Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, Feb. 29, 2016

Civilian Conservation Corps work in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is the topic tomorrow at After Dark in the Park. See more below. Photo from NPS

PLANS FOR AN INFORMATION KIOSK at Na`alehu Park are moving forward, Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee reported. A blessing will be held after it’s erected.
      Also in the works are signs along Hwy 11 telling dates of lava flows in the Ocean View area.
      The committee is seeking funding for a turnout at mile marker 48. Options are to ask legislators to include the project in the state budget and to get a state grant-in-aid to help finance it.
      The public is invited to the committee’s next meeting on Thursday, March 10 at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Chief Harry Kubojiri

CHIEF HARRY KUBOJIRI ENCOURAGES the Ka`u residents to participate in an anonymous Community Satisfaction Survey for the Hawai`i Police Department during the month of March.

      Kubojiri said previous Community Satisfaction Surveys have helped him identify actions the Police Department could take to increase community satisfaction. “This survey is one of the tools we use to improve our crucial partnership with the community by incorporating community feedback into our daily operations,” Kubojiri said. “By comparing the results of this year’s survey with the results of past surveys, we can gauge where we have improved and where we need further improvement.”
      In addition to multiple-choice questions, the survey allows participants to make individual comments. “I read every comment,” Kubojiri said. “The more specific the feedback is, the better this department can respond to the needs of our community.”
      The online survey will be open from 9 a.m. tomorrow until 4 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at www.hawaiipolice.com. It takes about five minutes to complete and is limited to one survey per computer. The respondent’s IP address will not be stored in the survey results.
      Responses will be collected and compiled by an outside source. After the survey period, results will be posted on the department’s website.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A thermal webcam image shows Kilauea's lava lake
at a high level this morning. Image from HVO

KILAUEA SUMMIT’S LAVA LAKE was intermittently in view from the Jaggar Museum overlook this morning after rising during the past several days, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. Inflationary tilt continued for most of yesterday until about 3:30 a.m., when it transitioned to deflationary. The lake’s height was approximately 75 feet below the rim of the Overlook crater at 9 a.m. Glow was recorded by a webcam on HVO’s roof. Rates of seismicity continue at normal levels, with periods of increased tremor associated with spattering within the Overlook vent.

      According to HVO, scattered surface flows remain active on the June 27th flow field, all within about four miles of Pu`u `O`o, and do not currently threaten any nearby communities.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK continues its centennial celebration in March, sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public.

A quilt representing Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park will be on display at
Volcano House in March.
Image from NPS

     The Civilian Conservation Corps was a successful federal job program initiated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. From 1933 to 1942, the young men of the CCC built much of the early infrastructure seen today in national parks across the country. In Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the local CCC built historic structures like Kilauea Visitor Center and the Mauna Loa shelter and constructed fences, trails and much of the striking rockwork along the iconic Crater Rim Drive, and much more. Today, the legacy of the CCC lives on for present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Archaeologist Summer Roper and Supervisory Park Ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita reveal key accomplishments of the CCC and share what life was like during this era of hope at After Dark in the Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

      National Parks Traveling Quilt Exhibit will be on display in Volcano House’s Great Room, just off the lobby, Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 27. Visitors are invited to view the quilts at any time during those dates. Inspired by the centennial of the National Park Service, Nebraska artists selected 13 national parks, including Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, which also turns 100 this year, as inspiration for a traveling collection of quilts. The quilts were created by Fiber Works, a group of textile artists from the Lincoln-Omaha area. Dorothy Heidemann-Nelson, a retired chemist, created the quilt that represents Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, incorporating traditional Hawaiian kapa (bark cloth) created by Hawai`i Island kapa maker Joni Mae Makuakane-Jarrell, who also serves as the park’s Chief of Interpretation. The kapa on the left side of the quilt represents the volcanic birth of the island chain and culture of the islands, and the right side represents new life. The park will receive the quilt as a gift after the traveling exhibit ends in December.

Ranger Jason creates a ti leaf cape. Photo from NPS

      On Wedneday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai, park rangers demonstrate how to make a useful ahu la`i (ti leaf cape). Ahu la`i were fashioned by attaching individual stems of ti leaf to a net mesh. They were worn over shoulders to protect wearers from driving winds and rain. The demonstration is part of Hawai`i Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work workshops.

