Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, October 17, 2017

An ‘Alalā takes flight after living in a a Bird Conservation Center. The endangered Hawaiian crow joined ten
others with scientists and caregivers hoping they can be re-established as free-living members of the Hawaiian
native forest. See story below. Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

HAWAIIAN FEDERAL JUDGE DERICK KAHALA WATSON granted a temporary restraining order against President Donald Trump’s third travel ban, just hours before it was set to take effect at midnight Tuesday. Watson issued a nationwide order, which will stop the Trump administration from permanently blocking travel to the U.S. from citizens of Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela, Chad, Libya and North Korea.

Federal Judge Derrick Kahala Watson

      The new travel ban was seen as an expansion of the earlier Trump travel bans that targeted marjority-Muslim nations. It would also have been permanent rather than for 90 days like the previous travel bans. Watson's ruling came after a brief was filed by Hawai‘i Attorney General Doug Chin, asking for the restraining order.
     Watson, a Kamehameha School, Harvard College and Harvard Law School graduate, and the only Native Hawaiian on the federal bench, wrote that Trump's latest travel ban, "plainly discriminates based on nationality," which goes against "the founding principles of this Nation."
     The Trump administration responded, saying that Watson's order "undercuts the President's efforts to keep the American people safe and enforce minimum security standards for entry into the United States."
     Watson said that the Trump administration failed to link nationality with security threat. "The categorical restrictions on entire populations of men, women and children, based upon nationality are a poor fit for the issues regarding the sharing of 'public-safety and terrorism-related information' that the President identifies."

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FIVE YOUNG ‘ALALĀ, two females and three males, were released into Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve near Volcano last week, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources announced yesterday. It marks the second group of birds to join a previous group that had been released into the forest at the end of September. "These 11 birds represent what conservationists hope will be the beginning of a recovered population of the endangered crow species on the island," says the DLNR statement.

A hand puppet feeds an ‘Alalā chick, raised in captivity before being
released into the native Hawaiian forest environment.
Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

    The ‘Alalā, or Hawaiian crow, has been extinct in the wild since 2002, preserved only at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center at Volcano and Maui Bird Conservation Center, both managed by San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program.
    “Our efforts to bring this species back from the brink of extinction have been tremendously bolstered by our ability to protect a small population of ‘Alalā in a conservation breeding program in Hawai‘i,” said Michelle Bogardus, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Geographic Team Leader for Maui Nui and the Hawai‘i Islands. “Now that we have built up the population to more than 125 birds at the Hawaiian Bird Center we can begin the long road to recovering this incredible species in its native habitat.”
   The first group of ‘Alalā released into the forests of Hawai‘i in late 2016 encountered predation pressures from the native Hawaiian hawk, or ‘Io. Surviving birds from this first group were brought back into aviaries while a team of conservationists looked at ways to improve their chances in the next re-introduction.

‘Alalā crows flew into the wild last week and in late September
 totaling 11 endangered birds released at the Pu‘u Maka‘ala
 Natural Area near Volcano. Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

    “Knowing that there is a high mortality rate associated with releasing species into the wild, particularly in a situation like this where the species has been absent from native habitats for close to two decades, the ‘Alalā Working Group looked closely at how to improve the many factors that
might affect the success of these two groups,” said Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, Project Coordinator of the ‘Alalā Project. “The team developed new strategies that took into account outcomes from the last release, while adapting management techniques to improve successful transition to the wild.”
    The concerted re-introduction efforts, funded by the state Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources, San Diego Zoo Global, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have addressed challenges by changing the timing of release to avoid the peak of winter storms, changing the release site location, releasing mixed-sex cohorts with established social associations, and enhancing the “antipredator training program” to reinforce the instinctual behaviors for responding to predators like ‘Io.

‘Alalā, the Hawaiian crow, are endangered, with only a few in the wild.
Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

     “The first group has stayed together, foraging close to the release aviary and creating social groups with each other similar to what we expect for young birds of this species,” said Joshua Pang-Ching, Research Coordinator for the Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program. “We also observed some alarm calling showing us that these individuals are very aware of their surroundings and are learning to respond to the natural threats that may occur in their environment.”
    The DLNR statement says that "the team will continue to monitor the group of 11 birds in the NAR for years to come. The NAR is an area that The Three Mountain Alliance and DLNR have worked for decades to preserve, protecting native plants and species, and it represents one of the types of habitat where ‘Alalā originally lived before their numbers began to decline.

