Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Punaluʻu Cemetery, on a hill above the ocean, with its open air stone chapel, is one of eight Kaʻū cemeteries that have been 
restored and are maintained by volunteers from community nonprofit ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. See story, below. OKK photo
NEW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT RULES that include consideration of greenhouse emissions and sea level rise, go into effect August 9 for the state of Hawaiʻi. Gov. David Ige posted to Facebook: "For the first time in 23 years, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) rules will be revamped. Developing these new rules took nearly two years, four working drafts, (and) about 30 public meetings, including nine public hearings with at least one on each island. These rules ensure public involvement in government decision making and the disclosure of activities that might affect our environment. My vision since taking office is to create a state government that is honest, transparent and responsive to its citizens. I will be proud to sign the EIS on July 30."
     Changes to EIS rules include how and when EIS and less laborious Environmental Assessments are required. They include requiring a public meeting at the start of an EIS; making greenhouse gas emissions and sea level rise considerations a major concern; requiring public listing of approved exemptions; and more clearly defining some terms, among many other changes.
     The state Supreme Court, in a recent five to zero vote, confirmed that greenhouse gases and global warming shall be considered in determining whether EIS and Environmental Assessments are required.
     Go to Office of Environmental Quality Control Hawaiʻi to see the full new rules, with changes from the original marked.

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The grounds of the Methodist area of Pāhala Community Cemetery have landscaping fabric under gravel 
to improve maintenance efforts. OKK photo
PRESERVING HISTORIC CEMETERIES IN KAʻŪ is illustrated in a new photo collection produced by the community nonprofit ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Aerial and close-up views of graves dating back many generations can be seen at okaukakou.org.
     The cemeteries represent the multiethnic backgrounds of villages and towns. Punaluʻu Cemetery is a historic Hawaiian place of burial on a hill above Punaluʻu Beach Park, with an open air stone church. Pāhala Cemetery is comprised of a large Japanese area connected to the Pāhala Hongwanji temple, an older area of Chinese graves, and a place of burial for sugar workers who immigrated to Kaʻū and are buried in plots that were cared for by the Methodist Church.
Chinese graves in Pāhala Community Cemetery. OKK photo
     For years, ʻO Kaʻū Kākou has preserved history by maintaining these cemeteries, including rebuilding rock walls and landscaping.
     A message on the OKK website says, "Part of keeping and maintaining a sense of community is knowing the history of the land, its people, and traditions."
     Eight cemeteries under OKK's stewardship are the ones at Punaluʻu and Pāhala, along with Keaiwa Japanese Cemetery in Wood Valley; Honoʻapo Cemetery; LDS Cemetery in Nāʻālehu; and Waiʻōhinu Catholic Cemetery.
     Many of the headstones date back to the 1800s. Some of the writings are in English, others in Chinese and Japanese. Many headstones bear family names of locals who still live in Kaʻū. With the cemeteries under OKK's constant care, they are accessible for everyone who can see the flowers and mementos left by loved ones.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou volunteers, at work capping the rock wall 
around Punaluʻu Cemetery. OKK photo
     See okaukakou.org.

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NEW FEDERAL DISASTER RELIEF FUNDING for recovery from flooding and last year's volcano disaster is on its way to help Hawaiʻi Island, reports Sen. Brian Schatz.
     Schatz said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide $66.9 million through its Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to "help state and local governments rebuild impacted communities, especially in low- and moderate-income areas, and provide resources to help businesses recover."
Sen. Brian Schatz. Photo from Instagram
     A member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Schatz said he worked with federal agencies, and state and county officials, to "ensure Hawai‘i submitted a strong application to receive the maximum amount of funding." The new funding allocation, he said, was part of the $1.7 billion housing disaster recovery package Congress passed last year.
     Said Schatz, "As we continue to recover from the series of natural disasters that hit our state, these new federal grants will be a huge help. And while this is good news for Hawai‘i, it is not our only chance at additional federal funding. I will continue to fight for federal resources at every opportunity to help Hawai‘i recover."
     With the nearly $67 million in housing grants announced, said Schatz, Hawai‘i has been allocated more than $429 million in federal relief funding to help the state recover from the historic storms in April 2018, Hurricane Lane, and 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
     According to Schatz, those funds include $12 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in individual assistance to help people who have lost their home; $206 million from FEMA in public assistance to help local and state governments clean up and repair public infrastructure such as facilities, parks, and water lines; $93.1 million from the Department of Transportation to help rebuild roads and highways; $47.2 million from the Small Business Administration in subsidized loans to help individuals and businesses pay for repairs not covered by insurance; $4 million from the Department of Labor in Disaster Unemployment Insurance to help those who lost their job temporarily or permanently because of a disaster and are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits; and $187,000 from the Economic Development Administration to provide technical assistance for economic development activities in disaster impacted areas.

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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 June 2019. 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.
See how kapa kuiki, Hawaiian quilting, is done at ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, 
Experience the Skillful Work, on Wednesday, June 12. NPS photo
     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:
     Kapa Kuiki Demonstration. Hawaiians learned the basic method of kuiki (quilting) with the arrival of the missionaries in the early 1800s. As the art evolved, so did the patterns, which are inspired by nature. Cyndy Martinez shares her knowledge about the beautiful art known as kapa kuiki. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Wednesday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
      The Story of the Hawaiian ‘Amakihi. The introduction of avian malaria to the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1900s led to devastating declines in many native Hawaiian birds, but not the ‘amakihi. Jon Gabrielle Nunes, Ph.D. student from U.C. Davis, has spent four years studying the mystery of how this endemic little bird appears to be beating this deadly disease on Hawai‘i Island. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series, Tuesday, June 18, 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
     Comic Journalism with Andy Warner – June's Artist in Residence. New York Times' bestselling comics journalist, author and artist Andy Warner was selected as the park's artist in residence for June. During his residency, Warner plans to explore the human accommodation to life around volcanoes, and parlay personal stories of culture, science, and tradition into a long-form nonfiction comic that explores the aftermath and recovery from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series, co-sponsored by the National Park Arts Foundation. Tuesday, June 25, 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Comic Journalist Andy Warner in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's June 
Artist in Residence. Learn what he's doing during his residency at 
After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, June 25. Image from Andy Warner
     Lei Tī Demonstration. Learn how to twist your own tī leaf lei. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff who will share their knowledge and love of one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Wednesday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
     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 June: 6, 13, 20, and 27; 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, June 7 and 28, or Saturday, June 15 and 222. 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
A visitor explores the geologic formations of Kahuku. Learn more on how to 
explore this portion of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, below. 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 June: 4, 11, 18, and 25, 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.

