Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, November 7, 2019

Hands in the shape of a mauna, to represent Maunkea and all she represents, at the Board of Regents meeting 
on Wednesday. Photo from Big Island Video News

NEW ADMINISTRATIVE RULES FOR STEWARDSHIP OF MAUNAKEA received unanimous approval by University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents during an 11-hour meeting on Wednesday. Gov. David Ige would have to approve the rules for them to go into effect.

     The UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center hosted the meeting. Big Island Video News reported 99 people testified and that "Nearly everyone in attendance spoke in opposition to the Regent's Maunakea stewardship resolution." Many also spoke against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. See tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs for pro and con testimony. 

     Kahu, Guardian, Moses Kahoʻokele Crabbe presented hoʻokupu, gifts and offerings, to the regents, including a lava stone in the shape of a cone. Crabbe led the crowd in the song Kaulana Nā Pua, Famous are the Flowers, a Hawaiian patriotic song written by Eleanor Kekoaohiwaikalani Wright Prendergast in 1893, for members of the Royal Hawaiian Band who protested the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani and the Hawaiian Kingdom. Many audience members held up their hands in a triangle-hand gesture, made familiar recently by the Kū Kiaʻi Mauna, Stand Guard over the Mountain, movement to protect Maunakea. See the presentation at bigislandvideonews.com/2019/11/06/video-kahu-crabbe-leads-powerful-showing-at-uh-regents-mauna-kea-meeting/.

Kahu Moses Kahoʻokele Crabbe, presenting to U.H. Regents.

Photo from Big Island Video News

     The Board of Regents' resolution acknowledges Maunakea as a "special and important place in the history, culture, and hearts of the peoples of Native Hawaiian ancestry and all of Hawaiʻi" and "a symbol of Native Hawaiian self-determination." It says, "any mismanagement of Maunakea is hurtful and disrespectful to the sanctity and inviolability of this place to Native Hawaiians and others."

     The resolution states the Board of Regents has "clarified its roles, duties, and responsibilities." Those responsibilities include implementing management plans from as far back as 2000, the Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan, and recent as public access and observatory decommissioning plans from 2010. The Board of Regents "affirms its commitment" to follow through with recommendations from the Management Plans "in an accelerated and expeditious manner."
     Action items in the resolution include:

     The Maunakea Master Plan update will accommodate uses by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners.

     Decommissioning of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and Hokukea site no later than Dec. 31, 2021. The resolution defines "decommissioning" as "the complete removal of all man-made structures at each respective site bringing each site to as close as feasible to its natural state prior to construction." The resolution requires a decommissioning schedule to be presented to the Board of Regents during or before its February 2020 meeting.
     Establishment of a new educational telescope facility for the UH-Hilo on already developed land at Hale Pohaku or elsewhere, as soon as can be permitted, with a target date no later than December 31, 2021.

Kahu Moses Kahoʻokele Crabbe presented U.H. Regent 
Alapaki Naheleʻa with a cone-shaped lava stone.

Photo from Big Island Video News

     Determination of decommissioning of three additional observatory sites on or by Dec. 30, 2025, based on permits and governmental approvals. If decommissioning is required, the three sites will be reported to the Board of Regents by January 2026.
     Office of Maunakea Management and Maunakea Observatories Support Services will work with ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center to develop educational programs regarding Maunakea by Aug. 31, 2020. Programs will include Native Hawaiian culture, history, environmental, and biological considerations designed for tour guides and drivers, employees, contractors, recreational users, scientists and observatory workers, and visitors. OMKM must report to the Board of Regents on program plans at the February 2020 meeting. Capital Improvement Project budget requests to fund the programs will be submitted during the 2020 legislative session.
    A reorganization and restructuring plan of "all advisory, operating, and funding bodies involved in the management of Maunakea" must be submitted to the Board of Regents by April 2020 to "improve operations and management and make it more efficient, effective, and transparent." The analysis will include consultation with the Maunakea Management Board, Kahu Ku Mauna, and appropriate members of the Hawaiʻi Island community. This includes analysis of whether management of the Maunakea Science Reserve should be "transferred to a governmental authority or other third party entity, or through alternate management mechanisms (e.g., conservation easement agreement...)."
    The resolution requires that UH-Hilo cooperate with Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to resolve "any outstanding issues relating to the roadway infrastructure on Maunakea and will seek opportunities to assist DHHL in its efforts to fulfill its trust duties and responsibilities on the use of its Maunakea lands."
     UH-Hilo "should pursue a partnership" with an agency or organization whose primary beneficiary is the Native Hawaiian community, to operate commercial shuttles and tours on Maunakea.
the resolution at hawaii.edu/news/2019/11/07/regents-approve-maunakea-stewardship-resolution/.
     See testimony from those who opposed and supported the resolution in a future Kaʻū News Briefs.

