Thursday, December 06, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, December 6, 2018

Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island is reaching out for help to increase home ownership on this island.
See more below. Photo from Habitat for Humanity
REEF FISH FOUND IN PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀKEA MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT waters 100 to 500 feet deep around Kure Atoll are unique on the planet. Called Kure Atoll's Twilight Zone, the waters were the focus of 200 researchers, managers, and interested parties who attended the Symposium on Science in Support of Archipelagic Management. They came together in November in Honolulu to discuss the fish living around Kure, plus other findings concerning wildlife throughout the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, plastics in the oceans and new diving technologies.
This deep reef fish community at Kure Atoll is composed of 100% Hawaiian 
endemic species, the highest level of endemism known from any 
marine ecosystem on Earth. Photo from Richard Pyle/Bishop Museum
     The Twilight Zone is the mesophotic zone of coral reefs. Kure Atoll, the northernmost coral atoll in the world, is gaining ground as a beaching site for Hawaiian monk seals, and the fish found in its "Twilight Zone" represent the highest concentration – 100 percent – of endemic fish found anywhere on the planet.
     The entire fish community is found nowhere else on Earth. This is the highest level of endemism known in any marine ecosystem.
New species, Pete Basabe's Butterflyfish (Prognathodes 
basabei Pyle and Kosaki 2016), at a depth of 180 feet off 
Pearl and Hermes Atolls, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Photo from Greg McFall/NOAA 
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
     Scientists at the symposium discussed numerous new species  discovery, and description, recorded annually throughout  Papahānaumokuākea, A new one is named  Pete Basabe's Butterflyfish, found between the Pearl and Hermes Atolls.
     Attendees discussed working to save the Nihoa millerbird, Nihoa finch, and Laysan finch, all endemic to Papahānaumokuākea. Preventing these species from going extinct will depend on regular monitoring – ideally annually – managing threats, successful translocations, and community support.
Nihoa finch, only found on Nihoa island. 
Photo from Wayne Levin
     Plastics ingestion incidence and loads in seabirds from the main and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands were discussed. Plastic ingestion studies, along with tracking, dietary and chemical analyses, help with investigating seabird foraging behavior during changing ocean conditions. They also teach about the flow of pollutants in North Pacific marine ecosystems.
     Other topics included special equipment to allow divers to go deeper and stay underwater longer than ever before, new deep coral communities, mapping of and more.
    Papahānaumokuākea is a nesting place for green sea turtles who otherwise live at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach and other remote coastal ares in Kaʻū The nesting grounds were all but destroyed by Hurricane Walaka this summer.
    Learn more at papahanaumokuakea.gov/new-news/2018/12/03/symposium2018.

Kure Atoll. Photo from Wikipedia
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MOKUPĀPAPA DISCOVERY CENTER, the interpretive facility for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and World Heritage Site in Hilo, hosts a new exhibit starting tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 7, through mid-February.
     A display of artwork from the Schmidt Ocean Institute's Artist-at-Sea program features more than 50 pieces of artwork made from and inspired by local artists who participated on science expeditions aboard Falkor, the institute's research vessel. Artwork includes watercolor paintings, drawings, photography, fiber art, resin art, and data visualizations. The exhibit will be on display at the center, with a "For the Love of the Ocean" closing event around Valentine's Day.
     The fee-free Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hilo Bayfront, 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, 808-933-8181.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
     The Schmidt Ocean Institute is a nonprofit foundation established to advance oceanographic research, which operates its Artist-at-Sea program to apply artists' storytelling abilities to ocean science and conservation. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operates Mokupāpapa Discovery Center for  Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and World Heritage Site.

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS REACHING OUT TO CREATE MORE HOME OWNERSHIP.
     Kaʻū residents have become homeowners with their own sweat equity and assistance from Habitat, which helps families toward home ownership by raising funds for materials, assisting with financial planning and mortgages, and inspiring and teaching people to build their own home with the help of volunteers.
     The end of the year outreach by Habitat asks, "When you think of home, what comes to mind? Is it comfort? Safety? Family? Now imagine if you suddenly had no place to call home due to a natural disaster or other circumstances beyond your control.
     "Most think of Hawaiʻi as a beautiful tourist resort destination and are unaware of the homeless and poverty issues that are prevalent throughout the islands. Hawaiʻi Island in particular is experiencing an affordable housing crisis and the recent Kīlaeua Volcano eruption destroyed more than 700 homes at last count.
     "There are so many families across Hawaiʻi Island that are homeless or living in overcrowded, inadequate and unsafe structures."
     The outreach message from Habitat gives an example: "Pauahi and her two young children, along with their older daughter, Kaylen and her two children, currently rent a home together. Rentals are very expensive in Hawaiʻi, often times surpassing the 30 percent housing ration where even with a full-time job, she wouldn't be able to rent it on her own."
     Said Pauahi: "It will be great not having to keep moving from one rental to another because owners are moving back into their homes. I just want to be able to afford a home for me and my family, and provide stability for them."
     Donations can be made to help Habitat for Hawaiʻi at habitathawaii.org.

