Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, March 2, 2018

Nāʻālehu Theatre is the subject of a letter from state legislators to its owners, urging renovation and repair. See story below.
This photo was featured on a website called Abandoned USA.

THE $2M BILL TO UPGRADE CARDIAC CARE at Hilo Medical Center, which serves Kaʻū Hospital, passed the state Senate Ways and Means Committee unanimously this week. It would fund two cardiologist positions, cardiac unit support staff, and equipment for such procedures as stents. Heart attack and stroke patients are often air lifted to Honolulu or Maui for emergency surgeries, delaying lifesaving procedures during travel time.
     Testimony from Kaʻū Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris states, "By the time the patient is evaluated and airlifted to Oʻahu or Maui - especially if they are starting out in Kaʻū - due to the distances, most of the time, that two hour window has passed, increasing the risk of the patient not fully recovering. Of all the communities on the Big Island this issue is most important to us."

     Dozens of supportive testimonies were logged for the hearing, from medical professionals to Mayor Harry Kim, from United Public Workers Local 646 to individuals like Susan Hughes. She wrote that Hilo Medical Center's Dr. David Griffin estimates 400 people a year are airlifted to Honolulu at a cost of $30,000 each. "That comes to 12 million dollars a year. SB 1235 is projected to cost 2 million. Aren't our lives worth the money? If it were your loved ones, what would you vote?"

     Julie Williams, a member of Volcano Community Action Network, wrote emotionally of her mother's cardiac-related death: "On November 22, 2014, I brought my mother to Hilo Medical Center emergency room as she was experiencing a heart attack. Imagine our shock when the attending doctor said 'there's nothing we can do for you.' The clot blocking drug was administered, but my mother still died within an hour as we waited for the medical helicopter. I'm brought to tears just writing this. Please save others from such a tragic experience. And please support our community as well as the hard working doctors, nurses and technicians at Hilo Medical Center by fully funding SB1235."

     Patricia Shema, of Volcano, wrote, "Hilo Medical Center is well positioned to provide interventional cardiac care as it already has available cardiac imaging equipment and software, as well as a cardiology clinic that has space for three cardiologists. The requested funding would provide for recruiting and employing additional interventional cardiologists, training for staff, and the purchase of medical equipment for the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Intensive Care Unit." 

     Benjamin Todd wrote, "Flying cardiac patients to Oʻahu is expensive and is an extra trauma in an already traumatic experience."

     Not a single testimony opposed the bill. Read the testimonies.

Nā‘ālehu Theatre entrance Photo by Julia Neal

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 main theater with roof tiles fallen and the
theater seats side by side. See Abandoned USA

PRESERVE AND RENOVATE NĀ‘ĀLEHU THEATER, urges a letter to Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, which is affiliated with the Weinberg company that owns the property.
       The letter was sent this week from a group of legislators islandwide, including Rep. Richard Creagan and Sen. Josh Green who represent west Ka‘ū into Kona, and Sen. Russell Ruderman, who represents east Ka‘ū from Honu‘apo through Pāhala and Volcano, onto Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Kalapana, and Kapoho. The letter states, "It's evident that the historic Nā‘ālehu Theater is in need of repair and maintenance."
     The letter describes Nā‘ālehu Theatre as the district's only surviving major historic landmark fronting the circle-island Belt Highway 11. It notes that it was built by Hutchinson Sugar Plantation Company for the benefit of its workers and their dependents, around 1925.

The projection room and classroom. See Abandoned USA

     "As one of the few cultural and historic landmarks commemorating the sugar industry, we believe it is worth preserving," state the legislators. "The theater fosters appreciation by visitors, is a source of pride among community members, and is eligible to be listed as a historic place. The Hawai‘i Island legislators and members of the community appreciate the positive impact and generosity that your foundation has shown the State of Hawai‘i over the years, and urge you to preserve the historic integrity of Nā‘ālehu town. We respectfully ask that you work with the community to resolve some of these issues."
     Nā‘ālehu Theater is located near the commercial crossroads of the town.

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.

OPTIMAL NUTRITIONAL GARDENING, with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, takes place on Saturday, Mar. 17, announces Volcano Art Center. The hands-on workshop, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., aims to teach participants how to improve the nutritional density of garden fruits and vegetables, as well as which plants naturally contain high amounts of certain vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats, plus strategies for planning a well-rounded diet from the home garden.

     "Gardening is a richly rewarding experience in many ways. Not only does it increase physical activity, but offers a multitude of benefits such as stress relief and mental clarity, to name a few. You also become invested in the health and well-being of the plants that provide your nourishment," states VAC's event description.

Hibiscus, Jerusalem artichokes, and edible landscape plants are some of the options for total nutritional gardening. Workshop on March 17. Photos from volcanoartcenter.org

     "How do we grow the most nutrient dense foods for ourselves and our family? There are over 20,000 species of edible plants across the world, yet less than two dozen now provide 90% of our food. Join us as we explore organizing our gardens and landscapes based on the Vitamin Food Pyramid."
     The class fee is $30 per VAC member and $35 per non-member. Students will be able to depart with plant materials such as seeds and/or cuttings. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or over the phone by calling 967-8222.

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.

A PŪ‘OHE DEMONSTRATION, takes place Friday, Mar. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Kahuku Unit, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The pū‘ohe is a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. 

