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Thursday, October 31, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, October 31, 2019

A mermaid greets Halloween celebrants on the Pāhala school campus this evening. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal
AT LEAST TWO COFFEE FARMS ON THE ISLAND have recently been hit by thieves. In one case, thieves stole two full supersacks and a half a supersack – some 3,000 lbs. of parchment – this past Sunday, Oct. 27. Agriculture Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata urges anyone with information call Hawaiʻi Police Department at 808-935-3311. She noted that ag theft can be prosecuted as theft in the second degree, a Class C felony. She urges farmers to "Protect yourself and your coffee (cherry, parchment, or green) or other agricultural commodities, and be aware of the following law which was created to protect farmers like yourselves:"
     For the transport and sale of all agricultural commodities exceeding 200 pounds or with a value of at least $100, the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes section 145-22 requires that (DL-22) records shall include: Seller's name, residence address, telephone number, and license plate number of any vehicle used by the seller to deliver the commodity to the place of purchase; name of farm owner and address of origin; name of buyer or consignee, and destination; and signature of the seller and, upon sale, the signature of the buyer or consignee.
Coffee farms are urged to protect themselves as some 3,000 pounds in
superbags were recently stolen from farmers. Photo by Julia Neal
     A Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture Certificate of Ownership/Movement of Agricultural Commodities (DL-22) is available to download.
     Sellers of ag products must be aware that sales over $300 also require the seller to present the buyer with a valid photo ID card or license, issued by a federal or state government agency. Kawabata also urges farmers to take precautions to safeguard coffee and report any thefts or possible thefts to the police. Provide suggestions and ideas on how to protect farms and property from agricultural theft, by contacting Hawaiʻi Police Department agricultural theft investigator Shane Muramaru at Shane.Muramaru@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-0466.
     She also urges that, for safety, avoid intervening while a crime is in progress and call 911. If a theft has already been committed and for non-emergency situations, call police at 808-935-3311. Once the police arrive, provide them with photographs, videos, written documentation, and serial/identification numbers of stolen items, if possible. The more details and evidence provided, the more it might help the officer make an arrest.

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Families dressed up for Halloween and came to the Pāhala school campus for a safe celebration,
this family with its dog in full gear. See more below. Photos by Julia Neal

THE COUNTY BUYING UP LAND THAT COULD BE INUNDATED with sea level rise is not the way money should be spent to conserve special properties, says Debbie Hecht, one of the founders of the 2% land fund that uses county property tax income for land conservation. In testimony to the county, she objects to prioritizing oceanfront lands being considered for acquisition by the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission, based on the likelihood they could become unusable.
Culinary teacher ʻĀina Akamu with no tricks, free treats made by his students.
Photo by Julia Neal

     She said the attempt to prioritize these lands is within a proposal being considered for the next edition of the county General Plan. It would "revise land acquisition and preservation regulations and criteria to include lands impacted by climate change or those with beneficial attributes for climate adaptation and mitigation," writes Hecht. She requests the public send emails, by tonight, to GeneralPlan@hawaiicounty.gov, to request that language be removed from the Draft General Plan. She recommends for the county to refrain from using PONC funds to buy coastal properties affected by climate change.
     In a letter to The Kaʻū Calendar, she explained that "The Land Fund sets aside 2% of our tax dollars each year to purchase open space, parklands, access, trails, ecosystems, and cultural spaces. I am against using funds from the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Fund for purchases of property that will be subject to coastal erosion or be underwater as a consequence of sea level rise because:
     "There is already a rigorous process in place for the PONC commission to evaluate any lands that are proposed by the public. Properties impacted by climate change, sea level rise, or coastal erosion can be proposed and evaluated according to the commission's process that has been in place since 2006.
A wheel to spin for Halloween celebrants to receive gifts this evening.
Photo by Julia Neal
     "These lands will not be usable by the public and of no public benefit, so public funding should not be used.
     "The PONC funding can be better used for other purchases.
     "The 2% Land Fund has been very successful with the criteria established in the charter that was approved by voters 3 times. Monies in this fund shall be used solely to: purchase or otherwise acquire lands and easements in the County of Hawaiʻi for public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains; preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites; protection of natural resources, significant habitat or eco-systems, including buffer zones; preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty and agricultural lands; and protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply."
     See more at debbiehecht.com.

