Friday, April 27, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Friday, April 27, 2018



The 40-foot-tall blue whale sculpture, Skyscraper, constructed of marine debris mostly from Kaʻū shoreline, will be displayed
in Bruges, Belgium through September. Rendering from StudioKCA. See story below and Skyscraper Kickstarter
THE GIANT WHALE SCULPTURE made of beach trash from Kaʻū is almost completed and will soon be installed in Belgium. Klimoski and Lesley Chang of StudioKCA joined Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund last July to collect debris from the shorelines of Kaʻū over four months, then shipped the pieces to Brooklyn, NY, to plan the sculpture and construct the frame. Skyscraper will be installed through September as part of a triennial event of contemporary art and architecture, called Liquid City, in the city of Bruges, the capital city of West Flanders in Belgium, which is known for its canals. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, like Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Skyscraper's Kickstarter states: "The Story of Skyscraper: 5 tons of plastic waste pulled out of the Pacific Ocean, turned into a 4 story tall whale for the 2018 Bruges Triennial - a powerful reminder of the 150,000,000 tons of plastic waste still swimming in our waters." The campaign has raised enough money to ship the thirty-foot-tall whale sculpture to Europe, in pieces, to be assembled there. According to the Kickstarter page, the group has exceeded their $15,000 goal ahead of the May 4 deadline, with only 72 backers - an average donation of about $215 per person.
The Kaʻū shoreline where tons of debris were collected to construct Skyscraper, a giant blue whale sculpture
to be installed in a European city. Photos from StudioKCA
     Skyscraper's Kickstarter states: "Our first thought led us to thinking about the biggest liquid city on the planet (the ocean), how it connects us all, and how the waste produced and consumed in our cities, specifically plastic waste, ends up in the ocean. So, we proposed collecting as much plastic waste out of the oceans that we could in 4 months, and shaping that waste into Skyscraper, an almost 4 story tall whale pushing out of one of Bruges' main canals, and arching over historic Jan Van Eyck Square at the city's center. Skyscraper was selected along with 14 other installations proposed by a select group of international artists and architects to be brought to life for the event!"
    The fundraiser concludes May 4. "We decided to stretch our goal to $20,000. This will allow us to coordinate several additional large scale cleanup efforts with our friends at the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, the Surfrider Foundation, Eneco Clean Beach Cup, and the Bruges Triennale between May and September while Skyscraper is installed," says the Kickstarter explanation.
Cleanup number 17, with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, last year. Some pieces
collected were shipped to Brooklyn, NY, to help construct Skyscraper. 
     Seventeen Hawai‘i Island cleanup events were coordinated by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund to fill the shipping container with approximately 3,000 lbs. of plastics while it was stationed at the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station. Additionally, Surfrider Foundation volunteers on Kaua‘i collected 1,000 lbs. of plastic debris that were added to the container once it reached Hilo, courtesy of a Young Brothers gratis-shipping grant to Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund.
     Matson Navigation was another supporter, with a free extension of time allowed to fill the container. Kona Trans provided StudioKCA with a discounted hauling rate for the project, and the County of Hawai‘i's Department of Environmental Management provided HWF space to store the 40 ft. container for 12 weeks as volunteers contributed to fill it with plastic debris, making this effort an especially collaborative project by local businesses and residents. The container shipped from Hilo on Oct. 4, to New York, and some pieces will soon arrive in Belgium.
"The best crew ever, with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund,"
states the Skyscraper Kickstarter page.
     "We are thrilled to able to work with artists to create awareness installations, like this Blue Whale project, and simultaneously divert some of this plastic pollution from our island landfills," said Megan Lamson, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund's Hawai‘i Island Program Director. "Since 2003, HWF and volunteers have removed nearly 225 tons of debris from the shores of Hawai‘i Island. Whatever cannot be recycled, generally ends up in landfills. Innovative projects that include re-use, art, research, and recycling are always preferred." 
     To get involved with HWF, contact kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or at 808-769-7629. See Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund. See more on Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of StudioKCA. See more on the Bruges Triennial.

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.

Mayor Harry Kim, in stable condition today at
Queens Medical Center. Photo by William Neal
MAYOR HARRY KIM IN STABLE CONDITION at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, after being medevacked to O‘ahu for chest pains during exercise early Thursday morning, states a release from the Mayor's office. Kim is weighing options regarding a procedure.
     "As of late afternoon on Thursday, there was no diagnosis," said Wil Okabe, the County's Managing Director, who is serving as Acting Mayor while the Kim is on sick leave.
     "Harry's in stable condition and they're looking at a procedure," Okabe said. "They'll give him some options later on today or tomorrow.
     The Mayor has been undergoing tests, and was not accepting visits for the time being, states the release.
     "We want to respect his privacy and let him rest as we wait for the doctor's determination on what the next steps are," Okabe said. "We've had an outpouring of people calling, emailing and on social media telling us how much Harry means to them," Okabe said. "Harry is very grateful for all of the good wishes and prayers, and so are we."

