About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, October 03, 2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Andrea Kawabata during a Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, Ka‘ū Coffee College talk. See her
tips below for keeping Ka‘ū Coffee productive with the highest quality. Photo by Julia Neal 
IN RESPONSE TO THE LAS VEGAS TRAGEDY on Sunday, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz released the following statement regarding the mass shooting, which left at least 59 people dead and more than 500 injured. He said, "our hearts are with the people affected by this tragedy, and with all of Las Vegas. But warm words are not enough. Thoughts and prayers won’t stop this from happening again. It’s time for Congress to finally stand up against gun violence and take action so this never happens again."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted, "With yet another horrific mass shooting, when will Congress stand up to the NRA? This senseless violence must end." Gov. David Ige responded also. See yesterday's Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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CONGRESS PLANS TO CUT MEDICARE AND MEDICAID, in order to finance tax cuts for the wealthy, warns Sen. Brian Schatz. He tweeted today: "Medicare and Medicaid cuts are in new budget, not ACA (Affordable Care Act) repeal. It's the way they finance their tax cuts for their friends.
Seriously." He also tweeted, "GOP is going to vote to cut a trillion dollars from Medicaid and a half a trillion from Medicare. This is not an old tweet." This morning, he tweeted, "I'm not sure everyone fully grasps yet that GOP tax plan is actually cutting Medicare and Medicaid. That's how they pay for it. And it will blow up the deficit by trillions."
     Schatz contended that the tax plan in Congress is "ridiculously regressive" with top 1 percent of people - those with income over $730,000 - getting "50 percent of the total benefit, the top 20 percent get 75 percent of the total benefit."
     Schatz said the Senate GOP is voting this week for $537 billion in Medicare cuts and a trillion dollars in Medicaid cuts.

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A COMMUNITY KA‘Ū COAST CLEANUP, delayed by the recent Waikapuna range fire on the Ka‘ū Coast, will be held this Sunday, Oct. 8. It is connected with the statewide, annual Get the Drift and Bag It! and the International Coastal Cleanup.
     Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles are invited to meet at 8:45 a.m. at Wai‘ōhinu Park, at Mile Marker 65 on Hwy. 11. Bring lunch and snacks for the day, a re-fillable water bottle, sturdy footware, no slippers, sun/wind protection, including sunglasses, a hat, longsleeve shirt, suncreen, work gloves, and swimsuit. The destination, Kamilo, is remote. The cleanup is sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, under the direction of marine biologist Megan Lamson-Leatherman.
Kamilo Beach, featured in a 2010 CNBC production called Trash Inc: 
The Secret Life of Garbage, is the destination for volunteers on Sunday. 
     Kamilo has been given as an example of a destination for trash washing up from the oceans in numerous news stories on television, online and in print publications. In 2010, Trash Inc.: The Secret Life of Garbage, featured Kamilo.
     An Artists Hui Cleanup will be held at Kamilo on Monday, Oct. 30, for artists only. Reserving a space is required. R.S.V.P. to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. Call or text 808-217-5777. Social posts: @wildhawaii #teamupcleanup #keephawaiiwild).

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THE MAIN KA‘Ū COFFEE PICKING SEASON IS HERE and the quality and reputation of the famous Ka‘ū Coffee is on the line. Andrea Kawabata, University of Hawai‘i Agriculure Extension Agent, offers the following tips:
     When harvesting: Pick all ripe to raisin cherries and never intentionally discard berries on the ground. Supervise pickers and make corrections while they are harvesting to be sure they are helping to control Coffee Berry Borers. If harvests are more than two to three weeks apart, consider including color-break cherries when harvesting so they do not become raisins by the next harvest.
     Harvests two to three weeks apart may help reduce CBB infestation by preventing a generation of CBB from exiting berries. Be sure to close the burlap bag after each addition of cherries to prevent CBB from escaping back into the farm. CBB are small enough to crawl through the weave of the bag. Burlap bags lined with a plastic bag can also help to contain CBB and prevent escape. Maintain coffee quality by keeping bags of coffee and cherry out of the sun to prevent bad fermentation and rot. Process or take to the processor as soon as possible.
The reputation of Ka‘ū Coffee quality keeps it in the high end of the market, creating a product that
brings economic prosperity to Ka‘ū farmers. Photo by Julia Neal 
      Floating cherry in water can help to separate floater from sinker cherry. Post-harvest floating and removal of floater cherry will reduce the quantity of raisins sold or entering the wet and dry mill processes. Raisins often contain heavily CBB-damaged beans. Floating of parchment can also help to reduce hollow and severely damaged beans from the end product.
      Sampling and monitoring to spray for CBB: Following harvest, consider sampling and monitoring fields to determine levels of CBB in the A/B Alive position that trigger a spray for control. Harvesting may agitate CBB and cause an increase in beetle flight and movement. Remember that CBB must be contacted with BotaniGard/Mycotrol or an approved insecticide to obtain best kill.
      For other CBB IPM or coffee-related information, visit hawaiicoffee.weebly.com.

