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Saturday, November 30, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, November 30, 2019

Keira Aida Ayu, with her art for a floating lantern to remember her late pets. Photo by Julia Neal
THE NINTH FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY AT PUNALUʻU BEACH on Saturday drew keiki and adults to remember people and pets who have passed away. Friends and families  floated rafts with messages of love and remembrance. Taiko drumming, taichi, hula, and food brought community together in an event sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, and its founder Jessie Marques.
Lanterns remember late loved ones at the
Punualuʻu Medicine Pond. Photo by Julia Neal
     Participants' hand-painted messages on the wooden and foam rafts most often said, "I love you" to the one departed. Some messages were for family members, others for friends. Some were for a small child's pets, who completed their short lives. The group walked the path down to Punaluʻu Medicine Pond around sunset and set free the rafts to sail across the waters to the far shore. After retrieving the rafts, participants took the art home for keepsakes.
     Marques said she is looking forward to the tenth anniversary of the event next year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

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HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNION UNITED HELD A ROUND TABLE today in Kaʻū with expressions of interest in agriculture, from intense backyard food growing, to cannabis and mamaki tea farms on a larger scale.
     Richard Creagan, Chair of the state House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, shared his views and ideas for the Hawai,i State Legislature, which opens in January.
     Creagan said he is interested in encouraging the forming of more cooperatives, each focused on a singular crop. He gave the example of the new Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative, which represents some 60 growers. He said the value of the cooperative approach is that with small family farms, it is
Hula from the hālau of the Kīlauea Military Camp luʻau each Friday
night offered dance for the Floating Lantern Ceremony.
Photo by Julia Neal
sometimes difficult to produce a consistent volume of fruit produce in order to become a reliable source for restaurants and stores.
     The cooperative can take in the produce from small and large farms, and establish a consistent market for buyer and grower. The cooperative, owned by its members, can help ensure quality of the product, cut out some of the middle man cost to direct more income to the farmers, and help promote the produce as Hawaiian grown.
     Creagan said that the ʻulu cooperative is a major success in this direction and is leading to more sales in markets and the use of ʻulu for dishes in numerous restaurants, where new recipes are being created, from entrees to desserts.
     Among Hawaiʻi Island schools serving ʻulu are Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, with its ʻUlu muffins, salad, and pizza dough; Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts & Science; and Kona Pacific Public Charter School.
ʻUlu, breadfruit. Photo from the
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative
     Among dishes served at Hawaiʻi Island restaurants are an ʻulu hummus at the Four Seasons Hualalai; an ʻulu salad at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa; an ʻulu risotto at Cafe Pesto; and ʻulu chocolate mousse and ʻulu jalapeno burgers and ʻulu hummus plates and sandwiches at Sweet Cane Cafe.
     Majic's Food Truck sells ripe ʻulu wedges, Fairmont Orchid sells ʻulu fries, and Hilton Waikola Village sells ʻUlu La Humms, while Westin Hapuna Beach resort offers ʻulu chips. ʻUlu can be found in Mauana Kea Beach Hotel's ʻulu maʻia bread, at Kaya's in its quiche, and at Kanaka Kava.
     The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative sells online direct to customers and to grocers. It also promotes the healthy food value of ʻulu and celebrates its connections to Polynesia. Also available are young ʻulu trees for local farms and backyards.
     The ʻUlu Cooperative also offers for sale, "co-crop that grow well with ‘ulu in diversified agroforestry environments. Now you have even more ways to support Hawai‘i's farmers, the ‘āina, and local food security while adding more high-quality, nutritious, and delicious local produce to your menu!" says the website at eatbreadfruit.com.


