Thursday, October 10, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, October 10, 2019

Little Fire Ant eradication is going strong in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. See story below for progress and
for tips on how to help prevent the spread of the noxious pest. NPS photo
ELECTED COUNTY PROSECUTOR MITCH ROTH, whose work is well known in Ocean View for neighborhood watch efforts, appeared before the county ethics board yesterday regarding possible conflicts with his family's employment and Thirty Meter Telescope issues. His son works with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, under California Institute of Technology, and his wife works with Subaru Telescope. Both have sites on Maunakea. The question is whether their employment would cause a conflict of interest in Roth's prosecution of protesters arrested on Maunakea. The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, which operated the Subaru Telescope, is one of six partners in the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
     Roth stated he does not believe there would be any conflict of interest.
     Also at issue is Roth serving on the board of The Success Factory's NexTech STEM Programs, which received a grant from the TMT THINK fund.
     Roth told the ethics committee that he, the county Corporation Counsel Joe Kamelamela, and the state attorney general have concluded there is no conflict of interest.
     Roth turned over 30 TMT arrest cases to the AG, pending the board's opinion, which is expected to be delivered at next month's meeting.
County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, right, in front of the county Board of Ethics. Photo from Big Island Video News
     Roth said appearance of a conflict of interest and his impartiality are hard to quantify. "Believe it or not, what you come up with here will probably be discussed in law schools across the country when it comes to ethics. I believe you'll find there is no appearance of impropriety, and if there is, it is so far removed, it wouldn't be a problem."
     The county ethics code states, "No officer or employee shall take any official action directly affecting… a business or undertaking in which the employee knows or has reason to know that a brother, a sister, a parent, an emancipated child or a household member has a substantial financial interest."
     The cases of arrested protesters on Maunakea include obstructing a governmental operation. Roth said it's his duty to prosecute cases on the island, and that he's prepared to have his first deputy prosecute the cases if he is advised not to.

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
REP. TULSI GABBRD IS CONSIDERING BOYCOTTING THE FOURTH DEBATE BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT. The debates are scheduled for next week, Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 15 and 16. Gabbard, who represents Kaʻū in congress, wrote today that people along the campaign trail have expressed frustration, saying the Democratic National Committee and "corporate media" are "essentially trying to usurp your role as voters in choosing who our Democratic nominee will be."
     She contended that the 2016 Democratic Primary election "was rigged" against Bernie Sanders by the DNC and their partners in the  media. She claimed that the same is happening for the 2020 election, particularly in the early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada.
     "They are attempting to replace the roles of voters in the early states, using polling and other arbitrary methods which are not transparent or democratic, and holding so-called debates which are not debates at all but rather commercialized reality television meant to entertain, not inform or enlighten.
     "In short, the DNC and corporate media are trying to hijack the entire election process. In order to bring attention to this serious threat to our democracy, and ensure your voice is heard, I am giving serious consideration to boycotting the next debate." She said she will announce her decision within the next few days.

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A POWER OUTAGE YESTERDAY was due to a vehicle accident on Kamaʻoa Road around 5:30 p.m. About 1,720 customers from Kapāpala Ranch to South Point Road area lost power – Green Sands, Nā‘ālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Discovery Harbour, and along Kamaʻoa. Cars were detoured via South Point Road from Highway 11 for those traveling to Discovery Harbour.
     Power was restored to most customers by 9:30 p.m. yesterday, About 455 customers got power back on this morning around 2:15 a.m., and the remaining ten had power restored at 11:20 a.m. today.

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A FLOOD ADVISORY is in place for most of Kaʻū through Friday evening. The National Weather Service reported that deep tropical moisture present with an unstable atmosphere "will not take much for heavier showers and embedded thunderstorms to develop today through tonight, but it will likely be isolated to select areas." No flash flood warnings are issued at this time.

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NPS image
LITTLE FIRE ANTS ARE BEING ERADICATED in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, according to a release from the Park this week. The invasive, noxious pests were removed from the popular Steam Vents. 
     LFA detections have decreased by at least 99 percent at Steam Vents area off Crater Rim Drive, since the park began treating the area in February. In 2018, LFA were abundant and readily observed on vegetation and along the edge of the parking lot. During last month's surveys, park pest control workers found LFA on just .1 percent of bait stations. 
     Treatments will continue until the population is eliminated. The Steam Vents parking lot in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park was closed today from 8 a.m. to noon for continued treatment. 
     Park ecologist David Benitez said, "It's too early to declare victory just yet. If we don't continue our treatments, LFA populations will quickly rebound and could spread to new areas. These pests are a serious concern for human health and also for our natural resources, including endangered nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, which are currently entering their breeding season."
Little Fire Ants. NPS photo
     Pest control workers will treat Steam Vents every four to six weeks and the park will announce closures in news releases, on nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, and via social media. The goal is to completely exterminate the ants from the area. Visitors can help by checking their gear and vehicles for LFA before coming to the park. To date, staff have completed five treatment cycles at Steam Vents. 
     For more information on LFA, how to control them and how to prevent spreading them, visit littlefireants.com.