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A JOB IN THE COFFEE INDUSTRY: A Junior Extension Agent for Coffee Berry Borer is open for recruitment through the University of Hawai‘i. For more information, visit: workatuh.hawaii.edu/Jobs/NAdvert/25143/4431348/1/postdate/desc or search the WorkatUH website for position number 0085500T.

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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 
Friday, Oct. 6, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, home.
Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.
Friday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. Honoka'a, home.

Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

Cross Country
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.
Saturday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. BIIF, away.

Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Konawaena.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

REGISTER THROUGH THURSDAY, OCT. 5, FOR A KAHUKU PARK CLEANUP that takes place Friday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Those interested in joining must register. Call 929-9113 for more details.

REGISTER AGES 6-12 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 6, FOR RELAY RACES scheduled to take place at Kahuku Park on Monday, Oct. 9, from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. For more, call 929-9113.

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.

HO‘OKUPU HULA NO KA‘Ū CULTURAL FESTIVAL organizing meeting will be tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Pāhala Community Center at 6:30 p.m. for those who would like to volunteer and support the Nov. 4. event.

NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4. All are welcome to celebrate with Ka‘ū police officers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gymnasium Conference Room in Pāhala. The event is a casual talk-story opportunity with no agenda, where attendees can meet local police officers. Coffee and pastries will be available at no cost.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details, call 967-8371.

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A STORY TIME EVENT IS OFFERED AT PĀHALA PUBLIC LIBRARY on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool staff will read a book aloud to keiki of all ages, with "a fun activity and snack provided following the story,” according to the event flier issued by Hawai‘i State Public Library System.
     Story Time is free to attend.
     For more information call Pāhala Public Library at 928-2015. For more library events, visit librarieshawaii.org/events.

HULA VOICES takes place on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates this free event, with Kumu hula Iwalani Kalima of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E presenting her hula experiences. Park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS THURSDAY, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center.

LEARN THE ART OF TROPICAL FLOWER ARRANGING at Volcano Art Center on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kaipo Ah Chong will provide cleaned tropical flowers. The class is $45 plus $20 supply fee. For more, call 967-8222.

TAI CHI QIGONG DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS will be given by Dr. Myrtle Miyamura, a certified Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructor. The new Ka‘ū Gym in Pāhala is the venue on Fridays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
     The tai chi instructions include movement for injury and arthritis management and prevention.
     According to the state Department of Health, injury prevention information online, Tai Chi for Health "is an evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention."
     The classes are cosponsored by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association and the county Department of Parks & Recreation, Call KRHCA executive director Jessie Marques at 928-0101.
     See Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS SET FOR SATURDAY, Oct. 7 (moved from Oct. 14), at the Ocean View Community Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

BUCKETS FOR BOOKS VSAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gym. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences raises funds and offers games for all ages. See friendsofvolcanoschool.org for rules and fees. Email gotwill@gmail.com or call 626-5130 for more.

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 four times in October - Saturdays, Oct. 7 & 21, and Fridays, Oct. 13 & 27, 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.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Oct. 22, 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.

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the new disease of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on a guided hike in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 9:30 a.m. t0 11 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is also offered Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

COMMUNITY CUP FUNDRAISER takes place Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The event features hand-thrown teacups and bowls by local Big Island potters, as well as samples of fine Hawaiʻi-grown teas, demonstrations, exhibits and more. The entrance fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a choice of one tea bowl, plus tea samples. Call 967-8222 for more.

SENIOR ID'S FOR AGES 60 AND UP WILL BE ISSUED MONDAY, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View. For more, call 928-3100.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENROLL NOW in the The Kohala Center’s High School Sustainable Agriculture Program.
     The next session is at TKC's Demonstration Farm in Honoka’a, Oct. 9 to 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services says, “The weeklong program features hands-on training in sustainable agriculture practices and visits to important traditional Hawaiian agricultural sites and farms. Students will also learn about opportunities in farming and supporting Hawai'i's food security. Contact Dave Sansone at 808-887-6411 or dsansone@kohalacenter.org for more information.”