Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, November 29, 2019

Last year, keiki decorated floating lanterns for a commemoration of loved ones at Punaluʻu Medicine Pond. 

See Saturday, Nov. 30 event details below. Photo by Julia Neal

STATE SEN. KAI KAHELE SENT OUT A THANKSGIVING WEEKEND MESSAGE. It said, in part, that for the last 50 years, this day has "been known for marking the solemn remembrance of America's complicated history." He noted that, since 1970, Native Americans and other indigenous peoples have called upon allies and supporters to join them at noon on Cole's Hill on Thanksgiving Day in Plymouth to recognize their National Day of Mourning, as a means of bringing awareness to the ongoing struggles of Native peoples throughout the United States and the world.
     "It is also the Hawaiian national holiday of Lā Kū'oko'a first recognized on Nov. 28, 1843, when Great Britain and France acknowledged the Hawaiian islands as an independent nation.

Kai Kahele and family send a Thanksgiving

aloha. Photo from Kai Kahele

     "As a native Hawaiian man of mixed heritage from a state home to many people of mixed ethnicities, I have the privilege of continuously navigating histories and identities that are complex and nuanced. I firmly believe these complexities make us stronger as a community, as we have the great fortune of uplifting cultural traditions from across the globe....
     "Throughout my entire life, I was taught that we can bridge divides through respect and aloha. In this time of great divisiveness, it is easy to focus on what we don't agree on but rather, let's focus on what binds us together. Our commitment to freedom, equality, and justice. Having compassion for one another. The belief that our best days are ahead of us if we are willing to keep working, to keep fighting and to keep reaching for a higher plateau."

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CHRISTMAS PACKAGES HEADING OUT FROM HAWAIʻI through the U.S. Postal Service should be sent before the daily cutoff dates just released:
     Mail First-Class and Priority headed to international and overseas military destinations, including Samoa, by next Friday, Dec. 6. First-Class and Priority mail headed to Guam and Saipan can be mailed as late as Friday, Dec. 13. First-Class and Priority mail headed to the mainland should be sent by Thursday, Dec. 19, and Dec. 20 for Hawaiʻi-bound mail.

     Expedited Priority Express packages and letters for international and overseas military destinations should be sent by Friday, Dec. 13; to Samoa by Saturday, Dec. 14; to Guam and Saipan by Thursday, Dec. 19, and by all to mainland destinations and Hawaiʻi locations by Saturday, Dec. 21.

"Seasons Greeting from Hawaii" is on some specially marked Priority Mail
boxes. Photo from Twitter, @bobbecka

     USPS asks postal customers, "Keep in mind that the suggested mailing dates are not deadlines, implying that packages or letters will not arrive at their destinations if mailed after the listed dates. In fact, if normal holiday conditions prevail, chances are good that letters and packages sent shortly after the suggested dates will still make it to their destinations before Christmas. Ultimately, unpredictable factors such as mailing volumes and weather determine whether deliveries can be made early or on time."
     USPS suggests using Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes to lower shipping costs. Customers can send up to 70 pounds in Medium Flat Rate Boxes to domestic locations for $14.35. Large Flat Rate Boxes, which hold 50 percent more (with the same 70-pound limit), can be sent for $19.95. For overseas military destinations, up to 70 pounds can be shipped in the military Large Flat Rate Box to most APO and FPO locations for $18.45. Priority Mail and Priority Express envelopes and boxes include day-specific delivery, improved tracking, and free insurance, and are available for free at local Post Offices. A limited number of boxes have "Seasons Greetings from Hawaii" printed on the side.

     Self Service Ship & Mail Centers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Hilo and Kona post offices.

     USPS.com can be sued to pay for postage and to print out mailing labels. Use usps.com/pickup for package pick up from home or office, usually on the next business day, for free. Prepaid and labeled mail can be dropped off at a Post Office without waiting in line.

     A statement from USPS said, "Soon after Hawaiʻi residents have finished digesting their Thanksgiving turkeys their thoughts will turn to Black Friday shopping and holiday gift shipping. The Postal Service is happy to assist its customers with those efforts by providing suggested holiday mailing dates specific to Hawaiʻi, news on extended holiday services, information about convenient self-service options, and holiday mailing tips."

