Saturday, September 28, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, September 28, 2019

The flags of South Pacific Islands flew at Maunakea today as representatives from many islands visited the
camp to sing a song of unification for Protectors of Maunakea. Photo by Julia Neal
SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDERS CAME TO MAUNAKEA to present a song of unification and an awa ceremony for kūpuna today. The song talked about islanders seeking sustainability and working together as one people in the big ocean with many cultures. The differing cultures bring the richness to the Pacific Islands, the song puts forth. Kupuna Pua Kanahele led the elders in receiving kava from the Pacific Islanders. Free classes on the background of Maunakea, and construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, which the group opposes, were given throughout the day.

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THIS WEEK'S REPORT ON CLIMATE CHANGE predicts major consequences now and in the future unless drastic steps are taken to reduce emissions.  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report at ipcc.ch/srocc/home/ highlights the urgency of prioritizing timely, ambitious, and coordinated action to address changes in the ocean and cryosphere (liquid and frozen water of the planet). The report lauds the benefits of ambitious and effective adaptation for sustainable development and, conversely, the escalating costs and risks of delayed action.

The public is invited at Maunakea to teaching sessions. Photo by Julia Neal
    The report states that the cryosphere "plays a critical role for life on Earth." It notes that  680 million people worldwide live in low-lying coastal zones. "Global warming has already reached 1 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, due to past and current greenhouse gas emissions. There is overwhelming evidence that this is resulting in profound consequences for ecosystems and people. The ocean is warmer, more acidic, and less productive. Melting glaciers and ice sheets are causing sea level rise, and coastal extreme events are becoming more severe."
     The report claims new evidence for the benefits of limiting global warming to the lowest possible level – in line with the goal that governments set in the 2015 Paris Agreement Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Pres. Donald Trump announced in 2017 his intent to withdraw the U.S. from the agreement, but he cannot make that move until Nov. 4, 2020 – a day after the net presidential election. "Urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions limits the scale of ocean and cryosphere changes. Ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them can be preserved," says the report.
     Hoesung Lee, Chair of the IPCC, said, "The open sea, the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the high mountains may seem far away to many people. But we depend on them and are influenced by them directly and indirectly in many ways – for weather and climate, for food and water, for energy, trade, transport, recreation and tourism, for health and wellbeing, for culture and identity. If we reduce emissions sharply, consequences for people and their livelihoods will still be challenging, but potentially more manageable for those who are most vulnerable. We increase our ability to build resilience and there will be more benefits for sustainable development."
      The assessment contends that adaptation depends on the capacity of individuals and communities, and the resources available to them. More than 100 authors from 36 countries assessed the report, referencing about 7,000 scientific publications.
  Esteemed kumu Pua Kanahele receives kava from Pacific Islanders in their support for Protectors
of Maunakea. Photo by Julia Neal
     Ko Barrett, Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said, "The world's ocean and cryosphere have been 'taking the heat' from climate change for decades, and consequences for nature and humanity are sweeping and severe. The rapid changes to the ocean and the frozen parts of our planet are forcing people, from coastal cities to remote Arctic communities, to fundamentally alter their ways of life. By understanding the causes of these changes and the resulting impacts and by evaluating options that are available, we can strengthen our ability to adapt."
     Melting ice from glaciers and ice sheets in polar and mountain regions are contributing to an increasing rate of sea level rise, together with expansion of the warmer ocean, stated the release. Sea levels have risen globally by around 15 cm during the 20th century, but levels are "currently rising more than twice as fast – 3.6 mm per year – and accelerating," the report showed. Sea level rise "could reach around 30-60 cm by 2100, even if greenhouse gas emissions are sharply reduced and global warming is limited to well below 2°C, but around 60-110 cm if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase strongly."
 
