Thursday, August 23, 2018

Ka`ū News Briefs Thursday, August 23, 2018

Photo from the International Space Station shows the size of Hurricane Lane on August 22. ISS photo
BANDS OF STEADY RAIN FROM HURRICANE LANE fell on Ka`ū all day, filling gulches and making the Ka`alaiki mountain road between Nā`ālehu and Pāhala impassable. Some residents of Wood Valley took shelter in Pāhala homes, hoping to avoid being stranded in flood waters that spared them.
     While little wind hit the east side of Ka`ū, the breeze stiffened on and off in the Discovery Harbour and South Point area. Large surf kept Punalu`u and Whittington beaches closed. Civil Defense allowed only local traffic to travel down South Point Road past Kama`oa.
Streams and gulches filled with water in Wood Valley.
Photo by Julia Neal
     Robert Ballard, of Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said that Thursday night would be "clinch time," with Lane drawing closer to the islands, increasing the likelihood of higher winds reaching land. As of sundown, the air remained still in Ka`ū.
     He noted that the heaviest impacts are in Hilo, with more than 20 inches of rain and a waterspout on Thursday. Wailuku River overflowed its banks, flooding Reed Island. Flooding overcame the bayfront and continued up the Hamakua and Kohala Coasts, blocking roads, with landslides -- all impacts on places much farther from the center of Hurricane Lane than Ka`ū.
     At 5 p.m., Hawai`i Island was under a flash flood warning and a tropical storm warning, downgraded from a hurricane warning. Category 3 Hurricane Lane remained southwest of Ka`u, some 164 miles southwest of South Point, sporting winds of 120 mph, traveling northwest at 6 miles an hour. Ballard said that moving slowly "doesn't mean the storm is weak. When moving slowly, it can keep its impact over you for a very long time," he said, pointing to the likelihood of more rain and flooding.
     Civil Defense issued a statement saying that due to the slow movement of Lane, "very large and damaging surf," will continue to be an issue for Hawai`i Island, especially west and south-facing shores. Storm surge is expected to be two to four feet, especially west and south-facing shores, accompanied by "large and destructive waves."
Ka`u Coffee farms, newly pruned, stand in the rain of Hurricane Lane.
Photo by Julia Neal
     As evening arrived, Ka`ū residents said they had hope that they would be spared by Lane, with the hurricane passing to the northwest by tomorrow. Lane is forecast to continue north through Friday, possibly running into O`ahu and other islands. A turn to the west is expected over the weekend, with increased speed and weakening.
     Hawai`i state Department of Health advised the public to stay out of streams, coastal, and standing waters contaminated by storm water. Storm water may contain harmful micro-organisms from overflowing cesspools or septic tanks as well as animal waste washed into streams and storm drains.
     A sixth Big Island emergency shelter opened Thursday at Waiakea High School in Hilo. Other open shelters are: Ho`okena Elementary School, Kamehameha Park Hisaoka Gym (pet friendly), Kealakehe High School (pet friendly), Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School, and Konawaena High School Gym.
Image from prh.noaa.gov/cphc
     Civil Defense reminded the public that no food is offered at shelters, and recommended bringing personal blankets, pillows, and other supplies.
     Civil Defense also reported all state facilities and services, including  post offices, are closed tomorrow, with mail delivery cancelled. All Department of Land and Natural Resources outdoor recreation areas and reserves are closed.
     Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park issued a statement saying its Kahuku Unit will remain closed through Fri., Aug. 24. The community Talk Story event about the future of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has been rescheduled for Thurs., Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. Friday's Artist in Residence program with artist Hasan Elahi is canceled and it is unknown at this time if it will be rescheduled, says the park.
     
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A PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION FOR HURRICANE LANE IS APPROVED. Gov. David Ige's request for the statewide declaration to alleviate effects expected from Hurricane Lane was approved late yesterday, says a release from the governor's office.
     The declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide appropriate assistance for emergency measures required to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.
     Ige said, "The approval of the Presidential Disaster Declaration means that Hawai`i will have quick and efficient access to federal resources in the wake of Hurricane Lane, as our communities and residents recover from any damage and losses caused by the storm. We are grateful to the president and FEMA for the swift approval of our request as our state braces for the severe weather ahead."

