Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Ka`ū News Briefs Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Hurricane Lane is forecast to affect all Hawaiian islands, beginning with Hawai`i Island, starting today.
Image from prh.noaa.gov/chpc
HAWAI`I COUNTY IS UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, issued this evening by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, for Hurricane Lane, a Category 5, with winds of 160 mph. State and county Civil Defense asks residents to rush preparations to completion, including designating a safe room in homes. All schools in Ka`ū will be closed tomorrow. All beach parks are closed in Ka`ū, pavilion and camping permits are canceled. South Point Road is off limits past Kama`oa Road, except for local traffic. All non-essential county and state employees are told to remain at home -- no work tomorrow.
     Category 5 Hurricane Lane is expected to make itself known with high surf slamming southeastern shores of Hawai`i Island, followed by wind and likely flooding.  "The onset of damaging tropical storm force winds on the Big Island could be as early as Wednesday afternoon or evening, with dangerous hurricane force winds possible by Wednesday night," says the 5 p.m. forecast.
     "The center of Lane will track dangerously close to, or over, the islands Thursday through Saturday. Regardless of the exact track of the center, major impacts are likely in some areas as the hurricane makes it's closest approach. It is important to remember, these impacts can extend far from the center. Although some weakening is expected the next couple of days, Lane is forecast to remain a dangerous hurricane as it draws closer to the Hawaiian Islands.
Image from prh.noaa.gov/chpc
     "Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms surrounding Lane will begin to overspread the state from south to north, reaching the Big Island late tonight or Wednesday morning. Excessive rainfall is possible, which could lead to major flash flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Flooding can occur even in areas not usually prone to flooding. Storm total rainfall amounts greater than 20 inches are possible.
     "Swell generated by Lane will bring very large and rough surf and dangerous rip currents for south and southeast facing shores. Surf heights of 15 to 25 feet could lead to ocean water surging and sweeping over beaches, coastal benches, lava flows, and roadways, creating the potential for significant damage to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Coastal evacuations and road closures are possible. Large breaking waves may affect harbor entrances and channels with damage possible to docks, piers, ramps, and boats.
     "Tornadoes and large waterspouts will be possible associated with Lane, mainly along and to the right of the track of the hurricane."
     Lane was about 325 miles east-southeast of South Point as of 6 p.m. The Category 5 hurricane has sustained winds of up to 160 miles per hour -- an increase of 35 mph from 5 p.m. yesterday. Lane was upgraded from a Category 4 hurricane, as it was at 5 p.m. today. Traveling west-northwest at 9 mph, Lane is forecast to affect every island between now and Friday, according to prh.noaa.gov/chpc.
Image from dod.hawaii.gov/hiema
     Ka`ū has a 60 to 80 percent chance of receiving at least tropical storm force winds of 39 mph or higher, reports the Hurricane Center.
     The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for east shores of Hawai`i Island, with forecasts of 6 to 12 foot waves. Big surf is forecast for south and west shores starting tomorrow, with a possible rise to up to 25 feet along south shores.
     Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency says to prepare an action plan with family members; know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards; stay tuned to local media and their websites or applications regarding weather updates, and sign up for local notification systems; get to know your neighbors and community so you can help each other; walk your property and check for potential flood threats, clear gutters and other drainage systems, remove and secure loose items; keep vehicle gas tanks filled; designate a "safe room" in your residence; prepare pets; secure important documents in protective containers.
Image from prh.noaa.gov/chpc
     The agency also says people should have 14 days of supplies in their emergency kits. The agency says this should include: water -- one gallon per person per day, plus extra for pets; food -- nonperishable, no cooking required; first aid kit; medical equipment and medications; NOAA alert radio; flashlight; extra batteries; hand-operated can opener; tools; warm clothes; sturdy shoes; personal hygiene items; toilet paper; pet supplies; fire extinguisher; glasses/eye care; cash and identification; important documents; comfort and entertainment.
     See dod.hawaii.gov/hiema for more.
     Visitors can download GoHawaii App and read the Hawai`i Tourism Authority's Travel Safety Brochure at travelsmarthawaii.com.
     Hawaiian Airlines is offering travel waivers for travelers with flights between August 21 and 26.

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ALL PUBLIC AND CHARTER SCHOOLS AND OFFICES ON HAWAI`I ISLAND ARE CLOSED TOMORROW DUE TO HURRICANE LANE. School closures will be posted on Hawai`i state Department of Education's website, hawaiipublicschools.org, and on social media -- Twitter and Facebook, @HIDOE808 -- starting at 9 p.m. this evening, says a release from DOE.
     Effective tomorrow, Wednesday, August 22, says the release, all after-school activities and programs, including interscholastic athletic events, are canceled. The activities will resume on Monday, August 27. All school-related inter-island travel this week is canceled as well.
     Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto, Superintendent of DOE, says, "As with any emergency-type situation, we are striving to balance the need for safety with our overall commitment to provide students and families with every sense of normalcy. Your neighborhood school may be designated as an emergency shelter. Activation is initiated by counties in consultation with HI-EMA. You can connect with your county's emergency response resources at hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense.
     "Please work with your child's school to make sure that they have the most up-to-date contact information for your household. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact them directly. Thank you for your support as we work together to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and school communities."