A skeleton driver in a convertible at the Pāhala campus on Halloween. 
Photo by Julia Neal
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HALLOWEEN IN PĀHALA drew many families to the school campus for interactive displays, treats, games and fund and a hallway in the gym designed to scare everyone with many Booh! stations. Trick or Treat handouts included books for young children and health education materials from Hui Mālama.     Kaʻū High School's culinary class made decorative treats under the direction of teacher ʻĀina Akamu.

T-Rex and Pikachu with Jovena Moses,
of Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal
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DEEPFAKE REPORT ACT passed the U.S. Senate today. Sen. Brian Scahtz said the bipartisan legislation would direct the Department of Homeland Security to conduct an annual study of deepfakes – hyper-realistic, digital manipulations of real content that depict events that did not actually occur – and other types of similar content. He said that deepfakes "can damage our national security and undermine our democracy. Our bill… directs the federal government to learn more about the scope of deepfake technology. It's an important first step in fighting disinformation."
     The legislation requires DHS to assess the technology used to generate deepfakes, the uses of deepfakes by foreign and domestic entities, and available countermeasures to deepfakes, to help policymakers and the public better understand the threats deepfakes pose to our national security and election security.
     The bill heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Uncle Waltah, with a post from a traditional Hawaiian hale
at Hōnaunau, which he has helped construct. He shares his
 skills this Saturday in Pāhala at Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū.
Photo from Hōnaunau Ola Mau Loa
ESTEEMED HAWAIIAN HALE BUILDER KUMU WALTER WONG, "Uncle Waltah," will display his skills at the Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival. The event takes place this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
     Wong is a teacher of the construct of the traditional Hawaiian Home, the Hale. He aims to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and to bring back the skills of building a structure out of materials from the ‘āina. Every part of his hale waʻa come from the land — the pohaku - rocks for foundations, the tree poles and the thatching. Wong learned hale building fro Kumu Francis "Palani" Sinenci of Maui. The two partner on many hale projects around the state.
    See honaunau.org/blog/page/3/.

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KAʻŪ ART FAIR at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 16, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature hand-crafted and locally produced items by Ka‘ū artists and craftspeople. Items will be on display and for sale. "Kaʻū Inspired, Come Celebrate Beauty; Meet Talented Kaʻū Artists; Buy great handmade, aesthetic stuff." 92-8924 Leilani Circle. 939-7033, or DeeDee, 785-1158.

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PARKING AT KĪLAUEA VISITOR CENTER during the holiday season will be a little better, with the addition of 20 new parking spaces. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park stated that the spaces are being added due to loss of parking capacity from seismic activity in 2018, and in anticipation of heavy visitation during the upcoming holiday season. The new parking stalls will be added to the overflow parking lot, east of the Center.
     Construction on the new gravel lot began this week on previously disturbed land. The park plans to open the new gravel lot by Thanksgiving.
     According to the Park, the short-term fix adds much-needed parking spaces for visitors. The closure of Jaggar Museum and Kīlauea Overlook for safety reasons following the 2018 collapse of Kīlauea summit greatly reduced the number of available parking spots for visitors.
     Long-term planning to address parking and post-eruption recovery continues at the park. For more information, visit the park website's recovery page, nps.gov/havo/recovery.htm.

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MAUNA LOA VOLCANO'S Alert Level is ADVISORY and Aviation Code is YELLOW. The mauna is not erupting. Rates of deformation and seismicity have not changed significantly over the past week and remain above long-term background levels.
     During the past week, approximately 147 small-magnitude earthquakes (nearly all smaller than M2.0) were detected beneath the upper elevations of Mauna Loa. Most of the earthquakes occurred at shallow depths of less than 5 kilometers (~3 miles) below ground level, but a couple were as deep as 12 km (~7.5 mi).
     Global Positioning System (GPS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements show continued summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system.
View of cinder cones in the northeast rift zone near the summit of Mauna LoaMauna Kea looms in the background. 
USGS/Matt Patrick photo
     Readings of fumarole temperature and gas concentrations at the Sulphur Cone monitoring site on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable.
     For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/monitoring_summary.html.

