Thursday, August 15, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, August 15, 2019

Lori Lei Shirakawa's Hula Studio will perform at this Saturday's 50th Anniversary of the Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club.
See more on the event, below. Photo from Lori Lei Shirakawa
THE HOTTEST JULY EVER RECORDED ON EARTH was reported today by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hawaiʻi experienced the second hottest July on record. Scientists pointed to climate change, first recorded through measuring an increase in CO2 in the atmosphere at NOAA's Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory. The increase in CO2 makes the planet hotter, scientists determined.
     July's worldwide heatwave set high temperature records from Europe to Africa and Asia to Hawaiʻi, with climate scientists warning that global warming is escalating and could lead to massive disruption of nature's cycles and food growing systems. Extreme heat dried up drinking water sources in India, and sent Greenland into a major melting of its icecap. Arctic sea ice shriveled to a record low for July - 19.8 percent smaller than average. Antarctic sea-ice coverage was 4.3 percent smaller than the 1981-2010 average, with the least amount of ice in the 41-year record. Record temperatures in Alaska led to forest fires across 2.4 million acres.
     The average temperature worldwide in July was 1.71 degrees above the average July temperatures recorded during the entire 20th Century.
      Nine of Earth's ten hottest recorded Julys occurred since 2005, the last five years ranking as the five hottest. Last month was the 43rd consecutive July and 415th consecutive month with above-average global temperatures. See NOAA's full climate report.
Image from NOAA
     NOAA's Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory recorded carbon dioxide levels in May reaching a seasonal peak of 414.7 parts per million. The Observatory has recorded CO2 levels since 1958, when Charles David Keeling of Scripps Institution of Oceanography initiated on-site measurements at the weather station. NOAA installed its own recording system in 1974. 
     Pieter Tans, senior scientist with NOAA's Global Monitoring Division, states the C02 rate of increase is accelerating. Early years at Mauna Loa saw annual increases averaging about 0.7 ppm per year, increasing to about 1.6 ppm per year in the 1980s and 1.5 ppm per year in the 1990s. The growth rate rose to 2.2 ppm per year during the last decade. There is "abundant and conclusive evidence that the acceleration is caused by increased emissions," Tans said. "These are measurements of the real atmosphere. They do not depend on any models, but they help us verify climate model projections, which if anything, have underestimated the rapid pace of climate change being observed."

Morris M. Atta, appointed Deputy Director of the
Department of Agriculture
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MORRIS M. ATTA IS NAMED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Gov. David Ige announced his appointment today, effective Thursday, Aug. 22. The permanent position is subject to state Senate confirmation.
     Atta moves up from his post as agriculture land program manager and administrator, overseeing establishment of land management infrastructure of the state's agricultural land assets.
     Atta also served as head of land acquisition for  Honolulu Rail Transit Project, state lands administrator, and special projects coordinator for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. He was research attorney for the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority Research Office and worked as an attorney in both the public and private sectors.
     Atta is a graduate of Roosevelt High SchoolYale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and New York University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor.
    
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Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, right, with Hālau Hula O Leionalani, performing at Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival. 
The hālau will perform on Saturday to celebrate 50 years of Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club. Photo by Julia Neal
HĀLAU HULA O LEIONALANI, LORI LEI'S HULA STUDIO, AND HANNAH MAKANA ʻOHANA, will be featured at the 50th anniversary celebration of Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club, this Saturday at Pāhala Community Center from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
     Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder's Hālau Hula O Leionalani is based in Pāhala, with classes for all ages. They perform at the annual Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival, Merrie Monarch, and many other events throughout the year. Kumu Hula Lori Lee Shirakawa's hālau performs at Merrie Monarch and many other events. Her studio mentored generations of hula students in Kaʻū. Kumu Hula Hannah Urbibes' hālau performs at such events as the Kaʻū Coffee Festival, and practices and worships with hula at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
     The headliner will be composer, musician, singer, and music producer Kenneth Makuakane. Honored will be one of the Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club founders, former mayor and senator Dante Carpenter.
     The Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club celebration will include food and history. General admission is $20; kupuna for $10; keiki ages 6 to 17 for $8; keiki 5 and under, free. For more, email hawaiiancivicclubkau@gmail.com or call 808-747-0197.
Hannah Makana ʻOhana hālau, which worships with hula, will perform in celebration of the Kaʻū Hawaiian 
Civic Club's 50th anniversary this Saturday. Photo from StJudesHawaii.org
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PRE-KINDERGARTEN ELIGIBILITY IN HAWAIʻI is available to more people of lower income and in more school districts than anywhere else in the U.S., according to a recent WalletHub report. Hawaiʻi's overall rank for pre-K education is 33rd among the states and Washington, D.C.
     WalletHub reports that a study by the National Institute for Early Education Research showed that students enrolled in full-day pre-K programs do better on math and literacy tests than their peers who attend only partial day preschool. The study, reports WalletHub, states that those who attend pre-K programs have also been shown to have less risk of future crime. Pre-K programs, WalletHub reports, may generate billions of dollars for the economy over a few decades, due to "lessening the need for social services and [by] creating more productive citizens."
     WalletHub states that Hawaiʻi's income limit to be considered for state pre-K education is $56,790, tied with Michigan. In comparison, Minnesota's income limit is one of the lowest, at $8,230. However, Hawaiʻi also has the highest out-of-pocket expenses for childcare co-payment, tied with Maryland, at up to 17 percent of household income.
     Spending per enrolled child in pre-K in Hawaiʻi is $6,964, which is the 22nd highest in the nation. Spending increased $87 per child between the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years, the 16th highest increase, nationally.
     Every school district in Hawaiʻi offers state pre-K, as do 13 other states, giving Hawaiʻi a first-place ranking for accessibility.
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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:
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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UPCOMING
FRIDAY, AUG. 16
Hawai‘i Statehood Day

SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Taking the Pamphlet Stitch on a Romp – bookbinding workshop with Charlene Asato, Saturday, Aug. 17, 9a.m.-noonVolcano Art Center. No experience necessary. $32/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Supply list online. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Volunteer Fountain Grass Removal, Saturday, Aug. 17, 9a.m.-3p.m., meet at Ocean ViewCommunity Center parking lot. Bring lunch, water, hat, and sunscreen. ovcahi.org

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Aug. 17, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit , HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Aug. 17, 10a.m.-1p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima with Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E, Saturday, Aug. 17, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.comvolcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Wes Awana, Saturday, Aug. 17, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.comvolcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2-3p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Pāhala Hongwanji Bon Dance, Saturday, Aug. 17, 4-10:30p.m. Sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Food, dancing, fun, Taiko drums. All are welcome. Free. OKK President Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773

50th Anniversary of Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, Kanani aʻo Kaʻū, Aug. 17, PāhalaCommunity Center5-10p.m. History, food, and music. General admission is $20; kupuna are $10; keiki ages 6 to 17 are $8; keiki 5 and under are free. For more, email hawaiiancivicclubkau@gmail.com or call 808-747-0197.

SUNDAY, AUG. 18
Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Aug. 18, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. nps.gov/havo


Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School Alumni & Friends Reunion, the 18th annual potluck and community celebration, happens Sunday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
     Bring a favorite dish to share. Live music, and food and fellowship for everyone. The celebration is open to the entire community, and is sponsored by the alumni of Pāhala Elementary and Kaʻū High School. The event also celebrates Hawaiʻi's 60th year of statehood.

Private Excursion: Trail Less Traveled, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2p.m.-4p.m., 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

MONDAY, AUG. 19
Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal (12+), register by Monday, Aug. 19 for Friday, Aug. 23 event from 8:30a.m.-1p.m., HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees may apply. Space limited. R.S.V.P. to Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

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

TUESDAY, AUG. 20
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Aug. 20 (Committees), Wednesday, Aug. 21, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Concert with Artist-in-Residence Andy Jarema, After Dark in the Park, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The Detroit-based musician and composer uses a mixture of sound-collage techniques, his trumpet, and traditional scoring to make site-specific work. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12:30-1:30p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Registration Open: Kickball Instruction, Wednesday, Aug. 21-28, Kahuku Park. Program on Fridays, 2-3:30p.m, from Aug. 30-Sept. 27, for ages 6-12. Athletic shoes required. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, AUG. 22
Registration Open: Handprint Trees, Thursday, Aug. 22-Sept. 3, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Sept. 4, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, Aug. 22, 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

ONGOING
Applications for Grants to Steward PONC Protected Lands on Hawaiʻi Island are open through Friday, Aug. 31. In Kaʻū, areas of the Kahuku Coast, Kahua Olohu, and Kāwā Bay are eligible. Only 501(c)3 non-profits or organizations that operate under the umbrella of a 501(c)3 non-profit should apply.
     Applications are available at records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/95324/2018-19%20PONC%20Stewardship%20Grant%20Request.pdf. Information and applications are also available at the P&R office, Aupuni Center101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6Hilo. Completed applications must be submitted or postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018. Questions? Contact Reid Sewake at 961-8311.

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.

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sept. 15, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Nani Ka ʻIkena, that which is seen is beautiful, features vibrant colors and crisp, wide vistas which highlight the character and drama of Hawaiʻi Island’s landscape. The collection of ten photographs were captured over the past decade by Tunison and also document the dynamic changes which have occurred in such a short period of time. "While the landscape has changed the beauty has endured." Free; park entrance fees 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., 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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