Thursday, May 09, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, May 9, 2019

Berta Miranda clutches her Bible, fearing her coffee farm burned during the 2012 fires that raged around Pāhala.
She was spared. Predictions are that fire risks have increased. A workshop will be held for farmers, ranchers, 
homeowners, and land mangers this Friday, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House, sponsored by Hawaiʻi 
Wildlife Management Organization and Nā Mamo O Kāwā. Photo by William Neal
PEAK WILDFIRE SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING, Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization announced today. The organization pointed out that its representatives will be on the scene in Kaʻū this weekend, with a free workshop for the public at Pāhala Plantation House on Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. A field trip with fire prevention volunteer work is set for Saturday.
     Pablo Akira Beimler, Community Outreach Coordinator for Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management, said, "With a weak El Niño starting to kick in, experts predict wildfire activity will increase due to worsening drought conditions and the enormous vegetative growth from a rainy past several of months." He noted that last Saturday, May 4, people from across Hawaiʻi and the U.S. participated in Wildfire Community Preparedness Day "to take action to
Large flames engulf pastures along Hwy 11 next to the Ann Fontes farm
just outside of Pāhala, makai of Hwy 11, in  June 2012.
Photo from Hawaiʻi County Fire Department 
increase wildfire safety in the community." With Kaʻū farmers and residents busy hosting the annual Coffee Festival last Saturday, the Wildfire team decided to come to Kaʻū this Friday and Saturday to "keep the spirit of #WildfirePrepDay alive this weekend."
     Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization and the stewardship organization Nā Mamo O Kāwā will host the Friday night workshop at Pāhala Plantation House and a field trip, with volunteer fire prevention work, on Saturday. They describe it as a weekend of "learning and action-taking."
     HWMO is a Waimea-based non-profit dedicated to protecting communities and natural resources across the Hawaiian Islands from wildfire. Nā Mamo O Kāwā is the Hawaiian non-profit that facilitates the care for the precious cultural and natural resources of Kāwā through community-based, self-determined stewardship efforts.
     The 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday session is free, family-friendly, and educational. It is called ReadySetGo! Participants will learn how to use proper landscaping techniques and home structure modifications to protect family and property from wildfire, and to work as a community towards the common goal of fire protection for
Paʻauʻau Gulch burned; the fire jumped Hwy 11 and headed toward Kaʻū
Hospital and homes. Photo by John Cross
villages, farms, and ranches. HWMO will also share information on how to develop a clear, achievable family emergency plan, what actions to take during a wildfire, and proper evacuation procedures. Each attendee will receive a free copy of the ReadySetGo! Hawaiʻi Wildland Fire Action Guide, which can be used as a step-by-step tool for carrying out the recommended actions.
     The next day, this Saturday, May 11 is a volunteer work day to reduce wildfire hazards and restore the native habitat of Kāwā. The work day will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Those who would like to join, meet at the Northern entrance for Kāwā for sign-in, safety briefing, and opening protocol. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved T-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided.
      Learn more at hawaiiwildfire.org and nmok.org.

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KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST DREW MUCH APPRECIATION FOR THE LAND of this district that supports Kaʻū Coffee farmers and nature.
     Musician Bolo arrived to sing the song written about the mystical mountain of Kaiholena, which rises above the coffee farms and ranches. The song was composed at an earlier Kaʻū Coffee Fest songwriting workshop with Daniel Ho. Participants, including Bolo, wrote the song in a group and the composition was included on a Grammy winning album. Its words include:
Bolo brought back the song, written at an earlier Kaʻū
Coffee Fest music workshop, called Kaiholena,
one of the mountains looking over Kaʻū Coffee farms
and ranches. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
     As I walk through the valley on my ancestors' feet. Memories entwined with desired eyes. 
     Kaiholena, Kaiholena.
     Gold pushing through green misty skies. ʻUa falling on watchful eyes, 
     Kaiholena, Kaiholena.
     Voices from the past, visions that will last in Kaʻū. Mana of the land, coming from the hand of Akua - Kaʻū.
     Also participating in Kaʻū Coffee Fest were conservation and stewardship groups that care for lands conserved along the Kaʻū Coast and other special places.
     Keoni Fox represented the Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Chris Reid represented Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, which manages the makahiki grounds. Wendy Vance and Leilani Rodrugues represented the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. They all shared their conservation efforts with presentations and education for the public.
     See more on the Kaʻū Coffee Fest all week in the Kaʻū News Briefs.