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A CIVIL DEFENSE WARNING SIREN TESTING TODAY IN OCEAN VIEW and at Shipman Park in Keaʻau was described by the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense message as "a series of burps" being part of the testing. Any questions from the public about these tests, call 935-0031.

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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

UPCOMING
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
Jumble, Plant Sale, and Pancakes, Saturday, Nov. 2, 8a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. $3/person, $1/child (6-10), younger children eat for free. For sale: potted plants, kitchen tools, hand tools, home made cookies, gourmet whole grain mustard, St. Jude's Coffee, mac nuts, craft products, jam, jelly, and more. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org 

Stewardship at the Summit, Nov. 2, 8, 15, 23, and 30, 8:45a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center, HVNP. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/Guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Palm Seed Stem (Inflorescence) Random Weave Baskets with Jelena Clay, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. All supplies provided. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member, plus $30 supply fee/person. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Stained Glass Basics I, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 9a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. Glass artist Lois Pollock teaches beginners, covering all the basics to complete a glass panel. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $20 fee. Advanced registration required. Space Limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival, Saturday, Nov. 2, 10a.m.-10p.m.Pāhala Community Center. Features master cultural practitioners, talk story, and many educational and cultural experiences with hands-on demonstrations. Hula performances by hālau from around the world. Craft vendors, food vendors, and informational booths. Festival preceded by ceremonies at Punalu‘u Beach at dawn; ancestors honored at sunset; festival closes with ceremony at Makanau. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, 649-9334, leionalani47@hotmail.com, hookupukau.com

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Nov. 2 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Sounds at the Summit featuring Wendell Ing with the release of Jazz Avenue, Saturday, Nov. 2, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Ticket are $15/VAC member, $20/non-member; includes a free CD of Jazz Avenue. Purchase tickets online, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Pupu, wine and beer available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Bring Micah Reep Home Prayer Vigil, Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m., Nāʻālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Mamalahoa Hwy. "Join us as we come together as a community and pray for the safe return of Micah Reep. 'The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' – James 5:16."

Night of the Dead: A Grateful Dead Tribute Experience featuring Bottle of Blue and Company, Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30-9:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. First concert takes place Friday, Nov. 1, Mahukona Beach Park. Two unique shows. $25 for one day or $40 for both days. Tickets available at door; pre-sale at eventbrite.com. Rocket and Rise Productions. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Grand Slam Band, Saturday, Nov. 2, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, NOV. 3
Palm Trail, Sunday, Nov. 3, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Fused Glass Basics: Ornaments Workshop with Claudia McCall, Sunday, Nov. 3, 11a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. One day kilnforming workshop introducing basic techniques of glass fusing. $25/VAC member, $30/non-member, plus $20 fee, includes supplies. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Nov. 3 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.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/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, NOV. 4
Fall Wreath Activity Registration, Nov. 4-12, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Cultural Understanding through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Nov. 4, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

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

TUESDAY, NOV. 5
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Nov. 5 (Committees), Wednesday, Nov. 6 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesdays, Nov. 5, 19, and Dec. 3, 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Empower Meeting, Tuesdays, Nov. 5 and 19 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, Wednesday, Nov. 6 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. No December program. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, NOV. 7
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Nov. 7 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

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

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

ONGOING
Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival Booths can be reserved. The free event on Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center, will feature cultural practitioners and demonstrators; workshops; crafts; food; music and entertainment from artists such as Bali Hai from Mexico, Vero Cruz Folklore Dancers, taiko drummers, UH-Hilo Filipino/Samoan dancers; and hula from Mexico, Japan, Virginia, ʻOahu, and Hawaiʻi Island. Interested vendors can apply for food, craft, or information booths. Email leionalani47@hotmail.com or call 808-649-9334. See hookupukau.com.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.
     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 299 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale by Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu. The parishes are selling the truck to raise funds to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.