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MORE BENEFITS FOR VETERANS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Sen. Schatz authored a bill, signed into law last year, that allowed the Department of Defense to expand access to military commissaries, exchanges, and recreation facilities to more veterans and caregivers. Thousands of veterans in Hawai‘i may be eligible for these new benefits.
     Eligible veterans and caregivers include: Purple Heart recipients; former prisoners of war; all veterans with service-connected disabilities; and individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

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Evergreens like this Norfolk pine are a familiar sight
in some parts of Hawaiʻi Island. Cultivation of this
and other species will be discussed on Wednesday in
Hilo. Photo by Forest & Kim Starr, from llifle.com

GROWING CHRISTMAS TREES IN HAWAIʻI AND INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL will be discussed at the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Educational Seminar on Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Conference Room D202, located at 875 Komohana Street in Hilo.

     The community is invited to the free meeting; chili bowl will be provided as well as prize giveaways.

     Aileen Yeh, horticulturalist with the Hawaiʻi Agriculture Research Center, will give a presentation on Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association's Mid-to-Low Elevation Christmas Tree Project. Other speakers include: Luana Beck, of Hilo County Farm Bureau; Randy Cabral, of Hawaiʻi State Farm Bureau; and Franny Brewer of the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, who will talk about albizia trees, little fire ants, and new invasive species.
     Yeh's presentation will center on on-going demonstrations that conifer species can be grown at mid-to-low elevations, including identifying the species and cultivars that produce acceptable Christmas trees – in pots and in the ground. Yeh will also report on out plantings at different elevations being done with collaborators, complementing HFIA's higher elevation Douglas fir plantings.

     This project's goals are to help expand a fledgling local Christmas tree industry by identifying a variety of species to replace imported trees at different elevations. Potential species are: Leyland Cypress, xCupressocyparis leylandii; Norfolk or Cooke Island Pine, Araucaria sp.; Monterey Pine, Pinus radiate; and Cypress species, Cupressus spp. The long-term goal of this effort is reduced imported container stock; reduced alien species introductions; and reduced workload of State Agricultural inspectors.
     HFIA's Mid-to-Low Elevation Christmas Tree Project received funding from State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Marketing Service, and County of Hawai‘i Department of Research & Development.
     RSVP to hfia@hawaiiforest.org by tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 30. For more information about the meeting, please contact Aileen Yeh, ayeh@hawaii.rr.com, or Laila Jayyousi, kalua1@hotmail.com.

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Medicine Pond at Punaluʻu last year, with a lineup of 

keiki and the emcee Kelsey Hiraishi launching 

floating lanterns to honor family and friends. 

Photo by Peter Anderson

KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS ANNUAL FLOATING LANTERN CELEBRATION, "Honoring Past, Present, & Future Generations," will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach Park, in Medicine Pond. Pre-registration to participate is closed. Funds for lanterns, photos, and t-shirts go toward scholarships.

     Last year's event included live music and taiko drumming, a Tai Chi and Qigong demonstration, and a spaghetti dinner. 

     The ninth annual event is sponsored by Maile David, Kaʻū's County Council member, Hui Mālama Ola Nā Oʻiwi, and Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic.
     For more info, contact 808-928-0101.

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A MILLION DREAMS benefit concert, hosted by Kīlauea Drama and Entertainment Network, features Pedro Kaʻawaloa, Norman Arancon, Paige Mason, and Mikala Thomas as they perform some of their favorite songs. The one day only show, on Saturday, Nov. 30, offers pieces ranging from pop and jazz favorites to some great hits from Broadway, both old and new. There will be a 2:30 p.m. matinee show and a 7:30 p.m. evening show at Christ Lutheran Church, 595 Kapiolani Street in Hilo. This is a free admission event, but donations will be graciously accepted at the door. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. For more information please call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

     Hilo's Kaʻawaloa returns from the Big Apple where he has been working his craft.  He recently traveled the country, playing the titular role of the king of Siam in the national tour of The King & I. Other notable roles he's played include El Gallo in The Fantasticks – both for KDEN and in Florida – Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and the Beast in Beauty and the Beast.

