Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, December 31, 2018

Early morning view of Kīlauea Caldera from Volcano House, which remains open during the partial federal government
shutdown. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open, with no admission fees. In this photo taken Nov. 23, see

 evidence of the volcano and magma that lies below the surface in the steam that rises from the crater. 
NPS Photo/Janice Wei

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK REMAINS OPEN, as the partial shutdown of the federal government wears on. The Park is keeping its main gate open, without admission fees, as non-profits and Park business partners step up to help visitors.

     Should the shutdown continue weeks into January, it would be difficult to keep the park open without funding, said park officials. Just before the New Year, Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaiʻi County talked about committing money to assist the park. The state and its Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority were also considering assistance for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, as it did with the Arizona Memorial on Oʻahu.

Kīlauea Military Camp, hosting a New Year's Day Brunch
tomorrow, is open in the Park during the partial shutdown.

     In the meantime, park rangers remained on furlough and Hawaiʻi's Congressional delegation promised to fight hard to reopen the 25 percent of the government that is shuttered. Nationwide some 800,000 government employees were without paychecks and many of them may never see a dime for the time they were involuntarily off work. Sen. Mazie Hirono vowed to work with congress to pay them.

      Open inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are: Volcano Art Center Gallery; Volcano House hotel, restaurants, and stores; Kīlauea Theatre; KMC accommodations, restaurant, store, and lounge; and Kīlauea Visitor Center displays and its Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association bookstore. Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks are taking the place of park employees, keeping the Visitor Center open 9 .am. to 5 p.m. every day.

     Also open during the shutdown are Kīlauea Visitor Center picnic tables and restrooms; Crater Rim Drive from Park entrance to KMC; Crater Rim Trail between Volcano House and KMC; Steam Vents and Sulfur Banks; Mauna Loa Road to Kīpukapuaulu (vehicles not permitted past the gate at Kīpukapuaulu); Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout – pedestrians and bicyclists only; Kīpukapuaulu day use picnic area (no trash or custodial services – pack it in, pack it out only); Kīpukapuaulu and trail; and Ka‘ū Desert Trail to the Footprints shelter and exhibit.

      The rest of the park is closed, including the Kahuku Unit near Ocean View, Chain of Craters Road, Escape Road, all campgrounds, and all backcountry areas.

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.

NEW LAWS GO INTO EFFECT TOMORROW, Tuesday, Jan. 1. Some laws that could impact Kaʻū residents include:

     The total ban of pesticides containing the chemical chlorpyrifos, which has been linked to developmental delays in children. The law banning the chemical also includes other restrictions on pesticide use. The bill was championed by Rep. Richard Creagan and Sen. Russell Ruderman in the Hawaiʻi legislature, and a similar bill to ban the pesticide has been submitted to the U.S. Senate by Sen. Brian Schatz. Learn more here.

     Job applicants can no longer be asked for their salary history. Answers can be used to determine what a new hire would earn. The new law was passed to address pay inequities, specifically by advocates for women and minorities, some of whom say salary history requests influence the wage gap, where women in Hawaiʻi earn 84 cents on the dollar, compared to pay for men. Learn more here.

Motorcyclists will soon have permission, in certain areas,
to drive on the shoulder. Photo from driving.ca

     Death with Dignity, or medical aid in dying, under the Our Care, Our Choice Act, will allow terminally ill adult patients to acquire a life-ending prescription medication. There are strict regulations around the practice. Learn more here.

     Motorcyclists may, in certain areas, drive on the shoulder of the road. The law was passed without the governor's signature. Designated areas have not yet been defined by Department of Transportation, so Hawaiʻi Island may not be much affected by the law. Learn more here.

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HAWAIʻI POLICE DEPARTMENT sent out a release, warning of the dangers of drug-impaired driving. "If you feel different, you drive different," is the message.

     Drug-impaired driving,  is a "problem on America's highways, even on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi." Like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving, "which means it is dangerous and illegal" in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., says the police statement.

