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| A full court, live performances, live music, and vibrant costumes celebrated Voyaging to Hawaiʻi, held at Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym towards the end of the school year. See story below. Photos from Nohea Kaʻawa |
A DROP IN TOURISM AND HOW TO BRING IT BACK, following the volcano disaster, is the subject of a Big Island Video News story this evening. David Corrigan and Sherry Bracken report on the Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau's projection earlier this year, predicting that this island would host 1,974,464 visitors, an increase of 12 percent. These visitors would spend $2.71 billion, an increase of 13 percent. The number of visitor days on the island would be more than 14 million, an increase of 10 percent. Visitor expenditures per day would also rise. Some 1,331,727 direct seats flying into Kona and 60,603 flying into Hilo were also projected - another hefty increase. Ross Birch, executive director of the Visitors Bureau, said that more visitors would create higher prices for hotel rooms and more income to the island.
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| Ross Birch, Executive Director of Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau, predicted double digit increases in tourism until the volcano event. Photo from Big Island Video News |
After the volcanic activity began, Birch said there is no reason for visitors to refrain from coming to the island. However, the cancellation of cruise ships calling on Kona and Hilo, and cancellation of accommodations reservations through summer, were having an impact.
With most of the state's most visited destination - Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park - mostly closed during this volcanic activity, public officials are talking about encouraging a lava experience. In addition to helicopter rides and tour boats, the creation of safe viewing sites on the ground are being discussed by county, state, and federal government.
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| Kīlauea Lodge office manager Janet Coney says visitors cancel, misunderstanding that the lava is affecting a small part of the island. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Meanwhile, Volcano village business is hardest hit. Kīlauea Lodge office manager Janet Coney told Big Island Video News, "Many visitors calling to cancel have the vision that the island is getting covered by lava or ash, and there is a lot of misunderstanding." She called for better education of visitors regarding the area the lava has covered in relation to the entire island. She said the loss of businesses first hits the hospitality industry, but the losses trickle down and will eventually impact the mom and pop operations, as people lose income from their jobs. See the video at bigislandvideonews.com.
VOYAGING TO HAWAIʻI WAS CELEBRATED BY NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL toward the end of the school year, with vibrant costumes, live performances and music, and a full court of student island representatives.
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| Princess Alexus Bivings and Prince Christian Ogle represented Kahoʻolawe, in gray. |
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| Princess McKenzy Curtis and Prince Shaun Jhoryel-Galarse represented Niʻiahu, in white. |
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| Princess Zaela Malia Kainoa-Haili-Brarawis and Prince Rico Rivera represented Lanaʻi, in orange. |
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| Princess Taijah Beck and Prince Tryston Saragosa represented Molokaʻi, in green. |
Princess Taijah Beck and Prince Tryston Saragosa represented Molokaʻi, in green. Princess Tialiana
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| Princess Neilybtha Paul and Prince Keaka McDonnell represented Maui, in pink. |
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| Princess Chloe Velez and Prince Jackry Boktok represented Oʻahu, in yellow. |
The entrance of
King Joesph Akui and Queen Kaelyn Medeiros-
Shibuya was accompanied by two
Ladies-in-Waiting, Rosiena Joseph and Rosebella Mote; Kahili Bearers Jolie
Abner and Joseph Jeadrik; and Spearsmen Nicoli Makuakane and Ridonson Maddison.
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| Princess Tialiana Medieros- Aukai and Prince Iokepa Niʻiahu represented Kauaʻi, in purple. |
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| Draped in red, two more students represented Hawaiʻi Island. |
Nāʻālehu Staff performed Hanalei Moon. Grade 4 performed Poi Haka. Grade 5 performed Kaʻū Nui. Grade 6 performed Ia ‘Oe E Ka La, followed by the
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| Nāʻālehu Elementary School celebrated Voyaging to Hawaiʻi with vibrant costumes, live music, and a full court of student island representatives. |
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VOLCANO RAINFOREST RUNS WILL TAKE OFF AT 4,000 FEET. The event, in its ninth year, gives participants an opportunity to run
at a 4,000 foot elevation. The races will be in Volcano Village
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| Ninth Annual Volcano Rain Forest Runs in Volcano Village begin at 4,000 feet elevation. Photo from Volcano Rain Forest Runs |
There is no race
day registration for the Half Marathon but 10K and 5K participants can register
race morning at the Cooper Center Start Line from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. T-
shirts are not guaranteed for late registrations.
