala Plantation Cottages at the Olson Trust Building in Pahala, Ka`u Coffee Mill on Wood Valley Road, or R&G Store in Pahala. Entries can also be mailed. Download at www.kaucoffeemill.com or www.kaucoffeefest.com. The contest takes place Sunday, May 6 at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

KA`U HIGH GRADUATE Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa returns to Ka`u with her band, Lava Moon, offering a free concert tonight at 6 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Kailiawa plays four- and six-string tenor `ukulele. Other band members are Jonathan Siebrandt on guitars, Ed Sisino on upright and electric bass, Dave Thomas on drums and Josh Mann on lapsteel and guitar. The band has played at venues from California to the Carolinas, and their schedule this summer includes performances in San Francisco, Mammoth Lakes and Mariposa, CA. Keoki Kahumoku also performs tonight. 

A MULTI-IMAGE SLIDESHOW, set to music, takes place tonight at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The slideshow and finalists ceremony features photos submitted during Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s first annual photo contest called Images from the Edge. The event is free, and in honor of National Park Week, park entrance fees are waived. For more information, call 985-7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY that entrance fees are waived at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS’ Spring Fling Arts & Crafts Fair happens a week from today, next Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Punalu`u Bakeshop Pavilion & Gardens. The event features all local art and entertainment, with Ka`u `Ohana Band starting the festivities at 9 a.m. See kauarts.org.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs April 27, 2012

Last year's Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest. Entries are still being accepted for this year's contest to be held at
Ka`u Coffee Mill's grand opening Sunday, May 6. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

UPGRADES TO HAWAI`I’S Doppler radar system begin next month, according to a Stephens Media report today. South Point’s system will be upgraded next year as part of the nationwide drive to convert all radars to the new standard, the story said.
      Dual-polarization technology that adds new information about the size and shape of an object will allow forecasters to distinguish rain from hail, snow and ice pellets. “It’s going to give us more information for the meteorologists to differentiate what’s going on inside clouds,” said Derek Wroe, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office.

Dual-polarization radars send out signals both horizontally and vertically.
Strength of returning signals helps scientists to infer type of precipitation.
Image from Atmospheric Radar Research Center

      The new radars will help generate more accurate forecasts of flash floods and other hazardous weather events. “We’ll be making more informed decisions,” Wroe said.

TONIGHT IS THE DEADLINE to have bills prepared for final votes before the state Legislature adjourns Thursday. A stalemate on the budget has left dozens of bills in limbo, said a story in Honolulu Star Advertiser. Bills with a financial component are unable to move forward unless there is agreement on the budget. The House and Senate disagree on how much should be spent on state capital improvement projects. Other points of contention are permitting and procurement exemptions.
      Bills still being negotiated include creation of regulatory framework for an interisland electric transmission cable, a tax on private hospitals and nursing homes that could attract millions of dollars in federal matching funds to help cover health care costs for the poor; a solar tax credit and a film tax credit.

HAWAI`I COUNTY OFFICE OF AGING is asking elderly persons to be aware of a person calling as an agent of the office and asking for Social Security numbers. The caller has said that the phone number was obtained from AARP and has offered certain benefits in return for the elderly person’s Social Security number. 

      Hawai`i County Office of Aging does not call and request Social Security numbers. The office advises people to not give out any personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or financial institution account numbers. Those who receive any call from a stranger seeking personal information should notify the police at 935-3311.

GAS PRICES IN KA`U have been stable the last couple of weeks. Ka`u Gas in Pahala and the 76 station in Na`alehu each are selling regular at $4.80 per gallon. In Ocean View, Kahala Gas is $4.72, Ocean View Market is $4.67 and Kahuku Country Market is $4.66.

THE KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL Recipe Contest is still accepting entries through Tuesday, May 1. Applications for the Triple C Recipe Contest - for cookies, candies and crackers - can be found online at kaucoffeefest.com or kaucoffeemill.com or at the Olson Trust office building on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets in Pahala. The contest takes place at Ka`u Coffee Mill’s grand opening on Sunday, May 6. Call 928-9811 or 928-0550 for more information.