      Kai Ho`opi`i presents an evening of Hawaiian music, sharing the music of his `ohana from Kahakuloa, Maui. Ho`opi`i is a winner of the Aloha Festivals Hawaiian falsetto singing contest. The concert on Wednesday, March 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium is part of Hawai`i Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu: Heavenly Voices presentations.
      At Find Your Park on the Big Screen events, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will show sister park movies to raise awareness of other national parks in Hawai`i and the Pacific Islands. The first movie will be The Soul of Kalaupapa: Voices of Exile, a 52-minute film by Fred E. Woods about what life was like for the patients and residents of Kalaupapa, removed from their families because of the fear and stigma of leprosy (Hansen’s disease). Today, Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Moloka`i shares the history and culture of the people and places of Kalaupapa’s past. The showing is Friday, March 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
      Wildlife Biologist Kathleen Misajon will highlight two critically endangered bird species, the iconic nene (Hawaiian goose) and the mysterious `ua`u (Hawaiian petrel) at After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Learn about the park’s current and future monitoring programs and how these species are faring in the park and throughout Hawai`i.
      Participants try their skill at fun Hawaiian games that have been played by generations of families when park rangers and staff from Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association demonstrate various games. The `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work event takes place Wednesday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lanai at Kilauea Visitor Center.
      Participants join park staff to malama (care for) a section of Devastation Trail that provides important nene habitat on Saturday, March 26, at 9 a.m. Crews remove knotweed and other invasive plants that threaten nene habitat. Sturdy footwear, water, light rain gear, sun protection and snacks are recommended. Meet at Devastation Trail Parking lot.

      All programs are free; park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

      To find out what’s happening throughout 2016, see nps.gov/havo. To find centennial events at other national parks, see FindYourPark.com.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN returns to Ka`u tomorrow. He holds a talk story session at 6 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House to discuss the current legislative session and meet with Ka`u constituents.

      The state Legislature is currently on a mandatory five-day recess and reconvenes on Thursday, March 3.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists discuss past eruptions and the current status of Mauna Loa in the current issue of Volcano Watch. Image from USGS/HVO

SHOULD HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL members serve terms of four years instead of two? The county Finance Committee on Tuesday considers Kohala Council member Margaret Wille’s Bill 154 calling for the change. It also would reduce the permitted number of consecutive terms from four to three. If the council approves the change, it would be placed on the 2016 general election ballot on Nov. 8 as a Charter amendment. The meeting begins at 2 p.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.

      Other committees meeting Tuesday are Governmental Relations & Economic Development at 9 a.m.; Public Works and Parks & Recreation, 11 a.m.; and Planning, 1:30 p.m.; The council holds a special meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m. to allow Hawai`i County Civil Defense and the state Department of Health to provide an update on the dengue fever outbreak. Its regular meeting begins at 11 a.m.
      Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are also streamed live, and agendas are available, at hawaiicounty.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Tui Masaniai and Harry Evangelista entertained at yesterday's
spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Photo by Tanya Ibarra

KA`U RESIDENTS SHOWED their support for Ka`u Hospital yesterday. `O Ka`u Kakou sponsored a fundraiser at Na`alehu Community Center, where diners enjoyed spaghetti, a silent auction, craft and bake sales and an evening of entertainment by Tui Masaniai and Harry Evangelista.
      Funds raised will be used to purchase a display case, a medication station, signage for display on Hwy 11 indicating what services are available at the hospital, new chairs for clinic staff, an additional computer work station, a new laptop computer, a kitchen range for the Dietary Department and a van or SUV to transport patients to medical appointments.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN discusses the current legislative session and meets with Ka`u constituents Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. 

      Among bills Ruderman introduced is SB2519, which would require coffee blend labels to disclose regional origins and percent by weight in blended coffees. It would prohibit using geographic origins of coffee in labeling or advertising when roasted or instant coffee contains less than 51 percent coffee by weight from that geographic origin.

      As a step to improve Hawai`i’s low voter participation, Ruderman introduced SB2259, calling for all who get driver’s licenses to be registered to vote if qualified.

