Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Healthy coral environments supports all kinds of marine life. Read what the Legacy Reef Foundation is doing
- and what the public can do - to help support corals. Photo from legacyreeffoundation.org

AN ADOPT A CORAL PROGRAM will soon be launched to raise money to propagate coral to be used to restore reefs here and afar. The program is sponsored by the Legacy Reef Foundation, located in the Natural Energy Lab at the Hawaiʻi Ocean Science & Technology Park near the Kona Airport. Members of the public will be able to adopt a coral for $20 a month. See legacyreeffoundation.org.
     The founders are Bill Coney and Dr. Susanne Otero who aim to save coral reefs in Hawaiʻi and in far off places like New Guinea and Fiji. On the Board of Directors is state Sen. Russell Ruderman, who represents south-east Hawaiʻi island, from Pāhala through Puna. One aspect of taking care of coral is the statewide sunscreen ban, which Ruderman co-sponsored. The ban prohibits the sale or distribution of oxybenzone and octinoxate-containing sunscreens and cosmetics in the state, unless by prescription. The ban begins a year from tomorrow, on Jan. 1, 2021.

     Another purpose of Legacy Reef Foundation is to educate the public about the importance of coral reefs. School and community groups are invited to visit their headquarters where they operate a coral nursery, listen to a talk on coral reefs and, if desired, go on a dive. Reservations required for all tours; call 808-664-5737 to book.
     Comey posted on the website: "A few years ago, I realized that the reefs around Hawaiʻi – where I grew up swimming, sailing and diving – were no longer as full of life as they had been just a few decades before. To ensure that my grandchildren will enjoy what I experienced as a child, I dreamed of restoring some of the local reefs. That dream became a reality when I met Dr. Susanne Otero and we created a non-profit organization, called the Legacy Reef Foundation. We opened a world-class coral restoration lab at the NELHA marine facility in Kona, Hawaiʻi. Our mission is the restoration and conservation of coral reefs in Hawaiʻi and around the world, and to ensure critical food security for future generations. With the help of our community, we can rebuild coral reefs globally and feed coastal communities for generations to come.

A tour at some of the tanks at the Legacy Reef Foundation.
Photo from legacyreeffoundation.org

     Launched in March 2018, after "a year of planning and an extensive site search," NELHA "allows easy access to the reefs our team is researching, as well as unlimited surface seawater and deep nutrient-rich seawater. Our location and determination to expand will allow Legacy Reef to grow into one of the top coral research centers in the world.
     "Since the founding of Legacy Reef Foundation, we have built our coral research lab, our coral tank farm, and have begun the process of creating our first containerized coral nurseries. We also have established a passionate management team, a qualified national fundraising team, an educational center, and a community outreach effort."
     Corals are marine invertebrates that live in compact colonies of identical, individual polyps – sac-like animals only a few millimeters wide and a few centimeters long. A set of tentacles surrounds a central mouth opening. A hard exoskeleton, made of calcium carbonate, is excreted near the base of the animal, and together, over many generations, the colony creates a large skeleton, which together make up coral reefs. Individual heads grow by asexual reproduction of polyps. Corals also breed sexually by spawning: polyps of the same species release gametes simultaneously over a period of one to several nights around a full moon.

Coral, being grown in tanks. Photo from legacyreeffoundation.org

     All stony corals feed on small plankton or dissolved organic matter that is in the waters. Most corals use their nematocysts on their tentacles to capture and sting their prey and feed at night. Other corals obtain the majority of their energy and nutrients from photosynthesis. These corals need sunlight and clear water less than 60 meters (200 ft) deep. The corals also need the algae that grows on and in them to survive, a symbiotic relationship: the corals give the algae a place to live and eat, and the algae photosynthesizes, supplying corals with glucose, glycerol, amino acids, and more. The algae also aid in calcifying the corals' skeleton and removing waste. Rich microbiomes are often found in corals with healthy algae. However, the algae also burden the corals somewhat, so when corals are exposed to stressors like warmer water, runoff from soil, and chemicals in the water, the coral expels the algae, and both algae and corals begin to die off.
     Corals that survive bleaching events are good to propagate, as they are considered resilient.

A healthy coral. Photo from legacyreeffoundation.org

     According to an article today in West Hawaiʻi Today, the Foundation's Director of Operations, Sandra Romer, said one goal of the foundation it to "put everything you need to start a coral nursery in a container and send it off to islands in the Pacific that need reef restoration and then they would re-establish their own reefs and educate their community to keep the reefs from degrading further. We are trying to get a real simple system – as cheap as you can get that you can put in shipping containers and take to places who don't have as many resources."
     The website states that a Legacy Reef Foundation program called Repairing Our Oceans will cost $1.25 million per year. This includes empowering shore communities, training local scientists, and providing support to locations away from Hawaiʻi Island. Donations can be made at interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E347254&id=2.
     To become involved, volunteer in the lab or in the office at NEL. There is also a Pau Hana event on the last Friday of almost every month – call 808-664-5737 in advance.
     The Legacy Reef Foundation website states that, in mid-2020, a Coral Education Center will open at the NEL location. The center will feature a large aquarium tank and interactive learning tools "that will merge ancient Hawaiians wisdom regarding the pivotal role of coral with our present understanding of its place in the food pyramid."

