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Saturday, September 22, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, September 22, 2018

Views of the newly exposed sulfur wall near Keanākako‘i. NPS Photo by Janice Wei
CLEAN AIR, BLUE SKIES AT THE SUMMIT of Kīlauea Volcano welcomed the public back to parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Saturday that were closed for 134 days. For months, Halemaʻumaʻu crater and Kīlauea experienced tens of thousands of earthquakes and the collapse of their floors and walls. The famous lava lake drained and the result is some of the cleanest air since Jan. 3, 1982, when a long eruptive phase began and vog became a common condition between the volcano and Kona.
Back in the Saddle: Rangers on Clyde the mule and ʻŌhiʻa, part quarter horse,
welcomed the public back to summit areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
 today after 134 days of closure around Halemaʻumaʻu. Photo by David Berry
     During an early morning press conference on Saturday, Jessica Ferracane, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Public Affairs Specialist, said that members of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes staff are very excited to once again host the public. In order to prevent a traffic jam, they opened the main park gate at 7 a.m, ahead of the 10 a.m. announced time. They raised the flag at 8:55 a.m. As visitors walked from Volcano House along the trail to Steam Vents, they saw a vastly changed landscape with many shades of earth in the crater.
     As the crowds came in, Ferracane noted that the nene, Hawaiʻi's state bird, has become accustomed to a quiet park without people. She also noted that the birds, including those that soar in the crater, remained through the eruption.
Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando assists visitors at the end of Chain of 
Craters Road today, Sept. 22, #HVNPWelcomeBack. NPS Photo by Janice Wei
     She pointed to new maps, showing the crater changes and open sections of the park, and information distributed through social media, the park website, and handouts. Still closed close to the summit are Thurston Lava Tube, Jaggar Museum, and Kīlauea Iki Trail. Kīlauea Visitor Center and Volcano Art Center Gallery are open regular hours. Kīlauea Military Camp has reopened most of its facilities and Volcano House is opening in phases.
     Phase Two of reopening Hawaiʻi Volcanoes will be back country trails.
     Ferracane explained that the Park closed on May 11 after unprecedented volcanic activity threatened public safety and damaged park roads, waterlines, buildings, and trails.
Ranger Jack edits the Park Closed sign to say "Welcome Back."
NPS Photo
     This morning, however, park rangers turned off the Park Closed sign on Highway 11 and replaced it with a new message: Welcome Back/Park Open. Although an official count wasn't immediately available, an estimated several thousand people enjoyed the park today, according to a statement from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes this evening.
     The statement noted that "Visitors were pleasantly surprised that drinking water had been restored in time for the reopening, thanks to members of the park's Facilities Maintenance team who have worked diligently to repair pipes and the water system. In addition, Clyde the mule and ‘Ōhi‘a, a part quarter horse, greeted visitors.
     Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Superintendent Cindy Orlando said, "It was a picture-perfect day and our hearts are filled with joy to see our visitors and community return to their park. We thank everyone for their patience, support, and understanding during the last 134 days." Orlando assisted visitors near the Hōlei Sea Arch while other staff roved the park and interacted with visitors "who were ecstatic the park is open."
Under crystal clear skies with some of the cleanest air since Jan 3, 1982, the
summit of Halemaʻumaʻu was open to the public at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
National Park for the first time since March.11. Photo by David Berry
     Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park resumed its normal 24-hour a day operation. Saturday was National Public Lands Day, a fee-free day, and entrance fees will go into effect Sunday. Parts of the park remain closed until further damage assessments and repairs can be made.
     For more information, a map of what is open in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and to learn about the new hazards - including sink holes and earth cracks created by tens of thousands of earthquakes that preceded the opening - visit the park website: nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm.

