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Saturday, October 13, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, October 13, 2018

Sunrise at South Point this morning, with stormy weather lighting up the skies in red.
Photo by Richard Taylor
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW NINOLE AND HILEA BRIDGES on Hwy 11 begins soon. The 
Hilea Bridge during Tropical Storm Iselle.
Photo from DOT
old timber bridges, built in 1940, will be replaced by longer and wider bridges that carry more weight and meet modern standards. They will each consist of two 11-foot travel lanes, two 9-foot shoulders, and crash-tested railings.
     For each bridge, temporary two-lane bypass roads and bridges will be installed on the mauka side of Hwy 11 during construction.
     According to the final Environmental Assessment, seven federally protected wildlife species "have the potential to occur within the project limits, but restrictions on the timing of construction and minimization of the project footprint would preclude any long-term effects to the species." They are the Hawaian nēnē goose, Hawaiian ʻio hawk, Hawaiian petrel, Newell's shearwater, Hawaiian hoary bat, band-rumpted storm petrel, and Blackburns sphinx moth.

The Ninole Bridge will soon be replaced, preserving some of the lava rock walls under it.
Image from the state Department of Transportation
     Both bridges are owned by the State of Hawaiʻi. With federal and state funds being used, federal and state wildlife officials are overseeing the environmental aspects of building the new bridges.
     The Ninole Bridge is at the 56.7 milepost, about 500 feet southwest of the Alahaki Road and Ninole Loop - the entrance to Punalu`u SeaMountain resort. The bridge crosses the intermittent Ninole Stream, which drains approximately 12,350 acres on the southern slope of Mauna Loa. Lands surrounding Ninole Bridge are urban and include Punaluʻu Golf Course and a housing and resort area. A golf cart path travels under it.
Under Ninole Bridge where golf carts travel on drier
days, this one during Tropical Storm Iselle.
Image from DOT
     Hilea Bridge is located at the 57.7 mile post, approximately 1.2 miles southwest of Alahaki Road and Ninole Loop Road intersection. The bridge crosses the intermittent Hilea Stream, which drains a watershed of approximately 31,500 acres on the southern slope of Mauna Loa. The surrounding land is conservation and agriculture.
     The existing Hilea Bridge will be replaced with a 100‐foot‐long, single‐span bridge, while the existing Ninole Bridge will be replaced with a 65‐foot‐long, single‐span bridge.
     During the construction period, bypass roads and bridges will be installed, mauka of the two old bridges. The project is expected to take about a year.
     Some existing lava rock pier foundations are expected to be preserved beneath Ninole Bridge.
     For more see, the EA at //flh.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/hi/hilea/files/hilea-ninole-ea.pdf.
Hilea Bridge will be replaced with a longer wider bridge that can carry more weight. Image from DOT
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HOʻOKUPU HULA NO KAʻŪ CULTURAL FESTIVAL features hula, Mexican, native American dance and music, Saturday, Nov. 3, on the grounds of Pāhala Community Center. This year's annual event features Hoʻaikāne, Wailau Ryder, Keʻaiwa, Victor Chock, and Steven Sioloa as headline musical acts at the free event. Last year brought out over a thousand spectators.
Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, right, with Hālau Hula O Leionalani at last year's Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival.
Photo by Julia Neal
     Hula will be performed by halau from Mexico, Japan, West Virginia, Oʻahu, South America, and Hawaiʻi Island. Traditional ethnic dance performances will come from Mexico, as well as the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo Filipino Dancers. Taiko Drummers will perform.
A hālau from Mexico dances both hula and Mexican
folk numbers. Photo by Julia Neal
     The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The day will feature Master Cultural Practitioners, Kukakuka (talk story), and many educational and cultural experiences with hands-on demonstrations.
     At sunset, a ceremony will be held to honor ancestors. The festival is preceded by ceremonies at Punaluʻu Beach at dawn. A ceremony will be held to close the festival at Makanau.
     There is still room for craft vendors, food vendors, and informational booths. Contact Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder at leionalani47@hotmail.com or (808) 649-9334 for an application.
     Sponsors include County Council member Maile David and community contributions through fundraising. See hookupukau.com.

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THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO A COMMUNITY MEETING about making Puna Community Medical Center a division of Kaʻū Community Hospital. The meeting will be held at the Pāhoa Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 5 p.m.
     The Puna Center needs to become certified as a Rural Health Clinic in order to give care to Medicare and Medicaid patients at a higher payment level. Plans to serve patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to expand the facility from 800 square feet to over 2,200 square feet, would be able to move forward if the certification is accomplished.
     See more on yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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Warming up before the Ka‘ū Trojan win over St. Joe last night. Photo by Julia Neal
KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL ended their season Kaʻū strong. Last night, the Trojans hosted St. Joseph's Cardinals in a Varsity-only trio of sets. Kaʻū won each round, at 25, with St. Joseph scoring 17, 18, and 5. This marked the final in-season game. For BIIF Division Two, Kaʻū is in fifth out of 12, with six wins and nine loses.
Kalei Namohalo, Athletic Director for Ka‘ū High School
with the pink shirts that raise money to fight breast cancer.
Photo by Julia Neal
      Last night was Senior night. A collage posted on the gym walls, featuring each of the five Seniors, celebrates their final year at Kaʻū High. The young ladies are #3, Reisha Kekoa Jara – this year's Miss Kaʻū Coffee; #6, Karlee Fukunaga-Camba – Second Princess of Miss Kaʻū Coffee; #7, Kianie Mederios-Dancel; #10, Shan Hu; and #14, Chauna Velez.
     Breast Cancer Awareness Month was observed last night as well, with bright pink shirts for sale, carrying the Kaʻū Trojans logo, stylized plumeria, and with Rock the Pink and No One Fights Alone emblazoned on the front.

