 |
| The 41st annual Pāhala Christmas Parade - produced every year by Santa, Eddie Andrade, with family and friends - wound through the sunny streets of the village today. See more photos below. Photos by Julia Neal |
THE DEATH OF ARTIST SHINGO HONDA is prompting police to ask the public for any clues of motive and any witness statements. Under arrest is Michael Cecil Lee, whom police picked up yesterday at the Pāhoa Christmas Parade. Police charged him last night with second-degree murder, with bail set at $250,000.
 |
| The late Shingo Honda during his show called Transience at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center. Photo from East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center |
Honda, 75, was an artist in Tokyo, LA, and Hawaiʻi Island, with shows here and abroad, and commissions for images he developed for private and public places. East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center hosted his 2016 show called Transience.
Honda wrote: "I've been making art for over 50 years, and each series is different from another, but not. I've made installations, prints, paintings, sculpture, and public works. I've been influenced by the different places where I've lived or visited, but it all goes back to a moment in childhood which crystallized my ongoing theme.
"I was born in Northern Japan — snow country. As a child I was fascinated by the thin ice which formed on a puddle of water. I'd pick up the ice, so shiny and beautiful, reflecting the sunlight, but, in a moment, it was gone. It had melted in my hand.
"I liked that transient, ever-changing world and it has always been what I've wanted to express. The word 'permanent' is unrealistic. There's no such thing. I want to melt an irrational concept.
"Hawaiʻi nature's strong contrast, my everyday bug's eye view of it, is also that." See more on Honda at shingohonda.com and at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center.
Honda and his wife, author Lynne Farr, lived in upper Puna in Orchid Land Estates. Police found his body a few hundred feet from home after his wife reported him missing. According to police, an autopsy revealed that blunt-force trauma caused his death. A court appearance for the accused is set for Monday in Hilo.
"I was born in Northern Japan — snow country. As a child I was fascinated by the thin ice which formed on a puddle of water. I'd pick up the ice, so shiny and beautiful, reflecting the sunlight, but, in a moment, it was gone. It had melted in my hand.
"I liked that transient, ever-changing world and it has always been what I've wanted to express. The word 'permanent' is unrealistic. There's no such thing. I want to melt an irrational concept.
"Hawaiʻi nature's strong contrast, my everyday bug's eye view of it, is also that." See more on Honda at shingohonda.com and at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center.
Honda and his wife, author Lynne Farr, lived in upper Puna in Orchid Land Estates. Police found his body a few hundred feet from home after his wife reported him missing. According to police, an autopsy revealed that blunt-force trauma caused his death. A court appearance for the accused is set for Monday in Hilo.
Information on this case can be reported to police by calling 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers by calling 961-8300.
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.
THE PASSION KILLING BY AN EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT WOMAN who fatally stabbed a woman she found with her boyfriend at Whittington Beach Park in April, netted a sentence of eight years in prison. Judge Melvin Fujino sentenced 20-year old Kaleianuenue Borero-Kaluna, of Nāʻālehu, as a youthful offender. The father of her unborn child at the time of the killing was 36.
A story in today's Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald quoted Kaluna's testimony before sentencing:
"I have dealt with my fair share of trials and tribulations and I continue to deal with them daily. This one, by far, is the worst. I'm so speechless of my actions, I wish I could turn back time and do everything differently; unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. I've grown a lot as a person and learned about myself as well. My family raised me better than this and it's sad to say I let them down but more importantly I let myself down.
"And, honestly, I am so truly sorry to the family and their loss. I regret everyday the poor decision that led me up to this predicament."
She also said, "I understand there are consequences to my actions and I am ready to face them."
The victim, Marie Lyn Boyles, most recently from Alaska, died at the scene. Kaluna also stabbed her male companion, but he survived.
According to the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald report, the public defender filed a motion to reduce Kaluna's sentence, following the judge'e decision to give her eight years.
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.
 |
| Megan Lamson of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund. Photo from Big |
A POTENTIAL SOLUTION to the large amount of plastic waste in Hawaiʻi came to the Hawaiʻi County Environmental Management Commission from Megan Lamson of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund. On Nov. 27, she gave the address, saying over 50,000 pounds of plastics washed up on Hawaiʻi Island shores this year, with much of it landing on Kamilo
Lamson introduced ByBlock - plastic waste directly processed into
building material. The manufacturer is ByFusion, byfusion.com, which states that its "Blocker" system "turns 100 percent of plastic waste
into ByBlock – an advanced, cost-effective building material."
The process is "eco-friendly," and "uses steam and
compression" to directly convert any plastic waste into ByBlocks, with
"no added chemicals. No fillers. No waste." There is no sorting, no cleaning, and no pre-processing needed, according to ByFusion.
