Ka`ū News Briefs Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Keauhou Ranch fire rages through more than 3,200 acres on Mauna Loa, above now-quiet Halema`uma`u Crater.
Both are in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the fire starting outside park boundaries and burning native forest.
See stories, below. USGS photo

A FIRE HEADED TOWARD KAPĀPALA RANCH, and also within .2 miles of Kīpuka Kī Special Ecological Area, doubled in size, burning over 3,200 acres by this morning and coming within two miles north of Hwy 11. Called the Keauhou Ranch Fire after its place of origin, it burns mainly within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. According to the National Park Service, no structures are threatened and a crew from the mainland arrived today to help fight the fire.

Flames in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park 

approach Kapāpala Ranch. NPS photo

     Kīpuka Kī Special Ecological Area is one of the rarest old-growth native forests of its kind in the world. It is comprised of tall `ōhi`a, koa, and mānele trees that are essential for the survival of threatened and endangered native plant and animal species, says a statement from NPS. One mānele, soapberry tree, within the park, earned the title of Hawai`i Big Tree Champion in 2017, standing 71 feet tall. It is currently the National Champion.

National Park Service fire crew fights the
Keauhou Ranch Fire today, which threatens
some of the oldest and tallest
native trees in Hawai`i. NPS photo

     Fire Management Officer Matt Desimone said, "We are focusing our suppression efforts on Kīpuka Kī and are working carefully to back the fire up against a natural barrier of wide hardened lava flow so it doesn't progress further downslope." The fire was 5 percent contained this afternoon, progressing through native forest, as strong, gusty winds and dry conditions at the 4,500- to 4,800-foot elevation made the fire difficult to control with limited resources. It continued to burn both upslope and downslope on Mauna Loa, on both sides of Mauna Loa Road.

This native mānele, like those threatened 

in the Keauhou Ranch Fire, won Hawai`i 

Big Tree Champion for 2017, standing 71 

feet. It also won National 

Champion. Photo from DLNR

     Tackling the fire is a blended Type III Incident Management Team with Hawai`i County, state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, volunteer, and National Park Service firefighters. NPS flew in 30 additional firefighters from the mainland today. The team employs six engines, a bulldozer, two helicopters, and a water tender.

     The cause of the fire, which started August 5 outside the park on Keauhou Ranch, is under investigation. Mauna Loa Road and most of the park remain closed and have been off limits to the public since May 11 due to hazardous seismic activity. 

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HURRICANE HECTOR PASSED 170 MILES BELOW SOUTH POINT MIDDAY, with winds of 115 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts that on Thursday, Hector will pass south of Maui County around 2 a.m., O`ahu at 8 a.m., and Kaua`i by 2 p.m.
     On Tuesday, Hector's impacts were expected on all of Hawai`i Island. By 11 p.m. yesterday, only half the island was expected to be affected. At 5 a.m. today, only South Point was in the cone of affect. Ka`ū residents experienced a few bands of light rain and short periods of gusty winds, but there were no reports of damage.
     As a precaution, Punalu`u, Whittington, and Miloli`i Beach Parks were closed today, as were the Pāhoa and Pāhala early voting stations. Tomorrow is the last day for early voting -- see more, below. The first day of the whole student body attending Ka`ū High and Pāhala Elementary school was today. Nā`ālehu Elementary and Volcano School of Arts & Sciences also held classes. Civil Defense would like to remind the public that high surf warnings are still in effect for the southern coasts of Hawai`i Island.
     Tropical Storm Kristy, with 45 mile an hour winds, is about 1,700 miles east-southeast of South Point. Kristy's forecast trajectory will take her north of her current position, with a downgrade to tropical depression in a few days.

Hurricane Hector's cone of affect is forecast to miss all the islands. See the progression of the hurricane.
Image from prh.noaa.gov

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KĪLAUEA REMAINED QUIET TODAY, as did the lower East Rift Zone and Pu`u `Ō`ō. Though there is still seismic activity at the summit, the quakes are few and of a low magnitude. Deformation at the summit as measured by tiltmeter and GPS instruments has "virtually stopped," reports Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. HVO field crews overnight reported a lava pond confined to Fissure 8. Laze from oozing ocean entries is greatly reduced, and Poho`iki boat ramp is still there.

