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Monday, October 23, 2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, October 23, 2017

Fire within the forest over the weekend above Pāhala in a eucalyptus tree farm. Photo by Doug Phillips
FIREFIGHTERS CONTINUED FIGHTING the fire above Pāhala from Friday into Saturday and overnight again into Sunday. The fire, of unknown origin, burned about 31.2 acres, mostly in grass and farmed eucalyptus. No buildings, structures nor coffee nor macadamia farms were damaged.    
A lone firefighter shoots down the blaze along Ka‘alaiki
Road at night above Pāhala town.
Photo by Doug Phillips
      Police officers helped to manage traffic for fire vehicles and the public as Ka‘alaiki Road, the old cane road between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, was closed for safety and a helicopter flew overhead dropping water on the flames and the hot spots. Both volunteer and county firefighters assured that the fire stayed above the road and away from the town of Pāhala, coffee and macadamia plantations.

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APPRECIATION FOR KA‘Ū POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR STAFF is shown by a certificate and plaque from the Hawai‘i County Council. The Certificate of Appreciation hangs at Nā‘ālehu Police Station, which serves as a headquarters for the Ka‘ū District.
     Last Saturday, during a community fun day, celebrating the anniversary of Nā‘ālehu Police Station, Ka‘ū’s County Council member Maile David and Council member Dru Kanuha presented the plaque to Hawai‘i County Police Chief Paul Ferreira, Assistant Chief Mitchell Kanehailua, and Ka‘ū Police Captain Kenneth Quiocho. The certificate expresses appreciation for not only the Hawai‘i County Police Department but also “for the officers who protect and serve the Ka‘ū community.”  
Ka‘ū Police Capt. Kenneth Quiocho and retired Major
 David Kawauchi who was the first Captain 
of the Ka‘ū Police Station when it was built
 20 years ago. Photo by Patti Mlakar
      It notes that “on Aug. 30, 1997, Nā‘ālehu Police Station was completed and opened its doors with one captain, three sergeants and several officers.” It states that "The Hawai‘i County Council recognizes and appreciates every officer to the highest degree for your invaluable service and personal sacrifice and to each of your families who sacrifice so much as well.” 
       The certificate also expresses "our heartfelt aloha" and recognizes "the late Robert 'Uncle Bobby' Gomes for his love of Ka‘ū and who dedicated more than half a century of his life protecting and serving the families and children of Ka‘ū."
     Nā‘ālehu Police Station, the Ka‘ū headquarters, is managed by Police Operations Clerk Patti Mlakar who bedecked honored officials at the celebration with fresh flower lei.
     Police coverage of Ka‘ū consists of six officers on three shifts. The Ka‘ū force is led by Capt. K. Quiocho, Community Police Officers Dane Shibuya and Clayton Tayamen, and Sgt. Jason Grouns, Sgt. Jenny Lee and Sgt. Duffy Duldulao.
     Officers are H. Ivy, J. Lorenzo, L. Pacheco, I. Feki, S. Salmo, C. Barto, M. D'Angelo, I. Michaels, H. Pagan, B. Young, A. Akiu, J. Carvalho, S. Ibara, D. Phillips, W. Marciniak, and
Holding the Certificate of Appreciation are
Police Chief Paul Ferreira, Assistant
Chief Mitchell Kanehailua Jr., and 
Police Captain of Ka‘ū Kenneth Quiocho.
Photo by Patti Mlakar
B. Tada. Reserve officer is William Doar. Also in attendance was retired police Major David Kawauchi.
    See more on the Fun Day at Nā‘ālehu Police Station in the Sunday, Oct. 22, Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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AGRICULTURAL THEFT WILL BE ADDRESSED at an islandwide meeting sponsored by Hawai‘i Farmers Union United on Friday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. at UH Kona Cooperative Extension Service, across form Aloha Theater in Kainaliu.
     Guests include state Sen. Mike Gabbard, west Ka`u state Rep. Richard Creagan, state Dept. of Agriculture Chairperson Scott Enright, Shane Muramaru from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, and police, county and farmer representatives. 
     "Growers statewide have been plagued with continuous theft of orchard crops, often making it extremely difficult for small farmers to achieve sustainability. This meeting is to identify problems and work towards solutions with the State Legislature, Hawai‘i Dept. of Agriculture and local police departments," says a statement from Hawai‘i Farmers Union United.
     The meeting is co-sponsored by: Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers; University of Hawai‘i, Kona Cooperative Extension Service; County of Hawai‘i Prosecuting Attorney; and Hawai‘i Organic Farmers Association. For more on the Ka‘ū Chapter of Hawai‘i Farmers United, contact Pres. Kyle Studer at 808-271-4448.  

