About The Kaʻū Calendar

Friday, March 08, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, March 8, 2019

John Replogle, Kaʻū's Planning Commissioner, moved that the Special Management Area permit for the water
bottling plant be denied. He noted public opposition to the project, holding up many pages of testimony.
Photo from Big Island Video News
KAʻŪ'S PLANNING COMMISSIONER JOHN REPLOGLE joined public opposition against a proposed water bottling plant in Hilo, adjacent to the Wailoa State Recreation Area. On Thursday, Replogle moved that the Windward Planning Commission kill the request for a Special Management Area permit for the Piʻilani Partners water bottling plant. Commissioners voted five to one to deny the SMA. The developers may appeal the decision.
     Replogle said, "Giving private business access to our water, so they can enrich themselves, is not reasonable or beneficial use to our natural resource or to our people. I see nothing in the application that is in the public trust or interest." Replogle contended that drilling into the aquifer would introduce risks to the water supply. He also noted that worldwide there is "a scrambling by corporate business and wealthy individuals to grab up and control all remaining natural resources at the expensive of people who live in the region." He pointed to opposition in the community.
     Twenty six people testified. All of those not representing the developers spoke against the water bottling plant. Most objected to the use of plastic bottles, and opposed extracting a water resource, held in trust by the state and county, in order to sell it as a commodity.
Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian said the water bottling plant was "about raping
and pillaging of one of the last virgin natural resources we have left."
Photo from Big Island Video News
     Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian asked the commission to "stop this project in its tracts immediately." She said Pi'ilani is "about raping and pillaging of one of the last virgin natural resources we have left." She called the proposal "outrageous." She said allowing such an enterprise is counter to the trend of banning various plastics in the state to save fresh and ocean water resources.
     She said Piʻilani would send out 1.2 million plastic bottles a day, "438 million plastic bottles per year originating right here in Hilo. That's what you are allowing when we want to ban this practice."
     Kalani Souza, a representative of Hawaiʻi to the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Rising Voices Indigenous Knowledge, and Modern Science effort, opposed the bottling plant from a world resources perspective. He said partners in his international group include representatives of the United Kingdom and the U.S. government's National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, and FEMA.
     Souza said scientists in his group believe "we are entering the sixth great extinction moment on the planet. That's for the last 2.5 billion years - it's only the sixth time it's happening  - just to make sure that those of us who cut out of science to go surfing know what I'm talking about." He said that "less than two percent of water available in the world is fresh. Potable water, drinkable water, could be considered the most valuable necessity on the planet. I repeat, necessity. Water is not a commodity. You do not have an option. Whether you'll drink or resist drinking, time and tide, eventually you will need to drink."
Kalani Souza, of Rising Voices, called water "the most valuable necessity
 on the planet" and Mauna Kea aquifer a "treasure of the world."
Photo from Big Island Video News
     Souza said that the "untapped, untouched, hereto unviolated aquifer of Mauna Kea is "clearly one of the great treasures of the world." He called the aquifer "a living legacy we leave our children, our grandchildren, and the unborn future." He lamented that "This, our generation, has shown the propensity for greed, for indulgence, for self-consumption."
     Regarding the water bottling plant issue, Souza contended, "The act of sacrificing the potential survival of our future generations for a pittance of GE tax, in an attempt to create county based revenues, while sentencing our children to an uncertain future, by wresting from them the last great resource to feed our resorts, is the height of both political and civil irresponsibility by our elected officials and our appointed officials."
     Souza called approval of the project "reprehensible" and said it "would energize a movement to establish new leadership."
     Glen Gambla said he opposed a private entity "taking the water, benefiting. There is an outflow of water but I wouldn't see an inflow of money from a financial perspective that would directly benefit the county."
     Dwight Vicente said he represents the Hawaiian Kingdom. He said the water bottling plant site is on crown and government lands. He contended that water and other "resources belong to the Hawaiian Kingdom."
     Cory Harden, of the Sierra Club Moku Loa group, asked whether owners of the Piʻilani project are citizens of the state and pointed out that the water is held in trust for citizens of Hawaiʻi.
Cory Harden testified that the Supreme Court ruled
that water must remain in trust for the public.
Photo from Big Island Video News
     Harden noted that Earth Justice, during a Kauaʻi Springs bottling plant case before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, said, "government agencies have duties under the public trust independent of permit requirements."
     She said Native Hawaiian leaders oppose Piʻilani. Harden pointed to a Public Access Shoreline Hawaiʻi decision by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, ruling that the Planning Commission "is obligated to preserve and protect Native Hawaiian rights to the extent feasible when doing SMA permits." The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court said, "No person or entity has automatic vested rights to water. Private, commercial use is not protected by the public trust. The agency must apply a presumption in favor of public use, access, enjoyment, and resource protection."
     Harden also said Earth Justice questioned Piʻilani's public benefits proposal that offers student financing to offset the taking of the water resource and other impacts.
     June Juncinto testified that the aquifer is a limited resource needed for future generations. She said "plastic pollution is at a crisis level worldwide... It's killing wildlife; it's killing us. Why contribute to the problem? Let's support more ecologically sound practices."
     Hanalei Fergestrom, representing Na Kapuna O Keawe organizations in all six districts of the island, said Na Kapuna opposes the project. He said the aquifer should be preserved for future generations and for a backup in the event of the Mauna Loa aquifer being compromised.

