Sunday, March 11, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, March 11, 2018

One of the first federal government involvements in Ka Lae was tending and improving the lighthouse and quarters for 
its keeper, after Hawaiʻi became a U.S. territory in 1898. Ka Lae Lighthouse is now automated 
and run by solar panels. Photo from Lighthouse Friends
FEDERAL USE OF SOUTH POINT, where some 11,000 acres are subject to a new management plan by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, began after Hawaiʻi became a U.S. territory in 1898. The U.S. Lighthouse Service proposed improvements.
     Ka Lae Lighthouse was not more than a large oil lamp on a 30 foot tall mast, the beam shining 9 miles out to sea, warning ships and boats of the South Point cliffs, and marking the southernmost point in the Hawaiian Islands. It shined onto an ocean where winds and currents make a distinct line, as if to divide the island in half, with a predominant calm to the west and turbulence to the east.
Traditional dwellings at Ka Lae where the federal government
took over the lighthouse in 1908 and built the lighthouse
keeper a small house. Photo from Lighthouse Friends
     The first light keeper was John Nakai, who belonged to a Ka Lae fishing family. He lived next to the light in a small, traditional Hawaiian thatched dwelling, its shape described in some reports as "pyramidal."
     An agent of the U.S. Lighthouse Service arrived to visit Nakai and presented a view of Ka Lae that contrasts to modern day appreciation of traditional Hawaiian fishing communities and the renaissance of protecting South Point's cultural and natural resources.
     Lighthouse Friends quotes Capt. C. W. Otwell, of the Lighthouse Service, describing Ka Lae in 1907: "This station is isolated and desolate, the locality being only a waste of rough lava rock.
The second wind-powered light in the U.S
Lighthouse service was installed in 1928 at
Ka Lae. 1948 photo by Elmer Jackson
     "No quarters have been provided for the keeper. The only line of supply is over a rough trail, the nearest water and provisions being ten miles distant. To provide at least temporary relief from the hardship to which the keeper is exposed, $200 worth of materials were purchased for the construction of a shelter and water tank. A suitable dwelling should be constructed at this… southernmost point of the Hawaiian Islands. The light is important, and the keeper should have this inducement to remain."
     The recently released Department of Hawaiian Home Land's South Point Resources Management Plan reports that federal management of Ka Lae Lighthouse was established in 1908 by proclamation from President Teddy Roosevelt. The U.S. government took over 10 acres. The Lighthouse Service improved the lighthouse and built the light keeper a small residence.
     According to Lighthouse Friends, Professor William Tufts Brigham, of Bishop Museum, asked the Territorial Governor to urge the Lighthouse Service to be careful to preserve Kalalea Heiau on the point, when building at Ka Lae. Kalalea was one of the last temples of native Hawaiian religion in use, after a century of Christianity expanding throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The federal Lighthouse Service avoided destruction of the heiau, according to Lighthouse Friends. Kalalea heiau remains today near the Ka Lae Lighthouse.
Ka Lae Lighthouse is powered by a solar panel just
under the light. It's been automated since 1949, when
 it was wind-powered. Photo from 
Lighthouse Friends
     Founding Ka Lae light keeper Nakai was followed by Robert Iana Reid (1907 – 1912), William F. Williams (1912 – 1914), Harry W. Flint (1915 – 1924), and James K. Haleamau (1926 – 1933). In 1928, during Haleamau's term, according to Lighthouse Friends, a new 45-foot, steel lighthouse tower was installed, its beacon "connected to storage batteries charged by a wind-driven electric generator, making Ka Lae Lighthouse the second wind-powered lighthouse in the U.S. Lighthouse Service."
     A gasoline-powered generator provided electricity for the light and dwelling when wind-generated power was insufficient. "During the first year of this new system, the backup gasoline generator only had to run for about fifty hours."
     James J. Gibson served as light keeper from 1937 – 1942. The last keeper was Henry S. Smith, who served until 1948 or 1949, when the lighthouse was automated, eliminating the need for a keeper. The 45-foot tower was replaced by a 32-foot concrete pole in 1972. Today, batteries charged by solar panels power the light.
     The ten acres acquired by the U.S. government in 1908 remain in federal ownership today, surrounded by Hawaiian Home Lands. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the lighthouse. The land includes the Kalalea Heiau.
     See more on the federal involvement with Ka Lae, with a story on the military era in Monday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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Sen. Brian Schatz
GUN CONTROL PETITION, TO REPEAL BAN on the Centers for Disease Control doing studies on guns and gun violence, is being circulated by Sen. Brian Schatz. His announcement states the CDC is responsible for gathering data on threats to public health, which legislators use to craft policies that help keep people safe without unnecessary burden or making things worse.
     The Appropriations Act of 1997, submitted by Rep. Jay Dickey, got an amendment passed for the NRA that prevents the CDC from studying guns and gun violence, says the release. "The Dickey amendment is still the law today. It's a moral outrage, and it must change," states Schatz. "We cannot allow the NRA to continue substituting their agenda for evidence-based facts. Add your name now to call on Congress to repeal the Dickey Amendment, and lift the ban on this lifesaving research. Sign our petition now. It's time to lift the ban and restore the CDC's funding for gun violence research right away. Thanks for being part of this."
     Sign the petition.

