Saturday, November 24, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, November 24, 2018

Children from Nāʻālehu Elementary School visited Kāwā recently to explore the place and plant native
species in a program sponsored by Nā Mamo o Kāwā. Photo by Nalani Parlin
OUTPLANTING NATIVE SPECIES SUCH AS MILO AND ʻAʻALIʻI, is the contribution of Nāʻālehu students in their November visit to Kāwā. Nā Mamo o Kāwā hosted Nāʻālehu Elementary third-graders at Kāwā Bay.
Keiki from Nāʻālehu School plant native plants
at Kāwā. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto
     The students grew these plants from seed as second-graders on their school campus as part of their science curriculum. Students each shared their aloha and positive vibes by hugging and exchanging hā, or breath, with the plants before putting them in the ground.
     James Akau, Executive Director of  Nā Mamo o Kāwā, said he believes that this was the first time Nāʻālehu Elementary students visited Kāwā as a group, and shared his hopes for a continued partnership with the school.
     Kamehameha Schools Kealapono kumu and Nāʻālehu Elementary teachers have been partnering with Nā Mamo o Kāwā since last year. Akau visited Nāʻālehu students monthly during the spring semester to teach about native plants that Nā Mamo o Kāwā is repopulating at Kāwā. 

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GOV. DAVID IGE TRAVELED TO TOKYO TODAY for a series of tourism meetings with a wide range of companies and agencies. They include JTB Corporation, the largest travel agency in Japan, H.I.S. travel agency, Japan Airlines, Delta Airlines, and All Nippon Airways.
     Ige also plans to participate in All Nippon Airways' formal presentation of its new Airbus A380 fleet, which is scheduled to start service to Honolulu next Spring.
     The governor is accompanied by first lady Dawn Amano-Ige and Chief of Staff Mike McCartney. 
Mayor Harry Kim with granddaughter at the Independence
Day Parade in Nāʻālehu in 2016. Photo by Ron Johnson
 Lt. Gov. Doug Chin serves as acting governor until Ige returns to Hawai‘i on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

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MAYOR HARRY KIM IS BACK after surgery to improve blood circulation in his legs. He returned to Hilo from Straub Medical Center in Honolulu last night, all ready to participate in a Christmas parade today, said his wife Bobbie Kim, in a county press release. "We thank everybody for their prayers; lots of people prayed for Harry. The procedure was successful and he's just fine," she said.
     The mayor said earlier in the week that he wanted to be back to participate in the Christmas Parade with his granddaughter.

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THE LATEST CLIMATE CHANGE STUDY, released Friday by the federal government, is a precursor to another report early next year that will detail risks and expectations in Hawaiʻi.
     Key to the report is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Mauna Loa Observatory. It produced some of the the first scientific documentation of climate change. Its Baseline Atmospheric Observatory recorded an increase in carbon dioxide for 2015 and 2016 that reached an unprecedented level in the 59 years of recording at the observatory.
Mauna Loa Observatory, one of the world's leading atmospheric research facilities, continuously monitors and collects
data related to atmospheric change, going back to the 1950's. Photo from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Earth System Research Laboratory - Global Monitoring Division
     The 1,600-page report, the second volume of the fourth National Climate Assessment, was authored by federal agencies and some 300 top scientists on the subject. It concludes that higher temperatures and many of the extreme and destructive weather events and fires in recent years are the result of climate change. "It's going to hurt cities, it's going to hurt people in the countryside, and as the world continues to warm, things are going to get worse," said one of the editors, Andrew Light.
     The report, mandated by Congress, states that climate change is "an immediate threat, not a far-off possibility." The document states that global warming can bring more and stronger hurricanes, extreme flooding and extreme drought, and rising temperatures and changes in rain patterns that can damage crops, pastures and fisheries, native hunting and gathering, and reduce food production in areas that have been breadbaskets for many generations. The report predicts economic losses in various sectors of the economy, should nothing be done about climate change. It also predicts problems with maintaining potable water resources for communities and a shift in the map of where various diseases spread as environmental conditions change.
     The mitigation needed, it contends, is an ambitious cutback in use of fossil fuel. Download a summary for policymakers at report.ipcc.ch/sr15/pdf/sr15_spm_final.pdf.

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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 High Winter Sports Schedule 
through end of 2018
Girls Basketball:
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:
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Nov. 28, Wed., 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
REGISTER KEIKI, KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE, FOR PAPER TREE TABLE TOP, an Arts & Craft's Activity in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room held on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is open Nov. 26 to Dec. 4. For more, call 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 5 TO 12 YEARS OLD, FOR CHRISTMAS CARDS & ORNAMENTS, an Arts & Craft's Activity in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room held on Saturdays, Dec. 1 and 8, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration is open Nov. 27 to 30. For more, call 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Dec. 1, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing 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.

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