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.

Rep. Richard Creagan
A BILL TO DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA IN HAWAIʻI PASSED the state House of Representatives and a first reading in the Senate today. Cosponsored by west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, House Bill 1383 would "Decriminalizes the possession of 3 grams or less of marijuana and establish that the possession is an infraction punishable by a monetary fine of $200. Provides for the dismissal of criminal charges, and expungement of criminal records, pertaining solely to the possession of 3 grams or less of marijuana. Establishes a marijuana evaluation task force to make recommendations on changing marijuana use penalties and outcomes in the State."

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.

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL is a goal of U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who calls it "a basic question of fairness and freedom of choice for the American people. A system that puts people in prison for marijuana use, while allowing corporations like Purdue Pharma that are responsible for thousands of opioid-related deaths to walk away scot-free with their coffers full, needs to change."
     Gabbard said it is "unacceptable" that marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug in this country -- "the same as heroin and other deadly narcotics." She introduced two bills this week: Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act would take marijuana off of the federal controlled substances list, giving states the ability to set their own laws without federal interference. Marijuana Data Collection Act requires the federal government to generate one central study on the impact of state marijuana legalization policies to push back against myths and stigma that are being used as excuses to perpetuate federal prohibition.
     During a press conference this week to launch the bills, she said, "Our archaic marijuana policies — based on stigma and outdated myths — have been used to wage a failed War on Drugs. Families have been torn apart, communities left fractured, and over-criminalization and mass incarceration have become the norm. In 2017 alone, our country arrested 600,000 people just for possession of marijuana. Our bipartisan legislation takes a step toward ending the failed war on drugs, ending the federal prohibition on marijuana, and ensuring that our policies are guided by facts and the truth."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, speaking at NORML, a group dedicated
the legalizing marijuana. Photo from Gabbard's Flickr
     Said Gabbard, in a letter to her supporters: "You deserve common sense, bipartisan legislation that actually has a chance to pass in a heavily divided Congress and make real, tangible impacts on our quality of life. We need leadership that will stay focused on getting things done for the American people, instead of playing political games.
     "I didn't suddenly wake up to this issue yesterday. The truth is, I don't smoke pot and never have. I'm not here trying to look cool. I'm here to get things done for the good of the American people. I'm here to stand up for every person's freedom to make their own choices.
     "Sixty percent of voters support marijuana legalization. If members of Congress and leaders in Washington listen to the voices of the vast majority of Americans, they will hear the calls for action that go beyond partisanship. We are long overdue to bring about this kind of change. We can't afford to keep kicking this can down the road given the devastating negative impact it is having on the people of this country."
     
