Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, December 27, 2018

A wee view of an acre of Christmas lights and scenes at the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ocean View. With donations
from neighbors, the Houvener family expands its show each year. See story, below. Photo by Peter Bosted

SUZANNE CASE IS REAPPOINTED TO CHAIR THE STATE BOARD OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES and to run the Department of Land & Natural Resources, the office of Gov. David Ige announced today. The appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation.

     Case is former executive director of The Nature Conservancy Hawaiʻi Program, which overseas Kamehame hawskbill turtle preserve and numerous native forest preserves in Kaʻū. TNC, with partners, has protected some 200,000 acres statewide. Case served as Western and Asia/Pacific regional counsel for The Nature Conservancy. She practiced real estate transactions law at the law firm of Pettit & Martin in San Francisco. Case attended Williams College and Stanford University, where she graduated with a B.A. in History. She received her law degree from Hastings College of the Law, University of California, San Francisco.

Suzanne Case won a reappointment from Gov. David Ige to chair the
state Board of Land & Natural Resources and to manage the DLNR.
Photo from the Governor's Office

     Ige first appointed Case to run DLNR and chair BLNR in April 2015. "In this role she has focused on good government, inclusion, and implementation of Gov. Ige's Sustainable Hawaiʻi Initiative," said the statement from the governor's office.

     Said Case, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve with Gov. Ige and DLNR staff to protect Hawaiʻi's natural and cultural resources for all of Hawaiʻi. Together we have accomplished a lot these past four years, and we have a clear path forward to take the next important steps for our sustainability into the future, doing our job, the right way, and inclusively," said Case.

Robert Masuda.
Photo from the Governor's Office

     Ige also re-appointed Robert K. Masuda to be First Deputy Director at DLNR. Masuda assumed the position in August 2017. He also held the job from May 2005 to May 2007. Masuda served as senior advisor for special programs development at the USDA's U.S. Forest Service' Institute for Pacific Islands Forestry. Masuda holds a B.S. in applied behavioral science and group work education from George Williams College, and an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Hawai‘i.

     "I'm delighted to continue to serve with Gov. Ige and Chair Case as I agree very much with their commitment to Hawaiʻi's leadership in global sustainability through proper stewardship of our natural and cultural resources. The governor's respect and appreciation of native Hawaiian values and stewardship of our legacy resources is a reflection of his leadership and character, both much needed in today's world," said Masuda. Masuda's appointment is also subject to senate confirmation.

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HAWAIʻI WILDLIFE FUND'S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM reached more than 2,544 classroom students, according to a report from the nonprofit, issued today.
     Since 2014, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund mentors have taken unique classroom lessons and hands-on activities to students at schools across this island. The two main programs are Marine Debris Keiki Education and Outreach and Hawaiian Coastal Ecosystem. The report says that both have "considerable momentum."

Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund reached more than 2,544 classroom students.
Photo from Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund

     The schedule of classroom visits and field trips is filling up with both repeat teachers and new interests. "We are also excited to share that we are in the process of creating a new lesson on hawksbill sea turtles and a formal high school internship program" for juniors and seniors over the coming months, the report advises. For more, contact the Education Coordinator at Kallie.HWF@gmail.com.
     During 2018, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund hosted 60 cleanup efforts that amounted in over 53,172 lbs. of plastics and nets removed from the natural environment. "Mahalo to the 881 volunteers that helped to make 2018 another successful year of beach cleanups on Hawai‘i Island and Maui," states the report.
     To volunteer, visit the calendar at wildhawaii.org for upcoming cleanup events. "We are proud to say that the new custom dump bed has now been installed and with your help, is already working to rid beaches of plastic!"

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Applications for the 11th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament - to take place Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 - will be available 

mid-January. Photo from ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou

SIGN-UPS FOR THE 11TH ANNUAL KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT, scheduled for mid February, will begin mid-January, says Julie Enriques, of ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Applications will be distributed to schools and other locations throughout Ka‘ū.

     Those interested can pick up and drop off applications before the event at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, or Ocean View Auto Parts.

     The tournament will tentatively take place on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. Registration at the event will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Keiki, ages 1 to 14 years old, can fish until noon and then join in the free lunch and prizes. Every participant gets a prize. For more information, call Guy Enriques, 217-2253, or Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773. See okaukakou.org.