     "Whether the drug is legally prescribed or an illegal drug, driving while drug-impaired poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers, and other road users. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2015, of the drivers who were killed in vehicle crashes 42 percent tested positive for drugs."

     HPD "wants to spread the word about drug-impaired driving and to remind all drivers: If you are impaired by drugs and thinking of driving, pass your keys to a sober driver. Don't be the reason someone doesn't make it home for the holidays. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will be arrested and you and you will go to jail. Drive sober or you will get pulled over."

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:

Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo, 6pm

Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm

Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau

Boys Basketball:

Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm

Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm

Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm

Wrestling:

Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha

Soccer:

Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA

Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe

Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo

Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau

Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa

Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani

Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona

Swimming:

Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND ART: HONORING THE LEGACY OF DIETRICH VAREZ will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center with all welcome to attend. The event description on volcanoartcenter.org says Varez "carved a deep appreciation and understanding of Hawaiian values and lifestyle through his art." For more information call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

HULA VOICES FEATURING KUMU HULA LEILEHUA YUEN, with moderator Desiree Moana Cruz, takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 2, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at  Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Kumu Hula Leilehua Yuen.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     Hula Voices is an oral history project, presenting an engaging, intimate talk story session with Hawai‘i Island's hula practitioners, as they share their hula genealogy, traditions, protocols and experiences. These free, educational offerings will occur regularly on the first Wednesday of each month. Free; however, park entrance fees may apply.
     Kumu Hula Yuen's hula lineage is rooted in her grandmother’s teachings, and her studies with legendary expert on all things Hawaiiana, Auntie Nona Beamer. The powerful natural forces of the island are where Yuen draws much of her artistic inspiration. Yuen and her partner Manu Josiah, are known for their informances, in which they blend storytelling, science, chant, and hula to create a journey through Hawaiian history and culture. They live in her family home in Hilo, restoring the medicinal garden that her grandfather tended.
     These programs are supported in part by a grant from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center's ʻohana. For more call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year's Day Brunch, Tue., Jan. 1, 7-noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Cheesecake Bar w/Toppings, Brownies and Beverage. $17.95/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Leilehua Yuen, Wed., Jan. 2, 5-6:30pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free, monthly. 967-7565

Open Mic Night, Wed., Jan. 2, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
Women's Support Group, Thu., Jan. 3 and 17, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4

Story Time with Lindsey Miller - PARENTS, Inc., Fri., Jan. 4, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
Big Island Road Runners Hilo to Volcano 50 Kilometer Ultra Marathon and Team Relay, Sat., Jan. 5, 6am, Moku Ola (Coconut Island) parking area to Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Race Director David Cotter, 339-7210, bigislandroadrunners.org

Exhibit: From the Slopes Of Two Mountains, daily, Sat., Jan. 5 - Sun., Feb. 10, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Features glass works of Michael Mortara, Misato Mochizuki Mortara, W. Chris Lowry and Marianne J. Lowry. Opening reception with artists Jan. 5, 5-7pm. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

Art Express, Sat., Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Jan. 5, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Spiritual Healing, Sat., Jan. 5, 3-4:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Led by Debra Zager. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6

Sunday Clay - High Fire (new sessions), Sun., Jan. 6-Mar. 3 (no class Jan. 20), morning session 11:30-2:30pm, afternoon session 2:45-5:45pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. 8 week session w/Erik Wold on potters wheel (7 slots open per session) or hand-building (2 slots open per session) techniques. Beginners and continuing students welcome. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee for 6 lbs clay, including glazes and firing for that material. Additional clay available for purchase. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Jan. 6, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

Overflow 2019: Unleashing Your Untapped Potential, Sun., Jan. 6, through Sat., Jan. 16, 6 p.m., and Sun., Jan. 13, 9:45 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God. Seven days of prayer and fasting. Music by Ola Shaw. Special Guest Musician Ricky "RNB" Brown. Event features five guest speakers. 929-7278, naalehuag.org

ONGOING
Fireworks and Fireworks Permits are on Sale through tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 31, at midnight.

     Setting off of fireworks for New Year celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of firing.

     Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years or older, and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

     Permits are available at:

     •Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 28

     •Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, second floor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 26 through 30

     •Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Kamuela, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31
     Permits are also available at the following firecracker vending outlets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31:

     •J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy, Kurtistown

     •KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     •TNT Tent Hilo, 381 E. Makaʻala St.

     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 325 E. Makaʻala St.

     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 111 E. Puainako St.
     •Long's Puainako, 111 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     •KTA Kona, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd.

     •Pacific Fireworks, 75-1022 Henry St., Kona

     •Phantom Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd.

19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, through tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.

     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.

     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.

     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, December 30, 2018

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station takes in some $1.2 million in retail sales annually, collected on ceded lands,
owned by the Native Hawaiian Community. Sen, Kai Kahele asks University of Hawaiʻi whether it pays a share
to Hawaiians, through Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Photo from University of Hawaiʻi

THE STATE'S OBLIGATION TO PAY A PERCENTAGE OF REVENUE EARNED ON HAWAIIAN CEDED LANDS TO THE BENEFIT OF NATIVE HAWAIIANS will be a hot topic at the 2019 Hawaiʻi Legislature. State Senate committees heard reports on the issue last week.
     Revenues from such ceded lands as the top of Mauna Kea, where $1.2 million in retail sales is collected at Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center annually, came up at the state capitol on Thursday.
     Big Island Video News reports that the Senate Committee on Ways & Means, which includes Hawaiʻi Island Senators Kaiali‘i Kahele and Dru Kanuha, and the Committee on Water & Land, chaired by Kahele, received "an update on the status of agency transfers and report of Public Land Trust receipts."
     One example: Kahele asked, "At the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, there are Public Land Trust receipts, and University of Hawaiʻi's internal audit noted $1.2 million in retail sales. Do you pay public land trust receipts on that?"

     UH president David Lassner responded, "We do not. Those retail sales, in general, are part of the overall MKSS – Mauna Kea Support Services – function, which is a cost center not a revenue center." The revenues pass through the Research Corporation of UH, reports BIVN.

Sen. Kai Kahele, asking University of Hawaiʻi administrators
questions about monies collected from Mauna Kea
Visitor Center. Big Island Video News photo

     Kahele questioned money collected at other University of Hawaiʻi facilities on ceded lands. "UH reports receipts from parking, faculty, housing, non-student rentals, vending machines, and certain bookstore items. But in my interpretation of [Act] 178, it specifically requires the reporting of all receipts.

     Lassner said UH does not report on the these receipts. He said the policy is based on guidance from the Attorney General.

     BIVN reports Kahele remarking, "I think what we're gonna do is look at requesting a state auditor to look at the overall process – this legislative session – of how we manage the ceded land inventories as required by the Public Land Trust and how we actually define proceeds, revenues, and receipts, and how to best manage those trust resources."

     According to Act 178, Hawaiʻi state is required to transfer 20 percent of revenue generated from ceded lands to Office of Hawaiian Affairs, although any amount over $15.1 million must go into a holding account.
     Big Island Video News reports Office of Hawaiian Affairs public policy manager Jocelyn Doane saying the law "also requires agencies to report all revenue, regardless if they are subject to OHA's pro rata share or not.

Sen. Dru Kanuha heard comments from
UH and others on Public Land Trust
receipts. Photo from Kanuha's Facebook

     "From our opinion there are three main, outstanding issues as it relates to all this, pro rata share of the Public Land Trust," said Doane. "The first is agencies substantially under-report what's generated. Number two, agencies substantially under transfer what they should be transferring. And finally, the amount that OHA receives – $15.1 million – which… was meant to be temporary, is outdated.

     "In crafting the legislation that would grant Hawaiʻi statehood, Congress specifically required the state to hold the former crown and government loans of the Kingdom – to which Native Hawaiians had never been compensated for – in trust. One of the named beneficiaries were Native Hawaiians. I think that's really important context when we are talking about the purpose for which the state is meant to hold these lands and who is meant to benefit. Accordingly, Hawaiʻi's Constitution created OHA and then authorized our trustees specifically to manage those funds, specifically for our beneficiaries."