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THE NEXT OCEAN VIEW BLOCK WATCH MEETING will be held Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. at OV Community Center. Everyone is invited and the organization will entertain nominations and elect officers. The new organization meets with community and police the first Thursday of every month. "We need many more eyes and ears to keep our community safe," said Nancy Bondurant, of Ocean View who is one of the organizers.
Joe Iacuzzo, of Ka‘ū Learning Academy, set
to have a Gilligan's fundraiser Nov. 4.
Photo by Julia Neal

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A GILLIGAN'S NIGHT to raise funds for Ka‘ū Learning Academy has been announced for Saturday, Nov. 4, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is the first in a series of charter school fundraisers with music and food.
     The afternoon and evening are set as a kind of reunion of the talent and the people who enjoyed the fundraising dinners leading up to the opening of the Ka‘ū Learning Academy. Gilligan's Restaurant was located at the site of the what is now the charter school in Discovery Harbour.    
    For the Nov. 4 entertainment, Foggy will play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Solomon and Tiger will play from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. The food will feature pizza, pasta, lasagna, salads, desserts and chicken parm.

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Jean Pierre Thoma
JAZZ IN THE FOREST comes to Volcano Art Center campus again on Saturday, Nov. 11, with performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tin Pan Alley showcases Leslie Harlib and Hal Glatzer with Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones. On the play sheet are versions of some American classic songs from the 30’s, 40’s and early 50’s by Gershwin, Kern, Porter and Berlin.
     Thoma plays flute, saxophone clarinet and piano. Harlib sings and plays piano. Glatzer is a singer and horn player.
     The Wine and Beer Room will be open for attendees along with Ohelo Cafe pupu before and after the concert. An area has been set aside for dancing. Tickets are $18 for VAC members and $20 for non-members (refreshments not included).
      Tickets are available for sale online at volcanoartcenter.org, at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village and VAC Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The last day to purchase tickets online is Friday, Nov. 10.

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REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR AN EDIBLE HALLOWEEN CRAFT CLASS scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Oct. 24. For more, call 928-3102.

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 
HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. For more, call 929-9910.

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.
     The final meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lū‘au Hale in Hilo.
     For more, call 808-356-1260.

EVENTS CELEBRATING WORLD FOOD DAY, presented by Hawai’i Island Food Alliance, KTA Super Stores, and The Kohala Center, are set for Tuesday, Oct. 24, at KTA locations - Puainako, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Keauhou - from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     The Kohala Center describes the event as following, “Support local farmers showcasing their value-added products at this in-store event. Enjoy tastings, samples, and purchase a selection of products direct from farmers." The Kohala Center will distribute plant starts as supplies last. Farmers and value-added producers who would like to distribute samples at KTA for World Food Day, may contact Nicole Milne at nmilne@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411. See a short slide show called The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World by the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

EVENTS CELEBRATING WORLD FOOD DAY, presented by Hawai’i Island Food Alliance, KTA Super Stores, and The Kohala Center, are set for Tuesday, Oct. 24, at KTA locations - Puainako, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Keauhou - from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     The Kohala Center describes the event as following, “Support local farmers showcasing their value-added products at this in-store event. Enjoy tastings, samples, and purchase a selection of products direct from farmers." The Kohala Center will distribute plant starts as supplies last. Farmers and value-added producers who would like to distribute samples at KTA for World Food Day, may contact Nicole Milne at nmilne@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411. See a short slide show called The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World by the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

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.

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."

LEARN ONE OF THE GREAT TRADITIONAL ARTS OF HAWAI‘I, ulana lau hala, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free Lau Hala workshop takes place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful, artistic items for centuries. Those learning to weave lau hala can take home their own peice of lau hala art. The class in one of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Park entrance fees apply.

COFFEE TALK in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National park takes place Friday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join rangers and other community members in an informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase. Free.

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 occur on Friday, Oct. 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.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets Friday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. in Hawaiian Ranchos office.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCT. 27, for community members interested in hosting a booth at the Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Pāhala Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc., the festival is directed by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, who teaches hula on Wednesday evenings to all ages at Pāhala Community Center.
     There are openings for craft vendors, food vendors, informational booths, and game vendors for children. Craft vendors fee is $50.00. Food vendors fee is $75.00. Game Vendors fee is $50.00. Informational booths are free. Call 649-9334 for an application.

A HALLOWEEN PARTY FOR ADULTS is offered at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Friday, Oct. 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Attendees must be 21 years and older and must pay a cover charge of $5 per person. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is accepting reservations for a volunteer day at the Ka‘ū Preserve for Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserving a spot in advance to go to the remote location in The Nature Conservancy's trucks is necessary. Anyone interested in more information, and/or to reserve a spot can contact Linda Schubert at lschubert@tnc.org, or call 443-5401.
     The following volunteer workday will be Saturday, Nov. 18. Details to come.

HIKE TO THE TOP OF THE GRASSY CINDER CONE PU‘U O LOKUANA from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a ranger in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The hike is a short 0.4 miles. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike will also take place on Nov. 5.

JOIN RANGERS FOR A GUIDED HIKE, REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the “talk story” segment of this hike. The event will also be offered Nov. 11 and Dec. 16.

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.