Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, March 22, 2018

Opihi picking is a traditional Hawaiian practice, with the limpets living on rocks in the surf zone a treasured 
delicacy in Hawaiian cuisine. Art by Deitrich Varez, whose work can be seen at Volcano Art Center.

AN OPIHI PICKER FROM WAI‘ŌHINU perished on Wednesday at Kahakahakea Point, two miles south of Pohu‘e Bay, when he fell into the water and was unable to surface. A U.S. Coast Guard C-130 plane and Coast Guard Helicopter were deployed in the air. On the water, a Coast Guard Cutter headed toward the shore. Hawai‘i Police Department and Fire Department rescue crews traveled by land.

     The crew of the plane spotted the lifeless opihi picker about 40 to 50 feet from shore in about 15 feet of water. He was extricated by helicopter with a Billy Pugh net and lifted to the Landing Zone at the bottom of Maikai Blvd. in Ocean View's Ranchos. The medic unit transferred the victim to Ka‘ū Hospital.

Opihi pickers often risk their lives in rough surf on 

slippery rocks. Art by Deitrich Varez, whose work 

can be seen at Volcano Art Center.

     The Hawai‘i Fire Department described the scene as "rugged lava terrain with significant coastal surges. Ground access to scene was over an hour via a 4X4 road."
     Opihi pickers frequently descend to slippery shorelines, with ocean waves pounding, in order to harvest the limpets from the rocks. Opihi picking is often called the most dangerous occupation in Hawai‘i. Opihi - popular for baby lu‘u's, weddings, and other Hawaiian gatherings - sells at Suisan Market for $15 a pound in the shell and $40 a pound cleaned from the shell, according to prices quoted today.

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THE HŌKŪLEʻA IS ON STANDBY TO COME TO MILOLIʻI. Crew member Mariah Hugo said on Thursday afternoon that the channel between Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island is very rough and it is undecided when Hōkūleʻa will sail from Honolulu to Miloliʻi.
     The planned schedule was to leave as early as Thursday morning. If Hōkūleʻa sets sail tomorrow, she can still make it to Mololiʻi by Sunday. The public is invited to meet the crew and the 62-foot, double hull sailing canoe, which is on a goodwill voyage after spending three years traveling around the world. See Wednesday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
     In the meantime, the Hōkūleʻa crew posted on its facebook page: "It's World Water Day! We all have a connection to water. Roughly half our bodies are made up of water and we can't live without it," and urged people to conserve water. See the short film they posted.
      See more on the predicted arrival time of Hōkūleʻa at Miloliʻi in Friday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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A LIVE TELEPHONE TOWN HALL, hosted by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Monday, March 19, drew more than 4,400 attendees, according to an announcement from Gabbard. The evening focused on her Securing America's Elections Act, HR5147, which would require the use of paper ballots or voter-verified paper backups in federal elections. Gabbard, along with guests Karen Hobert Flynn, President of Common Cause, and Brian Fox, Board Member of the National Association of Voting Officials, answered questions on several subjects, including:

Rep. Tusli Gabbard

   ● The current vulnerabilities of U.S. federal elections and actions that can be taken to better protect election systems from hackers.

   ● How open source elections software works.

   ● Expanding voting access in Hawaiʻi and nationwide, including bills like the Weekend Voting Act and Automatic Voter Registration Act that Rep. Gabbard has cosponsored.

   ● Emergency funding included in the Securing America's Elections Act to update states' elections systems to include paper ballots/records before the 2018 elections.

   ● The negative impact of weak election security on voter turnout.

     Click here to listen to the full audio recording of this event.

     A legislative update was also issued by Gabbard, including constituent services, actions she's taken to respond to and address Hawaiʻi's false missile alert, strengthen school safety in Hawaiʻi and nationwide, and assist Hawaiʻi families with federal agency casework, among other things.

     Gabbard said: "Hawaiʻi is one of just 15 states in the country that are currently protected from hackers by having secure paper records of each vote cast. Our telephone townhall was an opportunity to discuss what has worked in Hawaiʻi, and how systems like that can be implemented nationwide through my Securing America's Elections Act. We also discussed important initiatives at both the state and federal level to expand voting access, like weekend voting, automatic voter registration, same day voter registration, and more. The need to protect the integrity of our elections and every vote cast is urgent and must be addressed before the 2018 elections and beyond."

     Brian Fox, Board Member of the National Association of Voting Officials, said, "We are pleased to see Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard leading the country toward safe and secure election systems. The open source software language in her legislation, in addition to the necessary paper ballot component, will give appropriate security direction to the nation's election officials. Congresswoman Gabbard is appreciated as a pioneer advocating the science of protecting our democracy."

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AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION is the focus of two House bills - HCR224 and HR194 - both submitted by Rep. Richard Creagan, that are calling for transparency by way of a Management and Financial audit of the business. A hearing with the committee on Agriculture deferred the measure from March 21 to March 23, this Friday.

     The bills state the corporation "was established to administer an aggressive and dynamic agribusiness development program," "is a public body corporate and politic and an instrumentality and agency of the State," and "is accountable to the people of Hawai'i."

     Hawai‘i Farmers Union United urges residents to submit testimonies in support of the bills.