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HAWAI‘I ISLAND SAFE NET SPONSORS AN ISLAND-WIDE CANDLELIGHT PRAYER VIGIL on Thursday, Mar. 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., for those wishing to gather and pray for issues relating to human trafficking. The Ka‘ū host location is at Ocean View Baptist Church, on the corner of Ginger Blossom and Coral. Pastor Lani Bayer hosts another of the vigils at Volcano Assembly of Go at 19-4276 Wright Road. For more information, contact Melody Stone at (808) 430-5710.

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AVOCADO GRAFTING FOR COMMERCIAL GROWERS WORKSHOP by UH-CTAHR's Cooperative Extension, USDA, Western Extension Risk Management Education, and Hawaii Avocado Association, is offered in both Hilo and Kona.
     The hands-on workshop will teach about Sharwil avocados, the only variety approved to be shipped to the mainland. Growers will be able to participate in a grafting exercise of Sharwil scion to rootstock trees, will be able take their newly grafted plants home, and will receive instruction in recordkeeping considerations for export. Speakers include Dr. Alyssa Cho, Dr. Stuart T. Nakamoto, Andrea Kawabata, and Ty McDonald of CTAHR.
Image from International Tropical Fruits Network
     The Hilo workshop will take place Wednesday, March 28, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Komohana Research and Extension Center, 875 Komohana St, Room D-202, Hilo, HI 96720. Kona will hold two workshops, at 9 a.m. to noon or 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Thursday, March 29, at Kona Cooperative Extension Service, Conference Room, 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI 96750.
     Class Fee is $25 per person, per workshop. Payment will be collected during event check-in, cash and check accepted. Make checks payable to 'RCUH'. Cost covers Sharwil scion testing, known Sharwil scion, rootstock plants, grafting supplies, and handouts. Attendees should bring their own pruning shears; all other grafting tools will be provided, but bringing personal grafting knifes is also suggested.
     Registration is required. Each class is limited to 15 participants. RSVP online or by contacting Gina at 322-4892, at least two days prior to the workshop. If unable to make the workshop after registration, contact Gina, or Andrea at andreak@hawaii.edu, with as much advance notice as possible, so that another grower may attend.

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LEARN TO MAKE TRADITIONAL KOREAN STYLE KIMCHI on Saturday, Mar. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center.
     Aaron and Soohee Martinson deliver the hands-on cooking workshop. Soohee adds a narrative to the recipes by sprinkling in anecdotes while Aaron presents a slideshow.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     The course  uses a recipe called Napa Cabbage Kimchi, from the Jeolla Province of South Korea. The recipe is used daily at Soonie Nae Restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, states the event description.
     Students will be able to take home their Kimchi to continue fermenting it to their preferred taste. All materials needed to prepare the Kimchi will be provided. Students are recommended to bring an apron, as preparing Kimchi can be messy and pepper pastes will stain clothing.
     Class fee is $50 for VAC members and $55 for non-members, plus a $15 supply fee. Advance registration is required. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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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 SoftballTuesday, 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 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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ARTS & CRAFTS: ST. PATRICK'S DAY TOP HAT, Wed, Mar 14, 3:30 to 5 p.m.Pāhala Community Center. Register until Mar 13. For grades K-8. Free. Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro, 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

