Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, December 27, 2019

Voting on best decorated Kīlauea Military Camp cottages goes through Tuesday, Jan. 1. Check out end of year
KMC activities, below. Photo by Michael Worthington

OCEAN VIEW HAWAIʻI SKATEPARK organizers will hold a design workshop tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. It is open to "all who plan to use the park," said Travis Aucoin, head of the project.

     Organizers are seeking donations, helpers, grant writers, and servers. Aucoin – who helped build and start the Kona Skatepark – said he wants to involve local skateboarders and skaters, whom he hopes "will have a big influence on the skatepark design." The public is invited to skatepark design

Advocacy meeting for the project at Ocean View 
Community Center. The special half pipe cake 
was made by local mom Deseray Seaver. 

Photo from Travis Aucoin

workshops, fundraisers, and to develop a personal stake in the facility. Aucoin said that being involved with such a community improvement project "will ultimately lead to better stewardship principles." He said skateparks "are good for the community."

     Aucoin said he hopes local skaters will indicate particular preferences for styles of terrain, and infrastructure like the halfpipe, bank ramps, ledges, rails, spine ramp, funbox, bowl, and roll ins. He said, "There are so many designs, so putting what is most needed in the plan is important."

     An Oregon-based skatepark design company, Evergreen Skateparks, is going to work with the community, stated Aucoin. "If we have the right designer for the skatepark project, they should be able to explain any portion of the skatepark design plan in ways that address the needs of the community," he said.

Micah Roberts of Ocean View, age 6, said, "Having a skate park here would 

be great because I would get to skate!" Fierra Roberts of Ocean View, age 10, 

said, she would like a skate park in Ocean View "so kids can have social time 

and have fun with their parents and friends." Photo from Travis Aucoin

     Organizers recently held a skateboard movie night. With popcorn, snacks, and refreshments, community members watched skateboard movies and talked story about the Oceanview Hawaiʻi Skatepark plan. Staff and students from Harmony Home School attended, and provided cupcakes and treats.
     Aucoin explained that the planned Ocean View roller skate rink – see September's The Kaʻū Calendar – is a separate project.
     Aucoin said Kaimi Kaupiko, known for his work with Miloliʻi youth, assisted in setting up a funds account for the skatepark. Kaupiko's Kalanihale organization has offered to be a fiscal sponsor for the project. Aucoin said he will be meet with Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation regarding the proposed Ocean View location on county land.

     There are donation jars in Ocean View at Kuhuku Garden and Gift shop.
     Tony Hawk Foundation posted to Facebook: "Love this. THIS is community support in action. Nice work! You're on the ball! Keep up the good work."

The proposed location of skatepark.
Photo from Travis Aucoin

     For skatepark fundraising ideas and help, contact Kaimi Kaupiko at 937-1310.

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK STAFF AND KAʻŪ RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN HELPING to search for missing six-year old Benjamin "Benny" Rapoza, who was last seen at his home in Hilo in the 2100 block of Kalanianaole Street, around 3 p.m. last Friday, Dec. 20.

     A prayer vigil was set for today at 5 p.m. in Keokaha. Rapoza is described by Hawaiʻi County police as "local, standing about 3-feet tall, weighing about 50 pounds, slim build, with short brown hair, brown eyes, and a fair complexion. He was last seen wearing only a diaper. Police are concerned for his welfare as Benjamin is diagnosed with nonverbal autism."

     Anyone with information on Rapoza's whereabouts or who may have seen him in the Keaukaha area is asked to call Detective BJ Sagon at (808) 961-8883 or email bobbie-jo.sagon@hawaiicounty.gov.

     Family members, friends, and volunteers were joined in the search by Hawaiʻi Fire Department, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, U.S. Coast Guard, "Team Adam" from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, both Area I and II Criminal Investigations Divisions, and South Hilo Patrol. The multi-agency air, land, and sea effort yielded no results for the missing keiki. HPD reported that rain and heightened ocean swells "hampered portions of the search and posed a navigation hazard to the fire department's rescue vessel, requiring it return to shore" on Dec. 21

Benjamin Rapoza, six years old with
nonverbal Autism, has been missing from
Keaukaha for a week. Photo from HPD

     The ground search for Rapoza was suspended on Christmas Eve. The investigation continues, with detectives from the Area I Juvenile Aid Section actively responding to any new information and tips. Police continue to ask anyone with information on Rapoza's whereabouts or who may have seen him to call Detective BJ Sagon at (808) 961-8883, (808) 935-3311, or email bobbie-jo.sagon@hawaiicounty.gov.

     Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

     Clarissa Pua of Pāhala told The Kaʻū Calendar of her and husband Duane's experience, searching for the missing child. She said they found out about Rapoza going missing on Saturday evening and left Kaʻū to join the search at about 9 p.m. She refers to the Rapoza's as "dear friends." She said she contacted the child's mother, who calls Rapoza "Big Boy."

     "As we got there, a (search area) map and flyers were laid out. There were cops, fire department, rangers, divers… This has been farmost the hardest situation I/we have faced. As we chose a section to search at night, you could see flashlights of search volunteers up and down the shoreline and roads of Kaeukaha, calling out 'Benny!'" Some played Spongebob, because "Benny Boy loves Spongebob." She said they searched through the night, until 5 a.m.

     Pua said there were "so many different stories and leads to his whereabouts," but no sign of him. She said search teams went over the same ground repeatedly, "making sure we didn't miss a thing… As the days went by, my husband and I knew we would have to return home to Kaʻū, to attend our normal duties. Leaving was yet the hardest thing to do."

     She said she and her husband continue to support the search and are trying to be of help "in any way possible." She said that being home, seeing the reports about Rapoza not yet being found, is heart wrenching, but being there was harder still. "We ask, if anyone knows (anything) or sees Benny Boy, to please make contact with the police… Thank you all for your support… tears… we love you Benny Boy."

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Nesting and breeding nēnē in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park need protection, despite a healthy increase in numbers since
 the low in 1952. NPS photo

TO PROTECT BREEDING AND NESTING NĒNĒ, the threatened Hawaiian goose, Pu‘u Pua‘i Overlook and parking lot in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are temporarily closed. The gate is secured at the parking lot, near the intersection of Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive. Visitors are able to hike about 0.4 miles of Devastation Trail from the Devastation Trail parking lot to a trail sign marking the closure.

     In 1952, only 30 nēnē remained statewide. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park began efforts to recover the imperiled geese in the 1970s. The Nēnē Recovery Program continues today, and more than 200 birds thrive in the park from sea level to around 8,000 feet. 

     Pu‘u Pua‘i is a massive reddish-brown cindercone that formed during an eruption at Kīlauea Iki crater in 1959. Evidence of this eruption is visible in the form of small tephra cinders that blanket the ground along old Crater Rim Drive towards Keanakāko‘i Crater.

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The Rotary Club decorated the side of this KMC cottage. 

Photo by Michael Worthington

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED COTTAGE at Kīlauea Military Camp by Tuesday, Jan. 1. 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. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

     KMC will kick off 2020 with a 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. On Wednesday, Jan 1, KMC will hold a New Year's Day Buffet at Crater Rim Café, from 7 a.m. to noon. The menu features Roast Beef, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, Bacon SOS & Biscuits, Waffles, Breakfast Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Fresh Fruit, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Brownies, and a beverage. Adults are $19.95, children 6 to 11 years old are $10.95. Both events are open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

2019-2020 Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball

Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala

Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa

Tue., Jan. 14 host Konawaena

Boys Basketball

Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA

Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa

Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena

Mon., Jan. 13 host Hilo

Wed., Jan. 15 host Kealakehe

Wrestling

Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe

Soccer

Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm

Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA

Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm

Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa

Wed., Jan. 15 @Konawaena

Swimming

Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, DEC. 28

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Dec. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View Skatepark Design Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 28, 3-5 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Help create a design plan and drawings of skatepark features to present to County Council. Organized by Kalanihale 501- 3c NPO. Public welcome. Kaimi Kaupiko, 808-937-1310

SUNDAY, DEC. 29

Final Gymkhana Event of 2019, Sunday, Dec. 29, 9a.m., Nā‘ālehu Rodeo Arena. Sign-in and check-in 8:30a.m. Hosted by Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association.

People and Land, Sunday, Dec. 29, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, DEC. 31

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday – last Tuesday, monthly – Dec. 31, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

KMC New Year's Eve Party, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5-8p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. Blue Tattoo and midnight toast. $10 cover charge for non-KMC guests. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, JAN. 2

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Jan. 2 – 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, Jan. 2, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JAN. 3

Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 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, soulfitnesshawaii
pksm.com 

Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 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

ONGOING

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

Vote for the Best Cottage Decorations at Kīlauea Military Camp through Tuesday, Jan. 1. 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. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

     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.

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, 345-0511

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.

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.