Sunday, November 03, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, November 3, 2019

The dance of Veracruz in Mexico came to the grounds of Pāhala Community Center this weekend.
Photo by Julia Neal
MEXICO CAME TO KAʻŪ THIS WEEKEND WITH TRADITIONAL DANCE. The Mexicans also brought Polynesian movement that reflects training from Hawaiian hula teachers like Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder of Pāhala, along with the dance troupes' own cultural background mixed with dreams and ideas of Polynesia.
     Ballet Bali Hai from Mexico City put on a full show for Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū on Saturday, with a crew of 40 who flew in from Mexico with costumes and instruments to take part in the cultural festival at Pāhala Community Center.
     The dances ranged from spirited Tahitian by men and women, with music and choreography that could be in Las Vegas, to subtle hula in farm village attire. The group also offered a song for protecting Maunakea, where protests have been ongoing in opposition to building more telescopes on the mountain.
     Mexican dancers also shared their own regional performances, with dances that reflect a Spanish tradition with movements steeped in Native Mexican folklore.
     Hawaiian Kumu Hula attending and presenting the dance of their own hālau, lauded the Mexican emissaries of dance, for loving Hawaiʻi and Polynesia enough to dedicate themselves to hula and its music while developing their own stylings and approaches.
     See photos below and more in Monday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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Yucatan folk dance from Mexico came to Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival. Photo by Julia Neal
MORE RESEARCH ON INDUSTRIAL HEMP PRODUCTION IN HAWAIʻI can move forward, now that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has released Interim Final Rules for growing and processing it under the 2018 Farm Bill. The only legal way to cultivate hemp in Hawaiʻi is under a license from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Agriculture, overseen by the USDA. This means any cannabis growing in Hawaiʻi outside of the state’s industrial hemp pilot program, no matter how it tests, is legally marijuana.
     The new rules outlines provisions for the USDA to approve plans submitted by states and tribes for the domestic production of hemp. It also establishes a federal plan for producers in states or territories of tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved plan.
     The state Department of Agriculture  issued a statement on Friday saying it expects legislative action in order for Hawaiʻi's hemp growers to transition from the pilot program to commercial
production.  In the interim, the state ag department continues to prepare a plan for submission to USDA, and to run Hawaiʻi's Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program in accordance with the 2014 Farm Bill and current state law.
Tahitian village folk dance, interpreted by Ballet Bali Hai of Mexico City. Photo by Julia Neal
     There are 36 industrial hemp growers licensed in the state under the pilot program. They include Kaʻū Hemp, with ten acres and Earth Matters, with three acres, in Kaʻū. Also listed on this island are: Mauna Loa Farms, LLC, with ten acres; Gail Baber, with ten acres; Thomas Pace, with ten acres; Lono Holdings, with three acres; Tropical Sunset Farms, LLC, with one acre; Brittany Neal, with one acre; Aloha Hemp Farm, with 8.3 acres; Lion Farms, LLC, with .2 acres; Martin M. Canning, with 9.5 acres; Asante Gardens, LLC, with less than one acre; Aloha Hemp CBD, LLP, with three acres; Island Hemp, LLC, with ten acres; and Mana Property Development, LLC, with ten acres.
     Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chair of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture, said, "Through the pilot program, there has been significant interest by existing and potential farmers in growing hemp in Hawaiʻi. The department is examining the new federal regulations and will continue to develop a program to ensure future commercial production of hemp in Hawaiʻi."
      More information can be found on the USDA website or hdoa.hawaii.gov/hemp. The new rules will not have an immediate affect on industrial hemp cultivated under the 2014 Farm Bill programs, including Hawaiʻi's Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program.

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Women of Mexico City who dance Tahitian in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal
LOOKING FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND? HAVE AG LAND TO LEASE? The Kohala Center announced that GoFarm Hawaiʻi is a resource for connecting farmers to land. For those with land to lease, the online form helps to gather information and connect farmers with that land. There is also a new land availability fact sheet, to help farmers identify land they can lease or purchase in every county. The fact sheet is available to view and download online. Visit gofarmhawaii.org for more.

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LEARN ABOUT COVER CROPS, SOIL HEALTH, AND SOIL TESTING from three educational videos recorded during a student field day for The Kohala Center's Beginner Farmer-Rancher Development Program. The videos are available to watch online.

