Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, January 12, 2018

Humpback whales will be counted the last Saturday of January, February, and March at four sites
from Miloli‘i through Ka‘ū into Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NOAA

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY FOUNDATION named Tiare Turan Holm as Hawaiʻi Director on Thursday, Jan. 11. She will manage the Foundation’s work in Hawaiʻi to support Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

     On the agenda in Ka‘ū is the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count on the last Saturday of January, February, and March at Punalu‘u, Ka Lae and Miloli‘i, during peak humpback whale season from 8 a.m. to noon. See story below to volunteer. 

Tiare Holm, new Hawaiʻi Director of the National Marine
Sanctuary Foundation. Image from Palau Wave Radio

     The new Director of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has more than two decades of experience managing conservation programs in Palau and the Pacific Islands region, working with government and NGOs at the local, regional, and international levels. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Palau Conservation Society - where her work led to the expansion of nation-wide protected areas - and the Micronesia Challenge, a region-wide commitment to effectively conserve at least 30 percent of nearshore marine and 20 percent of terrestrial resources. She also served as Founder and Principal of Sustainable Decisions, a private firm that played a leading role in the establishment and management of the Palau Marine Mammal Sanctuary, as well as the development of Palau’s national climate change policy.

     Kris Sarri, President and CEO of the Foundation, said that “Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are part of our nation’s conservation legacy. With 25 years of experience leading conservation teams, programs and organizations in the Pacific Islands region, Tiare is committed to marine protected areas and sanctuaries as a cornerstone for marine conservation." 

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is a focal point for winter whales in Hawaiʻi. 

The new Director of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for Hawai‘i is Tiare Holm, who will raise money for its efforts. 

     Sarri said, "The Foundation is proud to partner with N.O.A.A.’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to support education and community stewardship programs to raise awareness about the uniqueness of these marine protected areas and the need to maintain them for future generations.”

     With roots in Hawaiʻi, Holm is a graduate of Maui High School and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is also a SCUBA diver and outrigger canoe coach.

     The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the chief non-profit partner for the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation focuses on conserving areas of national significance in America’s ocean and Great Lakes by engaging citizens and communities in education, research, and on-the-ground conservation work. Learn more about the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation at marinesanctuary.org. 

Take advantage of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's fee-free day and
view the parks attractions with no entrance fees charged on Jan. 15.
See event details below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

     Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which is administered by a partnership of N.O.A.A.’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young. Learn more at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

     Papahānaumokuākea is cooperatively managed to ensure ecological integrity and achieve strong, long-term protection and the perpetuation of Northwestern Hawaiian Island ecosystems, Native Hawaiian culture, and heritage resources for current and future generations. Four co-trustees - the Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior, State of Hawai‘i, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs - protect this special place. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was inscribed as the first mixed (natural and cultural) UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States in July 2010.  Learn more at papahanaumokuakea.gov.

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COUNTING HUMPBACK WHALES IS ON THE AGENDA for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The viewing sites have been announced to count humpback whales and other marine life during peak whale season, the last Saturday of January, February, and March from 8 a.m. to noon.

     The four locations, from Miloli‘i to Volcano, are:

     Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, where the viewing sites are sea level to 20 feet, is described by a Marine Sanctuary statement for its bathymetry: "The shoreline at this site is composed of sea cliffs, 3-10 m above sea level. Offshore submarine bottoms are composed of basalt pavement or consolidated rock bottom or outcrops, as well as some massive boulders. The bottom drops off to approximately 15-75 ft. at a distance of 50 m offshore."
     Ka Lae Park, where the bathymetry is described as "composed of sea cliffs, 3-10 m above sea level. Offshore submarine bottoms are composed of basalt pavement or consolidated rock bottom or outcrops, as well as some massive boulders. The bottom drops off to approximately 15-75 ft. at a distance of 50 m offshore."

     Miloli‘i Lookout bathymetry is "composed of very low outcrops, abrasion ramps, benches, and is approximately at sea level. Offshore submarine bottoms are composed of basalt pavement with massive boulders, cobbles, basalt or limestone rubble, and small boulders. The bottom drops off to approximately 30-50 ft. at a distance of 100 m offshore."

     Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park whale counting site is at Ka‘ena Point and is reached by following the signs for Chain of Craters Road. Proceed to the end of the road. Site is located 100 yards from the main road, over lava rock field. The elevation is 30 - 40 feet, a bluff looking to the southeast with a 180 degree view.

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO ANNOUNCED $770,000 FOR WATERSHEDS on Friday. "The USDA funding supports the State of Hawai‘i’s goal of protecting 30 percent of Hawai‘i’s watershed forests by 2030," says a statement from her office. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's investment aims to protect and improve Hawai‘i’s watersheds "and will help enhance the health of our state’s unique ecosystems,” said Hirono.

