Thursday, December 13, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, December 13, 2018

The HI-SEAS facility, now set up to simulate short-term lunar missions rather than long-term Mars missions. 
See story, below. Photo from UH
THE PUBLIC CAN SPEAK ON KAʻŪ HOSPITAL & RURAL HEALTH CLINIC, health needs, and health care planning for Kaʻū. Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawaiʻi Region annual public meeting and forum will take place Saturday, Jan. 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaʻū Hospital, 1 Kamani Street in Pāhala.
     An overview of the operations and financial condition of all facilities, including Kaʻū and Hilo hospitals, as well as a view toward the future, will be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services, said a statement today from Hawaiʻi Health Systems.
     Dr. Daniel Belcher, Chair of the East Hawaiʻi Regional Board of HHSC, said, "I would like to encourage everyone who has an interest in our hospitals and regional health system to bring your questions and concerns to this meeting."
     For more information, contact Terry Larson, Regional Board Executive Assistant at 315-7558.

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"A DEVASTATING OUTLOOK FOR OUR STATE IF WE DON'T LEAD ON MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE," is the message from Sen. Mazie Hirono. She tweeted a video yesterday that  covers "important things" identified by three scientists – authors of Hawaiʻi & U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands Chapter of the National Climate Assessment. Hirono asked the scientists to share their findings with the public.
     Victoria Keener, a research fellow at East-West Center, said "I'd like people in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific to know that climate change is real. It's happening now. We can see the impacts, from our water supply to our coasts to tour ecosystems, to our corals, to our fisheries… Things are happening now, and it's accelerating. I encourage everybody to look up the report, and really look at how climate change is impacting you where you live, and impacting everything you care about."
Victoria Keener, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Zena Grecni, and
Thomas Giambelluca. Watch the video.
     Zena Grecni, a sustained assessment specialist at East-West Center, said, "On Oʻahu alone, climate change, and sea level rise in particular, threatens about nine billion dollars in damage by the end of the century – and that's a low estimate, because it includes only land and property values that would be flooded." She pointed out that a good portion of homes and businesses on islands are susceptible to "inundation from wind and waves, sea level rise, and storms. So we have to be aware, and increase our resilience, and adapt."
     Thomas Giambelluca, of University of Hawaiʻi Department of Geology and Environment, said he studies water in particular, and he'd like to say to the public, "We need to be aware of how this precious resource of water is going to be affected and is already being affected by changes in climate: with increased temperature, which causes more of the water to evaporate. Changes in rainfall: more water coming in big, heavy events, and less rainfall coming the rest of the time, is really threatening our water supply and our way of life in Hawaiʻi."
     Hirono closed the short video with a statement: "All of us are very concerned about the impact of climate change… and we need to show leadership… I think Hawaiʻi can be a leader in this effort."

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, on the floor of the House.
Photo from C-SPAN
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS HAWAIʻI prompted recognition by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this week. She said that since its founding in 1968, Special Olympics Hawai‘i has "changed lives and served as an indispensable source of strength and empowerment for so many people. Across our state today, they are serving 4,700 participants with the support of nearly 12,000 coaches and volunteers, delivering ten Olympic-type sports and more than 50 competitions throughout the year.
     "They've taken on issues like inactivity, injustice, intolerance, and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. They have had an impact on our entire community and our state. They are combating negative stereotypes, bringing joy and a sense of achievement, and creating a culture of respect and inclusion. Mahalo to Special Olympics Hawai‘i and congratulations on this 50th anniversary."

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HAWAIʻI SPACE EXPLORATION ANANLOG AND SIMULATION FACILITY IS HOSTING SIMULATED MOON MISSIONS instead of Mars missions for the near future, says a report from Anna Hrushka in Pacific Business News. The installation on Mauna Kea, on land owned by NASA and University of Hawaiʻi, is being used by entrepreneur Henk Rogers – owner of Tetris – whose planned moon base project elsewhere on Hawaiʻi Island is stalled in the construction phase, says the article.
     The HI-SEAS facility had been used for long-term simulated missions to Mars until an accident in February, which has shut to program down for now. NASA and UH are investigating the accident, and analyzing info from the missions that were completed, but may not return to the facility for another simulated mission for some time, writes Hrushka.
Moon missions can be simulated at the
HI-SEAS facility. Photo from UH
     Michaela Musilova, a program manager for the HI-SEAS moon simulations and a visiting researcher for UH, told Hrushka, "Since the HI-SEAS is not in use and will not be used probably for the next year, we decided to make the most of it," said Musilova to PBN. She was also a crew member on the last Mars mission. "Because we are still waiting for the permits and everything to begin construction, we are now focusing our activity at the HI-SEAS station," she continued. "Knowing how grant cycles work, I don't foresee longer duration missions happening for two years, if you take into account how long it will take them to do the data analysis and then to get other grants ready to go. We haven't excluded the possibility of NASA using the facility again. Hopefully by the time that they would be able to use the facility, we would have moved on to the bigger facility."