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SERIOUSLY SHOPPING AFTER CHRISTMAS, to amplify the celebration in his community, is the mission of Kaider Houvener, of Ocean View. His budget is cash from a grateful community that makes donations to help expand Houvener's famed display of Christmas decorations on the corner of Lehua and Palm.

Kaider Houvener works at South Point U Cart and lives
 off grid but lights up Ocean View with acres of
  Christmas scenes each year. Photo by Annie Bosted

     Houvener, whose day job is running South Point U Cart, and his wife, Michelle, have an increasingly important Christmas role in the community. In their yard, they create the jaw-dropping display of all the Christmas motifs from a nativity scene through candy and nutcrackers, to stars, Santas, and lights, lights, lights.

     Houvener told The Kaʻū Calendar that they began their traffic-stopping decorations 12 years ago, and each year they add more and more. Recently, a neighbor built a donation box so their neighbors can show their appreciation with spare change. The box is always well stuffed with generous contributions from the crowds that make the Houvener yard a Christmas destination.

     The day after Christmas, Houvener collects up the cash, which may amount to hundreds of dollars, and, taking advantage of post-Christmas sales, he scours the stores for the best deals and buys what ever it takes to make next year's display even more astounding.

     Their reward? Seeing smiles on the faces of the keiki. As parents of seven children, the Houveners know exactly what makes kids, and their families, love Christmas, as evidenced by the hundreds of cars that stop by each December.

     Houvener quit counting the number of lights he displays on strings when he passed 10,000. He has never counted all the lights on the reindeer, the 15-foot star, or other Christmas wonders. He has 27 blow-ups and a Santa performing hula on demand. Each season, he judiciously arranges and juggles his vast collection to make the most of every square foot in his one-acre yard. Living off the grid, he is rapidly reaching the limit of how much electricity he can produce to power the dazzling display, so a bigger generator is on his wish list.

     Houvener also told The Kaʻū Calendar that it takes him about four weeks to set up. He turns on the lights the day after Thanksgiving. It will take him and his 13-year-old daughter about four weeks to take down all the decorations that the Houveners display. 

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.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:

Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo, 6pm

Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm

Boys Basketball:

Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm

Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm

Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm

Wrestling:

Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha

Soccer:

Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA

Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe

Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo

Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau

Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa

Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani

Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona

Swimming:

Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

TWO PATCH CLASSES WILL BE OFFERED IN NĀ‘ĀLEHU on Friday, Jan. 11, at Punalu‘u Bake Shop's back pavilion.
     PATCH Class #701, Creating Supportive Environments I - making the connection between the environment, social-emotional development, and challenging behaviors - takes place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
     PATCH Class # 219, Building Relationships - making the connection between social and emotional development and challenging behaviors - takes place from noon to 3 p.m.
     Both classes are sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool and relate to child educators evaluating children in early learning environments, such as pre-school, home day care, etc. They are not PATCH's classes specifically designed for parents. No childcare provided. For more or to register, call 238-3472, or email rhall@patch-hi.org.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN - Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Dec. 29, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture, and observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
New Year's Day Brunch, Tue., Jan. 1, 7-noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Cheesecake Bar w/Toppings, Brownies and Beverage. $17.95/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
Open Mic Night, Wed., Jan. 2, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
Women's Support Group, Thu., Jan. 3 and 17, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Hula Voices, Thu., Jan. 3, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free, monthly. 967-7565

ONGOING
Fireworks and Fireworks Permits are on Sale through Monday, Dec. 31 at midnight.

     Setting off of fireworks for New Year celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of firing.

     Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years or older, and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

     Permits are available at:

     •Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 28

     •Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, second floor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 26 through 30

     •Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Kamuela, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31
     Permits are also available at the following firecracker vending outlets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31:

     •J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy, Kurtistown

     •KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     •TNT Tent Hilo, 381 E. Makaʻala St.

     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 325 E. Makaʻala St.

     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 111 E. Puainako St.
     •Long's Puainako, 111 E. Puainako St., Hilo

     •KTA Kona, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd.

     •Pacific Fireworks, 75-1022 Henry St., Kona

     •Phantom Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd.

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.

19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 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.

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

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.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.

     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.

     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.

     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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