Friday, April 26, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, April 26, 2019

Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2018 Reishalyn Kekoa Jara will hand over her crown at the 2019 pageant tomorrow at Kaʻū District
Gym, See more below. Photo from OKK
THE BILL TO HELP PREVENT AG THEFT passed the Hawaiʻi Legislature, Rep. Richard Creagan, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, reported today. He said an enforcement officer will be assigned to Hawaiʻi Island. Kaʻū Coffee farmers and ranchers have reported thefts of crops and animals over the years.

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INCREASING THE MINIMUM WAGE FAILED at the state legislature. Rep. Richard Creagan said today. The problem arose when the most successful proposal called for a lower minimum wage for those receiving health insurance than those employees not receiving health insurance. He said it became a legal discussion and the entire minimum wage campaign was shelved until next session.

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Infographic from stanthorpeborderpost.com.au
THE HEMP BILL PASSED THE HAWAIʻI LEGISLATURE TODAY. SB1353 SD3 HD3, co-sponsored by east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman, almost died due to disagreements in amendments in both the state House and Senate, but passed both today with all 'ayes,' including from west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan. The bill goes to Gov. David Ige to sign. If he does, the bill would: require the Department of Agriculture to establish an industrial hemp program that reflects federal law; authorize cultivation of hemp; and define hemp separately from marijuana.

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NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY happens tomorrow, Saturday, April 27. Sen. Mazie Hirono joined federal and state officials John Callery, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Honolulu District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Jared Redulla, Administrator of the Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety's Narcotics Enforcement Division, to promote the 17th national event.
     Hirono encourages Hawaiʻi residents to join national efforts to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by turning in potentially dangerous, expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locations on Hawaiʻi Island are in Kona in the police station parking lot, and in Hilo at Ka Waena Lapaʻau Mecidal Complex's upper parking lot.

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Eggs, pancake's great companion, were made for those who joined Amazing
Grace Baptist Church fellowship on Easter morning. Photo by Lee McIntosh
A PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOR ALL was hosted at Amazing Grace Baptist Church on Easter Sunday morning. Starting at 10 a.m., the public was welcomed at  Discovery Harbour Community Center in Nāʻālehu. Pancakes, eggs, breakfast meats, fruit, and Miranda coffee were all on the menu.
     A special Easter service followed the breakfast, with worship and special activities and lessons provided for the keiki. For more on upcoming events, contact John Glenn at 970-623-1081.

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Part of the 2018 Miss Kaʻū Coffee Court.
Photo by Denise Laitenen/Kaʻū Coffee Fest
MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE PAGEANT happens tomorrow, Saturday, April 27 at Kaʻū District Gym, beginning at 6 p.m. – doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets at the door are $10 each for anyone from 12 to 55, $5 for children 5-11 and senior citizens 55-older.
     The 2018 court will be in attendance, with 2018 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Reishlyn Kekoa Jara crowning the next Miss Ka‘ū Coffee.
     The pageant is under the directorship of Trinidad Marques, herself a Ka‘ū Coffee producer and marketer. She promises an evening of beauty, talent, poise, confidence, prizes, food, and entertainment. Pageant winners will receive scholarships and trophies.
     Meet the seven candidates tonight, Friday, April 26 at the kickoff open house Paʻina and potluck for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival at Pāhala Plantation House, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainment will include Bolo and hula dancer Sammi Fo.
     Contenders for Miss Kaʻū Coffee are:
     Helena Nihipali Sesson of Pāhala, age 17, who wants to become a police officer.
     Bernadette Ladia of Pāhala, age 16, who wants to join the military.
Bernadette Ladia, 
Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant.
Helena Nihipali Sesson, 
Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant. 
     Vying for Miss Kaʻū Coffee Peaberry are:
     Lilianna Marques of Pāhala, age 6, who wants to become a graphics artist.
     Helen Miranda of Kiolokaʻa, age 10, who wants to become a lawyer.
     Kendall Haddock of Kiolokaʻa, age 9, who wants to become a science teacher.
     Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower contestants are:
     Kysha Kaupu Manini of Pāhala, age 4, who wants to become a cosmetologist.
     Adilyn Aetonu of Pāhala, age 5, who wants to become a fashion designer.
     There are no Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee contenders this year; Cristina Kawewehi holds her crown.
Kendall Haddock, 
Peaberry contestant.
     The pageant is sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative and Kaʻū Coffee Fest, and the support of the Kaʻū community.
     Next in the ten days of activities, make reservations for Kaʻū Mountain Hike and Lunch on Wednesday, May 1, 9 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. $45 per person. Call 928-0550.
Helen Miranda, 
Peaberry contestant.
     Kaʻū Valley Farms Tour and Lunch happens Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit a plant nursery, food farm, coffee and tea plantings, native forest, and hidden valley, all above Nāʻālehu. $40 per person, reservations required. Call 987-4229 or 731-5409.
     Friday, May 3 offers two events: enjoy BBQ buffet and hayrides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at historic Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm during Kaʻū Coffee and Cattle Day. $25 per person, reservations required. Call 927-2252.
Lilianna Marques, 
Peaberry contestant.
     That evening, learn about ancient Hawaiian culture and see the Hawaiian night sky and stars during Kaʻū Stargazing. Meet at 5:30 p.m. to travel to the top of sacred Makanau during a new moon. Ends at 10 p.m. Reservations required; $45 per person, includes refreshments. Call 938-0550.
     The Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa happens Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Enjoy a full day of music, dance, coffee tasting, demonstrations, food, snacks, educational booths, and games at the entry-fee free event.
Kysha Kaupa Manini, 
Flower contestant.
     Kaʻū Coffee Festival winds to a close with Kaʻū Coffee College, held at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 5. Slurp up some coffee education aimed at coffee farmers and Kaʻū Coffee enthusiasts. Free.
Adilyn Aetonu, 
Flower contestant.
     See KauCoffeeFestival.com for more details.

