Ka‘ū News Brief Sunday, April 8, 2018

The strong people of Ka‘ū were celebrated last night at Merrie Monarch with Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi taking
second place overall in the Kane division, dancing to the Mary Pukui song Ka‘ū Nui. Punalu‘u, shown above, Kāwā, 
Palahemo and Kīlauea crater are sites honored in the song. Painting by Herb Kawainui Kane

KA‘Ū NUI WAS CENTER STAGE IN THE AT 55th MERRIE MONARCH hula competition in Hilo Saturday night. Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi took second place overall in the men's division, with the kane celebrating Ka‘ū through dance and song.

"Distinguished in the wind," are the people of Ka‘ū, says the 

song for the kane hālau that won second overall at Merrie Monarch 

last night. See the performance at k5thehometeam.com

     Kumu Hula ‘Iliahi Paredes described Ka‘ū, where his family has roots, as a people who are strong, standing up to powerful winds and other adversities. The kane danced to Ka‘ū Nui, the famed song by Mary Pukui and Maddy Lam, describing Ka‘ū as "A home where the woman dwells," referring to Pele and Kīlauea volcano. It also describes South Point, Kalae: "Cherished is the pool of Palahemo where fresh and salt water mix." The lyrics honor Punalu‘u, its cold spring Puhau, and "the swaying surf of Kāwā." It describes Ka‘ū as "distinguished in the wind, A land loved by her people."

     Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi is led by ‘Iliahi and Haunani Paredes, and is based in Wailuku, Maui.  See the dance online.

     Also at Merrie Monarch festivities yesterday were Ka‘ū Coffee princesses riding in the annual Merrie Monarch Parade. The Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, under the direction of Trini Marques, will be held Saturday, April 21, 5:30 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym. Tickets are being sold throughout the community.

Miss Ka‘ū Coffee candidates at the
Hilo Merrie Monarch parade, Saturday.
Photo from Trini Marques

Candidates for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee are Reishalyn Kekoa Jara, 16, Karlee Fukunaga-Camba, 16, Helena Nihipali-Sesson, 16, and Sheri Lynn Freitas, 18.
     Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Junior Miss candidates are Jacie Umemoto, 12, and Cristina Kawewehi, 12.
     Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry candidates are Jadelyn Kekoa Jara, 10, and Tenielle Blanco, 8.
     Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Candidates are Kysha Manini-Kaupu, 3, Telia Espejo-Navarro, 5, and Lilianna Marques, 5.

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A BILL TO KEEP MAUNA KEA UNDER STATE AND UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT is alive at the Hawaiʻi Legislature. HB1585 HD1 SD1 passed the Senate Ways and Means committee on Wednesday, April 4, and will be given a third reading, scheduled for this Tuesday, April 10. If it passes, it will go on to the full Senate. 

     House Bill 1585 HD1 SD1 would leave University of Hawaiʻi, for the time being, in charge of Maunakea lands with its astronomy campus of telescopes. It would require "a financial, performance, and management audit of the University of Hawai'i's activities related to Mauna Kea." It would require the UH Board of Regents to design rules to "regulate public and commercial activities on Mauna Kea lands." The bill would require the UH Office of Maunakea Management to "complete management actions established by the various comprehensive

University of Hawaiʻi is hoping to keep its management of the astronomy campus 

at Maunakea, which includes hosting Keck Observatory, which regularly makes history

in astronomy discoveries and recently received a National Science Foundation grant. 

See University of Hawaiʻi News. Photo from U.H. by Andrew Hara

management plans, complete an environmental impact statement for land authorizations regarding long-term continuation of astronomy within the Mauna Kea science reserve area, and secure a new master lease regarding Mauna Kea." The bill would also place a moratorium on construction of any kind until the actions were completed.
     A separate bill would take management away from the University and put it under a new Maunakea Management Authority, comprised of Hawaiʻi Island residents with a majority of them native Hawaiian. See yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs for more.

