Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, September 10, 2019

More abandoned vehicles on county, state, and federal lands may be removed soon. Photo by Annie Bosted
MORE ABANDONED VEHICLES in Hawaiʻi County may soon be removed from state, federal, and county properties. With a unanimous vote, the County Council Committee on Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental advanced a bill to the full County Council last week, to make it clear that the county can pick up abandoned cars from federal and state as well as county lands.
     The county Department of Environmental Management requested that the definition of public property - lands - be broadened to make it easier for the county to pick up abandoned cars.
     County Environmental Management Director Bill Kucharski said the current laws allow the county to pick up abandoned vehicles "from public or from private roads," but needs a definition of "public."
The pond in Kīlauea continues to grow. Sept. 10 USGS photo
     Hawaiʻi County Police records indicate the number of abandoned vehicles processed could reach 800 this year, according to Honolulu Civil Beat, which also reports that the county is paying $290 per car to have them towed by a contractor.

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THE POND IN KĪLAUEA CALDERA continues to grow and has reached at least 300 feet (90 meters) in length and over 150 feet (45 meters) in width. U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory scientists have recorded the temperature of the water is hot - about 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists conclude that the water is coming from underground, as there has been insufficient rain to fill the pond since its discovery in July.
     See an animation of the growth of the hot green pond at volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/multimedia_uploads/multimediaFile-2783.gif.

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HAWAIʻI IS THE NATION'S HAPPIEST STATE, according to a recent WalletHub report. The study concludes that money can only buy happiness at up to about $95,000 annually. Internal and external factors like approaching situations positively, choosing to spend time with loved ones, and doing enjoyable activities have more influence, according to the report. Where one lives is a large influence, states WalletHub.
     In this study, WalletHub drew upon the findings of "happiness" research to determine which environmental factors are linked to a person's overall well-being and satisfaction with life. Previous studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical, and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life. The group analyzed factors such as depression rate, sports participation rate, and income growth.
     The Aloha state ranks first overall in happiness, with the lowest Adult Depression Rate and highest Emotional and Well-Being rank. Hawaiʻi has the fifth highest Income Growth and fifth lowest Separation & Divorce Rate. The islands also rank eighth in Safety.
Endangered, endemic Hawaiian monk seal's expression could
be interpreted to be happy in Hawaiʻi, the happiest state for humans.
Photo by Mark Sullivan, marine-conservation.org
     Hawaiʻi ranks 19th in Long-Term Unemployment Rate, 22nd in Suicide Rate, and 28th in Number of Work Hours. Hawaiʻi also ranks as the state where people get the least adequate sleep.
     View the whole report at wallethub.com/edu/happiest-states/6959.

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FREE FEDERAL GRANTS WORKSHOPS will be held in Kona and Hilo this month by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's staff. The workshops aim to help "rural and distressed communities" by providing information on federal grants and financial assistance.
     The Kona workshop takes place Monday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Council Chambers (Building A). The Hilo workshop takes place Tuesday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Hawaiʻi County Building, Aupuni Center Conference Room.
     To RSVP for the workshops, visit gabbard.house.gov/rsvp or call Tulsi Gabbard's office at (808) 541-1986.

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HELP PREVENT CITRUS GREENING, urges Andrea Kawabata of the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Bacteria Huanglongbing Liberibacter asiaticus, L. africanus and L. americanus, greatly reduce citrus production, destroy the economic value of the fruit, and can kill trees. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure for HLB. It is "the most devastating disease among citrus crops," according to biomedcentral.com.
     Hawaiʻi bears the only known insect vector, Diaphorina citri, the Asian citrus psyllid, but the citrus greening disease has not yet hit the islands, stated Kawabata. She said scientists are researching resistant and tolerant varieties and rootstocks, ACP trapping and preferences, chemical and nutritional therapies, and best management practices.  
     Said Kawabata, Hawaiʻi has a budding citrus industry and many homeowners produce citrus and its Rutaceae relatives on property, including Murraya koenigii or curry leaf tree, mock orange, oranges, tangerines, mandarins, lemons, and limes. Because the vector – ACP, passes the disease from tree to tree – is already found in Hawaiʻi, said Kawabata, "we all must do what we can to understand the disease and vector and be extremely careful not to introduce HLB into Hawaiʻi. Citrus greening can be brought to Hawaii and spread with infected plants, ACPs, scion, and bud wood."
     Kawabata gives the following advice on how to prevent HLB from entering Hawaiʻi:
     Do not smuggle anything, including citrus or rutaceae fruit, seeds, plants, scion, budwood, or ornamentals to Hawaiʻi. Comply with all Hawaii state quarantine regulations for imports – see bit.ly/2lvv1At. Contact Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture plant quarantine with questions at (808) 832-0566.
     Have all plants and propagative plant materials inspected by HDOA PQ inspectors upon entry into the state.