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 WIND ADVISORY is in effect for most of Kaʻū until 6 a.m. Saturday, reports the National Weather Service. Sustained northeast winds could blow at 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 50 mph. Winds this strong can bring down small tree branches, cause localized power outages, and making driving difficult where crosswinds are encountered, the National Weather Service warned.
     Forecasters say: "A mid-level ridge will persist, keeping the inversion in place, and maintaining stable conditions. This stability will lead to an enhancement of the already sturdy trade winds, with an overnight ASCAT pass indicating sustained open- ocean winds of 25 mph or more near the islands. Interaction with island terrain and daytime mixing is expected to bring wind gusts to 50 mph and/or sustained 30 mph winds to parts of Maui county and the Big Island where terrain acceleration is maximized… Breezy trades will keep rough surf in place along east facing shores over the next couple of days, but surf should hold just below advisory levels through Saturday."

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.

VETERANS BENEFITS WORKSHOP, CLAIMS CLINIC, AND TOWN HALL MEETING happen in Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, tomorrow, Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to noon. Veterans, their families and survivors, and any members of organizations or individuals that work of behalf of veterans are encouraged to attend.
     The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to hear feedback from customers and to make the claims process visible to veterans. The information session is for non-medical benefit questions, such as VA compensation, and vocational rehabilitation and employment. VA Benefit Counselors will be on site to answer question and assist with the claims process.
     Call Aiko Shibuya at 433-0501 with questions.

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.

KAʻŪ HISTORY PROJECT has a display at Pāhala Library this month, showing 75 years of graduating classes from Kaʻū 
High School. See photos from graduating classes from 1943 to 2018 and some yearbooks. The Kaʻū History Project 
is funded by The Friends of Kaʻū Libraries. Photo from The Friends of Kaʻū Libraries
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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Sat., March 9, 1 p.m., host Kohala
Sat., March 16, 1 p.m., host Keaʻau
Thu., March 21, 3 p.m., @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 1 p.m., host Honokaʻa
Thu., March 28, 3 p.m., @Kohala
Softball:
Sat., March 9, 11 a.m., host Kohala
Mon., March 11, host Kamehameha
Wed., March 13, 5:30 p.m., host Pāhoa
Sat., March 16, 11 a.m., host Keaʻau
Wed., March 20, @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 11 a.m., host Honokaʻa
Wed., March 27, @Kohala
Boys Volleyball:
Fri., March 8, 6 p.m., @Kealakehe
Tue., March 12, 6 p.m., @Makualani, Varsity
Fri., March 15, 6 p.m., host Waiakea
Tue., March 19, 6 p.m., @Kealakehe
Wed., March 27, 6 p.m., host Kohala, Varsity
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m., @HPA
Track:
Sat., March 9, 2 p.m., @Keaʻau
Sat., March 16, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Sat., March 23, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

JUST ANNOUNCED
KE ALIʻI MAKA ʻĀINANA -- The Prince of the People – celebrates Prince Kuhio on Friday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kuhuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Coffee Talk.
     What is Kūhiō Day and why is it a state holiday? Prince Kūhiō was the last prince of Hawai‘i and the first titled royal in the Congress of the United States. He is well known for his efforts to preserve and strengthen the Hawaiian people. The Territorial Legislature passed a resolution in 1949 establishing March 26, his birthday, as a territorial holiday in his honor. In Hawai ͑ i, Kūhiō Day is still celebrated on March 26 as a state holiday. In respect to his memory and his accomplishments, Auntie Jessie Ke, a revered kupuna of Ka ͑ ū, will talk about the Prince, his legacy, the Hawaiian Civic Club movement, and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka ͑ ū.
     Monthly Coffee Talk at Kahuku is an opportunity to get to know the Park and its neighbors, and join an informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka`ū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. Entrance located just south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy. 11.

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.

