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Wednesday, November 08, 2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Some of the veteran staff and volunteers at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park stand on the northeast rim of Kīlauea
caldera, behind Volcano House. From left to right, Chantel Weaver (Army National Guard); Lindsay Barclay
(Air Force); Rob Ely (Navy); Diana Miller (Air Force); Paul Field (Army); Renee Richardson (Air Force);
Donny Pham (Army); Tom Lemmer (Navy) and Jack Corrao (Navy).  See story below.
NPS Photo by Janice Wei
ONE PERSON DIED IN A FIERY HEAD-ON COLLISION BETWEEN PĀHALA AND VOLCANO before dawn on Wednesday. An automobile collided with a Punalu‘u Bake Shop delivery van on Māmalahoa Hwy., Hwy. 11, between the 46 and 47 mile markers.
A 1999 Plymouth sedan to be hauled away after a
predawn head-on collision with a Punalu‘u Bake Shop
 delivery van between Pāhala and Volcano on
 Wednesday. Apparently the car crossed
the line and speed may be a factor.
     Hawai‘i Police Department reports responding to a 3:39 a.m. call. Police concluded that a 1999 Plymouth sedan, operated by an unidentified male, was traveling toward Pāhala when it crossed the center line into a head-on collision with a 2013 Isuzu cargo van operated by a 55-year old Mountain View man. The sedan was engulfed by fire, which was extinguished by the Hawai‘i Fire Department.
     An ambulance delivered the unidentified driver of the sedan to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 8:40 a.m. The driver of the cargo van was also taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was treated and is listed in stable condition.
     According to the police report, it is believed speed was a factor in the crash, but it is not immediately known if alcohol contributed to the tragedy. An autopsy was ordered to determine cause of death and to identify the driver of the car.
    The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner's Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Christopher Kapua-Allison at 326-4646, Ext. 229.
     This is the 29th traffic fatality this year compared to 28 at this time last year.
     Volcano Fire Station Captain Roger W. Carvalho also issued a report, stating that the first fire unit reached the scene at 4 a.m. Firefighters found the car and driver completely burned almost beyond recognition.
A Punalu‘u Bake Shop delivery van uprighted
after being flipped onto its side when hit head-on
by an oncoming car, on Hwy. 11. The driver has been 
reported as being in stable condition.
     The report described the scene as: "A large delivery truck laying on side, blocking Hwy. 11, driver self extricated. Small compact vehicle heavily damaged and fully engulfed in flames. After fire was suppressed, Hawai‘i Fire Department personal found a single victim in driver seat burned beyond recognition." He said that Engine 11 arrived "and was to stand by with Hawai‘i Police Department officers to complete investigation."
     Carvalho remarked that personnel "searched area around roadway for more possible victims in case of being ejected from the vehicle."
     Highway 11 was closed as a result of the accident. People driving or taking the Hele On Bus and other transportation from Ka‘ū toward Hilo to work and school were delayed while the road was blocked for nearly 5.5 hours. Kamehameha School rerouted its bus from Ka‘ū North towards Waimea and across the Saddle Road. Work by Hawai‘i Electric Light Co. on the line along Hwy. 11 between Pāhala and Volcano was delayed until the road reopened just before 9 a.m.

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AN ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN was introduced into the U.S. Senate today by Hawai‘i Senator Mazie Hirono and California Senator Dianne Feinstein. The Assault Weapons Ban of 2017 would ban the sale, transfer, manufacture, and importation of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
Hwy. 11 was closed for almost 5.5 hours as Hawai‘i Fire and
Police Departments attended a head-on collision that put a
delivery van on its side across the two lanes and set the second
vehicle on fire. See story above.
     “Thoughts, prayers, and moments of silence will not curb the epidemic of mass shootings in our country,” said Senator Hirono. “Removing military-style assault weapons from our streets is a concrete step we can take to reduce gun violence.”
     The Assault Weapons Ban of 2017 would:
     ·Ban the sale, manufacture, transfer, and importation of 205 military-style assault weapons by name. Owners could keep existing weapons.
     ·Ban any assault weapon that accepts a detachable ammunition magazine and has one or more military characteristics, including a pistol grip, a forward grip, a barrel shroud, a threaded barrel, or a folding or telescoping stock. Owners could keep existing weapons.
     ·Ban magazines and other ammunition feeding devices that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, which allow shooters to quickly fire many rounds without needing to reload. Owners could keep existing magazines.