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NO TSUNAMI THREAT to Hawaiʻi from a 7.5 magnitude earthquake near Papua New Guinea this morning at 4 a.m., reports the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

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AN INSTRUCTIONAL WORKSHOP ON GROWING CACAO happens Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hawaiʻi Community College, Building 388, Room 101-102, in Kona. Deadline to register is Thursday, June 6. $15 per person. Register at (808) 934-2700.
     Three Hawaiʻi Island cacao farmers will lead the workshop, and attendees will have a chance to ask questions. Susan Bassett of Mauna Kea Cacao will speak on the fermenting and drying process. Claranne Knittel of Deep Dirt Cacao, secretary of the East Hawaiʻi Cacao Association, and an organizer of the Hilo Cacao & Chocolate Festival will speak on germination and planting. Patrick Merritt of Hawaiian Acres, who helped found and is president of the EHCA and director of Cacao Farmers of Hawaiʻi, will speak on combating pests.

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HI-PAL BOXING INVITATIONAL happens at Panaʻewa Park Gymnasium in Hilo,100 Ohuohu Street on Saturday, June 1, 5:30 p.m. The free event is sponsored by Hawaiʻi Police Activities League, in partnership with Hawaiʻi International Boxing Club.
     Coaches who are interested in entering athletes, who are registered with USA Boxing and are ages 8-17, contact Officer Kaeo Drummondo at (808) 961-8121.

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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
JUST ANNOUNCED
ANDY MCKEE PLAYS IN VOLCANO at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater on Saturday, June 1. Tickets are $48. Show begins at 7:45 p.m. A Park entrance fee may apply if arriving before 7:30 p.m.
     McKee is an acoustic guitar "virtuoso, a master practitioner" of folk, blues, bluegrass, and other musical genres, says the event description. Call (808) 896-4845 for information or to purchase tickets. From his website: "He entertains both the eye and the ear as he magically transforms the steel string guitar into a full orchestra via his use of altered tunings, tapping, partial capos, percussive hits and a signature two-handed technique.
     McKee has been featured as a cover story in Acoustic Guitar Magazine in the U.S. and in the UK, and is the figurehead of the Guitar Masters tours. McKee has toured through Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, including tours with Prince and Dream Theater.
     He also performs Thursday, May 30 in Hilo at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and in Kainaliu on Friday, May 31 at Aloha Theater.

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UPCOMING
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

SATURDAY, MAY 18
Stained Glass Basics I, Saturday and Sunday, May 18, 25, and June 1 and 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko – Kumu Hula Wahineaukai Mercado with haumana (students) of Ke Ana La‘ahana Public Charter School, Saturday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Wes Awana, Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #1, Saturday, May 18, noon – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hand-build porcelain ceramic tea bowls with Volcano artist and tea farmer Chiu Leong. Includes history of tea bowl culture and brief overview of local tea farming by Eva Lee. Focused cupping, tasting and education on Hawaii grown white teas. Pre-event for A Taste of Tea Pottery Fundraiser on August 25. Workshops designed to be attended as a series; #2 set for May 18, #3 set for July 27. No experience necessary. $60/VAC member, $75/non-member for series. Individual workshop, $25 each. Registration limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, May 18, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, MAY 19
Ka‘ū Little League Benefit Concert, Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., The Terraces, 92-1885 Princess Ka‘iulani Blvd., Ocean View. Lopaka Rootz and D-Tech Solutions, live. Tickets, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, plus can of food at entry. Sponsored by Criminal Justice Solutions and Kahuku Park Block Watch. Gabe Morales, gcmorales2020@gmail.com, Kathi Griffeth, kathiegriffeth@gmail.com

MONDAY, MAY 20
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Monday, May 20 (Committees), Tuesday, May 21, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Summer Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song Auditions, Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Parts for all ages and ability. Cold readings. Dress comfortably to move on stage, be prepared to sign a song that best shows vocal range. Show to run July 12-28. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

TUESDAY, MAY 21
Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Lei, Tuesday, May 21, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 13-17. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ONGOING
Paving work on South Point Road continues daily, weather permitting, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through this Thursday. On Wednesday and Thursday, paving will be the north bound lane of Hwy 11 to Kamāʻoa Road. The south bound lane will already be paved, according to a statement form the County of Hawai’i Department of Public Works Highway Maintenance Division.
     All vehicles needing access must take a detour from Hwy 11 to Kamā‘oa Rd. South Point Road will be open to local traffic only. Traffic pattern may change depending on conditions.
     Motorists are advised to drive with caution as heavy vehicles will be in the work zone. Signs will be posted on Highway 11 advising motorists of the roadwork and traffic control personnel will be posted in the area to facilitate traffic movement. 
      The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the community for their patience and understanding. If there are any questions or concerns, please call the Highway Maintenance Division at 961-8349.

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

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, 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 International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or 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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