Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument has received approval for $4 million of federal funds for research 
and management projects. See story below. Photo from UNESCO
HUMPBACK WHALE SEASON IN HAWAIʻI BEGAN THIS WEEK with sightings in the northern islands. The season in Hawaiʻi generally runs from November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months. Thousands of humpback whales return to Hawaiian waters each year to breed, give birth, and nurse their young. With the arrival of humpback whale season in Hawaiʻi, ocean users are reminded to keep a safe distance from these annual visitors to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
     Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times throughout the year, not just when whales are visiting our waters. An extra set of eyes scanning the waters ahead and to the side of a boat can prevent collisions with marine life, obstructions, divers, and other vessels. Slower speeds may also reduce the risk of collisions with the animals.
Humpbacks breaching are one of the ways people report seeing the animals.
NOAA photo
     Humpback whales are protected in Hawaiʻi. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers, and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
     Ed Lyman, Natural Resources Specialist for the sanctuary, said, "Ocean users, such as those that reported the whale sighting, are a great resource in helping monitor the humpback whales in the sanctuary and nearby waters. By locating distressed animals, reporting and providing the initial documentation, and assessment on the animal, ocean users are the foundation of our conservation efforts."
     Those coming across an injured or entangled marine mammal, are urged to maintain the required safe distance and call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline at 1-888-256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF channel 16. If reporting a suspected approach zone violation, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
     The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaiʻi through the Division of Aquatic Resources The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation, and stewardship. Join them on Facebook.
     Websites: Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov; the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: sanctuaries.noaa.gov; and State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources: dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/.

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Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is hone to over 583,000 square miles of protected ocean waters
and ten islands, plus atolls. 
Map from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀKEA MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT has received approval for $4 million from the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to support management and research projects. The monument includes the the ten Northwest Hawaiian Islands and atolls. It is one of the world's largest marine protected areas, with 583,000 square miles of ocean waters, and the nesting site for Hawaiian green sea turtles that live along the Kaʻū Coast.
      The Northern Hawaiian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the main place where endangered Hawaiian monk seals, which frequent Kaʻū beaches, have their pups. Other species also rely on the protected islands, atolls, and waters.
     Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Appropriations Committee, announced the funds include $3.1 million for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship operations. NOAA recently decommissioned one of their research ships. Schatz said the appropriation authorizes NOAA to make grants up to $1 million for research and management of Papahānaumo­kuākea. The funding, said Schatz, is subject to a 100% non-federal match, which means another $3 million need to be donated or granted to the projects.
Endangered Hawaiian monk seals rely on Papahānaumokuākea for places to
pup. Photo by James Watt/Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
     In previous years, funding has helped removal of over 82 tons of debris from the Monument and on how the food web in Papahānaumokuākea is impacted by climate change, said Schatz.

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FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID forms are available for those looking for financial help with college or a career school. Each school might have its own deadline and additional forms may be needed. Check with the school about whether its application deadline is the date the school receives the FAFSA form or the date the FAFSA form is processed.
     The 2019–20 FAFSA form became available on Oct. 1, 2018, for the 2019–20 award year, which runs from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020 Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Central time on June 30, 2020, and corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 12, 2020. For the 2020–21 award year, which runs from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2021, and corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2021.
     General eligibility requirements are: demonstrate financial need; be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen, such as a citizen of the Freely Associated States – Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau; have a valid Social Security number, with the exception of students from citizens of Freely Associated States; be registered with Selective Service if male, between the ages of 18 and 25 – Freely Associates States citizen are exempt; be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program; be enrolled at least half-time; maintain satisfactory academic progress; not be in default on a federal student loan and not owe money on a federal student grant; promise federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes; and have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a GED, or be enrolled in an eligible career pathway program and meeting one of the "ability-to-benefit" alternatives.
     Learn more and apply at studentaid.ed.gov.

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OCTOBER ACTIVITIES AT KAHUKU UNIT feature a Coffee Talk on Keokeo Cave, hikes, informational talks, and more. Located just south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Highway 11, Kahuku Unit charges no entrance or program fees. The Park location is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
     Coffee Talk, The Keokeo Cave System in Kahuku: Friday, Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station. Peter and Annie Bosted have been exploring, photographing, and mapping caves around the world since the early 1980s. Their cave photos have appeared in books, calendars, magazines, and other publications. Peter Bosted is a co-author of the book Atlas of the Great Caves of the World, while Annie Bosted authored Gems of the Golden State. Their spelunking work in Hawaiʻi began in the 1990s. They will talk about lava tubes that have been recently discovered and explored on the Hawaiʻi Island, especially the 20-mile-long Keokeo system in Kahuku. They will also touch on the important role lava tubes play in growing the island and in preserving rare fauna, flora, and the remains of species no longer with us.
     Guided Hikes: Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station. Oct. 5, Paths and Trails; Oct. 6, People and Lands of Kahuku; Oct. 12, Palm Trail: Hulihia and Kūlia; Oct. 13, ʻŌhiʻa Lehua; Oct. 19, Birth of Kahuku; Oct. 20, Puʻu o Lokuana; Oct. 26, Nature & Culture; and Oct. 27, Hiʻiaka and Pele.
     Kahuku Orientation Talk: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station.