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The Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run took competitors through coffee and macadamia orchards, and uphill toward 
the rain forest. Photo by Julia Neal




















THE FIFTH ANNUAL KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUN brought good conditions to competitors from around the world. More than 200 racers took to the route through Kaʻū Coffee and macadamia orchards and up the mountain above Wood Valley Road.
     Runners of all ages from five years old to over 70 competed. The races were 5 K, 10 K, and a Half Marathon. Takami Munnerlyn was the youngest competitor and has raced in the Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run since he was three, insisting this year that he run without an accompanying relative.
Youngest participant in the Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run today was 
five year old Takami Munerlyn, after the finish with runners 
who flew in from Japan. Photo by Julia Neal
     Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run raises money for the good works of the community group ʻO Kaʻū Kakou. It was co-sponsored by BioAstin and Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
     See more photos and all of the results in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

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MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA NUT VISITOR CENTER is closed after the finding of E. coli in samples from its water supply. The state Department of Health sent a notice concerning possible water violations, and the facility will remain closed until the all clear is given by the state. The message on the Mauna Loa voice mail states, "Due to issues with our drinking water distribution system we will be closed until further notice as we investigate and resolve the cause of the issues... Mahalo for your continued support."
     A statement from the company reports: "The problem was discovered on September 21, 2018. Since that time, the water may not have adequate disinfection and may pose a risk for customers." Possible reasons given for presence of E. coli included a malfunctioning water disinfection system, the company reported. Mauna Loa also reported that none of its products were affected by contaminated water and there are no recalls.
Mauna Loa Macadmia Nut Visitor Center is closed until drinking issues
are resolved. Photo from Mauna Loa
     "Due to multiple safeguards in place to ensure quality, Mauna Loa confirms that all products currently available in stores or previously purchased are safe for consumption. Mauna Loa Nut Corporation is committed to the highest industry standards and is working diligently to determine the cause of the potential water contamination."
     State Department of Health recommended that Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Water System consumers and employees refrain from drinking from the water system.

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DR. CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD WILL TESTIFY in front of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, reports the New York Times. The Times calls the agreement "tentative," subject to specifics to be worked out by the Committee Chair, Sen. Charles Grassley, and Ford's lawyers. Ford accuses Judge Brett Kavanaugh, nominee for the open seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, of sexually and physically assaulting her. She claims Kavanaugh jumped on top of her after pushing her down on a bed, groped her, held his hand over her mouth, and tried to remove her clothing. They were both in their teens at a party where Kavanaugh and friends were inebriated, Ford reports. Kavanaugh denies it.
     Kaʻū's U.S. Senator, Mazie Hirono, serves on the Judiciary Committee and is expected to question both witnesses.

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Kaʻū Trojans stayed ahead of Lanaʻi today. Photo from Kaʻū Trojans Twitter
KAʻŪ TROJANS FOOTBALL CRUSHED Lanaʻi in a game tonight hosted at Keaʻau. Kaʻū started off strong, scoring the first 8 points with 9:40 left in the first quarter, I. Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley scored a 5 yard Touchdown, Point After Touchdown by S. Martinez was good. The same pair managed to do the same thing near the end of the first quarter, bring their score to 16.
     With 8:08 left in the second quarter, Pilanca-Emmsley ran an interception 47 yard run, with S. Martinez scoring the PAT. Pilanca-Emmsley then scored a 10 yard run with 1:17 left in the first half, A. Carvalho making good the PAT. The score was 32-14 at halftime.
     S. Martinez scored a 4 yard touchdown with 9:22 left in the third quarter, PAT no good. With 7:02 left in the third, Pilanca-Emmsley ran 38 yards for TD, A. Carvalho's PAT run was good. At that point, the game was 46-36, with the Trojans still in the lead.
     The remainder of the game saw Kaʻū dominate, with a final score of 62 to 42.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
   Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
   Sat, Oct 6, 12pm, host Kohala
   Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
   Sat, Oct 20, BIIF Finals - Higher
Girls Volleyball:
   Tue., Sept. 25, 6pm, @ HPA
   Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
   Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
   Tues, Oct 2, 6pm, @ Kealakehe
   Fri, Oct 5, 6pm, host Keaʻau
   Wed, Oct 10, 6pm, @ Parker
   Fri, Oct 12, 6pm, host St. Joseph
   Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Higher
   Wed, Oct 17, BIIF DII Semi-Finals @ Kona
   Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Cross Country:
   Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
   Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
   Sat, Oct 6, 2pm, @ Kealakehe
   Sat, Oct 13, BYE
   Sat, Oct 20, 9am, BIIF @ HPA
   Sat, Oct 27, 8:30am, HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING
PASTEL ON-SITE LANDSCAPE PAINTING WITH PATTI PEASE JOHNSON is offered at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The workshop offers step-by-step instruction in a proven rotational method for success, starting with form and fill, moving to value of black and white, then color. All materials are supplied. Students finish the class by completing one 9"×12" project.
Learn to draw pastel landscapes with
Patti Pease Johnson on Oct. 13.
     "Your own natural style is brought to the surface... Grow your knowledge of composition, color and correcting problems," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
     Initial discussion includes pastels - types, papers, fixing and mounting. Then, students use newsprint to get the flow of arm movements to keep loose. Students then form shapes, and move into colors on sanded pastel paper, learning to exaggerate and be bold with colors, and the value of using the lightest lights and the darkest darks.
     Weather permitting, the workshop will take place outdoors at Ni‘aulani. Otherwise, the workshop will be held indoors with a reference photo.
     Cost for the workshop is $45 per Volcano Art Center member, or $50 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists are welcome. Register at volcanoartcenter.org.
     Johnson's artwork can be found at galleries and shops across the State and in collections around the world. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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SUNDAY, SEPT. 23
People and Land of Kahuku, Sun., Sept. 239:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, SEPT. 24
Kaʻū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Sept. 24, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Kaʻū. Contact prior to attending to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24
HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue., Sept. 25, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Kaʻū Food Pantry, Tue., Sept. 25, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