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WHAT WE'VE LEARNED FROM KĪLAUEA'S 2018 LOWER EAST RIFT ZONE ERUPTION is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
     May 3, 2019, marks the one-year anniversary of the start of Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption. Over the past year, USGS HVO geologists and collaborators have been closely studying the vast amount of data collected during the summer eruption. Now is a good time to explore what's been learned, and what's still unfolding.
     The LERZ eruption, as well as the 2018 summit collapses, are providing many new insights on Kīlauea. This week's Volcano Watch focuses on a few aspects of the LERZ eruption that are helping us better understand volcanic hazards in Hawaiʻi.
     First, ongoing work is telling us how the changing chemical composition of the magma erupted in 2018 controlled the lava-flow hazard. The first two weeks of the eruption – May 3-18 – produced low eruption rates and relatively small flows. Chemical analyses indicated that the lava originated from pockets of older magma stored underground in the LERZ. This cooler and less fluid magma was probably residue from earlier eruptions. 
     This stored magma was presumably forced out by the intruding dike of magma that originated from Puʻu ʻŌʻō. University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo researcher Cheryl Gansecki says that chemical analyses indicate that the dike may have intersected two, or even three, separate stored magma bodies. 
     Around May 18-19, the eruption vigor changed as hotter and more fluid magma was erupted. This magma was presumably draining from the summit magma reservoir. The eruption rate increased roughly 10-20 times, and the flows became larger, faster-moving, and much more hazardous.  
During the first two weeks of Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 LERZ eruption, fissures were characterized by low eruption rates 
and small flows. This was because the erupted lava originated from pockets of cooler, less fluid magma stored in the rift
 zone. Later fissures erupted hotter, more fluid magma, resulting in higher eruption rates and large, fast-moving lava 
flows, like that erupted from the fissure 8 cone (lower right), shown here on July 29, 2018USGS photo by M. Patrick
     A similar—although less dramatic—chemical change occurred during the 1955 LERZ eruption, but it was not recognized until long after that eruption ended. Daily tracking of lava composition during the 2018 eruption was important because it allowed us to identify the chemical change in early May, and to correctly anticipate that hotter, more fluid magma—and more hazardous lava flows—might be around the corner. 
     Taken together, the 2018 and 1955 eruptions point to the possibility that future rift zone eruptions can start deceptively small in the opening days as older, stored magma is erupted. But once the magma "spigot" is opened, and fresher, hotter magma arrives, rift zone eruptions can switch to large, fast-moving, and hazardous lava flows. 
     Magma composition also helped explain another hazard of the 2018 eruption. In mid-May, brief explosions occurred frequently from fissure 17, throwing lava bombs several hundred meters (a few hundred yards). An initial explanation was that they were driven by groundwater seeping into the fissures, causing steam blasts. 
     However, chemical analyses revealed that fissure 17 erupted lava with an unusual composition. Nearly all lava erupted on Kīlauea is basalt, but fissure 17 erupted Kīlauea's first documented andesite. Andesite is higher in silica than basalt, and is, therefore, less fluid. The more viscous consistency of andesitic lava makes it easier for large gas bubbles to coalesce and burst with high pressure, which provides a likely explanation for the explosive activity at fissure 17. 
Fissures and fountains near Pohoiki Road in 1955. HVNP/George Ruhle photo
     The eruption also highlighted the close connection between Kīlauea's East Rift Zone and the volcano's summit magma reservoir. In June and July 2018, there were near-daily summit collapse events, each with the equivalent of a magnitude-5.3 earthquake. 
     Time-lapse cameras monitoring the fissure 8 lava channel observed that the eruption rate began to increase within minutes after a summit collapse, eventually peaking 2‒4 hours later. At least once, the increased eruption rates produced overflows from the lava channel that could have threatened adjacent residential areas. 
     The short delay before LERZ eruption rates increased indicates that the "surge" in eruption vigor was driven by a pressure pulse originating from the summit collapse and transmitted down the 40-km- (25-mi-) long magma conduit to the LERZ—akin to a hydraulic press. The 2‒4-hour delay in peak eruption rates allowed HVO and emergency managers, in at least one instance, to anticipate and prepare for the overflow hazard. 
     These are just a few of the new insights gained from Kīlauea's 2018 LERZ eruption. They show how unraveling each volcanic process helps us better understand the hazard, and, in turn, to forecast and prepare for hazards in future eruptions.    
Volcano Activity Updates
     Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL.
     Two earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.9 quake 4 km (2 mi) southwest of Volcano at 0 km (0 mi) depth on April 20 at 3:58 p.m. HST, and a magnitude-3.4 quake 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Waikoloa Village at 16 km (10 mi) depth on April 18 at 2:27 p.m. HST.  
    The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL, which means that the volcano is in typical background or noneruptive state.
     Visit https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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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., April 27, BIIF Finals
Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA
Softball:
Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA
Boys Volleyball:
Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA
Track:
Sat., April 27, 3 p.m., BIIF Finals
Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