Men from Mexico City who dance Tahitian in Pāhala arrived with
a troupe of some 40 members of Ballet Bali Hai. Photo by Julia Neal
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APPLICATIONS FOR FOODEX IN JAPAN in March of 2020 are open. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from eligible Hawaiʻi companies interested in participating in the Hawaiʻi Pavilion at FOODEX, the largest food and beverage trade show in Asia, scheduled for March 10 to 13, 2020. Applications must be submitted online by Saturday, Nov. 30. For questions, contact Yukashi Smith at 808-973-9627 or yukashi.m.smith@hawaii.gov.

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REGARDING GENOCIDE, "WE CANNOT ALLOW HISTORY TO REPEAT ITSELF," Rep. Tulsi Gabbard told the U.S. Senate last week. She urged the senators to pass House Resolution 296 to commemorate the genocide of Armenian people.
     Said Gabbard, "The history of the United States has been intertwined with that of the Armenian people and the Armenian Genocide. It was American missionaries and diplomats who let the world know that the Ottoman Empire tried to ethnically cleanse itself of its Armenian and Christian populations. It was the United States that became home to many of the survivors of this genocide. Their experience inspired Raphael Lemkin to create the term genocide only to see his Jewish family suffer the same fate at the hands of Nazi Germany.
     "The denial of the Armenian Genocide has had contemporary consequences. I have visited both Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. I saw a Turkey which denies genocide and has no fear of committing it again. In fact, Turkey has begun an ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Kurds in northern Syria
     "I've long called for our government to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. The House has spoken with a clear voice, breaking the silence, recognizing the Armenian Genocide and we call on the Senate and President Trump to do the same."
Kumu Hula Shona Lam Ho brought 30 members of her halau to Kaʻū over the weekend. Photo by Julia Neal
     In 2017, she visited Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and part of a Congressional delegation led by the Congressional Armenian Caucus. During her visit she met with public and community leaders as well as academics to discuss issues of mutual interest to the U.S. and Armenia and opportunities to strengthen ties between the countries.
     During her visit, stated a release from her office, "she witnessed the lasting impact that the Armenian Genocide had on Armenians in the region as well as the diaspora — including in the United States — and observed their resilience in the face of genocide denial and the struggle to maintain independence in Nagorno Karabakh."
     The Hawai'i's State Legislature has passed resolutions reaffirming the Armenian Genocide and recognizing the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. Hawaiʻi is one of 49 states to acknowledge the historical record on the Armenian Genocide.

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HELICOPTER FLIGHTS LIFTING OFF  FROM HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to work in remote placed in November are planned as followed
     On Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., a crew will transport camp equipment in ‘Ōla‘a between 3,000- and 4,000-ft. elevation. Gear will be transferred from Kealakomo pullout to Nāulu/Kalapana Trail intersection. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., fence material will be put in place along Mauna Loa Road between 5,000- and 6,000-ft. elevation.
Hula from Hoʻomaikaʻi Hula Studio. Photo by Julia Neal
    On Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 8 a.m. to noon, helicopter flights will help with invasive banana poka control on Mauna Loa Road between 5,000- and 6,000-ft. elevation.
     On Thursday, Nov. 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.,  helicopter flights will transport camp equipment in ‘Ōla‘a between 3,000- and 4,000-ft. elevation. From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., gear will be moved from Nāulu/Kalapana trail head to the Mauna Ulu helicopter spot.
    On Monday, Nov. 25, from 7 a.m. to noon, helicopter flights will assist with petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa, between 8,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation. From 8 a.m. to noon, they will assist with the control of  invasive fountain grass from coastal areas to the southwest boundary below 3,000-ft. elevation.
    On Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon, flights will help control invasive fountain grass in the Great Crack area, below 1,000-ft. elevation. From 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., flights will assist with ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 3,000-ft. and 7,000-ft. elevation.
     The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.

