Sunday, June 23, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, June 23, 2019

Hikers marvel at the largest of the boulders that destroyed sections of Kīlauea Iki Trail in the fall of 2018. The
massive rocks crashed onto the crater floor after earthquakes dislodged them from near the rim.
See story, below, on the rehabilitation of Kīlauea Iki Trail and more programs from
Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NPS/Janice Wei
INPUT ON THE PROPOSED NĀʻ ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL CLOSURE is requested from area residents by county consultant Earl Mastukawa of Wilson Okamoto Corp., who is preparing a draft Environmental Assessment. Mastukawa requests comments be mailed by July 20 to Wilson Okamoto Corp., 1907 S. Beretania St., Ste. 400, Honolulu, HI, 96826, Attn: Earl Mastukawa, AICP. Call with questions, 808-946-2277.
     In a letter mailed to residents, Mastukawa states the project "maybe be funded by the state of Hawaiʻi Clean Water State Revolving Fund," and will include the Nāʻālehu Wastewater Collection System, Nāʻālehu Sewage Pump Station and Force Main, and Nāʻālehu Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System and Drainage Modification.
     The letter from Mastuwaka states the closure of the three Large Capacity Cesspools in Nāʻālehu was supposed to be accomplished by April 5, 2005, as the federal Environmental Protection Agency determined they were not legal in 1998. In 2003, C. Brewer & Co., which owned and maintained the system of gravity-flow pipelines, asked the county of Hawaiʻi Dept. of Environmental Management to take over the closure. Prior to the transfer, states Matsuwaka, a vote was made by those "serviced by the LCCs" which "favored a new sewer collection, treatment, and disposal system" to be owned, operated, and maintained by the county.
    Matsuwaka states that, in 2007, the county proposed a new system, routed on public streets and improvements which included large capacity septic tanks and conversion of the LCCs into seepage pits for treated effluent. This option was determined to be "infeasible," states Matsuwaka, leading to the current proposed treatment facility plans.

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Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Youth Ranger Class of 2019. FHVNP photo
REHABILITATION OF THE SECOND HALF OF KĪLAUEA IKI TRAIL is funded by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The group was awarded $50,000 to match the Centennial Fund award, for a total of $100,000. Until repairs are made, only part of the trail is open, with walkers backtracking to where they started. The project will start in the next few months. This is part of the Friends' new program, Guardians of the Trails. The goal is to rehab as many front country and back country trails as possible over the next five years.
     In its tenth year, the FHVNP Youth Ranger program Class of 2019 started working in the Park on June 17. Students are from Kaʻū, Puna, and Kona. The youth will be working in various parts of the Park, including Interpretation, Resource Management, and Facilities.
     See fhvnp.org.

Kīlauea summit 2018 ash cloud comic. The artist
will meet the public at After Dark on June 25.
Photo from Andy Warner
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A LONG-FORM NONFICTION COMIC PRESENTATION will be given by Andy Warner, Artist in Residence at  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The After Dark in the Park event is Tuesday, June 25  at, 7 p.m. in  Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The comics journalist, author, and artist has been busy talking to people impacted by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
     During his June residency, Warner has explored the human accommodation to life around volcanoes, and has begun to 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.
     Said Warner, "I want to tell the stories of real people and the real impact of the events last summer. I've interviewed residents, talked with Hawaiians, park rangers and scientists, and their stories form the backbone of this project.
     Warner is a New York Times bestselling comics journalist and artist, whose comics range between journalism, documentary, and memoir. He has published two books of nonfiction history in comic form, and is a contributing editor of The Nib, an online publication for nonfiction comics. His newest book, This Land is My Land, is a collection of true stories about flawed utopias and artistic environments.
Comics journalist Andy Warner is Artist in
Residence in Volcanoes, enjoying the 
island with his family.
Photo from Andy Warner
     The Artist in Residence program is sponsored by The National Parks Arts Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the National Parks of the U.S. through creating dynamic opportunities for artworks that are based in our natural and historic heritage. All NPAF programs are made possible through the philanthropic support of donors ranging from corporate sponsors, small business, art patrons and citizen supporters of the parks.

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TASTE OF THE HAWAIIAN RANGE & Agriculture Festival happens Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Waimea. Hawaiʻi Island farmers growing fruits, vegetables, or other crops are invited to register to sell products at the event. Vendors should contact tasteagfest@outlook.com to apply. Visit tasteofthehawaiianrange.com for more.

