Tuesday, March 06, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, March 6, 2018

  A visitor's video on You Tube gives suggestions on driving 4-wheel vehicles to Mahana Bay and
Green Sands Beach. Numerous videos are posted on You Tube.
UNREGULATED ACCESS TO LANDS MANAGED by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands at South Point, Ka Lae, has "compromised the integrity of its heritage sites and of coastal ecosystems," says the new DHHL management plan. The plan documents local residents saying that South Point has suffered from the
Four wheel vehicles create new roads as old trails
 become rutted on the way to Green Sands Beach.
This video and many more on YouTube
popularization of large, open areas for off-roading, particularly along the tracks and trails to the rare Green Sand beach at Māhana Bay.
     The report proposes many long and short-term projects to manage South Point, and uses suggestions from many local stakeholders who weighed in for a South Point Cultural Impact Assessment. Keoni Fox, who volunteers on numerous preservation projects in Ka‘ū, asked that community groups and the National Park Service stewarding the Ala Kahakai Trail along the coast and the inland Na Ala Hele trail be consulted when determining access to Green Sands Beach and Māhana Bay. "The path should be as natural as possible to blend into the environment." Fox said his "main concern with any planned action is the need to maintain the cultural integrity and the natural landscape. It is important that we maintain the sense of place at Ka Lae. As a wahi pana (sacred place), respect for Hawaiian culture and history is paramount. Although we are experiencing high demands for visitor and recreational use, we cannot allow tourism and off-road enthusiasts to continue to adversely impact our lands and resources."
     The DHHL report specifies the heavy use of recreational vehicles such as ATVs and motorbikes, which have "not only destroyed sacred sites but has resulted in widespread soil and sand erosion." Along with exposure to the "prevailing winds," this has left the natural and cultural resources of South Point in "critical condition," says the report.
     During the extensive research done for the report, culturally significant sites were discovered along the road to Green Sands Beach. Starting at page 504 of the report, the sites are described in great detail, including several rock walls, partially destroyed to make way for drivable passage points.        
Section A shows where the road leading to South Point would have a 
security guard shack, with an entrance fee, and a possible gate 
further down the road. Section B shows the area that would be used 
for parking to walk to Green Sands/Māhana Bay, with portable toilets, 
waste receptacles, vending, camping, a place for educational 
programs, and a cultural site. Map from DHHL report
     The report gives an example of "jeep road" running through an historic site. Makai sits a small rectangular rock enclosure, heavily damaged. The rocks are scattered, and modern rubbish, from ammunition shell casings to fragments of glass, sit nestled in the crevasses.
     The road also appears to pass through and have possibly destroyed sections of a wall and windbreaks constructed in ancient times for shelter. Archaeologists found ʻiliʻili (small, smoothed stones) lightly scattered around the wall, and fragments of marine shell and coral. The windbreaks adjoining the wall are in decent condition. Archeologists concluded that the wall and shelter are evidence of pre-Contact structures, used for temporary habitation, and described them as "significant."
     See March 3, March 5, and future Ka‘ū News Briefs for more on the South Point Plan.
     See the 799-page plan online.

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NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING must remain in the reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, Sen. Mazie Hirono said on Tuesday. The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act provides affordable housing to the Native Hawaiian and other Native communities. In remarks to the American Indian Housing Council, Hirono pledged to continue to fight to pass a NAHASDA reauthorization that includes Native Hawaiians, and to fully fund other critical Native Hawaiian programs.
Sen. Mazie Hirono meets with American Indian Housing Council.
     "I strongly oppose ongoing efforts to pass a narrow reauthorization of NAHASDA that excludes Native Hawaiians. These efforts seek to pit indigenous communities against one another.
     "Asking us to choose which communities we value over others is a cynical and false choice. We need to stand together and fight back against efforts that demand such a choice. I know we agree on this," she said.
     Last September, Hirono joined all Democratic members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee to introduce S. 1895 to reauthorize the NAHASDA in a way that preserves funding for Native Hawaiian housing programs.
     Last June, Hirono fought back against efforts to eliminate federal Native Hawaiian housing programs during testimony before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

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HAWAI‘I MAKES WOMEN A PRIORITY, according to a new report from WalletHub. In honor of Women's History Month, and campaigns against sexual harassment such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, the report focuses on finding out which states are making life a little more balanced for women in 2018. Though women outnumber men in most places, nearly two-thirds of minimum-wage earners are women, and they are underrepresented in political positions nation-wide.
     All fifty US states, plus D.C., were ranked by looking at twenty-three key metrics, ranging from economics to health to safety.
     Hawai‘i ranked an impressive first in Women's Health & Safety overall, and seventh in Women's Economic & Social Well-Being; the rest of the overall highest-ranking states are primarily east coast states, with the next-closest west coast state being Oregon, at eighteenth.
     Unemployment for women was ranked as sixth-lowest, and the share of women-owned businesses at sixth highest. Hawai‘i was fifth lowest for women in poverty, fourth lowest for uninsured women, and had the third highest rate of women's preventative health care. For first place, Hawai‘i was ranked both best in the quality of women's hospitals, and in women's life expectancy at birth.
     See the full report.