JUST ANNOUNCED
SUMMER KEIKI LEARN-TO-SWIM REGISTRATION open Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Pāhala Swimming Pool, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Campus. $15 per session per child; cash or check accepted, payable to County Director of Finance. No refunds. 928-8177, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics
     Each session is two weeks long, Monday through Friday. Check with lifeguard in advance for requirements. Learn-to-Swim sessions led by Kayla Nishimura, Pāhala Swimming Pool Lifeguard.
     Session A, June 3 through 14: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Level 4, highest skill level offered. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Level 3, moderate to high skill level.
     Session B, June 17 through 28: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Level 3, moderate to high skill level. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Level 2, moderate skill level.
     Session C, July 1 through 12: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Level 2, low to moderate to high skill level. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Level 1, low skill level. suggested for five years old and up. 
     Session D, July 15 through 26: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Level 2, low to moderate to high skill level. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Parent and child class - little to no skill level. One child per parent, six months old and up. Swim diapers required for children not yet potty trained.

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UPCOMING
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
TO BE RESCHEDULED: Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: 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
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.comkaucoffeefestival.com

Early Head Start, Wednesday, May 1 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. – 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

THURSDAY, MAY 2
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Thursday, May 2. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. – noon, Ka‘alaiki Rd., Nā‘ālehu. $40; includes lunch and transportation from meeting site. Reservations required. 987-4229/731-5409, kauvalley.comkaucoffeefestival.com

Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, May 2 and 16 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 17 – 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

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, May 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, MAY 3
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day, Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. $25; includes BBQ buffet and hayrides. Reservations required. 927-2252, aikaneplantation.comkaucoffeefestival.com

Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser, Friday, May 3, doors open 5:30 p.m., dinner served 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Enchiladas, Tamales, Charro Borracho Beans (Mexican Cowboy Drunken Beans), Drinks and Dessert. $8/person, $15 for two, $20/family. stjudeshawaii.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Star Gazing, Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Makanau summit. $45, includes refreshments and shuttle ride. Reservation required. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.comkaucoffeefestival.com

KDENte Fundraising Dinner for Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network, Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant, Hilo. Italian food buffet, $20 cash or check at door. 984-7344

The Great Kīlauea Eruption of 2018 and What May Soon Follow, Friday, May 3, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Presented by Geologist Dr. Richard "Rick" Hazlett, Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.
     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

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.

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