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VETERANS DAY WEEKEND comes with free entrance to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which joins national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees both Saturday, Nov. 11, and Sunday, Nov. 12.
A new viewing area for the summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano offers
another view of Halema‘uma‘u. It's located past the bus parking
area at Jaggar Museum. NPS Photo by Janice Wei
     “We invite everyone to honor the men and woman who have served our country by experiencing the American heritage at your national parks,” said Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.
     Active duty U.S. military are invited to enjoy their national parks at no charge all year long, and can obtain a free annual Military Pass at the park’s entrance station. For more information on the free Military Pass, visit the park website.   
     The park, which is open 24 hours a day, offers more than 155 miles of hiking trails and many opportunities to appreciate the volcanic landscape, native ecosystem and the Hawaiian culture that define this World Heritage Site. The park also has a strong military connection. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has dozens of veterans among its employees and volunteers. In addition, active duty and retired members of the U.S. military have enjoyed the Kīlauea Military Camp, a 62-acre rest and recreation area within the park, since 1916.
      Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one of nine national park units in Hawai‘i. Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park in Kona, and Haleakalā National Park on Maui are also fee-free during Veterans Day weekend. The other national parks in the state do not charge entrance fees.

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Pahala's Lorilee Lorenzo (2nd from left) and Hawai‘i Horse Owners
Association joined Hilo's Veteran's Day Parade last Saturday.
HONORING ALL WHO SERVED is the theme at this Saturday's Kīlauea Military Camp annual Veterans Day ceremony at 3 p.m.
     The public is invited to gather  on the front lawn of KMC. Keynote speaker will be Lt. Col. Christopher Marquez, commanding officer of U.S. Army Garrison-Pohakuloa Training Area. Pastor Marsha Keiger, of New Hope Church in Hilo, will give the invocation and benediction. Kali Delgado, of Volcano, will sing the national anthem. Ray Gandy, of Volcano, will play taps on the bugle. Hilo High School Viking Band will play and Hilo High and JROTC unit will present the colors. Karen Blue of Kurtistown will emcee.
      KMC offers veterans who attend a free prime rib dinner buffet following the service, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at KMC's Crater Rim Café. Proof of eligibility must be presented by an active or retired military ID, VA ID, DD 214 with photo ID or driver’s license indicating veteran status.
     For all others, the buffet cost is $27.95 for adults and $14.50 for children ages 6 to 11.
     The buffet offers Prime Rib, Baked Ono and Spinach & Mushroom Alfredo. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park fees will be waived. For more details, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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Artist inmpression of a Supernova.
NASA/ESA. BACON (STSci)
IMAGES FROM MAUNA KEA'S KECK OBSERVATORY have revealed a supernova like no other, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature. The team of international astronomers led by Las Cumbras Observatory,  called it "the star that refuses to stop shining."  Peter Nugent, Senior Scientist and Division Deputy for Science Engagement in the Computational Research Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory who co-authored the study, said, “The spectra we obtained at Keck Observatory showed that this supernova looked like nothing we had ever seen before. This, after discovering nearly 5,000 supernovae in the last two decades."
     "While the spectra bear a resemblance to normal hydrogen-rich core-collapse supernova explosions, they grew brighter and dimmer at least five times more slowly, stretching an event which normally lasts 100 days to over two years.” Researchers used the Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer on the Keck I telescope to obtain spectrum of the star’s host galaxy, and the Deep Imaging and MultiObject Spectrograph on Keck II to obtain high-resolution spectra of the unusual star itself.
See public Ka‘ū events for November including monthly meetings at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/novemberevents.html
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily and weekly community events at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/novembercommunity.html.
Pick up the November print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar, 
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.
       The scientists determined that that star exploded multiple times over a period of more than 50 years. Their observations challenge existing theories on these cosmic catastrophes. Supernovae, the explosions of stars, have been observed in the thousands and in all cases they marked the death of a star.

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THE TENTH ANNUAL KAMAHALO CRAFT FAIR has been announced for Cooper Center and is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 30 local artisans participate, offering unique gifts. See facebook.com/coopercentervolcano/
Email Linda Ugalde kilaueatutu@gmail.comThe event will be located at 19-4030 Wright Rd, Volcano.

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THE PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM AT THE STATE CAPITOL is offering citizens training to help them interact with government, especially leading up to the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature.
     Several opportunities to learn learn about the legislative process and how to participate will be provided at the Your Voice workshop on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hawai‘i Community College Manoa Campus Building 379, Room 1 in Hilo. Free to attend.
     The workshop is designed to be helpful to newcomers and seasoned advocates alike.
     For additional information, contact the Public Access Room (PAR): phone (808)587-0478, email par@capitol.hawaii.gov, or visit LRBhawaii.org/PAR. Read the Ka‘ū News Briefs for Thursday, Oct. 26 for more.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL AID will be provided on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. The event offers free social security, veterans information and legal advice. For more call 939-7033.