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MANY CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE LATEST DRAFT of the Hawai`i County Vacation Rental Bill. The bill goes before the Windward Planning Commission on Sept. 6, and input is allowed.
     Bill 108, Draft 4, proposes county code changes to define "where short-term vacation rentals would be allowed, establishes regulations for their use, and provides a way for an owner or operator to obtain a nonconforming use certificate that would allow them to operate in a non-permitted district."
     AirBnB management has been following the bill, as it would affect owners of AirBnB properties on the island. AirBnB points to the following modifications in draft 4:
- Making the annual renewal fee $250, down from $500 originally proposed. Currently there is no annual license fee imposed by the county.
   - Making the transient occupancy tax compliance date the day the ordinance passes, instead of July 20, 2018, meaning that those who want to stay in business must be current on their taxes.
   - Making the definition of "reachable" for the property host or owner a one-hour response time instead of immediate.
   - Adding an "emergency clause," so if a district loses short-term rentals due to a disaster -- as happened in Kapoho -- the Director of Planning can issue additional permits to restore the number of short-term rentals.
      After the Windward Planning commission goes over the bill, the Leeward Planning Commission will review it on Sept. 20. Following that, the County Planning Committee reviews the bill. Next, the bill goes to the full Council for a first reading. Then, the County Council has a final reading, which -- barring any amendments -- might pass the bill as soon as mid-October. Testimony is accepted in writing beforehand and in person at all five events.Testimony to the Planning Commissions can be submitted by email, planning@hawaiicounty.gov; by mail, County of Hawai`i Planning Department, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720, or West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building E, 2nd Floor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740; or in person at those locations at 9 a.m. on Sept. 6 (Hilo) or Sept. 20 (Kona).
     Read the bill at records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/0/doc/964108/Page1.aspx.

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Photo from Nā Leo TV
NĀ LEO TV HAS EARNED A 2018 HOMETOWN MEDIA AWARD FOR ITS `IKE PONO -- EPISODE 3. The award is for the Best Access Center Professional Division and the honor comes from the Alliance for Community Media for the Spiritual/Inspirational Category.
     `Ike Pono - Episode 3 includes a segment highlighting "the fantastic story and mission of Camp Agape," says a release from Nā Leo. "We're thankful and honored to have received this recognition. We will continue to create hyper-local programming that our island community can enjoy and be proud of."
     Na Leo also won first place in the ACM Western Region's WAVE Awards for its submission of `Ike Pono - Episode 1, a program covering the good news and uplifting stories on Hawai`i Island.
     Alliance for Community Media is an organization that promotes civic engagement through community media. The Hometown Media Awards recognize the best community media programming. Categories include student, independent producer, and access center professional. Nonpartisan judges scored over 1,000 entries submitted from around the country.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono.
Photo from Hirono's Facebook
PROPOSALS TO PRIVATIZE THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION drew criticism from Sen Mazie Hirono yesterday. She and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Democrats called for an Oversight Hearing on inappropriate influence of the so-called "Mar-a-Lago Crowd."
     The request follows reports by ProPublica and the New York Times of the "inappropriate influence" of three members of President Trump's private club Mar-a-Lago on Department of Veterans Affairs operations, including pushing out former VA Secretary David Shulkin and advocating for the privatization of VA, says a statement from Hirono and colleagues.
     "Ike Perlmutter, Marc Sherman, and Bruce Moskowitz have weighed in behind the scenes on a host of personnel and policy issues.None of the members of this so-called 'Mar-a-Lago crowd' has any experience in the U.S. government or military and they are operating without any transparency, accountability, or oversight. 
     "Of particular concern, is that these unofficial advisers are allegedly using their influence to push for privatization of the VA. In his confirmation hearing, Secretary Robert Wilkie vowed not to privatize the VA and recognized the importance of investing in the Department's internal capacity so VA can continue to provide high-quality care to our veterans..." the Senators continued. "While many of the reported incidents occurred prior to now-Secretary Wilkie's tenure at the VA, it is imperative that we receive his testimony about his interactions and communications with the trio and what actions he has taken and what actions he plans to take to ensure decisions at the VA are being driven by what is best for our veterans without undue outside influence or direction."
     Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) joined Hirono in writing to Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson, asking for the hearing. Click here to download a copy of the letter.