After Dark Near the Park: A Hawaiian Perspective of Pele, Tue., Sept. 25, 7pm, Volcano Art Center Auditorium. Cultural Practitioner, Professor, and Researcher Leialoha Kaleimamahu of Kaimu and Mokuhulu in Puna shares a Hawaiian perspective of Kīlauea's current eruptive activity. Hear about Pele through chant, mele, and moʻolelo (stories) passed down from generation to generation. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Call 985-6011. Free; donations help support park programs. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Sept. 26, 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 Hawaiʻi - referral required from Hawaiʻi 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

Craft Class, Wed., Sept. 26, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nāʻālehu. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Arts and Crafts Activity: Beaded Wind Chime, Wed., Sept. 26, 3:30-5pm, Pāhala Community Center. For keiki in grades K-8. Register Sept. 19-25. Free. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102

THURSDAY, SEPT. 27
Kaʻū Community Children's Council, Thu., Sept. 27, 12-1:30pm, Punaluʻu 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 Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Sept. 27, 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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 28
Coffee Talk - The 1868 Eruption in Kaʻū: Disruption and Destruction, Fri., Sept. 28, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join the discussion with rangers and other park visitors. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Park Beautification Day, Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30-4pmKahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. For all ages. Register Sept. 19-26. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29
Volunteer Day, The Nature Conservancy, Sat., Sept. 29, 8-3pm, either Kona Hema or Kaʻū Preserve, contact for confirmation. Tools, gloves, and stories provided. Space is limited. Reserve a space in a 4wd TNC truck in advance. Sponsored in part by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Contact Mel Johansen at or Shalan Crysdale at scrysdale@tnc.org. tnc.org

Paths and Trails, Sat., Sept. 29, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike with some of the most spectacular overlooks in Kahuku. Discover the ways people, animals, and plants got to Kahuku and the paths they follow. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING
Disaster Recovery Center Closes Sept. 29. 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. Survivors who have left the area, call 800-621-3362.

Park Beautification Day at Kahuku Park in HOVE for all ages on Friday, Sept. 28, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Registration is open through Sept. 26. 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 Beaded Wind Chime Arts and Crafts Activity at Pāhala Comunity Center Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., for keiki in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Register through Sept. 25. For more, call 928-3102 or visit the community center during business hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., or Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "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.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschools Temporary Nāʻālehu Location is Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. 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.

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.

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