Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, May 2, 2019

Go stargazing tomorrow night under a new moon at Makanau above Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. Reservations required. 

Part of the Kaʻū Coffee Fest events. See story below. Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

A MAN WAS RESCUED AFTER HE FELL 70 FEET INTO KĪLAUEA CALDERA yesterday. At 6:50 p.m., visitors reported that ground gave away on the 300 foot-high Steaming Bluff. The earth collapsed beneath him after he climbed over a metal railing to an off-limits area at the lookout. Search and rescue began within minutes.

     At approximately 9 p.m., rescue personnel discovered the man alive but critically injured on a narrow ledge about 70 feet blow the lookout. Rescuers employed high angle extrication using ropes and a stokes stretcher. In critical condition, the man, a 32-year-old U.S. Army enlisted service member who was on island to train at Pōhakuloa, was airlifted by a military Blackhawk to Hilo Medical Center.

Steaming Bluffs, where a visitor climbed over the railing and fell
70 feet yesterday. NPS photo by Janice Wei

     Six rescue vehicles responded and 24 personnel saved the man. They came from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai‘i County Fire Department, and Department of Defense.

     Park Chief Ranger John Broward said, "Visitors should never cross safety barriers, especially around dangerous and destabilized cliff edges. Crossing safety barriers and entering closed areas can result in serious injuries and death."

     The last fatality in the park from falling occurred on Oct. 29, 2017.

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GPS instrument that fell into
Puʻu ʻŌʻō yesterday.
USGS photo by I. Johanson

A FAITHFUL GPS INSTRUMENT DISAPPEARED IN A PUʻU ʻŌʻŌ small crater collapse Wednesday at 6:14 a.m. U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said it was an important source of information on the shallow magma system of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō during the 2018 Kīlauea 2018 eruption.
     HVO's last report from the instrument showed it moving rapidly to the southeast, consistent with motion into the crater. HVO scientists said the larger equipment installation near the solar panels (which power the instruments) was not affected by the collapse. Contingency plans are in place in case collapses of the crater edge continue, they said.
     The motion is interpreted by HVO scientists to be "sliding of the unstable edge of Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone, rather than having direct association with magmatic activity. Small collapses at Puʻu ʻŌʻō have occurred since the eruption due to local instability."
     Monitoring of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō is now reported by additional GPS and tilt stations farther from the edge of the crater.

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A HOUSE BURNED DOWN ON LANIHULI ROAD IN VOLCANO late last night, reports Hawaiʻi Fire Department. The 1,200 square foot, two-story structure was engulfed in flames and partially collapsed when firefighters arrived at 11:28 p.m. All occupants and pets were outside and away from the fire, with no injuries reported.

     Firefighters spent over two hours extinguishing the fire that consumed the house and a vehicle, using 13 personnel attached to three engines, one medic unit, and two tankers. Tankers were required as the closest fire hydrant was miles away.

     HFD reports Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. deactivated power lines and that Red Cross was informed of the occupants' status. HFD investigators are looking into the cause. Call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 with information on this event.

     The loss is estimated at $180,000.

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The state House of Representative ended the 2019 session today.
The event is called sine die. The House passed 298 bills.
Photo from Hawaiʻi House of Representatives

VOTING BY MAIL WON APPROVAL OF THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, which ended its session - sine die - today in Honolulu. The House passed 298 bills in 2019. Once the Senate signs off on those measures it approves, the winners will go to the Governor for approval or veto.
     In addition to voting by mail, measures include changes to Medicaid eligibility, decriminalization of marijuana, charter school operations transparency, review of mosquito vector control, and more election reforms. More than 3,000 bills were introduced this legislative session.

     Some highlights:

     Medicaid

     SB330 SD1 HD1 SD1 CD1 would disregard the income earned by otherwise Medicaid-eligible individuals with disabilities between 16 and 64 years old when determining their eligibility for Medicaid.