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HIGH SURF ADVISORY for east facing shores on Hawaiʻi Island continues through Friday night, according to the National Weather Service. NWS says strong trades will continue generating four to eight foot waves.
     NSW says those on the shore can expect "strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents, making swimming difficult and dangerous. Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Know your limits; when in doubt, don`t go out."

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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 December Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
     Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
     Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
A CHRISTMAS LIGHTING PARADE ORGANIZED BY KA‘Ū ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION is this Saturday, Dec. 15, starting at 6 p.m. The nighttime parade, with marching units, floats, trucks and ATVs, begins at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, travels along Highway 11, and ends at Nā‘ālehu Community Ball Park where chili and rice will be offered for free to all. Parade line-up starts at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to sign a waiver and meet at the school by 5 p.m. For more info or to sign-up, contact Tammy Ka‘apana at 929-8079.

Kapuaokalanikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a with Unuokeahi performs Hula
 Kahiko on Dec. 15 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
KAPUAOKALANI IKAPOLIO-
PELE KA‘AU‘A WITH UNUO-
KEAHI PERFORMS HULA KAHIKO on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m, on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     The free hula performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula hālau from across Hawai‘i and beyond are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     This presentation will be presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or email volcanohula@gmail.com. See volcanoartcenter.org.

NĀ MEA HULA - ALL THINGS HULA - WITH LOKE KAMANU AND HER ‘OHANA is held in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance at the kahua hula, on Saturday, Dec. 15. Kamanu and her ‘ohana give their hands-on, family friendly, demonstration on the lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presenting a display of all things hula, they will share a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. Attendance is free; however, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or email volcanohula@gmail.com. See volcanoartcenter.org.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up with Konawaena Middle School Recycling Club, Fri., Dec. 14. Contact for meet up details. BYO-4WD welcome; no seats available. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pmKahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Feast and Candlelight Service, Fri. Dec. 14, Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji. Registration at 5pm, Dinner at 6pm. Thy Word Ministries brings 14 churches together. Hula and music. Pastor Bob, 936-9114

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pmOcean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol, Dec. 14-23, Thu., Fri., Sat., 7:30pm, Sun., 2:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp Theater inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $20/person - cash or check, available at door. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. KDEN, 982-7344

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pmKahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pmOcean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Santa's Coming to Town, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm or until gifts run out, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Get a book at Rudolph's Reading Room. Get a stocking from Santa at North Pole. Get a cookie and drink at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen. Free. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Zentangle: Inspired Art Pop-Up Exhibit & Reception, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pmVolcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Reception and potluck for Zentangle artists and friends. Free; no cost to exhibit or attend. Open to public. Bring friends, personal art, and light holiday pupu to share. Make and take home a Zentangle-inspired ornament. Door prizes. Zentangle library. Donations welcome. Registration not required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hula Kahiko - Kapuaokalaniikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a w/Unuokeahi, Sat., Dec. 15, 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

Nā Mea Hula - Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe w/Hālauolaokalani, Sat., Dec. 15, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Waiho‘olu‘u Ola Indigo Dyeing Workshop, Sat., Dec. 15, 12:30-3:30pmVolcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Learn the process of dyeing natural fibers with nature's oldest natural dye, indigo, using traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern shibori styles. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member, plus $25 supply fee/person. Space limited; registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Holidays @ Kahuku, Sun., Dec.16, 12-3pm, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Music and hula by Russell Mauga, Kīpapa, Lori Lei Shirakawa's Hula Studio. Crafts, food booths, shave ice, coffee truck. Free. Sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Parknps.gov/havo

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed., Dec. 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19, 5-6pmOcean  View Community Center. Election of 2019 board. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Dec. 20, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Centerovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Cookie Decorating Party, Thu., Dec. 20, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free for all ages. 939-2442

Family Reading Night, Thu., Dec. 20, 6-7pmOcean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
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.

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 
     Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
     The Wreath Exhibition is available 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.

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.

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

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