     The Hawai‘i Watershed Initiative supports projects that move forward the state’s goal of protecting 253,000 acres of Hawai‘i’s highest priority watershed forests by 2030. Some of the largest and most pristine native forest and watershed areas in the state are in Ka‘ū.

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PETITIONING CONGRESS TO RENEW THE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM is another campaign of Sen. Mazie Hirono. On Friday, she wrote, "Over the holidays, many families got an unwelcome surprise: a letter warning them that they may lose their children’s health insurance coverage, simply because Congress has failed to fully reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The GOP’s failure to fund CHIP, a bipartisan program that affords children lifesaving care, is just another example in a long line of attacks on our health care by Trump and the GOP."

     Hirono said that nearly nine million children are counting on CHIP and asked for people to 

 "Sign the petition to fund children’s health insurance now."

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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION HOSTS AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY road cleanup along the stretch of Hwy 11 the organization adopted many years ago, between mile markers 78 and 79 from “about Mehe’s to Leilani,” reports Ocean Views and News.
     The 2018 first quarter road cleanup takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. Bags, water, and vests will be provided, but volunteers are advised to “wear work gloves and sun protection,” says Ocean Views and News.
     To join the effort, contact Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com for information regarding where to meet and to supply a shirt size “or, just show up along that stretch of highway at 8:30 that day wearing your own reflective vest,” says Ocean Views and News. For more, call 939-7033.

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A GLITTER SNOWFLAKE ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITY has been announced to take place at Kahuku Park (92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View) on Friday, Jan. 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class is for keiki ages 6 to 12 years. Register Tuesday, Jan. 16, through Jan. 19. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at 

 kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januarycommunity.html.
January print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 13, @ HPA.
     Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
     Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
     Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 13, @ Konawaena.
     Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
     Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

Boys Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū.
     Wednesday, Jan. 17, @ Kohala.
     Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
     Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
     Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Girls Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, @ HPA.
     Friday, Jan. 19, @ Kealakehe.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
     Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

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A ZENTANGLE CLASS FEATURING THE ZENDALA - TWIRLING LEAVES takes place Saturday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. The class blends inspiration from nature with traditional Zentangle patterns and is suitable for beginning or returning tanglers. The class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, a free, easy-to-moderate, guided hike traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations, on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku, and learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. For more, visit
nps.gov/HAVO.

A NEW EXHIBIT AT VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY,
Passage and Place, showcases Big Island artist Heather Mettler's hand-blown, chiseled, and etched glasswork. The display will be open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 13, to Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

A SILK PAINTING WITH WAX RESIST WORKSHOP is led by Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. The class combines batik methods with the art of Serti silk painting to create a representational piece of art, i.e. wall hanging. The workshop fee is $45 per Volcano Art Center member and $50 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists are welcome. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Saturday, Jan. 13, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. The event will take place again on Jan. 19 and 26. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

BINTI BAILEY AND LARRY SEYER WILL PERFORM AT TWO JAZZ IN THE FOREST concerts with Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones on Saturday, Jan. 13, with a matinee from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and an evening performance from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Almost Like Being in Love is the theme, with love songs from around the world. Tickets are $18 for Volcano Art Center members and $20 for non-members. Purchase tickets online at volcanoartcenter.org.

A PANCAKE BREAKFAST will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA is the title of an easy, one-mile, ranger-led walk scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower. The walk is free to attend. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A FEE-FREE DAY IS OFFERED AT HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no entrance fees will be collected at any fee-charging National Parks on Monday, Jan. 15. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS on Monday, Jan. 15, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is set for Monday, Jan. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. It is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels, headed by Stanton. The class is $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members per session. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGIST MATT PATRICK PROVIDES AN UPDATE on Tuesday, Jan 16, on what's happening at Halema‘uma‘u today, and answers questions about the summit eruption after USGS H.V.O. geologist Janet Babb introduces a 24-minute film she co-wrote and co-produced. The recently released USGS documentary will be shown at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The After Dark in the Park presentation, entitled Kīlauea Summit Eruption: Story of the Halema‘uma‘u Lava Lake, is free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

LEARN HOW TO TRANSFER A PHOTO ONTO WATERCOLOR PAPER at The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor on Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $17 supply fee. Sampling of several wines from Hilo wine store “Grapes” included. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. MEETS Wednesday, Jan. 17, starting at 4 p.m., in the Hawaiian Ranchos office. For more, call 929-9608 or visit ranchos-road.org.

A VOLCANO AWARENESS PRESENTATION takes place Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. Come and view informative displays about Mauna Loa Volcano. Talk story with scientists, public safety officials, and park rangers. For more, call 939-7033, visit ovcahi.org, or email askHVO@usgs.gov.

WEAVE A TĪ LEAF LEI Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Thursday, Jan. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS an ‘Alalā Outreach Presentation on Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Volcano Village. ‘Alalā Project staff present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. The presentation is free to attend - $5 donation appreciated. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū meets Thursday. See event at right.
Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME is hosted Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." The event will take place again on Jan. 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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