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES’ fundraising book sale continues today at Pahala Public & School Library from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

John Keawe, seen here at Punalu`u Beach, performs
at Ka`u's libraries today.

JOHN KEAWE PRESENTS a Tribute to Slack Key today at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information. 

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa playing four- and six-string tenor `ukulele, presents a free house concert at Pahala Plantation House tomorrow. Other members are Jonathan Siebrandt on guitars, Ed Sisino on upright and electric bass, Dave Thomas on drums and Josh Mann on lapsteel and guitar. The group’s schedule this summer includes performances in San Francisco, Mammoth Lakes and Mariposa, CA. Keoki Kahumoku also performs, with the potluck event beginning at 6 p.m.

IMAGES FROM THE EDGE Slideshow & Finalists Ceremony takes place tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This multi-image slideshow, set to music, features photos submitted during Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s first annual photo contest. The event is free, and in honor of National Park Week, park entrance fees are waived. For more information, call 985-7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs April 26, 2012

Na`alehu Elementary sixth-graders worked together to build this kalo garden and rock wall on their own as an addition to the existing school garden. Front: (L-R) Zachary Ishii, Zachary Kai, Junel Candaroma, Tobee Lee, Daryl Moreira Jr., Kilion Laji, Junior Wajar. Back: (L-R) James Kuahiwinui, Jin Esquida, Daniel Chang, Sumuo Engichy, Po`ai Emmsley, Emily Gouveia, Nainoa Ke. Photo by Nalani Parlin

MONK SEAL KILLINGS can bring a $50,000 fine and up to fives years jail time, wildlife officials are warning, following four suspected killings of the endangered mammals since last November. A three-year-old male monk seal named Noho was found dead on the northeast coast of Kaua`i on Sunday. State Department of Land & Natural Resources chair William Aila, Jr. announced yesterday that an award fund for information leading to the arrest of culprits killing seals has grown to $40,000 with a $10,000 donation from the U.S. Humane Society. Two of the recent suspected killings were on Moloka`i.

Monk seal killings can bring up to $50,000 in fines and
five years in jail. Photo by Judy Sweatland

      Monk seals steal fish from fishermen, become playful with divers and beachgoers and often bask along the Ka`u shoreline. Aila warned fishermen that monk seals “are here to stay.” There are only about a hundred monk seals living along the shores of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands. Another 1,100 live in the uninhabited islands, but their population is declining about four percent a year.

A WAVE OF CHINESE VISITORS could be the next increase in tourists to the islands as several Chinese airlines are looking to establish regular routes between mainland China and Hawai`i following several sold-out charter flights. Visas are easier to obtain, and tour operators are gearing up to serve the Chinese tourists, according to Hawai`i Tourism Authority officials who gave a report to the visitor industry yesterday.

MORE AGRICULTURAL INSPECTORS could be funded by the Hawai`i Legislature this year. The money would be used to fight invasive species. State House Agriculture chair Clift Tsuji, who represents the Big Island, said that he is pleased the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means conferees “recognized the urgency to support agriculture inspection and fight invasive species in a reliable and responsible manner. This is good news for the protection of Hawai`i’s precious natural resources.” The budget bill, HB2012, must clear the conference committee, pass a final floor vote in both House and Senate, and if passed, will be sent to the governor for his signature.

Volunteers help restore Opukahaia Memorial Chapel
above Punalu`u. Photo by Fred Ramsdell

`O KA`U KAKOU AND VOLUNTEERS logged 230 hours restoring the Opukahaia Memorial Chapel on the hill above Punalu`u Black Sand Beach. Suffering from dry rot, the frame was scraped, sanded and repainted. A large group of members from the Na`alehu Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints assisted on painting day. 