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SUNSCREEN LEGISLATION concerning the health of coral reefs and humans was introduced in the U.S. Congress this week by Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tusli Gabbard. They introduced the Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Impact Study Act of 2019. Gabbard also introduced the Reef Safe Act of 2019.
     The first measure would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to analyze impacts of chemicals in sunscreen on public health and the environment, and require findings be provided to Congress and the public within 18 months.
     The Reef Safe Act would require the Food and Drug Administration to develop standards for a "Reef Safe" designation for nonprescription sunscreens.
     Said Gabbard, "The ingredients in many common sunscreens are chemicals that have been proven to kill coral reef, harm marine life, and raise serious concerns about the impact they may have on people who use them. While proper skin protection is extremely important, we must make sure the ingredients used are safe for people and not jeopardizing the coral reef vital to local marine habitats and that help reduce coastal flood risk."
Keoni Fox represented Ala Kahakai Trail 
Association at Kaʻū Coffee Fest. The
organization will manage Waikapuna 
and other coastal lands recently preserved.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
     Said Hirono, "In Hawaiʻi, we understand that our way of life depends on a healthy ocean. We cannot afford to continue losing our coral reefs, which are suffering from a number of threats such as warmer temperatures, more acidic waters, and disease. That is why Hawaiʻi has become a leader in taking steps to mitigate the harmful impacts of sunscreen on our marine environment."
     U.S. Geological Survey issued a report last month on coral reefs protective value to local communities. The study found that the annual value of flood risk reduction provided by U.S. coral reefs is more than 18,000 lives and over $1.8 billion, Hawaiʻi being one of the greatest beneficiaries of this protection.
     About 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the world's reefs every year, according to a 2015 paper published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Oxybenzone and octinoxate cause mortality in developing corals, increase coral bleaching, and induce genetic damage to coral and other marine organisms, as well as decreased fertility in fish, impaired algae growth, induced defects in mussel and sea urchin young, and accumulation in the tissues of dolphins.
     An FDA study released on May 6 found that it takes just one day of sunscreen use for oxybenzone to enter a person's bloodstream.
     Last year, Hawaiʻi became the first state to enact legislation designed to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems by banning sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate. The ban goes into effect in 2021.

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ʻALALĀ NESTING IN THE WILD have sparked joy at the ʻAlalā Project, which issued an announcement this week saying, "For the first time in almost 20 years, there is an ʻAlalā nest! The presence of eggs has yet to be confirmed but, based on the female's behavior, it seems she is incubating. This is another positive step in the long journey to recovery for this species."
     The ‘Alalā - endangered Hawaiian Crow - in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve reached this milestone in early April. Team members observed ‘Alalā named Manaʻolana and Manaiakalani beginning to build a nest platform structure near their 2017 release site. Biologists caution there are many factors to impact success of this first nest. First-time parents are not usually successful, and it is not uncommon that birds in the wild will make several attempts before they can successfully fledge their chicks.
     Dr. Alison Greggor, Postdoctoral Research Associate, with the Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, said, "While it's difficult to see exactly what's in the nest from observations on the ground, we do believe that Manaiakalani is likely sitting on eggs and we've observed her male partner, Manaʻolana, bringing her food regularly."
ʻAlalā Manaʻolana and Manaiakalani, beginning to build a nest 
platform structure. Photo by San Diego Zoo Global
     ʻAlalā typically lay between three and five eggs, and will incubate them for an average of 21 days. If these eggs hatch the chicks would be the first ʻAlalā hatched in the wild in two decades.
     Another  pair, Kia’ikūmokuhāli’i and Ola, have been seen placing sticks in the nook of an ʻōhiʻa tree. Although the structure and number of sticks were not enough to call it a nesting platform, Greggor said she is encouraged to see the beginnings of nesting behavior by at least two pairs of ʻAlalā.
     Since there are no adult ʻAlalā in the wild to learn from, the reintroduced birds have had to learn how to build nests, breed, and incubate, all guided by instincts. Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, the ʻAlalā Project coordinator and a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, Department of Fish & Wildlife, commented, "While these are exciting and encouraging steps in the reintroduction process of ʻAlalā, the journey is far from over. There are many stages in the process, before the young fledge; the pair encounters natural and introduced threats, as well as environmental challenges. The team tries to help nesting birds as much as possible without causing disturbance."
     Team members monitor the nest discreetly, from a far distance, and document observations of the behaviors of Manaʻolana and Manaiakalani.
     Rachel Kingsley, Education and Outreach Associate for The ʻAlalā Project, said, "Hawaiian forests are family; there is a shared ancestry among the people, plants, animals, and landscapes. By returning the ʻAlalā to the wild, we are welcoming home a family member that has been away for a long time. The fact that these birds have been able to build a nest on their own shows that these birds are comfortable in the forest they live. Our family is growing."
     Michelle D. Bogardus, Maui Nui & Hawaiʻi Island Team Manager for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, said, "Regardless of the success of this particular nest, the fact that there is a nest at all is an encouraging and inspiring milestone in the long term success of this project."
ʻAlalā exhibiting mating behavior.
Photo by San Diego Zoo Global, hearts added by the ʻAlalā Project
     These nesting ʻAlalā, a native Hawaiian crow that went extinct in the wild nearly a quarter of a century ago, were hatched and reared at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers in a partnership between DLNR, DOFAW, San Diego Zoo Global, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Over the past two years, 21 birds have been released into protected forest areas on the island of Hawaiʻi.
     ʻAlalā have historically been known to be monogamous. However, if something were to happen to one of the birds, the surviving bird would most likely try to find a new mate. Once mates are chosen, the pair start to establish a territory, and will interact less with the rest of the social group. These behaviors all start to develop once the birds reach breeding age, which is around two to four  years old. Pairs will develop long-term bonds with each other and certain behaviors such as grooming each other and playing with sticks together.
     The birds released in 2017, after hatching in 2016, are now three years old. The field monitoring crew started to see some changes to the social structure and behaviors within the released ʻAlalā earlier this year. 
     The outcome of this nest will help to guide future reintroduction efforts for the ʻAlalā. The next release of birds is scheduled for later in 2019. Keep updated on this story at facebook.com/alalaproject.