Classes in Hawaiian history, legend and social justice are among those given at Maunakea.
Photo by Julia Neal
   The report predicts that sea level rise will increase the frequency of extreme sea level events during high tides and intense storms. "Indications are that, with any degree of additional warming, events that occurred once per century in the past will occur every year by mid-century in many regions, increasing risks for many low-lying coastal cities and small islands." Without major investments in adaptation, they would be exposed to escalating flood risks, according to the report. "Some island nations are likely to become uninhabitable due to climate-related ocean and cryosphere change." It also preicts that, if greenhouse gas emissions remain high, expect intensified hazards from storms, an increase in tropical cyclone winds and rainfall, and an increase in the average intensity and magnitude of storm surge.
     Communities that depend highly on seafood may face risks to nutritional health and food security."
Prince Kuhio art at Maunakaea.
     Hans-Otto Pörtner, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group II said, "Cutting greenhouse gas emissions will limit impacts on ocean ecosystems that provide us with food, support our health and shape our cultures. Reducing other pressures such as pollution will further help marine life deal with changes in their environment, while enabling a more resilient ocean. Policy frameworks, for example for fisheries management and marine-protected areas, offer opportunities for communities to adapt to changes and minimize risks for our livelihoods."
     The report states that, if the planet's permafrost melts – which is probable by 2100: even if global warming is limited to well below 2°C, around 25 percent of the near-surface (3-4 meter depth) permafrost will thaw by 2100 – the large amounts of organic carbon store in the permafrost could drastically increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
     Debra Roberts, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group II, said, "We will only be able to keep global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels if we effect unprecedented transitions in all aspects of society, including energy, land and ecosystems, urban and infrastructure, as well as industry. The ambitious climate policies and emissions reductions required to deliver the Paris Agreement will also protect the ocean and cryosphere – and ultimately sustain all life on Earth.
     The report, stated the release, "gives evidence of the benefits of combining scientific with local and indigenous knowledge to develop suitable options to manage climate change risks and enhance resilience. This is the first IPCC report that highlights the importance of education to enhance climate change, ocean, and cryosphere literacy."
     Said Roberts, "The more decisively and the earlier we act, the more able we will be to address unavoidable changes, manage risks, improve our lives and achieve sustainability for ecosystems and people around the world – today and in the future."
     The report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate was approved on Sept. 24 by the 195 IPCC member governments. The IPCC was created to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options.
     For more information contact the IPCC Press Office, ipcc-media@wmo.int. Follow IPCC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. See more on yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs. Download the report at ipcc.ch/srocc/home/.

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HELP SHAPE HAWAIʻI ISLAND at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.
     The meeting will be held in Honokaʻa on Monday, Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the NHERC Main Conference Room; Pāhoa, Saturday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhoa High School Cafeteria; and Volcano Village, Monday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Cooper Center. Other SpeakOut events in Kona, Kealakekua, and Waikaloa dates and times are still to be announced.
     Topic Workshops will be held in Kona on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and on Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, in the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers. In Hilo, on Saturday, Oct. 12, workshops on Land Use from 9 a.m. to noon and Economics from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m and on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and on Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, in the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging.
     Submit feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

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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 Fall Athletics Schedule
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:
Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū
Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA
Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals
Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui
Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū
Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau
Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau
Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING
SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
Realms and Divisions, Sunday, Sept. 29, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, OCT. 1
E māka‘ika‘i iā Ka‘auea: Explore the Summit, daily (beginning Oct. 1), 11-11:45a.m., in front of Kīlauea Visitor Center. New ranger guided walk exploring geologic features of Kīlauea and their deep connections to Hawaiian history and culture. All ages. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Oct. 1 (Committees), Wednesday, Oct. 2 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2
Hula Voices with Practitioner Randy Lee, Wednesday, Oct. 2 – 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, OCT. 3
Grand Opening of the Temporary Nā‘ālehu Library Location at the Nā‘ālehu State Office, Thursday, Oct. 3, 10a.m.. Popcorn, lemonade, and fines forgiveness offered in celebration. Library hours normal, except closed during Hawai‘i County Council Committee and Council meetings, first and third Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly. 939-2442, librarieshawaii.org

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Oct. 3 – 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, Oct. 3, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 4
31st Trash Show, Tuesday-Saturday, Oct. 4-25, 10a.m.-4p.m., East Hawai‘i Cultural Center. Opening reception, Friday, Oct. 4, 5:30-7p.m. Started in 1988 by Volcano Village artist Ira Ono, the show exhibits works of art made from trash, such as debris from Ka‘ū beaches. $15 general admission, $12 seniors and children. No pre-sale; tickets sold at door 961-5711, ehcc.org

Oktoberfest, Friday, Oct. 4, doors open 5:30p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Boiled Potatoes, Drinks and Dessert. Live music by Last Fling Band. Tickets at door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Fabulous Fabric Fun, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lisa Louise Adams teaches fabric print design, bamboo stamping style. Irene Tye teaches Yo-Yo quilt making and easy ways to cut fabric. Catherine Wynne teaches how to make Japanese-style gift bags. Glorianne Garza teaches Stitch Meditation. $75/person, all materials included. No machines needed. Register - 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Paths and Trails, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, 2-mile, hike. nps.gov/havo/

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Oct. 5, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Oct. 5 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 5, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Plated German Sausage Dinner Special - Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German Potato Salad, Salad Bar, Ice Cream Bar, and Fountain Drink. $13.95/person. Lava Lounge to serve variety of German Beers, not included. Open to all eligible patrons, has certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Grand Slam performance, Saturday, Oct. 5, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to eligible patrons; certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, 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.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.
     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

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.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center.
     Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.
     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

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