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Watch the video at volcanoes.usgs.gov.

A DRONE-EYE VIEW VIDEO OF WATER COLLECTION at Kīlauea's summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Oct. 26 was released by U.S. Geologic Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory. An Unmanned Aircraft System collected a sample from the hot, green pond in Halema‘uma‘u. The pond, both longer and wider than a football field, is over 10.5 meters (35 feet) deep, with an estimated temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Celsius (149-167 degrees Fahrenheit), with a pH of 4.2. Further results from the testing will be released once USGS colleagues at the California Volcano Observatory are finished analyzing the sample.

     USGS HVO stated that limited UAS flights in this area are conducted with permission and coordination with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The information is used to assess hazards at Kīlauea's summit, and is shared with the National Park Service and emergency managers.

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FREE PUBLIC EVENTS will be held by Hawai‘i Electric Light in November and December, to commemorate 125 years of providing electric service to Hawai‘i Island. The utility will sponsor weekly prizes on KWXX radio, 94.7 FM, through Friday, Dec. 6.

     A free to the public drive-in movie night will be held on Friday, Nov. 15, in the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot in Hilo. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase starting at 5 p.m. In addition to the movie, the family celebration includes games, prizes, and the Hawaiʻi Classic Cruizers car enthusiasts club. This is an alcohol and drug-free event. Chairs and mats are welcome but tents are not permitted. This event was postponed in August due to approaching storms.

     On Thursday morning, Dec. 5, the 125th Anniversary Celebration will be held in Downtown Hilo outside the original Hilo Electric Light Company headquarters located at Kalākaua Street. The community is invited to enjoy light refreshments, historic displays, and commemorative anniversary giveaways from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Lower Kalākaua Street will be closed from 6:30 to 10 a.m. for this event.

     In Kona, a free to the public Outdoor Movie Night will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Kona Commons starting at 5 p.m. Showtime is 6 p.m. In addition to the movie, there will be prize drawings, information booths featuring local non-profit organizations, visits with Santa, and free popcorn. Picnic chairs and blankets are welcome but coolers, alcohol, and outside food are not permitted. In the spirit of the holiday season, new, unwrapped toys will be collected for the Toys for Tots program to benefit Hawaiʻi Island keiki.

     A release from the utility stated: "Our history as a kama‘aina company dates back to 1894, when 100 percent of the energy generated came from a hydroelectric unit using water leased from the Hilo Boarding School's irrigation ditch. Today, we're here 24/7, providing electricity from a diverse mix of resources including hydro, solar, wind and biofuels, drawing us closer to a 100 percent clean energy future."

     For more information, visit hawaiielectriclight.com, Twitter @HIElectricLight, Facebook – HawaiianElectric, and Instagram @HawaiianElectric.

