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Monday, April 15, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, April 15, 2019

Visit Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for a different kind of Park experience. See details below. NPS photo
A BILL TO REQUIRE PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL AUDITS OF HAWAIʻI AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORP. goes to Gov. David Ige's desk, after passing the state House of Representatives on Friday. Introduced by west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, the bill would fund the ADC through June 2021, but in turn require a third-party accounting financial audit and a performance audit.
     The ADC, a quasi government agency to support agriculture, was involved with the effort to restore old water tunnels from sugar plantation days to be used for ranching and farming in Kaʻū. However, the effort stalled in the last few years after 12 years of work by the local agriculture community.     
     Creagan said the audit "will provide for a lot more transparency about what ADC does and going forward what their future relationship with the Agriculture Department should be."
     Read the bill and testimony, here.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono.
Photo from Hirono's Twitter
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO called Pres. Donald Trump "amoral," in an email to constituents today. She said he "should not get away with his xenophobic agenda," and that "President Trump's latest actions and behavior regarding immigration continues to give me major concerns. Two things are clear: He doesn't see immigrants as human beings, but as political pawns, and he thinks he does not have to follow the law when it comes to their treatment.
     "It was reported last week that the president promised his acting Homeland Security Secretary a pardon if he were to follow Trump's orders and break the law (by turning away refugees seeking asylum, saying the country is full, and ignoring the rulings of immigration judges.) This valueless, heartless behavior towards immigrants is sadly not unexpected from this amoral president." 
     She asks the public to sign a petition to "oppose Trump's attacks on immigrants."

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HAWAIʻI RANKS 19TH IN THE GREENEST STATE ANALYSIS by WalletHub. It ranks 12th in climate change contributions, 13th in eco-friendly behavior, and 27th in environmental quality. The Aloha state ranks as the second lowest consumer of gasoline per capita, after New York, and the third lowest energy-consuming state.
     However, Hawaiʻi rates poorly in having to deal with the most Total Municipal Solid Waste per Capita.
     The greenest states are Vermont, New York, Oregon, Connecticut, Minnesota, Massachusetts, California, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and New Hampshire. These states tend to recycle more, have less solid waste, use less gas and electricity, use more renewable energy sources, and make sure their air, water, and soil are healthier than states that ranked lower.
     WalletHub reports that eco-friendliness and personal finance are related: "Our environmental and financial needs are the same in many areas: providing ourselves with sustainable, clean drinking water and food, for example. We also spend money through our own consumption and taxes in support of environmental security.
     "Experts attribute the high number of hurricanes to unusually warm Atlantic waters, so it's possible that living more sustainably and using greener energy sources could prevent us from having quite as bad hurricane seasons in the future. We should all try to do our part to save the world for future generations."
     In order to determine the greenest states, WalletHub compared the 50 states using 27 metrics. Environmental Quality is evaluated by weighing Total Municipal Solid Waste per Capita, Air Quality – which measures the average exposure of the general public to particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less in size – Water Quality, Soil Quality – which measures the difference between the median soil pH level and the optimal soil pH level – and Energy-Efficiency.
     Eco-Friendly Behaviors are evaluated from the number of Green Buildings per Capita, Total Capacity of Solar Photovoltaic Systems Installed per Household, Share of Renewable Energy Consumption, Energy Consumption per Capita, Gasoline Consumption per Capita, Daily Water Consumption per Capita, Share of "Smart" Electricity Meters – energy meters with two-way communication technology to provide information to energy providers and consumers about prices, usage patterns, and inefficiencies – Alternative-Fuel Vehicles per Capita, Alternative-Fuel Stations per Capita, Green Transportation – which measures the percentage of the population who walk, bike, carpool, take public transportation, or work from home – Average Commute Time by Car, Share of Recycled Municipal Solid Waste, Certified Organic Farms per Capita, Corporate Clean Energy Procurement Index Score – which factors in how/if companies purchase and use renewable energy utilities – State Renewable Portfolio Standards, States with Electronic Waste Recycling Programs, States with Multifamily Recycling Policies, and Water Efficiency and Conservation & Climate Points.
     Climate-Change Contributions are evaluated by scoring Carbon-Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous-Oxide, and Fluorinated Greenhouse-Gas Emissions per Capita.
     See the report at wallethub.com/edu/greenest-states/11987/.

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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 May 2019. Visitors are encouraged to check the Park's online calendar of events, and look for program flyers posted daily 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:
     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 May: 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; 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 Thursday, May 9; Friday, May 4, 17, and 31; or Saturday, May 25. 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
Actor-director Dick Hershberger leads tours as Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar,
founder of Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory. 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 Tuesdays in May: 7, 14, 21, and 28, at 10 a.m.noon, and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour.
     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.
Examples of kākau, Hawaiian tattoos. Photo from honolulumuseum.org
     Kākau Discussion. Author and ethnographer P.F. "Ski" Kwiatoswki will speak about Hawaiian kākau, tattoos, their origins, and counterparts in other aspects of Hawaiian crafts. He will display a collection of tattoo needles and materials that are used in creating the needles, the ink, and the tattoos themselves. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Wednesday, May 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
     The Road to Recovery: One Year Later. The epic Kīlauea eruption and caldera collapse of 2018 forever changed Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and resulted in most of the park closing for 134 days last year due to unsafe, unpredictable and unprecedented eruptive activity at the volcano's summit. Although a hurricane, two tropical storms, and a wildfire added to the intensity of an unforgettable year, park rangers continued to serve the public at locations outside the park, and the Kahuku Unit expanded its hours of operation. Most of the park is now open, but some areas remain closed. Park managers will present a community update about the challenges and successes of 2018, and how staff is working hard to open more areas. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m.
 Nā Wai Choir director Dr. Jace Saplan.
Photo from nawaichamberchoir.com
     Nā Wai Chamber Choir in Concert. Join a musical journey that honors the music of both historic and modern-day mana wahine. Based in Honolulu, Nā Wai Chamber Choir is a professional vocal ensemble that preserves, propagates, and innovates the legacy of Hawaiian choral music. Hilo native, Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan, will lead the ensemble on their annual kau wela tour. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m.
     Kōkō Demonstration. Hawaiians used kōkō (carrying nets) for hanging calabashes and usually made them from sennit. Kokō pu‘alu, a style reserved for the common classes utilized the basic umi‘i, or fisherman’s know. Bring your water bottle or pick one up at the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store and make your very own customized kōkō. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Wednesday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
     Kahuku Coffee Talk at Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station on Friday, May 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

