Saturday, August 03, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, August 3, 2019

Erick (165 degrees) is past Hawaiʻi, Flossie (145 degrees) is still on her way, and Gil (120 degrees) is starting
to make the trip toward the islands. See forecast, below. Image from nhc.noaa.gov
A MASS SHOOTING AT A WALMART IN EL PASO, Texas today, killing 20 and injuring 26, sparked responses from Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
     Said Schatz, "Damnit. There's no reason we have to allow this to happen anymore other than our stupid politics. We can fix this. I'm just so sorry.
     "If you are pissed off. If you are sad. If you are disgusted. If you feel guilty. If you don't know what to do. If you want to help. PICK. A. SENATE. RACE. We have a white supremacist problem. We have a gun problem. We have a money in politics problem," said Schatz.
     "Your Republican government cut funding for a program called CVE - Countering Violent Extremism. They re-allocated the money from white domestic extremism and focused totally on foreign, middle eastern, Muslim extremism. They did so contrary to the data," said the senator.
     Said Gabbard, "Sending all of our love and strength to the people of El Paso during this terrible tragedy. Thank you to the brave first responders, putting their lives on the line to prevent more from being killed. We can and must come together to prevent these senseless shootings."

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The threat of weather from Tropical Storm Flossie for Kaʻū lessens each day, but tropical storms can be unpredictable.
Image from nhc.noaa.gov
TROPICAL STORM FLOSSIE has slowed her approach to the Hawaiian Islands, and her winds are lessening. About 650 miles from South Point, with 45 mph winds, moving at 13 mph, she is on track to turn north when approaching Hawaiʻi Island on Monday afternoon. She is expected to be downgraded to a tropical depression Sunday evening. Flossie is expected to affect northeast parts of Hawaiʻi Island, and the other main islands in the chain, but skirt Kaʻū.
     Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense issued a High Surf Warning for east facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island through Monday. Punaluʻu and Whittington Beach Parks camping reservations and pavilion rentals are still cancelled through the weekend.
     Tropical Storm Gil, over 2,100 miles west southwest of South Point, is forecast to dwindle to a tropical depression and dissipate before affecting Hawaiʻi, though storm surge, winds, and rain may still show up.
     Civil Defense reminds the public that tropical storms are erratic and can change speed, direction, and intensity, quickly. Wind, rain, and high surf may still affect Kaʻū shores. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be prepared with at least 14 days of food, water, and other necessary supplies.
Tropical Storm Gil is starting toward the islands, but may not have an affect. Image from nhc.noaa.gov

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PROMOTING AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES is the focus of legislation introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono this week into the U.S. Senate. The Next Generation Electric Systems Act would establish a competitive grant program to modernize the nation's electric systems to accommodate additional renewable sources, improve energy storage systems, and deliver affordable and reliable energy service to communities. This legislation would help advance Hawaiʻi's electric power systems to achieve goals set by the state in 2015 to generate 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045.
     Grants from the Act could fund projects that improve the resiliency, performance, and efficiency of the electric grid; integrate distributed power generation, energy storage, electric vehicles, microgrids, energy efficiency, and customer demand response programs; and integrate telecommunications and information technologies to support management of the electric system.
     Support for the Next Generation Electric Systems Act includes leading electricity industry organizations such as GridWise Alliance. The bill was previously included as part of a package of energy bills that passed the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in 2015, and received overwhelming bipartisan support on the U.S. Senate floor.
     Said Hirono, "Innovative and creative partnerships are necessary to build a low-carbon, energy efficient economy as we transition away from our dependence on fossil fuels and toward a sustainable future. The Next Generation Electric Systems Act would foster these partnerships and accelerate the development of new energy technologies to support high levels of renewable power use in our power systems. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will continue fighting for investments in the clean energy economy."
     Alan Oshima, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Company, said, "This legislation can accelerate the innovation that is creating a flexible, secure and resilient energy network that is essential for public health and safety and the foundation of a strong economy."
     Dawn Lippert, CEO of Elemental Excelerator, said, "The latest data shows us that an accelerated transition to an economy powered by clean energy means dollars saved and jobs created in Hawaiʻi. We support this bill because there is a growing need to further support the widespread adoption of distributed energy resources and a significant opportunity for technology advancement on the distribution grid."
     The full text of the legislation is available here.

