About The Kaʻū Calendar

Friday, November 23, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Friday, November 23, 2018

Sally Dela Cruz, of  Nāʻālehu, and Sam Baldado, of Hilo, were honored as Hawaiʻi County's Outstanding 
Older Americans representatives of 2018. 
AUNTY SALLY DELA CRUZ, of Nāʻālehu, is Hawaiʻi County's Older Outstanding American female representative. She flew to Honolulu to be honored by Gov. David Ige. This is the first time, in recent memory, that a Nāʻālehu Senior Center member received the award.
     The county's statement said, "Sally's biggest strength is as a significant contributor and member of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi since 1997 - teaching diabetes and nutrition educational programs and encouraging participation." She is an active volunteer of the Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club, Kupuna Pantry, Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Kaʻū Hospital Auxiliary. She served with RSVP for 15 years and as a volunteer firefighter for 30 years.
     DelaCruz was honored with a statement that says she "consistently cares about people and helps directly or indirectly, including one-on-one counseling and inspiring personal improvements. Sally's signature calling in life is in getting people to engage in life; priceless."
     She was also honored recently along with many kupuna wahine at a High Tea in Nāʻālehu. See story on High Tea, below.

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.

A High Tea event honored kupuna wahine in Nāʻālehu recently. It was organized by Kamehameha School senior
Melia Okimoto, second row center. Photo by Nalani Parlin
HIGH TEA HONORED KUPUNA WAHINE, dozens of women, ranging in age from 60 to over 90. The event offered pampering and fun in Nāʻālehu in November. High Tea was a new experience for the majority of the attendees. It was organized by Melia Okimoto, a Kamehameha Schools senior, as part of her Senior Legacy Project, community service required for KS graduation.
Melia Okimoto served food at High Tea for honored
kupuna wahine. Photo by Nalani Parlin
     Okimoto, who lives in Waiʻōhinu and attended Nāʻālehu Elementary, invited women influential in her life, such as teachers and mentors, and those kupuna wahine whom she sees as continuing to make a positive mark in her community.
Miss Kaʻū Coffee Peaberry Jacelyn 
Kekoa-Jara attends to a kupuna  
Photo by Nalani Parlin
     She shared the inspiration for the event, stemmed from a school trip to London over the summer, where she experienced the British tradition of High Tea. Said Okimoto, "Learning the etiquette of high tea was fascinating because growing up I've always pretended to host tea parties with my siblings. Reflecting back on that trip, I thought to myself, 'How can I share this experience with others in my community?'"
     Okimoto, with the help of family and friends,
transformed the Nāʻālehu Community Center into a fancy tea house, complete with wait staff serving a variety of teas, scones, finger sandwiches, desserts, and fresh fruits. The attendees were treated to free hair makeovers, nail services, and craft-making.
Kupuna wahine receive special treatment at the High Tea event.
Photo by Nalani Parlin
     Reigning Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Reishalyn Kekoa-Jara, and Miss Kaʻū Peaberry, Jacelyn Kekoa-Jara, were on hand to present several lucky number prizes to awardees. Okimoto thanked KTA, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, and Mizuno Superette for donations of prizes and supplies.
     "This event was very special to me, because I wanted an opportunity to serve the people that make my community an amazing place full of diversity and cultural traditions shared by many of these ladies. They have shaped our community in Kaʻū through various efforts at schools, churches and non-profit organizations for many years," said Okimoto. Seeing the example of these elders' self-sacrifice, Okimoto shared that she is inspired to always have the values of kuleana (responsibility) and aloha for others. She said she hoped "that other youth will recognize senior citizens and continue to mahalo them as a big part of our our community." 

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.

Gov. David Ige and incoming Lt. Gov. Josh Green will be sworn in
on Monday, Dec. 3. Photo from Big Island Video News
INAUGURATION CEREMONIES FOR WEST KAʻŪ SEN. JOSH GREEN, WHO BECOMES HAWAIʻI'S NEW LT. GOVERNOR, are scheduled for Monday, Dec., 3 at 10 a.m. at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol Rotunda in Honolulu. A Musical Prelude begins at 10:30 a.m., the Processional/Program begins at 11:30 a.m., and Gov. David Ige and Green will be sworn in at noon.
     During his campaign, Green promised to work on housing for homeless, which he says will save the health care system millions of dollars in expenses each year. He also advocates for many health initiatives.
     Green is a physician and started his medical work in Hawaiʻi at Kaʻū Hospital.

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.

