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Looking almost like a turtle shell, this is plastic was picked up last weekend from Kamilo Hema by
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund volunteers as part of Get the Drift and Bag It. See story below.
Photo from Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund |
THE MAKAHKI GROUNDS, Kahua Olohu, along Hwy. 11 between Nā‘ālehu and Honu‘apo Lookout, received approval for a stewardship grant from the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission on Tuesday. The 13 acres along Hwy. 11, known for its historic value as an ancient Hawaiian site for games and celebration, was purchased by the county using the "Two Percent" PONC funds last November. The non-profit to receive and administer the funds is Ho‘omalu Ka‘ū.
During Monday's meeting, PONC commissioners reviewed the allowable expenditures for stewardship funding. They include such activities as archaeological surveys and buffering of native Hawaiian historical or cultural sites after appropriate consultation with native Hawaiian descendants and cultural practitioners. They also include biological studies for the protection of native Hawaiian species of plants and animals, conservation of soil, forests, shoreline, native wildlife, streams, wetlands, watersheds and floodways. Wildfire and fire prevention is also allowable.
Other allowable expenses include maintenance and public safety, repairs, mending, servicing, preservation, damage control, salvage, safekeeping and safeguarding.
Keoni Fox, who is secretary for Ho‘omalu Ka‘ū, explained that pop up tents, tables, coolers and refreshments in the budget will be needed to provide safeguarding for volunteers who will take care of the historic site. He noted that the area is flat and hot, without water, and the volunteers will need shelter. "There is a lot of work to do and people will be working really hard in hot, sunny conditions."
He also said that $3,000 in signage for the property would be part of safeguarding. "The whole property is a cultural site. We have to look at it through a different lens. When we have visitors and people from the community come, it is really important to put signage out there so they know what areas to be careful around."
The budget also calls for $10,000 for lawn services to cut California grass and tall cane grass on the big, flat makahiki field, Fox explained.
Fox assured commissioners that native plants would not be destroyed. He said an archaeological and botanical surveys were completed before the county purchased the land.
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| Keoni Fox explained the stewardship plan to PONC, which voted to approve a stewardship grant through Ho‘omalu Ka‘ū. See PONC video. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Other allowable expenses include maintenance and public safety, repairs, mending, servicing, preservation, damage control, salvage, safekeeping and safeguarding.
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| Makahiki Grounds in Nā‘ālehu, approved by PONC for stewardship. |
He also said that $3,000 in signage for the property would be part of safeguarding. "The whole property is a cultural site. We have to look at it through a different lens. When we have visitors and people from the community come, it is really important to put signage out there so they know what areas to be careful around."
The budget also calls for $10,000 for lawn services to cut California grass and tall cane grass on the big, flat makahiki field, Fox explained.
Fox assured commissioners that native plants would not be destroyed. He said an archaeological and botanical surveys were completed before the county purchased the land.
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| Get the Drift and Bag It captured 1,759 lbs. of debris from the Ka‘ū Coast last Sunday. Photo from Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund |
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| Plastic washes to Ka‘ū Coast from Asia. Photo from Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund |
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund documented the debris in more detail. It included 190 hagfish traps and 520 oyster spacers that drifted onto the Ka‘ū Coast from afar.
Oyster spacers are found at marine oyster farms off the coast of Japan and are pulled into the open ocean by tidal waves and typhoons, floating more than 4,000 miles to the Ka‘ū Coast.
Hagfish traps pick up these "slime eels" from the ocean floor, 300 feet and deeper where they scavenge off dead fish, even burying into the flesh of dead whales. Hagfish are relished as a delicacy food in Korea and used to make eel skin wallets.
Traps falling off California and Oregon hagfish boats, or abandoned on the seafloor are likely sources of the hagfish traps that wash up on the Ka‘ū shore. Among other marine debris recovered Sunday were 87 fishing buoys, pots and traps, along with 330 yards of rope.
Hagfish traps pick up these "slime eels" from the ocean floor, 300 feet and deeper where they scavenge off dead fish, even burying into the flesh of dead whales. Hagfish are relished as a delicacy food in Korea and used to make eel skin wallets.
