Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Walk around, under, and on old sugar plantation waterways on the Kaʻū Coffee Fest Kaʻū Mountain Hike and Lunch on Wednesday,
May 1. 
Reservations required; details, below. Photo by Andrew Richard Hara
A BILL ESTABLISHING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR GUN OWNERS went into effect today. Gov. David Ige signed HB720, Act 023, requiring gun owners to report lost, stolen, or destroyed firearms to the county police department within 24 hours of discovering the loss, theft, or destruction of the weapon.
     Said Ige, "This reporting process will increase accountability and strengthen public safety measures. This will help police officers in situations involving firearm ownership and possession, and it will protect firearm owners if their lost or stolen firearm was used in a crime."
     Anyone who intentionally or knowingly fails to make the required report could face petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor charges that could lead to the loss of firearms registrations, ammunition and firearms. Offenders could also be prohibited from registering, possessing or owning a firearm.

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MĀLAMA HAWAIʻI, a campaign to educate and remind visitors and kama‘āina to respect the islands' natural resources, protect wildlife, and stay safe, kicked off this week. Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs Kalani Ka‘anāʻanā launched the campaign at a news conference Tuesday. They said, in coming days and months, it's going to be hard to avoid the phrase Mālama Hawai‘i when flying, staying in a hotel room, watching TV, or enjoying the outdoors. Mālama Hawai‘i is their two agencies' joint project.
     Case explained, "Two years ago, we utilized state funding to support Hawai‘i tourism to commission the design and placement of 30 large Mālama Hawai‘i outdoor conservation messaging signs at key state parks and trail heads around O‘ahu. Now, we're taking the very same messages on these beautiful signs and expanding them across a wide variety of communications platforms.
     "We are most appreciative of the support we're getting from the visitor industry, which recognizes the strong linkage between the health of our natural and cultural resources and the health of Hawai‘i's biggest and most important economic sector. Clearly you cannot have one without the other."
     Ka‘anāʻanā said, "All of us have a responsibility to take care of our island home and ensure its sustainable future. Through this collaboration with DLNR and industry partners amplifying the message, the Mālama Hawai‘i campaign encourages travelers to be safe, mindful, and respectful while enjoying the islands' natural beauty."
     As part of the campaign, seven Mālama Hawai‘i public service announcements will be available for Hawaiian Airlines guests to watch onboard the carrier's Airbus A330 aircraft on flights between Hawai‘i and other states or countries. The 30-second videos focus on various topics essential to caring for the land, ocean, and wildlife, which include staying on authorized hiking trails, refraining from trespassing on private lands or in restricted areas, respecting cultural sites, and supporting conservation efforts.
     For the next seven weeks, DLNR's Facebook page will feature the PSAs to show people how to be safe, sound, and secure in Hawai‘i.
     Hawaiian Airlines was the first carrier to agree to include the PSAs in its digital entertainment offerings on flights from the U.S. mainland. AirAsia X is beginning to play audio versions of the announcements. Discussions are underway with domestic and international carriers to show the 30-second spots. The PSAs will run in 27,000 hotel rooms around the state, reaching an estimated three million guests each year.
     Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant Louise Pacarro and her husband run a non-profit dedicated to cleaning up beaches. "I hope that we are able to convey to our passengers how important it is to protect our natural resources here in Hawai‘i," Pacarro said. "I think people will really be attracted to the natural beauty depicted in the videos. I feel like most of our visitors and locals want to naturally protect things that are special and these messages help explain how to do that."
     The HTA funding also supports outreach and educational materials about preventing Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, visitor surveys of Hawai‘i State Parks, and the establishment of a carbon credit system.
     Click on images for link to PSA videos at https://vimeo.com/album/5625814.

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Maliah Ababa with Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School Principal 
Sharon Beck. Photo from Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary
MALIAH ABABA IS ISLANDER SCHOLAR for Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary for 2019. The junior will represent the school during her senior year, as her "actions and principles represent the very best of Hawaiʻi," reads the letter announcing her selection. "This one-of-a-kind recognition was developed to remind us all that there is more to success than grades, test scores, or how much money you will earn. In our Hawaiʻi, we value our islands, our families, our communities, our cultures, and our character."
     Ababa will travel to Kohala June 7 through 9 to attend a three-day Islander Scholars Academy. There, she will participate in hands-on activities on the ʻāina, discussions with distinguished mentors, community building with others from across the islands, and group excursions.
     The letter reads, "Being an Islander Scholar is as much a responsibility as it is an honor. You are expected to return to your school and community in your senior year and act on the kuleana (responsibility) associated with this award."

