Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, July 30, 2018

More cracks and the falling away of the sides of the crater at Kīlauea summit, taking out more park infrastructure,
including this example of part of Crater Rim Drive falling into the caldera. See more, below. USGS HVO photo from NPS

THE LAW OF THE SEA TREATY is the subject of Senators Mazie Hirono and Lisa Murkowski's resolution. It calls for the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea already ratified by more than 160 nations. Hirono said that Law of the Sea sets out the rights and responsibilities of countries related to the world's oceans, including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources. Sunday marked 24 years since the U.S. signed UNCLOS on July 29, 1994, but the U.S. Senate has yet to ratify the treaty.

     Said Hirono, "The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides an important legal framework that enshrines rights key to Hawai`i's maritime interests such as free passage through territorial seas and ensures our nation has a seat at the table on decisions impacting our island state and the ocean around us." She called the ratification "long-overdue."

     Ralph Cossa, Pacific Forum President Emeritus, said, "With rising tensions in hotspots like the South China Sea, this treaty is critical to ensuring freedom of navigation, peacefully resolving disputes, and upholding the international rules-based order that has contributed not only to our national security but to Hawai`i's security given our state's reliance on open maritime commerce and ocean resources."

The Law of the Sea helps nations deal with rights and responsibilities in the oceans. Image from United Nations

     The Nature Conservancy Hawai`i Program Executive Director Ulalia Woodside, said, "The Nature Conservancy supports Senator Hirono and her call for the Senate to move quickly to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Ratification ensures that the United States may fully engage with other countries and international organizations on the many issues addressed by UNCLOS that are critical to U.S. interests, positions, and expertise, including protecting the health and biodiversity of the world's oceans."

Ulalia Woodside.
Photo from TNC

     The House companion resolution, H.RES. 339, was introduced by Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Don Young (R-AK) on May 18, 2017.

     Originally adopted in 1982, UNCLOS was further revised by a 1994 agreement to modify provisions related to seabed mining, and has been in force ever since. The United States signed the 1994 agreement, and subsequently transmitted to the U.S. Senate for its advice and consent. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted in support of ratifying the agreement in 2004 and in 2007. However, a Senate floor vote has yet to take place.

     Click here to download the full resolution text. Support for UNCLOS ratification comes from a wide range of environmental, scientific, labor, and industry organizations. A list of supporting organizations can be found here.

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A MAGNITUDE-4.0 EARTHQUAKE STRUCK NEAR CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD Sunday night a bit after 10 p.m. Civil Defense reports it was felt as far away as Kalapana to Hilo. Park rangers patrolled the road Monday morning and reported no additional damage to Chain of Craters Road. "Hōlei Sea Arch is still standing, but for how long is anyone's guess! A May overflight revealed significant cracks near the sea cliff edge," reports Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Facebook.

Taken in early May, this overflight photo of the Hōlei Sea Arch shows significant cracking. USGS photo

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DISASTER ASSISTANCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE is Monday, Aug. 13, for Hawai`i County residents with losses as a result of Kīlauea eruptions and earthquakes. Residents islandwide with economic and property damage can apply though FEMA at the Disaster Recovery Center, weekdays 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
     Registration can also be done online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week.

     Disaster assistance can include FEMA grants for temporary housing, home repairs and replacement, as well as low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans are available to businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.
     Aug. 13 is also the deadline to file a loan application for physical damages with the SBA. Applicants may apply to the SBA online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339.

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PROHIBITING TITLE X HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS from referring patients to abortion providers drew response from Gov. David Ige and a group of governors. The Trump Administration proposes a rule that would overturn the practice of allowing doctors to refer patients for abortion as part of federally funded family planning services. The government does not fund the abortions.

     A statement from the governor says, "Title X is a federal grant program dedicated to providing affordable family planning services, preventive care, education, and counseling. Although Title X does not fund abortions, it does allow doctors to refer patients to abortion providers."

     Enacted in 1970, Title X provides services to more than four million people annually. The majority of patients are uninsured or would otherwise be unable to afford health care services.

     "I am proud to join my fellow governors, Hawai`i residents, and millions of Americans in opposing the proposed gag rule on Title X. This is not an issue about life or choices. This is an issue about the rights of millions of individuals who deserve the best health care available. Legally and ethically, patients have the right to learn about all their medical options and determine for themselves which option is best. The gag rule undermines that right and puts women's health in grave danger," said Ige. The governors are threatening to withdraw from the Title X program should the proposed rule be finalized and enacted.

     "The State of Hawai`i will explore all options available to ensure that the proposed rules do not threaten the health and wellbeing of our women, and the integrity of the state's family planning program. Hawai`i will not accept federal funds for these programs if the proposed rules are implemented," Ige said.

     The Trump Administration's proposed rule follows the 2017 restoration of an abortion gag rule that allows states to withhold family-planning funds from abortion providers.

Zumba took over the filed during the Mālama Nā Keiki Festival on Saturday.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

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EXERCISE FOR HEALTH AND FUN was a message portrayed in Nā`ālehu at the second annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival, organized by Hui Mālama Ola Nā `Ōiwi, hmono.org.

     Zumba was a popular activity during the festival, with many booth staff members joining in.

     A Puna soccer team offered the chance to run an obstacle course, with team members instructing, and playing a little ball on the side.

     There were also hula demonstrations during the event.