      In addition to volunteer care for the chapel grounds and graveyard, `O Ka`u Kakou maintains four other cemeteries in Ka`u. In Pahala, the group takes care of a Chinese graveyard and the Methodist church graveyard along the highway. In Na`alehu, they care for a small graveyard surrounded by pasture, and in Wai`ohinu, `O Ka`u Kakou, with assistance from Pacific Quest, looks after the Catholic cemetery.
      Renovating the Pahala Hongwanji Judo Hall is also a project taken on by the organization. With funding donated by Edmund C. Olson Trust II, `O Ka`u Kakou president Wayne Kawachi said a new roof should be added in mid-May. After a new coat of paint and more work completed on the inside, Kawachi said the hall could be used for community activities, such as Karate, Judo or boxing.
      The group will be volunteering logistical help at upcoming local events, such as Ka`u Coffee Festival, Na`alehu School Health Fair, and Ka`u School of the Arts Spring Fling. `O Ka`u Kakou also installs safety railings at senior citizens’ homes.

IPADS FOR KA`U SCHOOLS are provided by Hawai`i Business Roundtable to incentivize schools to adopt its teacher evaluation pilot program. Ka`u schools have signed on, and each will receive three iPads. A total of 63 schools throughout the state have joined the program. “Outside of family factors, effective teaching has the single most significant impact on students’ learning; this is true across socio-economic levels,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Administrators participating in the pilot program have been using iPads to collect evidence of teacher practice during observations in classrooms.

 Jessie Ke, left, and Arroyah Rivas.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

SOWING SEEDS garden educator Arroyah Rivas hosted a composting workshop to celebrate Earth Day at Na`alehu Elementary garden, where the Sowing Seeds program is based. Rivas shared that composting is “a great way to recycle and give nutrients back to the soil. Plants take up the nutrients and give them back to us when we eat fruits and vegetables.” Rivas and garden volunteer Tom King have created a composting area on the school grounds. 

      During the day, Na`alehu Elementary sixth-graders worked to create a kalo garden entirely on their own. Jessie Ke, who works as kupuna and Hawaiian culture educator in the schools, brought the plants and shared with the students a method of planting above ground.
      “It was so beautiful. They were totally self-directed,” said Rivas. The students collected rocks to build a circular rock wall and used math skills to measure the circumference. Then they filled the area with compost and soil before planting. Sixth-graders worked with kindergartners collecting mowed grass for the compost pile, said Rivas.
      For more information or to volunteer in the garden, call Rivas at 939-2413. 

THE FOURTH ANNUAL MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT is seeking contestants for the Saturday, Aug. 18 event. The committee is planning to make it a Miss Hawai`i qualifying event. Candidates will be judged on talent, beauty, poise, and speaking skills. The event will also include a pageant for younger girls. Miss Ka`u Coffee and her court will reign over the 2013 Ka`u Coffee Festival and participate in the Merrie Monarch Parade and other events. For more information, call Nalani Parlin at 217-6893 or Gloria Camba at 928-8558.

Ka`u High players exuberant after winning the BIIF Division II first round versus Christian Liberty Academy.
Photos by Nalani Parlin

FRESH OFF A WIN over Christian Liberty Academy in the first round of the BIIF Division II Varsity boys volleyball playoffs, Ka`u High looks forward to competing in the BIIF semi-finals tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at Konawaena. Teams will fight for third place on Saturday at 4 p.m., while the championship match kicks off at 5:30 p.m., also at Konawaena.

Franklin Orcino goes for the shot.

      Going into the game, the Trojans and CLA had tying season records, however the Trojans received the higher seat, having earned just two more points than their opponent. Even so, Ka`u proved to have superior skill, dominating the first two games 25-16 and 25-16. The Trojans continued to lead in the third set, but allowed CLA to catch up, tying at 18 points. After a series of serving error for both teams, the Trojans finally moved ahead to win 25-21.

