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| Funding to support Kaʻū and Kona Hema preserves of The Nature Conservancy has totaled almost $500,000 from The Karasik Family Foundation. It helps conserve some 12,000 acres of native forest on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Photo from The Nature Conservancy |
KAʻŪ & KONA HEMA FOREST PRESERVATION efforts received a $45,000 donation at the end of 2019, marking donations of almost $500,000 over the last 15 years by The Karasik Family Foundation. Dr. and Mrs. Richard Robbins, representing The Karasik Family Foundation, gave the donations to The Nature Conservancy, which stewards 12,000 acres of native forest on the slopes of Mauna Loa.
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| ʻŌhiʻa native forests are preserved by The Nature Conservancy in south Kona and Kaʻū. Photo from The Nature Conservancy |
A statement from the Conservancy says that the Max and Yetta Karasik Family Foundation's 2019 gift of $45,000 is supporting dramatic and ongoing recovery of The Nature Conservancy's Kona Hema and Kaʻū preserves, which provide fresh water for people and vital habitat for native forest birds and other native species.
"We are grateful to the Karasik Family Foundation for investing in Hawaiʻi Island's future by understanding the importance of healthy native forests," said Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi Executive Director Ulalia Woodside. "Their 2019 donation marks 15 years of giving, totaling nearly $500,000, to improve the forests of south Kona and Kaʻū."
In 2019, the Conservancy's 8,240-acre Kona Hema Preserve celebrated its 20th anniversary. Purchased in three parcels between 1999 to 2003, the preserve has been transformed from former pastureland to a thriving native forest. TNC has erected 25 miles of exterior and interior fences, removed all feral animals, cleared 620 acres of invasive weeds, restored 350 acres of pastureland to koa forest, and planted 5,700 native fruit trees and shrubs.
"When we began acquiring Kona Hema, the native forest was inundated with feral animals and heavily impacted by a century of logging and ranching," said Woodside. "Today, thanks to the Karasik Family Foundation and other supporters, our conservation efforts have resulted in a dramatic forest recovery."
Among the many positive changes is an upsurge in water recharge. Kona Hema is now contributing 14.5 million gallons of water a day to local aquifers, and scientists say that with continued investment the recharged will only increase. In addition, the ʻōmaʻo, a native thrush, recently established a small population in the preserve after having not been seen in south Kona for 40 years.
The 3,500-acre Kaʻū Preserve was established in 2002 after the Conservancy purchased former C. Brewer lands bordering the State's Kaʻū Forest Reserve. Its wet koa-ʻōhiʻa forest shelters 153 plant species unique to Hawaiʻi and, in the absence of feral hoofed animals, one of the island's richest assemblages of endangered forest birds.
"We're proud to help The Nature Conservancy do what it does best for the future of our island - use science to inform its decisions, adapt to changing circumstances and work with partners to expand their impact," said Dr. Richard Robbins from the Karasik Family Foundation. "To witness the revitalization of these lands is very rewarding."
"We are grateful to the Karasik Family Foundation for investing in Hawaiʻi Island's future by understanding the importance of healthy native forests," said Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi Executive Director Ulalia Woodside. "Their 2019 donation marks 15 years of giving, totaling nearly $500,000, to improve the forests of south Kona and Kaʻū."
In 2019, the Conservancy's 8,240-acre Kona Hema Preserve celebrated its 20th anniversary. Purchased in three parcels between 1999 to 2003, the preserve has been transformed from former pastureland to a thriving native forest. TNC has erected 25 miles of exterior and interior fences, removed all feral animals, cleared 620 acres of invasive weeds, restored 350 acres of pastureland to koa forest, and planted 5,700 native fruit trees and shrubs.
"When we began acquiring Kona Hema, the native forest was inundated with feral animals and heavily impacted by a century of logging and ranching," said Woodside. "Today, thanks to the Karasik Family Foundation and other supporters, our conservation efforts have resulted in a dramatic forest recovery."
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| Shalan Crysdale of The Nature Conservancy with donors, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Robbins, of The Karasik Family Foundation. Photo from The Nature Conservancy |
The 3,500-acre Kaʻū Preserve was established in 2002 after the Conservancy purchased former C. Brewer lands bordering the State's Kaʻū Forest Reserve. Its wet koa-ʻōhiʻa forest shelters 153 plant species unique to Hawaiʻi and, in the absence of feral hoofed animals, one of the island's richest assemblages of endangered forest birds.
"We're proud to help The Nature Conservancy do what it does best for the future of our island - use science to inform its decisions, adapt to changing circumstances and work with partners to expand their impact," said Dr. Richard Robbins from the Karasik Family Foundation. "To witness the revitalization of these lands is very rewarding."
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DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR STATE GRANTS-IN-AID IS FRIDAY, JAN. 17
at 4:30 p.m. for the 2020 Legislative
Session. Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan Dela Cruz and House
Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke announced that qualified nonprofit and
other organizations can now apply for funds. Last year, the Legislature awarded
nearly $30 million in grants to non-profit organizations across the state "for
various public purposes recognized as priorities and seen as complimentary to
state government functions, including health, educational, workforce
development, social services, and cultural and historical activities,"
states the announcement.