     During the Farmers Union meeting, Morgan Eaton, whose farm is mauka of Hwy 11 between Waiʻōhinu and South Point Road, said he is producing products from land where the food is growing wild. He said he makes likikoi and mamaki tea, syrups, and vinaigrette, and plans to create a hot sauce. He also harvests papaya and mango from his property. He said he hopes to help incentivize local people to buy food grown here and asked how truth in labeling can be extended beyond the coffee industry. He said using the word lilikoi suggests that the passion fruit is grown in Hawaiʻi. He contended that people importing passion fruit products from outside Hawaiʻi should not be able to sell them as lilikoi.
      Bob Stock, of Discovery Harbour, said his half acre produces too much food for his wife and himself, and that he welcomes more outlets to give it away and sell it. The produce ranges from fruit trees, like soursop, to vegetables, including asparagus and a climbing spinach. He said he has to cut back branches in his well-growing food yard, just to walk through it, and that he would like to help others, by providing knowledge of how to grow and gifting starter plants.
     Adam Herron, Dustin Kegley, and Sam Richeson, of Wood Valley Ranch, said their team is helping to revitalize its mamaki tea, with vegetables growing between the rows. They also talked about the ranch becoming a larger habitat for the endangered King Kamehameha butterfly, which desires the native mamaki for its food. The team said the farm is being revamped to use more sustainable and organic practices.
     See more on the Kaʻū Farmers Union meeting in Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
      
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A COMMUNITY SKATEPARK DESIGN WORKSHOP will be held at Ocean View community
Center on Saturday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The purpose is to create a design plan and drawings of skatepark features to present to County Council. The OV skatepark is one mission of Kalanihale 501- 3c non profit group. Kalanihale also recently hosted skateboard movie night at OVCC. Everyone is welcome to attend. Contact Kaimi Kaupiko at 808-937-1310.

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ST. JUDE'S SANTA CLAUS WILL RETIRE THIS YEAR, and the church will join the Ocean View Community Keiki Christmas Event. The free joint event will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kahuku Park, 92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, and at St. Jude's lower parking lot, across the street. The church will host two tents: Santa's Reading Room, where keiki receive books, and the North Pole, where keiki receive Christmas stockings and other gifts. Santa will hold court in the park, and there will be other treats on offer.

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

UPCOMING
SUNDAY, DEC. 1
Pu‘u o Lokuana Trail, 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
Christmas Ornament Activity Registration, Dec. 2-10, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 11, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

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

Cultural Understanding Through Art & 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

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, 17 and 31 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 1, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m.Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Basics class focuses on vocabulary, counting, simple conversation, grammar, and sentence structures. No textbook or previous knowledge required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 2, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m.Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class focuses on expanding vocabulary, using longer snippets of conversation, and understanding how repeating Hawaiian word and phrase patterns can be used to communicate using many types of sentences. Class taught using Hawaiian as language of instruction about 10% of the time to help with listening comprehension. No textbook required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

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

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 3, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 6:30-8p.m.Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class taught over 50% in the Hawaiian language to increase comprehension and to "immerse" the student. Class is ideal for teachers, cultural practitioners, and those with the goal of using Hawaiian language on a daily basis. No textbook required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park: Reintroduction of the ‘Ālala - Two Years Later, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Rachel Kingsley of The ‘Ālala Project provides an update. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, DEC. 5
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Dec. 5 – 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, Dec. 5, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 6
Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 8-9a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $36 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs, or prorating for missed classes. Limited to 15 people. Must call to reserve spot in advance. No drop-ins. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.orgsoulfitnesshawaiipksm.com 

Stewardship at the Summit, Dec. 6, 13, 21 and 28, 8:45a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center, HVNP. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/Guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 10-11a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $45 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs or prorating for missed classes. No drop ins. Limited to 15 people. Reserve spot in advance. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org,
soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com 

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

Painting from Observation with Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9a.m.-3p.m.Volcano Art Center. For beginners and intermediate. All supplies provided. $220/VAC member, $240/non-member. See supplies required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Realms and Divisions, Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Dec. 7, 10a.m.-1p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Dec. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Blackwater Railroad Company Band, Saturday, Dec. 7, 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

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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