Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, March 28, 2019

Smoke from a house fire on Tuesday afternoon darkened a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.
Kaʻū Calendar News photo

A HOUSE FIRE IN NĀʻĀLEHU brought many responders, including a helicopter, to fight the flames on Tuesday afternoon. Smoke was seen from far away during the event.

     Hawaiʻi Fire Department's Captain K. Brown reported 13 HFD and five volunteer firefighters responded to the fire, in a total of ten vehicles. This included a helicopter, a medical unit, a tanker, and four fire engines.

An HFD helicopter was in on the action Tuesday afternoon. 

Kaʻū Calendar News photo

     At 2:47 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, a fire was reported at a 1,475 square foot dwelling at 94-5755 Au Moku Place in Nāʻālehu. The first official responder arrived at 2:56 p.m. to find flames visible over half the structure, and the roof caved in that area. No one was in the home. Volunteers from the subdivision were on scene first and confirmed the fire was spreading quickly in the home. Firefighters focused on control of spread of the flames as they were concerned about another home less than 20 feet from the fire.

     The fire was under control by 3:13 p.m., and put out in just under two hours. No occupants at were in either house, and no injuries to firefighters were reported.

     Owner of record is Mike Brorby. Estimated loss is $221,250.

     Said Brown, "Due to the remote location of the subdivision and far distance from any fire stations, the HFD volunteers were key in saving the adjoining home from no more than superficial damage.

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BAY CLINIC CEO HAROLD WALLACE WILL STEP DOWN, effective April 30. Wallace presided over an active phase of growth and development at Bay Clinic, and built a strong team that will continue to drive the business forward, says a statement from Bay Clinic.

     Alan Okinaka, Board Chair, said, "The Board thanks Harold for his leadership, service, and commitment to Bay Clinic for almost seven years and wishes him the best in his future endeavors."

Harold Wallace will step down as CEO at the end of April.
Photo from Bay Clinic

     Wallace joined Bay Clinic in June, 2012. At the time, Bay Clinic owned one of its clinic facilities, had a total of 18,314 patients, 154 staff, and $13 million in annual operating revenue. Today, the company owns three buildings and a dual-use state-of-the-art Mobile Health Unit, has a total of 21,196 patients, 176 staff, annual operating revenue of $18 million, and will open its first 340B in-house pharmacy on April 3. Wallace led Bay Clinic to become one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in the state, with a strong foundation for future growth, says the statement.

     The Board of Directors appointed Youlsau Bells to serve as Interim CEO. Bells, currently Bay Clinic’s Chief Operating Officer, has played a key role in the evolution of the company over the past eight years. Alan Okinaka, Board Chair commented, "The Board has full confidence in Youlsau and the Bay Clinic team to continue to build on the successes of the company. Youlsau joined Bay Clinic in 2011, leading our corporate development team prior to becoming the COO last year. She will provide leadership continuity to our staff, partners and key stakeholders as we continue to execute our strategic initiatives."

     As interim CEO, Bells will oversee the company's operations until a new CEO is appointed. As COO, Bells is responsible for day-to-day operations and execution of the company's strategic plans. Prior to this role, Bells was responsible for leading Bay Clinic's philanthropic and marketing campaigns. Bells will retain her responsibilities as COO during the interim period.

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FIRE ANTS AWARENESS COMMUNITY MEETING happens at Discovery Harbour Community Hall Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Big Island Invasive Species Committee, sponsored by Hawaiʻi Tourism and Change Happens Foundation, will cover how to combat LFA, including how biology and behavior affects treatment, how to distinguish between products,  how to use products most effectively, and how to work with neighbors for long-term control and prevention. BIISC will also cover how to receive a free demo day with pesticide application for a neighborhood. Franny Kinslow Brewer, 933-3340, biisc@hawaii.edu

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Helena Nihipali Sesson, 

Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant. 

Photos from Trini Marques

MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE COURT will sport nine contestants during the pageant on Saturday, April 27 at Kaʻū District Gym, beginning at 6 p.m. Meet the candidates on Friday, April 26 at the kickoff open house for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival at Pāhala Plantation House, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainment will include Bolo and hula dancer Sami Fo.

Bernadette Ladia, 

Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant.

     Contenders for Miss Kaʻū Coffee are:

     Helena Nihipali Sesson of Pāhala, age 17, daughter of Guy Sesson and Sherriane Nihipali-Sesson. A senior at Kaʻū High, she wants to become a police officer.

     Bernadette Ladia of Pāhala, age 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Aurelio. A junior at Kaʻū High, she wants to join the military.

Kaitlyn Alaon, 

Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant.

     Kaitlyn Alaon of Pāhala, age 15, daughter of Antonia Alaoan. A sophomore at Kaʻū High, she wants to become a neonatal nurse.

     Vying for Miss Kaʻū Coffee Peaberry are:

Lilianna Marques, 

Peaberry contestant.

     Lilianna Marques of Pāhala, age 6, daughter of Shawn Marques and Kuʻulei Marques. In first grade at Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a graphics artist.

     Evalyn Bedsaul of Ocean View, age 9, daughter of Robin Maggard and Edward Bedsaul. Attending Nāʻālehu Elementary, she wants to become a pediatrician.