      Ruderman also introduced what he called the Homo Sapiens Bill. SB2261 would amend the definition of “person” or words importing persons, to mean an individual human being of any age, sex or nationality, provided that the term does not include huis, partnerships, corporations, firms, associations, societies, communities, assemblies or any other form of business or legal entity.
      Ruderman’s SB2268 would prohibit application of neonicotinoid insecticides without a permit after June 30, 2017 to protect honeybees and other pollinating animals.
      SB2271 would appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture for research and mitigation efforts relating to the rapid `ohi`a death disease in the state. It would also require the department to submit a report to the Legislature.
      Little fire ants are targets of Ruderman’s SB2518, which would appropriate funds to the Hawai`i Ant Lab for personnel and equipment to support mitigation of LFA.
      SB2516 would appropriate funds to the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, the state Department of Health and the Department of Land & Natural Resources for programs, studies and activities related to the prevention and eradication of rat lungworm.
      Ruderman is on four committees: Commerce, Consumer Protection & Health; Economic Development, Environment & Technology; Human Services; and Water, Land & Agriculture.
      Call Ruderman at 808-586-6890, or email senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard endorsed presidential candidate
Bernie Sanders on Meet the Press today.

BERNIE SANDERS IS U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s choice for the Democratic presidential candidate. Today on NBC’s Meet the Press, Gabbard announced that she is resigning as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee in order to make the endorsement. DNC officials are required to remain neutral.

      Gabbard told Chuck Todd that it’s necessary to have a commander-in-chief “who has foresight, who exercises good judgment, who looks beyond the consequences, who looks at the consequences of the actions that they are looking to take before they take those actions.” 

      Gabbard said Sanders has a military mindset that allows him to analyze when and when not to take military action.

       “As elections continue across the country, the American people are faced with a clear choice. We can elect a president who will lead us into more interventionist wars of regime change, or we can elect a president who will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity,” Gabbard said after her televised announcement.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE CURRENT ISSUE OF VOLCANO WATCH discusses past eruptions and the current status of Mauna Loa.
      “The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's improved seismic network began to detect increasingly frequent, small earthquakes on Mauna Loa as early as 2013. Renewed inflation of the volcano was detected by HVO’s GPS network and also with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar in 2014. Based on the elevated rates of earthquakes and persistent inflation, the Volcano Alert Level for Mauna Loa was elevated from Normal to Advisory on Sept. 15, 2015. 

      “According to the USGS Alert-Notification System for Volcanic Activity (http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html), an Advisory level indicates that the volcano is showing signs of unrest above known background levels, but does not mean that an eruption is certain. Another period of Mauna Loa unrest in 2004 – 2005 included inflation and anomalous seismicity, but did not result in an eruption.
      “Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world, has erupted 33 times since 1843. These eruptions occurred within the volcano’s summit caldera (Moku`aweoweo), along one of its two rift zones (Northeast and Southwest), or from radial vents located on the north and west flanks of the volcano. All historical eruptions started at the summit of Mauna Loa and then either remained in the summit area or migrated down one of the rift zones. Of the 33 eruptions, about half remained within the summit area, and about half moved down a rift zone.
      “Mauna Loa’s two most recent eruptions occurred in 1975 (summit) and 1984 (summit and Northeast Rift Zone). Both eruptions were preceded by at least a year of elevated seismicity. Satellite technology was not as advanced then, so there are no GPS or InSAR records for either of these eruptions.

A webcam focused on Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone is one
of HVO's new tools to better monitor the volcano's current
unrest. See hvo/wr/usgs.gov/cams. Photo from HVO

      “The current locus of inflation and earthquakes is within the uppermost parts of Mauna Loa’s Southwest Rift Zone and the southern summit area. However, should an eruption occur, it is not clear if it would remain in the summit or move into one of the volcano’s rift zones. The risk to communities downhill of a Mauna Loa eruption depends on where the eruption occurs and if, and how far, erupting fissures migrate down a rift zone.

      “As is often the case during volcanic unrest around the world, the current activity at Mauna Loa has not followed a steady, predictable trend. Overall, earthquake rates remain above normal background levels. But, a closer look at the seismic record reveals that earthquakes have occurred at higher rates for weeks to months, separated by quieter periods of a week or so. This crude episodic pattern may point to an unsteady influx of magma into the inflating area southwest of the summit caldera, with more magma intruding during times of higher earthquake rates.