MAY 1 IS THE DEADLINE to apply for the annual Ken Wicks Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Scholarship. The program has expanded to include not only high school juniors and seniors, but also adults seeking to re-enter the educational system. Preference is given to those who intend to remain in or return to Ka`u and live here. Scholarship money, ranging from $250 to $1,000, can be used for all college and vocational training. Need is also considered. Scholarship renewal is also possible.
      Visit http://kauchamber.org/scholarship.html to download the application form or call 929-9872 for more information.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary holds a public meeting this evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center to discuss its management plan. The Sanctuary is evaluating gaps in existing marine conservation efforts in Hawai`i and identifying potential roles for the Sanctuary in the future. For more, see hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

Lava Moon performs at Pahala Plantation House Saturday.
Photo from Lava Moon

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES’ fundraising book sale continues today and tomorrow at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

JOHN KEAWE PRESENTS a Tribute to Slack Key tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa, presents a free house concert at Pahala Plantation House Saturday. Keoki Kahumoku also performs. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

Ka`u News Briefs April 25, 2012

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and students from Waianae Intermediate School on O`ahu tested out the STEMcart. Ka`u is set to receive one of the two purchased. Photo from Office of the Governor

Ka`u students will be able to study science, technology,
engineering and math using the new STEMcart.
Photo from labvolt.com

KA`U HIGH and Pahala Elementary School will be one of the first Hawai`i public schools to receive a traveling laboratory called a STEMcart, a mobile multimedia resource cart stocked with more than 250 lessons in science, technology, engineering and math.
      The STEMcart is one of two purchased with a $50,000 donation from AT&T. “This is a public-private partnership that will go a long way in helping students who need it most,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “This donation will help boost student achievement and narrow the digital divide.”
      Principal Sharon Beck told Stephens Media reporter Carolyn Lucas-Zenk that the technology is important in teaching skills needed in a modern economy, and that are very relevant in today’s work world.
      The carts allow students to conduct experiments that would be too hazardous or costly in a traditional laboratory setting, the story said. Lessons include studying volcanoes, designing a power grid for a green community and using trigonometry to find a lost person.
      “Our students will have access to innovative new tools which have never been used before in our public schools,” said superintendent Kathyrn Matayoshi. “These are proven teaching tools that are interactive and make learning exciting and engaging.” 

The newest state district maps gave Hawai`i a
new Senate seat. Image from hawaii.gov

STOPPING THE PRIMARY ELECTION set for Aug. 11 is the aim of a lawsuit filed this week in federal court by a group that wants the transient military and imprisoned population and students to be counted in drawing election district maps. According to a report in Civil Beat, the plaintiffs challenge the constitutionality of the state's redistricting plan and seek a preliminary injunction to halt the upcoming election. The hearing is set for May 18 before three federal judges. Election officials will continue to accept candidates until the June 5 deadline unless the court orders them to stop. It was a suit from the Big Island that led to the order to exclude transient military from the population count for voting and gave the Big Island a new Senate seat. See more at www.civilbeat.com.

MORE MILITARY COULD COME to the Big Island as the result of Marines being moved from Okinawa to Hawai`i. Gov. Neil Abercrombie, during various speeches over the last year, said that he could envision a residential community on the Kona side for military families. The military is expanding the Pohakuloa Training Area along Saddle Road, and the announcement today from the federal and Japanese governments states that some 2,500 marines would move to Hawai`i. With their families, that could mean some 5,000 additional residents for the Islands.

Geothermal expansion was criticized by the public at a
County Council meeting in Puna last night.
Photo from punageothermalventure.com

GEOTHERMAL EXPANSION with possible sites from the Ka`u Desert to South Point and Kona received mostly criticism last night at a County Council meeting in Puna, the traditional heart of opposition to the alternative energy.
      According to a Tom Callis story in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald this morning, the majority of testimony opposed more drilling. Opponents talked about insulting Madam Pele, the volcano goddess, and blowouts that sent toxic steam into Puna communities when the first geothermal was developed on the island.
      Richard Ha, who wants to buy out Hawaiian Electric Light Co. to fast-track geothermal, gave the most supportive testimony, saying that geothermal is the way for the island to wean itself from expensive oil burning power plants. The story also quoted the Geothermal Working Group report that concluded that geothermal could produce 500 to 700 megawatts for the Big Island, which currently uses 185 megawatts. Innovations Development Group, a native Hawaiian hui working with the Maori geothermal initiatives in New Zealand, testified that geothermal exploration and production are much safer than when the original Puna plant was built.