A CEREMONIAL RELAY AROUND THE ISLAND, called Makahiki ‘Aha Pule ‘Āina Holo, comes through Ka‘ū on Friday, Nov. 10. The public is invited to the Makahiki, harvest celebration, with a Mea‘ai Pono, potluck, at 11 a.m. in Wai‘ōhinu Park.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANTS that prevent native plans from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This Stewardship at the Summit event is Saturday, Nov. 11, at 8:45 a.m.
     To join the effort, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. 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, park entrance fees waived in observance of Veteran's Day. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/
summit_stewardship.htm. More events are planned for Nov. 18 and 25.

A JUMBLE & PLANT SALE is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All you can eat pancakes will be available for $3 per person. For more details, call 939-7000 or email StJudeHawaii@bak.rr.com.

A PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF Class will be hosted Saturday, Nov. 11,  from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. Big Island artist Patti Pease Johnson teaches color theory and silk scarf painting techniques using three colors of each artists choosing. Beginners and intermediate artists welcome. Fees are $50 per non-member and $45 per Volcano Art Center member, plus $10 supply fee per person. For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST at the Ocean View Community Center is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, a moderately difficult two-mile, guided hike at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, takes place Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Hike Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, and explore the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., is Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Volcano Art Center. A special evening of “Tin Pan Alley” featuring Leslie Harlib Hal Glatzer, Jp Thoma and the Jazztones. Tickets are $20 per non-member and $18 per Volcano Art Center member (available online until Nov 10). Wine, beer, soft drinks and pupu will be available for purchase. For more call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

RIDE SO THEY CAN WALK, THE ROTARY CLUB POLIO PLUS FUNDRAISER, begins Saturday, Nov. 11, and continues through Nov. 18. Participants ride bikes on their own schedule, desired distance and place to raise funds to help end Polio worldwide.
     To sign up for Ride So They Can Walk, make the $20 registration check to Charlene Meyers, with Polio Plus Chair on the notation line. Make out contribution checks of $100 or more to Rotary D5000 - Polio Ride. Send both to: Charlene Meyers, Polio Plus Chair, P.O. Box 59, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718.
     For more information or to sign-up contact Rotary Club Polio Plus Chair and Volcano resident, Charlene Meyers, by emailing  charlene.rotary@gmail.com or calling 985-8800.

‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA, an easy, guided, one-mile walk is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.

A"Let's Give Thanks" Chamber Music Concert at Volcano Art Center's
Ni‘aulani building in Volcano Village takes place Sunday, Nov. 12.
See event details at left.
LET'S GIVE THANKS CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT takes place at Ni‘aulani, Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. Volcano Chambers Players, a string quartet, will play a classical chamber music concert to kick off the holiday season and celebrate Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Tickets are $25 per non-member and $20 Volcano Art Center members. For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

A SEX TRAFFICKING SEMINAR will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to Monday, Nov. 13, at Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

REGISTER BY MONDAY, NOV. 13, FOR THE INAUGURAL PIG HUNTING TOURNAMENT presented by the Ka‘ū Multicultural Society on Saturday, Nov. 18, with scales at Waiʻōhinu Park open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for weigh-in. Hunting is islandwide.
     Three-person teams are invited to enter for a registration fee of $55 per team. Registration forms must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 13, or hand delivered to Kalani Vierra in Pāhala no later than Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m. Categories include heaviest boar (lahoʻole), biggest tusk, heaviest sow, heaviest overall. Hunting will only be allowed with dogs and no guns and at least one teammate must have a hunting license.
     Team registration forms are available in Kaʻū at ACE Hardware, Wikiwiki Mart, Ka‘ū Gas, R&G Mini Mart, Kaʻū Business Services LLP, Kahuku Gifts and Garden Shop; in Hilo at Delʻs Feed Store, Miranda's and Hilo Surplus Store; in Mountain View at Aloha Gas; in Kurtistown at J. Hara's Store Inc.; and in Kona at Pearl's, Oshima's, Mauka Napa, Lako St. Chevron, Fujihara's Store and Paul's Place.
    For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740; Kalani Vierra at 938-2005; or Liz K. at 339-0289. 

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12, FOR MUSIC EXPLORATION at Kahuku Park on Friday, Nov. 17, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Register Monday, Nov. 13 to 17. For more, call 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

JOURNEY FROM HAWAI‘I TO MARS and learn how an "out-of-this-world" lava landscape helps scientists understand how to conduct research on Mars in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's After Dark in the Park program on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium at 7 p.m.  The event is free, but park entrance fees apply. for more information, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UPS are offered at Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  For more, call 939-7033.

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.