      “An interesting change in the current unrest began in the fall of 2015, when, according to InSAR and GPS measurements, the main source of inflation on Mauna Loa moved from beneath the summit caldera to an area slightly farther southwest on the volcano. Along with this change in deformation, earthquakes beneath the summit caldera ceased. Currently, most of the earthquakes occurring on Mauna Loa are within the volcano’s uppermost Southwest Rift Zone region.
      “As you can see, unrest at Mauna Loa is not following a simple script. This is why, at this point in time, it is not possible to forecast with certainty if or when the volcano will erupt as a result of this unrest.
      “The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Mauna Loa and is developing new tools to help our response to an eruption — should one occur. Observing and recording this current episode of Mauna Loa unrest — however it ends — helps us learn more about the magma plumbing systems of Hawaiian volcanoes and improves our ability to interpret future escalations of volcanic activity.”
      For more information, see hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maunaloa/FAQ_Maunaloa. The USGS Fact Sheet, Mauna Loa—History, Hazards, and Risk of Living with the World’s Largest Volcano, can also be read online at http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3104/fs2012-3104.pdf.
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger leads A Walk into the Past
Tuesday. Photo from KDEN

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center and take A Walk into the Past to the Whitney Vault near Volcano House.

      Free; park entrance fees apply.

CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS in the Park is the topic at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Archaeologist Summer Roper and Supervisory Park Ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita reveal key accomplishments of CCC and share what life was like during its era.
      $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016

An arch on the coast used to advertise the Great Crack, where parcels are listed for sale. Photos from Zillow 

GREAT CRACK LANDS, makai of Hwy 11 between Pahala and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, have been funded for purchase by the National Park Service, but are up for sale on real estate listings by a private landowner group, led by Ken Fujiyama, of Mana Land Co. 

      One 70.03-acre parcel is listed at $3.85 million. The Zillow online real estate listing says: “This particular parcel is the favorite fishing area for many `ulua” fishermen. Another 27.05-acre parcel is listed at $1.755 million. The listing says, “Great fishing in a totally stress free environment that people dream about but rarely ever find.”

      Another 272.28 acres is listed for $2.983 million. Its northern boundary “butts against the National Park wilderness area,” the listing says. “The roadway from the top of the property to its lowest point sits on the southern boundary. We will create an easement from the end of the roadway to the National Park boundary so the owners of (adjacent parcels) will have an access to visit the Park for fishing, hiking and camping. All camping within the park will need permits issued by the National Park,” the real estate listing notes.

A parcel for sale on the area of the Great Crack includes
one mile of shoreline, according to the listing.

      Another 1,537 acres at the Great Crack are listed for $8.45 million. “Beautiful, barren and totally isolated, this oceanfront property is so unique that the National Park Service has listed on their ‘to acquire’ property. Owner does not have to sell to the National Park,” the listing states. It also says, “The fishing is fantastic along this coastline. There are three small ancient Hawaiian pads, a few petroglyphs and a few small historical sites on this property. There is a 300-foot conservation area setback and a 500-foot Special Management Area district setback from the coastline. The remaining area is zoned agriculture-20 acres. The top of the property sits at the 1,000-feet elevation and is three miles to the coastline. The oceanfront boundary is over a mile long.”
      The lands are the site of many cultural remains including native Hawaiian house sites and fishing villages, caves where Hawaiian travelers took overnight rests, and lava tubes, which are well known among spelunkers, who have explored the underground tubes and the Great Crack itself - as wide and deep as 60 feet descending into the earth.
      Fujiyama and his group purchased the Great Crack area from former Ka`u sugar company and its owner C. Brewer after it became known that the National Park Service was interested in buying it to add onto Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. He has been involved in several negotiations to sell the property to the federal government. Fujiyama was also the former operator of Volcano House hotel and its restaurant and store concessions.
      In its 2016 budget, the National Park Service received funding to purchase 1951 acres in the Great Crack area. The Park Service is planning an appraisal and title search to move forward with the acquisition. The Park Service is prohibited by law from purchasing any land at a higher price than its appraisal.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u residents can reduce mosquito breeding areas by taking
trash tires to transfer stations. Photo by Bob Martin

TIRE COLLECTION CONTINUES at Hawai`i County transfer stations through April 8. Due to the recent dengue fever outbreak on Hawai`i Island, the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division implemented the Temporary Dengue Residential Tire Amnesty Collection Program to aid the community in reducing the risk of mosquito breeding sites by recycling old tires.