     Hawaiʻi Attorney General Russell Suzuki responded, "Act 178 requires the executive branch to come up with $15.1 million dollars annually to give to OHA… to fulfill our obligations in the Constitution." 

     Read the audit report.

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.

REMINDERS FOR COFFEE GROWERS from University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources were released in a recent newsletter, written by Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata. Recommendations for taking care of coffee trees, now through February, include:

Desuckering coffee trees. Photo from UH CTAHR

    Strip-pick all remaining green to raisin (dried) coffee as soon as possible following the end of harvest. Destroy and discard what is not processed to kill CBB within the berries. Visit hawaiicoffeeed.com/field-sanitation.html for additional field sanitation information.

     If using traps, set them after harvest is completed for the season. Remove traps from the field as the new crop develops on the trees and control CBB with pesticides labeled for use on coffee in Hawaii such as BotaniGard and Mycotrol. Sign-up and apply with HDOA to receive 50 percent off Beauveria product costs. See Beauveria subsidy program information below.

     Soil and leaf sampling should be done at least annually at the onset of coffee flowering to determine soil pH and tree nutritional needs. Visit bit.ly/2KMWtSz for sampling instructions.

     Desuckering of excess verticals, laterals and watershoots (suckers on verticals) can take place through the winter, but please wait to prune until late Jan to Feb. Pruning too early, especially when dry, could result in tree death or stunting of new growth. The presence of coffee root-knot nematode in fields planted with seedling trees could intensify tree stress following the harvest and during dry years. Consider leaving nurse verticals if stump pruning or choosing a less severe approach to pruning such as the Kona-style particularly with older and non-grafted trees.

     Wait until early spring to apply granular or other topical fertilizers as rain is needed to move fertilizers into the soil and to plant roots.

     Learn more at hawaiicoffeeed.com.

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COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING for East Hawaiʻi is held in Hilo on four Saturdays to kick off 2019: January 12, 19, and 26, and February 9. The free classes run from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Aupuni Conference Center, 101 Pauahi St.

     CERT provides trainees with "knowledge and skills to prepare for and properly respond to an emergency impacting yourself, your family, and your community," says the flyer posted on Mayor Harry Kim's Facebook.

     The four-week training course is a "comprehensive program," covering subjects such as: emergency preparedness; fire; emergency medical; light search and rescue; incident command organization; disaster psychology; emergency communications; CERT & terrorism; classroom and hands-on experience.

     To reserve a space or ask questions, email hawaiicert@gmail.com. For more info, ready.gov/community-emergency-response-team.

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.

KAʻŪ GIRLS AND BOYS SOCCER at Konawaena on Saturday, Dec. 27, was TKO: Kaʻū scored no points in either game. Konawaena Girls scored 12, Boys 8.

     With 14 games coming up in January, the Trojans soccer teams have plenty more opportunities to run the field. See upcoming game dates and times, below.

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:

Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo, 6pm

Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm

Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau

Boys Basketball:

Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm

Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm

Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm

Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm

Wrestling:

Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha

Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau

Soccer:

Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA

Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe

Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo

Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau

Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa

Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani

Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona

Jan. 18, Fri., Boys host Pāhoa

Swimming:

Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

Learn to make a stained glass fan lamp with
Claudia McCall at Volcano Art Center January 2019.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

STAINED GLASS BASICS II: FAN LAMP PROJECT, a four session workshop taught by Claudia McCall, is offered Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 12, 13, 19 and 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Students complete the workshop with a finished fan lamp, a revival of a popular Victorian parlor piece, and the knowledge, experience and basic skills to continue working with stained glass.
     McCall provides several patterns from which students may choose - participants are welcome to bring their own ideas. During this workshop, students may opt to create a light catcher instead of a fan lamp. The class fee is $90 per Volcano Art Center member, $100 per non-member, plus a $30 supply fee. An additional $20 supply fee for the lamp base and bulb will be charged for students who wish to create the fan lamp. Anyone with prior copper foil stained glass experience is welcome to enroll. The workshop is limited to six adults. Advanced registration is required. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

     Attendees are asked to wear long pants, snug fitting gloves, covered shoes and safety glasses. Students are asked to bring a glass cutter and soldering iron if available.
     McCall "started working in stained glass in 2006, when a friend gifted her with a piece. She loved the way the sunlight played through the different types of glass, and wanted to explore the possibilities of interpreting the natural world, and interest spurred by her mother's love of art and her grandmother’s love of birding. Her goal is to interpret Hawai‘i's unique environment through the stylized lens of stained glass," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.

