Wednesday, December 04, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Donna Gascon draped herself in Kaʻū Coffee beans in last year's Pāhala Christmas Parade, with Kaʻū Coffee 
Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba to her left. Coffee farmers, celebrating  a banner year, will 
parade again this Sunday. The 41st annual Christmas Parade begins at Pāhala Armory at 1 p.m. and
 travels through the village. See more details below. Photo by Julia Neal
STREAMLINING THE COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT AND PLANNING PROCESS is the aim of a new online program that should be available to the public in March. County Planning Director Michael Yee, along with staff of the Department of Public Works Mass Transit, Department of Information Technology, and the Mayor's office, delivered the news to the County Council on Tuesday.
County Planning Director Michael Yee
     The $2.3 million program was slated to be available this year, but the end of March is the new target to "go live," they told the Council. The plan is for central access to zoning, land classifications, specific property information, infrastructure, and permits needed, in process and completed. This would allow owners and inspectors to keep track of the process and ease the lines at county offices where people carry applications and proof of approvals from one office to another.
     The new Energov system allows inputting old paper records into the system, which makes much work for county employees, said county Information Tech Director Jules Ung. The county staff is also stretched by new Transient Vacation Rental permit processing, helping victims of last year's volcano eruption and flooding, as well updating the General Plan for the county.
     Once the system is fully populated with information and running smoothly, those renovating homes and businesses and proposing new construction should be able to save a lot of time, said county officials.

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A NAVY SUBMARINER KILLED TWO CIVILIAN PEARL HARBOR SHIPYARD WORKERS, injured another, and fatally shot himself today. The shootings, at around 2:30 p.m., led to a lockdown at the nearby U.S.S Arizona Memorial and naval museum, and across the Pearl Harbor-Hickam Navy and Air Force Base on Oʻahu.
     The New York Times reported that the unidentified gunman's motivation – whether he targeted the three or fired indiscriminately – is unclear. 
     Identities of the victims and shooter will be released after next of kin are notified. The injured shipyard worker is in stable condition, according to Rear Admiral Robert B. Chadwick II, commander for the Navy in Hawaiʻi. Chadwick told reporters that the shooter was assigned to the U.S.S. Columbia, a submarine docked at the shipyard for maintenance.
Pearl Harbor Shipyard, where a crew member of a submarine under
repair shot and killed two civilian workers and injured another.
File photo from U.S. Navy
     Said the Rear Admiral, "The role that the shipyard played in World War II is pretty legendary, and the shipyard is well known for the amazing work they did then and the amazing work they continue to do. This is certainly a tragedy for everyone here, and certainly our sincere thoughts are with the families of the victims and everyone involved."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono issued the following statement following the shooting: "While the investigation into this incident continues, my thoughts and aloha are with the victims of the terrible tragedy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and with their families. I join all of Hawaiʻi in expressing our gratitude to the first responders who rush toward danger every day to keep us safe."
     Said Gov. David Ige, "I join in solidarity with the people of Hawai‘i as we express our heartbreak over this tragedy and concern for those affected by the shooting. Details are still emerging as security forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam investigate. The White House has reached out to offer assistance from federal agencies, and the state is standing by to assist where necessary."
     The incident took place three days before the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1941.

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VISITORS TO HAWAIʻI ISLAND SPENT $177 MILLION IN OCTOBER, an increase of 3.9 percent over last year, according to preliminary statistics from Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Hawaiʻi Island saw a 14.5 percent increase in visitor arrivals, compared to arrivals just after the end of last year's eruptive events. However, visitors spent 4.7 percent less per day. So far in 2019, visitor spending on Hawaiʻi Island has decreased 3.6 percent, with a year-to-date increase of 2.8 percent in visitor arrivals.
     Visitor spending includes interisland airfare, lodging, car rental, food, shopping, and other expenses while in the state.
     Statewide, visitors spent $1.33 billion in October, an increase of .9 percent over last year. Average daily visitor spending declined 2.4 percent from last year, largely due to a 15.2 percent drop in expenditures from international markets, not including Japan or Canada.
      On a bright note, more Japanese visitors went to multiple islands (+8.5%) year-over-year, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth in multiple-island visitation compared to the same timeframe a year ago.
     In October, spending from the western part of the U.S. mainland increased by 6.2 percent. Japan spending increased by 1.1 percent. Spending by Canadian visitors rose 3.1 percent. Visitors from the eastern part of the U.S. decreased by .6 percent, and all other international markets spend 8.9 percent less than in 2018.
     For the state for 2019 through October, visitor spending rose .2 percent, to $14.67 billion. Total average daily spending decreased by 2.6 percent, to $195 per person. Total visitor arrivals increased by 5.5 percent.
     So far in 2019, total visitor arrivals increased by 4.8 percent, reflecting a 5.2 percent increase in air arrivals versus an 8.3 percent decrease in cruise ship arrivals. Total visitor days increased by 3.4 percent. The average daily number of visitors also increased by 3.4 percent.
     See more in the October report at hawaiitourismauthority.org/research/monthly-visitor-statistics/.