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EXPERIENCE VOLCANO ANNOUNCED A NEW FESTIVAL yesterday to help revive the economy of the community devastated by last year's volcanic disaster. The event on Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28, at multiple locations in Volcano Village, aims "to celebrate and share this thriving community of artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and cultural practitioners," said a statement from Experience Volcano.
     Over the course of the weekend, residents and visitors will enjoy art, food, music, and performances. Events will be held from Akatsuka Orchid Gardens to Volcano Winery, with a concentration in the heart of historic Volcano Village. Restaurants will feature special menus. Attendees are invited to create artwork through "make and take projects" at Volcano Garden Arts. Volcano Art Center will offer demonstrations at its Niʻaulani Campus. Live, local music will be on the menu at Lava Rock Cafe all weekend.
     "Long appreciated as one of the hidden gems of Hawaiʻi, Volcano is more than just a gateway to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park," said the statement from Experience Volcano. "The community comes together to host the first annual Experience Volcano Festival, a celebration of arts and culture that springs from this creative rain forest community, to showcase and share it with residents and visitors."
     All events will be free. Experience Volcano urges those visiting to "take advantage of the many lodging opportunities Volcano has to offer." For more information on Volcano, visit Experience Volcano at experiencevolcano.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 26, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 27, BIIF Finals
Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA
Softball:
Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA
Boys Volleyball:
Thu., April 25, BIIF Finals
Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA
Track:
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
KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUN REGISTRATION opens Wednesday, May 1. The race is Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 a.m. The sixth annual race offers moderate to highly challenging 5K, 10K, and 1/2 Marathon courses through macnut and coffee fields along the slopes of Ka‘ū. Races start at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill above Pāhala. Chip timing is by RFID. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Edmund C. Olson Trust II, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, BioAstin, and County of Hawaiʻi. Prices increase after July 9, Aug. 13, and Sept. 20. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com. Register at webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020.

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UPCOMING
THURSDAY, APRIL 25
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, April 25, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for community members. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, April 25, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 26
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Vendor Application Deadline for Ho‘olaule‘a, Friday, April 26. To become a vendor, contact Brenda Iokepa-Moses at biokepamoses@gmail.com or 731-5409

Coffee Talk at Kahuku - The Price of Paradise: The Story of Sandalwood in Hawai‘i, Friday, April 26, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Talk story with John Stallman, biologist and former Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park ranger. Free. nps.gov/havo

Pā‘ina and Open House is Friday, April 26 at Pāhala Plantation House. The entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. with Boni Norito, followed by hula dancer Sammi Fo, and musician and composer Bolo. Meet the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Court on the evening before the pageant. Refreshments. Potluck. Call Pāhala Plantation Cottages, 928-9811.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Healing Through Words with Dr. Heather Rivera, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Volcano Art Center. Creative writing workshop. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Sauerkraut and Kombucha with Jasmine Silverstein, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m., doors open 5:30 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets: $10 donation. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques. kaucoffeefestival.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
The Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, originally scheduled for Sunday, April 28 is being rescheduled to a later date – to be announced – when more community chefs and student chefs are available for the annual event.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Opens, May 1, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through macnut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Sept. 21 at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Hike & Lunch, Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., meet at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Wood Valley. $45; includes lunch. Reservations required. Limited to 30 people. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Early Head Start, Wednesday, May 1 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

May Day is Lei Day, May 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hands on lei making demonstrations, live music and hula. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hula Voices with Musician Christy Leina‘ala Lassiter, Wednesday, May 1 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Open Mic Night, Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
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.

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.

KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST
Kaʻū Coffee Festival Events start Friday, April 26 and run through Sunday, May 5. All events are open to the public; some require reservations. Celebrate Kaʻū Coffee at:
     Pā‘ina and Open House is Friday, April 26 at Pāhala Plantation House, corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. with Boni Norito, followed by hula dancer Sammi Fo, and musician and composer Bolo. Meet the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Court on the evening before the pageant. Refreshments. Potluck. Call Pāhala Plantation Cottages, 928-9811.
     Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant, Saturday, April 276 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym. To volunteer or donate, call Pageant Director Trini Marques at 928-0606.
     The Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, originally scheduled for Sunday, April 28 is being rescheduled to a later date – to be announced – when more community chefs and student chefs are available for the annual event.
     Kaʻū Mountain Hike and Lunch, Wednesday, May 19 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting at Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Ride through the coffee plantation, up the mountains, and into the rainforest to walk along waterways from sugar days of old. Reservations required; $45 per person. Call 928-0550.
     Kaʻū Valley Farms Tour and Lunch, Thursday, May 29 a.m. to noon. Above Nāʻālehu, visit a plant nursery, food farm, coffee and tea plantings, native forest, and hidden valley. $40 per person, reservations required. Call 987-4229 or 731-5409.
     Kaʻū Coffee and Cattle Day, Friday, May 310 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. Includes farm tours, BBQ buffet, and hayride. Visit this historic Ka‘ū Coffee farm and ranch. $25, reservations required. Call 927-2252.
     Kaʻū Stargazing on Friday, May 35:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., takes guests to the top of sacred Makanau during a new-moon. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian temple and see the Hawaiian night sky and stars. Reservations required; $45 per person, includes refreshments. Call 938-0550.
     Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa, Saturday, May 49 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Full day of music, dance, coffee tasting, demonstrations, food, snacks, educational booths, and games. Free entry. Vendor deadline is Friday, April 26. 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 or 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. Space for booths and presentations are limited, reservations required. Vendor applications at KauCoffeeFest.com.
     Closing out the Kaʻū Coffee Festival, Kaʻū Coffee College is held at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 5. Get served education and see demonstrations for coffee farmers and Kaʻū Coffee enthusiasts.
     See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

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