KAʻŪ TROJANS LAST FOOTBALL GAME of 2018 was postponed today due to weather. Kamehameha was to host the 8-man Semi-Finals, to decide whether Kohala or Pāhoa will play Kaʻū at the Finals. That game has been pushed to next Saturday, Oct. 20, at Keaʻau, with a 1 p.m. start time. The 8-man Finals, Kaʻū versus the winner of the Semi-Finals, will be played at Pāhala Ball Park, beginning at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 27.
     Watch these Kaʻū News Briefs to stay up to date. See the edited sports schedule, below.
At their final game of the season, the Senior class ladies of the Kaʻū Trojans Girls Volleyball team were celebrated
in a collage on the walls of the gym. Photo from Kaʻū High Athletics
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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
   Sat, Oct 20, 1pm, BIIF Semi-Finals at Keaʻau, Kohala vs. Pāhoa
   Sat, Oct 27, 1pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū
Cross Country:
   Sat, Oct 20, 9am, BIIF @ HPA
   Sat, Oct 27, 8:30am, HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING
HANDS-ON FERMENTED FOODS WORKSHOP: SAUERKRAUT AND KOMBUCHA with Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods, happens Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
     "Our digestive system is home to a complex diversity of living microorganisms, which are impacted by what we eat and drink. These microorganisms, which include probiotics, directly influence our own health; from aiding digestion, to clearing skin, to boosting our energy. We can nurture the health of these internal microorganisms by eating probiotic-rich, fermented foods.
Learn to make homemade sauerkraut and kombucha on
 Oct. 27 with Volcano Art Center.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     "Fermented foods have been a part of every ancient culture throughout history. Sauerkraut, pickles, and yogurt are a few of the many traditional live-cultured, fermented foods. These foods developed out of the need to preserve food, before refrigeration was possible," states the event description.
     Attendees are invited to learn the basics of culturing cabbage and various vegetables into probiotic-rich Sauerkraut, and how to make their own Kombucha. Each participant will take home their own finished products.
     Cost for the workshop is $50 per Volcano Art Center member and $55 per non-member. Pre-registration is required. All supplies and organic ingredients provided. No cooking skills are necessary, "just an interest in real, whole food. Fermentation is an Art not a Science… It's flexible and fun, not rigid or difficult," states the description. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     Silverstein is a holistic chef and retreat caterer on the Big Island. She began experimenting in the world of fermentation in 2011, shortly after being diagnosed with a severe autoimmune condition. "The benefits she has received from discovering and engaging in the world of microbes has proven to be invaluable. She hopes to share her experience and inspire others to cultivate their own health," states the description. Find more information about Silvertstein and her services at heartbeetfoods.com.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Oct. 15, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
‘Ai Pono with Aunty Edna Baldado - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Oct. 17, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discuss eating and living healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato), and ulu (breadfruit). Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed., Oct. 17, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries Annual Meeting, Thu., Oct. 18, from 6pm, at the Pāhala Plantation House. Election of officers for the 2019 term beginning January 1; short business meeting followed by entertainment, food, and door prizes. Everyone encouraged to attend and share ideas on how to improve local libraries. Sandra Demoruelle, 929-9244, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal, Fri., Oct. 19, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Oct. 15. fhvnp.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Palm Sheath Baskets Workshop with Jelena Clay, Sat. Oct. 20, 9-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. All supplies provided to make two baskets - includes embellishments. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice Workshop with Tom Peek, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-4pm. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. No writing experience necessary. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Art in the Everyday Community Quilt Project - Assembly Workshop, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. After party to follow, 4-6pm. Visiting Artist Laura Phelps Rogers leads the ongoing project. A sculptural, social engagement and public work, in which Rogers hopes to construct monumental sculptural quilt built of 5" round, wood pieces - each blank and designed by community participants. Pick up blank piece and packet at Volcano Art Center Administration Office or at Wailoa Art Center. $10 donation. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Chrissy Kama Henriques & Leilani Taka-Keana‘aina with Hula Hālau E Hulali Mai Ka La, Sat., Oct. 20, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Bunco & Potluck, Sat., Oct. 20, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

ONGOING
Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, is temporarily moving their Pāhala site program for Oct. 23, 25, and 30, and Nov. 1, to the River of Life Assembly of God church. The group still meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. They will be back at Pāhala Community Center on Nov. 6. The Nāʻālehu location remains at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services lasts through Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, the program offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can contact Ranya Williams, rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798. harmonyed.com/hawaii

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "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.

CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
     The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies. CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html

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