MONDAY, MARCH 12
PAINTING WITH PEGGYMondays, 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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Wed, Mar 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

KAULA DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Mar. 14, 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Uncle Larry Kuamo‘o demonstrates how to make traditional cordage from native Hawaiian plants. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

THURSDAY, MARCH 15
VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thurs., March 1 & 15, 8:30 a.m. to noonOcean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit with VA counselor and benefit specialist. Contact Matthew at 329-0574. ovcahi.org

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 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.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME, Thu, Mar 15, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571.

FISHERY COUNCIL MEETING, Thu, Mar, 15, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., West HI Civic Center, Liquor Control Room. New membership encouraged - especially recreational, commercial & regional fishers who can provide feedback for the council on a regular basis - then passed on to DLNR. westhawaiifisherycou.ipower.com, mkipapa@gmail.com

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ANNUAL HŌʻIKE rock opera Kū I Ka Mana has two performances: Thu, Mar 15, and Fri, Mar 16, both at 6 p.m., in Koaiʻa Gymnasium. Tickets are $5, available online, at the door, or from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on school days at the high school office or Student Activities Center.

FAMILY READING, Thu, Mar 15, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

HAWAI‘I ISLAND SAFE NET SPONSORS AN ISLAND-WIDE CANDLELIGHT PRAYER VIGIL, Thu, Mar. 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., for those wishing to gather and pray for issues relating to human trafficking. Host locations at Ocean View Baptist Church or Volcano Assembly of God Contact Melody Stone at 430-5710 for info.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū, Thu, Mar 15, 6:30 p.m., UnitedMethodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE CENTER - Film Screening of Kīlauea Summit Eruption: Lava Returns to Halema‘uma‘u and Q&A w/USGS HVO Representatives, Thu, Mar 15, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; suggested $5 donation. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri., March 16. 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, raingear, 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.

PŪ‘OHE (Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet) DEMONSTRATION, Fri, Mar 16, 10 a.m. - noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Make a pū‘ohe, Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. Has a deep sound somewhat like a conch shell. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ANNUAL HŌʻIKE rock opera Kū I Ka Mana, Fri, Mar 16, at 6 p.m., in Koaiʻa Gymnasium. Tickets are $5, available online, at the door, or from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on school days at the high school office or Student Activities Center.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17
RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-EAST, Sat, Mar 17, 8:30 - noon, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, UCB 100. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org

OPTIMAL NUTRITIONAL GARDENING, Sat, Mar 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., VolcanoArt Center. Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group instructs on how to improve nutrient density of fruits & vegetables. Also which plants contain naturally high amounts of certain nutrients & strategies for well-rounded diet from home gardens. Hands on workshop. Students depart with plant materials - seeds and/or cuttings. $30 per VAC member and $35 per non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, Sat, Mar 17, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

ST. PATRICK'S DAY LUNCHES - ‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU, Sat, Mar 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nāʻālehu Methodist Church. $10 per plate Corned Beef & Cabbage lunches for sale - all proceeds go to senior housing project. okaukakou.org

THE ART EXPRESS, Sat, Mar 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 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

OCEAN VIEW C.E.R.T., Sat, Mar 17, 10 - 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

EXPERIMENTAL WATERCOLORS with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Mar 17, noon - 3:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Students create 3-5, 8”"x8", watercolor paintings on hot press paper using pre-broken glass as a catalyst to spark creativity. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. $45 per VAC member, $50 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

ST. PATRICK'S DAY BUFFET, Sat, Mar 17, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Corned Beef & Cabbage, Lamb Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, and Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie plus all the fixings. $20/Adult, $11/Child (6-11 years). Irish ale available. Call 967-8356 for more. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat, Mar 17, 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, MARCH 18
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Mar 18, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. nps.gov/HAVO

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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