Wednesday, January 02, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Lava and Steam: The Great 2018 Eruption of Kīlauea is a presentation by Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory geologist
 Rick Hazlett. He will share his experience at the Waimea Ocean Film Festival this Sunday at Hualalai Resort.
See story, below. Photo by Rick Hazlett
CHAIR AND DIRECTOR JOBIE MASAGATANI, AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR WILLIAM AILĀ, won reappointments to the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, announced Gov. David Ige today. Both reappointments require Senate confirmation.
Jodie Masagatani
     Masagatani has served as chair director since May 2012. Prior to her appointment at DHHL, Masagatani was special assistant to the chief executive officer at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Before serving at OHA, she owned a small consulting practice and was also an assistant to the President and CEO of The Queen's Health Systems, where her area of focus was Native Hawaiian health. Masagatani previously served at DHHL as the Deputy to the Chairman from 1995 to 2002, and served as a Land Investment Analyst for Kamehameha Schools.
     She earned a master's degree in public affairs/urban and regional planning from Princeton University and holds a B.S. degree in education from Northwestern University.
     Ailā  has been Deputy Director since 2014. He is the former chair of Department of Land and Natural Resources, and served as the Harbor Agent for the Waiʻanae Boat Harbor from 1987-2010. Ailā has participated on several boards and task forces centered around native Hawaiian rights and natural resource management including the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, Mohala I Ka Wai, Hui Mālama ʻO Makua, and others. Ailā holds a B.S. degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
     Ige praised Masagatani and Ailā: "This leadership team has made significant progress in awarding homesteads by embracing a combination of traditional lot development and pilot programs that provide alternatives such as rent-to-own projects and subsistence agricultural homesteads. They are committed to completing and awarding 374 lots in 2019 and 1,300 additional lots currently in the pipeline to be developed over the next five years."
William Ailā 
     Masagatani said, "I am very appreciative of the governor's support, and I look forward to continuing the positive steps we have taken at DHHL to achieve Prince Kuhio's vision of ʻĀina Hoʻopulapula and to advance our mission to manage the Hawaiian home lands trust effectively and to develop and deliver land to native Hawaiians."
     Ailā said, "I am proud of the work Chair Masagatani and I have been able to accomplish these past years, and we have much to look forward to as we continue to advance new projects for our homesteaders and applicants."

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THE STATE OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY WILL likely see the return of its leader Douglas G. Murdock, whose reappointment was announced today by Gov. David Ige.
     Murdock returns to the role of Chief Information Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services. He previously served as state comptroller and director of the Department of Accounting and General Services, and as vice president, Administrative and Fiscal Affairs for the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Before joining HTA, he was in private practice with local law firm Alston Hunt Floyd and Ing. Prior to that, he served in the Air Force for 25 years as a Judge Advocate (attorney) and attained the rank of
Douglas G. Murdock
Colonel. Murdock has a B.S. degree in economics, an M.S. in public administration and a J.D. from the University of Washington. Murdock's appointment is subject to senate confirmation.
     The governor said, "Doug has an outstanding grasp of the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning state government to secure, efficient IT systems. We are dedicating significant resources to this task, and I'm confident that he will work with all stakeholders to develop sound solutions."
     Said Murdock, "I am honored to be selected by Gov. Ige as the state's chief information officer. I look forward to working with Gov. Ige on his priority of effective, efficient, and open government. Together we will continue the outstanding work done by outgoing CIO Todd Nacapuy and the state's digital workforce by blending innovative technology with well-engineered business processes to deliver and support excellent
Cathy Ross
programs and outcomes for our citizens," said Murdock.

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THE NEW FIRST DEPUTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH will be Cathy Ross, Gov. David Ige announced today. She served as deputy director for administration in the Department of Public Safety during Ige's first term. She also served in the Department of Health, where she previously held several positions before moving to Public Safety in 2012. Cathy earned three degrees at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – a B.A. in psychology, M.P.H. in public health, and an M.B.A. from the Shidler College of Business Executive MBA program. Ross' appointment is subject to senate confirmation.

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The Ocean Film Festival runs through
Jan. 9. See the full program.
THE WAIMEA OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL will feature a presentation concerning this side of the island. Called Lava and Steam: The Great 2018 Eruption of Kīlauea, the session will include discussion of the mechanics of the recent eruption, while sharing behind-the-scene stories. The presentation will be this Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Four Seasons Hualalai Ballroom at 4:15 p.m. Dr. Rick Hazlett, an associate researcher for the U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and faculty member at University of Hawaiʻi- Hilo, presents.
     Hazlett authored such publications as Roadside Geology of Hawaiʻi and Explore the Geology of Kīlauea Volcano. Hazlett formed part of the team of USGS volcanologists called in from all over the country when Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption began May 3, to assist current HVO and National Park Service staff in monitoring and understanding the eruption.
     See waimeaoceanfilm.org and the full program.

