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Thursday, October 25, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Thursday, October 25, 2018

Marylou Staman (left) worked on East Island during the last two honu nesting seasons. It is likely that honu from
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach nest there, living the rest of their lives in Kaʻū waters. Photo from NOAA
PUNALUʻU BLACK SAND'S HONU RELIED ON EAST ISLAND before it was destroyed when Hurricane Walaka ploughed through Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. There's more than a 95 percent likelihood that the turtles from Punaluʻu nested there, said Jennifer Sims, Coordinator of the Turtle Stranding Response Team at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo.
     Sims said this morning that East Island, blown away and submerged by Hurricane Walaka on Oct. 3, was one of threatened Hawaiian green sea turtles' most preferred nesting places. She explained that green sea turtles living most of the time at Punaluʻu begin nesting when they are 23 to 24 years of age by swimming to their birth place and returning for the rest of their reproductive lives. They stay at the nesting place for three to four months in the summer, accompanied by some males. This summer they completed nesting at the end of August, so no eggs or turtles were washed away during Hurricane Walaka. However, where to nest next year becomes a problem. Will they swim to East Island and find no beach? Will they have the strength to swim back to Punaluʻu, if they have no place to rest? Will they go to an island near East Island and nest? These are all questions to be studied, said Sims.
Some turtles are marked with non-toxic paint so observers can
report seeing them as they travel from populated to unpopulated
Hawaiian Islands. Photo from NOAA
     She also explained that the turtles likely swim from Punaluʻu to East Island in French Frigate Shoals every two to three years to nest. After the long roundtrip, they likely take a year or two break from nesting.
     She said the loss of East Island and any other nesting place in French Frigate Shoals is critical, since the beaches are shared by endangered monk seals and seabirds. She said that every inch of a place to nest or give birth is precious, with extreme competition for space among the various wildlife species.

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THE HAWAIʻI SUPREME COURT HEARD ARGUMENTS TODAY ON CONSIDERING GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS when the Public Utilities Commission decides whether to allow production of electricity for the Hawaiʻi grid.
     The case involves Hu Honua and the near completion of its electrical plant at Pepeʻekeo, designed to burn wood to make electricity. Some of that wood would come from eucalyptus tree farms above Pāhala on Kamehameha School lands. Life of the Land sued, saying Hawaiʻi law requires greenhouse emissions to be considered in the decision making. LOL is appealing to become an intervenor in the case and participate in the proceedings, claiming it has "a due process right to protect its right to a clean and healthful environment."
Eucalyptus above Pāhala scheduled for harvesting for
fuel to make electricity. The state Supreme Court
heard arguments today. Photo by Julia Neal
     During today's arguments, Justice Richard Pollack asked about the disappearance of East Island in French Frigate Shoals as a possibly related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The justices asked for explanations of the difference between renewable energy, such as biofuel that can be grown, and energy sources that could be renewable but also contribute to greenhouses gasses.
     Hu Honua contends that burning farmed eucalyptus would help relieve Hawaiʻi from using fossil fuels.
     
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MORE LODGING, DINING, AND CAMPING opportunities will soon be available as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park continues to reopen areas that were closed more than four months due to damaging volcanic and seismic activity.
     Dinner service resumed at 5 p.m. tonight at the Volcano House restaurant, The Rim, which overlooks Kīlauea Volcano's ever-changing summit. On Friday, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will again be served at The Rim, and Uncle George's Lounge – now open for beverages only – will offer its bar menu. Visit the Volcano House website for hours of operation, menu and reservations:
     Volcano House reopened to hotel guests on Oct. 6, and is again accepting reservations. The hotel also manages the park's Nāmakanipaio Campground. Hotel management expects to fully reopen the popular campground and A-frame cabins the first week of December.
The Rim reopened at Volcano House this evening.
Photo from Volcano House
     On Oct. 19, the park reopened Kulanaokuaiki Campground and Hilina Pali Road up to the drive-in campground. The road past the campground was severely damaged by earthquakes and remains closed to vehicles, but hikers and bicyclists (on non-motorized bicycles only) can use the road to access Hilina Pali Overlook, and Hilina Pali and Ka‘aha trails.
     Most backcountry campgrounds and trails are now open in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, including Mauna Loa, the coastal sites, and Nāpau. Pepeiao Cabin and the Ka‘ū Desert Trail past the Footprints shelter remain closed. Also closed are Kīlauea Iki Trail, which was damaged by large boulders that fell in late September, and Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), which continues to be analyzed for potential hazards. All trails going into Kīlauea caldera remain closed, along with sections of Crater Rim Trail.
     Other parts of the park, including Kīlauea Visitor Center, reopened Sept. 22, following a record 134-day closure due to hazardous volcanic and seismic activity on Kīlauea Volcano. An average 1,806 people have visited the park each day between Sept. 22 and Oct. 22, 2018, as the park continues to move ahead with plans to reopen areas for the public.

