Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, August 14, 2019

An anchialine pool at Waiʻōhinu Coastal Strand. See story on conservation efforts below.
Photo from Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund

APPLICATIONS FOR ONE-YEAR GRANTS TO STEWARD PONC PROTECTED LANDS on Hawaiʻi Island are open through Friday, Aug. 31. In Kaʻū, 551 acres at Kāwā; 13 acres at Kahua Olohu, the Makahiki Grounds between Nāʻālehu and Honuʻapo; and 3,128 acres along the Kahuku Coast, are eligible.
     The County of Hawai‘i, Department of Parks and Recreation, will use PONC funds to provide grants-in-aid for "public safety maintenance and preservation of lands" acquired by the 2 Percent Land Fund. Only 501(c)3 non-profits or organizations that operate under the umbrella of a 501(c)3 non-profit should apply. Nā Moma o Kāwā and Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund are organizations in Kaʻū that have been stewarding lands for several years.

Non-profit stewards can apply for grants to care for locations at
Kāwā (above) and other protected lands in Kaʻū
through Aug. 31. Image from County of Hawaiʻi

     An applicant must submit a detailed business plan and a signed agreement to file a written report on accomplishments, within one year after receipt of funds. Applicants must comply with all provisions of Hawai‘i County Charter Article 10, Section 10-16 in addition to all applicable county, state, and federal laws. Grant awards are for one year. Groups seeking a multi-year project may re-apply each Aug. 1.

     Applications are available at records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/95324/2018-19%20PONC%20Stewardship%20Grant%20Request.pdf. Property information is available at records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/74009/Kawa%20(9-5-1606,%2025;%209-5-1705,%2007).pdf for Kāwā and records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/89136/Kahua
%20Olohu%20(9-5-1205).pdf for Kahua Olohu.
       A map of the Kahuku Coast area that is eligible for funding was unavailabe online at publication time. Information and applications are also available at the P&R office, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6, Hilo.

     Completed applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018 or postmarked by that date if sending by mail. Questions? Contact Reid Sewake at 961-8311. See records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?dbid=1&startid=13770.

Non-profit stewards can apply for grants to care for Kahua Olohu, the Makahiki Grounds on the outskirts of Nāʻālehu.
Deadline to apply is Aug. 31. Image from County of Hawaiʻi

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WAIʻŌHINU COASTAL STRAND is a community outreach project of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, which is asking for volunteers, donations, and best practices from anyone visiting the place. Hawaiʻi Wildlife recently mailed out  a publication entitled The Waiʻōhinu Coastal Strand: Restoring a treasure along the southeast Kaʻū coast, Hawaiʻi Island.

 Waiʻōhinu Coastal Strand. Photo from HWF

     It says the Waiʻōhinu coastal strand is host to a varied collection of coastal natural resources and Hawaiian cultural sites that "render it unique in the State of Hawaiʻi." With the land owned by the state, in August, 2005, the state Board of Land & Natural Resources approved a measure to set aside 1,330 of the Waiʻōhinu ahupuaʻa as Forest Reserve for conservation management by the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund is a partner in this conservation. "Continued effort and attention are crucial to maintaining this area's natural and cultural integrity," states the publication.

     The publication states the natural resources at Waiʻōhinu include:

     Anchialine Pools: These ecosystems are brackish coastal ponds, with connection to both ocean and fresh water sources. In the U.S., these pools are only found in Hawaiʻi. They support "a wealth of native and endemic species," including a candidate for endangered listing, the indigenous Metaboteus Iohena predatory shrimp.

     Native Vegetation: Waiʻōhinu is home to over three dozen endemic and native plant species, including the endangered ʻōhiʻa tree. The diversity of the plants at Waiʻōhinu could help future native plant reintroduction efforts at other, non-protected places.

     Animal Life: Waiʻōhinu coast and shoreline hosts at least four endangered animal species; Hawaiian monk seal, Hawaiian hoary bat, Hawksbill sea turtle, and Humpback Whale. Other animals that depend on the area include threatened Hawaiian damselflies and green turtles, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, hundreds of native coral reefs fish species, and shoreline and sea bird species, including Ruddy turnstone, White-tailed tropicbird, Frigate bird, Black-crowned night heron, and Laysan albatross.

Hawaiian monk sea, giving birth at Waiʻōhinu Coastal Strand.
Photo from HWF

     Hawaiian Sites and Petroglyphs: Waiʻōhinu ahupuaʻa hosts several important petroglyph fields, which the publication states are "sacred places of ancient Hawaiʻi and symbols of the area's cultural heritage. Evidence of early Hawaiian occupation on this coast has also been found. The lives of the ancient Hawaiians were strongly tied to place and their natural surroundings. The physical evidence found in these archaeological sites significantly contributes to our knowledge and understanding of the region's past."