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Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Diver Jason Leonard photographs a mesophotic coral ecosystem at 80 meters (262 feet) deep in  Larsen's Bay in
 National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa where University of Hawaiʻi will participate in a deep reef story.
 U.H Photo by R.L. Pyle, sanctuaries.noaa.gov
AN ANALYSIS OF THE 2020 RURAL HAWAIʻI CONGRESSIONAL RACE came today from former state senator Gary Hooser, who serves as vice chair of the Hawaiʻi Democratic Party, executive director for Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative, and volunteer board president of Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action.
     Hooser's commentary follows Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's announcement that she will not run for re-election in order to concentrate on her bid for the presidency, leaving state Sen. Kai Kahele the remaining leading Democratic candidate. Hooser said that Gabbard's announcement, "caught Hawaiʻi's political world by surprise. Initially, conventional wisdom would say that Big Island State Senator Kai Kahele is the heir apparent. But those more skilled in the sometimes dark arts of political maneuvering would say, 'Perhaps, but then again perhaps not.'" Here is the rest of Hooser's statement:
     To be clear, I like Senator Kahele. Though I do not know him well, his actions and his words during the past year indicate to me that, at the end of the day, he will choose people and the planet over corporate greed. How hard he will push back against the power and influence that maintain and perpetuate the status quo in Washington, D.C., I do not know. Whether he will fall into the trap of going along to get along also remains to be seen. Of course, these same two questions apply to every candidate, for every office – federal, state, and county.
     But so far, I like what I see, and think he is a good candidate who if elected, would serve Hawaiʻi well. However, the political reality is that at the moment, there are no other candidates and thus no one to measure him against. Very soon, other candidates will emerge; of this, I am absolutely sure. The allure of a primary with no incumbent is simply too strong to resist.

State Sen. Kai Kahele
     Yes, Senator Kahele has a head start and yes, his campaign has apparently raised over $500,000, which indeed is a respectable sum. However, there are at least a dozen others either now serving, or sitting on the bench, who have similar or even greater name recognition, credible resumes, and the ability to raise the funds necessary to run a competitive race. These 12, and undoubtedly even more, are at this very moment discussing with friends, family, and potential donors, whether to jump, or not.
     Each potential candidate is asking the same questions. How strong is my name recognition compared to Senator Kahele? Is my base of friends and supporters within the Second Congressional District (CD2) – which is dominated by the neighbor islands – strong and diverse enough? How many of them might already be committed to Senator Kahele? Can I raise the money needed to win?

     Very soon, someone who perhaps already has the money and the name recognition will jump in, and then in short order, others will follow. As more candidates enter the race, those with less fundraising capacity but perhaps strong name recognition and a dedicated base of supporters will likewise be emboldened to enter.
     Prediction: Eventually there will be six to nine credible Democrats splitting up the votes and battling it out for this much-coveted seat in the U.S. Congress. Further fueling the number of candidates jumping into the fray will be State Senators midway through their four-year terms (as is Senator Kahele), with no requirement to resign their State Senate seat. Add to the potential mix of credible candidates several City Council members who are terming out of their existing positions, and could also be interested.

     Because Hawaiʻi is essentially a one-party state, winning the primary on Aug. 8 is everything. In the age of Trump, there is no way that voters in this particular district will elect a Republican to Congress – remember the CD2 is Patsy Minks' district. 
Former U.S. Rep.
Colleen Hanabusa
     A crowded primary with no incumbent means it's winner take all, and garnering a majority of the vote is not needed to win. That's correct – the winner need not have a majority to win. A plurality of any amount is sufficient to win the primary and move to the general, where a symbolic, sacrificial,l and unelectable Republican will simply be holding space for their Party. In the 2006 CD2 race, the dynamics were similar. In that race, ten Democrats threw their hats in the ring. On primary election day, now-U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono was declared the winner after receiving only 20.7 percent of the vote. I repeat, Mazie Hirono won with only 20.7 percent of the vote. For me, the memory is, of course, vivid. Former Senate President (and eventually Congresswoman) Colleen Hanabusa came in second, with 20 percent. Yours truly, then Senator Gary Hooser, came in 5th at 9.7 percent, just ahead of then State Representative Brian Schatz (now U.S. Senator) at 7 percent.
     In theory, the more candidates that enter the race, the smaller the slice of the vote pie potentially needed to win. Thus, candidates with a "strong base" – ideological, geographic, demographic or issue centered – but who might struggle to appeal to a broader majority, are especially drawn to enter the contest.
     Hence the allure of a crowded primary with no incumbent. Everyone who enters the race will believe their base is sufficient to win the day. Excessive optimism – it's the nature of the beast carried within every candidate.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
       See more from Hooser at Pono Hawaii Initiative and Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action.

