Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Listen to the sounds of rockfalls at Kīlauea Volcano's summit in this video taken on July 12 during a collapse
explosion event that released energy equivalent to a magnitude-5.3 earthquake. USGS video
THE IMPACT ON KAʻŪ OF A POSSIBLE LARGE EXPLOSIVE EVENT AT HALEMAʻUMAʻU will be the topic at Pāhala Community Center this Thursday, July 19, at 6 p.m. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, the Mayor's office, and state of Hawaiʻi will address the community. Scientists will review recent analysis of the future of Kīlauea Volcano and its summit activity. While the possibility of an extreme pyroclastic surge event is considered very low, the team will present four possible scenarios for the near future and discuss preparation and response.
Since early May 2018, thefloor of Halema‘uma‘u Crater has
dropped 450 m (about 1480 ft). See USGS video
     The public meeting will be similar to the recent community outreach in Volcano. See the July 6 Ka`u News Briefs.
     Staff from Civil Defense, the state Department of Transportation Highways Division, and county Department of Public Works will discuss preparedness, warnings, roads and evacuation routes. County Council member Maile David will be on hand, and state Department of Health's Aaron Ueno will be available to respond to questions.
     The issues of sheltering and personal preparedness will also be on the agenda. A Q&A session will follow. American Sign Language interpretation will be available.
     For further information, call the Department of Research and Development at 961-8368

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POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR A WOMAN HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER. A 61-year old visitor died after a 1969 black Cadillac sedan struck his motorcycle. The Cadillac was later found abandoned about a half mile away, and witnesses told police that a barefoot woman was seen leaving the car near Lani Kona Road.
     The accident in the Honomolino area, close to the 88 mile marker on Hwy 11 near Hoʻopuloa Road, occurred around 7:15 last evening. Upon arrival, Hawaiian Ocean View medics found the victim approximately 100 feet from his bike with a bystander performing CPR. According to a release from County Fire Department Equipment Operator Jason Robello of Station 20, Ocean View: “Advanced Life Support and High Performance Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation efforts were performed on the victim at the scene. Resuscitation efforts were terminated after it was determined the victim had sustained injuries that were incompatible with life. The victim was left in the custody of Hawaiʻi Police Department.” The victim, who was riding a Harley Davidson, was identified as Mark Brown, of Nevada.
     Responding to the accident were Engine 20, Medic Unit 20, and Chopper 2, along with one volunteer fire fighter and six Hawaiʻi Fire Department members. Police set up a temporary roadblock, with traffic detoured to Old Mamalahoa Hwy.
     Police believe inattention was a factor in the crash, but it is not immediately known if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, and according to a police log, a negligent homicide investigation has been launched.
     Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash or knows the whereabouts of the hit-and-run driver to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229, or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.

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A brush fire near Punaluʻu Beach closed down Highway 11
this morning. The fire is now contained, but the highway is
not yet open. See story, below. Photo by Shalan Crysdale
POLICE PLAN TO REOPEN HWY 11 this evening, after a brush fire near Punaluʻu Beach shut down traffic in both directions. The road closed at approximately 8:30 a.m. The brush fire burned open space on the makai side of the highway between the two entrances to Punaluʻu. It is contained, but smoke is delaying reopening of the highway. Detour is Ninole Loop, for local residents only, says Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Twitter.

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A NEW BLENDED LEARNING PROGRAM FOR GRADES 7-12 BEGINS THIS FALL, produced through a partnership between Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School, and Ocean View Community Association.
Sharon Beck
    Principal Sharon Beck said, “At Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School, we recognize that one size does not fill all! We strive to provide our youth with an array of opportunities that meet their needs and future stories. To meet that goal, we are preparing to offer a new program which includes: a formal education program that includes on-line delivery of content and instruction; student control over time and place; and part-time at a supervised brick-and-mortar location.”
     Students of the program meet with a teacher twice a week - Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - at Ocean View Community Center’s computer lab. “As partners, we hope to provide individualized educational opportunities for our community. As the program grows, we look forward to expanding our blended learning program with the help and partnership of St. Jude’s Church and their computer lab,” says Beck. To enroll and for more information, call (808) 313-4100.