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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:
Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū
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:
Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui
Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū
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
THURSDAY, OCT. 3
Grand Opening of the Temporary Nā‘ālehu Library Location at the Nā‘ālehu State Office, Thursday, Oct. 3, 10a.m.. Popcorn, lemonade, and fines forgiveness offered in celebration. Library hours normal, except closed during Hawai‘i County Council Committee and Council meetings, first and third Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly. 939-2442, librarieshawaii.org

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Oct. 3 – 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, Oct. 3, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org


‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 4
31st Trash Show, Tuesday-Saturday, Oct. 4-25, 10a.m.-4p.m., East Hawai‘i Cultural Center. Opening reception, Friday, Oct. 4, 5:30-7p.m. Started in 1988 by Volcano Village artist Ira Ono, the show exhibits works of art made from trash, such as debris from Ka‘ū beaches. $15 general admission, $12 seniors and children. No pre-sale; tickets sold at door 961-5711, ehcc.org

Oktoberfest, Friday, Oct. 4, doors open 5:30p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Boiled Potatoes, Drinks and Dessert. Live music by Last Fling Band. Tickets at door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Fabulous Fabric Fun, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lisa Louise Adams teaches fabric print design, bamboo stamping style. Irene Tye teaches Yo-Yo quilt making and easy ways to cut fabric. Catherine Wynne teaches how to make Japanese-style gift bags. Glorianne Garza teaches Stitch Meditation. $75/person, all materials included. No machines needed. Register - 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Paths and Trails, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, 2-mile, hike. nps.gov/havo/

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Oct. 5, 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. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Oct. 5 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 5, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Plated German Sausage Dinner Special - Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German Potato Salad, Salad Bar, Ice Cream Bar, and Fountain Drink. $13.95/person. Lava Lounge to serve variety of German Beers, not included. Open to all eligible patrons, has certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Grand Slam performance, Saturday, Oct. 5, 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. 6
People and Land of Kahuku, Sunday, Oct. 6, 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo/

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 6 – 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, OCT. 7
Hawai‘i Public School Fall Break - Monday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Oct. 11.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Oct. 7, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, Oct. 7 and 21 (field-trip), 1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Empower Meeting, Monday, Oct. 7 and 21 – 1st and 3rd Monday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Oct. 7, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano Draft General Plan Mini Speakout Event, Monday, Oct. 7, 6-8p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Information provided on specific topics most relevant to the region. Thoughts from the community welcome. 961-8228, hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/

TUESDAY, OCT. 8
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. 2 hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Shape America's Future: Find Your Fit in the Federal Government, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park Ranger Ben Hayes shows attendees how to find career opportunities in the Federal Government including navigating the USAJobs website, share resume writing tips, etc. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9
AdvoCATS, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7a.m.-4:30p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

ONGOING
Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.
     The meeting will be held in Pāhoa, Saturday, Oct. 56 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhoa High School Cafeteria; and Volcano VillageMonday, Oct. 76 p.m. to 8 p.m.Cooper Center. Other SpeakOut events in Kona, Kealakekua, and Waikaloa dates and times are still to be announced.
     Topic Workshops will be held in Kona on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and on Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, in the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers. In Hilo, on Saturday, Oct. 12, workshops on Land Use from 9 a.m. to noon and Economics from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m and on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and on Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, in the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging.
     Submit feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

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.

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.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.
     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

Two Used Commercial Freezers are for sale by Kaʻū Hospital. The hospital states they work, and they "would like to offer to the community on a best offer basis." Interested parties may submit a bid in writing with name, address, and phone number to the Kaʻū Business office by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
     The first freezer is a double door Centaur Plus by Entrée, LLC, Model # CSD-2DF-BAL, Serial # 1106CENH01077.
     The second freezer is a single door Centaur Plus by Entrée, LLC, Model # CSD-1DF-BAL, Serial # 1107CENH01513.

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.

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