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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 FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
CANCELLED DUE TO HURRICANE: Sat, Aug 25, 10am, Scrimmage @ Waiakea
   Thu, Sept 6, 6pm, @ Pāhoa
   Sat, Sept 15, 1pm, @ Kohala
   Sat, Sept 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Kea`au
Girls Volleyball:
CANCELLED DUE TO HURRICANE: Fri, Aug 24, 6pm, @ Mauna Lani
   Wed, Aug 29, 6pm, @ Hilo
   Fri, Aug 31, Kamehameha Tourney
   Sat, Sept 1, Kamehameha Tourney
   Wed, Sept 5, 6pm, host Pāhoa
   Wed, Sept 12, 6pm, @ Christian Liberty
   Fri, Sept 14, @ Kamehameha
   Mon, Sept 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe
   Wed, Sept 19, 6pm, host Kohala
   Thu, Sept 20, 6pm, @ Honoka`a
   Tue, Sept 25, 6pm, @ HPA
Cross Country:
CANCELLED DUE TO HURRICANE: Sat, Aug 25, @ CLA (preseason)
   Sat, Sept 1, 10am, @ HPA
   Sat, Sept 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha
   Sat, Sept 15, 10am, Kea`au
   Sat, Sept 22, 9am, @ HPA

NEW and UPCOMING
Studio sale of artwork by Big Island Artist John D. Dawson 
is open to the general public Saturday and Sunday, 
Sept 15 and 16. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
UNIQUE STUDIO SALE OF BIG ISLAND ARTIST JOHN D. DAWSON to the general public at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16. Special preview for Volcano Art Center Members on Friday, September 14, from 4 to 6 p.m.
     The sale includes original acrylic and watercolor paintings, rough sketches, and pen and ink drawings from Dawson's decades of work as a professional illustrator. He is well known for his paintings and illustrations for national publications, including the National Park Service, United States Postal Service, National Geographic Society, National Wildlife Federation, and Audubon Society.
     Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus is at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano Village. For more information, contact Emily C. Weiss at 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 24
Free Community Dance, Fri, Aug 24, 7-10pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol free event. Variety of music. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks provided. Free admission; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25
Zentangle: Basics and Beyond with Lydia Meneses, Sat, Aug 25, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Zentangle Basics kit provided. $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.

Waiho`olu`u Ola Indigo Dyeing Workshop, Sat, Aug 25, 12:30-3:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Learn traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern shibori styles to create patterns, and explore the alchemy of indigo, a plant derived dye. $50/Volcano Art Center Member, $55/non-Member, plus $25 supply fee. No experience necessary. Space limited. Pre-registration required: volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

Birth of Kahuku, Sat, Aug 26, 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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28
HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue, Aug 28, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean Viewhoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com


Ka`ū Food Pantry, Tue, Aug 28, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

ONGOING
Cross County Assistant Coach Needed for Ka`ū Trojans, says Coach Erin Cole. The Boys & Girls team starts running Aug 25. Contact Cole for more, or if interested in applying, at erinlcole@hotmail.com.
5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9, and selling fast! Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+), $20 under 21. 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees: 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.

Activities at Kahuku Park -- within Hawaiian Ocean View Estates -- over the next two months, include two physical activities, three arts and crafts activities, and a Park Beautification Day.
     For ages 6 to 12:
   - Jump Rope Challenge: Mon, Aug 27, to 4 p.m. Registration open through Aug 25.
   - Sand Art: Wed, Sept 5, 3 to 4 p.m. Registration open Aug 27 through 31.
     For all ages:
   - Friendship Bracelets: Wed, Sept 19, to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept 10 through 14.
   - Park Beautification Day: Fri, Sept 28, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept 19 through 26.
      All activities are free to attend. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit the park during business hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

Free Arts and Crafts Activities at Pāhala Comunity Center happen on Wednesdays in September, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., through the end of Sept, for keiki in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
   - Sept 5: In observance of Grandparents Day, Craft Stick Puzzle Hanging. Register Aug 30 through Sept 4.
   - Sept 12: Dove Foldable For Peace. Register Sept 4 through 11.
   - Sept 19: Handprint Tree Art. Register Sept 13 through 18.
   - Sept 26: Beaded Wind Chime. Register Sept 19 through 25.
     For more, call 928-3102 or visit the community center during business hours: Mon-Thu and Sat, from noon to 8 p.m., or Fri, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's 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 to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
     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.

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

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.

Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Pāhoa Neighborhood Center at 15-3022 Kauhale St. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at fema.gov/disaster/4366. If you are a survivor who has left the area, call 800-621-3362. 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.


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. Can't make a guided hike but want to get to know Kahuku better? The Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will tailor a customized trek just for you. Contact Friends through their website. Proceeds support Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
     Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station. Dr. Frank Bonaccorsoreveals "A Day in the Life of `Ōpe`ape`a - the Hawaiian Hoary Bat," and shares a 24-hour cycle of the only land mammal native to Hawai`i on Fri., Aug. 31.
     Ranger Talks introduce the natural, cultural and historic attributes of Kahuku 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.
     Picnic in the Park: Join Kahuku for Hawaiian music and hula. Bring a picnic lunch or opt to buy lunch from food trucks on this family-friendly day. Supported by the Friends of Hawai`i VolcanoesNational Park. Sun., Sept. 16, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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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