A hydroelectric plant planned for Ka`u would use
water from Keaiwa reservoir. Photo by Julia Neal

FORMING A COOPERATIVE to provide electricity to the island without a profit motive hasn’t happened on the Big Island because of lack of serious interest, according to state Consumer Advocate Jeffrey Ono, quoted in a Carol Lucas-Zenk story in Hawai`i Tribune Herald today. In a series of stories, the reporter reviews the history of the creation of a cooperative that bought privately held Citizens Utilities electric company on Kaua`i. While the electric rates on Kaua`i still remain higher than on the other islands under the cooperative, the co-op members – its customers - receive money back once bills are paid and contingency funds are set aside, the story says.
      The cooperative is also looking toward more alternative energy production including fields of photovoltaic panels. Like the Big Island, Kaua`i, with its rivers and streams, has hydroelectric potential and a history of hydroelectric production, with the Wainiha power plant on north Kaua`i being the oldest hydroelectric facility west of the Rocky Mountains. A hydroelectric plant is also planned for Ka`u, using water from the Keaiwa reservoir above Wood Valley Road to send water down a pipe to an electric plant to fire up the Olson Trust macadamia husking and coffee mills and possibly provide electricity for more than 400 homes.

Betty Clark,  Na`alehu Main
Street interim president.
Photo by Tamryn Fyvie

LONGTIME NA`ALEHU MAIN STREET Board of Directors officers Marge and Dennis Elwell resigned recently. The current board of directors extends a heartfelt mahalo to the Elwells for their years of dedicated service and leadership to the organization, whose mission is historical preservation with economic viability. “From grant writing to playwriting, the Elwells gave of themselves to raise funding for and to execute many projects and programs that have benefited our community over the years,” said interim president Betty Clark. Past programs of NMS include an Internet and computer office which was located in the Island Market shopping center, where many local residents used the computers, Internet, fax and other services for a small fee.
      Current and ongoing NMS programs include Wednesday and Saturday Ka`u Farmers Markets and Na`ohulelua Native Historical Garden, located on Kama`oa Road outside Wai`ohinu. Weeding parties are held at the garden twice monthly, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. After weeding, NMS provides free breakfast at Hana Hou. On the third Sunday of each month, a Garden Talk-Story and Plant and Seed Exchange takes place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Donations are welcome to help defray expenses. For more information about the garden, call Judith at 929-8164.
      For more information about Na`alehu Main Street, to become a member or to volunteer for upcoming projects, stop by their table at the farmers markets or email naalehumainst@gmail.com.

Front row: Cameron Enriques & Brian Gascon; Second row:
Donald Garo, Jr, Greg Javar, Grant Galimba, Shayden Agustin
& Franklin Orcino; Third row: Holden Galigo & Larry-Dan
Al-Navarro; Top row: head coach Joshua Ortega & asst.
coach Donna Shibuya Photo by Nalani Parlin

OCEAN VIEW WELL, which was scheduled to open on May 1, is now expected to open at the beginning of June or sooner, according to County of Hawai`i Department of Water Supply spokesperson Kanani Aton. The project is pending approval by the Department of Health, which has a month to review it.

THE FIRST ROUND OF THE BIIF boys volleyball playoffs takes place tonight as Kaʻū High Varsity hosts Christian Liberty Academy at Kaʻū High School gym at 6 p.m. Come out and support our Trojans!