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AN EXTENSION FOR COMMENTS ON THE PĀHALA SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT Environmental Assessment has been requested by several community members and gained support at this week's county Environmental Management Commission meeting. Sophia Hanoa, of Pāhala, and Jerry Warren, of Nāʻālehu, testified for the extension. The request is being considered by the county and the Environmental Protection Agency. A group of Kaʻū residents are being assisted by Terri Napeahi, of Pele Defense Fund. A Hilo resident, she is a clean water advocate and recently ran for the state House of Representatives in the Primary Election.
     The treatment plant is proposed for the corner of Maile Street and Hwy 11.

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Old time Democrats' political rally in 2016. It happens again at Hilo Bandstand on Monday. Nov. 5.
Photo by Julia Neal
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY GRAND RALLY ON MONDAY, NOV. 5, begins at 4:30 p.m. at Moʻoheau Bandstand in Hilo. The Grand Rally will be live on Nā Leo TV via Spectrum Channel 54. It will stream online at naleo.tv/channel-54, and via Nā Leo's mobile app available for both Android and Apple Devices: marketplace-redirect.doapps.com/3609.
     Giving speeches will be Democratic candidates for Congress Tulsi Gabbard and Sen. Mazie Hirono, and incumbent Gov. David Ige, who is also up for reelection. Many elected representatives in the legislature and on the County Council will also take part in the old fashioned, traditional rally.
     A statement from the Democratic Party says that this year's theme is "Imua, get on board now for 2020." Participants are expected to urge the community to "Commit to what you can do to get out the vote in 2020. We need everyone on board to make a stand in 2020."

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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
EARLY WALK-IN VOTING IS AVAILABLE through Sat., Nov. 3. The early voting location for Kaʻū is at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani Street, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday - closed noon to 1 p.m.
     Local polls for the General Election open in precincts from Volcano through Kaʻū to Miloliʻi, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 6. The nearest polling places are: Cooper Center, 19430 Wright Road in Volcano; Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, 96-3150 Pikake Street; Nāʻālehu Elementary School, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy; Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle; and Miloliʻi Halau Pavillion, off Hwy 11 in the Village of Miloliʻi. See more at elections.hawaii.gov.
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KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
   Sat, Oct 27, 1pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū.

NEW and UPCOMING

Collaborative art by artists from all over 
the island is on display at Volcano Art Center
 Gallery. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org 
VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY'S FIRST EXHIBIT SINCE RETURNING to its location within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remains on display, daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, Nov. 4. Called Volcano Collaborations 2018, Artists Invitational, it features an online auction for VAC member after the show closes.
     The show exhibits 18 master artists who came together to make art for two days during the first week of June 2018, while the park and gallery were closed due to Kīlauea Volcano's activity.
     Coordinated by Volcano artist Elizabeth Miller, the artists are: Lisa Louise Adams, Nash Adams Pruitt, Elizabeth Miller, Scott Pincus, Ed Clapp, Erik Wold, Joe Laceby, Henry Bianchini, Amy Flanders, Rose Adare, Eve Furchgott, Ethan Froney, Tai Lake, Mary Jo Lake, Jonah Lake, David Reisland, Matthew D’Avella, and Bill Hamilton.
     "The Ni‘aulani Campus of the Volcano Art Center was filled with creative energy and the intoxicating sounds of saws, blacksmithing torches, and much laughter as art making ideas took shape. On hand to assist in the wood shop area was Bill Hamilton, a member of the VAC Board of Directors. Several of the artists have been working diligently since June to finalize pieces for this exhibition," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
     Collaboration 2018 is formatted after the Hawai‘i Artist' Collaboration which takes place annually in Kona. The Kona Collaboration Art Auction takes place Nov. 3, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m,  at Holualoa Inn; see eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-artist-collaboration-auction-2018-tickets-50105702505 for tickets.
Volcano Art Center Gallery location in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org 
     "We invite everyone back into the gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to view this exciting exhibit," states gallery manager Emily C. Weiss. "During the chaos of the summer months, it was completely refreshing to witness these talented artists coming together and creating amazing works of art. The joy that was shared during this unique art making experience was so important for the artists and for our community. The Volcano Art Center was so pleased to host this event and look forward to more in the coming years."
     For more, see volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

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.