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So remote, but so vulnerable to plastics washing into the Ka‘ū Coast
at Kamilo Hema. Photo from Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund |
Among other marine debris recovered Sunday were 87 fishing buoys, pots and traps, along with 330 yards of rope.
A syringe, a tire, a gas cylinder, foam food container, and 672 plastic bottle caps were pulled from the Ka‘ū Coast with some 10,000 pieces of tiny plastic trash.
A syringe, a tire, a gas cylinder, foam food container, and 672 plastic bottle caps were pulled from the Ka‘ū Coast with some 10,000 pieces of tiny plastic trash.
To sign up for the next Ka‘ū Coast Cleanup, contact
kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com and see wildhawaii.org.
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KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE has won a USDA Rural Development grant, after competing against agricultural interests nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant for $175,000 will fund technical assistance for the coffee farmers to help develop their market and improve business practices. The grant, which targets cooperative and Cooperative Development Centers, will fund a marketing study and other research and management programs. The one other entity receiving funding this year in Hawai‘i is The Kohala Center.
The Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative, under the leadership of President Gloria Camba, received broad community support for its grant application, from numerous local businesses and non-profits to university and government agencies that have worked with the farmers since they first started their journey to build a world class coffee industry.
An advocate for continuing the farmer funding through the USDA is Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who met with the farmers numerous times in recent years.
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kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com and see wildhawaii.org.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative Pres. Gloria Camba (center) with Ka‘ū Coffee Farmer and Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Director Trini Marques, meeting U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard regarding continuing Congressional support for farmers. Photo by Maria Miranda |
An advocate for continuing the farmer funding through the USDA is Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who met with the farmers numerous times in recent years.
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| Early Discovery Harbour volunteer firefighters Frank Belcher, Melvin McFillen, Harold McPherson, Richard Schultz, Walter Ahnert and Harry Culbertson. Photo from Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Department |
Volunteer firefighters and their families from throughout Ka‘ū will be thanked,
including veteran Discovery Harbour Second Commander James Masters, Discovery
Harbour Capt. Ken and Dina Shisler, Pāhala Capt. Ron and Nadine Ebert, veteran
Ocean View Capt. Mack Goddard and Ocean View Capt. Wade and Cynthia Baji.
A wall of photos, with two original
helmets used in 1988, and an album with facts and photos from past to present
will be unveiled. For more information call Dina Shisler at 410-935-8087 or
email dinashisler24@yahoo.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com |
UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:
Girls Volleyball
Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.
Friday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. Honoka'a, home.
Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.
Cross Country
Saturday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. BIIF, away.
Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.
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CU HAWAI`I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Na`alehu. CU Hawai`i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members. The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai`i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email mail or fax application to : Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720 , Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at https://www.cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
INPUT FOR THE FUTURE OF HAWAI‘I COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, including the Hele On Bus that takes many Ka‘ū residents to work, school and shopping, is invited at five meetings outside of Ka‘ū. Those unable to attend may contact Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David at maile.david@hawaiicounty.gov or email the consultants directly at heleonsuggestions@ssfm.com.
Meetings are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Kea‘au Community Center (16-186 Pili Mua St.); Thursday, Oct. 12, at Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility (15-2910 Kauhale St.); Thursday, Oct. 19, at Waimea Elementary School; and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu‘au Hale in Hilo.
To request special assistance or an auxiliary aid to attend the event, contact Jo-Anna Herkes, SSFM International at 808-356-1260 at least 5 days prior to the event.
Email mail or fax application to : Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720 , Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at https://www.cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
INPUT FOR THE FUTURE OF HAWAI‘I COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, including the Hele On Bus that takes many Ka‘ū residents to work, school and shopping, is invited at five meetings outside of Ka‘ū. Those unable to attend may contact Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David at maile.david@hawaiicounty.gov or email the consultants directly at heleonsuggestions@ssfm.com.
