Thursday, June 20, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, June 20, 2019

Hawaiian Telcom dug up and replaced its large underground fuel tank next to the telephone exchange building at
Maile and Pikake Streets in Pāhala this week. The tank holds fuel to power a generator to keep communications
 going when the power goes out. See story, below. Photo by Julia Neal
THE STATE DISMANTLED TWO ʻAHU ON MAUNA KEA TODAY to make way for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. The $1.4 billion telescope is designed to be the most powerful and advanced telescope on the planet, 12 times sharper than the Hubble telescope, and "will allow astronomers to address fundamental questions in astronomy ranging from understanding star and planet formation to unraveling the history of galaxies and the development of large-scale structure in the universe," according to tmt.org. The ʻahu – temples – were removed, along with two other structures, "so that construction of the telescope can begin safely," said a statement from Gov. David Ige.
     The governor also announced "a notice to proceed" for the telescope. The telescope project has weathered opposition all the way to the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, with a group of Native Hawaiians and their supporters contending that the telescope will desecrate a spiritual site.
ʻAhu were removed from Mauna Kea today to make way for the TMT project.
Photo from Big Island Video News/Leinaʻala Sleightholm
     The four "unauthorized structures" were on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property on Maunakea Access Road near the Daniel K. Inouye Highway intersection; on Department of Land and Natural Resources property, near the mid-level facilities on Maunakea Access Road at the 9,000-foot elevation; and on the TMT site on the summit of the mountain. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruled that the two ʻahu on the TMT site "did not constitute a traditional or customary right or practice, and they were removed with guidance from Native Hawaiian cultural advisors," states the release from the governor.
     Big Island Video News reports that one of the structures, Hale Kukiaʻimauna, was "constructed by those in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope project in 2015." Another, called Hale Kūhiō, built in March 2018, "was the base of the Mauna Kea Rangers effort to collect data and was a symbol of the dissatisfaction with the state-run Department of Hawaiian Home Lands."
Image from tmt.org
     The notice to proceed with the telescope is issued to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, following DLNR confirmation that pre-construction conditions and mitigation measures required by a Conservation District Use Permit were met. TMT will be constructed on land sub-leased from UH. Use of the property will be overseen by the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
     Said Ige, "We will proceed in a way that respects the people, place, and culture that make Hawaiʻi unique. I will continue to work with the University of Hawaiʻi and all our partners to make meaningful changes that further contribute to the co-existence of culture and science on Mauna Kea."
     Suzanne Case, Chair of BLNR, said, the TMT project plans have been "carefully reviewed" to align with the Conservation District Use permit. "As this project moves forward, I ask everyone who goes to Mauna Kea to respect this unique place, and its fragile natural and cultural resources."
     Hawaiʻi state Attorney General Clare Connors said project managers, workers, and others from our community "will need safe access to the work site and safe conditions under which to work. The state will work to ensure their safety as well as the right of individuals to engage in speech about the project."
An intact cultural structure atop Mauna Kea. Bigstock photo
     UH president David Lassner said, "This notice to proceed is an important milestone in what has been a decade-long public and consultative process through which every requirement in statute, policy, and procedure has now been met. We firmly believe in the benefits of the most advanced telescope in the world on the most magnificent and awe-inspiring mountain in the world. We also accept the increased responsibilities for the stewardship of Maunakea, including the requirement that as this very last site is developed for astronomy on the mauna, five current telescopes will be decommissioned and their sites restored."

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AN UNDERGROUND FUEL TANK was replaced by Hawaiian Telcom this week at Maile and Pikake Streets in Pāhala. Excavation equipment lifted the huge tank out of the ground next to Hawaiian Telcom's telephone exchange building. The fuel is needed to run a generator that automatically goes during power outages to keep the landline phones in Pāhala operable during power outages. Hawaiian Telcom also offers some media services in Pāhala.
Several crew members and large machines were needed to replace the underground tank for fuel to power
a backup generator to operate the Hawaiian Telcom building in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal
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THE EXPLORE AMERICA ACT was reintroduced today by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and two colleagues. The legislation would strengthen the Preserve America Grant Program, which supports state, tribal, and local government efforts to preserve and enhance heritage tourism.
     The bill would prioritize gateway community coordination - such as with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and communities that surround it, like Volcano Village and Pāhala - by providing financial and technical assistance, tourism development and promotion, visitor management services, and access to federal resources. It also establishes a program to measure effectiveness and reports findings to Congress.
     Said Schatz, "This bill is about returning control to the people who live in the places everyone else wants to visit. It gives local communities the chance to see more benefits from tourism, including better jobs, and it puts the story of Hawai‘i in the hands of our own residents. With this bill, we can strengthen what Hawai‘i has to offer, and make sure local people benefit along the way."
     The Preserve America Program was established by Executive Order in 2003. The grant component of the Preserve America Program is a matching partnership between the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation and the Department of the Interior.