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.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year's Day Brunch, Tue., Jan. 1, 7-noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Cheesecake Bar w/Toppings, Brownies and Beverage. $17.95/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Leilehua Yuen, Wed., Jan. 2, 5-6:30pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free, monthly. 967-7565

Open Mic Night, Wed., Jan. 2, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
Women's Support Group, Thu., Jan. 3 and 17, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4

Story Time with Lindsey Miller - PARENTS, Inc., Fri., Jan. 4, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
Big Island Road Runners Hilo to Volcano 50 Kilometer Ultra Marathon and Team Relay, Sat., Jan. 5, 6am, Moku Ola (Coconut Island) parking area to Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Race Director David Cotter, 339-7210, bigislandroadrunners.org

Exhibit: From the Slopes Of Two Mountains, daily, Sat., Jan. 5 - Sun., Feb. 10, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Features glass works of Michael Mortara, Misato Mochizuki Mortara, W. Chris Lowry and Marianne J. Lowry. Opening reception with artists Jan. 5, 5-7pm. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

Art Express, Sat., Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Jan. 5, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Spiritual Healing, Sat., Jan. 5, 3-4:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Led by Debra Zager. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6

Sunday Clay - High Fire (new sessions), Sun., Jan. 6-Mar. 3 (no class Jan. 20), morning session 11:30-2:30pm, afternoon session 2:45-5:45pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. 8 week session w/Erik Wold on potters wheel (7 slots open per session) or hand-building (2 slots open per session) techniques. Beginners and continuing students welcome. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee for 6 lbs clay, including glazes and firing for that material. Additional clay available for purchase. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Jan. 6, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

Overflow 2019: Unleashing Your Untapped Potential, Sun., Jan. 6, through Sat., Jan. 16, 6 p.m., and Sun., Jan. 13, 9:45 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God. Seven days of prayer and fasting. Music by Ola Shaw. Special Guest Musician Ricky "RNB" Brown. Event features five guest speakers. 929-7278, naalehuag.org

ONGOING
Fireworks and Fireworks Permits are on Sale through tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 31, at midnight.

     Setting off of fireworks for New Year celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of firing.

     Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years or older, and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

     Permits are available at:

     •Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 28

     •Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, second floor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 26 through 30

     •Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Kamuela, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31
     Permits are also available at the following firecracker vending outlets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31:

     •J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy, Kurtistown

     •KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     •TNT Tent Hilo, 381 E. Makaʻala St.

     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 325 E. Makaʻala St.

     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 111 E. Puainako St.
     •Long's Puainako, 111 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     •KTA Kona, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd.

     •Pacific Fireworks, 75-1022 Henry St., Kona

     •Phantom Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.

     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.

     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.

     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, December 29, 2018

Neighborhood fireworks on streets and in yards are popular in Kaʻū. See the rules, below, with locations
to buy permits and legal fireworks. Photo by Julia Neal

RECENT DEATHS OF TWO GUATEMALAN CHILDREN IN U.S. BORDER CONTROL CUSTODY drew a tweet from POTUS Donald Trump today, and response from both of Hawaiʻi 's Senators. Tweeted Trump, "Any deaths of children or others at the Border are strictly the fault of the Democrats and their pathetic immigration policies that allow people to make the long trek thinking they can enter our country illegally. They can't. If we had a Wall, they wouldn't even try! The two..... ...children in question were very sick before they were given over to Border Patrol. The father of the young girl said it was not their fault, he hadn't given her water in days. Border Patrol needs the Wall and it will all end. They are working so hard & getting so little credit!"