Evalyn Bedsaul, 

Peaberry contestant.

     Helen Miranda of Kiolokaʻa, age 10, daughter of Roberto and Maria Miranda. Attending Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a lawyer.

     Kendall Haddock of Kiolokaʻa, age 9, daughter of James and Erin Haddock. Attending Nāʻālehu Elementary, she wants to become a science teacher.

Helen Miranda, 

Peaberry contestant.

     Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower contestants are:

     Kysha Kaupu Manini of Pāhala, age 4, daughter of Sasha Kaupu and Kai Manini. Not yet in school, she wants to become a cosmetologist.

     Adilyn Aetonu of Pāhala, age 5, daughter of Fresno and Ashley Eder. Pre-K at Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a fashion designer.

     There are no Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee contenders this year; Cristina Kawewehi holds crown.

Kendall Haddock, 

Peaberry contestant.

     Tickets, sold by contestants and their families, are $10 each for anyone from 12 to 55; $5 for children 5-11 and senior citizens 55-older.

     Pageant Director Trini Marques promises an evening of beauty, talent, poise, confidence, prizes, food, and entertainment.

Kysha Kaupa Manini, 

Flower contestant.

     Sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative and Kaʻū Coffee Fest.

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Adilyn Aetonu, 

Flower contestant.

TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL hosted the Cowboys in a four-set game Wednesday, March 27. Kaʻū played hard, winning one set 25-19. Kohala won the other three, 25-12, 25-20, and 25-19. Come out to support the Trojans at home games; schedule below.

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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Sat., March 30, 1 p.m., @Konawaena

Tue., April 2, 3 p.m., @HPA

Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., April 13, 3 p.m., @Kamehameha

Softball:

Sat., March 30, 11 a.m., @Konawaena

Wed., April 3, host Waiakea

Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe

Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals

Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals

Boys Volleyball:

Fri., March 29, 6 p.m., @HPA

Wed., April 3, 6 p.m., host Ehunui

Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity

Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea

Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., @Keaʻau

Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa

Track:

Sat., March 30, 3 p.m., @Keaʻau

Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 13, 9 a.m., @HPA

JUST ANNOUNCED

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, April 8. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Pāhala Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 5 p.m., activity room at Kaʻū District Gym.

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UPCOMING
FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Final Day to Apply for Preschool Opens Doors, Friday, March 29. For families seeking aid paying for preschool, for preschool participation July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. patchhawaii.org, 800-746-5620

My Hawaiʻi Story Project 2019 submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29. The creative writing contest is open to all Hawaiʻi sixth to eighth grade students. They are invited to submit their best story or poem that addresses the theme He ‘a‘ali‘i kū makani au: Resilience in the Face of Change, which aligns with the theme of the 2019 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference, which will be held in July in Honolulu. Only one entry per student will be accepted. All entries must be submitted electronically. Contact myhawaiistory@gmail.com with questions.

Ke Aliʻi Maka ʻĀinana – The Prince of the People – celebrates Prince Kūhiō on Friday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kuhuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Coffee Talk. Find out: What is Kūhiō Day and why is it 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. Kaʻū 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. Free. nps.gov/havo

PONC Fund Public Mtg., Friday, March 29, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Email Charter Commission your thoughts: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov. More about 2% fund at debbiehecht.com/2019/01/15/2-land-fund-program-at-the-charter-commission-as-of-january-142019/ or email Debbie Hecht, hecht.deb@gmail.com

Little Fire Ants Community Mtg., Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community meeting to teach about the ant, how to survey, and if found, how to treat properly to ensure eradication. Franny Kinslow Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, 933-3340, biisc@hawaii.edu

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Count Humpback Whales – Final 2019 Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. to noon, Ka‘ū locations: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document animals' surface behavior during survey, providing valuable data to NOAA. Register at oceancount.org; registration closes one week prior to event. Free.

Landscaping with Native Hawaiian Plants with Zach Mermel, Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Exhibit - Ancient Hula: Through the Lens of Dino Morrow, daily, March 30-May 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Reception on Saturday, March 30, 5p.m. Morrow is a documentary and portrait photographer specializing in imagery of local cultures. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Classic Car and Bike Show, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Fun, food, music, and open house. Pre-registration of vehicles strongly recommended. Sponsored by Ocean View Community Association. Show prizes provided by Dune Buggy Concessions and OVCA. Raffle prizes provided by local merchants and individuals. Dennis, 831-234-7143, or Ron, 217-7982

Beginner and Intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. Learn safe studio practices, encaustic painting basics, step-by-step. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, APRIL 1
Scholarship Application Deadlines for American Association of University Women-Kona, Three $2,000 awards for college-bound high school students: Monday, April 1. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.com

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, April 1, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Finger Puppetry, Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register through April 1. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
Hula Voices with Kumu Kini Ka‘awa, Wednesday, April 3, 1st Wednesday monthly, 5:30 p.m – 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. 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, APRIL 4
Women's Support Group, Thursday, April 4, 1st Thursday monthly, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

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.

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily, Saturday, March 30 through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

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 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

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