Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, October 4, 2017

El Leo, which has performed for the opening night at Ka‘ū Coffee Festival for the past two years, and also
Ka‘ū Plantation Days, will help raise money for Puerto Rico victims of Hurricane Maria this Saturday, Oct. 7.
See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

KA‘Ū'S CONGRESSWOMAN CALLS FOR PUERTO RICO AID NOW: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard today spoke on the U.S. House of Representatives floor, calling on the Trump administration and Congress to pass an aid package for Puerto Rico now, in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. Rep. Gabbard demanded that the administration immediately send all available resources to help with recovery efforts. See the Video of Gabbard's Speech.

Ka‘ū and rural Hawai‘i's Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard

asked for congressional aid for Puerto Rico to be passed

immediately. See, listen to her Speech.

       The Congresswoman stated that “Right now 3.5 million Americans, our fellow citizens, are facing a humanitarian crisis. In Puerto Rico, the majority of people still lack basic electricity, clean drinking water and medicine -- the basic necessities just to stay alive. Not to speak of the basic resources they need to begin the great task of rebuilding their lives and their communities. It has been days since the hurricane passed over Puerto Rico, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

      “The people of Puerto Rico are literally crying out for help. There are far too many, especially those in rural communities, who still have not been reached by those bringing aid. As a Representative from the island state of Hawai‘i, I can only imagine their frustration and desperation. I urge the administration to dedicate all available resources for recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and work with Congress to pass an emergency aid package to ensure that those 

delivering aid have what they need to help the people of Puerto Rico and save lives.”

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A FUNDRAISER FOR HURRICANE RELIEF for Puerto Rico victims will be held this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Eagles Hall in Kea‘au. El Leo, The Jarican Express, the Puerto Rican band that has opened Ka‘ū Coffee Festival week at Pāhala Plantation House for the last two years, and also participated in Ka‘ū Plantation Days, will perform, along with many others. It is sponsored by east Ka‘ū's state Senator Russell Ruderman and Charles Bragas.

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SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN hosts a Town Hall Meeting at Volcano Art Center's campus on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. A statement from the state Senator says it will be "An evening of legislative discussion and insight. Take advantage of this opportunity to weigh in on the 2018 Legislative Session. Additional information will be provided about participating directly in the legislative process."

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TRANSFER STATION THRIFT STORE has opened at Wai‘ōhinu county transfer station. Kyra

Kyra Bronson, known for saving
animals, is now saving items to
be recycled in the community.

Bronson, of Nā‘ālehu, who is also known for saving orphaned animals, has taken up the cause of saving useful items to be recycled and upcycled in the community. She operates the thrift store Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon until 5 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. People can donate clothing, linens, tools, household goods and other items. The Transfer Station Thrift Store is contracted through the County of Hawai‘i.

A drum set, already sold, is an example of unusual and

useful items for sale at Transfer Station Thrift Store in

Wai‘ōhinu. See more at

Transfer Station Thrift Store facebook page.

      To support the operation, items are sold at very discounted prices. With limited space in a Matson Container, where clothing is neatly hung or folded on shelves, Bronson also sells furniture, and big appliances outdoors.
      For more information on Transfer Station Thrift Store, call 808-238-6194. To see many of the items for sale, see the Transfer Station Thrift Store facebook page.

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FAR FROM THE TREE  is a new Volcano Art Center art exhibit featuring Linda Peterson and Gregg Smith. The exhibition is open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 14 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.   

      A special opening reception with both artists occurs Saturday, Oct. 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The mixed media exhibition showcases each artists’ specialty, including Peterson’s detailed acrylic paintings and Smith’s segmented, wood turned vessels made mostly of Hawaiian hardwoods. The exhibit also features a collaborative collection of hand painted wooden bowls that combine both artists’ talents.

Segmented vessel by Gregg Smith, hand-painted by Linda Peterson

will be featured in the art show beginning Saturday, Oct. 14.

Photo from Volcano Art Center

     Peterson, a retired teacher and nurse, has loved drawing and the idea of becoming an artist since she was a child growing up in Southern California. Self-taught, she enhanced her skills by attending workshops of accomplished artists. Upon moving to Hawai‘i in 1974, she began painting with oils and acrylics. While also living in the Pacific Northwest, she stayed involved with the arts through local contests, working with a professional designer, painting private and public murals, and demonstrating her techniques on a local television station. She credits her surrounding environment as a constant inspiration to her work.

     Smith is a wood artist specializing in segmented wood turning of bowls, vases, urns and decorative vessels. Laminated wood turnings, made primarily of Hawaiian hardwoods, with application of decorative pyrography designs sets his distinguished vessels apart from many others in his field. Smith has received numerous awards for his turnings and has been asked to judge several wood exhibitions. His work has appeared in national magazines and has demonstrated at the Utah woodworking symposium as well as at several American Association Of Woodturners club events. He has served as Vice President and President of Big Island Woodturners, West Hawai‘i Woodturners and treasurer of Hawai‘i Wood Guild.

A reception for the art show collaboration will be held

Saturday, Oct. 14 at Volcano Art Center.

Photo from Volcano Art Center

       Smith has collaborated with other Hawai‘i artists. This most recent collaboration with Peterson creates a new canvas for her paintings and adds an element of color and detail to his pieces. 

      Volcano Art Center invites all to come view this collection of two and three dimensional works. For more information, visit volcanoartcenter.org or contact VAC Gallery Manager Emily C. Weiss by calling (808) 967-8222 or emailing gallery
@volcanoartcenter.org.  

       Volcano Art Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 whose mission is to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawai‘i through the arts and education. 

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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. 18, at Kamehameha.

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A STORY TIME EVENT IS OFFERED AT PĀHALA PUBLIC LIBRARY tomorrow, 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 tomorrow, 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 TOMORROW, THURSDAY, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center.

REGISTER THROUGH TOMORROW, 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 KEIKI AGED 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.

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 SESSIONS by Dr. Myrtle Miyamura, certified Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructor , will be at the Ka‘ū Gym in Pāhala, 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. The state Department of Health, injury prevention information online, calls Tai Chi for Health "an evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention."
      Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association and the county Department of Parks & Recreation are cosponsors. 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.

Volunteers needed to remove invasive plants in Hawai‘i
Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 7. See story.
Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

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.

A KA‘Ū COAST CLEANUP will be this Sunday, Oct. 8. It is connected with the annual Get the Drift and Bag It! and the International Coastal Cleanup.
     Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles can meet at 8:45 a.m., Wai‘ōhinu Park at Mile Marker 65 on Hwy. 11. Bring lunch and snacks, re-fillable water bottle, sturdy foot ware, no slippers, sun/wind protection, including sunglasses, 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.
     An Artists Hui Cleanup will be held at Kamilo on Monday, Oct. 30, for artists only. Reserving space is required. R.S.V.P. to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. Call or text 808-217-5777. Social posts: @wildhawaii #teamupcleanup #keephawaiiwild).

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 is Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 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. 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 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.