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FEDERAL AGRIBUSINESS GRANTS are available to those who apply for a Data Universal Numbering System number for a business by visiting dnb.com. When the business is issued a DUNS number, visit sam.gov to register for a Commercial And Government Entity Code with the System for Award Management. Contact Megan Blazak at mblazak@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411 for assistance.

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ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST SHARE PROGRAM is available to compensate up to 75 percent of certification costs for producers and handlers. Visit the local FSA county office to apply. Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due October 31. Need help completing an application? Contact Maile Woodhall at mwoodhall@kohalacenter.org for assistance.

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NEXT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT happens from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Hilo on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Hoʻolulu Complex parking lot and in Kona on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Old Kona Airport State Park. There are no Hawaiʻi County Household Hazardous Waste collection events in June. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org for more.


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
MONDAY, JUNE 24
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, June 24. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

TUESDAY, JUNE 25
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, June 25, 7:30a.m.-4p.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

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, June 25, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, June 25, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Performing Arts Activity: Karaoke Sing Along, Tuesday, June 25, 2-3p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6 & up, June 17-21. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, June 26 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Lei Tī, Wednesday, June 26, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hands-on demonstration with rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff making tī-leaf lei. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, June 27, 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

THURSDAY, JUNE 27
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, June 27, 4-6p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

FRIDAY, JUNE 28
Coffee Talk at Kahuku: Planting Pono, Friday, June 28, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Learn how to identify plants at home that don't need removal and how to integrate natives and non-invasive plants into the landscape. Free. nps.gov/havo

The Sky is Full of Stories with James McCarthy, Friday, June 28, 1:30-2:15p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. McCarthy, a trained actor, storyteller and musician will captivate audience with wide variety of sky stories from myths and science, using tales and songs. Suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. Free. 939-2442

SATURDAY, JUNE 29
Mālama Nā Keiki Festival happens Saturday, June 29, 9a.m.-1p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. This third annual free event, presented by Health Resources and Services Administration, offers health screenings, education, and activities. Expectant and first-time mothers, women considering pregnancy, young families, and supporting ʻohana from across the county are especially invited to attend. Prizes, entertainment, free food, and keiki activities are offered. Health screenings include hearing, vision, height, weight, and blood pressure. Health education includes prenatal information and breastfeeding education with lactations specialists. Health activities include Grow Your Own Plant and Makahiki games.
     For more, call 808-969-9220, or see hmono.orgfacebook.com/hmono.org, or hui_malama on Instagram.

Paint Your Own Silk Scarf with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, June 29, 9a.m.-12:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Nā‘ālehu July 4th Parade Celebration & Keiki Fun Day, Saturday, June 29, 10a.m.-130p.m., from Nā‘ālehu Elementary School to Nā‘ālehu Community Center Ballpark, along Hwy 11. Parade followed by food, bounces houses, and inflatable water slides for kids. Afternoon of bingo and separate luncheon for seniors. Free. Sign-up for the parade before June 20 by calling Debra McIntosh, 929-9872

Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #2, Saturday, June 29, 1-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn tea propagation techniques with Eva Lee. Pre-event for A Taste of Tea Pottery Fundraiser - August 25. Workshops designed to be attended as a series - #3 set for July 27. No experience necessary. $60/VAC member, $75/non-member for series. Individual workshop $25 each. Requires minimum of 6 participants to be held. Registration limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org


ONGOING
Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through July 11; no meal Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.
     The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required. okaukakou.org

Volcano Village 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Craft Fair happens Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade starts at the Volcano Post Office, travels down Old Volcano Road, and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Road. Free entry to activities, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs allowed. Provided by Cooper Center Council, Volcano Community Association, and more. To be in the parade, download the entry form at volcanocommunity.org and email to vcainfo@yahoo.com. Vendors, download applications at thecoopercenter.org and email to idoaloha@gmail.com, or call Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Head Coaches for Coed Judo, Coed Swimming, and Boys Basketball are wanted by Kaʻū High School for the 2019-2020 school year. Applications, due Monday, July 8, can be picked up at the school office weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coaches hired by Hawaiʻi Department of Education are required to pass a criminal background check. Contact Kaʻū High Athletic Director Kalei Namohala 313-4161 with questions.

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 bags 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.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.

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

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