Lamson said the ByBlock process avoids plastic melting and burning that would create more pollution.
The blocks each weigh about 22 lbs. (10 kg) and are made for use in new construction and to "replace
concrete bricks and blocks." Using the upcycled plastic for building could cut carbon emissions and lower the cost of building materials, said Lamson and a commission member.
 |
A ByBlock, partially made from plastics waste from Hawaiʻi.
Photo
from Big
|
She presented the commission a sample of a ByBlock, partly made from plastics waste from Hawaiʻi. The shape is reminiscent of an oversized, two-stud Lego. Lamson said the blocks need to be sealed to avoid breaking down from "too much exposure to UV."
Lamson said that
plastics have been mass produced – and consumed – since the '50s. "Even if
we cut it off, and move forward with single-use plastic phase-out (and) bans
statewide, we're still going to have an awful lot of waste. We're still gonna
have tons and tons washing up along our shorelines."
She contended that make building blocks out of plastics waste is "a
win/win, because we have a disposal issue. Right now, we are throwing the vast
amounts of our mixed plastic waste away (except derelict fishing nets that are burned for electricity.) They're
just going in the landfill." She said ByFusion is interested in having
"island-scale facilities" in Hawaiʻi.
 |
| Clyde Silva, right, with his Holy Rosary Church choir. Photos by Julia Neal |
Lamson said she
has no financial stake in the ByFusion company. In July, she
flew to Kauaʻi for the unveiling and blessing of the first ever permanent
building made of ByBlocks. She said some of the blocks will be used on Maui in a project soon.
See her
presentation at bigislandvideonews.com/2019/12/07/video-a-potential-solution-to-plastic-problem-presented/.
 |
| Kaʻū Coffee Mill and its founder Ed Olson are sponsors of the parade. |
MEASLES VACCINES ARE REQUIRED for anyone traveling to American
Samoa . Schools there are closed and children are
barred from public gatherings. The outbreak in the Independent State of Samoa has
claimed at least 70 lives, most young children, since October. The count was 65
on Friday. Read more in yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
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.
 |
| Santa visits with long-term patients at Kaʻū Hospital. |
The Kaʻū Coffee community of farmers, Kaʻū Coffee Mill, and the Miss Kaʻū Coffee court rolled through town as did churches, the Filipino Club, and Tūtū & Me program for children.
All were fed at the Holy Rosary Church at the end of the parade route. See more in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.
 |
| The Pāhala Filipino Club celebrates Christmas with red, white, and blue. |
UPCOMING
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
 |
| Hawaiʻi Coffee Association President Chris Manfredi donates his classic truck for the Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative ride in the parade. |
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Dec. 10 and 24, and Thursday, Dec. 12 and 26, 8-10a.m. , Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park Volcanoes National Park
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 11a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
After Dark in the Park: 100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7-8p.m. , Kīlauea Visitor Center
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
Moa Pahe‘e Games, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10a.m. -noon , Kīlauea Visitor Center
 |
See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
|
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30p.m. , United Methodist Church
FRIDAY, DEC. 13
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Dec. 13, 9a.m. -noon , Ocean View Community Center
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Nā Mamo o Kāwā Community Access Day, Saturday, Dec. 14, gates open 6a.m.-6p.m. , Kāwā. All cars must park at end of road fronting Kāwā Flats. Dogs mus
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Dec. 14, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake , Saturday, Dec. 14, 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
Holidays at Kahuku: Hawaiian-Made Craft Fair, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m.-3p.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free entry. Entertainment, food, shave ice. nps.gov/havo
Ocean View Keiki Christmas with St. Jude's Christmas Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m-2p.m., Kahuku Park and lower parking lot of St. Jude's
Zentangle Artist Inspired Workshop with Lydia 10a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center. Creative tangle techniques inspired by Gustav Klimt and Keith Haring. Art supplies provided. Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Hula Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, Dec. 14, 11a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967
Jazz in the Forest : Christmas Jazz, Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Volcano Chorus: 25th Annual Holiday Concert, Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. , Kīlauea Military Camp's Theater, in HVNP. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
3rd Annual Hawai‘i Bird Conservation Marathon, Sunday, Dec. 15, Volcano Golf and Country Club to Boy Scouts' Kīlauea Camp. Funds raised support endemic birds of Hawai‘i through the Hawai‘i Forest Institute for the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest in Volcano. Race registration closed. Donations welcome; donors of over $100 invited to behind the scene tour of Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest, 10a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 14. hawaiiforestinstitute.kindful.com
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sunday, Dec. 15,9:30-11a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Fr
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sunday, Dec. 15,
Santa's Workshop Event Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12,
Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K t
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 app
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. 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, 345-0511Tūtū & 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.
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.