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FLIGHT PLANS for August for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are:
     Aug. 5, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Transport gear and crew members from the Mauna Loa Road staging area to Red Hill Cabin and to transport gear from the Mauna Loa Road staging area to a site around the 9,000-ft. elevation. 
     Aug. 9, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Transport crew from around 9,000-ft. on Mauna Loa to the Mauna Loa Road staging area. 
     Aug. 12, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Transport crew from Mauna Loa Road staging area to the east side of Moku‘āweoweo at around 13,000-ft. elevation.  
     Aug. 16, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Transport crew and retrieve gear from Red Hill Cabin, to Mauna Loa Road staging area.
     Aug. 27, 8 a.m.noon and 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Invasive Guinea grass surveys and control along Keauhou Trail, from the coast to 2,000-ft. elevation.
     Throughout August, dates will vary, a USGS contractor will deploy LIDAR (Light, Detection and Ranging) technology over Kīlauea summit and the Southwest Rift Zone. Data gathered will be used to document and map ground changes resulting from last year's major summit collapse events. Flights will be slow and repetitive "lawnmower" grids at about 1,300 feet above ground level to as low as 500 feet agl. 
     The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.

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ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF HAWAIʻI ELECTRIC LIGHT providing electric service to Hawai‘i Island will be commemorated Dec. 5. The company will mark this milestone with free community events, historic power plant tours, and trivia games on local radio.
     The celebration begins with a free drive-in movie night at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot. Originally scheduled for Friday, Aug. 2, with a showtime of 7:30 p.m., the event is being rescheduled due to tropical storm threats. Food will be available for purchase starting at 5 p.m. In addition to the movie, the family celebration includes games, prizes, and the Hawaiʻi Classic Cruizers. This is an alcohol and drug-free event. Chairs and mats are welcome but tents are not allowed.
      The utility's history dates back to 1894 when Hilo Electric Light Company, Ltd. was formed under a franchise granted by the Legislature of the Republic of Hawai‘i. The forerunner of HELCo. started with a small ice plant and a 500-light dynamo, or generator. This hydroelectric unit used water leased from the Hilo Boarding School's irrigation ditch to produce ice and power. At the time, 100 percent of the energy generated was from a renewable resource.
     Today, electricity is generated from a diverse mix of traditional and renewable resources including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. HELCo. continues to look for ways to better serve and empower customers, improve resilience, and offer more products and services that can best meet customers' energy needs.
     Sharon Suzuki, president, Maui County and Hawai‘i Island Utilities, said, "We're honored to be able to serve our Hawai‘i Island communities for more than a century. We take this responsibility to heart and reaffirm our commitment to serving our customers for generations to come. Reaching this milestone would not have been possible without the company's dedicated employees who are woven into the fabric of our unique communities. We're committed to doing what's right and making Hawai‘i Island a better place for all."
Hawaiian Electric Light Company celebrates its 125th year. Photo from hawaiielectriclight.com
     Tune in to KWXX radio weekday mornings from Aug. 5 through Dec. 6 for weekly prizes. Other free community events include tours of Shipman Power Plant Tour in Hilo on Sept. 7, 125th Anniversary Celebration in Downtown Hilo on Kalākaua Street on Dec. 5, and a Kona Movie Night at Kona Commons on Dec. 7.
     See hawaiielectriclight.com, Twitter (@HIElectricLight), Facebook (HawaiianElectric), and Instagram (@HawaiianElectric) for more.