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HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. EXPECTS OUTAGES from Hurricane Lane. A release from the utility says, "Depending on hurricane track and scope of damage, customers should expect outages, possibly of long duration. Customers should plan ahead for the possibility of extended outages. HELCO announced it assigned and pre-positioned workers and equipment as needed. "Utilities have processes in place to restore power to customers as quickly and as safely as possible."
      In the event of outages, repair crews will be dispatched only after the storm has passed and when conditions are safe to do so, says the release.
     The utility says, "During storms, wind gusts can cause tree branches or fronds to break loose and come into contact with our lines. Falling trees could also hit a pole, or more likely, an overhead line, knocking the line down or causing the pole to lean, resulting in an outage or requiring electricity to be cut off until the pole or overhead line are safely repaired or replaced. Watch for downed power lines. Stay at least 30 feet away -- about two car lengths -- from downed power lines, as they may have electricity running through them and may be dangerous. If you see someone injured after touching a downed power line, call 9-1-1 for help; don't try to rescue the individual. Report downed power lines by calling 969-6666."
     More electrical safety and preparation tips are available in the companies' Handbook for Emergency Preparedness, available in five languages, at hawaiielectriclight.com/prepare.
Follow the companies on their social media channels: Facebook, The Hawaiian Electric Companies; Instagram, The Hawaiian Electric Companies; Twitter, @hielectriclight.

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OPPORTUNITIES AND UPCOMING EVENTS are available through The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services team, "dedicated to strengthening Hawai`i's rural and agricultural businesses." Examples include a disaster survey for farmers affected by the recent Kīlauea eruption, the Hawai`i Island Business Plan Competition, employment with Hawai`i `Ulu Cooperative, the Hawai`i Tropical Fruit Growers' annual conference, a free introduction to the next cohort of GoFarm Hawai`i on Hawai`i Island, and more.
     Farm Disaster Survey: Kīlauea Eruption
     This survey will assist farmers affected by the recent eruption at Kīlauea by obtaining information required to request assistance with loss recovery and to hopefully acquire the necessary resources to rebuild their farms and associated industries. The completed surveys are due by Aug. 31 and can be sent to Matthew Loke either by email to loke@hawaii.edu or by mail to Matthew Loke, c/o NREM, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 1910 East-West Rd, Sherman 101, Honolulu, HI 96822. Download the survey form.
Image from kohalacenter.org/business
     USDA announces sign up for 2018 reimbursement transportation program
     U.S. Department of Agriculture Hawai`i State and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency  announced to farmers and ranchers that the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for fiscal year 2018 began on July 16, 2018, and will end on Sept. 7, 2018. For more information about RTCP, farmers and ranchers can visit their administrative FSA county office or the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport. To find your local FSA county office, visit offices.usda.gov.
    Visit kohalacenter.org/business for more information about services, upcoming events, microloan programs, and other resources.

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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
VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES A NEW EXHIBIT, ONE LUCID DREAM: A Retrospective of Art Works by Ken Charon, Saturday, September 22, through Saturday, Oct. 6.The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Dietrich Varez Hall at VAC's Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
     The exhibit will host a unique collection of original paintings, drawing and other objects created throughout Charon's long artistic career. A free opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., is open to the public.
Artwork by Ken Charon is featured at an upcoming Volcano Art Center exhibit.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     Charon was born in New York, on July 26, 1954, and moved to Paris, France, in 1971. His professional art training began with the American Center for Students and Artists in Paris, and includes the American College of Switzerland, Académie Julian in Paris, and the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California.
     Charon began his professional career 40 years ago, with an artistic expedition from his home in Paris to the Seychelles Islands in 1978. In 1984, he moved to Hawai`i Island and established his home and studio, the Art Farm, in the rainforest near Kurtistown. Since then, Charon has participated in juried shows and solo exhibitions in art centers and galleries on Hawai`i Island and beyond, receiving numerous awards and recognition over the years.
     Charon's work can be found in private collections around the world, including those of Al Gore and Barack Obama. Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village. For more information call 967-8222. See 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.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, Aug 29, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & 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, AUGUST 30
Ka`ū Community Children's Council, Thu, Aug 30, 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, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit, Thu, Aug 30, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. Medical services offered last Thursday of every month. Dental to be announced. Call 333-3600 to schedule appointment. See Cooper Center June newsletter for details. thecoopercenter.org

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu, Aug 30, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

ONGOING
Cross County Assistant Coach Needed for Ka`ū Trojans, says Coach Erin Cole. 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, 3 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, 3 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 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 K
auhale 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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