John Keawe

NA HOKU HANO HANO and Hawai`i Music Awards winner John Keawe presents a Tribute to Slack Key on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

ARTIST AND CRAFTER BOOTHS are still available for Ka`u School of the Arts’ Spring Fling at Punalu`u Bake Shop Pavilion and Gardens in Na`alehu on Saturday, May 5. To register, visit www.kauarts.org or call Brad at 929-7544.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs April 24, 2012

Five 2012 Chevy Volts will be unveiled today in Kona by Mayor Billy Kenoi as Hawai`i County's new hybrid vehicle fleet. Photo from hybridcars.com

HAWAI`I COUNTY UNVEILS its new hybrid vehicle fleet today. Mayor Billy Kenoi will plug in the first car during a ceremony at West Hawai`i Civic Center. The five 2012 Chevy Volts, which will be blessed, run on both electricity and gasoline.

Taking, possessing or selling Kona crab May through
August is illegal. Photo from hawaii.gov

THE SEASON FOR LOBSTER and Kona Crab ends one week from today. Hawai`i Administrative Rules prohibit the taking, killing, sale or offering for sale, or possession of any ula and ula papapa or slipper lobster from state waters during the closed season. It is also illegal to take, possess or sell Kona crab during May through August.
      “These rules are in place to protect lobsters and Kona crabs during the peak of their reproductive season and to help ensure their populations will continue to be sustainable,” said DLNR chairperson William Aila, Jr.

STUDENTS CAN ADOPT A BUOY through the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency. Sanctuary superintendent Malia Chow said the sanctuary is “excited to be a part of this important program that involves students in real-world science aimed at better understanding the ocean.” The Drifter program teaches the ocean’s role in earth’s climate, weather and living conditions. Schools “adopt” a drifter equipped with climate sensors. As the drifter, or 44-pound floating ocean buoy, moves in the ocean currents, it measures and transmits sea surface temperature by satellite. The currents carry heat from place to place, which affects climate. Each drifter is part of a global ocean array that students can follow online, along with the particular drifter they adopted.

Students deployed an adopted drifter yesterday in Hawai`i.  
Photo from adp.noaa.gov

      Drifters help forecast and record paths of approaching hurricanes, movement of ocean pollutants and wildlife migration. While satellite technology makes sea surface temperature measurements possible from space, drifters are needed to ensure accuracy. Without drifter observations to correct satellite measurements, these measurements can err due to dust and other elements in the atmosphere. As part of Earth Day, students in Hawai`i launched a drifter yesterday, and other students launched a drifter last November. “With these continued efforts to get students involved, we hope to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards and scientists,” Chow said.
      To sign up for future programs see Adopt a Drifter Program Earth Day at http://www.adp.noaa.gov/earthday; NOAA’s Earth Day at http://www.noaa.gov/earthday; Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
      Teachers can learn how to help their class adopt a drifter at http://www.adp.noaa.gov/earthday/media_photos.html.

Justin Viezbicke asks the
public to get involved. 

Photo from kohalacenter.org

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary holds a public meeting Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. A new management plan for the Sanctuary is underway, with a revised draft plan targeted for completion in early 2013 and a final plan completed in 2014. The public is encouraged to engage in the review process, which is designed to evaluate gaps in existing marine conservation efforts in Hawai`i and identify potential roles for the sanctuary in the future.
      Sanctuary staff members will review the process by discussing the steps that have been taken so far and where the process is going, including opportunities for community members to provide input. They hope to include Ka`u communities in the ongoing process so that residents can determine whether there is a role for the Sanctuary here.
      For more about the meeting, contact the Sanctuary’s Hawai`i Island programs coordinator Justin Viezbicke at 987-0765 or justin.viezbicke@noaa.gov. For more, see hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

Volunteer guides are needed for Niaulani Nature Walks.  
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