     "‘Alalā have a legacy of being an integral part of the life of the Hawaiian forest, as they eat and assist with the dispersal of native plant seeds. ‘Alalā are not only ecologically significant as dispersers of Hawai’i’s native plants, but they are significantly revered in Hawaiian culture. The re-introduction of this species is expected to play an important part in the overall recovery of native ecosystems."

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HAWAI‘I ISLAND FOOD BANK - THE FOOD BASKET, which provides services throughout Ka‘ū, will host its Hawai‘i Island’s 14th annual Golf Tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Hilo Municipal Golf Course with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Proceeds support The Food Basket’s mission of ending hunger in Hawai‘i County.
     Those interested in becoming a Food Bakset sponsor or donating a silent auction item can contact Chris Schlueter at chris@csphilo.com.

Hawai‘i Island Food Bank, Hawai‘i Food Basket and Da Box, promote the eating of fresh foods and
sourcing from Local farms. Photo from The Food Basket

     “The Food Basket’s Board of Directors is looking forward to putting on this event in support of the great work our island’s only food bank does in the community,” said Chris Schlueter, Board Vice Chairperson and Golf Tournament Chair. “We’re also looking forward to getting to socialize with the community and our donors that continue to help sustain The Food Basket’s efforts year in and year out.” Tournament entry fee is $100 and includes green fees, shared cart, a bento lunch, and prizes.
     Those desiring to attend the award ceremony, lunch, and silent auction as “non-golfers” are invited, with a $25 registration fee. Registration forms can be picked up from The Food Basket’s administrative office, 40 Holomua Street in Hilo, the Hilo Municipal Golf Course, or by visiting HawaiiFoodBasket.org.
          The Food Basket serves 13,649 unduplicated individuals through its programs and network of nearly 100 partner agencies who host soup kitchens, pantries, and keiki and elderly programs. Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Food Basket is funded largely through  generosity and support of the local community.
     In Ka‘ū, Food Basket provides Kūpuna Pantry, a free UDSA distribution of canned goods and dried foods, the last Thursday of every month at the Ka‘ū District Gym from 11 a.m. to noon. At the same time and place as Kūpuna Pantry, Food Basket presents Ho‘olaha Ka Hua produce program, The Box. Anyone can sign up to receive a box of fresh produce for $16 by calling ahead to 933-6030. Those receiving SNAP benefits can pick up a box at a discounted price.

Da Box, with a variety of local vegetables and fruits, can be ordered ahead of time at a retail price or through SNAP.  Photo from Hawai‘i Food Basket

   Each box contains a minimum of seven item, including five to six vegetables and one to two fruits. Multiple boxes are available as long as they are preordered.
     If more than five boxes are ordered, The Food Basket will deliver to Nā‘ālehu.
     The program in Ocean View is every Thursday at the Kahuku County Park between 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Interested persons must sign up at least a week ahead of time by phone or by going to the Kahuku Park for the next weeks delivery.
     The Food Basket also supports the Ka‘ū Food Pantries with distribution at: Sacred Hearts Church in Nā‘ālehu on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., call 928-8208; Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala on the last Thursday of the month from noon to 2 p.m, call Ronnette at 209-9011, and St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View on the last Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     The Food Basket also serves the community through one of the only CSA programs in the state of its kind, offering access to affordable, Hawai‘i Island grown produce on a weekly basis. It is also home to several in-house programs focusing on keiki and kupuna.
      Sponsors include: Big Island Candies, Fairwind Cruises, Fukunaga Electric, Hawai‘i Forest & Trail, HFS Federal Credit Union, HMSA, Isemoto Contracting, KapohoKine Adventures LLC, KTA Super Stores, Kohanaiki Golf Course, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Nanea Golf Course, NG & Patel LLP, Puna Geothermal Venture, Royal Kona Resort, and Waikoloa Kings’ Course.
     For more information about the event or Food Basket programs contact Jamilia Epping, Hawai’i Island’s Food Bank Director of Public Relations, Events for The Food Basket by emailing jamilia@hawaiifoodbasket.org or calling (808) 933-6030.

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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:

Cheerleading

Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

Eight-Man Football

Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

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A FREE CONCERT FEATURING NĀ HŌKŪ HANOHANO WINNER MARK YAMANAKA will be at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Yamanaka has been awarded multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards since his first album, Lei Puakenikeni. His Lei Maile also received critical acclaim. This event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Park entrance fees may apply.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD meets tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 18, starting at noon, in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

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 meetings outside 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 at heleonsuggestions@ssfm.com.
     Meetings are 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19, at Waimea Elementary School and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu‘au Hale in Hilo.
     For more, call 808-356-1260.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū MEETS THURSDAY, Oct. 19, at 5:30 p.m. For more, call 929-9731 or 936-7262.