Greatly reduced laze at ocean entries near Isaac Hale Park.
Poho`iki boat ramp still remains, though active lava
lurks close by. USGS photo

     Hawai`i County Civil Defense reminds the public to not access the flow field due to extreme hazard, as the lava eruption could resume at any time. Motorists on Highway 11 between the 28 and 32 mile marker are advised to stay on the pavement, be alert for changes in road conditions, and drive with caution.

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SILVER CLOUD COFFEE FARM took first place in the Ka`ū District Division competition in the recent tenth annual Statewide Cupping Contest of the Hawai`i Coffee Association. Grown on the Silver Cloud Farm in Wood Valley, owned by the Miles Mayne family, the variety of the winning coffee is Typica and Catuai, produced with Wet Processing and Conventional Growing methods.

Miles Mayne of Silver Cloud Coffee Farm

     Second Place went to William Tabios' Rising Sun coffee of the Typica variety, Washed and Conventional methods. Third went to Miranda's Farms, with Typica variety, Wet Fermented and Conventional Growing methods.

     Mayne is a member of the Ka`ū Coffee Growers Cooperative, which will hold a coffee qulaity workshop this weekend. It "will enable our members to produce high quality coffee and superior profits," says a statement from the cooperative. Supported by funding from a HI USDA-SDGG grant, members can attend at Pāhala Community Center this Sunday, August 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Potluck at 1 p.m.

     Keynote speaker and presenter is Dr. Shawn Steiman, PhD. He is the owner, co-founder, and Chief Science Officer of Daylight Mind Coffee Company.

     Members are encouraged to bring 165 grams of green bean, which will be roasted and cupped by Steiman. Samples should be placed in zip lock bags, labeled with the farmer's name, telephone number, and email address. The results will be discussed with each farmer.

     Steiman will make farm and processing facility visits to evaluate and guide farmers who "are interested in implementing a quality programme."

     For more information on Mayne's coffee farm, the workshop, and the evaluations, call 928-0106.

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FIFTEEN CANDIDATES ARE RUNNING for three open statewide at-large Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees positions. Robert Lindsey, Hawai`i Island's elected OHA representative, is not up for reelection for two years. The candidates are: Leina`ala Ahu Isa, William Aila, Rowena Noelani Akana, Alvin Akina, Charles Kaui Jochanan Amsterdam, Faye Hanohano, Brendon Kalei`aina Lee, Landen Paikai, Keali`i Makekau, Makana Paris, Pohai Ryan, John Waihee IV, Marcus Bruce Kalai Pa`aluhi Sr., Kali Pu`uohau and Eleanor Sharsh-Davis.

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LAST DAY FOR WALK-IN REGISTRATION AND EARLY VOTING IS TOMORROW, Thursday, Aug. 9. Locations to register and vote island-wide are:

   - Pāhala Community Center, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.), at 96-1149 Kamani St.;

   - Pāhoa Community Center, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 15-3022 Kauhale St.;

   - West Hawai`i Civic Center community Room, Bldg G, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy;

   - County of Hawai`i Aupuni Center Conference Room, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 101 Pauahi St., Suite 1;

   - Waimea Community Center, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 65-1260 Kawaihae Rd.

     See elections.hawaii.gov/voters/early-voting.

     Election Day is Saturday, Aug. 11, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registered voters can mail their ballots until Aug. 11. Local polls are open at:

   - Cooper Center, 19430 Wright Road in Volcano

   - Ka`ū High & Pāhala Elementary, 96-3150 Pikake Street

   - Nā`ālehu Elementary School, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy

   - Ocean View Community Center, 15-3022 Kauhale Street
   - Miloli`i Halau Pavillion, off Hwy 11 in the Village of Miloli`i

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KA`Ū HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS IS NOT WORKING WITH SPARTAN SPORTS. D. Kalei Namohala, KHPES Athletic Director and BIIF Football Coordinator, wants to let the public know that business in the Ka`ū District have been receiving phone solicitations regarding sponsoring Ka`ū High School Athletic Department from Spartan Sports. However, Ka`u Athletic is not working with Spartan Sports.
     "We appreciate all the sponsorship we've received from numerous businesses in the past," says Namohala. Questions? Contact Namohala at 313-4161.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka`ū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Ka`ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Ka`ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka`ū, from Miloli`i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`Ū TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
Fri, Aug 17, 10am, Scrimmage @ Kea`au
Sat, Aug 25, 10am, Scrimmage @ Waiakea
Thu, Sept 6, 6pm, @ Pāhoa
Sat, Sept 15, 1pm, @ Kohala