Watch the Reefs at Risk film at thecoverupfilm.com/reefs-at-risk.

     Reefs at Risk is a documentary film about sunscreen ingredients said to cause harm to the ocean and specifically corals, which is linked by the Legacy Reef Foundation on their site. According to thecoverupfilm.com, the makers of the documentary, helping to protect coral reefs and marine life includes "choosing to wear sun-protective clothing and sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide." The site states that "many sunscreens are now being labeled as 'reef safe' when they are not! If they contain any of the following chemicals they are not reef safe: oxybenzone/benzophenone, octinoxate, octisalate/octocrylene, homosalate, avobenzone, ethylhexl methoxycinnamate, parabens, retinyl palmitate, and fragrance." The site urges consumers to "Read your labels!" and to download this eco-friendly sunscreen guide.
     The makers of Reefs at Risk urge educating others about the issue by sharing the documentary link, thecoverupfilm.com/reefs-at-risk, and to become a sponsor or make a tax-deductible donation to support the outreach and help the film be seen on more airlines – it is already featured on Hawaiian Airlines – on cruise ships, TV stations, at more film festivals, online, and at grassroots events.

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.

Aerial fireworks are illegal for private use in Hawaiʻi. Photo by Kris Bakken

A WARNING ABOUT ILLEGAL FIREWORKS was issued by Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, leading up to celebrations tonight for New Years Eve. The warning addresses how illegal fireworks impact the community, pets, and livestock. County officials report many complaints "about fireworks and homemade explosive devices that disturb residents and their animals," and address the negative affect these have on older people in the community, and those who are ill or suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

     Fire Chief Darren Rosario said, "The problem seems to be growing in various neighborhoods, and it poses a potential hazard. We urge the community to be considerate of their neighbors by not using illegal fireworks or explosives."

Ground fireworks, like these set off in Kaʻū, are legal fireworks for private
use. Photo by Michael Worthington

     Rosario said those who use illegal fireworks and explosives are liable to be issued hefty fines and penalties, including federal imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $2,000 per offense. Parents, guardians, and those who have custody or control of a minor, and who allow said minor to explode any illegal fireworks, can be held liable. Liability may also extend to homeowners, renters, or those responsible for property, where someone is knowingly allowed to explode any aerial device on the property.

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SUGGESTIONS FOR LANDS TO BE PRESERVED by the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission are open through Friday, Feb. 28. The next meeting of the commission is Monday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center

     The goal of PONC is to  acquire land or easements for public outdoor recreation and education, including mauka/makai access, historic or culturally important areas and sites, natural resource, significant habitat or eco-systems, forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty, agricultural lands, and watersheds. Learn more at hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/property-management. Suggestions from the community for lands to be preserved provide the Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i with an island-wide list of prioritized properties.

     In 2019, PONC preserved 2,317 acres of Kaʻū, which included Kaunāmano, 1,363 acres between Nāʻālehu and Honu‘apo, fronting four miles of Ka‘ū coastline and reaching up to the 600-foot elevation; Kiolaka‘a, 1,840 acres stretching over four miles inland to the 700-foot elevation; and Manaka‘a, 348 acres just south of Nā‘ālehu, with remains of the Manāka‘a Fishing Village on cliffs overlooking Waikapuna.

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.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER IS CLOSED through Sunday, Jan. 5 for septic tank work. See ovcahi.org/calendar.

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.

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

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 2

Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 9:30a.m., Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in HVNP. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can get permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info, nickem@hawaii.rr.com. Parental/Guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

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. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JAN. 3

Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 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, Friday, Jan. 3 and 17, and Saturday, Jan. 11 and 25, 8:45a.m.-noon, 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. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 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

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 in Volcano. thecoopercenter.org

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. 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, 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. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JAN. 7

Hawai‘i County Council Committee Mtgs., Tuesday, Jan. 7 (Hilo) and 21 (Kona) – second and fourth Tuesday, monthly. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Bookstore and Thrift Shop, Tuesday-Saturday, 8-11:30a.m., and Sunday, 6:30-10a.m., weekly, Cooper Center in Volcano. Shop, donate, or both. thecoopercenter.org

Blended Learning Computer Class, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – every Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly – 8a.m.-3p.m., St. Jude's computer lab. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Yoga Class, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 – every Tuesday, monthly – 9:30-10:30a.m., PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 0-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can - supplies limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 10a.m., noon, and 2p.m. One hour performance includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist and founder of Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, Dr. Jaggar, to life. Space limited; pick up free tickets at Visitor Center's front desk day of program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network. Free; Park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 1, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-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 Jan. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 2, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-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 Jan. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 3, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-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 Jan. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Jan. 7– 1st Tuesday, monthly – 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park - Transitions: What's Next for HVO and the Volcanoes it Monitors?, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Tina Neal, Scientist-in-Charge of HVO, describes the current status of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and what might be coming next, and gives update on HVO's new volcano observatory. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

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.