Sunday, December 30, 2018

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo6pm
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.

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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 Hilo381 E. Makaʻala St.
     •Phantom Tent Hilo325 E. Makaʻala St.
     •Phantom Tent Hilo111 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.

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