      Households may bring in passenger vehicle, motorcycle or ATV tires with no rims to any of the Solid Waste Division's 22 Recycling & Transfer Stations during normal operating hours. Customers must locate the Solid Waste Facility Attendant on duty, who will instruct the customer where to properly place the tires.
      There is a 10-tire limit per day per vehicle to fairly serve the public and ensure that one customer doesn’t overload the site and unnecessarily prevent other customers from participating in the temporary collection.
      The county is not accepting tires from businesses, commercial haulers, nonprofits or farms. It is also not accepting industrial tires (e.g. backhoe, tractor, forklift, etc.).
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SENATE BILL 83, MAKING its way through the state Legislature, transfers $3 million from Hawai`i Tourism Authority to University of Hawai`i’s athletic department for teams’ travel expenses.

George Szigeti

      “Reducing HTA’s budget will force us to make funding cutbacks to community programs valued by residents statewide, and to our tourism marketing,” HTA President and CEO George Szigeti said. 

      “HTA brings a holistic approach to marketing Hawai`i, showcasing culture, unique experiences and sports events to share our islands with the world,” Szigeti said. “We are also supporting local nonprofits that present 162 events, festivals and programs statewide to perpetuate Hawai`i’s culture, environment and community spirit. These are nonprofits that rely on our funding support.” In Ka`u, HTA is a sponsor of Ka`u Coffee Festival.

      HTA this week announced the best January ever in terms of total visitor arrivals that pumped $1.5 billion into the economy and generated $155.6 million in state tax.
       “Despite this recent record of success, HTA needs to stay aggressive with Hawai`i’s tourism marketing and have its entire budget available,” Szigeti said. “Everyone knows how quickly outside forces, such as an economic downturn, can affect how travelers spend their money and where they choose to vacation.
      “Taxpayers demand that HTA make the best use of its state funding to support Hawai`i’s tourism industry. We are meeting that expectation with a judicious, diversified marketing plan that has now attracted record totals of domestic and international travelers for 11 straight months.
      “However, history has taught us time and again that success for Hawai`i tourism can never be assumed. It’s imperative we continue to be aggressive with our marketing of the Hawaiian Islands, while showing visitors the aloha and unique experiences they come here to enjoy.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Brian Schatz

U.S. CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID Services announced that Hawai`i will receive federal assistance through the Medicaid Innovation Accelerator Program to help address homelessness in the state. 

      “It is a real victory for the state of Hawai`i to successfully compete for this federal program,” said Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. “We know that the key to solving homelessness is providing housing and tailored services together. Through this program, we can maximize resources and change lives for the better.”
      The CMS program will provide resources to help the state coordinate with other agencies to design and implement a plan to increase individual tenancy support for Medicaid beneficiaries who are chronically homeless and expand housing development opportunities.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Judge Lucy Koh

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO APPLAUDED President Obama’s nomination of Lucy Koh to serve on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

      “Lucy Koh’s experience on the federal bench, in private practice and as a prosecutor, make her a qualified candidate to serve on the Ninth Circuit, whose jurisdiction includes Hawai`i, and I look forward to supporting her confirmation in the United States Senate,” Hirono said. “I support President Obama’s continued commitment to ensuring that our nation’s federal courts are fully staffed with quality individuals who reflect the diversity of our country.”
      Koh currently serves as a district court judge for the Northern District of California. She is the first Korean American woman to serve as an Article III judge and, upon confirmation, would become the fifth active Asian American and Pacific Islander federal appellate judge.
      The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ jurisdiction includes Hawai`i, California, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SPAGHETTI DINNER, SILENT AUCTION and bake and craft sales raise funds for Ka`u Hospital today from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Purchase $10 dinner tickets from Nadine Ebert at 938-5124.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST today features the guitar artistry of Curt Warren, Jr. Volcano Choy with the Volcano Art Center Jazz Ensemble and a special hana hou appearance by Jeannine Guillory.
      Performances begin at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door if still available.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Mongolian BBQ today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. $.85 per ounce includes protein, veggies, noodles and a beverage. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE BEGAN its mandatory five-day recess Thursday and reconvenes on Thursday, March 3. During the recess, Sen. Russell Ruderman is holding talk story sessions, with one at Pahala Plantation House on Tuesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. to discuss the current legislative session and hear Ka`u constituents’ concerns.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.