     Bail/Prisons

     SB192 SD1 HD2 CD1 would authorize the court to release a defendant in custody on unsecured bail.

     Elections

     SB216 SD2 HD1 CD1 would require a recount in elections when margin of victory is equal to or less than one hundred or one-quarter of one per cent of the votes cast, whichever is greater.

     HB1248 HD1 SD2 CD1 would enact voting by mail across the state, starting in 2020.

     Homelessness

     HB257 HD2 SD1 CD1 would authorize use of private lands for the ʻOhana Zones Pilot Program.

Bolo performs at the Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday at
12:30 p.m.  See entertainment lineup below.
 Photo from Bolo

     SB471 SD2 HD1 CD1 would appropriate funds for core homelessness services, including the outreach program, rapid re-housing program, housing first program, family assessment centers, stored property and debris removal services, and the state rent supplemental program.

     Affordable Housing

     SB1223 SD2 HD1 CD1 would extend Act 141, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2009, which requires each county to issue affordable housing credits to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, until July 1, 2024. It would extend Act 98, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2012, which requires counties to issue affordable housing credits for each residential unit, or if allowed under the county's affordable housing program, vacant lot, developed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, until July 1, 2024.

     Agriculture

     HB297 HD1 SD1 would require the Dept. of Ag to review importing modified mosquitoes for landscape-scale mosquito control.

     Cannabis

     HB1383 HD2 SD1 CD1 would allow expungement of criminal records for possession of three grams or less of marijuana. It would decriminalize the possession of three grams or less of marijuana, making possession a violation punishable by a $130 fine.

     HB290 HD1 SD2 CD1 would authorize qualifying patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for their personal medical use.

     Hemp Production

     SB1353 SD3 HD3 CD1 would require the Department of Agriculture to establish a permanent industrial hemp program, pursuant to federal law. It would establish monetary penalties for the unauthorized cultivation of hemp. It would also exclude hemp from statutory definitions of marijuana.

     Real Estate Investment Trusts

     SB301 SD1 HD1 CD1 Would disallow dividends paid deduction for real estate investment trusts for 2020 through 2023.

Lucky Lizards band performs at the Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday at
11:15 a.m. Photo from Lucky Lizards

     Education

     HB622 HD2 SD1 CD1 would require charter schools to provide full access to their fiscal and accounting books, documents, and files to authorizers, and submit to independent audits. It would prohibit individuals from serving as Charter School Commission members if the individual was affiliated with a charter school within one year preceding appointment.

     Tobacco

     SB1405 SD2 HD2 CD1 would require public school teachers and educators to confiscate electronic cigarettes from students under 21 years of age.

     Suicide Prevention

     SB383 SD2 HD1 CD1 would require the Department of Education to establish a mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training program and model risk referral protocol for all public schools.

     Click here for a list of all bills that passed final reading in the House of Representatives. See more on tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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Bula Akamu performs at the Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday at 115  p.m. 
Photo from Bula Akamu

KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL HOʻOLAULEʻA entertainment begins this Saturday, May 4, at 9 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
     Here is the lineup: Hands of Time plays at 9 a.m., followed by Foggy at 9:45 a.m. Hannah's Makana ʻOhana Hālau takes the stage at 10:30 a.m., followed by Lucky Lizards at 11:15 a.m.

     At noon, the 2019 Miss Kaʻū Coffee Court greets the crowd. Bolo follows the court at 12:45 p.m., with Bula Akamu at 1 p.m. Games come on at 2 p.m., with Braddah Ben & Kaniu at 2:30 p.m. Leka & Demetrius play at 3:15 p.m., with Backyahd Brahddahs closing the stage performers at 4 p.m.
     The Hoʻūolauleʻa also features coffee tasting, meeting the many farmers of Kaʻū Coffee, demonstrations, food, snacks, educational booths, and games. Free entry.