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A RALLY ON MONDAY TO BAN THE CHLORPYRIFOS CHEMICAL IN HAWAIʻI will be hosted by Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, who chairs the state House of Representatives committee on agriculture. SB 3095 SD1 HD1 is being considered by the state Senate after passing the House of Representatives unanimously. Creagan, a physician who says the chemical is particularly harmful to children, said he reserved the state Capitol Rotunda for the rally scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. tomorrow, followed by grassroots lobbying from 2 to 3 p.m.
     According to a statement from a group supporting the bill, called Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, "Chlorpyrifos is known to cause permanent neurological damage to fetuses and childrenʻs developing brains, even at very low levels. The EPA was poised to ban chlorpyrifos for outdoor use prior to the Trump administration. It was banned for indoor use in 2001. Hawaiʻi could make history by being the first state to ban chlorpyrifos for outdoor use."
     The bill calls for mandatory disclosure of pesticide use; no spray zones for certain pesticides around schools; and the ban on chlorpyrifos, described as a neurotoxin.
     The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau opposes the legislation. The Farm Bureau is led by its president Randy Cabral, former manager of macadamia operations in Kaʻū and owner of a small ranch here. Also opposing is the Hawaiʻi Crop Improvement Association and the state Department of Agriculture - recommending leaving the decision to the EPA. Dow Agro-Sciences, which manufactures chlorpyforis, opposes the ban. Clorpyrifos is sprayed on many food crops grown in Hawaiʻi and opponents said it would be difficult and more expensive to fight pests without the pesticide.

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Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa
introduce the Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018.

INCREASING HAWAI‘I AND NATIONWIDE CIVIL DEFENSE PREPAREDNESS is the goal of a bill recently introduced by U.S. Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa. The Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018, HR 5399, would expand existing Department of Homeland Security terrorism and catastrophic event grant programs to include improving nuclear, biological, and chemical attack preparedness, issuing grants which would be used for training, protective equipment, building reinforcements, and other community preparedness measures, states the release.

     In response to the false missile alert in January, Gabbard also introduced bipartisan legislation "that would improve accountability by ensuring transparent investigations and disclosure into the incident and establish best practices to strengthen state and national preparedness and disaster communications plans, among other measures."

     Read the Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018 Here

     Read a One Page Summary of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Bill Here

Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo, who represents Guam.
Photo from Wikipedia

     Gabbard said, "The false ballistic missile alert sent out in Hawai‘i earlier this year, and the threat of nuclear attack from North Korea, reveal major gaps in preparedness measures and alert plans across all levels of our government. Addressing this must be taken seriously and made a priority in Hawai‘i and across the country. My bipartisan legislation provides the means to support state and local governments to make these critical investments for our communities."

     "More than two months have passed since the false ballistic missile alert revealed significant failures in our preparations for a possible attack and we are still seeking a full, transparent accounting of what went wrong for 38 minutes on January 13th. We must review HI-EMA's Attack Warning Signal system and our community response plan in the event of a biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear attack as part of the process to restore the public trust," said Hanabusa. "This bipartisan bill will help prioritize Department of Homeland Security grant funding for communities that need to improve training, fortify or create shelter space, and purchase new equipment. Hawaii and many other municipalities around the country will benefit from increased access to federal funding to support community preparedness and response."

     Other supporters of the bill chimed in: "Failure of successive administrations to prevent North Korea from obtaining nuclear weapons creates a need to ensure preparedness even for the unthinkable. Congresswoman Gabbard and I are leading on this issue," said Rep. Tom Garrett (R-VA).

Rep. Aumua Amata, who represents American Samoa.
Photo from Wikipedia

     Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo, who represents Guam, said, "We need better preparedness in Guam, Hawai‘i, and other areas in our country that are especially susceptible to threats from weapons of mass destruction. North Korea directly targeted Guam last year, and while our people are confident in our island's defenses, more needs to be done to inform the public, harden facilities, and enhance coordination between our military, civilian, and law enforcement partners."

     "The U.S. States and Territories throughout the Pacific are at the forefront of a range of potential threats, and Congresswoman Gabbard's bill will help ensure the training, infrastructure and equipment is there if needed," said Rep. Aumua Amata, who represents American Samoa. "It's essential to have a well-planned response ready to go in the event of a sudden threat."