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A webcam shot from the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu this morning shows the growing pond. USGS photo
THE HOT, GREEN POND IN HALEMAʻUMAʻU Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, continues to grow. First observed July 25, the pond grew to measure about 236 ft. by 518 ft. by the end of November.
     U.S. Geolagical Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick gave a presentation to Hawaiʻi County Council members on Tuesday. Patrick stated that the pond is stable with a slow and consistent rate of water level rise. He said there have been no "obvious changes" in surface activity or color. He said a low rate of sulfur emission, about 45 tons per day, is released from the pond into the air, but that some SO2 is being absorbed by the pond and groundwater.
Measured from a vertical distance of about 603 m (1978 ft) – from water surface to the top of the tripod on the crater 
rim – the ongoing rise in water level is noticeable when the two photos, taken three days apart, are compared. 
Learn more about the growing pond, below. USGS photos by D. Swanson
     Patrick said hazards caused by the pond "most likely" would be "preceded by detectable precursors, such as rapid inflation, or increased seismicity, that indicates magma rising. However, small gas-driven explosions can occur at volcanic lakes without warning and cannot be ruled out." He explained that magma interacting with water can trigger explosive activity, and that Kīlauea's geologic record shows "a long history of larger explosions at the summit, that affected the entire summit region. Some of these explosions are thought to be triggered by rapidly rising magma interacting with surface water, but the exact conditions that produced the explosive behavior are unclear.
     Patrick said that, despite elevated Seismicity – compared to pre-2018 – and inflation of the summit – indicating magma continues to fill the chamber – magma remains deep in the system and there are "no detectable signs of imminent unrest at the summit."
During August, the pond grew from several disconnected pools to one larger body of water. USGS photo
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THE FORTY-FIRST PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE will roll through the hilly neighborhoods, down to Ka`u Hospital and onto Holy Rosary Church, this Sunday, Dec. 8, beginning at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Armory. More parade participants are welcome to join in by lining up at the Armory at noon. For more info, call the parade founder and organizer Eddie Andrade at 928-0808.
     Those watching from the streets will see floats and trailers with Christmas characters and music, classic cars, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, schools, and community groups in the holiday spirit. Along the parade route, Pāhala residents and visitors gather in yards, on porches, and curbside to receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from his elves.
     Eddie Andrade and his friends and family have organized the parade for the last 41 years. The community supports the event, which includes an annual donation from Ed Olson, founder of Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
     After the parade, Holy Rosary Church hosts participants and attendees for a free lunch on the church grounds.
Characters are regulars in the Pāhala Christmas Parade this Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal
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THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE ANNUAL MAKAHIKI that celebrates Hawaiian values, culture, talent, and food this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. Festivities begin at noon each day. Local bands volunteer to come out and play. Free food is on offer. Many people camp out overnight. Hawaiian crafts, including weaving coconut frond hats, are among the cultural practices that have been featured over the many years of the Makahiki.

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A PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP will be held at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Campus Center this weekend. Session 1 on Saturday, Dec. 7 begins at 5:30 p.m. in room 301. Session 2 on Sunday, Dec. 8 begins at 2:30 p.m. in room 306. All levels of singers, actors, and dancers are welcome. Sessions are $25 for one, $40 for both, to participate; $15 for one and $25 for both to audit; and $30 to audit one session and participate in another.
     Pedro Kaʻawaloa and Paige Mason, experienced professionals, will lead the workshop. Both have done fundraising events for Kīlauea Drama and Entertainment. The workshop will cover Vocal, Acting, and Audition Technique; details about "The Biz;" and more. Participants will be worked with one-on-one on a prepared song or monologue. Bring material that is already familiar/is a favorite, a work-in-progress, or audition material. Write down questions to ask. "Get ready for a journey into the craft and business of professional performance," states the announcement. Auditors will be on hand to observe and ask questions of through the process.
     Kaʻawaloa is a local boy who moved to New York to pursue performing as a career. Kaʻawaloa recently performed in the National Tour of The King and I as the King of Siam. He has worked for a number of theatre companies across the U.S. and actively auditions in New York City when not on a contract. He also has experience as a professional music director and audition/cabaret accompanist. Some of his notable roles are: El Gallo from The Fantasticks, Captain Hook from Peter Pan, and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast.
     Mason is originally from Lexington, KY and is also a professional performer based out of NYC. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina. She most recently was on the International Tour of the Wizard of Oz, understudying both the Wicked Witch and Glinda, but has worked in regional theatres as well. Paige also actively auditions in NYC, but has also auditioned in Florida for Disney World and done a number of large unified auditions. Some of her notable roles are: Millie from Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fiona from Shrek: The Musical, and Babette from Beauty and the Beast.
     Visit pedrokaawaloa.com/workshops/ to register and pay for the workshop. Questions? Email contact@pedrokaawaloa.com or call/text (808) 333-6141. Leave contact info.

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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
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.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.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.orgsoulfitnesshawaiipksm.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

SUNDAY, DEC. 8
41st Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1p.m. at Pāhala Armory. Parade participants can still sign up by calling Eddie Andrade at 928-0808. See floats and trailers with Christmas characters and music, classic cars, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, schools, and community groups representing the holiday spirit. Receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from his elves. After the parade, Holy Rosary Church traditionally hosts participants and attendees for a free lunch on the church grounds. Eddie Andrade, 928-0808

Pele & Hi‘iaka, Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Dec. 8 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m.Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, DEC. 9
Accordion Paper Reindeer Activity Registration, Dec. 9-17, Ka‘u District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

TUESDAY, DEC. 10
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Dec. 10 and 24, and Thursday, Dec. 12 and 26, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. Two hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 11a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park: 100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7-8p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. UH Mānoa geologist Scott Rowland explains the significance of this eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
Moa Pahe‘e Games, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Similar to ‘ulu maika, this game requires a little more strength and skill. In celebration of the annual Makahiki season. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
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

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration and First Practice: Ocean View Team - Monday, Dec. 2, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 5, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice and registration. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. 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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