Tagged coffee tree, with mature green berries. Photos from UH

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Mature green berries, picked in the coffee
plot where UH conducts its studies.

COFFEE PRODUCERS AND THEIR TREES are the focus of a University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources announcement sent earlier this week. Andrea Kawabata, Associate Extension Agent of coffee and Orchard Crops, writes about Early Season CBB Activity andManagement , outlining monitoring and actions taken by UH, and recommending steps for coffee producers to diminish pervasive coffee berry borer infestations affecting the coffee industry.

     Kawabata's recommendations include removing the first flush of green berries or spraying.

Coffee tree laden with blossoms.
Recording flowering helps indicate
when beans will begin to show.

     "Economic research shows that early-season CBB control can lead to lower costs and damage rates during harvest when CBB integrated pest management recommendations are followed. Strip-picking, monitoring and spraying should be thought of as an investment towards your harvested crop," states the announcement.

     With over 85% of dissected beans in the coffee plot used being positive for CBB, Kawabata urges coffee farmers to, "be prepared, monitor/sample your crop, and decide to spray your coffee or physically remove and destroy mature green berries to control CBB early in the season."

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Keiki playing konane - Hawaiian checkers. See story for more free
 Hawaiian cultural demonstrations being offered at Hawai‘i Volcanoes 
National Park during week of 55th Merrie Monarch Festival. 
Photo from National Park Service  

THREE DAYS OF SPECIAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL EVENTS have been announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to take place on April 3-5, on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The events honor the 55th Merrie Monarch Hula Festival with Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and live music.
     On Tuesday, Apr. 3, practitioners share: ‘ahu lai, tī leaf cape making; ko‘i, Hawaiian axe demonstration; and kā makau, Hawaiian fishhook making. Jennie & Kanoa play live Hawaiian, Blues, and Country music blends.
     On Wednesday, Apr. 4, practitioners share demonstrations on: ulana niu, coconut leaf weaving; ‘upena ho‘olei, throwing net; and nā pa‘ahana hula, hula implements. Ti "Kawehi" Chun and Pōki‘i Seto offer live contemporary Hawaiian music.
     On Thursday, Apr. 5, practitioners share demonstrations on: kapa, traditional Hawaiian bark cloth; konane, Hawaiian checkers; and nā lei, lei making. Kenneth Makuakāne offers live Hawaiian music.
     Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. 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.

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 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 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.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING FLOWER COLLAGE. Event is Fri, Mar 23, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m., Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, for ages 6 to 12. Free. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

LAST WEEKEND OF KDEN'S HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - shows through March 24. Performances Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National 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.

FINAL DAY OF TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT, SUNDAY, MARCH 25, at Volcano Art Center Gallery, featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine.  Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

AVOCADO GRAFTING FOR COMMERCIAL GROWERS WORKSHOP Register by Monday, March 26, for Hilo, and Tuesday, March 27, for Kona. Workshops scheduled for: 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; registration required. RSVP online, or by contacting Gina at 322-4892, at least two days prior to the workshop.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Fri, Mar 23, at its Kona Hema Preserve Honomolino (located across Hwy 11 from Miloli‘i), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri, Mar 23. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. 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

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

EDIBLE WILD PLANTS: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies, Sat, Mar 24, 8 a.m. to noon. Meet at Volcano Art Center. Hands-on immersion and discovery. $30 per VAC member and $40 per non-member, plus a $15 transportation fee. Pre-registration required; class size limited. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

KEIKI STAINED GLASS, Sat & Sun, Mar 24 & 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. Beginners workshop for keiki ages 11 & up - must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance; class limited to 6 children. $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Mar 24, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

WRITING FOR INNER EXPLORATION AND LIFE REFLECTION, Sat, Mar 24, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. No previous writing experience necessary. $65 per VAC member and $75 per non-member. Bring lunch and pictures of parent/parents. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, MARCH 25

KEIKI STAINED GLASS, Sun, Mar 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. Beginners workshop for keiki ages 11 & up - must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advanced; class limited to 6 children. $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

PALM TRAIL, Sun, Mar 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

TUESDAY, MARCH 27

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, 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

WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tue, Mar 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Each performance lasts about an hour. To find out more about this 2018 weekly (except July and Aug) living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/walk_into_the_past.htm

HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, Mar 27, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue, Mar 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

TRACKING LAVA LAKES WITH THE SOUNDS FROM BURSTING GAS BUBBLES, After Dark in the Park, Tue, Mar. 27, 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Free; a $2 donation is suggested to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING, Wed, Mar 28 (Council), in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehuState Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

KŌKUA KUPUNA PROJECT, Wed, Mar 28, 9 - 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors, 60 years & older, encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

HŪ (HAWAIIAN TOP) DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Mar 28, 10 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Make a Hū and learn the game. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

THURSDAY, MARCH 29

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU Thu, Mar 29. Meet at 9:30 a.m., Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Rd, off Hwy 11. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes; fabrics may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

POETRY READING WITH 'THE POETS OF 1958' - Laura Mullen, Marthe Reed, and Susan M. Schultz - Thursday Night at the Center, March 29, 7 to 9 p.m. Free; $5 donation suggested. volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING

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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