Packet Pick Up
and Late Registration is Friday Aug. 17 at Cooper Center 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers and racers can help decorate the
Finish Line. Keiki, ages 1-7, can register for the free 100 or 200 yard dash
online or race morning until 9:30
a.m. Keiki
runs begin at 10 a.m. All
entrants will receive a ribbon and other goodies, as everyone is a winner under
the sponsorship of Kilauea Lodge.
Volcano Rotary
Club will serve a BBQ Grill Lunch on race day from 9
a.m. until noon , for
$10. Race day features entertainment for everyone with craft booths, food
booths, music, Taiko Drums, and more. “It’s a great family fun day,” said the
race organizer.
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| Photo from Eigth Annual Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Photo from Volcano Rain Forest Runs |
With parking
limited within Volcano Village Old
Volcano Road Cooper Center
Old Volcano
Road 6:30
a.m. to 8:30
a.m.
Race organizers
urge everyone to check out the maps for the events, as all participants are
responsible for knowing their race route. “If you’re not running or walking in
one of the races, volunteer and have a great time supporting those that do,”
said a statement from Volcano Rain Forest Runs.
For more
information, maps, FAQ’s and to register, see www.volcanorainforestruns.com or
call 808-967-8240.
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PIZZA BRADDAHS LANDS WITH WINGS, in Waiʻōhinu. The food truck opened its windows on Wednesday, June 20 in the parking lot of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church - along Hwy 11, on the corner ofPinao Street and Kamaoa
Road . Residents of the area, some having worked up an
appetite on their walk over, eagerly awaited freshly baked pizzas and chicken
wings, while they spoke in excitement about the much-needed new business, mere
months after the closing of Waiʻōhinu's only gas station and convenience stop,
Wong Yuen Store.
Judy and Jason Waitley, along with their children,
own and operate Pizza Braddahs. Judy said they “chose to open the food truck in
Waiʻōhinu because we wanted to bring something different to the community.” The
Waitleys moved to Kaʻū in Feburary 2018 from Idaho
When asked what they look forward to most in their Ka‘ū future, Jason responded with, “Growing a positive vibe and planting our roots,” to which Judy added, “for future generations of Waitley’s.”
Before moving to Hawaiʻi, the family owned and
operated a music and homeschooling supply store, and a homestyle and American
comfort food restaurant in Northern Idaho , said the Waitley’s. Prior to opening Pizza Braddahs, they made and
sold home-baked goods, such as muffins and breads - with gluten free options -
at the Nā‘ālehu Farmers’ Market, in front of Ace Hardware.
Pizza Braddahs will launch a Keiki Reading Rewards program this fall, after school resumes. The aim is to encourage literacy in all keiki, 6th grade and under, in the Kaʻū district, including homeschoolers and preschoolers. Participants will read at least 1.5 hours per week to earn their monthly reward: a slice of pizza and a drink. Pizza Braddahs wants “to be able to give back to the community in as many ways as possible, and supporting our keiki is just one of the many ways we plan to do so,” said Judy.
The food truck business is looking for musicians from around
the island who would like to showcase their talents on Saturdays from 6 p.m. to
8 p.m. “We want to offer opportunities in which our community can come
together, enjoy each others company, and of course chow down on great food and
listen to great music,” said Judy. She added that their family believes “the
more that our community comes together, even for nights like this, the stronger
our community becomes. So for us, it is all about bringing people together;
music and food are great ways to do that!”
11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. , and Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. As an aextra
convenience to those living within a five-mile radius of the Church, Pizza
Braddahs can deliver. In addition to choose-your-own toppings on 16” pizzas,
pizza by the slice, mild or spicy BBQ wings, and hot Buffalo wings, the food
truck also offers gluten free pizzas, vegan cheese, canned sodas and juice, and
bottled water. For delivery, or to perform on Saturdays, call 756-8280 during
business hours. See their Facebook at
facebook.com/Pizza-Braddahs-164001504290293.
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PIZZA BRADDAHS LANDS WITH WINGS, in Waiʻōhinu. The food truck opened its windows on Wednesday, June 20 in the parking lot of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church - along Hwy 11, on the corner of
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| Pizza Bruddahs food truck, owned and run by the Waitley family, now serves hungry folk in Waiʻōhinu. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
When asked what they look forward to most in their Ka‘ū future, Jason responded with, “Growing a positive vibe and planting our roots,” to which Judy added, “for future generations of Waitley’s.”