ENVIRONMENTALLY-MINDED VOLUNTEERS who can devote a minimum of two hours per month on Saturday or Monday mornings are sought to give Volcano Art Center guided tours through sections of native rain forest in Volcano Village.
      Before becoming a guide, volunteers attend a three-hour-long training session this Saturday at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. During the training, attendees are offered an intensive oral and written explanation of the concepts communicated to visitors, such as the natural history and cultural uses of Niaulani’s components. After attending more tours to gain field experience, trainees are then given the opportunity to guide visitors on a one-hour-long Niaulani Nature Walk, which have been running every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. since 2006. Guides may also help lead Saturday tours from 11 a.m. to noon starting May 19.
      Registration for the training is required, and space is limited. Call 967-8222 or email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

Photo from Lava Moon

IN CELEBRATION of National Library Week, John Keawe presents a Tribute to Slack Key this Friday. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

A FREE HOUSE CONCERT takes place at Pahala Plantation House Saturday. Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa and her group Lava Moon perform, along with Keoki Kahumoku. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs April 23, 2012

Ka`u Coffee farmers with Coffees of the Year organizers. Willie Tabios (left), was top in the U.S., and Lorie Obra (center) and Trini Marques (right) followed, all three taking spots in the top ten in the worldwide competition.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS wrapped up their visit to Portland, Oregon on Sunday. They represented Ka`u Coffee in the Specialty Coffee Association of America annual convention. Representatives of Ka`u took roasting classes, supported Rusty’s 100 Percent Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee, Ka`u Coffee Mill, Aikane Coffee and the brands of Willie Tabios, Trini Marques and Bull Kailiawa. Ka`u Coffee winners have been placing in the top ten year after year. This was the first year that three landed in the top ten. They were the coffees of Tabios, Obra and Marques. Their coffees were sponsored by Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Farm & Ranch, and the travel and accommodations for Tabios, Marques, 2011 winner Bull Kailiawa and Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative president Gloria Camba were sponsored by Edmund C. Olson of Ka`u Coffee Mill.

Map from hawaiiscenicbyways.org

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY has been added to Hawai`i’s Scenic Byway website. The page provides a map with points of interest marked, along with descriptions of each one. The route, called the Slopes of Mauna Loa, includes points of interest on the western, southern and eastern slopes of the volcano, following Highway 11 from Manuka State Park to the main entrance to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and some side trips. See hawaiiscenicbyways.org.

THE HAWAI`I LEGISLATIVE SESSION ends next week. Legislators must finalize bills in conference committee by this Thursday in order for them to move forward. See www.capitol.hawaii.gov for information and to provide testimony.

Brenda Ford Photo by
Chuck Greene

Bradley Westervelt Photo by
Chuck Greene

AT FRIDAY’S CANDIDATE FORUM at Ocean View Community Center, County Council candidates were asked what they could do to provide public, vehicular access to Pohue Bay. 

MARIE BURNS said that “an ancient trail is our public access. We have a right via this mauka-makai trail.”

MAILE DAVID said, “Opening the road is the job of the adminstration. The mayor needs to work to resolve the issue.” She said that public rights and native rights have to be established.

BRENDA FORD said, “I’ve always supported rights of access to Pohue Bay.” She suggested that it may be necessary to buy right of entry.

LEE MCINTOSH said he would have to research the issue and get back with an answer.

BRADLEY WESTERVELT said, “It’s a paradox, and I don’t have an answer.”

Pahala Swimming Pool will be closed for safety upgrades
beginning this Saturday. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS at Pahala Swimming Pool are scheduled to begin Saturday, April 28. The pool will be closed for approximately ten days while the Department of Parks and Recreation replaces drain covers with newer, safer versions that meet mandated federal standards to address potential entrapment issues. Call 928-8177 for updates. 

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES hold a book sale this week at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours today, Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a cleanup of an anchialine pond in Ka`u tomorrow. Volunteers can sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.hwf@gmail.com.

Linda Pratt Photo from NPS

ENDEMIC HAWAIIAN FLOWERS is the topic at After Dark in the Park tomorrow. Isolated by thousands of miles of ocean and cut off from the rest of the world for thousands of years, Hawai`i boasts one of the highest rates of endemic species. U.S. Geological Survey botanist and author Linda Pratt’s program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Two-dollar donations support park programs.

