Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Tūtū & Me keiki learn about bees at one of their monthly excursions. See story, below. Photo from Tūtū & Me
RAISING MONEY FOR ROADS, HIGHWAYS, AND BRIDGES by charging vehicle operators for miles driven, rather than charging a gas tax, is under consideration by the state Department of Transportation. The DOT has launched a Hawaiʻi Road Usage Charge Demonstration project website.
     The website states, "Hawaiʻi's gas tax will not be a reliable source of road funding as people drive more fuel efficient cars and buy less gas. A road usage charge (RUC) is one promising approach for paying for roads, based on the number the miles you drive. HiRUC includes many opportunities for public involvement.
     "Why do we need a new way to pay for our roads? Currently, a tax on the gas you buy funds our road safety, upkeep and improvement. Soon, that won't be enough. Automakers are making more efficient cars and trucks, resulting in less gas usage. Hawaiʻi is a leader in purchases of these more efficient cars and trucks... As Hawaiʻi moves towards clean energy with the goal of 100 percent renewables by 2045, the transition to more efficient vehicles will accelerate to align with our state and county environmental sustainability goals.
     The site states "Hawaiʻi wants the community's input on what a road usage charge to pay for our roads could look like."
     Attend a community meeting, share thoughts, volunteer to be a test driver, or drop a line to the DOT. Residents can also provide input and ask questions via an online community meeting on Thursday, April 18, link to be announced in a future Kaʻū News Briefs. See hiruc.org.

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A 5.5 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SHOOK KĪLAUEA'S SOUTH FLANK at 12:55 a.m. this morning, waking up people in many communities. The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported the epicenter about 7.5 miles (12 km) southeast of Kīlauea caldera, near the Hōlei Pali area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, at a depth of 4.1 miles (6.7 km).
     Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reported no tsunami danger from the quake, warned of "possibilitiy of aftershocks." Civil Defense urged those living any heavily shaken areas to check for damages, especially to gas, water, and electricity connections, and to report them to 935-0031.
     Significant damage to buildings or structures was not reported. The USGS "Did you feel it?" service at earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/ received over 850 reports today with light to moderate shaking reported around Hawaiʻi Island and on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu.
The large orange dot represents the 5.5M earthquake this morning. The red dot is an aftershock. USGS map
     According to HVO seismic network manager Brian Shiro, the earthquake had no apparent effect on Kīlauea Volcano. "We see no detectable changes in volcanic activity at the summit or along the rift zones of Kīlauea as a result of this earthquake. Aftershocks are possible and could be felt." HVO continues to monitor Kīlauea and other Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.
     Kīlauea's south flank has been the site of 16 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater during the past 40 years, stated HVO. Most are caused by abrupt motion of the volcano's south flank, which moves to the southeast over the oceanic crust. The location, depth, and waveforms recorded as part of today's earthquake are consistent with slip along this south flank fault.
     See more at the National Earthquake Information Center website at earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv70863117/ or USGS HVO website at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/.

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PROTECTING HEALTH INSURANCE FOR PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS is the focus of legislation introduced by Sen, Mazie Hirono this week. Hirono spoke on the U.S. Senate floor yesterday, where she asked the Department of Justice to "protect Americans with pre-existing conditions by defending the Affordable Care Act."
Sen. Mazie Hirono, speaking on the Senate floor yesterday.
Photo from Hirono's Facebook
     Hirono said that last year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions "refused to defend the ACA in court" when 20 states challenged "the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act." She said Sessions filed a brief, claiming "several vital protections of the law should be ruled unconstitutional."
     Said Hirono, "The outcome of this case will have a profound impact on virtually every American, especially the 133 million people living with pre-existing conditions."
     Hirono also said Pres. Donald Trump aims to "cut $1 trillion from Medicare and Medicaid, which one in three Americans rely on for health care. That is devastating and despicable to our communities. While Republicans continue their attacks on the ACA, try to roll back protections for those with pre-existing conditions, and propose massive cuts to life-saving services to pay for their $1.5 trillion tax cut for the richest, Democrats are fighting to protect patients and provide affordable and accessible health care for all."
     She noted that all Democrats in the Senate support the legislation.