Meetings are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Kea‘au Community Center (16-186 Pili Mua St.); Thursday, Oct. 12, at Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility (15-2910 Kauhale St.); Thursday, Oct. 19, at Waimea Elementary School; and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu‘au Hale in Hilo.
To request special assistance or an auxiliary aid to attend the event, contact Jo-Anna Herkes, SSFM International at 808-356-1260 at least 5 days prior to the event.
LOMI, the traditional massage practice of Hawaiian people, will be demonstrated tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. by practitioner Annie Erbe in a free workshop on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Most of the many styles of lomi are a way to heal body and mind. The workshop is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work.”
RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are invited to meet Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.
ADULTS ARE INVITED TO REGISTER UNTIL FRIDAY, OCT. 13, for a Mold Ceramics class that takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 16 through Dec. 4. at Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit event will take place three more times in October - Fridays, Oct. 13 & 27, and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m.
To join the efforts, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the aforementioned dates. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
FAR FROM THE TREE opens to the public on Saturday, Oct. 14, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
TWO EVENTS WILL BE HOSTED BY KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 14.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit event will take place three more times in October - Fridays, Oct. 13 & 27, and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m.
To join the efforts, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the aforementioned dates. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
FAR FROM THE TREE opens to the public on Saturday, Oct. 14, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
The reception with both artists is Saturday, Oct. 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The mixed media exhibition showcases Peterson’s detailed acrylic paintings and Smith’s segmented, wood turned vessels made mostly of Hawaiian hardwoods. The exhibit features hand painted wooden bowls that combine both artists’ talents.
For more information, visit volcanoartcenter.org or contact VAC Gallery Manager Emily C. Weiss by calling (808) 967-8222 or emailing gallery@volcanoartcenter.org.
ATLAS RECYCLING ACCEPTS RECYCLABLES AT SOUTH POINT U-CART again on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.TWO EVENTS WILL BE HOSTED BY KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 14.
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café offers a Mongolian BBQ. Call 967-8356 for more details. Starting at 8 p.m.: Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge offers Comedy Night with comedian Tom Clark. Call 967-8371 for more.
Both events are open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
KANIKAPILA welcomes acoustic instrumentalists, drummers, singers and dancers on Saturdays, Oct. 14 and 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more, call Desmond at 937-6305.
EXPLORE THE HUMAN HISTORY OF KAHUKU, on a three-hour guided moderate two-mile hike, People and Land of Kahuku, in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands– from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is also offered on Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED BY MEMBERS of the Bahá'í faith of Ka‘ū to a dinner and open house on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The event celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the religion's founder. The faith works toward a global civilization which takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life. Teachings center around the recognition of the oneness of humanity and “offer a compelling vision of a future world united in justice, peace and prosperity,” says a statement from organizers. To read more about the Bahá’í faith, see bahai.us/bicentenary-resources. To contact the Bahá’í’s of Ka‘ū and to R.S.V.P. for the Oct. 21 gathering, contact Sandra Demoruelle. Email naalehutheatre@yahoo.com or phone 929-9244.
KANIKAPILA welcomes acoustic instrumentalists, drummers, singers and dancers on Saturdays, Oct. 14 and 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more, call Desmond at 937-6305.EXPLORE THE HUMAN HISTORY OF KAHUKU, on a three-hour guided moderate two-mile hike, People and Land of Kahuku, in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands– from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is also offered on Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED BY MEMBERS of the Bahá'í faith of Ka‘ū to a dinner and open house on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The event celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the religion's founder. The faith works toward a global civilization which takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life. Teachings center around the recognition of the oneness of humanity and “offer a compelling vision of a future world united in justice, peace and prosperity,” says a statement from organizers. To read more about the Bahá’í faith, see bahai.us/bicentenary-resources. To contact the Bahá’í’s of Ka‘ū and to R.S.V.P. for the Oct. 21 gathering, contact Sandra Demoruelle. Email naalehutheatre@yahoo.com or phone 929-9244.
REGISTER KEIKI AGES 5-12 FOR A HALLOWEEN MASK MAKING CLASS that takes place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Register through Friday, Oct. 20. For more, call 939-2510.