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Smaller Hele-On bus. Photo from heleonbus.org

FUNDING FOR ADA-ACCESSIBLE BUSES FOR HAWAI‘I COUNTY is coming in from the federal government. Sen. Brian Scahtz announced last week that $567,000 has been awarded.
     County of Hawai‘i will put up $144,000 to match the U.S. Department of Transportation funding to purchase up to six mid-duty ADA-accessible buses that will carry 15 to 26 passengers each. Hawai‘i County Mass Transit Agency, which operates the Hele-On bus system islandwide, will be in charge of the purchases.

     "This investment in public transportation will improve people's commutes, reduce traffic and costs to road maintenance, and help shrink our carbon footprint," stated Schatz. "These funds come at a very critical time for us, as we are trying to improve our level of service to the people who rely on our Mass Transit system."
     Mayor Harry Kim stated. "We are really grateful to the Senator for seeing the need and securing the funds to help achieve this."

     According to Mass Transit Administrator Maria Aranguiz, the County was in dire need of these smaller-sized buses. The vehicles will replace existing ones that have exceeded their useful life due to age and mileage, and which were prone to breakdowns. The assumed cost of the buses is $120,000 to $140,000 each, according to a release from the County.

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REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12, THROUGH APRIL 9, FOR SPRING COLLAGE, an Arts & Crafts activity at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. The program takes place Tuesday, April 10, from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Kini Ka‘awa and Kua O Ka La Public Charter Perform Hula Kahiko on
April 14 in Volcano. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

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KINI KA‘AWA WITH KUA O KA LA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL PERFORM HULA KAHIKO on Saturday, April 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the kahua hula (platform) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, announces Volcano Art Center.
     The performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula hālau from across Hawai‘i are invited to perform each month.
     The presentation will be presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
     The free event is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i, Dept. of Research and Development and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center’s ʻohana. However, park entrance fees apply.

Kaho‘okele Crabbe of Hālauolaokalani.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

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KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE AND MEMBERS OF HĀLAUOLAOKALANI present a display of Nā Mea Hula (all things hula), on Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m. 1 p.m., announced Volcano Art Center.
     Nā Mea Hula, held once a month in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance, is offered on the lānai of the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner are shared. The demonstration is hands-on and family friendly. Free; however, park entrance fees apply.

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ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH CALLS FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333. 

  

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

   Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

   Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball:  Monday, Apr 9, Christian Liberty @ Ka‘ū
   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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TUESDAY, APRIL 10
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL Meetings, Tue/Wed, Apr 10 (Committees)/11 (Council), & Tue/Wed, Apr 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, THROUGH APRIL 10, FOR SILLY SNAKE, an Arts & Crafts activity at Pāhala Community Center. The program takes place Wed, April 11, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, Apr 10, 4 - 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

PROPOSED NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TALK STORY, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 10, 11 & 12, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. County asks those planning to attend contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com, Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083, or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

PU‘UWA‘AWA‘A AHUPUA‘A: Successes & Challenges of Restoring Endangered Dry Forests of Kona, Tue, Apr 10, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Elliott Parsons, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, discusses ongoing conservation efforts and lessons learned. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

LAU HALA DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Apr 11, 10 - noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn to weave leaves from the hala tree into many useful and beautiful items. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM BASKETBALL CLINIC Sat, April 14; register through Friday, April 13. 9 to 11 a.m., registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old and those in high school are welcome. Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market" - $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOU OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH WILL MEET WITH THE PUBLIC, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman, who are looking for a location for a space launch facility, plan to talk with Ka‘ū community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.
     The meeting will be hosted by the Aha Moku Advisory Committee to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, which asked the state Senate to hold back a $25 million Special Purpose Revenue Bond until the company talks to the community about the possibility of Pohu‘e Bay becoming the location.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Apr 14, 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

SUNDAY, APRIL 15
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Apr 15, 9:30 - 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

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

ONGOING

ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

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.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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