Make a Hawaiian Flute and learn how to play it on Mar. 16, 
at the Kahuku Unit. Photo from National Park Service

     Pū‘ohe has a deep sound, somewhat like a conch shell, and like other native instruments, it requires the special spirit breath to produce the proper sound. Rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff will help participants make their own pū‘ohe. The free event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
     The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO

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.

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER AT KAUAHA‘AO CONGREGATIONAl CHURCH in Wai‘ohinu, Ka‘ū, on Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the church grounds.

     Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be vendors at the "flea market". The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, a generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches.

     The Church will sell Smoke Meat bowls, Roast Chicken Bowls, as well as baked goods, and produce. The church is located on the corner of Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamaoa Road and Pinao Street just above the Wong Yuen Store. 

     For more information and to reserve a vendor space, call Walter or Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-8039, in the evening.

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 Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com

/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 

weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February 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

Girls Softball: Saturday, Mar 3, Kohala @ Ka‘ū

   Wednesday, Mar 7, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Mar 9, @ Hawai‘i Prep

   Tuesday, Mar 13, @ Hilo

   Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū

   Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe

   Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a

   Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala

   Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

   Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

   Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Mar 5, @ Hawai‘i Prep

   Friday, Mar 9, @ Kohala

   Monday, Mar 12, @ Makua Lani

   Wednesday, Mar 14 Ehunui @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Mar 16 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19 @ KSH

   Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū

   Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea

   Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

KAHA KIʻI CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION is open to high school students. Digital files of 2D artwork due by March 5 at haearts@gmail.com. More info at: gabbard.house.gov/serving-you/student-resources/art-competition

ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING BUTTERFLY CRAFT, register until Mar 6. Event is Wed, Mar 7, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. For grades K-8 years. Free. Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro, 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation 

MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST is open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.

REGISTER FOR KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING by March 9 by calling Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. The gathering will be Fri., March 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

SECOND ANNUAL RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-WEST, Sat, Mar 3, 8:30 - noon, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, County Council Chambers. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND VOLUNTEER BEACH CLEAN UP, Sat., Mar. 3, 8:45 a.m., meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Help clean up trash and debris washed up on the shore at Kamilo on the Ka‘ū Coast below Nā‘ālehu. Reserve a spot in a 4WD vehicle with HWF in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups
@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Mar. 3, 9, 16, 23 & 31, 8:45 a.m. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/
summit_stewardship.htm

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING WITH STEVE IRVINE, Sat., Mar. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Class fee $55 for VAC members, $60 for non-members. Class supplies not provided; receive a full list upon registration. His Tī and Seas art exhibit is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat., Mar. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

ZENTANGLE: BASICS, Sat., Mar. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn the foundations of Zentangle art form and the philosophy behind it from Certified Zentangle Teacher Dina Wood Kageler. All art supplies provided. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOAD NETS - previously collected from the coast - into a container at Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station on Sunday, March 4, starting at 9 a.m. Bring personal drinking water. To sign-up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

TWO SUNDAY CLAY - HIGH FIRE! WORKSHOPS WITH ERIK WOLD, a morning and an afternoon class that each meet once-weekly for eight weeks, start on Mar. 4. Morning session takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; afternoon session takes place from 2:45 to 5:45 p.m. Both courses run through Apr. 22. $180 VAC members/$200 non-members, plus $15 materials fee for 6 pounds of clay - includes glazes and firing. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun., Mar. 4, noon to 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amatueur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058.

MONDAY, MARCH 5

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING, Mon, Mar 5, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar. 6, 20, and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea VisitorCenter. Each performance lasts about an hour. To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/havo/planyour
visit/walk_into_the_past.htm

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 6, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Mar 6, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT ERUPTION, Tues., Mar. 6, 7 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT MEETING, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 8 p.m., New Thought Center in Kealakekua. Democratic Party Precincts of Ho‘okena, Miloli‘i & Ocean View. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 8, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

MOKUHANGA: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING, Thursdays, Mar 8 - Apr 5, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Five hands-on sessions w/ Sensei Glenn Yamanoha. Water-based printing by hand using non-toxic natural materials. No experience necessary. $72/VAC members, $80/non-members, plus a $40 supply fee. Registration online, volcanoartcenter.org

EXPLORE! FAIR, Nāʻālehu Elementary School Gym, Thurs, Mar 8, 4 - 6 p.m., free. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) is the theme, with hands-on experiments, make-and-take activities, student-work showcases, and brain-challenging games. Enjoy free food and refreshments, and a chance to win door prizes.

FOUR DAYS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP COMING TO KA‘Ū, with Big Island Faith Crusade, at Ka‘ū District Gym, Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m.; doors open one hour beforehand; free. Contact Thy Word Ministries Pastor Bob Tominaga at 936-9114 or Herb Schneider at 327-9739 for more information.

Explore! Fair at Nāʻālehu Elementary will feature many fascinating things to do and see, including art from Don Elwing, who collects debris from Kamilo Beach to make awareness art. Details above. Photo from video by VSAS

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri, Mar 9. Participants meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, required for volunteers under 18. Visit park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm

ONGOING

KDEN HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - March 9 through 24. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344.

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

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.