Youth soccer team members show other keiki how to navigate
 an obstacle course at the second annual Mālama Nā Keiki
Festival. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     To encourage walking around and visiting many booths to talk story, a sheet was provided so attendees could complete a treasure hunt and win a prize. Participating booths included: Registration & Passports; Treasure & Raffle Tickets; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; PARENTS, Inc.; West Hawai`i Community Health Center; Bay Clinic Dental; Ka`ū Rural Health Community Assoc., Inc.; Project Vision Hawai`i; Tūtū & Me; Lili`uokalani Trust; Grow Your Own La`au; Eat Da Rainbow; Kimo & Kahea; Hearing Screening; Immunization Information; Jump Your Height; Handwashing; Healthy Hāpai Prental Program; Hawai`i Child Passenger Safety; NEST Program from Family Support Hawai`i; Doulas of North America; North Hawai`i Community Hospital Women's Center; Family Support Hawai`i Programs: Early Head Start, Early Intervention, and Home Visiting Services; American Red Cross; Dept. of Health – Air Quality; Hawai`i Electric Light; Keiki IDs with Hawai`i County police Dept.; Photo booth; `O Kaū Kākou Shave Ice; and Spin the Wheel.

     For more health and fun from the event, see Saturday and Sunday Ka`ū News Briefs.

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NEW and UPCOMING

Kumu Hula Iwalani with Hālau Kou Lima Nani `E perform Hula Kahiko at Volcano Art Center's 

Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village on August 18. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

ENJOY A FREE HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE by Kumu Hula Iwalani with Hālau Kou Lima Nani `E at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani `E was founded in 1986 to coordinate cultural education programs that benefit Hawai`i communities. Students in the hālau range from keiki to kūpuna, and are taught all aspects of the hula tradition, including traditional Hawaiian values. The hālau regularly competes in the Merrie Monarch Hula Competition.
     Kalima was born and raised in Keaukaha Homestead in Hilo. She began dancing at the age of eight, under the direction of Uncle George Lanakilakeikiahiali`i Na`ope. She `uniki (graduated) and received her na kumu palapala in 1982. "Through the tutelage of Uncle George and her family's upbringing, she developed a deep love for her culture and now devotes her time to continue the preservation of hula," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.

Kumu Hula Moses Kaho`Hokele Crabbe with
Hālauolokalani offer a hands-on Hawaiian cultural
demonstration. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     The free performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center and is presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine, without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. For more, call Desiree at 987-7288 or email volcanohula@gmail.com. See volcanoartcenter.org.

NĀ MEA HULA WITH KUMU HULA MOSES KAHO`OKELE CRABBE AND HĀLAUOLAOKALANI is offered in conjunction with Hula Kahiko, on Saturday, August 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
     Learn a hula, use various hula implements, and make lei as Crabbe and his hālau share Nā Mea Hula (all things hula). Experience the different aspects that play an integral role in the life of the hula dancer. The cultural demonstration is hands-on, family friendly, and free to attend. For more, call Desiree at 987-7288 or email volcanohula@gmail.com. See volcanoartcenter.org.

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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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TUESDAY, JULY 31

Ka`ū Food Pantry, Tue, July 31, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1

Family Yoga Class, Wed, Aug 1, 9-10am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā`ālehu. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2

Hula Voices w/Kumu Manaiakalani Kalua, Thu, Aug 2, 5-6pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Talk story session moderated by Desiree Moana Cruz. Call to confirm. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ka`ū and Kona House and Senate Candidate Agricultural Forum, Thu, Aug 2, 6-8pm, Konawaena High School Cafeteria, Kealakekua. Forum subject area is to help meet the needs of farmers; participants encouraged to bring questions. Co-sponsored by Kona Coffee Farmer Association, konacoffeefarmers.org, and Kona Farmers Union, hfuuhi.org.

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, Aug 2, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3

Talk Story about Agriculture in Ka`ū at Pāhala Plantation House on Fri, Aug 3, at 6pm. All farmers and community members interested are invited. Bring a dish, pupu, or dessert to share if can. Contact HFUU Ka`ū Chapter president Raina Whiting at 808-464-0799 or rainawhiting@gmail.com.

`O Ka`ū Kākou Meeting, Fri, Aug 3, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Aug 4, 9:30-11:30am, 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, and observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Chili Cook Off w/Benefit Concert for Puna and Ka`ū Food Bank, Sat, Aug 4, 4-8pm, The Terraces, 1885 Princess Kaiulani Blvd, Ocean View. Raffle, non-alcoholic mixers and more, with music provided by Soul Town. $10 for advance tickets, $15 at the door, plus a can of food. Contact gcmorales2020@yahoo.com or kathiegriffeth@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5

Pu`u o Lokuana, Sun, Aug 5, 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 o Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`ū. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, 8-week session beginning Aug 5 (no class Aug 12), morning class 11:30-2:30pm, afternoon class 2:45-5:45pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. $180/Volcano Art Center Member, $200/non-Member, plus $15 materials fee - 6 lbs clay and glazes. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, Aug 5, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amateur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, AUGUST 6

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon, Aug 6, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā`ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, Aug 6, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale from Wed, Aug 1, for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

2nd Annual Bi-Annual Quilt Show, Quilts In The Forest - Where the Path May Lead, through Friday, Aug 3, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Center, Volcano Village. Free. Fia Mattice, 967-8222, quiltshow2018@volcanoartcenter.org. volcanoartcenter.org

Exhibit, Birds of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park: The Hawai`i Nei Invitational -- daily through Aug 4, 9-5pm, Volcano 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

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala site programs resume August 7 and 8.

     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.

     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.

Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees through July 31: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Fees increase Wed, Aug 1. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.

5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.

Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.

     Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.

Kahuku Unit

     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
     Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.

     Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.

     `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus

     Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.

     After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they 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.

Prince Kūhio Plaza

     Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, 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 on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown 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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