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.

SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ OBJECTED TO NEW NASA HEAD, calling him a "climate denier," after U.S. Senate voted 50 to 49 along partisan lines to confirm Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R–OK) as NASA's 13th administrator.
     Schatz testified to Congress that former NASA administrators were scientists. "This is the first time in history that we have someone without similar qualifications to run such an important agency." He said despite Bridenstine's Navy pilot experience, he does not "have the skills and experience to lead the federal government's space agency." Schatz said the "most solemn, most serious responsibility" of the NASA administrator is Final Launch Authority, requiring "good judgment and understanding of all of the elements that go into a space launch. And that's why we've always had NASA administrators who have demonstrable expertise in these fields. It is downright dangerous to have someone without this expertise, with this kind of authority...
Sen. Brian Schatz testified against confirming
Rep. Jim Bridenstine as the new Administrator of 
NASA. Photo from @brianschatz
     "James Bridenstine is a climate denier, with no scientific background, who has made a career out of ignoring science."
     "There is simply no excuse for voting for someone so unqualified to run NASA," Schatz tweeted. "They aren't even bothering to make the argument that he will be a good administrator. They are just voting yes and getting out of town. For me this is a good reminder that elections have consequences."
     Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, voted against advancing Jim Bridenstine's nomination back in November. He gave his reasons in a press release: "This is a nonpartisan science agency. The scientific consensus is that climate change is real, urgent, and caused by humans. This science should be both supported and understood by anyone who hopes to lead NASA, one of our nation's top science agencies. And yet, Jim Bridenstine is somehow still on the fence about the climate. For this reason, I cannot support his nomination to lead NASA. Congressman Bridenstine's legislative record and his own testimony during his nomination hearing show that he rejects NASA's role in earth science, adopts industry perspectives without critical analysis, and embraces extreme and divisive social views. NASA deserves better."

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 KICKOFF FOR TEN DAYS OF KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL activities begins Friday, as the annual coffee picking season ends with farmers receiving some of the highest prices ever, with buyers still searching for more Kaʻū Coffee.
     The Tenth Annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival opening party is Friday, from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House. Listen to Hawaiian music, enjoy hula and the band Shootz. Taste Ka‘ū Coffee. Meet the coffee growers and the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Court. Free; donations accepted for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Scholarship Fund. Corner of Pikake and Maile Streets in Pāhala.
Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2018 Reishalyn Kekoa Jara,
performing her first-place Tahitian dance at the
Miss Kaʻū Coffee Scholarship Pageant Saturday.
She begins her reign with appearances
during Kaʻū Coffee Festival events, starting
tonight at the Paʻina at Pāhala Plantation House.
Photo by Julia Neal
     Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest is Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Free coffee tasting. Sample the foods made exclusively with Kaʻū Coffee. Free. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com
     Ka‘ū Mountain Water Systems Hike, Wednesday, May 2, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. beginning at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill is sold out.
     Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thursday, May 3, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ka‘alaiki Rd, Nā‘ālehu. Explore hydroponic nursery, and tea and coffee plantings. Expansive hilltop views, mountain to coast. Includes water systems and tunnels from sugar days, and native Hawaiian forest tour. $35 per person; includes lunch. Reservations required. John Cross, 987-4229; Brenda Iokepa-Moses, 731-5409.
     Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day, Friday, May 4, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. Tour the farm and learn how coffee is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture. $25 per person; includes BBQ buffet and hayrides. Reservations required, 927-2252. aikaneplantation.com
     Ka‘ū Star Gazing, Friday, May 4, sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, is sold out. Meet at Olson Trust Building in Pāhala.
     Tenth Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a, Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m - 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Celebrate Ka‘ū Coffee with free music, hula entertainment, and coffee tastings all day long. Local vendor booths. Food and beverage sales. Free to attend. Ka‘ū Coffee Experience: 9:30-noon, 1-3:30 p.m., discover the methods behind brewing the perfect cup while enjoying free coffee tastings. Farm & Mill Tours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $20/person.
     Ka‘ū Coffee College, Sun, May 6, 9-noon, Pāhala Community Center. Informative talks given by visiting coffee experts. Free; donations appreciated.
     See kaucoffeefestival.com

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.
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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Apr 28, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Ka‘ū Unity Celebration, Sat, Apr 28, 10 - 4 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Hosted by The Collective. Free.