     The publication states threats to Waiʻōhinu include:

     Marine Debris: Every year, trade winds and ocean currents deposit an estimated 15 to 20 tons of fishing nets, tires, and plastic debris onto the southeastern shore of Hawaiʻi Island. The debris re-floats during storms and high tides, and can injure or kill monk seals, whales, turtles, seabirds, corals, and fishes. HWF has removed over 180 tons of debris since 2003 with the help of over 3,000 volunteers. But debris continues to wash in. Contact kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com for more info about supporting ongoing community cleanup efforts.

     Defacing of Petroglyphs: "An increased awareness and respect for these valuable cultural assets is critical to preserve their integrity. It is important to avoid stepping on these fragile features. Petroglyphs can also be damaged by horses and cattle, which occasionally wander down from fields above the Waiʻōhinu coast. It is unlawful to damage any petroglyphs or archeological feature within Waiʻōhinu or any other state property."

Petroglyph at Waiʻōhinu Coastal Strand. Photo from HWF

     Invasive Species: Native Hawaiian coastal ecosystems are "delicate and susceptible to degradation by non-native, invasive species," States the publication. Invasive plants and invasive aquatic species – both vegetation and animals – threaten native flora and anchialine pools.

     Vehicle Damage: Vehicles that stray from existing roads "crush and kill native plant species and threaten the integrity of ancient Hawaiian sites and petroglyphs that may be hidden in the vegetation," states the publication. Seeds arriving on vehicle tires and camping gear can also introduce new invasive plant species to the region.

     Finally, the publication lists ongoing efforts, and how the public can help, to "maintain the integrity" of the Waiʻōhinu Coastal Strand:

     Quarterly Beach Cleanups are necessary due to high rates of marine debris accumulation in this region, especially at Kamilo Point.

     Invasive Plant Removal, both physical and by chemical treatment.

     Anchialine Pool Restoration. Removal of most invasive plants and excessive sediment has been accomplished. Planned removal of invasive fish will facilitate restoration of native species.

     Hawaiian Sites and Petroglyph Protection. Education and outreach to coast users should reduce potential for damage. Fencing along the northeast boundary would prevent pasture animals from damaging petroglyphs and native plants.

     Ecosystem Education Initiative. Service learning trips and classroom visits will bring environmental education about this special coastline to life for a larger network of keiki and ‘ōpio, children and youngsters.

     Public Action. Drive only on existing roads; pack out all trash and belongings; respecting all Hawaiian archeological sites; participate in beach cleanup events; volunteer to remove invasive plants; donate to HWF to support conservation efforts.

     Read the publication at wildhawaii.org/documents/HWFCoastalStrandBrochure.pdf. For more info, or to donate or volunteer, contact HWF, wildhawaii.org, 808-769-7629, or PO Box 70, Volcano, HI 96785.

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THE KAʻŪ HIGH AND PĀHALA ELEMENTRY SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS REUNION, the 18th annual potluck and community celebration, happens Sunday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

     Bring a favorite dish to share. Live music, and food and fellowship for everyone. The celebration is open to the entire community, and is sponsored by the alumni of Pāhala Elementary and Kaʻū High School. The event also celebrates Hawaiʻi's 60th year of statehood.

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HAWAIʻI FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 46TH FIRE FIGHTER RECRUIT CLASS held commencement exercises this Spring at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo. The class underwent months of intensive instruction, classroom exercises, and fieldwork. They took fire and rescue training, including a nationally recognized fire science curriculum; wildland fire training; rescue operations familiarization; aquatics competency certification; hazardous materials response; and driver training.

     To cap off their training, the recruits earned their Emergency Medical Technicians Basic certification. The EMT program was ten weeks long, and included four weeks on clinical rotations on HFD and American Medical Response ambulance units around the island, as well as at the Emergency Room, Obstetrics, and Intensive Care Units at Hilo Medical Center and Kona Hospital.

The 46th Fire Fighter Recruit Class graduated in June. Photo from Hawaiʻi Fire Department

     Guest speakers at the commencement were Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim, Deputy Fire Chief Lance Uchida, Big Island HFFA representative Charlie Spain, and Recruit Training Officer Chas Taketa. The speakers congratulated each graduate, thanking the families for their continued support, and gave their outlook on the beginning of a new chapter in life with HFD. Each speaker emphasized the value of training received, dependability, professionalism, safety, pride, and about family and being there for the community.

     Excerpts from the speakers: "HFD is very well respected – thank you for making this commitment to be a part of this; You are starting a career that will put your life on the line for your family, for your community; To the families of the graduates – there will be times when they will come home back from an ugly scene, you will need to have an open understanding of the expense of their jobs."

     Recruit Training Officer Chas Taketa spoke about classroom training, physical training, and the multiple obstacles they overcame, such as the cancellation of the agility exam due to the false missile alarm; the 5.0 and 6.9 magnitude earthquakes that interrupted the interview process; and last year's natural disasters, the Kīlauea eruption and Hurricane Lane. He said the recruits showed perserverence, that those hurdles "never stopped us from training – we trained harder.

Download the draft.