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An ‘Ua‘u, Hawaiian petrel, chick. See video at 
facebook.com/hawaiivolcanoesnps/videos/2756465287748904/

KEEPING SKIES DARK, STAYING ON TRAILS, AND WEEDING OUT INVASIVE PLANTS are items on Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's wish list. Several recent social media posts tell stories, providing reasons for these efforts:

     ‘Ua‘u, Hawaiian petrels, have been monitored in the Park since the early 1990s. Approximately 60 active nests are monitored per season on the high slopes of Mauna Loa. A single egg is laid and then incubated by both parents. Both parents fly to sea to forage for food to feed their chick. In November, young ‘ua‘u prepare to fledge. Their parents have already left the colony, so the fledglings are on their own for this journey. Over the next few weeks, the young seabirds will exercise their wings and take their first flight from the slopes of Mauna Loa and head directly out to sea. The young will leave in the dark of night and will not be back on land to nest on Mauna Loa for five to six years. He huaka‘i maika‘i, safe travels.

See work on trails at facebook.com/
hawaiivolcanoesnps/videos/2415644348763344/

     Bright or unshielded artificial lights can disorient and ground these inexperienced flyers. Once on the ground, they are vulnerable to non-native predators, such as cats, dogs, mongooses, and rats. Keep outdoor lights shield in a downward position. Keep the night skies dark for the ‘ua‘u.

     Trails don't just take care of themselves – Park staff and volunteers work hard to keep trails safe for visitors. Last year's eruption caused thousands of earthquakes and lots of rockfalls, damaging many of the Park's most popular trails. Work continues to reopen more trails in the coming weeks. Watch a time lapse of the Park trail crew carefully dissecting a massive boulder for removal at facebook.com/hawaiivolcanoesnps/videos/2415644348763344/.

     The exquisite ‘ama‘u fern is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, and can range in height from two to 15 feet. There are three different species that thrive in the Park, the most common being Sadleria cyatheoides, often seen in mid-elevation, sunny areas, like Mauna Ulu. The young fronds of this ‘ama‘u are often red.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

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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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

UPCOMING

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.org, facebook.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

MONDAY, NOV. 11

P&R Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration, Nov. 11 - Jan. 6, Kahuku Park. Ages 7-8. Athletic shoes, glove, and uniform required. Program takes place Jan. 13 - Apr. 16, day and time TBA. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Free Entrance to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in honor of Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, sunrise to sunset. nps.gov/havo

AdvoCATS, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Veteran's Day Celebration, Monday, Nov. 11, 9a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Ball Park. Live entertainment. Free lunch for all. Informational booths. Free. All ages. Sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kakou. 939-2510, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation, okaukakou.org

Veterans Day Ceremony, Monday, Nov. 11, 3p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Front Lawn. Keynote Speaker: Captain Dylan Nonaka, Commander of the 871st EN CO. All veterans that attend the ceremony invited as guests for free Prime Rib Buffet. Call 967-8371 to reserve voucher before Nov. 8, late registration can register on site. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Veterans Day Buffet, Monday, Nov. 11, 4-7.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe. All veterans that attend the ceremony at 3p.m. on the front lawn of KMC are invited as guests for free Prime Rib Buffet. Call 967-8371 to reserve voucher before Nov. 8, late registration can register on site. All others - $29.95/adult, $15.95/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, NOV. 12

Turkey Trot Event Registration, Nov. 12-27, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Wednesday, Nov. 27, noon-2p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Turkey Windsock Activity Registration, Nov. 12-19, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 20, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Saturday, Nov. 12, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, 796-0107, hihs.org

Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - parking lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. Two hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Lauhala Weaving with Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park - Sixty Years Later: 1959 Eruption of Kīlauea Iki and its Impacts on Volcanology, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist emeritus Don Swanson presents. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo/

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13

Nā Pa‘ani Hula, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10a.m.-noon, outside Hale Noa o Kīlauea, across from Volcano Art Center Gallery, HVNP. Hula practitioner Amy Kaʻawaloa demonstrates the instruments used to provide rhythmic structure to hula. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo/

Trail Less Traveled, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10a.m.-noon, Devastation Trail parking lot, HVNP. Moderate, 2 mile, two hour roundtrip hike. $40/person. Register online. Family friendly. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

THURSDAY, NOV. 14

Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Nov. 14, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - parking lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. Two hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

‘Alalā Project Update, Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $5 donation suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197

ONGOING

West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners Program Accepting Applications through Friday, Nov. 15, cms.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. 20, Kahuku 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. 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.

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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