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Tom Peek will teach a workshop called
Magma Rising:Writing on the Volcano
AUTHOR TOM PEEK WILL TEACH MAGMA RISING: WRITING ON THE VOLCANO workshop in Volcano. Associated with Pacific Writers' Connection, this first-time event happens Friday, Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct. 13.
     From the announcement of the workshop: "Tom will guide participants through a series of fun and provocative exercises that help writers increase their awareness to write deeply, tap their creative "right brains" to imagine wildly, and outmanuever their inner critics to bravely pen their creations. Participants will start the journey with a simple but powerful method that empowers them to write with honesty, emotion, and depth."
     Accommodations and transportation are separate from the workshop. To register, contact PWC's Dr. Takiora Ingram at tingram.raro@gmail.com or 808-781-6147. Limited to 16 attendees. $75 per person. tompeek.com

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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:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
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
SUNDAY, AUG. 4
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Aug. 4, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Aug. 4 – 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/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, AUG. 5
Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool Accepting Enrollment Applications - orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 and 6, with programs in Nā‘ālehu/Wai‘ōhinu at Kauaha‘ao Church on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:45-10:45a.m., and Pāhala Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-10:30a.m. Limited space. 939-8573, pidfoundation.org

Empower Girls Mtg., Monday, Aug. 5 and 19, from 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, AUG. 6
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Aug. 6 (Committees), Wednesday, Aug. 7 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7a.m.-4:30p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

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

Paniolo: Hawaiian Cowboys, After Dark in the Park, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Dr. Billy Bergin, local author and expert on Hawaiian ranching and all things paniolo, presents. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7
Registration Open: Instructional Volleyball (8+, 10+, 12+, 14+), Aug. 7-15, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 20-Oct. 17, 6-7:30p.m. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Kimo Awai, Wednesday, Aug. 7 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Kindergarten Registration, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 9a.m.-5p.m, Ocean View Community Centerovcahi.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 8
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Aug. 8, 6:30p.m.United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

Peter Lee & the Road Ahead, Thursday, Aug. 8, 7-8:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Martha Hoverson discusses the role that Peter Lee, an immigrant from Norway, played in the early development of tourism in Hawai‘i. Free; $5 donation to VAC suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Registration Open: Watercolor Art, Thursday, Aug. 8-14, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Aug. 14, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 9
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Aug. 9, 9a.m.-noonOcean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Private Excursion: Trail Less Traveled, Friday, Aug. 9, 10a.m.-noon, Devastation Trail Parking Lot, HVNP. Moderate 2 mile hike. $40/person. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, fhvnp.org

Community Dance, Friday, Aug. 9, 7-10p.m.Cooper CenterVolcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, AUG. 10
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Aug. 10, 8-11a.m.Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Photographer Jesse Tunison, Aug. 10-Sept. 15, daily 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Opening reception Saturday, Aug. 10, 5-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Ti Leaf Lei Making Workshop with Jelena Clay, Saturday, Aug. 10, 9a.m.-12:30p.m.Volcano Art Center. Learn how to make basic ti rope, twist a ti leaf rose, and add ti leaf inserts. Class fee is $10/VAC member, $15/non-member. Bring 15-20 ti leaves - or $5 supply fee. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Aug. 10, meet 9:30a.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

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat., Aug. 10, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle Inspired Labyrinth Shrines with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, Aug. 10, 10a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. All art supplies provided; returning tanglers encouraged to bring favorite supplies. No experience necessary. Potluck. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Jazz in the Forest: A Samba Trip to Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 10, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Jean Pierre and the Jazztones with Sarah Bethany. Tickets, $20/VAC member, $25/non-member, available for purchase online. Beer, wine, and pūpū available for purchase at event. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Soul Town band performance, Saturday, Aug. 10, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp Lava Lounge. $5 cover charge. Open to all patrons, and has certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
Talk Action, Take Action: surveys available through Aug. 4recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. The surveys focus on different areas of recovery after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption: households, businesses, and community.

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

Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45a.m., and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30a.m. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org

Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival Tickets are on sale at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 84-7p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

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., Saturday, 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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