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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, November 28, 2019

Vote on the best decorated Kīlauea Military Camp Cottage, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 
starting the day after Thanksgiving. See details on KMC holiday offerings, below. 
Photo of past display from Hawaiʻi Army Weekly
WITHDRAWING TROOPS FROM PROTECTING OIL WELLS IN SYRIA is the goal of legislation introduced by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday. U.S. House Constitutional Resolution 77 would require the withdrawal of U.S. troops based in Syria. It flies in the face of Pres. Donald Trump's directive to secure Syrian oil fields.
     Said Gabbard, "Our troops put their lives on the line to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and ensure the safety and security of the American people. President Trump's deployment of US troops to secure Syrian oil fields that do not belong to us, with talks of welcoming in private oil corporations to take the oil, is unconstitutional and a violation of International Law. Syria's natural resources belong to the Syrian people. Congress must fulfill its Constitutional mandate and vote for this resolution to bring our troops home from Syria."
     The resolution is supported by Demand Progress and non-profit organization Just Foreign Policy.
     Said Erik Sperling, Executive Director of Just Foreign Policy, "Congress has not authorized troops to 'secure oil' in Syria or to participate in hostilities against the governments of Russia, Iran, or Syria. Under Article I of the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the President cannot deploy troops into hostilities without prior Congressional authorization. I commend Rep. Gabbard for introducing this resolution which will compel all members of the House to vote yes or no on endless war in front of their constituents."
     According to a statement from Gabbard, "Earlier this month, Trump announced the removal of U.S. troops from northern Syria, transferring them to other locations within Syria or Iraq. The move provided the opening for Turkey to invade Syria and commence ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Kurds who have been trusted partners in the battle to defeat ISIS."
     Gabbard's statement says she opposes "unauthorized Presidential wars", that she called on the Trump administration to "end its armed support of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen's Civil War," that she has highlighted the catastrophic impact it has had on Yemen's civilian population, and that she led bipartisan efforts to oppose U.S. involvement in the conflict.

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Nāʻālehu Elementary Alumni staff, 1st row: tutor Dora Sakamoto, teacher Alice Yonemitsu, teacher Daniel Duffy, 
teacher May Doi, teacher Masako Sakata, current principal Darlene Javar, principal Peter Volpe, teacher Fran Volpe, 
teacher Gloria Camba, teacher Julie Tabulin, Daniel's wife Susan Duffy, and cafeteria manager Sumiye Takaki. 
Photo from Nāʻālehu School
NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S FRIENDRAISER last weekend hosted about 250-300 people, despite the high winds. Held on the school grounds, the annual event raises funds for the Nāʻālehu School Council, but the main intent is creating a space to "raise friends." Attendees enjoyed carnival-style games, food and fun, as well as a rummage sale tent where nothing was priced over 50 cents.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou gave out free shave ice 
to excited students last weekend at the 
Nāʻālehu Elementary Friendraiser. 
Photo by Amberly Javar
     Former school staff also reunited during the Friendraiser, with current teacher Janice Ogi giving a guided tour of the campus. "Everyone was happy to see each other after so much time," shared former teacher Masako Sakata.
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FLIGHT PLANS from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park for December are as follows:
     Monday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to shuttle crew and equipment from Chain of Craters Road at 2,000-ft. elevation to ‘Āpua, Keauhou, and Halapē beaches, and extract hawksbill turtle monitoring equipment.
     Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7 a.m. to noon, for petrel monitoring from the summit of Kīlauea to Mauna Loa between 8,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
     Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., for crew and equipment transport to the Kahuku-Kapāpala boundary between 5,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
     Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., for ungulate surveys near the Ka‘ū desert boundary between sea level and 1,500-ft. elevation.
     Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7 a.m. to noon, for petrel monitoring from the summit of Kīlauea on Mauna Loa between 8,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
     Tuesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., for transport of field equipment from the end of Hilina Pali Road to Pepeiao Cabin for vegetation monitoring.
     Tuesday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m. to noon, for transport of fence material and field equipment from the ‘Ōla‘a Tract.
     Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for ungulate surveys near Mauna Loa Road from 4,000- to 9,000-ft. elevation.
     Thursday, Dec. 19, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., for transport of fence material and field equipment from the Kīpuka Kī and Keauhou-Ka‘ū boundary to 4,000-ft. elevation.
     In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
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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VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI ART STUDIO TOUR & SALE will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30, and Monday, Dec. 1. The public is invited to the 33rd annual event to meet village artists in their studios and see artwork in a wide variety of media. Artwork will be on display and available for purchase at six studios and galleries in the heart of Volcano Village.
     New this year, there will be art making demonstrations at each studio/gallery location on Sunday, Dec. 1. "Make and take" earrings with Zeke Israel, watch Ira Ono create a clay mask at 11 a.m., and see demonstrations of various other clay techniques by Erik Wold, Emily Herb, and Charlotte Forbes Perry, all at their respective studio locations. Lisa Louise Adams and Joan Yoshioka will be showing their painting skills, Liz Miller will share her metal tooling techniques, and Joe Laceby will be doing hot metal forging demos at the Volcano Art Center location throughout the day on Sunday, just to name a few of the offerings. Also showing their work this year will be Pam Barton, Mag Barnaby, Misato and Michael Mortara, Ricia Shema, Cynee Gillette-Wenner, Randy Sutton, and Scott Pincus.
     A special drawing for artwork contributed by each of the artists will be held at the end of the sale. Sale hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (808) 987-3472.  Maps to the artists' studios will be available at local businesses and galleries in the Volcano, and at VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.
     Christmas in the Country, the Volcano Art Center holiday exhibit, will also expand to the Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village on Friday and Saturday. The Hale Hoʻomana building will feature a preview of the exhibit and program offerings for the upcoming year and host members of the Volcano Hui, displaying handmade art and gifts as part of the annual Volcano Hui Tour. Live poinsettia will be on display and available for purchase as a fundraiser for Volcano School of Arts & Sciences.

