Friday, February 14, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014

Ka`u High School students ready for science fair competitions on O`ahu. Photo courtesy of Marcus Douglas
KA`U HIGH SCIENCE STUDENTS are headed to O`ahu for statewide competition following success at the East Hawai`i District Science & Engineering Fair held at Imiloa last weekend. Ka`u High School science teacher Marcus Douglas said he is very proud of the Ka`u team members who won awards at the event in Hilo and have put on a science fair at their Pahala campus. Jennifer Tabios, a senior who lives in Na`alehu, took first place in Chemistry while Deisha Gascon, a sophmore at Ka`u High School took the top prize for Environmental Management.
     The statewide Hawai`i State Science & Engineering Fair will be held at the Hawai`i Convention Center, March 31- April 2 in Waikiki and Ka`u High is planning to enter.
Young Ka`u students interact with the older students at a
recent science fair on the Pahala campus.
Photo courtesy of Marcus Douglas
     The competition is sponsored by the Hawai`i Academy of Science, a private, non-profit organization founded in 1925. The Academy promotes scientific research and education in Hawai`i and the Pacific Rim and executes programs and experiences for the science and learning communities. In addition to the Hawai`i Science & Engineering Fair, it hosts The Pacific Symposium for Science & Sustainability, a program called Science Date, as well as STEM Week in Hawai`i. See www.hawaiiacademyofscience.org.

SCIENCE CAMPS OF AMERICA has announced two sessions based in Pahala this summer. The first will be Land & Sea Camp, from June 29 – July 8. According to founder Michael Richards, the focus will be on volcanoes – geology – and the ocean – oceanography. Students will visit Kilauea, the world’s most active and easily studied volcano. Students will visit the footprints trail and see one of the world’s greatest mineral collections, as well as visit beaches made entirely of minerals. Students will learn “not just about the events that take place in the natural world but experience first hand how they affect plants, animals and humans. The Big Island of Hawai`i is the world’s greatest laboratory for Earth Science,” says Richards.
     Through the outdoors, students learn about such topics as plate tectonics, volcanics, erosion, ocean structure, marine life and Hawaiian history and culture. 
Science Camps of America rolls out programs for this summer, based in Ka`u, with scholarship opportunities.
Photo from Science Camps of America
    The second session is Air & Space Camp, July 8 – 17. It teaches students about Earth’s atmosphere, climate and space. Students visit observatories and centers where astronomers work. They learn how scientists study concentrations of substances in the atmosphere. They see alternate energy development in action. Richards says that students “will gain a better understanding of climate change and be better prepared to participate in the solutions to the challenges you will face. The Big Island of Hawai`i is the ideal location for experiencing the air and space sciences.” Students learn about solar system formation, the moon, planets and  space exploration.
    Students come from around the state and mainland and stay at Pahala Plantation House & Cottages with instructors, counselors and program specialists. Some scholarships are available to Ka`u students. To sign up for a scholarship or contribute to a scholarship fund, see http:/sciencecampsamerica.com. Call 678-619-0974.

STAKEHOLDERS IN COFFEE plan to “design the future of Hawai`i’s coffee industry,” during a two-day, $100 a person, planning event at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, according to a statement from Hawai`i Coffee Association president Greg Stille.  Processors, roasters, wholesalers, retailers and other stakeholders are invited to the meetings Feb. 28 - March 1.
     Stille said the sessions “will explore the industry’s potentials and address its challenges.”
    Dr. Donna R. Ching, of University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, will facilitate the planning sessions. Times are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday. The $100 fee includes daily continental breakfast, lunch and all supplies.
    Event sponsors include Hawaii Coffee Association, Kona Coffee Council, Maui Coffee Association and Hawai`i Coffee Growers Association. Register at www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.com.  
     According to the press release, the Hawai`i Coffee Association’s mission is to represent all sectors of the Hawai‘i coffee industry, including growers, millers, wholesalers, roasters and retailers. “HCA’s primary objective is to increase awareness and consumption of Hawaiian coffees. A major component of HCA’s work is the continuing education of members and consumers.” For more info, visit www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.com

FREE ADMISSION TO HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is tomorrow, Sunday and Monday to celebrate Presidents Day weekend,

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER SPECIALS are available at Hana Hou and South Side Shaka’s in Na`alehu and at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Cafe in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
SEE FEBRUARY’S ISSUE of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2014 ONLINE. For a page-turning version, seekaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. For a pdf version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.pdf.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.