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FIELD TRIPS FOR TŪTŪ & ME PARTICIPANTS in Kaʻū give keiki zero to five and their caregivers a look at the wider world. Once a month, Tūtū and Me families are invited to participate in field trips to places like Bird Park or Manuka Park, Kaʻū Coffee Mill, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea and its Kahuku Unit. There is no cost for these trips from the group, just entrance fees in cases like the Park.
     Both Pāhala and Nāʻālehu site participants gathered in Waiʻōhinu Park on Feb. 28 for a "park day," focused on learning all about bees. This huakaʻi - trip - concluded a month of curriculum based around arachnids and insects.
Tūtū & Me keiki observe a Bee Boys beehive.
Photo from Tūtū & Me
     Alex from The Bee Boys brought their demonstration hive for keiki to observe the activity of bees in a hive, close-up but safely. Alex brought a beekeeper's gear for keiki to try on, some honeycomb for them to sample, and age-appropriate activities, including an opportunity for keiki to roll their own candles made entirely of beeswax.
     For March, to conclude a unit about animals, Tūtū & Me will visit Panaʻewa Zoo. For some excursions, a bus is provided for keiki over two years of age, "which for many of our keiki is their first experience riding a bus, and the highlight of their day," says an announcement from the group.
     See pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/about for more.

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, and stewardship programs during April 2019. The Park will also celebrate National Park Week from April 20 through 28, kicking off with a fee-free day on Saturday, April 20. Visitors are encouraged to check the Park's online calendar of events, and look for program flyers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kīlauea Visitor Center.
     Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
Overlooking the Steam Bluffs at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo
     The theme of National Park Week, April 20-28, is "On a Mission." The mission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is to protect, conserve, and study the volcanic landscapes and associated natural and cultural resources and processes, and to facilitate safe public access to active volcanism, diverse geographic settings, and wilderness for public education and enjoyment. Everyone is invited to the following National Park Week events that celebrate the park's mission:
     Fee-Free Day. National Park Week kicks off Saturday, April 20 with a fee-free day. Take a hike on one of the newly re-opened trails, or walk out to the Keanakāko‘i side of Halema‘uma‘u to see where Crater Rim Drive slid into the crater during last year's eruptive activity.
New Junior Ranger Program at Kahuku will
commence during National Park Week in April.
NPS photo
     Junior Ranger Day at Kahuku. Kahuku Unit will debut its new Junior Ranger Program and wooden junior ranger badge Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keiki who complete the junior ranger handbook, illustrated by Hawai‘i artists, will earn the badge, a junior ranger certificate, and will be sworn in as a National Park Service junior ranger.
     Merrie Monarch Festival Events. Part of the park's mission is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture. During Merrie Monarch Week, the park will offer six ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, programs for everyone to experience and connect with Hawaiian practices. On Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p. m., come to Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in the Park to learn about ‘ulana niu, weaving coconut leaves; nā lei, lei making, with Patty Kaula and Lehua Hauanio; play kōnane, a Hawaiian game that resembles checkers, with park rangers; and learn about nā pa‘ahana hula – the tools, altar, and plants that symbolize hula – with Amy Ka‘awaloa. Musicians Rupert Tripp, Jr. and Ti Kawhi Chun and Pōki‘i Seto will share their melodies.
Stewardship programs seek to eradicate invasive species,
like morning glory. NPS photo
     Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption. Kīlauea's long-lasting East Rift Zone eruption changed abruptly when the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor collapsed on April 30, 2018, followed by an intrusion of magma downrift. On May 3, lava erupted in Leilani Estates and within two weeks, 24 fissures had opened along a 4.2-mile-long segment of the lower ERZ. Fissure 8 soon became the dominant vent, erupting a fast-moving channelized lava flow that reached the ocean, burying 13.7 square miles of land and destroying over 700 structures along the way. Join U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Carolyn Parcheta on Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium as she recounts the progression of this dramatic eruption and shares her experiences monitoring it. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
     Other ongoing April events:
Rangers educate keiki and adults in various programs
throughout Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and
Kahuku Unit. NPS photo
     Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu. Help remove troublesome plants at Kīpukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Meet every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in April: 4, 11, 18, and 25; at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the Park. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting 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.
     Stewardship at the Summit. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center on Friday, April 5 and 26, or Saturday, Arpil 13 and 20. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Visit the park website for additional planning details nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm
"Meet" Dr. Thomas Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, during
a free presentation offered Tuesdays in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
NPS photo
     A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar leads a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House, showing original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up free ticket at Kīlauea Visitor Center's front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center Tuesday in April: 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour.
Kiʻi carving demonstration at KīlaueaVisitor Center lānai,
by 
James Kanani Kaulukukui, Jr., on  Wednesday,
April 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. NPS photo
     Ki‘i Demonstration. Hawaiians carved ki‘i, statues, to represent forces of nature, gods, guardians, and the spiritual world. Acclaimed artist James Kanani Kaulukukui, Jr., who has worked on the sacred site of Ke Kahua o Kaneiolouma Heiau on Kaua‘i, will share his expertise and the essential role of ki‘i in Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Wednesday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
      The Amazing, Almost Unbelievable, Story of the Coconut Palm. The coconut palm is beautiful, iconic, useful, and deeply connected with many cultures. Palm expert John Stallman guides attendees on the epic journey of the modern coconut palm, from its earliest record in India and Asia, to recent genetic studies and a spectacular shipwreck. The coconut palm has accompanied human migration across the globe and journeyed across oceans, earning the nickname of "the most useful tree on earth." Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series, Tuesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
The history of the coconut palm will be the focus of
After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, April 16.
NPS photo
     Explore Kahuku.  Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free. Take a self-guided hike, or join rangers on Sundays in April for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m.; the trail will vary depending on visitor interest. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. 
     Kahuku Coffee Talk: The Sandalwood Story. Hawaiian sandalwood, ‘iliahi, was once so abundant in the Hawaiian Islands that the Chinese called Hawai‘i Tahn Heung Sahn, or Sandalwood Mountains. However, the sandalwood trade in the early 1800s rendered the trees commercially extinct within a few years. Biologist and former park ranger John Stallman delves into the past, present and future of Hawaiian ‘iliahi and the conservation of this irreplaceable species at Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station on Friday, April 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Come to Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in the Park to
learn about ‘ulana niu, weaving coconut leaves.
NPS photo
     Hawai‘i Volcanoes is one of five national park units on the island of Hawai‘i. Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is also free of charge April 20. Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail do not charge entrance fees. 