     Other Kaʻū Coffee Festival Events run through Sunday, May 5. All events are open to the public; some require reservations. Celebrate Kaʻū Coffee at:

     Kaʻū Coffee and Cattle Day, Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. Includes farm tours, BBQ buffet, and hayride, with music by Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Nihipali Sesson and Chase Cabudol. Visit this historic Ka‘ū Coffee farm and ranch. $25, reservations required. Call 927-2252.

     Kaʻū Stargazing on Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., takes guests to the top of sacred Makanau during a new moon. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian temple and see the Hawaiian night sky and stars. Reservations required; $45 per person, includes refreshments. Call 938-0550.

     Kaʻū Coffee College closes out the Kaʻū Coffee Festival. It is held at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 5. Coffee College will feature a host of educational opportunities for island coffee farmers, where coffee farmers and enthusiasts can learn, share, and network. Coffee's leading professionals from around the globe and industry experts come to Kaʻū Coffee College to interface with local growers and make valuable connections.

     See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Nihipali Sesson stakes her name to a coffee tree she planted at Kaʻū Valley Farms today. Join
her tomorrow at Coffee & Cattle Day, where she will play ʻukulele during the hayrides. Also performing is Chase
Cabudol. The event features a barbecue lunch. See contact info above. Photo by Lloyd Nakano

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:

Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA

Softball:

Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA

Boys Volleyball:

Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA

Track:

Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

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.

ALSO UPCOMING

FRIDAY, MAY 3
Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser, Friday, May 3, doors open 5:30 p.m., dinner served 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Enchiladas, Tamales, Charro Borracho Beans (Mexican Cowboy Drunken Beans), Drinks and Dessert. $8/person, $15 for two, $20/family. stjudeshawaii.org

KDENte Fundraising Dinner for Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network, Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant, Hilo. Italian food buffet, $20 cash or check at door. 984-7344

The Great Kīlauea Eruption of 2018 and What May Soon Follow, Friday, May 3, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Presented by Geologist Dr. Richard "Rick" Hazlett, Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, MAY 4
Stewardship at the Summit, May 4, 9, 17, 25, and 31, 8:45 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

Parenting Class & Saturday School, May 4 and 18, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center, Downstairs. Sponsored by Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Abstract Painting Workshop with Darcy Gray, Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Basic painting backgroup suggested. Tools provided, can bring own supplies. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 8 adults. 967-8222,
 volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, May 4 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Fiesta in the Forest, May 4, bar opens 4 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Food, margaritas, beer, wine and live music. Bring Cooper Center mug for $1 off beer – purchase one for $10 – can be used at all Cooper Center events. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SUNDAY, MAY 5
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, May 5 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon – 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY-THURSDAY, MAY 6-9
Summer Fun Registration, Monday-Thursday, May 6-9, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center and at Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Program, for keiki completing grade K-6, runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 12-July 19. $40 fee. $50 portion of registration fee funded by Councilwoman Maile David. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

MONDAY, MAY 6

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

TUESDAY, MAY 7
Family Engagement Night, Tuesday, May 7, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, May 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, May 7 (Committees), Wednesday, May 8 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit. Dental, Wednesday, May 8, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Medical, Thursday, May 30, 1 – 5 p.m. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org

Kākou, Wednesday, May 8, 10 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Author and ethnographer, P.F. "Ski" Kwiatkowski, speaks about Hawaiian kākau – tattoos – their origins and counterparts in other aspects of Hawaiian crafts. Displaying collection of tattoo needles and the materials that are used in creating the needles, the ink and the tattoos themselves. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Arts and Crafts Activity: Mother's Day Keepsake, Wednesday, May 8, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 2-7. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 9
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, May 9, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

After Dark in the Park – The Road to Recovery: A Year Later, Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park managers will present a community update about the challenges and successes of 2018, and how staff is working hard to open more areas. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.
     Two fundraisers for the program are also ongoing; see flyers on this page.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily 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.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

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.