Hawai‘i Democratic County Convention, Sat, Apr 28, Sangha Hall, Hilo. hawaiidemocrats.org

Flameworking - an Introductory Class, Sat - Sun, Apr 28 - 29, 1 - 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Glasswork using a torch or lamp to melt glass. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee per person. Advanced registration required. Workshop limited to 4 adults. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, APRIL 29
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sun, Apr 29, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

 Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, Sun, Apr 29, 11 a.m., Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Free coffee and recipe tastings. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 1
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 1, 4-6pm, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 1, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 1, 4-6pm, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 1, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Water Systems Hike, Wed, May 2, 9-2 pm, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. - SOLD OUT

Open Mic Night, Wed, May 2, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21+. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, MAY 3
VA Medical Services, Thu, May 3 & 17, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Veteran's Center, Thu, May 3, 8:30-12:30pm, May 17, 8:30-11:30am, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thu, May 3, 9-2pm, Ka‘ū Valley Farms Nursery, Ka‘alaiki Rd, Nā’ālehu. Explore hydroponic nursery, and tea and coffee plantings. Expansive hilltop views, mountain to coast. Includes water systems and tunnels from sugar days, and native Hawaiian forest tour. $35 per person; includes lunch. Reservations required. John Cross, 987-4229; Brenda Iokepa-Moses, 731-5409. kaucoffeefestival.com

Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool Vision Screening, Thu, May 3, 9-noon, Project Vision Hawai‘i van at Pāhala Community Center. Free; for all ages. Keiki offered free sunglasses; adults, reading glasses. projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-282-2265

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Special Pulping Presentation, Thu, May 3, 5pm, Pāhala Plantation House. Diego Botello of Penagos UDC Technology shows off new pulping equipment that separates ripe from green. See booth at Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a, Sat, May 5, 9-5pm, PāhalaCommunity Center.

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, May 3, 6-7pm, Ocean  View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, MAY 4
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day, Fri, May 4, 10-3pm, Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. Tour the farm and learn how coffee is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture. $25 per person; includes BBQ buffet and hayrides. Reservations required, 927-2252. kaucoffeefestival.com, aikaneplantation.com

Hula Hoop Challenge, Fri, May 4, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Ages 6 to 12. Register May 1-4. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Cinco De Mayo Dinner, Fri, May 4, 5:30pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church. $8/single, $15/couple, $20/family. 939-7000

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Star Gazing, Fri, May 4, 5:30-10pm - SOLD OUT. Meet at Olson Trust Building in Pāhala.

KDENte! Italian Food Fundraiser, Fri, May 4, 6pm, Almafatano's Italian Restaurant, Hilo. Buffet; includes pasta dish, lasagna, salad. Karl Halemano provides music. $20 at door. Reservations: 982-7344

NEW & UPCOMING
Learn to landscape with native Hawaiian plants, like Puhinahina, 
also known as Beach Vitex, Vitex rotundifolia, at a class in 
Volcano on Saturday, May 12. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
ZACH MERMEL OFFERS LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE HAWAIIAN PLANTS as a class on Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, announces Volcano Art Center.
     Landscaping with native Hawaiian plants is locally adapted, with relatively low maintenance landscaping options that provide a habitat for beneficial organisms. “These are just some of the positive aspects of incorporating native plants into your garden and landscape,” states the event description.
Learn to landscape with native Hawaiian plants, like Pukiawe, 
Styphelia tameiameiae, at a class in Volcano on Saturday, 
May 12. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     In this hand-on workshop with Instructor Mermel of Ola Design Group, participants interact first-hand with a variety of native plants found throughout Hawai‘i Island’s various microclimates, and learn how to integrate these ecosystems allies into their personal outdoor ecosystems.
     The class fee is $30 per VAC Member and $35 per non-Member. To register, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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.

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM open to residents during June, 1 through 29, except June 11 due to Kamehameha Day holiday. There is a crisis program for those already past due, and a non-crisis program for help with heating/cooling. 
     Ka‘ū will host three locations to sign up.
     - Nā‘ālehu: Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wednesdays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 929-9263
     - Ocean View: Ocean View Community Center, Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
     - Pāhala: Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
     Eligibility requirements include: household members must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents; all adults must sign application and provide picture ID; and household members over one year must provide social security card. Household income must be below 150% of Federal Poverty Level.
     See http://hceoc.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-LIHEAP-APPLICATION.pdf for full list of requirements, what needs to be brought to apply, and to download forms.

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.
Summer Fun registration, May 7-10, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. For grades K-6. $40 per child. $50 portion of registration fee funded by Councilwoman Maile David. Program runs Mon-Fri, Jun 12-Jul 20, 8-2pm. Richard Karasuda, 939-2510. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ONGOING
Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Hoʻokuʻi 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

Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.

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.

 One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. 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. 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.

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.




at