HOW MUCH MONEY TO PUT INTO ROADS to farms and homes that were isolated by lava flows earlier this year in lower Puna is a discussion among administrators and the County Council members. Farmers need access to take care of orchards, harvest and receive income, to plant new crops, and protect their equipment. Home owners with houses in kipukas - surrounded by hardened lava flows - want to go home.
Homes isolated in kipuka, surrounded by lava, are subject of county discussions on building new roads.
Photo from Big Island Video News, Paradise Helicopters, Tropical Visions Video
     Big Island Video News posted a story today, taking in the comments of those worried about spending tax money on new roads that may soon be covered with lava again. Some people proposed that bulldozing the lava to make simple unpaved roads for the home and farm owners should suffice.
     Testimony before the County Council has included farmers talking about hiking into their farms and wanting better access to get back to work. Long term planning thinkers talk about Pele burying communities repeatedly. They talk about the bigger picture - the idea of not letting people rebuild in places nationwide where there is a high possibility of another deadly wildfire, another inundation another lava flow. Some also talked about the geothermal plant and whether they will be allowed to resume production of electricity.
Families put decorated floating lanterns
honoring friends and family into
Medicine Pond at Punaluʻu.
Photo by Peter Anderson
     Big Island Video News also covers a description of kupuna going back to Pohoʻiki for the first time since the lava flows, seeing the new black sand beach beaches along the coast and describing it as "a miracle.
     See the story and related videos at bigislandvideonews.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.

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL FLOATING LANTERN CELEBRATION, "Honoring Past, Present & Future Generations," happens tomorrow Saturday, Nov. 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park Medicine Pond. The event is a scholarship fundraiser, with lanterns and limited edition t-shirts for sale. Entertainment includes Hilo Okinawa Kobudo Taiko Drummers, Tai Chi, and Qidong demonstrations, and local musicians. The celebration is sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, and funded by Kaʻū Council member Maile David. Call 928-0101 for more.


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 High Winter Sports Schedule 
through end of 2018
Girls Basketball:
Nov. 23 and 24, Fri. and Sat., Kaʻū Tourney
Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm

Boys Basketball:
Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Nov. 24, Sat., @Konawaena
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
A CHRISTMAS COLORING CONTEST, OPEN TO KEIKI PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 6, is offered at Ka‘ū District Gym, with an entry deadline of 4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14. Register Nov. 26 though Dec. 13. For more, call 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

CHARADES, A PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 YEARS OLD, at Kahuku Park (on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates), is held on Friday, Dec. 7, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register Nov. 23 to 30. For more, call 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Small Business Saturday takes place at Kalae Coffee and Hawaiian Flowers at 94-2166 South Point Road, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 24. The event aims help residents of Ka‘ū "Show your love for local" by connecting customers to local small businesses so they may easily buy local for the holidays.
     The following local vendors will be present: Karen Dusenbery DoTERRA Essential Oils; Heidi's LuLaRoe; Crooked C Ranch; Yolanda's Gifts & Creations; Art by tabby; Navarro Coffee Farm; Sticks and Stones; J & J Farm; Hawaiian Inspired Jewelry by Malia; Hawaiian Grindz; Infinite High; Fresh Pit; Gallery on the Go; Tropical Trappings; Paparazzi Accessories by CindyE; KaLae Therapeutic Massage; Jacquolyn McMurray, Author; Nurturing Gemstones; Alena Griffey Norwex Consultant; Beyond Organic Consulting; alikka TAG; KULOLO made by the Pua's; Dr. Frederick Kennedy, Chiropractor; Ariix; LeiMona; Ohi‘a Soap Lodge; Kanahele Jewelers and Shaved Ice.

Realms & Divisions of Kahuku, Sat., Nov. 24, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring snack. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Kīlauea Crisis Support Group Meeting, Sat., Nov. 24, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Reoccurring every last Saturday of the month sponsored by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

8th Annual Floating Lantern Celebration, "Honoring Past, Present & Future Generations," happens Saturday, Nov. 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. The event is a scholarship fundraiser, with lanterns and limited edition t-shirts for sale. Entertainment includes Hilo Okinawa Kobudo Taiko Drummers, Tai Chi and Qidong demonstrations, and local musicians. The celebration is sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, and funded by Kaʻū Council member Maile David. Call 928-0101 for more.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Artist's Volunteer Clean-up at Kamilo, Sun., Nov. 25, contact in advance for meet up time. Limited seats available, BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Nov. 25, 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, NOVEMBER 26
Free Diabetes Management Program held by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi in Kaʻū on Monday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. Registration required; sign up to be a Hui Mālama client at hmono.org or call 808-969-9220. Location of classes given to attendees after signing up. For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Keep up to date at facebook.com/HMONO.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Registration for Christmas Cards & Ornaments open Nov. 27-30, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Program, for ages 5-12, held Dec. 1 and 8. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Nov. 27, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

After Dark in the Park, Return to the Wild, One Year Later: An Update on the Reintroduction Efforts of ‘Alalā, Tue., Nov. 27, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Through intensive conservation efforts, 11 reintroduced ‘Alalā – endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow – have survived in native Hawaiian forest for over a year. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Angel Ornament, Wed., Nov. 28, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 19 to 27. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Nov. 28, 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

Pū‘ohe - Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 28, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help attendees make their own pū‘ohe. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 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., Nov. 29, 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., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

ONGOING
Annual Christmas in the Country Event is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Sunday, Nov. 26, daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; Park entrance fees apply. In addition to the artwork, gallery visitors can find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including Volcano Art Center exclusives. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Tuesday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Registration for Track & Field Practice open through Wed., Nov. 21, Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in H.O.V.E. Program for ages 6-14 to be held Dec. 3-Feb. 8. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing starting Friday, Nov. 23, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes on Thanksgiving, or between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.orgfacebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

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 tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu 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.

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.