IN CELEBRATION of National Library Week, John Keawe presents a Tribute to Slack Key this Friday. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa, offers a free house concert Saturday, April 28 at Pahala Plantation House. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs April 22, 2012

Candidates for Hawai`i County Council District 6 and Prosecuting Attorney met with the public Friday at
Ocean View Community Center. Photo by Chuck Greene

“THERE’S MUCH TO CELEBRATE on this Earth Day,” said U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, “as we recognize the robust efforts in our island state to protect Hawai`i’s environment while working toward fuel and food sustainability.
      “Hawai`i continues to show great leadership when it comes to promoting renewable energy and creating green jobs. Our hotels and resorts are installing solar photovoltaic panels for energy, while recycling the water used in their air conditioning systems. Our military partners continue to push toward their goals of having Hawai`i’s installations becoming more energy self-sufficient.
      Hirono has introduced legislation that would support partnerships between community colleges and businesses to help train people for jobs in Hawai`i’s growing green sector. She said it would enhance the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs in high schools and community colleges.
      “On this Earth Day, we can appreciate the work being done in the spirit of laulima – all of us coming together to protect our water, air, and `aina.”

PacIOOS helps ensure safe marine transit near Hilo Harbor
with this Waverider buoy. Photo from PACIOOS

HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE close to $2.5 million to support efforts to gather and monitor ocean data and develop appropriate forecasting models. The money will be used to support the Pacific Integrated Ocean Observing System, a federal partnership between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and University of Hawai`i. 

      The system collects and manages oceanic data to create forecasting models and operational strategies that help improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment.
      Sen. Dan Inouye said, “For an island archipelago situated in the middle of the Pacific, we must improve our understanding of the ocean. We are especially susceptible to rising tides, tsunami, fishery depletions and marine debris fields. We can never have enough data about how the ocean operates.”
       “NOAA and the University of Hawai`i have partnered to provide critical information on ocean conditions that enhance public safety and benefit the military, fishermen, commercial shippers, paddlers, and surfers,” said Rep. Hirono. “Before setting out on a voyage, ocean-users can check conditions at their destination, potentially saving lives and money. Congratulations to the University of Hawai`i for earning the continued support of NOAA for vital services they provide all ocean users.”

Lincoln Ashida Photo by
Chuck Greene

CANDIDATES FOR HAWAI`I COUNTY Prosecuting Attorney met with the public at Ocean View Community Center Friday evening. One question asked by an audience member was: How would you keep our schools safe from drug use and criminals?

COUNTY CORPORATION COUNSEL Lincoln Ashida replied that “not the prosecutors alone, and not the police alone” can solve this problem. “It takes everyone involved, and we must bring the community together,” he said. He stressed that police have to be provided with resources. “Kids are a vulnerable population. We need to do everything we can to keep them safe,” he said.

Paul Dolan Photo by
Chuck Greene

LAWYER PAUL DOLAN, of Ocean View, said, “It starts in the home. You have to be a role model.” He mentioned programs he started that educate young people about law. 

DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Mitch Roth said, “We have to build partnerships.” He mentioned programs to educate young people with mock lessons showing judicial procedures. He also considers it important to provide activities designed to keep young people out of trouble, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, of which he is vice president. He also stressed the need to prevent domestic violence, which he said is “a precursor of crime.”

Mitch Roth Photo by
Chuck Greene

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES hold a book sale next week at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours on Monday, Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a cleanup of an anchialine pond in Ka`u on Tuesday. Volunteers can sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.hwf@gmail.com.

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY botanist and author Linda Pratt discusses Hawai`i’s native flowering plants at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Isolated by thousands of miles of ocean and cut off from the rest of the world for thousands of years, Hawai`i boasts one of the highest rates of endemic species. Two-dollar donations support park programs.

JOHN KEAWE PRESENTS a Tribute to Slack Key on Friday in celebration of National Library Week. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa, offers a free house concert next Saturday, April 28 at Pahala Plantation House. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.