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NEW and UPCOMING
HAWAI‘I PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION OFFERS ‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU - Experience the Skillful Work - programs this week, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Some Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park staff have relocated to other locations during recent summit closures: to Ka‘ū, at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and to Hilo, at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center.
     This weekend, park rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association share their knowledge and passion for the following Hawaiian cultural practices at Kahuku Unit. On Saturday, July 21, the program focusses on cordage and connecting to culture by learning how Hawaiians use plant materials to bind and lash together everything from wa‘a (canoes) to slippers. On Sunday, July 22, the program focuses on Hula. “Get into the groove and learn basic moves of the beloved Hawaiian dance in both the kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) styles,” states the release.
Ranger Dean Gallagher presents an eruption update and answers
 questions at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo tomorrow.
Photo from National Park Service
     The release states that free to attend ‘Ike Hana No‘eau programs will be held every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m., lasting about an hour each. Kahuku events are posted to the park website,
nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm. Find the entrance - no entry fees - to the Kahuku Unit on Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, between the Ka‘ū towns of Ocean View and Wai‘ōhinu.
     Leading up to these programs an ‘Ike Hana No‘eau Cultural Workshop is held on Wednesday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, in which attendees can learn about Lomilomi massage from cultural demonstrator Kumu Leina‘ala K. Brown. This event is free to attend. Mokupāpapa Discovery Center is located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, and has no entry fees.
     In addition, Ranger Dean Gallagher uses Liquid Galaxy map technology, photos and storytelling to provide a riveting Kīlauea eruption update and answer questions on Thursday, July 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., for Third Thursday by the Bay, at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center.

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.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, July 18, 12:30pmOcean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, JULY 19
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, July 19, 9-1pmOcean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Pāhala Community Meeting, in response to the recent USGS report on Kīlauea eruption possibilities will be held Thu, July 19, at 6 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The presentation will be similar to that at the recent meeting in Volcano. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, the Mayor's office, and state of Hawaiʻi will address the community. County Council member Maile David will be on hand, and state Department of Health's Aaron Ueno will be available to respond to questions. The issues of sheltering and personal preparedness will also be on the agenda. A Q&A session will follow. American Sign Language interpretation will be available. For further information, call the Department of Research and Development at 961-8368.

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, July 19, 6:30pmUnited Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

Thursday Night at the Center: The Joy and Challenges of Native Bird Photography in Hawai’i w/Jack Jeffrey, Thu, July 19, 7-8pm, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Photography and biologist Jeffrey shares his experiences and photos. Free; $5 donation suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, JULY 20
1st Annual Hawaiian Wicked Tuna Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series, Fri-Sun, July 20-22, Honokahau Club House. All profits go towards marine conservation and youth educational programs in and around Miloli‘i. $300 entry fee, 4 per boat, $25 additional. Cash prizes $100-4,000. Qualifying weight of 50lbs. Grand Prize qualifies for Las Vegas Trip. Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org

SATURDAY, JULY 21
Birth of Kahuku, Sat, July 21, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Writing From the Heart w/Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, Sat, July 21, 9:30-4pm, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Bring notebook, pen and lunch. $65/VAC Member, $75/Non-Member. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222. franceskaihawwang.com

Second Annual Pig Hunt, hosted by Kaʻū Multicultural Society, happens Saturday, July 21, at the parking lot adjacent to 96-3258 Maile Street, near the old Radio Station Building. Location provided by Olson Trust. The scale for the weigh-ins for the wild pigs will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be food booths and a variety of contests. Contact Kalani Vierra at 938-2005, Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740, or Liz Kuluwaimaka at 339-0289.