After visiting the Tornillo camp for migrant children in
early December, Sen. Mazie Hirono responded to Pres.
Donald Trump's tweet today regarding the recent deaths
of two children held by Border Patrol.
Image from Hirono's Facebook

     Hirono tweeted "Obviously nothing is too low or cruel for you. A collective New Year's wish: For the sake of our country, you can stop now."

     Schatz responded to Trump: "The next President should take personal and professional responsibility for bad things that happen in the executive branch." Schatz tweeted: "Being President requires an extraordinary combination of moral clarity, the ability to persuade people, and administrative competence." and "We should do five billion dollars worth of solar panels. Or school renovation. Or harbor maintenance. Or National Institute of Health research. Or pay increases for the troops. Or housing for the elderly. Or health care on native lands. Or money for the state department."

     Schatz also commented, "The President of the United States is responsible for what happens in the federal government," and "I don't get it. Most politicians crave authority and they guard it jealously. That can be quite a bad thing sometimes, and so we have checks and balances. But this President seems to not want to be in charge of anything difficult, even if it is squarely his job."

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.

KEEPING DIGITAL INFORMATION SAFER is the goal of a new bill Sen. Brian Schatz introduced in the U.S. Senate. According to SC Source, a cybersecurity journal, personal information "would be protected from being sold or disclosed in any manner unless the end user agrees.While a specific dollar penalty is not listed in the bill for companies who violate the act, there is a formula in place to derive a civil financial punishment." See the in depth story at SC Media, The Cybersecurity Source.
     A story in Mother Jones presents the Schatz view. The Data Care Act would attempt to make sure companies collecting private consumer data "not to utilize that data to the detriment of the user," said Schatz during an interview with Ali Breland of Mother Jones.
     Schatz told Breland: "We want to establish a statutory framework where there are three main duties, the duty of care, which is essentially cybersecurity, to secure the data, and to inform people if there are breaches, a duty of loyalty. Loyalty, in my view, is the most important and foundational aspect of the bill, which is to say that whatever the circumstances are, the data being collected online, whether it’s through the Internet of Things, or through a social network, or from the cable company or whatever, whomever collects the data has a duty not to utilize that data to the detriment of the user. Third, is the duty of confidentiality, which essentially attaches the first two duties to any partners or third-party providers that may have a relationship with the company that originally collected the data."

     Schatz told Mother Jones, "There's an opportunity to do something big and bipartisan on privacy." He said that "these companies are not going to voluntarily behave. They lack the will. And I think they’re not even sure what they would do if they could conjure the will. They need to be overseen by federal agencies with real authority to make rules and levy fines."
     Read the whole interview here.

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.

FEMA WILL ISSUE $66.1 MILLION TOWARD KĪLAUEA ERUPTION AND HURRICANE

LANE RECOVERY FUNDS to Hawaiʻi County. The money is expected to cover three-fourths of the repairs. Hawaiʻi County will be responsible for the remaining expense.

     About $49 million will go to repairing damage from Hurricane Lane – Hawaiʻi County will pay $12 million of that, according to Bill 8. Nearly $33 million will be appropriated for "Lava Flow Projects" – Hawaiʻi County paying $8.2 million, according to Bill 10.

     Big Island Video News reported a $250,000 award to the county from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. The funds "will be used to create an economic recovery plan to provide, relief, recovery and relocation strategies for the recent Kilauea eruption," Hawaiʻi County Finance Director Deanna Sako wrote to Hawaiʻi County Council.

     All three funding items are on the Jan. 9 County Council Agenda to expedite receipt of the money.

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.

THE PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM of the state Legislature is geared up to help the citizenry follow elected officials and legislation through the 2019 session. It begins on January 16 at 10 a.m, as mandated by the State of Hawaiʻi Constitution. Here are some important dates after the opening of the 2019 Hawaiʻi State Legislature:

     Jan. 18 is the last date to introduce non-administrative bill packages. Bills are bundled together by common interest groups and accepted and labeled as a package by the clerks. View the packages of legislation by clicking on the "Reports and Lists" button on capitol.hawaii.gov. 