Sat, Sept 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Kea`au

Girls Volleyball:
Tue, Aug 14, 6pm, host Waiakea
Fri, Aug 24, 6pm, @ Mauna Lani
Wed, Aug 29, 6pm, @ Hilo
Fri, Aug 31, Kamehameha Tourney
Sat, Sept 1, Kamehameha Tourney
Wed, Sept 5, 6pm, host Pāhoa
Wed, Sept 12, 6pm, @ Christian Liberty
Fri, Sept 14, @ Kamehameha
Mon, Sept 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe
Wed, Sept 19, 6pm, host Kohala
Thu, Sept 20, 6pm, @ Honoka`a

Tue, Sept 25, 6pm, @ HPA

Fri, Sept 28, 6pm, host Kona

Cross Country:
Sat, Aug 25, @ CLA (preseason)
Sat, Sept 1, 10am, @ HPA
Sat, Sept 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha
Sat, Sept 15, 10am, Kea`au

Sat, Sept 22, 9am, @ HPA

NEW and UPCOMING

BASKETBALL INSTRUCTION FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 at Hawai`i County Parks and Recreation's Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, from 2 to 3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 10 and Tuesday, Aug. 14. Balls provided. For more details, call 929-9113. Find a schedule of programs at hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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USGS Wildlife Biologist Dr. Frank Bonaccorso speaks at Coffee Talk at Kahuku on
Friday, August 31. Photo from USGS

`ŌPE`APE`A: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HAWAIIAN HORAY BAT -- the only endemic land mammal in Hawai`i -- on Friday, August 31, for Coffee Talk at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center. The free event takes place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. USGS Wildlife Biologist Dr. Frank Bonaccorso, who has been studying the bat for the past 14 years, presents.

     Bonaccorso will examine a typical 24 hour day and night in the life of Hawai`i's official state mammal, the `Ōpe`ape`a. According to the event flyer, he will answer the following questions and more: "How far do they fly each night? How do they find insects with echolocation? What is the reproductive cycle of the bat and how does it care for its pups? Where did Hawaiian bats come from, how long ago, and how are they surviving here? What are the emerging threats to bat populations of Hawai`i?"

`Ōpe`ape`a Hawaiian Hoary Bat. Photo from USGS

     Bonaccorso previously served as Chief Curator of Natural History at the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery, conducting research on marine mammals, bats, birds, and tree kangaroos.
     Join the informal conversation with other park visitors and rangers on a wide variety of topics on the last Friday of every month. No entrance fees, no event costs. Ka`ū coffee, tea, and pastries are available for purchase. Find the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of the park located south of the 70.5 mile marker, mauka (mountain side) of Highway 11. For more about this and other Kahuku Unit programs, visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

VOTE: 2018 Primary Election Day Polling Places in Ka`ū, Sat, Aug 11, 7am-6pm. Senate District 2: Cooper Center on Wright Rd in Volcano Village, Ka`ū High/Pāhala Elementary School Cafeteria. Senate District 3: Nā`ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center, Miloli`i Halau Pavilion. elections.hawaii.gov/voters/polling-places

Hi`iaka & Pele, Sat, Aug 11, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Kāwā Community Workday, Sat, Aug 11, meet at 9:30 am at Northern Gate, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org

Zentangle: Color Stories, Sat, Aug 11, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Class is not about color theory, rather about "listening to the story that colors Whisper to you." $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

`Ōhi`a Lehua, Sun, Aug 12, and Sat, Aug 25, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of `ōhi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of `ōhi`a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, AUGUST 13

Ka`ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon, Aug 13 and 27, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka`ū. Contact prior to attending to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā`ālehu, Tue, Aug 14, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, Aug 15, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Walk-In Registration and Voting Continues at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 9.

5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.

5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala site programs resumed this week.

     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.

     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.

Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.

     Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.

Kahuku Unit

     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
     Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.

     Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus

     Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.

     After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes, including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.

Prince Kūhio Plaza

     Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.

Grand Naniloa Hotel

     Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

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