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MAUNA LOA VOLCANO is not erupting. At Alert Level ADVISORY and Aviation Color Code YELLOW, rates of deformation and seismicity have not changed significantly in the past week and persist above long-term background levels.
     During the past week, approximately 100 small-magnitude earthquakes (all smaller than M2.2) were detected beneath the upper elevations of Mauna Loa. Most of the earthquakes occurred at shallow depths of less than 5 km (~3 miles) below ground level.
     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.
     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 GATHERING ON FILIPINO ISSUES, CALLED THE  PAMANTASAN CONFERENCE, will be held at Hawaiʻi Community College on Friday, Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Manono Campus Cafeteria, Building 382, 1175 Manono Street in Hilo. The 31st Annual System-Wide 2019 Pamantasan Conference signifies the important role that HCC, its sister institutions, and the community play in advancing the aspirations of Filipino students and their higher learning experiences.
     This year's conference theme is SULONG! SULONG!, to move forward or advance. Conference topics will focus on Filipino education gaps and action steps to address the needs of Filipino students in the UH System. The keynote address will be given by Dr. Kevin Nadal, Professor of Psychology and leading scholar on microaggressions, Filipino American identity, and LGBTQ issues in the U.S.
     In commemoration of October's Filipino American History Month, there will be a student track on Filipino indigenous history and culture featuring Lane Wilcken, author and cultural practitioner of the ancient arts of the Philippines, with an emphasis on indigenous hand-tap tattoos as a spiritual practice.
     Participants must register at pamantasanconference2019.wordpress.com/registration/. See pamantasanconference2019.wordpress.com/ for more. Contact sulong19@hawaii.edu with questions.

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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
2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:
Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA
Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals
Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau
Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau
Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING
FRIDAY, OCT. 11
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Oct. 11, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, Oct. 11, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 12
Every Kid Outdoors Day, Saturday, Oct. 12, all National Parks. Kid-friendly activities offered throughout the park. New Junior Ranger program at Kahuku unit. 4th grade students earn a free entrance pass to all national parks - everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm, print voucher and present, completed, at main entrance station. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Nāʻālahu Hongwanji Rummage Sale, Saturday, Oct. 12, 8a.m.-noon. Baked goods, clothing, crafts, books, household item, kitchen items, and garden tools. 95-5695 Mamalahoa Hwy.

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Oct. 12, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ka‘ū Skate Club Fundraiser for Kahuku Roller Rink in Ocean View: Yard Sale, Saturday, Oct. 12, 9a.m.-3p.m., 92-8907 Paradise Parkway, Ocean View. Donations welcome. Ka‘ū Skate Club President Lzena Barrett, 747-1147

Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Oct. 12, 9a.m.-12:30p.m., outside (weather permitting) at Volcano Art Center. Students complete one 9"x12" project. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. All materials supplied. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register - 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Oct. 12, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

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

Zentangle Inspired Art: Milagros with Lydia Meneses, Saturday, Oct. 12, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Art supplies provided (students encouraged to bring favorite art supplies). Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Jazz in the Forest with Jean Pierre Thoma, Autumn Leaves & Jeannine Guillory-Kane, Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Doors open 5p.m. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Purchase tickets online, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Soul Town Band performance, Saturday, Oct. 12, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to eligible patrons; certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 13
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sunday, Oct. 13, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo/

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Oct. 13 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, OCT. 14
Monday Movie Night: Moananuiakea, Monday, Oct. 14, 6-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $5 donation suggested. Popcorn and snacks available for purchase. Bring a cushion. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, OCT. 15
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Oct. 15 (Committees), Wednesday, Oct. 17, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov. These meetings affect the temporary location of the Nā‘ālehu Public Library

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Ti Leaf Lei Making with Jelena Clay, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Why Hawaiian Honey May Be the Best on Earth, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Local beekeepers and representatives from the Big Island Beekeepers Association discuss the island's varieties of honey, with samples to taste. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria, 6-7p.m. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 17
Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Thursday, Oct. 17, Ocean View Community Center. 6-7p.m. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
Hawaiʻi Nei Art Contest is open to all Hawaiʻi Island residents. All artwork must be registered online by Friday, Oct. 11 at hawaiineiartcontest.org. Initial online screening and jurying will take place Saturday, Oct. 12. Featured Category is Kō ā kai: Marine Species of Hawaiʻi Island. Artwork is not limited to the Featured Category; however, all artwork entries must depict a native species to Hawaiʻi Island.
     Amateur and professional artists of all ages, who are residents of Hawaiʻi Island, are invited to submit original works. Entry fees are $15 per entry for adults, youth under 18 are free. Artists are encouraged to explore a variety of media, including the performing arts.
     Artists will be notified by October 14th if their artwork has been selected for the exhibition. Final jurying and selection for awards will occur on Oct. 30 and will be announced at the opening reception on Nov. 1. Artwork may still be juried out despite adhering to all guidelines.
     Learn more at hawaiineiartcontest.org.
Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.
     SpeakOut meetings will be held in Kona, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Liquor Commission Boardroom; Capt. Cook, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pukaʻana United Church of Christ; and Waikaloa, Thursday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School.
     Topic Workshops will be held in Hilo at County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging on Saturday, Oct. 12 on Land Use from 9 a.m. to noon and Economic Development from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; and Hilo at County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging on Saturday, Oct. 26, on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
     Submit 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. 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.

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. 29, 9 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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