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KAMAHALO CRAFT FAIR will be held Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 12th annual event offers a selection of more than 30 vendors of local crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Cooper Center Council volunteers will make hearty soups and food for hungry shoppers.
     The Kamahalo Craft Fair is a project of the Cooper Center Council. Proceeds are used to fund community activities and projects such as the Friends Feeding Friends hot meal program.

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VOTE FOR THE BEST COTTAGE DECORATIONS at Kīlauea Military Camp beginning Friday, Nov. 29. The public is invited to stroll along the sidewalks around the KMC Cottages where the staff has entered a contest for best Christmas decorations. The outdoor displays are best seen at night. Voting runs through Jan. 1. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     KMC hosts a Christmas Day dinner buffet, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Dec. 25 at Crater Rim Café. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child for ages 6-11, five and under free. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
     The KMC New Year's Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. at the Lava Lounge will have live music from Blue Tattoo. The $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
     Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.com.
KMC Cottages light up the night, competing for best décor. Photo of past display by Dave Berry
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HVO SCIENTISTS MENTORED STEM STUDENTS at this year's national conference to promote diversity in Honolulu. Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist Jefferson Chang covers what happened at the conference:
     About a month ago, I attended the 2019 National Diversity in STEM Conference, an annual meeting organized by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and held in Honolulu this year.
     SACNAS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) conferences are unique in that they focus on fostering diversity and inclusion. They are attended primarily by students and professionals. As a student, it is an invaluable experience to see examples of and interact with successful professionals that look like you. As a professional, it is an opportunity to mentor future scientists.
     The conference got me thinking about where I came from, and how I ended up as a geophysicist at USGS HVO. I did not have a mentor or example to guide me.
     I grew up on the windward side of O‘ahu, in a modest family that barely made ends meet. I rode my bike or walked to Waimānalo Intermediate, and later caught TheBus to Kailua High School. I was an average kid.
     Sometimes, I made good grades; other times, I made poor decisions. My teachers often sent home progress reports that said or hinted at something to the effect of "has potential" or "needs to apply himself." Come to think of it, I probably made more poor decisions than good grades.
     I finished high school, ranking somewhere in the middle of my class. I had no plans—and no clue.
Jefferson Chang (far left) was one of four USGS HVO scientists who spoke about monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes and mentored students at the 2019 National Diversity in STEM Conference in Honolulu. The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science organizes these annual meetings to foster underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering and math. HVO colleagues Kevan Kamibayashi and Patricia Nadeau, across from Chang, helped staff the USGS exhibit during the conference. USGS photo by A. Scott