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DECLASSIFY AND RELEASE 9/11 INFORMATION, urges Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She submitted a resolution into the U.S. House of Representatives this week, calling on the federal government to declassify and release information regarding the September 11, 2001 attacks in order to ensure a full public understanding of what happened and who was involved.
     Said Gabbard, "Though Al Qaeda attacked us on 9/11, over 18 years ago, the American people still do not have the truth about Saudi Arabia and who helped Al Qaeda carry out these attacks. The truth is being withheld from the families of those who were killed on 9/11, and from the American people. Full disclosure of these facts is not only necessary for these families, it is essential for our national security and to keep the American people safe. The Trump Administration must put the interests of the American people first, and release this information now."
     A similar resolution, H.Res.663, was introduced in the 115th Congress by former Rep. Walter Jones (NC-03), when Gabbard and Jones worked on national security, cost of war, and counter-terrorism issues. Together, they led bipartisan legislation to end Presidential wars as well as prohibit the U.S. from arming terrorists through what they called counterproductive programs that arm and train terrorist groups — including those affiliated with Al Qaeda — using American taxpayer dollars,
says a statement from Gabbard's office.

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This stony coral, Galaxea fascicularis, was photographed at 46 meters (151 feet) off TutuilaAmerican Samoa
Photo by Anthony Montgomery, under Creative Commons License, sanctuaries.noaa.gov
DEEP WATER TWILIGHT REEFS are the target of a study by Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology at University of Hawaiʻi and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in American Samoa. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science has announced $2.5 million in funding. Cooperating are NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. Other partners are Bishop Museum, Old Dominion University, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
     The four-year research project will include mesophotic coral ecosystems in the waters off American Samoa, including National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and National Park of American Samoa, Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, and community-based marine protected areas managed by the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.
These soft corals, Dendronephthya spp., were photographed at 45 meters 
(148 feet) in American SamoaPhoto by Anthony Montgomery, 
under Creative Commons License, sanctuaries.noaa.gov
     The first year of research will be allotted $599,673 for a competitive research program, Deep Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (Deep-CRES) Program: American Samoa. It seeks to improve scientific understanding of mesophotic coral ecosystems for development of better protections.
     Shallow coral reefs – colorful ecosystems teeming with life that support more species than any other marine environment – are relatively well known and studied. Less well known is that coral reefs can extend to depths below 500 feet. Mesophotic reefs are deep coral reefs, from 100 to over 500 feet in depth. They share some coral and fish species with shallow reefs. Other species are unique to the deep waters. The research will help managers better protect understudied deep reefs, which serve as essential habitat for economically and ecologically important species.
A large gorgonian coral grows along a reef drop-off
at a depth of about 70 meters (230 feet) off Vaitogi,
American Samoa
. Photo by R.L. Pyle, under
Creative Commons License, sanctuaries.noaa.gov
     USFWS's Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office will lead the project and research related to coral ecology and describing physical habitat characteristics.
     University of Hawai‘i will lead the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms and environmental DNA research.
     Bishop Museum will lead fish taxonomy and reproduction studies, conduct research on the diversity of algae and non-coral invertebrates, and identify environmental water characteristics.
     Old Dominion University will lead bleaching studies on the susceptibility of mesophotic corals to changes in ocean temperature and water quality.
     Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument will lead the fish diversity and ecology research.
     Research will take inventory of species, habitat preferences, distribution and abundance data for key species, reproductive characteristics for commercially important fish, and water quality. The research will help identify local and regional threats to mesophotic coral ecosystems in American Samoa, as well as predict distribution of these ecosystems across American Samoa.
     American Samoa, the only U.S. territory in the South Pacific, was chosen, according to NOAA, due to the region's volcanic and coral topography. Nearly 80 percent of potential coral reef habitat in American Samoa is within the depth range of mesophotic coral ecosystems but is relatively unexplored.