     Norman Arancon continues to perform here on Hawaiʻi Island, and is currently portraying The Spirit of Transformation in The Hawaiian Nutcracker. His most notable roles include Engineer in Miss Saigon, The King of Siam in The King and I for KDEN, and Jafar in Aladdin Jr.

     Paige Mason is originally from Lexington, Kentucky but is now based out of New York. She most recently traveled China and Saudi Arabia in the International tour of The Wizard of Oz. Some of her notable roles are Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fiona in Shrek: The Musical, and Babette in Beauty and the Beast.

     Mikala Thomas most recently produced a recital for his 28 music students.  He was last seen playing keyboards for RENT at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and is excited to be working with Pedro, Norman, and Paige.

     KDEN has been providing quality theatre to Hawaiʻi Island since 2002; come help show support of an organization that has touched and shaped the lives of many in East Hawaiʻi, requests the organization.

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.

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.

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

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, NOV. 30

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, Kaʻū Chapter, meeting on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. at Pāhala Plantation House. All persons working or interested in agriculture are invited. A potluck lunch will be served. Learn of plans for 2020, including agriculture education, events, and reviewing legislation and issues before the county, state, and federal policymakers that affect Kaʻū. Rep. Richard Creagan, Chair of the state House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, will announce his 2020 legislative goals. For more information on HFUU, call Pres. Matt Drayer at 808-339-8737.

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

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

Girls Nite Out Band, Saturday, Nov. 30, 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, DEC. 1

Pu‘u o Lokuana Trail, Sunday, Dec. 1, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Dec. 1 – 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/south
pointarc or sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, DEC. 2

Christmas Ornament Activity Registration, Dec. 2-10, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 11, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/depart
ments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Name that Holiday Tune Registration, Dec. 2-5, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Friday, Dec. 6, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/depart
ments/
parks-and-recreation/recreation

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Dec. 2, 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, Dec. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 3
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Dec. 3 (Committees), Wednesday, Dec. 4 (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, Tuesday, Dec. 3 and 17, 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, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 17 and 31 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 1, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Basics class focuses on vocabulary, counting, simple conversation, grammar, and sentence structures. No textbook or previous knowledge required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 2, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class focuses on expanding vocabulary, using longer snippets of conversation, and understanding how repeating Hawaiian word and phrase patterns can be used to communicate using many types of sentences. Class taught using Hawaiian as language of instruction about 10% of the time to help with listening comprehension. No textbook required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 3, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 6:30-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class taught over 50% in the Hawaiian language to increase comprehension and to "immerse" the student. Class is ideal for teachers, cultural practitioners, and those with the goal of using Hawaiian language on a daily basis. No textbook required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park: Reintroduction of the ‘Ālala - Two Years Later, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Rachel Kingsley of The ‘Ālala Project provides an update. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, DEC. 5

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Dec. 5 – 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, Dec. 5, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 6

Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 8-9a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $36 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs, or prorating for missed classes. Limited to 15 people. Must call to reserve spot in advance. No drop-ins. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com 

Stewardship at the Summit, Dec. 6, 13, 21 and 28, 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, 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/

Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 10-11a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $45 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs or prorating for missed classes. No drop ins. Limited to 15 people. Reserve spot in advance. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com 

ONGOING

Pom Pom Wreath Registration, through Dec. 4. Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program takes place Tuesday, Dec. 10, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Santa's Workshop Event Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30p.m. All ages. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Holiday Ornament Registration, through Dec. 16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

P&R T-Ball League Registration, through Jan. 6, Kahuku Park. Ages 5-6. Program to take place Dec. 2 - April 16, 3:30-4:30pm. Athletic shoes required. Contact Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511.

P&R Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration, through Jan. 6, Kahuku Park. Ages 7-8. Program to take place Dec. 2 - April 16, 4:30-6pm. Athletic shoes, glove, and uniform required. Contact Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511.

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 808-938-1088.

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