     "Another word I'd like to add for you all to live by: humility," said Taketa. "Never forget where you came from. Never stop learning. This isn't the end of training, this is the end of Recruit Training, which is the beginning of the training for the rest of your career." Taketa told the recruits to remember the journey: "Stay safe, work hard, love your family, and be a good person in and out of uniform."

     Deputy Fire Chief Lance Uchida asked, "How do we continue to provide optimal service? We don't do it alone. We are able to do what we do because of the love and support from family and friends." He told the graduating class: "Appreciate what you have – your opportunity, your career. You're fortunate to be here; nothing is owed to you. Be professional, on and off duty; say thank you, be respectful; continue to keep practicing and train. In service and beyond, ask yourself, what can I do better, for my family, for the community, for the department? When you first started, I didn't say congratulations for being hired. I told you I would say it at graduation and welcome you. Today, you all did it. Congratulations."

     The 46th Fire Fighter Class message was delivered by class President Ralph "Ko‘a" Carreiro. He thanked the Administration, his instructors, and the families, saying "each and every one" of those people contributed to the recruits' successes in becoming a member of HPD. Said Carreiro, "We close our first chapter today; this chapter was written for us. Now; we begin to write our own story, our future with HFD."

     The speakers also addressed the families and friends in the audience, saying their support and understanding helped to bring the class through the rigorous physical and academic training demands.  

     Having successfully met the all criteria of their recruit training, the 46th Fire Fighter Class was presented to Uchida, Assistant Fire Chief Darwin Okinaka, and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Perreira, who issued them their badges. As is customary in fire service, the fire fighters then chose a family member or friend to pin their badge on their uniform.

     The new Fire Fighters are Austin Bello, Ralph Carreiro Jr., Paul Daub, Dalon Freitas, Steven Grosskreutz, Leina‘ala Hall, David Huddy, Michael Jutt Jr., Bronson Kobayashi, Talmadge Magno II, Genesis Marks, Garrett Nicolaisen, Aaron Norris, Lahaina Olsen-Kuroda, Keenan Parker, Tyler Rock, Kawika Roman, Channing Souza, and Chad Wissing.

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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.

2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:

Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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

THURSDAY, AUG. 15

Private Guided Hike: Kīlauea Iki Crater, Thursday, Aug. 15, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, fhvnp.org

Registration Open: Beaded Bracelet, Aug. 15-20, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8, takes place Wednesday, Aug. 21, 3:30-5p.m. Free.928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 16

Hawai‘i Statehood Day

SATURDAY, AUG. 17

Taking the Pamphlet Stitch on a Romp – bookbinding workshop with Charlene Asato, Saturday, Aug. 17, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. No experience necessary. $32/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Supply list online. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Volunteer Fountain Grass Removal, Saturday, Aug. 17, 9a.m.-3p.m., meet at Ocean View Community Center parking lot. Bring lunch, water, hat, and sunscreen. ovcahi.org

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Aug. 17, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit , HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Aug. 17, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima with Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E, Saturday, Aug. 17, 10:30-11:30a.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 Wes Awana, Saturday, Aug. 17, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Pāhala Hongwanji Bon Dance, Saturday, Aug. 17, 4-10:30p.m. Sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Food, dancing, fun, Taiko drums. All are welcome. Free. OKK President Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773

50th Anniversary of Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, Kanani aʻo Kaʻū, Aug. 17, PāhalaCommunity Center, 5-10p.m. History, food, and music. General admission is $20; kupuna are $10; keiki ages 6 to 17 are $8; keiki 5 and under are free. For more, email hawaiiancivicclubkau@gmail.com or call 808-747-0197.

SUNDAY, AUG. 18

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Aug. 18, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. nps.gov/havo

Private Excursion: Trail Less Traveled, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2p.m.-4p.m., Devastation Trail Parking Lot, HVNP. Moderate 2 mile hike. $40/person. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, fhvnp.org

MONDAY, AUG. 19

Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal (12+), register by Monday, Aug. 19 for Friday, Aug. 23 event from 8:30a.m.-1p.m., HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees may apply. Space limited. R.S.V.P. to Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.org. fhvnp.org

Empower Girls Mtg., Monday, Aug. 19, from 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

TUESDAY, AUG. 20

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Aug. 20 (Committees), Wednesday, Aug. 21, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Concert with Artist-in-Residence Andy Jarema, After Dark in the Park, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The Detroit-based musician and composer uses a mixture of sound-collage techniques, his trumpet, and traditional scoring to make site-specific work. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Registration Open: Kickball Instruction, Wednesday, Aug. 21-28, Kahuku Park. Program on Fridays, 2-3:30p.m, from Aug. 30-Sept. 27, for ages 6-12. Athletic shoes required. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ONGOING

Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival Tickets are on sale at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 8, 4-7p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sept. 15, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Nani Ka ʻIkena, that which is seen is beautiful, features vibrant colors and crisp, wide vistas which highlight the character and drama of Hawaiʻi Island’s landscape. The collection of ten photographs were captured over the past decade by Tunison and also document the dynamic changes which have occurred in such a short period of time. "While the landscape has changed the beauty has endured." Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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., Saturday, 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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