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PRECINCT MEETINGS FOR THE HAWAI‘I DEMOCRATIC PARTY are Wednesday, March 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
     Residents who live in Volcano, Pāhala, and Punalu‘u can attend the District 3 Precincts 5-7 meeting at Volcano Art Center campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano.
     Residents who live in Nā‘ālehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, Mark Twain, South Point, Ocean View, Miloli‘i, and Ho‘okena can attend the District 5 Precincts 1-8 meeting at New Thought Center, 81-6587 Mamalahoa Hwy, C302, Kealakekua.
     Hawai‘i County Democratic Party chair Margaret Willes said, "The time has come: make this party what you want it to be."
     Attending the meeting qualifies attendees to be considered to become delegates to the upcoming county and state conventions. Attendees may seek election to become a party precinct officer, and learn more about the priorities for the current legislative session and what to do to get involved.
     Pre-convention meeting will be held April 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. Sangha Hall in Hilo will host the County Convention on April 28th. The Hawai‘i Democratic Party State Convention will be held on Hawai‘i Island this year; May 26 and 27 will see the Hawai‘i State Convention at the Hilton Waikaloa.
     Find a specific precinct location. Contact Tonya Lee Matson at 937-3037 or tonyacoulter@gmail.com for West Hawai‘i, or Shannon Matson at 747-2122 or hotyogahilo@gmail.com for East Hawai‘i. For the county site, go to hawaiicoutydemocrats.org, or hawaiidemocrats.org for the state site.

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Jeff from Bee Boys explains a honeycomb.
JOIN THE FUN AT THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU SCHOOL'S FREE EXPLORE! FAIR this Thursday, March 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the school gym. Each family should pick up a fair passport when they enter, visit the activities and booths to get the passport punched, and turn it in for a chance to win cool door prizes. Win a volleyball, basketball, or experiment kits from Nāʻālehu ACE; gift certificates from KTA; ono local honey or a lava cider from Bee Boys; and more.
     Make and take activities, brain-challenging games, and engineering challenges aligned with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) will be featured, along with free food and popcorn. Ke Ola magazine's current featured artist Don Elwing will host his gallery of marine debris art, along with his newest pieces' special effects viewed with 3-D glasses.
     Each grade-level will sponsor an activity and other community organizations will be on hand to share information. Make recycled paper, a wind sock, a lava lamp, or a hurricane tower, and much more. Pick up milo seeds from Nā Mamo o Kāwā table to create a native plants nursery; visit Three Mountain Alliance to learn more about our unique Hawaiian watershed; explore Bee Boys observation honeybee hive; conduct science experiments with Nāʻālehu ACE. Don't forget to also gather seeds and plants for a garden, along with soil and a garden box, for school ‘ohana who haven't yet received their materials.

Make a Hawaiian Top, Hū, from a kukui nut, and learn how 
to use it, on Mar. 28. Photo from National Park Service
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A HŪ DEMONSTRATION, in which participants can make their own and learn the game of the Hawaiian Top, takes place on Wednesday, Mar. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Early Hawaiians devoted much of their time to games, amusement, and relaxing, says the event press release. Top-spinning was an absorbing activity for children, and making hū (kukui nut top) was equally engaging.
     The free event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.htmlSee Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
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: 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: 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

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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.

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.

MISS KA‘Ū COFFEE PAGEANT - REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Sat, Mar 10, 6 p.m. Event held Sat, Apr 21, Ka‘ū District Gym. Those who sign up early will be offered more opportunity for training and sponsorships. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
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. kilauea
military
camp.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8
STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKA
PUAULU 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 ArtCenter. 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

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.

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

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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Mar 10, 8 - 11 a.m., OceanView Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

ZENTANGLE: HALF-PAST PAIZLEY, Sat, Mar 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lydia Menses incorporates a paisley motif as Zentangle string, using a mixture of Zentangle's official and non-official tangles to fill. No experience necessary. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Light refreshment provided. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

RED CROSS MEETING, Sat, Mar 10, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

AN EVENING WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sat, Mar 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Awarding-winning artist. $20 per VAC member and $25 per non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11
THE ART OF VOCAL FREEDOM WORKSHOP WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sun, Mar 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn to sing and express authentically with ease and flow. Incorporates a blend of traditional and non-traditional volcano technique, martial arts, yogic posture, Toltec, and Taoist exercises. Open to all levels of singers. $50 per person, plus $10 supply fee.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sun, Mar 11, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. nps.gov/HAVO

TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR, Sun, Mar 11, 10 a.m., River of Life Assembly of God, Pāhala. The group will minister through song and testimony, as well as spreading awareness of the Teen Challenge Program. rolhawaii.com, 443-9394.

MONDAY, MARCH 12
PAINTING WITH PEGGY, Mondays, Mar 12 & 26, noon - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton. Ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels. $15 VAC members/$20 non-members, per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 13
C.E.R.T. DISCOVERY HARBOUR/NĀĀLEHU, Tue, Mar 13, 4 - 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, as well as participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Tue/Wed, Mar 13 (committees)/14 (Council), Hilo, & Tue/Wed, Mar 27 (committees)/28 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

ONGOING
TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

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.

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