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ŌHĀHĀ HIGH SCHOOL AGRICULTURE PROGRAM is accepting applications from high school students until tomorrow, Thursday, March 14, for the Spring 2019 session, March 18–22. High school students and recent grads will deepen their connection with ʻāina and local food production, learn about educational and career opportunities in agriculture, and receive a VISA gift card for up to $125 for successfully completing the program. Learn more and apply at koha.la/ohaha or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.

ECONOMIC INJURY APPLICATIONS from U.S. Small Business Administration for Hawai'i County small businesses are open until tomorrow, Thursday, March 14 for recovery costs resulting from the Kīlauea volcanic eruption and earthquakes that occurred between May 3 and August 17, 2018. For eligibility information and instructions to apply, refer to the agency's press release. Applicants may also call SBA's customer service center at 800-659-2955 for more information.

FOOD SAFETY COMPLIANCE GRANT APPLICATIONS are open through Monday, April 15 to help farmers and ranchers with costs of food safety compliance through Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture. Hawaiʻi farmers and ranchers may apply for reimbursement of costs up to $5,000. For eligibility information and to apply, refer to HDOA's website. For assistance preparing an application, contact TKC's agricultural outreach specialist Maile Woodhall at mwoodhall@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411.

LEARN ABOUT CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMS for Hawaiʻi County businesses and organizations Friday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Hawaiʻi County Office on Aging Training Room, 1055 Kinoʻole Street, Hilo. Presented by The Kohala Center and Hawaiʻi Energy, with funding support from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the County of Hawaiʻi, speakers from The Kohala Center, USDA Rural Development, and Hawaiʻi Energy will share information about grant, loan, and financial incentive programs available to help businesses and organizations achieve clean energy goals. These programs can help save money on photovoltaic, small hydroelectric, high-efficiency refrigeration, and HVAC systems, perform energy efficiency upgrades, and afford energy upgrades through on-bill financing. Reserve a spot at koha.la/cleanenergy or contact Megan Blazak at 808-887-6411; register online; download flyer. Free.