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Demonstration of how an automated CPR device performs 
timed chest compressions. Image from OKK
ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU IS FUNDRAISING to purchase an automated CPR machine, known as a thumper, for Kaʻū Hospital. The $15,000 machine would be used in the emergency department, where manpower can be in short supply. CPR can be exhausting, and this device allows providers to be hands-free and focus on other life-saving procedures.
     "For a small, rural hospital such as ours," says the announcement from OKK, "this device can make a huge difference. Mahalo for any donations!"
     Contact OKK president Wayne Kawachi at 808-937-4773, okaukakou.org@gmail.com, or through facebook/com/okaukakou. Donation checks can be sent to PO Box 365, Pāhala, HI 96777.

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OVERFLIGHT PLANS FOR Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park begin tomorrow, Dec, 7:
     Friday, Dec. 7, morning flight time to be determined, for invasive fountain grass surveys and control work from Kīlauea southwest boundary to Keauhou, below 2,500-ft. elevation.
     Monday, Dec. 17, between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., to shuttle crews from Keauhou Trail to ‘Āinahou for invasive guinea grass survey and control, below 2,600-ft. elevation. 
     In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
     The park "regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors." Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.

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ISAAC HALE BEACH PARK AND LAVA TREE STATE MONUMENT reopened to the public today in lower Puna. The county Department of Public Works opened the emergency road to the Isaac Hale Beach Park, next to Poho`iki. Take Hwy 130 to Kalapana, then Hwy 137 north to reach Isaac Hale Beach Park. Both Hwy 132 and Pohoʻiki Road remain closed to all traffic. Lava Tree can be accessed via Hwy 132.  

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL suffered an away game at Konawaena on Dec. 3. JV ended with Kaʻū at 3, Konawaena at 59. Varsity ended with Kaʻū at 12, Kona at 66.
     Kaʻū played Waiakea at another away game yesterday, Dec. 5. JV ended with Kaʻū 10, Waiakea 52. Varsity, Kaʻū scored 12, Waiakea 67.

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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 December Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
     Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
     Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
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., @Konawaena

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

NEW and UPCOMING

HE INOA NO HI‘IAKAIKAPOLIOPELE, an After Dark in the Park presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, features a Papakū Makawalu discussion with Ku‘ulei Kanahele of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation on Hi‘iaka and her role in volcanism.
     'Many of us are familiar with Hiʻiakaikapoliopele and her role as Pele’s favorite younger sister, but who are the other Hi‘iaka and what are their roles in the Pele ʻohana? Why is it important that Pele dances end with the line, "He Inoa No Hiʻiakaikapoliopele?"' states the event flyer.
     The program is co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and free to attend; however, donations help support park programs and park entrance fees apply. For more, call 985-6011 or visit nps.gov/havo.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
PATCH Class #425, More Than Counting: Math in Preschool, Fri., Dec. 7, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Teaching strategies that support the development of mathematical concepts in preschool-age children. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #309, Together in Care, Fri., Dec. 7, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Creating close caregiver/child relationships within a group. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Stewardship at the Summit, Fri., Dec. 7, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pmOcean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Sat., Dec. 8, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā.  RSVP with w/James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Updates and notifications on upcoming ʻOhana Workdays, see nmok.org or facebook.com/namamoo.kawa.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle: Pen in Henna, Sat., Dec. 8, 10-1pmVolcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Art work guided by designs from Mehndi Henna style. Student kits provided. Open to all levels. Students invited to bring snacks to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pmOcean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

Jazz in the Forest Christmas Special, Sat., Dec. 8, 5:30pm – doors open 5pm – Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones with Jeannine Guillory, featuring Christmas favorites and original compositions. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

A Gift of Love, Volcano Festival Chorus Annual Christmas Concert, Sat., Dec. 8, 7:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 25 member chorus under direction of Roch Jones, accompaniment by Laura Kahale, with Cheryl Shine on flute. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sun., Dec. 9, 1pm, Pāhala Armory at Pakalana St. to Holy Rosary Church, Pikake St. Parade ends with food and entertainment. Parade participants line up at 11. Andrade, 928-0808

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
Free STD Testing, Mon., Dec. 10, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 2nd Monday, monthly. Call for individual appointment for different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pmOcean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

The Fascination Method w/Anthony Chrisco, Tue., Dec. 11, 2-4pmVolcano Art Center. Brief instruction of the method and tool Chrisco developed to bring more healthy awareness to bodies. See full list of ailments The Fascination Method can help alleviate at volcanoartcenter.org. $25/person. thefascianator.com. 967-8222

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Dec. 11, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios/ Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

After Dark in the Park, He Inoa No Hi‘iakaikapoliopele, Tue., Dec. 11, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Dec. 12, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Dec. 27, 1-5pmCooper CenterVolcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appointment. thecoopercenter.org

Huewai Demonstration - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Dec. 12, 10-2pmKīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pmUnited Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up with Konawaena Middle School Recycling Club, Fri., Dec. 14. Contact for meet up details. BYO-4WD welcome; no seats available. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pmKahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Feast and Candlelight Service, Fri. Dec. 14, Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji. Registration at 5pm, Dinner at 6pm. Thy Word Ministries brings 14 churches together. Hula and music. Pastor Bob, 936-9114

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pmOcean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol, Dec. 14-23, Thu., Fri., Sat., 7:30pm, Sun., 2:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp Theater inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $20/person - cash or check, available at door. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. KDEN, 982-7344

ONGOING
Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 
     Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
     The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. 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.
     Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. 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.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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 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. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are 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.