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EVENTS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER & GALLERY in November include a special member-only Christmas preview, hula, and an update on Hawaiʻi's endemic, endangered crow, the ʻAlala:
     On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m. at VAC Gallery, Hula Voices features Kumu Hula Pele Kaio.
A keiki dancer and singer watches on as Shona Lam Ho's hālau performs. Photo by Julia Neal
     In this month's Zentangle: Bitty BookZ workshop with Lois and Earl Stokes on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m., attendees will create tiny books using Zentangle techniques. 
     On Saturday, Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m.Constant as the Moon will perform live in concert.
     The ʻAlalā Project will give an update on the Hawaiian crow on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
     All levels are welcome in the beginner and intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic workshop with Mary Milelzcik on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.
     This month's Hula Kahiko performance at 10:30 a.m. will be held on Nov. 16. Kumu Haʻamauliola Aiona with haumāna, students, of Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Public Charter School. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., come see Nā Mea Hula with Wes Awana at VAC Gallery.
     VAC Gallery merrily invites members, new and old, to attend the Member's Appreciation, Christmas in the Country Preview event on Friday, Nov. 22 at 5:30 p.m. Featuring the 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit that continues through Dec. 31, this year' Christmas in the Country "promises an abundance of art and aloha to kick start your holiday season," stated the announcement. The Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional. Enjoy two weekends of special events.
     Take a look into the future and see some of the programs, events, and exhibits lined up for 2020 in the Program Preview Exhibit on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30.
     VAC's newest series of programs, Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. Visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/ for the full lineup.
     The Volcano Art Center is a non-profit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i's people and environment through activities in the visual, literary, and performing arts. 

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Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Fire Stations were recently visited by Tūtū and Me families, where keiki learned about what 
firefighters do, and got to see some of the equipment used. Photo from Tūtū and Me
TŪTŪ & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL families recently participated in a community walk field trip, where they learned about community helpers. Michelle Buck, Hawaiʻi South Partners in Development site manager, said, "Many thanks to the Nāʻālehu Public Library, Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Fire Stations, Punaluʻu Bakery, CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, and P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc. We learned so much about our beautiful community and had a great day!"
Tūtū and Me families visited CU Hawaiʻi 
Federal Credit Union, where keiki learned 
about money. Photo from Tūtū and Me
     Tūtū & Me, under Partners in Development, aims to help support and educate those five years old and younger, and their caregivers – often grandparents, due to socio-economic conditions or tradition and the value of ‘ohana, family – through an innovative traveling preschool program done in cooperation with churches and community organizations serving the Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian community.
     Teaching teams, educators specializing in early childhood education, travel to communities like Nāʻālehu and Pāhala, where teach a curriculum organized around learning themes and cultural aspects, and values that continue to influence the lives of native Hawaiian children. Ten communities on the Hawaiʻi Island benefit from this instruction.
     This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Kamehameha Schools, at no cost to caregivers or keiki.
     Contact Buck at (808)929-8571 or see pidfoundation.org for information on the program.

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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
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

FRIDAY, NOV. 8
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Nov. 8, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, Nov. 8, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. No alcohol. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, NOV. 9
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Nov. 9, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

5th Annual Lā ‘Ohana, Saturday, Nov. 9, 9a.m.-3p.m., Miloli‘i Park. Live local entertainment. Free event for health and Hawaiian culture "celebrating generational knowledge." UH-Hilo Pharmacy health screenings, open enrollment for health insurance with Big Island Kokua Services Partnerships, cultural demonstrations, Hawaiian medicine from Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, informational booths from marine conservation organization, arts and crafts from community vendors. Baked goods, drinks, shaved ice, ono grinds, and more. Kaimi Kaupiko, 937-1310, kkaupiko@gmail.com

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Nov. 9, 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.orgfacebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Nov. 9, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle Introduction to Bitty BookZ with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, Nov. 9, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Art supplies provided (returning students encouraged to bring favorite supplies). Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring food to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Sounds at the Summit featuring Constant as the Moon, Saturday, Nov. 9, 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, Saturday, Nov. 9, 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. 10
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Nov. 10, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Nov. 10 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING
Paper Bag Pumpkin Activity Registration, through Tuesday, Nov. 5, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 6, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Read To Me Activity Registration, through Wednesday, Nov. 6, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Thursdays, Nov. 7-213:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners Program Accepting Applications through Friday, Nov. 15cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/whmgprogram/HOME/West-Hawaii. Classes take place Jan. 14 - April 17, 2020, every Tuesday, 9a.m.-noon. $200/person.

P&R Track & Field Practice Registration, through Wednesday, Nov. 20Kahuku Park. Ages 6-14. Athletic shoes required. Program takes place Dec. 2 - Feb. 8, day and time TBA. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

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.

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.

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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