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Friday, November 14, 2014

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

Christian Ogle is happy with his Aikido certificate, certifying graduation to a higher level. Photo by Julia Neal
“IT COULD GO LEFT, OR RIGHT, OR BOTH WAYS,” USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Steve Brantley said, referring to a map at a lava update meeting in Pahoa last night. County officials hold a meeting each Thursday at Pahoa High School cafeteria to keep residents informed about events related to the June 27 lava flow that continues to threaten the area.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist are unable to predict the direction of a new
lobe of lava upslope of Pahoa. North is to the right in this photo.
Photo from Big Island Video News
      Brantley said because terrain in the area of a breakout above Apa`a Street is gently sloped, it is difficult to predict a path for the flow. The path of steepest descent to the right, or north, passes near the shopping center where Malama Market is located. The flow field is also getting thicker and wider as breakouts form, Brantley said. He reported that geologists exploring the area did not find any features that would block or impede lava if the flow continues.
      Molten lava is no longer continuing to the original flow front, according to Brantley. “That’s why there are no breakouts there,” he said.
      County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said the agency is considering reopening Pahoa Village Road, although it may have to be closed again if lava again moves toward it. However, “It’s difficult to close once it’s reopened,” he said.
      Mayor Billy Kenoi said, “Our goal is to keep Pahoa a vibrant place that we can call home.” He also said he was looking forward to working with state Sen. Russell Ruderman and newly elected Puna Rep. Joy Buenaventura, who were at the meeting, during the upcoming legislative session. “There’s a lot of activity up ahead,” he said. “Thank you all for having an aloha spirit of compassion and caring.”
Sen. Russell Ruderman and newly elected Rep. Joy Buenaventura
talk story at last night's lava update meeting in Pahoa. Ruderman,
owner of Island Naturals markets, offered water and snacks.
Photos by Ron Johnson
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HAWAI`I NOW CAN QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY TEST for Ebola in-state. Previously, the state Department of Health needed to send patient samples to mainland laboratories to test for the deadly virus. 
      A few weeks ago, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with Ambassador Jimmy Kolker, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Toby Merlin, Director of the Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Bill Gallo, Associate Director for Insular Area Support at the CDC, to discuss global challenges related to Ebola and the necessity for a properly equipped Hawai`i testing facility. They resolved to supply DOH with resources to test for Ebola, supporting DOH and medical personnel with a quicker testing turnaround time.
      DOH’s Laboratories Division has received and validated the U.S. Department of Defense-developed, CDC-deployed real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test for 2014 outbreak-associated Ebola Zaire Virus.
       “The safety and well-being of Hawai`i residents is my highest priority, and it’s important that our state be equipped with the resources needed to quickly and effectively test those who may be suspected Ebola patients,” Gabbard said. “Ensuring our medical professionals are given the tools they need to protect themselves, and to serve the public at large, is of the greatest importance, and I’m glad to see that we were able to bring this testing capability to our islands.”
An animated Mayor Billy Kenoi with Puna residents at
last night's lava update meeting. 
        To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS APPLAUD THE JOINT announcement by President Barack Obama and People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping on the issue of climate change with an agreement to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by each nation.
      “This announcement demonstrates bold leadership from the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies and emitters of carbon emissions, and makes clear that we do not need to choose between the economy and the environment. Climate change is real, and we must address it,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “The opportunity for Hawai`i is that we are a leader in clean energy solutions, and we can share that expertise with others.”
      Sen. Brian Schatz said, “The groundbreaking climate change and clean energy cooperation agreement … demonstrates the necessary leadership from the United States and China to continue addressing the global threat of climate change. The agreement recognizes that as the two leading producers of greenhouse gas emissions, the United States and China, must take short and long term measures to reduce the amount of carbon pollution and to encourage the development of clean energy. By jointly agreeing to specific goals which will reduce carbon emissions by 2030 at the latest, the United States and China are poised to significantly bolster renewable energy research and technology and foster a new industrial revolution fueled by clean energy.”
       Together, the two countries account for more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The commitment will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. President Xi Jinping’s announcement marks the first time China has ever committed to capping their greenhouse gas emissions.
      Additional information on the agreement can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/11/12/us-and-china-just-announced-important-new-actions-reduce-carbon-pollution.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Aikido skills shown by Alan Moores and Fresno Eder at Old Pahala Clubhouse, during graduation. Photo by Julia Neal 
Aikido practitioners graduate under teacher
Alan Moores. Photo by Rich Ogle
AIKIDO STUDENTS GRADUATED to new levels of competence this week under the leadership of Alan Moores, who teaches at the Old Pahala Clubhouse at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
    Danny McMasters earned Fifth Kyu, Seth McMasters Fifth Kyu, Cyrus McMasters Fifth Kyu, Gloria Ornelas Fifth Kyu, Christian Ogle Fifth Kyu, Melinda Eder Fourth Kyu, Ciara Ortega Third Kyu, Kyle Calumpit Third Kyu, Kyle Pitcher Third Kyu and Fresno Eder Second Kyu.
    Aikido is a peaceful marshal art in which students learn to defend themselves by avoiding and disarming the aggressor. It is considered good exercise for all ages and good training for the mind and body.
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TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO PREREGISTER for the Ka‘ū Floating Lantern Ceremony coming up on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association, Inc. sponsors the event that includes taiko drummers, local entertainers and community potluck.  Suggested donation is $15. Call 928-0101.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Rep. Richard Creagan, Vice President, will update members on events at the HFUU Convention that took place at Waikiki Yacht Club on Nov. 6. 
      There will also be an update on the newly adopted state policy.
      Members are encouraged to bring homegrown foods for the potluck dinner.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup tomorrow. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool and caravan to the site. Sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai`ohinu holds its annual bazaar tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring live entertainment, laulau, kulolo, baked goods, plate lunches, hotdogs and more.

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder participates
in tomorrow's free concert.
Photo by Julia Neal
PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE IS THE SITE of a free Hawaiian concert for the community, sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainers include Keoki Kahumoku, Sonny Lim, James Hill, Ben Ka`ili, Peter deAquino, Brad Bordessa, Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt, Andy Andrews, Debbie Ryder and more. Donations accepted. 

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers free programs this weekend. Tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku.
      On Sunday at 9:30 a.m., a moderately difficult, one-hour, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone Pu`u o Lokuana features its formation and various uses over time, plus a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u.

LEILEHUA YUEN AND MANU JOSIAH offer a Hula Kahiko Informance tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Yuen and Josiah are known for their informances blending storytelling, science, chant an hula to create a journey through Hawaiian history and culture. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in Volcano House’s lobby. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TUTU & ME HOSTS a Keiki Ho`olaule`a next Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. “It’s our way of saying ‘mahalo’ to the community for your support of our program throughout the years,” said site manager Betty Clark.
      The event features games for keiki of all ages, including the Hawaiian game of konani, a photo booth, face painting and much more.
      In the spirit of giving and receiving, guests are invited to bring canned goods to be donated to the Food Basket. 

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament is next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

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