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| Santa, who has organized Pāhala Christmas Parade with the Eddie Andrade family for 40 years, looks on at the characters surrounding one of the sponsors, Ed Olson, who owns Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Photos by Julia Neal |
VETERANS CAN NO LONGER ENTER HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK free of charge on their way to Kīlauea
Military Camp. Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald ran a story on the subject today after Tim Wright, a Navy and Hawaiʻi Air National Guard veteran, told writer Tom Callis that he became aware of the change Dec. 1, when he tried to enter the park to fill up gas at KMC on his way back to Hilo from Kaʻū, showing his retired military ID card.
Neal Herbert, treasurer of Big Island Retired Military Association, told Callis he was informed of the policy change when planning a Christmas party for Dec. 1 at KMC. "Prior to this year, people like us retired military could get fee waivers," Herbert told the Tribune Herald. "A lot of us have senior (Park) passes. Some of us don't." Herbert said he "wasn't aware of people declining to attend if they had to pay the park entry fee."
Weekly, annual and lifetime passes
are available for HVNP. Passes good for a week cost $25 for a single non-commercial vehicle, with up to 15 people; $20 for a motorcycle; and $12 for a bicycle or pedestrian.
Annual Senior passes, for those at lease 62 years of age, are $20. Lifetime Senior passes admit the Senior and up to three others 16 and older for a onetime cost of $80; those under age 16 enter free.
Those with permanent disabilities can apply for a free park pass.
Tri-Park passes that cover entrance to HVNP, Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau, and Haleakalā National Park, and are $50 for a year. America the Beautiful passes, for entrance to all National Parks, are $80 per year. Seniors can buy a lifetime pass to all National Parks for a one-time fee of $80.
Non-commercial groups entering the park in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged $12 for each person on board; anyone 15 or younger is exempt from paying an entrance fee.
The requirement for vets to purchase a park pass was made effective in January of this year.
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| Holy Rosary singers sang carols and later hosted participants for lunch at the church. |
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Nā Mamo O Kāwā volunteers who help restore native plants and
wetlands at Kāwā, come from the classroom and families of
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Annual Senior passes, for those at lease 62 years of age, are $20. Lifetime Senior passes admit the Senior and up to three others 16 and older for a onetime cost of $80; those under age 16 enter free.
Those with permanent disabilities can apply for a free park pass.
Tri-Park passes that cover entrance to HVNP, Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau, and Haleakalā National Park, and are $50 for a year. America the Beautiful passes, for entrance to all National Parks, are $80 per year. Seniors can buy a lifetime pass to all National Parks for a one-time fee of $80.
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| Pāhala Preschool rides and walks during the Pāhala Christmas Parade today. |
The requirement for vets to purchase a park pass was made effective in January of this year.
In the past,
veterans could enter for free if they were going to KMC, if they showed
a military identification card. Active-duty personnel can enter the park with a free Military Pass
Park spokeswoman
Jessica Ferracane told Hawaiʻi Tribune, "Hawaiʻi
Volcanoes National Park values and respects the sacrifices and service our
military retirees and veterans have made for our country, and we have many
veterans on our staff, and who volunteer with us. We regret that we will not be
able to provide fee waivers, and we apologize for the inconvenience this may
cause some KMC patrons."
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| Volcano School plays Christmas songs on ʻUkulele. |
Ferracane told
the Tribune Herald school groups receive educational waivers when participating in a state Department of Education activity, such as staying at KMC or using the bowling alley.
"Otherwise, a bowling team is subject to entrance fees like everyone else, and again, most regular park/KMC users already have one of the passes."
"Otherwise, a bowling team is subject to entrance fees like everyone else, and again, most regular park/KMC users already have one of the passes."
Ferracane told the Tribune Herald the
special use permit - which allows KMC to use the park property for its cottages, dorms, lounge, restaurant, bowling alley, store, gas station, and other facilities - ends in 2021, and that the National Park Service and U.S. Army are "working collaboratively to address a new use agreement. NPS is also developing a site plan for future use and enjoyment of the area that will include the U.S. Army."
All patrons can enter the Park fee on the five fee-free days in 2019 - see Dec. 7 Kaʻū Calendar News.
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. |
| Keiki meet the characters along the trail of Pāhala Chirstmas Parade. |
All patrons can enter the Park fee on the five fee-free days in 2019 - see Dec. 7 Kaʻū Calendar News.
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| Singers from The I Love Jesus Church, on Pikake Street in Pāhala. |
East-facing
shores can expect, "rough and choppy surf" for most of the next week,
as strong trade winds will persist.
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 FORTIETH PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE moved through the hilly neighborhoods today under sunny skies with music, Christmas characters, classic cars, schools, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, and community groups participating.
Eddie Andrade and his friends and family thanked the community for their longtime support, including an annual donation from Ed Olson, founder of Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
Holy Rosary Church hosted participants and attendees for a free lunch at the church after the parade. Along the parade route, Pāhala residents and visitors gathered in yards, on porches, and curbside to receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from this elves. See more photos of the parade in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.
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.
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| Trini Marques, Director of the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant, with Lilianna Marques, a Kaʻū Coffee Flower. |
THE FORTIETH PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE moved through the hilly neighborhoods today under sunny skies with music, Christmas characters, classic cars, schools, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, and community groups participating.
Eddie Andrade and his friends and family thanked the community for their longtime support, including an annual donation from Ed Olson, founder of Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
Holy Rosary Church hosted participants and attendees for a free lunch at the church after the parade. Along the parade route, Pāhala residents and visitors gathered in yards, on porches, and curbside to receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from this elves. See more photos of the parade in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.
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.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
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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. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu
Soccer:
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. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
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. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu
Soccer:
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. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
NEW and UPCOMING
DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION HOSTS A POTLUCK AND PARADE OF LIGHT & SOUNDS, on Saturday, Dec. 15, with the potluck beginning at 3 p.m., and the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event takes place at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more information, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.
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.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
Free STD Testing, Mon., Dec. 10, 9-noon,Ocean View Community Center
Free STD Testing, Mon., Dec. 10, 9-noon,
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11,
The Fascination Method w/Anthony Chrisco, Tue., Dec. 11,
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,
Huewai Demonstration - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Dec. 12, 10-2pm , Kīlauea Visitor Center Volcanoes National Park
Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26,
Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12,
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,
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:
Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by
Christmas Feast and Candlelight Service, Fri. Dec. 14, Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji. Registration at
Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14,
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Stewardship at the Summit, 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
Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15,
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15,
Santa's Coming to Town, Sat., Dec. 15,
Zentangle: Inspired Art Pop-Up Exhibit & Reception, Sat., Dec. 15,
Nā Mea Hula - Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe w/Hālauolaokalani, Sat., Dec. 15,
Waiho‘olu‘u Ola Indigo Dyeing Workshop, Sat., Dec. 15,
Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at
Holidays @ Kahuku, Sun., Dec.16,
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 thro ugh 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.
The Wreath Exhibition is availabl
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at
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.
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.
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.