     Jan 18 is also the last day for organizations to submit grant and subsidy requests. It's the deadline for Grant-in-Aid applications. Grants may be appropriated to nonprofit and other organizations for various public purposes that are recognized as priorities and are seen as complimentary to state government functions. Applications, information, and more specifics regarding the deadline appear under "Legislative Information" on capitol.hawaii.gov. 

Virginia Beck and Keanu Young are the lead staff at
Public Access Room, and are available to help
citizens follow legislation, write testimony, and
introduce legislation. Photo from PAR

     Jan. 22 is the day for the State of the State Address by the governor before the joint legislature. Gov. David Ige will report on affairs of state, and put forth recommendations and initiatives. Many visitors come to the Capitol to hear the Governor's speech and witness the proceedings from the gallery. It is also the last day for submission of the Governor's Package of Bills. These are bills prepared by executive branch agencies for consideration by the legislature, and are introduced on behalf of the executive branch by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. View the package of legislation by clicking on the "Reports and Lists" button on capitol.hawaii.gov.

     Jan. 24 is the day for the State of the Judiciary Address from the Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court before the assembled joint legislature.

     Jan. 24 is also the last day to introduce bills by filing them with the House or Senate Clerk. See more on the 2019 Session Calendar, which lists all the deadlines that will govern the action this session.

     A publication entitled Which Deadlines Apply to Your Bill? is particularly helpful to follow bills and submit testimony, particularly when they are referred to committees.

     The lead staff members at Public Access Room are Virginia Beck, Public Access Coordinator, and Keanu Young, Assistant Public Access Coordinator. PAR gave a presentation at Ocean View Community Center to help the citizenry get ready for the session. PAR staff can be reached by calling 808-587-0478 or emailing par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Their website is lrbhawaii.org/par.

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.

KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS BASKETBALL fought hard for a win Friday, Dec. 27, against Kealakehe. After traveling north, the Kaʻū boys Varsity team took the court, 45 to 43. Kaʻū Athletics tweeted, "Omg good game."

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:

Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo, 6pm

Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm

Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau

Boys Basketball:

Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm

Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm

Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm

Wrestling:

Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha

Soccer:

Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA

Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe

Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo

Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau

Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa

Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani

Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona

Swimming:

Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

A NEW EXHIBIT, FROM THE SLOPES OF TWO MOUNTAINS, featuring the glass works of Michael Mortara, Misato Mochizuki Mortara, W. Chris Lowry, and Marianne J. Lowry, opens to the public on Saturday, Jan. 5, through Sunday, Feb. 10, daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Viewing the gallery is free to all; however, park entrance fees apply. 

Original glass work will be displayed in a new exhibit at
Volcano Art Center Gallery starting Jan. 5.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     An opening reception with the artists will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
     "The exhibit showcases contemporary and traditional glass techniques created on and inspired by two of Hawai‘i’s most prominent Volcanoes: Kīlauea and Haleakalā. Michael and Misato Mortara work from and own the glass studio 2400 Fahrenheit in Volcano on Hawai‘i Island while Chris and Marianne Lowry create from and co-own Hot Island Glass located in Makawao on Maui Island. Both studios are located in high elevation locations and all four artists cite the unique environments in which they work as a source of inspiration," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
     The Mortaras have been making glass together for over 20 years. Originally from Oahu, they opened their studio in Volcano on the Big Island in 2000. Their work is found in private collections worldwide, as well as the collections of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, The Contemporary Museum of Honolulu, The Four Seasons Hotel, Hilton Hotels, and the National Park Service.
     "There is something both dramatic and dynamic about the manipulation of a molten mass of glass, such that the process has almost as much appeal for me as the product," says Mike Mortara. "Hot glass is a medium in constant motion where balance, timing and rhythm are the essential tools in the process. Once you start, you can’t stop until it’s done. After more than 30 years in glass, I’ve conceded that it is the glass that is really in control, however much I would like to think otherwise.” To that sentiment, the Mortaras have stated that many of the works in this exhibition are a reflection of being in East Hawai‘i during this year’s past eruption events.