Micah Reep, 15 years old, has been 
missing from Ocean View since Friday, 
Oct. 4. Photo from HPD
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BRING MICAH REEP HOME PRAYER VIGIL will be held this Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m., at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Mamalahoa Hwy. "Join us as we come together as a community and pray for the safe return of Micah Reep. 'The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' – James 5:16."
     Hawaiʻi Island Police are asking for the public's assistance with locating 15-year-old Ocean View resident Micah Reep. He is described as being 5 feet, 10 inches; 130 pounds; blue eyes; short, blond hair; with a light complexion. He was last seen Friday, Oct. 4 in the Ocean View area, but may also frequent the Kona and Hilo areas.
     Anyone who may have information about his whereabouts is asked to call the HPD non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Officer Laurence Davis, of the Ka‘ū Patrol Division at (808) 939-2520. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Ika Vea will show his skills in making Polynesian drums at this
Saturday's Hookupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival, 10 a.m.
to 10 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. It's free.
Photo from Vea Polynesian Gifts
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IKA VEA COMES FROM KOHALA a for a cultural demonstration this weekend. He will be the featured craftsman of Polynesian drums at Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū on Saturday. The festival is free, from 10 a.m to 10 p.m., on the grounds of Pāhala Community Center.
     Go Hawaiʻi, the promotional online presence of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, writes: "In North Kohala, the art of making Polynesian rhythm instruments is still practiced at Vea Polynesian Gifts. Master craftsman Ika Vea taught himself to create drums and hula implements in the 1970s by placing an ad in the local paper offering to 'repair broken hula implements.' Because he could not find someone to teach him, this gave him the perfect opportunity to deconstruct broken implements, learn how they were made in the process, then make the repair. Today, his family helps continue the tradition and welcomes patrons to their shop in Kapa‘au."
     Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū also features many musicians, hula hālau, dancers from Mexico, food, and education. See hookupukau.com.

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Mauna Loa weather station today with threat of rain and possibly snow, which fell on Maunakea yesterday.
SNOW FELL ON MAUNAKEA'S SUMMIT YESTERDAY and early this morning, for about 18 hours, piling up to a total of .8 inches. Yesterday, forecasters said more snow was possible today, but webcams show no snowfall, fairly clear skies, and the .8 inches of snow mostly melted. 
     The road to the summit remains closed, but weather has little to do with the closure. The road has been closed since July 15 due to protestation of the planned Thirty Meter Telescope.
     Forecasters stated that persistent instability of the inversion layer may allow for more periods of fog and high humidity into tomorrow night. Dry and stable conditions should return to the summit, once the inversion reaches full strength again near eight thousand feet, for Friday and Saturday night. Extensive daytime clouds are possible through Friday but daytime clouds will be minimal and short-lived over the weekend.
Canada France Hawaiʻi telescope, with snow melting around it today. Webcam photo from Canada France Hawaiʻi telescope
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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

UPCOMING
THURSDAY, OCT. 31
Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday, Oct. 31, 11a.m.-noon, multipurpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala.

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Oct. 31, 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

Trunk or Treat at Kaʻū District Gym will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Organized by Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary school, the free event offers a haunted house, healthy recipes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and Trunk or Treat, where keiki and youth go from parked car to car, asking for treats.
     For those interested in participating in Trunk or Treat, distributing goodies, prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car: Most Beautiful, Most Original, Spookiest, and a special awards for teachers or staff who decorate; decoration not required. Contact Nona at 928-3102 or Angie Miyashiro at 313-4100.