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ENVIRONMENT HAWAIʻI will feature a dinner presentation on Friday, Jan. 18 at  6 p.m., Imiloa Astronomy Center, regarding mining some of the most pristine ocean floor southeast of Hawaiʻi to Mexico. Dr. Craig Smith, a biological oceanographer with University of Hawai‘i's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology, will give his talk at the annual dinner of Environment Hawaiʻi. See environment-hawaii.org for reservations.
Some of the most pristine environments could be on the deep sea floor
from southeast of Hawaiʻi Island to Mexico.
Photo from Environment Hawaiʻi
     In its January edition, Environment Hawaiʻi publishes a story, Treasures of Pristine Ocean Ecosystems Could be Lost to Mining for Metal Nodules.
     The article says that Smith has been studying the deep sea floor for four decades. "Most recently, he has been investigating life in what might be the planet's most pristine, untouched environments: the abyssal plains of the eastern Clarion-Clipperton zone, an ocean region stretching from southeast of Hawai‘i to nearly the coast of Mexico. That area has a high abundance of polymetallic nodules (also called manganese nodules) resting on the sea floor, which has caused it to be targeted for mining."
     Read the full interview with Smith, including a description of rare marine life living in the deep sea, at environment-hawaii.org.

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INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF KAʻŪ HOSPITAL is invited when the East Hawaiʻi Regional Board of Directors of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation hosts its annual community meeting on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaʻū Hospital, located at 1 Kamani Street in Pāhala. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend.
     An overview of the operations and financial condition of all facilities, as well as a view toward the future, will be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services.
    Dr. Daniel Belcher, Chair of the East Hawaiʻi Regional Board of HHSC, said, "I would like to encourage everyone who has an interest in our hospitals and regional health system to bring your questions and concerns to this meeting."
     For more information contact Terry Larson, Regional Board Executive Assistant, at 315-7558.

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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
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo6pm
Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm
Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm
Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm
Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm
Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm
Wrestling:
Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha
Soccer:
Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA
Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe
Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo
Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau
Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa
Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani
Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona
Swimming:
Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
A BOOK RELEASE AND PRESENTATION FOR SUSAN SCOTT'S LATEST BOOK, Hawai‘i's White Terns, Manu-o-Ku, an Urban Seabird takes place Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
     In 1961, a pair of white terns laid an egg and raised O‘ahu's first white tern chick near Hanauma Bay. Since then, the birds' numbers in Honolulu have steadily increased. In 2007, the white tern, also known by its Hawaiian name, Manu o Kū, was designated the official bird of the City and County of Honolulu.
     Today, white terns are a common sight in Honolulu and the photogenic birds are gaining in popularity as their range increases. "In bringing together data about White Terns from here and abroad, marine biologist Susan Scott has crafted a reliable, informative resource filled with remarkable photographs for anyone curious about Manu o Kū," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
Author Susan Scott.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     During the evening, Scotts presentation, It Takes a Hui, tells a story of how citizen scientists, researchers, government employees, educators, wildlife groups, writers, photographers, tree trimmers, birders, office workers, condo dwellers, and others have come together to help Hawai‘i's white terns. Scott is donating all royalties from the book to the Hawai‘i Audubon Society, where she has been a member since 1988.
     The event is free; however, a $5 donation to Volcano Art Center is suggested. For more information, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
     The event is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
Women's Support Group, Thu., Jan. 3 and 17, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4
Story Time with Lindsey Miller - PARENTS, Inc., Fri., Jan. 4, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
Big Island Road Runners Hilo to Volcano 50 Kilometer Ultra Marathon and Team Relay, Sat., Jan. 5, 6am, Moku Ola (Coconut Island) parking area to Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Race Director David Cotter, 339-7210, bigislandroadrunners.org

EXHIBIT: From the Slopes Of Two Mountains, daily, Sat., Jan. 5 - Sun., Feb. 10, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Features glass works of Michael Mortara, Misato Mochizuki Mortara, W. Chris Lowry and Marianne J. Lowry. Opening reception with artists Jan. 5, 5-7pm. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

Art Express, Sat., Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Jan. 5, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Spiritual Healing, Sat., Jan. 5, 3-4:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Led by Debra Zager. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6
Sunday Clay - High Fire (new sessions), Sun., Jan. 6-Mar. 3 (no class Jan. 20), morning session 11:30-2:30pm, afternoon session 2:45-5:45pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. 8 week session w/Erik Wold on potters wheel (7 slots open per session) or hand-building (2 slots open per session) techniques. Beginners and continuing students welcome. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee for 6 lbs clay, including glazes and firing for that material. Additional clay available for purchase. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Jan. 6, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc
 or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

Overflow 2019: Unleashing Your Untapped Potential, Sun., Jan. 6, through Sat., Jan. 16, 6 p.m., and Sun., Jan. 13, 9:45 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God. Seven days of prayer and fasting. Music by Ola Shaw. Special Guest Musician Ricky "RNB" Brown. Event features five guest speakers. 929-7278, naalehuag.org

MONDAY, JANUARY 7
Painting w/Peggy, Mon., Jan. 7, noon-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Three hour Acrylic Painting Session for artists of all levels with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton. No pervious experience needed. Students bring own supplies and easels - suggested material list at margaretstantonart.com. $15/VAC member, $20 per non-member. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222. Questions, email peggystanton007@yahoo.com

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Jan. 7 and 21, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Jan. 7, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue., Jan. 8 (Committees), Wed., Jan. 9, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Jan. 8, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team in and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Jan. 8, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tue., Jan. 8, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Carolyn Parcheta presents. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Jan. 9, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Jan. 31, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appointment. thecoopercenter.org

Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Jan. 9, 16, and 31, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Designed for all ages.; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Lau Hala - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Jan. 9, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Jan. 9 and 23, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed., monthly. Free. Pre-registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

ONGOING
Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.
     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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