Information
on the GIA process and the application is available on the Legislature's website
at capitol.hawaii.gov.
Click on the Legislative Information tab. Questions? Contact staff of House
Committee on Finance (586-6200) or Senate Committee on Ways and Means
(586-6800).
Sentman wrote:
"All of these projects are important to the mission of FOMA and the many
people that find the Refuge so valuable, even though at present, none of us are
able to visit. Your support, through donations or membership, of the Friends of
Midway Atoll allows us to continue to work in support of the Refuge and the volunteers working out there, as well as numerous
projects like those mentioned above, and others, that are being undertaken
annually."
Donations
to the group can be made online or mailed to: Friends of Midway Atoll NWR, 17
Katrina Lane , San Anselmo , CA ,
94960
TOMORROW IS THE FINAL DAY OF CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY,
featuring the 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, at Volcano Art
Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The free exhibit, which
opened in November, runs through Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offers "a merry scene of art
and aloha" in the historic building.
In addition to
the artwork VAC offers year-round, unique holiday offerings of island-inspired
gifts, ornaments, and decorations – including some that are VAC exclusives – are
on offer, all made by Hawai‘i Island artists. The Annual Invitational Wreath
Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths "in a variety of imaginative media,
techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional. Those looking
for truly original wreaths as well as one-of- a-kind, handmade gift items will
not be disappointed by the selection created by the local artistic community,"
states VAC.
Park entrance
fees apply. Call 967-7565 or see volcanoartcenter.org for
more details.
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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
Girls Basketball
UPCOMING
MONDAY, JAN. 6
ONGOING
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. 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.
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.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
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2019-2020 Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball
Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala
Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa
Boys Basketball
Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA
Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa
Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena
Wrestling
Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe
Soccer
Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm
Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA
Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm
Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa
Swimming
Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center
UPCOMING
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday – last Tuesday, monthly – Dec. 31, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333
KMC New Year's Eve Party, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5-8p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. Blue Tattoo and midnight toast. $10 cover charge for non-KMC guests. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
Read, Build, and Play LEGO, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2:30-4p.m. , Pāhala Public Library. All ages; young keiki must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. No personal LEGO. 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org
Hula Voices with Hawai‘i Island Kumu Hula - Featuring Miss Aloha Hula Brenda Alidon Kanehailua, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. "Talk Story" session. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Hula Voices with Hawai‘i Island Kumu Hula - Featuring Miss Aloha Hula Brenda Alidon Kanehailua, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. "Talk Story" session. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
THURSDAY, JAN. 2
Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 9:30a.m. , Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road
Kahuku Orientation Talk, Thursday and Friday, Jan. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31, 10-10:30a.m., HVNP Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m. , PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Craft Day, Thursday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 – every Thursday, monthly – 3:30-4:30p.m. , Pāhala Public Library. Ages 3 and up. 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org
CANCELED due to septic work at OVCC: Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 6-7p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 6:30-8:30p.m. , Aspen Center
FRIDAY, JAN. 3
Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 8-9a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
Stewardship at the Summit 8:45a.m. -noon , meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center
Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 10-11a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
Movie Matinee, Friday, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 – every Friday, monthly – 2-4p.m. , Pāhala Public Library. Free entry and popcorn. Keiki must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org/events
SATURDAY, JAN. 4
Free Hot Shower and Hot Lunch Day, Saturday, Jan. 4, 11, 18, and 25, 9a.m.-2p.m. , St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Last Saturday of the month, Kady and Drew Foster give haircuts – 12 slots available – and Big Island Giving Tree hands out clothes and items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Jan. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m. -noon , Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
Grand Slam Band, Saturday, Jan. 4, 7-10p.m. , Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge, free to in-house guests. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
SUNDAY, JAN. 5
Farmers Market, Sunday, Jan. 5, 12, 19, and 26 – every Sunday, monthly – 6-10a.m. , Cooper Center
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua, Sunday, Jan. 5, 9:30-11a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free. nps.gov/havo
Clay – High Fire!, Sunday, Jan. 5 through Feb. 23, 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m. or 2:45-5:45p.m. 8-week morning or afternoon pottery series with Erik Wold. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Jan. 5 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park
MONDAY, JAN. 6
Guided Hike of Kīlauea Iki Crater, Monday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 10a.m.-1p.m. Meet Ranger Mike at Kīlauea Iki Overlook Parking Lot. Iconic four mile, moderately difficult hike, with an elevation gain of 400 feet. Crosses steaming crater floor through the intersection of eruption and native rainforest. Free; Park entrance fees apply except Jan. 20. nps.gov/havo
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Jan. 6 – first Monday, monthly – 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, Jan. 6 – first Monday, monthly – 4-6p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
ONGOING
Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees app
Vote for the Best Cottage Decorations at Kīlauea Military Camp through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The public is invited to stroll along the sidewalks around the KMC Cottages where the staff has entered a contest for best Christmas decorations. The outdoor displays are best seen at night. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
KMC hosts a Christmas Day dinner buffet, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. , on Dec. 25 at Crater Rim Café. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child for ages 6-11, five and under free. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
The KMC New Year's Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. at the Lava Lounge will have live music from Blue Tattoo. The $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight . Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.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 808-938-1088.
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.