     Through a bizarre turn of events, I enrolled at Leeward Community College on the other side of the island from where I lived. There, I took an introductory geology class, which, unbeknownst to me at the time, was the first in a series of fortunate events.
     While taking 18-21 credits per semester at LCC, I worked full-time to pay for housing. I also had a second full-time job to pay for food and expenses. This was the normal hustle for my peers and me. I was just an average adult on Oʻahu.
     After a few years of working toward a two-year degree, I decided that it was not sustainable. I left Hawaii to find a college on the mainland. I now had a plan—but still no clue.
     While enrolling in Northern Arizona University, I was caught off-guard when the admissions official asked me to declare a major. As I strained to remember the classes I took in high school and LCC, the word "geology" came out of my mouth. I said it on a whim. It was a topic that I had only known for one fleeting semester.
     Geology—the study of the earth. That one word impetuously muttered so many years ago set the course for the rest of my life.
     During my undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies, I received grants and awards. I conducted and presented my research around the world. I advised policy-makers on state-wide legislations. I also drifted a long way from the little town of Waimānalo.
     Living in Hawaiʻi and being a scientist had never connected in my head. I had no role model, so the two seemed disconnected. That changed when I met a stranger at the airport after attending an American Geophysical Union conference.
     "You’re from Honolulu, right?" he asked, which seemed oddly specific. Maybe he noticed my Locals® slippers.
Locals® "slippahs" are a distinctive item of clothing
to USGS HVO 
geophysicist Jefferson Chang
     He was an HVO research geophysicist and reminded me that the Island of Hawai‘i has active volcanoes, which generate substantial seismicity. More importantly, he made me realize that there was indeed a place for local scientists in Hawaiʻi.
     About a year after that chance meeting, I started my career as a USGS HVO geophysicist, monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes.
     There is a disturbing lack of diversity in science, so representation matters. SACNAS works to ensure that underrepresented students in STEM get the support they need to succeed.
     Not all scientists look like Einstein or wear lab coats. Some of us lucky ones get to wear "slippahs."
     Because of my past experiences, I engage with students whenever possible, which is why I attended the SACNAS STEM conference. My hope is that students never have to choose between pursuing their dream careers and staying close to their roots.
     Volcano Activity Updates
     Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL. Kīlauea monitoring data showed no notable changes over the past week. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are low at the summit and below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ). The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen.
     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption is certain. This past week, about 36 small-magnitude earthquakes (all less than M2.0) were detected beneath the upper elevations of Mauna Loa. Deformation measurements show continued summit inflation. Fumarole temperature and gas concentrations on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable.
     Updates for Kīlauea, volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html, are issued monthly; Mauna Loa, volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/status.html, updates are issued weekly.
     One earthquake with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.7 quake 25 km (16 mi) west of Pepeʻekeo at 30 km (19 mi) depth on Nov. 23 at 9:41 a.m.
     HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity. Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

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

UPCOMING
FRIDAY, NOV. 29
Holiday Challenge, Friday, Nov. 29, through beginning of Jan. 2020. Community invited to come out and vote for their favorite decorated cottage/activity. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

12th Annual Kamahalo Craft Fair, Friday, Nov. 29, 9a.m.-4p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9a.m.-3p.m., The Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Food vendors, homegrown products, and quality homemade crafts for sale. 936-9705, thecoopercenter.org

Kahuku Coffee Talk: Creatures that Have Evolved in the Dark, Friday, Nov. 29, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Join local experts to learn about lava tubes and some interesting animals that call them home. Free. nps.gov/havo

Volcano Village Artists Hui 33rd Annual Studio Tour & Sale, Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, 10a.m.-4p.m., map available at volcanovillageartistshui.com. Meet artists and view wide variety of artwork on display and available for purchase.

Program Preview Exhibit, Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, 10a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. See what programs, events, and exhibits VAC has lined up for 2020. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SATURDAY, NOV. 30
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, Kaʻū Chapter, meeting on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. at Pāhala Plantation House. All persons working or interested in agriculture are invited. A potluck lunch will be served. Learn of plans for 2020, including agriculture education, events, and reviewing legislation and issues before the county, state, and federal policymakers that affect Kaʻū. Rep. Richard Creagan, Chair of the state House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, will announce his 2020 legislative goals. For more information on HFUU, call Pres. Matt Drayer at 808-339-8737.

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

Palm Trail, Sunday, Nov. 30, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Girls Nite Out Band, Saturday, Nov. 30, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 1
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Dec. 1, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Dec. 1 – 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, DEC. 2
Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Dec. 2, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

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

Name that Holiday Tune Registration, Dec. 2-5, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Friday, Dec. 6, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

TUESDAY, DEC. 3
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Dec. 3 (Committees), Wednesday, Dec. 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesday, Dec. 3 and 17, 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Empower Meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 3 and 17 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4
Holiday Ornament Registration, Dec. 4-16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

ONGOING
Pom Pom Wreath Registration, through Dec. 4. Kahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program takes place Tuesday, Dec. 10, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Santa's Workshop Event Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30p.m. All ages. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Holiday Ornament Registration, through Dec. 16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

P&R T-Ball League Registration, through Jan. 6, Kahuku Park. Ages 5-6. Program to take place Dec. 2 - April 16, 3:30-4:30pm. Athletic shoes required. Contact Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511.

P&R Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration, through Jan. 6, Kahuku Park. Ages 7-8. Program to take place Dec. 2 - April 16, 4:30-6pm. Athletic shoes, glove, and uniform required. Contact Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511.

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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