Sunday, June 30, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, June 30, 2019

Most Patriotic float in Saturday's Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade went to Thy Word Ministries. See the
Most Creative winner below. Photo by Peter Anderson 
PRENATAL AND KEIKI HEALTH EDUCATION came to Pāhala Community Center on Saturday, June 29 at Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Oiwi's third annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival. Each year, kids and parents experience activities, music, food, health screenings, education, and prizes. This festival aims to serve expecting and first-time mothers, women considering pregnancy, and young families.
     Nā Keiki Fest also supports all families. Mabel De Silva, Chair of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Oiwi, said she wishes to focus on keiki health and services "to show keiki we care and to show them the value of life."
     The festival featured a trail map to direct keiki and families to local agencies offering health resources and wellness services. The map led to surprises. Once a keiki completed the trail on the map to agencies in the room, the award was a backpack with school supplies. Participants also entered a raffle for more prizes, including car seats, diapers, and more from donors like KTA Super Store, ACE Hardware, Mizuno Superette, Hana Hou Restaurant, and Punaluʻu Bake Shop.
Many families choose between buying diapers and food, says Jessica Histo, President and founder of the 
Hawaiʻi Diaper Bank. She attended Mālama Nā Keiki Festival on Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal
     Hawaiʻi Diaper Bank invited families to donate and receive diapers. According to Diaper Bank founder and President Jessica Histo, one in three American families have to choose between diapers and food. This agency accepts diapers (unopened or opened packs) and wipes to "help Hawaiʻi island families meet their keiki's basic needs." Diaper Bank also accepts new and gently used blankets, books, clothing, diaper bags, hygiene products (new only), pacifiers and other teething items (new only), school supplies, and toys for children ages 0-5.
     To make diaper and/or wipe donations, visit Hawaiʻi Diaper Bank's drop-off locations, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Nāʻālehu at Parents, Inc. 95-5657 Mamalahoa Hwy, Unit 5; in Hilo at Ohana Pregnancy Center, 280 Ponahawai Street, Ste. 203, or the Crib, 26 B Waianuenue Avenue; or in Kona at The Pregnancy Center, 75-5565 Luhia Street Ste. A3B.
     To make diaper and/or wipe donations online, visit Hawai`i Diaper Bank's Amazon Wish List: bit.ly/HDB_WishList. For all other donations, contact info@hawaiidaiperbank.org to schedule a pick-up.
     Partners in Development Foundation, which sponsors Tutu & Me in Kaʻū, came to Mālama Nā Keiki Fest to explain its early childhood education program and to encourage participation in foster care. Partners aims "to inspire and equip families and communities for success and service, using timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions," states the information provided at Keiki Fest.
Nadine Ebert carries Uncle Sam in the Nā‘ālehu Independence
Day Parade to take first place in the Creative Division.
Photo by Leilani Esperanza
     The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes from the University of Hawaiʻi, Hilo, came to Mālama Nā Keiki Fest to provide information on volcanic and natural hazards that occur in Hawaiʻi and worldwide. Its programs on learning about volcanoes are aimed at bringing families together for fun and educational activities.
     See more about Mālama Nā Keiki Festival in this week's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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WINNERS OF THE NĀʻĀLEHU INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE are announced. Organizer Lee McIntosh said the judges named Thy Word Ministries as producing The Most Patriotic, Nadine Ebert producing The Most Creative Entry. See more parade photos, including horses and riders, local businesses, and community groups in this week's Kaʻū News Briefs.

Thy Word Ministries at their home church in Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji following winning Most Patriotic
entry into ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's  annual Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade. Photo by Lee McIntosh
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PREVENTING ELECTRIC OUTAGES RELATED TO WIND AND TREES is the aim of Hawaiian Electric Co. testing new utility poles. The poles feature insulated conductors and "spacer cables" as part of a pilot project to prevent wind and tree-related outages during the stronger and more frequent storms that are expected to impact the Hawaiian Islands.
     Last year, branches and trees falling onto power lines caused nearly 30 percent of all outages in Hawaiʻi. Chris Reynolds, a HECO system operations director, said, "While we proactively manage vegetation encroaching on power lines, they often come down in forested areas during high winds or storms. Spacer cables are installed on spans where trees are prone to falling on the electrical equipment and causing extended outages."
A Hawaiian Electric lineman working on installing taller, stronger poles with spacers to reduce power outages
during stronger and more frequent storms expected by the utility. Photo from HECO
     As part of the eight-week construction project in a test area, crews replaced about a mile of power lines stretching across 22 spans and replaced 15 poles with ones rated for higher wind gusts. For several spans over particularly steep terrain where a bucket truck could not be used, crews used climbing gear to ascend the 45-foot poles and a seat harness that fastens the lineman directly to the heavy-gauge support wire. For workers to safely complete the installation, planned outages were scheduled and communicated to affected customers.
     The pilot program uses the Hendrix Aerial Cable System: three coated conductors supported by a heavy-gauge wire that provides structural support. The cables are cinched into polyethylene spacers placed every 30 feet along the spans to prevent the cables from touching, even under extreme stress. The system does not require cross arms or a neutral wire on the poles, reducing visual impact. The cable spacers are engineered to withstand high winds, falling trees, and long installation spans where undergrounding electrical equipment isn't practical.
     "We're always looking for ways to strengthen our electrical system with resilient energy solutions, especially as our islands are experiencing increasing and intensifying storms. Installation of stronger poles and the spacer cables designed to weather the elements mean we can bounce back faster to restore power to one of the more remote communities after a storm," said Reynolds.