The only known insect vector of citrus greening disease, Diaphorina citri, the Asian citrus psyllid. USDA photo
     Clearly label all parcels brought into the state by mail or cargo, with the words "Plant Materials" or "Agricultural Commodities" for ease of inspection.
     Provide an invoice or packing manifest to PQ inspectors listing the contents and quantities of the commodities imported.
     Follow all USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service quarantine regulations for interstate movement and the importation of citrus from other countries. This may include citrus seeds and other propagative plant materials. Contact USDA APHIS with questions - (808) 838-2780.
Purchase plants locally from a reputable source.
     Contact National Clean Plant Centers for plant material; Hawaiʻi has a center.

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HAWAIIAN CONSERVATION ALLIANCE is asking the public to weigh in on its website conservationconnections.org. Conservation Alliance describes it as a "one-stop shop for all environmental stewardship opportunities happening across the state of Hawaiʻi," including volunteering, jobs, internships, community events, and more. Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance is evaluating the function, efficacy, and reach of conservationconnections.org, and urges those interested to take a short, ten-minute survey to provide feedback and suggestions on the usability and functionality of the Conservation Connections website. Take the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/connections19_survey.

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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 September
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:
Sat., Sept. 14, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
Thu., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Pāhoa hosts Kaʻū

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Fri., Sept. 13, 6 p.m., Honokaʻa hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Sept. 17, 6 p.m., Waiakea hosts Kaʻū
Thu., Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Keaʻau hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū
Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Cross Country:
Fri., Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m., @HPA
Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m., @Kealakehe
Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., @Keaʻau

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UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11
Ho‘oponopono Demonstration, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 10a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Aunty Mahealani Kuamo‘o-Henry and friends journey through the teachings of Ho‘opono Pono Ke Ala. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12
Registration Open: Coffee Filter Art, Thursday, Sept. 12-17, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Sept. 18, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30p.m.United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Sept. 13, 9a.m.-noonOcean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, Sept. 13, 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, SEPT. 14
Macadamia Nut Pest Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 14, 9-11:30a.m., Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Alyssa Cho, CTAHR, presents. Learn to manage pests in the orchard, with a focus on macadamia felted coccid - applications for use of application equipment on eligible farms after training. Free event, snack provided. Limited space, registration required. 430-1876, bigislandmacnut@gmail.com

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Sept. 14, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Sept. 14, 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

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Sept. 14, 10a.m.-2p.m.Kīlauea Iki Overlook Parking Lot, HVNP. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile hike (one way). $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Zentangle Knot Work Celtic Inspired with Ellen O‘Dunn, Saturday, Sept. 14, 10a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. All art supplies provided - returning students encouraged to bring favorite supplies. Experience with Zentangle recommended by not necessary. Potluck. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Soul Town band performance, Saturday, Sept. 14, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to all patrons, with Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15
People and Land of Kahuku, Sunday, Sept. 15, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, SEPT. 17
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Sept. 17 (Committees), Wednesday, Sept. 18, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Registration Open: Painting, Tuesday, Sept. 17-23, Kahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Saturday, Sept. 17, 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, 796-0107, hihs.org

New Discoveries in Hawai‘i Lava Tubes, Tuesday, Sept. 17, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Cave biologist and UH associate professor Dr. Megan Porter introduces the unique community of lava tube animals found on the island. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sunday, 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. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted. 

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