From the Slopes of Two Mountains, a new
exhibit at Volcano Art Center Gallery,
features glass work from two studios in
Hawai‘i. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     Misato Mortara says, “Like no other before it in our time, its effects were so far reaching and life changing. The dichotomy of the destruction and creation was an emotional roller coaster, life and landscape forever altered. It took going back to the familiar places to bring it full circle and to realize that once we accept the way things are, it makes it that much easier to find its new beauty and inspiration.”
     The Lowrys have been creating work together for 9 years. "Travel has exposed them both to exciting new experiences but in the end brought them together," states the description. They have studied glass in Japan, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and US states Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, New York and Massachusetts. In their short career together their work has traveled with collectors across the world. Here in Hawai‘i they have pieces in the collections of Hawai‘i State Foundation on culture and the arts and The Honolulu Museum of Art.
     Nature has a strong theme in the Lowrys work, showing up in clean and organic forms or as complex natural patterns. In his words, Chris Lowry states, "My work has a strong personality. A piece should grab your attention and then be able to keep it." Growing up in his father’s glass shop on the Northern Oregon Coast, Chris Lowry became "serious about his art at age 18 when he moved to O‘ahu," states the description. His first job was working as an assistant teacher at Punahou School with Hugh Jenkins. Feeling more like a student himself, Chris Lowry credits Jenkins as being his first real teacher, "Hugh taught me that fundamentals are essential in every art form and if you don’t have those fundamentals you limit your capabilities."

     Marianne Lowry started her glass exploration in the functional world, studying in the world renown Kosta Boda Glass Factory, but she now finds sculptural glass to have more freedom. "In my latest work I’m trying to reproduce the feelings I get from the natural surroundings. I love the colors, reflections, and movements you get from the ocean and the creatures in it. Glass is the perfect material to represent this beauty because of its transparent qualities," says Marianne Lowry.
     Volcano Art Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 1974. Volcano Art Center's mission is to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawai‘i through arts and education. See more at volcanoartcenter.org.

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.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year's Day Brunch, Tue., Jan. 1, 7-noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Cheesecake Bar w/Toppings, Brownies and Beverage. $17.95/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Leilehua Yuen, Wed., Jan. 2, 5-6:30pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free, monthly. 967-7565

Open Mic Night, Wed., Jan. 2, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
Women's Support Group, Thu., Jan. 3 and 17, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4

Story Time with Lindsey Miller - PARENTS, Inc., Fri., Jan. 4, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
Big Island Road Runners Hilo to Volcano 50 Kilometer Ultra Marathon and Team Relay, Sat., Jan. 5, 6am, Moku Ola (Coconut Island) parking area to Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Race Director David Cotter, 339-7210, bigislandroadrunners.org

EXHIBIT: From the Slopes Of Two Mountains, daily, Sat., Jan. 5 - Sun., Feb. 10, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Features glass works of Michael Mortara, Misato Mochizuki Mortara, W. Chris Lowry and Marianne J. Lowry. Opening reception with artists Jan. 5, 5-7pm. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

Art Express, Sat., Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Jan. 5, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Spiritual Healing, Sat., Jan. 5, 3-4:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Led by Debra Zager. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
Fireworks and Fireworks Permits are on Sale through Monday, Dec. 31 at midnight.

     Setting off of fireworks for New Year celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of firing.

     Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years or older, and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

     Permits are available at:

     •Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 28

     •Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, second floor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 26 through 30

     •Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Kamuela, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31
     Permits are also available at the following firecracker vending outlets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31:

     •J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy, Kurtistown

     •KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     •TNT Tent Hilo, 381 E. Makaʻala St.

     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 325 E. Makaʻala St.

     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 111 E. Puainako St.
     •Long's Puainako, 111 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     •KTA Kona, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd.

     •Pacific Fireworks, 75-1022 Henry St., Kona

     •Phantom Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.

     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.

     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.

     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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