WEBINARS FOR PRODUCE GROWERS will be presented by Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and UH CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service on Fridays, March 15 and March 22. Food Safety Modernization Produce Safety Rule affects all fruit and vegetable growers. Growers are encouraged to attend these one-hour webinars for information about best practices, risk management, and regulatory requirements. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required in advance. Contact Luisa Castro at luisac@hawaii.edu with questions; register online; download flyer.

THE COFFEE BERRY BORER SUBSIDY PROGRAM's  annual reimbursement for Beauveria bassiana purchases is available for coffee producers. The state Department of Agriculture is reimbursing for purchases made between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018. The application can be completed online. Request a paper application by contacting hdoa.cbb@hawaii.gov or 808-323-7578.

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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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Sat., March 16, 1 p.m., host Keaʻau
Thu., March 21, 3 p.m., @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 1 p.m., host Honokaʻa
Thu., March 28, 3 p.m., @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 1 p.m., @Konawaena
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m., @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., host Waiakea
Softball:
Sat., March 16, 11 a.m., host Keaʻau
Wed., March 20, @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 11 a.m., host Honokaʻa
Wed., March 27, @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 11 a.m., @Konawaena
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe
Boys Volleyball:
Fri., March 15, 6 p.m., host Waiakea
Tue., March 19, 6 p.m., @Kealakehe
Wed., March 27, 6 p.m., host Kohala, Varsity
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m., @HPA
Wed., April 3, 6 p.m., host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity
Track:
Sat., March 16, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Sat., March 23, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Sat., March 30, 3 p.m., @Keaʻau

JUST ANNOUNCED
KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 14 YEARS OLD, INVITED TO PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD GAMES AND COLORING EQUIPMENT at Kahuku Park Pavilion on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
     For more, contact Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. Kahuku Park is located at 92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for hours of operation.

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UPCOMING
THURSDAY, MARCH 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thursday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Final Day to Apply to Kamehameha Schools Summer Kilohana Program, Friday, March 15. Innovative four- and five-week Hawaiian culture-based math and literacy programs. Grade and residency requirements vary by program. ksbe.edu/summer

PATCH Class #110: Understanding Social and Emotional Development of Infants/Toddlers, Friday, March 15, 8 a.m. to 11a.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register: 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Forest Restoration Project - Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Friday, March 15, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., RSVP by Monday, March 11. Volunteers age 13+. Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, March 15, 9 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

PATCH Class #619: Temperament and Secure Relationships, Friday, March 15, noon to 3p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register: 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Arts and Crafts Activity: Charades, Friday, March 15, 2 p.m. to 3p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 March 11-15. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

St. Patrick's Day Buffet, Friday, March 15, 5 p.m. to 8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Corned beef and cabbage, lamb stew, shepherd's pie, and all the fixings. $19.95/adult, $10.95/child, ages 6-11. Irish ale available for purchase from Lava Lounge. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 16
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Cleanup, Saturday, March 16, contact in advance for meet-up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629.

Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 2p.m., corner of Hwy 11, Kama‘oa Rd., and Pinao St., Wai‘ōhinu. Vendor application – no hot food or plate lunch – with $10 fee due by Sunday, March 10. Debbie, 928-8039, for application. Church members sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, roast chicken w/gravy bowls, baked goods, produce, and crafts.

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m. to 3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Intimate Acoustic Concert with Rebecca Folsom, Saturday, March 16, 5:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, MARCH 18
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, March 18, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Tuesday, March 19, RSVP in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Pāhala Recycling & Transfer Station Community Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Discussion will focus on closing the station one additional day per week, bringing open days to three. See more on recycling and solid waste at hawaiizerowaste.org and hawaiicounty.gov/dem-solidwaste-division.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, March 20, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., just above Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Bazaar vendor spaces will be on the church lawn Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.

Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through Friday, March 15. Full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School. $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; health insurance; ongoing training; mentorship; and professional development. Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.orgFacebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.

Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through Sunday, March 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great and experience a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.  Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.
     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208PāhalaHI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Applications for Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are open. Year-long, full-time position in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience. Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy, 443-5401, or call Kupu Hawai‘i, 808-735-1221.

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