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| Pizza Bruddahs hand-drawn logo. Photo from Pizza Bruddahs' Facebook |
Pizza Braddahs will launch a Keiki Reading Rewards program this fall, after school resumes. The aim is to encourage literacy in all keiki, 6th grade and under, in the Kaʻū district, including homeschoolers and preschoolers. Participants will read at least 1.5 hours per week to earn their monthly reward: a slice of pizza and a drink. Pizza Braddahs wants “to be able to give back to the community in as many ways as possible, and supporting our keiki is just one of the many ways we plan to do so,” said Judy.
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| Pizza Bruddahs' pizza. Photo from Pizza Bruddahs' Facebook |
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| See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on
|
TUESDAY, JUNE 26
Exploring Your Senses, Tue, Jun 26, 2-3pm , Kahuku Park
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, Jun 26, 11:30-1pm , St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, Jun 27, 9-11am , St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and 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
THURSDAY, JUNE 28
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, Jun 28, 12:30-1:30pm , Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 29
Coffee Talk, Fri, Jun 29, 9:30-11am , Kahuku Park Volcanoes National Park
Mystery Bag Game, Fri, Jun 29, 2-3pm , Kahuku Park
SATURDAY, JUNE 30
Birds of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: The Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational Exhibition, Daily, Jun 30-Aug 12, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Special opening reception with 8 participating artists held Sat, Jun 30, 5-7pm, Free. volcanoartcenter.org
Soft Pastel Still Life w/Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Jun 30, 9-noon, Volcano Art C
Imua Puna, Sat, June 30, 3-10pm, 16-111 Opukahala St, Keaʻau. $5 suggested donation; evacuees enter and eat free. Food and drink to ourchase. Live entertainment. “Share your manaʻo at a multi-band music-dance concert to malama and kokua those displaced by Tutu Pele's journey to the ocean.” See facebook.com/kevin.carpenter84/videos/10212545972867861/
SUNDAY, JULY 1
Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun, July 1,
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, July 1, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park
‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, every Sat and Sun in July: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29; 12:30pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities. Free. Check nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/cultural-programs.htm for details.
NEW and UPCOMING
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| Keiki volunteers Leiahi and Kaiko‘o Ka‘awa, along with many others, helped remove plastic debris from the Ka‘ū Coast on Saturday, June 23, with Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund at Kamilo. Photo by Nohea Ka‘awa |
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND OFFERS VOLUNTEERS MORE OPPORTUNITIES to help restore ecosystems on the Ka‘ū Coast.
On Monday, July 2, volunteers will help restore an estuary in Ka‘ū with a short hike to access the site. On Saturday, July 7, volunteers will remove trash and debris from Pā‘ula, below Nā‘ālehu, with Ala Kahakai Trails Association and friends; space is limited. For meeting times and locations, email Megan Lamson at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com in advance. These events are subject to change; registration is required.
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| Volunteer with Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund to help restore parts of the Ka‘ū Coast at upcoming events. Photo by Nohea Ka‘awa |
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund will also make a special Coffee Talk presentation Removing Trash, Restoring Habitat on Friday, June 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
For more about Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, visit wildhawaii.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.
For more about Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, visit wildhawaii.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.
ONGOING
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through June 29.
In Nā’ālehu, it will take place at the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263.
In Ocean View, it will take place at Ocean View Community Center, Mon and Tue, 8-4:30pm.
In Pāhala, it will take place at the Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue and Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See more for eligibility requirements and application.
Disaster Recovery Center, jointly operated by Hawaiʻi County, the State of Hawaiʻi , and FEMA, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Keaʻau High School Gym. Buses run from 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. to and from Keaʻau Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour. See the full bus schedule on the Civil Defense Website at HawaiiCounty.gov/Active-Alerts. For a list of the information applicants need to bring to the DRC, or to register online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov.
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through July 14, statewide and online. Register and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, and adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park invites kamaʻaina and tourist alike to visit the Kahuku Unit. There are no entry fees, and all programs are free of charge. In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ike Hana Noe ʻAu, Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July, made possible by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. ; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Artist in Residence Talk, in the Visitor Center 10 a.m.
Guided Hikes begin at9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
Guided Hikes begin at
In the Visitor Contact Station, Coffee Talk, a monthly, casual get together, is held the last Friday of the month. On June 29 at 9:30 a.m. , Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund will present Removing Trash, Restoring Habitat.
See the Kahuku Unit Rangers,The Kahuku Cowgirls, in the Na ͑alehu 4th of July Parade Sat, June 30, beginning at 10 a.m.
Park Rangers invite the public to downtown Hilo to learn about the volcanic activity, to get their NPS Passport Book stamped, and to experience the Hawaiian cultural connection to volcanoes. Rangers are providing programs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center at 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Tuesday through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Two Park Rangers are stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room - as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.
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 464-9634.
5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22,
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.
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