UPCOMING
SATURDAY, MARCH 9
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, March 9, 8-11a.m.Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

The Business of Art, Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Volcano Art Center. Intensive training for artists who want to grow their business, led by Ira Ono. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Stained Glass Basics 2, Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. For those with prior copper foil stained glass experience. Fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, March 9, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.orgfacebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle: Lava Layers with Dina Wood Kageler, Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Returning tanglers invited to bring favorite drawing supplies; loaner supplies available. Bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hula Kahiko - Nā Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Lyons with Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani, Saturday, March 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe - Hālauolakalani, Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, MARCH 11
Free STD Testing, Monday, March 11 – 2nd Monday, monthly – 9 a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Monday, March 11 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

A Neighborhood Watch meeting for Pāhala will be Monday, March 11 at 5 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House at the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. Community Police Officer for Kaʻū, Shawn Ibarra, said he plans meetings monthly at either Pāhala Community Center or the activity room at Kaʻū District gym. The public is invited to Monday's event.

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.


La Réunion: Our Sister Park in the Indian Ocean, a special After Dark in the Park presentation, happens Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m. Réunion National Park and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are World Heritage Sites and became sister parks in 2015. The parks are oceans apart, but share many similarities: active shield volcanoes, endangered species, fascinating biodiversity, and environmental threats. Meet students and educators from La Réunion, who traveled to Hawai‘i Island and are staying in Pāhala and Kīlauea Military Camp.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, March 12 (Committees), Wednesday, March 13, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Spring Wreath Making - Adults, Tuesday, March 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Ages 18+. Register March 4-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tuesday, March 12, 4-6p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

The Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tuesday, March 12, 4-7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee. Enjoy a sampling of several wines from Grapes, Hilo, during class. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

After Dark in the Park: Pahu Manamana o ‘Umi - Ancestral Brilliance, Tuesday, March 12, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Pualani Kanahele of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation takes audience on a virtual visit to Pahu Manamana o ‘Umi, a stellar instrument positioned 7,752 feet up on the southwest slope of Mauna Loa. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Wednesday, March 13, Council, Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit; Dental, Wednesday, March 13, 8a.m.-5p.m. Medical, Thursday, March 28, 1-5 p.m. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org

Lomilomi Demonstration, Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Michelle Wall-O'Connor demonstrates the spiritual components of lomilomi, massage that incorporates Hawaiian concept of aloha to promote personal harmony. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Arts and Crafts Activity: Spring Flower Collage, Wednesday, March 13, 2:45-3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. For keiki ages 6-12. Register March 4-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Arts and Crafts Activity: St. Patrick's Day Rainbow, Wednesday, March 13, 3:30-5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 March 4-13. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MARCH 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thursday, March 14, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, March 14, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Final Day to Apply to Kamehameha Schools Summer Kilohana Program, Friday, March 15. Innovative four- and five-week Hawaiian culture-based math and literacy programs. Grade and residency requirements vary by program. ksbe.edu/summer

PATCH Class #110: Understanding Social and Emotional Development of Infants/Toddlers, Friday, March 15, 8-11 a.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register: 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Forest Restoration Project - Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Friday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., RSVP by Monday, March 11. Volunteers age 13+. Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, March 15, 9 a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

PATCH Class #619: Temperament and Secure Relationships, Friday, March 15, noon-3 p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register: 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Arts and Crafts Activity: Charades, Friday, March 15, 2-3 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 March 11-15. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

St. Patrick's Day Buffet, Friday, March 15, 5-8 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Corned beef and cabbage, lamb stew, shepherd's pie, and all the fixings. $19.95/adult, $10.95/child, ages 6-11. Irish ale available for purchase from Lava Lounge. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9-2 pm, just above Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Bazaar vendor spaces on the church lawn are $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors are responsible for bringing all supplies, including electricity. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Submit application with fee by Sunday, March 10; call Debbie or Walter, 928-8039, for application.

Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through Friday, March 15. Full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School. $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; health insurance; ongoing training; mentorship; and professional development. Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.orgFacebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.

Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through Sunday, March 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great and experience a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.  Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.
     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208PāhalaHI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Applications for Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are open. Year-long, full-time position in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience. Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy, 443-5401, or call Kupu Hawai‘i, 808-735-1221.

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.