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.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Oct. 25, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Oct. 25, 12-1:30pm, 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 Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Oct. 25, 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

Craft Class, Thu., Oct. 25, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26
Coffee Talk, Ka Wa‘a Kaulua: The Double-Hulled Canoe, Fri., Oct. 26, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Canoe sailor and builder Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa shares his knowledge and experience of the double-hulled canoe, which are still crafted and used today. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Fall Costume Party, Fri., Oct. 26, 1:30-3:30pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Snacks, activities and prizes. Free to all ages. 939-2442

Halloween Party, Fri, Oct. 26, 8pm-midnight, Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $5 cover charge w/costume, $7 without. For patrons 21+. Call 967-8365 after 4pm for more. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27
VOTE: Deadline to submit General Election poll watcher names to Office of Elections or Clerk's Office, Sat., Oct. 27. elections.hawaii.gov

Craft Bazaar, Sat, Oct. 27, 9-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Discovery Harbour Community Association, 929-9576

Paint Your Own Silk Scarf Workshop w/Patti Pease Johnson, Sat., Oct. 27, 9-12:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Students paint and take home 8"x53" silk scarf using three colors of their choice. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Oct. 27, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Will & Estate Seminar, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-3pm, Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God. 929-7278

Lava Evacuee Support Group Meeting, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Reoccurring every last Saturday of the month hosted by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

Hands-On Fermented Foods Workshop: Sauerkraut and Kombucha w/Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member. Pre-registration required. All supplies and organic ingredients provided. No cooking skills necessary. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Tiki Mama's Road to the Sea Halloween Party will feature the Night Stalkers. Doors open at 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, Oct, 27, at 92-9122 Mamalahoa Hwy, Ocean View. Suggested donation is $10 plus a can of food. Tiki Mama's events support Hawaiʻi Food Bank.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Kamilo Point Clean-Up & Debris Survey with UH-Hilo's Marine Science Dept., Sun., Oct. 28. Call for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Oct. 28, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower, on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
Free Zulu - Hip Hop Dance Class taught by Crystal Castillo and Spyder. Open to keiki in kindergarten through eighth grade, Monday, Oct. 29, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room. Register through Monday, Oct. 29. For more, call 928-3102.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30
VOTE: Deadline to request General Election mail ballot from Clerk's Office, Tue., Oct. 30. elections.hawaii.gov

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

After Dark in the Park, Woven Strands & Braided Cords: Philosophy & Metaphysics in Pre-Contact Hawaiian Astronomy, Tue., Oct. 30, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Author and researcher Martha Noyes. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 985-6011. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Oct. 31, 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

Pā‘ani with Amy Ka‘awaloa- ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Oct. 31, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘awaloa shares her knowledge about the Makahiki season, the ancient Hawaiian New Year festival, celebrated in three phases, one of which involved playing games. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Public Access Room comes to Ocean View on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The non-partisan division of Hawaiʻi state legislature's legislative Reference Bureau will offer workshops. Free and open to the public, they focus on training for creating, following, and testifying on legislation.
     Two workshops will be offered. The first is geared towards newcomers, provides an introduction to the state legislative process to prepare new participants for the session. The second workshop is for those with an understanding of lawmaking. It will offer advanced advocacy tips on effective lobbying and often overlooked online resources. How-To guides, informational handouts, and other resources will be available.
     PAR's staff will be at Ocean View Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 92-8924 Leilani Circle. The Beginners Presentation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; the Advanced Presentation will be from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additional presentations will be in Kona, Waimea, Pāhoa, and Hilo, from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.
     For more, call toll free to 808-974-4000, ext. 7-0478, email Keanu Young at k.young@capitol.hawaii.gov, or go to lrbhawaii.org.

Kaʻū Octoberfest Trunk-or-Treat happens Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room. Register all ages Oct. 15 through 31. For more, call 928-3102. The event is looking for community members to offer treats and/or candy to keiki attending the event. Organized by Department of Parks and Recreation, Kaʻū District Gym, and Pāhala High & Elementary School, there will also be a vehicle decorating contest. Call 928-3102 for more.

ONGOING
Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, is temporarily moving their Pāhala site program for Oct. 25, and 30, and Nov. 1, to the River of Life Assembly of God church. The group still meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. They will be back at Pāhala Community Center on Nov. 6. The Nāʻālehu location remains at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival happens Saturday, Nov. 3, at Pāhala Community Center, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring Master Cultural Practitioners, Kukakuka (talk story), and many educational and cultural experiences with hands-on demonstrations. The festival is preceded by ceremonies at Punaluʻu Beach at dawn; at sunset, a ceremony will be held to honor ancestors; the festival will close with a ceremony at Makanau.
     Craft vendors, food vendors, and informational booths can still be applied for. Contact Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder at leionalani47@hotmail.com or (808) 649-9334 for an application. Last year brought over 1,000 spectators.
     The festival features hula performed by hālau from MexicoJapanWest Virginia, Oʻahu, South America, and Hawaiʻi Island. Traditional ethnic dance performances will come from Mexico, as well as the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo Filipino Dancers. Taiko Drummers will perform. This year's headliner musical acts include Hoʻaikāne, Wailau Ryder, Keʻaiwa, Victor Chock, and Steven Sioloa.
     Sponsors include County Council member Maile
 David and community contributions through fundraising. See hookupukau.com.

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.

CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
     The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies. CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html

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