     Hawai‘i Volcanoes is one of five national park units on the island of Hawai‘i. Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park charges and entrance fee. 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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HI-EMPLOYMENT SEEKS STUDENT EMPLOYEES to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

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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:
Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Semi-Finals
Fri., April 26, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 27, BIIF Finals
Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA
Softball:
Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Finals
Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA
Boys Volleyball:
Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa
Mon. April 22, BIIF First Round
Wed., April 24, BIIF Semi-Finals
Thu., April 25, BIIF Finals
Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA
Track:
Sat., April 20, 9 a.m., @Kamehameha
Fri., April 26, 2 p.m., BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 27, 3 p.m., BIIF Finals
Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

JUST ANNOUNCED
BOTTLE OF BLUE performs at Tiki Mama's on Saturday, April 20. Gates open at 4:20 p.m. Suggested donation: $15 plus one can of food.

MAYOR'S BREAKFAST FELOWSHIP, open to the community, happens Thursday, May 2, 6:30 a.m. at the ‘Imiloa Sky Garden Restaurant in Hilo. Host The Exchange Club of Hilo invites community members to celebrate the National Day of Prayer by attending the 26th annual event, which dates back to 1993. Then-Mayor Stephen Yamashiro, together with the Reverend Richard Uejo, worked with local religious leaders to organize an interfaith prayer breakfast for the community.
     This year's event provides a prayer by Pastor Sheldon Lacsina of New Hope Hilo. Mayor Harry Kim will be the featured guest speaker. The program will also include a history talk by Romy Saquing, musical prayers by Brian Tina and Melissa Isidro, and musical entertainment by Larry Dupio.
     This year's theme, "We Support our Troops, Local Governments, and Our First Responders," reflects event chairman Frank Lafita's comment that, "There is no greater good than serving your fellow man. The Exchange Club recognizes those who serve and protect our communities and our country." The Club is built upon Americanism, community activities, youth activities, and the prevention of child abuse. The national organization's goal is to spark the spirit of community service throughout the nation.
     Donations for the event are $20. Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries, rice, muffins, fruit juice, coffee, and tea. For tickets or further information, contact Frank Lafita at 987-9382. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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UPCOMING
TUESDAY, APRIL 16
Walk for Fitness, Tuesday, April 16-June 25, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. 18+. Registration ongoing. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Arts and Crafts Activity: Spring Collage, Tuesday, April 16, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 April 8-12. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Hula Hoop Challenge, Tuesday, April 16, 2:45 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 April 8-12. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tuesday, April 16, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Walk & Fit, Tuesday and Thursday, April 16-May 23, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. 18+. Register April 3-15. Shoes required. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

After Dark in the Park: The Amazing, Almost Unbelievable, Story of the Coconut Palm, Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. John Stallman of the Friends Institute of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, guides attendees on the epic journey of the modern palm, what has been called, "the most useful tree on Earth." Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17
Early Head Start, Wednesday, April 17, 10 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Easter Craft Day, Wednesday, April 17, 11 a.m. – pau, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; all ages. 939-2442

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, April 17, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Arts and Crafts Activity: Spring Basket, Wednesday, April 17, 3:30-5p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki grades K-6 April 8-16. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, APRIL 18
Family Reading Night, Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Slide Show Presentation: On Sacred Ground, Thursday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Dino Morrow, documentary and portrait photographer, shares an intimate collection of hula images. Free; $5 donations accepted. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 19
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Friday, April 19, 3rd Friday monthly, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

SATURDAY, APRIL 20
Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Saturday, April 20. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Earth Day Community Cleanup, Saturday, April 20. Free; donations appreciated. BYO-4WD welcome. RSVP: kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest Application Deadline, Saturday, April 20. sales@kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeemill.comkaucoffeefestival.com

Annual Wellness Fair and Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym. Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10 a.m. Educators encouraged to participate. Volunteers welcome. Free.

Junior Ranger Day at Kahuku, Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Program debut. Keiki who complete the junior ranger handbook (illustrated by Hawai‘i artists) earn a wooden junior ranger badge, junior ranger certificate, and will be sworn in by a National Park Service ranger. Free. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 21
Easter Brunch, Sunday, April 21, 7 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café. Menu includes Honey Glazed Ham, Beef Pot Roast with Gravy, Omelet Station, Waffle Bar with Sauce and Toppings, and more. No reservations required. $17.95/adult, $10.95/ages 6-11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m. in the ‘Ōhi‘a Room, Kīlauea Military Camp. Open to keiki 10 years and under; bring Easter basket. Register: 967-8352 before 8:45 a.m. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Easter Sunday Services, April 21, 9:30 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. 939-7000

MONDAY, APRIL 22
Hypertension Management, Monday, April 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym, with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi.

ONGOING
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.

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

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