SATURDAY, NOV. 2
Jumble, Plant Sale, and Pancakes, Saturday, Nov. 2, 8a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. $3/person, $1/child (6-10), younger children eat for free. For sale: potted plants, kitchen tools, hand tools, home made cookies, gourmet whole grain mustard, St. Jude's Coffee, mac nuts, craft products, jam, jelly, and more. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org 

Stewardship at the Summit, Nov. 2, 8, 15, 23, and 30, 8:45a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center, HVNP. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/Guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Palm Seed Stem (Inflorescence) Random Weave Baskets with Jelena Clay, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. All supplies provided. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member, plus $30 supply fee/person. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Stained Glass Basics I, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 9a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. Glass artist Lois Pollock teaches beginners, covering all the basics to complete a glass panel. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $20 fee. Advanced registration required. Space Limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival, Saturday, Nov. 2, 10a.m.-10p.m. Pāhala CommunityCenter. Features master cultural practitioners, talk story, and many educational and cultural experiences with hands-on demonstrations. Hula performances by hālau from around the world. Craft vendors, food vendors, and informational booths. Festival preceded by ceremonies at Punalu‘u Beach at dawn; ancestors honored at sunset; festival closes with ceremony at Makanau. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, 649-9334, leionalani47@hotmail.com, hookupukau.com

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Nov. 2 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Sounds at the Summit featuring Wendell Ing with the release of Jazz Avenue, Saturday, Nov. 2, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Ticket are $15/VAC member, $20/non-member; includes a free CD of Jazz Avenue. Purchase tickets online, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Pupu, wine and beer available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Bring Micah Reep Home Prayer Vigil, Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m., Nāʻālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Mamalahoa Hwy. "Join us as we come together as a community and pray for the safe return of Micah Reep. 'The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' – James 5:16."

Night of the Dead: A Grateful Dead Tribute Experience featuring Bottle of Blue and Company, Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30-9:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. First concert takes place Friday, Nov. 1, Mahukona Beach Park. Two unique shows. $25 for one day or $40 for both days. Tickets available at door; pre-sale at eventbrite.com. Rocket and Rise Productions. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Grand Slam Band, Saturday, Nov. 2, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, NOV. 3
Palm Trail, Sunday, Nov. 3, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Fused Glass Basics: Ornaments Workshop with Claudia McCall, Sunday, Nov. 3, 11a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. One day kilnforming workshop introducing basic techniques of glass fusing. $25/VAC member, $30/non-member, plus $20 fee, includes supplies. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Nov. 3 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.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/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, NOV. 4
Fall Wreath Activity Registration, Nov. 4-12, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Cultural Understanding through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Nov. 4, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

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

TUESDAY, NOV. 5
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Nov. 5 (Committees), Wednesday, Nov. 6 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesdays, Nov. 5, 19, and Dec. 3, 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Empower Meeting, Tuesdays, Nov. 5 and 19 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, Wednesday, Nov. 6 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. No December program. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING
Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island by submitting feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

Trunk or Treat at Kaʻū District Gym will be held Thursday, Oct. 315:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Organized by Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary school, the free event offers a haunted house, healthy recipes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and Trunk or Treat, where keiki and youth go from parked car to car, asking for treats.
     For those interested in participating in Trunk or Treat, distributing goodies, prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car: Most Beautiful, Most Original, Spookiest, and a special awards for teachers or staff who decorate; decoration not required. Contact Nona at 928-3102 or Angie Miyashiro at 313-4100.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival Booths can be reserved. The free event on Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center, will feature cultural practitioners and demonstrators; workshops; crafts; food; music and entertainment from artists such as Bali Hai from Mexico, Vero Cruz Folklore Dancers, taiko drummers, UH-Hilo Filipino/Samoan dancers; and hula from Mexico, Japan, Virginia, ʻOahu, and Hawaiʻi Island. Interested vendors can apply for food, craft, or information booths. Email leionalani47@hotmail.com or call 808-649-9334. See hookupukau.com.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.
     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 299 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale by Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu. The parishes are selling the truck to raise funds to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.

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