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THE CULTURAL FESTIVAL AT KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will celebrate 38 years with two hālau hula and three local bands from Hawai‘i Island performing. The free 38th annual event happens Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year's festival theme is E Ho‘omau: to continue. Last year's festival was canceled due to the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
     Taking the stage, in order of performance, are Debbie Ryder and Hālau O Leionalani; Russell Mauga and Da Kahuku Mauka Boyz; Mamo Brown and Hālau Ulumamo O Hilo Palikū; Demetrius Oliviera and Gene Beck of Keaiwa; and Brandon Nakano and the Keawe Trio. Each performance will last about 45 minutes. 
Keiki making ‘ohe kāpala, bamboo stamping at Kahuku Cultural Festival.
NPS/Janice Wei
     In addition to hula and mele, the festival offers visitors and the community a chance to connect to Hawaiian cultural practices through hands-on crafts and demonstrations.
     National Park Service and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff will provide ‘oli, chant; ti leaf lei making; lau hala weaving; and ‘ohe kapala, bamboo stamping.
     Capt. Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa will ply imaginations with his authentic Hawaiian sailing canoe, while the Ka‘ū Multicultural Society will share a fascinating glimpse into Kahuku Ranch's not-so-distant past with their popular paniolo, cowboy, photography exhibit. 
     As Hawaiian culture is deeply connected to the ‘āina, land, learn how to protect native species and about the latest conservation efforts from organizations like ‘Imi Pono no ka ‘Āina, Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death education and outreach, The ‘Alalā Project, and NPS Natural Resources Management.
     Festival-goers are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, or purchase food and drink at the event. Volcano House will have food for sale, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell shave ice and soft drinks, and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association will sell Ka‘ū coffee and bottled water.
     Sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Bring water, rain jacket, and ground mat or chair. This family experience is a drug- and alcohol-free event. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano House, and the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Can't make it? Follow the Park's official social media for live streaming, festival photos, and more.

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HEAD COACHES FOR COED JUDO, COED SWIMMING, AND BOYS BASEBALL are wanted by Kaʻū High School for the 2019-2020 school year. Applications, due Monday, July 1, can be picked up at the school office weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coaches hired by Hawaiʻi Department of Education are required to pass a criminal background check. Contact Kaʻū High Athletic Director Kalei Namohala 313-4161 with questions.
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
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, JUNE 22
Dementia Caregiver Boot Camp, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-4p.m., Kaʻū Rural Community Health Assoc. in Pāhala. RSVP by June 17. Free. Three workshops, movie, and lunch. Attend one or all segments. Learn more and RSVP at alz.org/Hawaii or 800-272-3900.

A-Mazing Triangles, Bookbinding Workshop with Charlene Asato, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. $32/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Abstract Collaging Workshop with Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 22, 10a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 10 adults. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily, June 22 through Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Opening Reception, Saturday, June 22, 2-4p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, JUNE 24
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, June 24. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

TUESDAY, JUNE 25
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, June 25, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, June 25, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, June 25, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Performing Arts Activity: Karaoke Sing Along, Tuesday, June 25, 2-3p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6 & up, June 17-21. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, June 26 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Lei Tī, Wednesday, June 26, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hands-on demonstration with rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff making tī-leaf lei. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, June 27, 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

THURSDAY, JUNE 27
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, June 27, 4-6p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

ONGOING
Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through July 11; no meal Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.
     The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required. okaukakou.org

Volcano Village 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Craft Fair happens Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade starts at the Volcano Post Office, travels down Old Volcano Road, and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Road. Free entry to activities, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs allowed. Provided by Cooper Center Council, Volcano Community Association, and more. To be in the parade, download the entry form at volcanocommunity.org and email to vcainfo@yahoo.com. Vendors, download applications at thecoopercenter.org and email to idoaloha@gmail.com, or call Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

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 bags 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.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.


6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

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