AUDITIONS FOR A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL, the December play by Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network, are Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. at KMC's Kīlauea Theater. Auditioners prepare a song that best features vocal ability. There are parts for all ages, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim. A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol will play for one weekend only Dec. 14 to 17; Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.. For more information, read the Ka'ū News Briefs from September 13, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

TROPICAL FRUIT YIELDS will be discussed at a co-meeting of Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers and Hawai‘i Farmers Union United, Thursday, Oct. 19, at 81-6393 Mamalahoa Hwy in Captain Cook. Guest speaker Peter Salleras, of Queensland, Australia, will discuss Tatura trellis in Hawai‘i and Bush Tucker native fruits of Australia. Hawai‘i Farmers United state President Vince Mina reports on the recent state convention and legislative outlook. The potluck dinner meeting starts at 5 p.m. For more, contact Brian Lievens, President West Hawai‘i Chapter, 808-895-8753, greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com; or Ken Love, Executive Director, 808-323-2417, kenlove@hawaiiantel.net. Learn more about Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers at: facebook.com/group.phpgid=127197321932&ref=mf, hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org and hawaiifruit.net.

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.

TAI CHI FOR HEALTH will be presented this Friday, Oct. 20, at the Ka‘ū District Gym, with Dr. Myrtle Miyamera, from 10 a.m. to noon, sponsored by Ka‘ū Resource Center and Pāhala Parks & Recreation.

Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

EXPERIENCE THE SKILLFUL WORK, ‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU, Hawaiian cultural demonstrations will be given the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the third Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. The upcoming event will be Friday, Oct. 20, with programs also scheduled for Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. This event is free.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF BAHÁ'U'LLÁH, founder of the Bahá'í Faith, the Bahá’ís of Ka‘ū invite the community to a dinner and open house on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
     For more information and to R.S.V.P. contact Sandra Demoruelle, email naalehutheatre@yahoo.com or phone 929-9244. For more about the Bahá'í Faith, read the Ka'ū News Briefs from September 20.

THE OCEAN VIEW DEEP CLEAN project is gearing up for Saturday, Oct. 21. Supported through a grant from Matson Navigation, it will provide containers for large items being disposed of, including broken appliances and furniture. The event begins at 8 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Those who would like to volunteer can call 939-7033, Mondays through Fridays from 8 am. to noon and 217-7982 in afternoons and evenings, said Ocean View Community Association President Ron Gall.
     Volunteers need to wear sturdy shoes and gloves, sunscreen, long pants/jeans and hat. OVVC will provide bottled water and lunch for volunteers. "The Community Association is seeking a tire recycler to haul off the many tires dumped in the community," Gall said.
     In addition to Matson, the Hawai‘i County Solid Waste Division is providing some assistance.

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, a moderate hike approximately 2 miles takes place tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. The hike will be offered again on Nov. 25. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

RECYCLING WILL BE ACCEPTED AT NĀ‘ĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYM on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by Atlas Recycling. Redeem HI-5 sorted by type; receive 5 cents per container and additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. For more, call 939-2413, ext. 230.

WRITING ON THE WILD SIDE, a workshop at Volcano Art Center will take place Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tom Peek’s techniques and exercises help students explore their creative minds and unique voices. The class is $75 per person or $65 per person for VAC members. For more, call 967-8222.

A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE will be given on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Saturday, Oct. 21, starting at 10:30 a.m. Nā Kumu hula Micah Kamohoaliʻi and Hālau Na Kipuʻupuʻu will perform. Also see Nā Mea Hula with Halauolaokalani from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FAMILIES ARE INVITED FOR A DAY OF FUN, CULTURE AND DISCOVERY for Kahuku ‘Ohana Day in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration required by Friday, Oct. 13).
     Hawai’i Volcanoes press release promoting the event says “Learn about the hidden powers that plants have to keep us healthy through the teachings of Aunty Ka‘ohu Monfort, a practitioner of lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian herbal medicine). Collect seeds from native plants and help park rangers bring new life to Kahuku.”
     Keiki 17 and under and their families must sign up by October 13 to participate by calling 808-985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat, long pants, shoes and reusable water bottle. Kahuku is located between the 70 and 71 mile markers on Highway 11.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 23.
     Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
     For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI AGES 6-12 FOR A BAT FINGER PUPPET class at Kahuku Park scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Register until Friday, Oct. 25. For more, call 929-9113.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. 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 cuhawaii.com/careers.html.