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, July 21, 10-1pmOcean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Kaho’okele Crabbe w/Halauokalani, Sat, July 21, 10:30-11:30amVolcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Hula performance. Free. Desiree, 987-7288, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula - Loke Kamanu and ‘Ohana, Sat, July 21, 11-1pmVolcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Hands on cultural demonstration. Free. Desiree, 987-7288, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

A Group of Ranchos Property Owners plans to meet Saturday July 21, 4 p.m., at 92-8305 Mamalahoa Highway, at the last building on the Easement Road that has the Thai restaurant on it. More info, ranchospropertyowner@gmail.com

Bunco and Potluck, Sat, July 21, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

SUNDAY, JULY 22
People and Land of Kahuku, Sun, July 229:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

TUESDAY, JULY 24
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, beginning at 9 a.m., Tue/Wed, July 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

ONGOING
25th Annual Hawai’i Conservation ConferenceUlu Ka Lāiā I Ke Kumu: From a Strong Foundation Grows an Abundant Future, Tue-Thu, July 24-26, Hawai’i Convention Center, Honolulu. Registration ongoing, $80+. hawaiiconservation.org

Oliver!, a KDEN Production, through July 29; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm. Shows at UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $20 general, $15 seniors 60+ and students, $12 keiki 12 and under. Tickets available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. Info and reservations: 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

Exhibit, Birds of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Daily, through Aug 4, 9-5pmVolcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Free. Artists: John Dawson, Reyn Ojiri, Sarah Koh, Wendy Barske, Maria Macias, Cody Yamaguchi, Ann Guth, and John Mydoock. Art represents endemic bird species. volcanoartcenter.org

Volcano Rain 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.

5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Register online before Sun, Aug 11: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $45/person. From Aug 13: $35/person, $45/person, and $55/person. Race day registration ends Sat, Sept 22, at 6:30 a.m. Event organizers, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou; start location, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.

Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keaʻau High School Gym. Buses run to and from Keaʻau Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour; see 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. The Salvation Army continues to operate a distribution center at the Pāhoa Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To donate, please coordinate with the Salvation Army at (808) 756-0306.

Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

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.

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.

Find Your Park, invites Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Kamaʻaina and tourist alike are encouraged to experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka‘ū to Volcano to Hilo. “While Kīlauea continues to shake the ground and blast ash from its ever-changing summit crater – causing the partial closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on May 11 – park rangers continue to enlighten and engage visitors from other locations,” says a release from HVNP staff.
     Rangers offer new and familiar programs – free of charge, with no entry fees – for visitors at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.
Kahuku Unit
     Sneak Peek into next week: July’s Artist in Residence John Ferdico will showcase his multicolored model aircraft and discuss how they are made at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station, Friday, July 20, at 10 a.m. Supported by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the National Parks Arts Foundation.
     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 ʻIke Hana Noʻeau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. July 21: Cordage. It’s all about connecting to culture – literally. Learn how Hawaiians use plant materials to bind and lash together everything from wa‘a (canoes) to slippers. July 22: Hula. Get into the groove and learn basic moves of the beloved Hawaiian dance in both the kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) styles.
     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.
     Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
     Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus
     Find Park Rangers in Volcano at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., in Volcano Village. Rangers are there most days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.
     The return of After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter, TBA.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., give a talk about all five of Hawai‘i Island’s volcanoes – including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
     ʻIke Hana Noʻeau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Workshop, Wed, July 18, 10 a.m. to noon: Learn about Lomilomi massage from cultural demonstrator Kumu Leina‘ala K. Brown.
     Third Thursday by the Bay, Thu, July 19, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Ranger Dean Gallagher will provide a riveting Kīlauea eruption update, using Liquid Galaxy map technology, photos and storytelling. Bring your questions.
Prince Kūhio Plaza
     Find Park Rangers alongside the park’s non-profit partners, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Grand Naniloa Hotel
     Find Park Rangers 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.
     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

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