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TROPICAL STORM BARBARA, the second named storm of the Pacific hurricane season, is on track to move across the Pacific toward Hawaiʻi. She is forecast to develop into a hurricane by Tuesday. As of 6 p.m., Barbara was a little over 2,800 miles east southeast from Hawaiʻi, traveling west at 22 miles per hour, with 50 mph winds. She is forecast to pass from Eastern to Central Pacific waters next weekend.

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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
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty


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UPCOMING
MONDAY, JULY 1
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, July 1, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JULY 2
Flameworking - An Introductory Class with Nash Adams-Pruitt, Tuesday, July 2, 5-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $75/VAC member, $80/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Class size limited. Register early. Advanced registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, July 2, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park -Kīlauea 2018 Volcanic Pollution: from Source to Exposed Communities, Tuesday, July 2, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Volcanologist Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya presents new information about what volcanic pollution really contains and its potential implications for environmental impacts. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Early Head Start, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Stacey Kapuaikapolipele Ka‘au‘a, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, JULY 4
July 4th Breakfast Buffet, Thursday, July 4, 6:30-11a.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Includes: Waffles with Toppings, Omelet Station, Meats, Breakfast Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Fresh Fruit, Assorted Baked Breads, and a beverage. $12.50/Adult, $6.50/Child, ages 6-11. No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Volcano Village 4th of July Parade and Craft Fair, Thursday, July 4. Parade starts 9a.m., craft fair at Cooper Center open until 1:30p.m.. Parade starts at Volcano Post Office, down Old Volcano Road, turns up Wright Road, and ends at Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Activities, food, entertainment. Sponsored by Volcano Community Association and Cooper Center Council. Leashed dogs allowed. Parade entry form at volcanocommunity.org. Vendor application at thecoopercenter.org, email to idoaloha@gmail.com. Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8a.m.-5p.m.

Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, July 4 and 18 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9-10:30a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

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

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

SATURDAY, JULY 6
Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association's 42nd Annual 4th of July Buckle Rodeo, Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7, slack starts at 8a.m., show starts at noon, at the rodeo grounds behind Nā‘ālehu Park. Tickets available at gate, $8/person. Pre-sale tickets available $7/person around town from Rodeo Queen contestants. Ralph or Tammy, 929-8079

Stewardship at the Summit, July 6, 12, 20, and 26, 8:45a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

Edible Landscaping for Backyards and Beyond with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, July 6, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. Learn how to transform lanai and lawn, field and fence into an abundant oasis of edible and multifunctional plants. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. Class size limited. Register early. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Alternative Handbuilding - East African Pottery with Erik Wold, Saturday, July 6 through August 31, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No class August 24. $180/VAC members, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Zentangle Inspired Labyrinth Cartouches with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, July 6, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no experience necessary. Potluck - bring dish to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, July 6 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

SUNDAY, JULY 7
Postcards from the Edge - Painting Workshop with Artist-in-Residence Alice Leese, Sunday, July 7, 10a.m.-noon, edge of Kīlauea, behind Volcano House. Meet and paint with Leese. Limited to 12 people, attendees will receive a postcard-sized blank canvas but must bring their own paints and a small travel easel. $75/person includes lunch at Volcano House. Register, fhvnp.org/events/postcards-from-the-edge-painting-workshop-with-artist-in-residence-alice-leese. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, July 7 to Sept. 1, morning session 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m., or afternoon session 2:45-5:45p.m., Volcano Art Center. No class Aug. 25. Eight wheel-throwers and three hand builders slots per session. Per 8-week session, $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, July 7 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

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.

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.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors.Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.

Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Aug 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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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