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SOME KAʻŪ HIGH AND PĀHALA ELEMNTARY STUDENTS WERE HOUSED IN THE OLD GYM due to a road closure from a fire along  Highway 11 between mile markers 61 and 62 this afternoon.
     The fire was above Honuʻapo, mauka of the Makahiki Grounds and police station. Parents and guardians of students who normally bus in that direction were instructed to call the school at 313-4100 for more details. See a future Kaʻū News Briefs for an update on the fire.

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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
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UPCOMING
FRIDAY, MAY 10
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, May 10, 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Mother's Day Card, Friday, May 10, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 1-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ReadySetGo! Wildfire Preparedness Workshop, Friday, May 10, 5:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House. Educational, free and family-friendly. Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization. Pablo Akira Meimler at pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org. hawaiiwildfire.org, or 808-885-0900

Light, Sound & Spirit by Ken Goodrich of Hawai‘i Photo Retreat, Friday, May 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Talk and presentation of seven videos synthesizing music and projected imagery. Free, $5 donation suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Community Dance, Friday, May 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, MAY 11
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, Saturday, May 11-June 16, daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Opening reception Saturday, May 11, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day – Wildfire Preparedness, Saturday, May 11, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.orgfacebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle Inspired Labyrinth Art with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, MAY 12
Kauwela Tour, The Mo‘olelo of Mana Wāhine – Nā Wai Chamber Choir Concert, Sunday, May 12, 11:30 a.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church. Free admission. Donations welcome. nawaichamberchoir.com

3rd Annual Mother's Day Chamber Music Concert, Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Music by Volcano Chamber Players Susan McGovern, viola, Glenda Johnson, violin, Meg Saunders, cello, Rumi Reeves, violin, guest Gerdine Markus on recorder and operatic vocals of D'Andrea Pelletier. Complimentary pupu. Beverages and flowers for purchase. $20/VAC ember, $25/non-member, free to children 12 and under. Funds raised support Niaulani Sculpture Garden and ongoing programs. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, May 12 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

Mother's Day Buffet, Sunday, May 12, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish w/Tropical Salsa and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). Reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Free STD Testing, Monday, May 13 – 2nd Monday, monthly – 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

MONDAY, MAY 13
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, May 13, and 27, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, MAY 14
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107

Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tuesday, May 14, 4 p.m. – 7pm, Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC members, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee.Learn to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper while sampling several wines from Grapes in Hilo. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park – Kauwela Tour, The Mo‘olelo of Mana Wāhine – Nā Wai Chamber Choir Concert, Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Musical journey that honors the music of both historic and modern-day mana wāhine. Honolulu-based 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 leads ensemble on annual kauwela tour. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, May 15, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Instructional Tennis, Wednesday, May 15-June 19, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 6-10. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Arts and Crafts Activity: Watercolor Painting, Wednesday, May 15, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 9-14. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 16
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thursday, May 16, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Family Reading Night, Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Each grade will perform a one-act murder mystery. Free admission, donations welcome. Park entrance fees may apply. volcanoschool.net

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.

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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A concert to raise money for stewardship of the Kaʻū Coast will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.
Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo
2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenbaum.
HIMF photo
     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more. Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi Internaional Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.meand at the door – cash and check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.

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