Saturday, February 29, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, February 29, 2020

The second Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count this season took
place at Punaluʻu Beach today. See more below. Photo by Michelle Nason
A STATE LEGISLATURE BILL TO EXPAND EARLY LEARNING FOR KEIKI, THREE TO FOUR YEARS OF AGE, this week passed the House of Representative Committee on Lower & Higher Education and the House Finance Committee. House Bill 2543 HD1 would expand early learning opportunities across the state. The bill moves to the full House for a vote.
     Rep. Justin H. Woodson said, "Over the course of the last year we have been working on this bill as a cost of living measure to address the lack of available early learning centers across the state. It will greatly benefit our keiki and our working families."
     The bill requires the parents or guardians of public school kindergarten students to the disclose information on the child's prior child care program or prekindergarten attendance, if any, for the purpose of determining areas with the highest need for prekindergarten and child care programs. It also requires the Department of Education to assess kindergarten students, establishes the Preschool Open Doors Trust Fund, and requires annual reporting.
     It expands the Preschool Open Doors Program eligibility from four-year-old children to all children who are three to four years old, or will not be at least five years old on or before July 31 of the current school year. It requires annual reporting regarding the revenues and expenditures of the early learning special fund, and establishes a program for Department of Human Services to award grants for preschools.
     The bill appropriates funds and authorizes positions for the Preschool Open Doors Program, appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to expand its information technology system for the purpose of managing information on prekindergarten attendance and child care need and to contract for and operate preschool and child care programs.

     It establishes an Early Learning Coordinator position within the Office of the Governor. It also establishes the goal of providing all children who are three to four years old, or will not be at least five years old on or before July 31 of the current school year, with enrollment in a preschool program by the year 2030 and assigns that responsibility to the Early Learning Coordinator. The bill appropriates funds to the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center for building classrooms for Hawaiian language immersion pre-kindergarten programs and appropriates funds for building early learning services classrooms on public library property.
     This early education bill is part of the joint economic package introduced by the House and Senate, and supported by Gov. David Ige's Administration to address Hawaiʻi's cost of living obstacles. The joint working class economic package is designed to tackle the issues highlighted in the Aloha United Way sponsored report, ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaiʻi.
     Rep. Sylvia Luke noted that among more than 100 pages of testimony, only two testifiers did not support the bills. Luke said this shows the great need and support for expanding early learning opportunities for our children.
     "This bill provides an overlay of our vision that within ten years to provide all children with access to early learning," Luke told legislators. "It's not as easy as people think it is. It's about providing full access and the ability of working families to have their child ready to learn when they enter kindergarten. This is a huge task and we have relied on you folks for your thoughtful advice and support to get this bill where it is today."
     Business, community, and nonprofit educational groups are adamant in their support for this measure. "As a network of partners that support the health, safety and learning of our youngest keiki, we are excited about the potential expansion of child care and early learning programs for three and four-year olds," said Kerrie Urosevich, Lead for Network Design and Innovation at Hawaiʻi Early Childhood Action Strategy. "Over several decades, early childhood partners have worked diligently to elevate the importance of access to affordable and high-quality child care and early learning opportunities, which strengthen family income and support early cognitive, physical, and social development.
     "We are deeply grateful for the proposed financial commitments by the legislature, philanthropy, and business sectors to make it happen. The implementation of this ten-year vision will only be successful if we leverage the early childhood eco-system together, with leaders from programs, philanthropy, business, the legislature, state departments, and families themselves.
     "There is no more important job than the one that builds the brains and hearts of our youngest in our society. Creating viable plans that will ensure early childhood providers are able to make a living wage in Hawaiʻi is imperative for the success of the expansion and should be prioritized. The economic stimulus package, of which HB2543 is a part, would begin to put families on the path toward economic stability, and begin to create the needed foundations for young keiki and families to thrive."

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Hunnay DeMello, of Ocean View, awaiting her
first national television appearance on Little
Big Shots
on NBC at 7 p.m. Sunday.
HUNNAY DEMELLO, of Ocean View, brought her hula to family and friends today at Nani Mau Gardens as she looked forward to Sunday's broadcast of her appearance on the NBC production that showcases talented keiki from around the world. Little Big Shots airs at 7 p.m. Sunday.
     Hunnay started dancing Tahitian when she was two years of age, and hula at age five. She studies with Kumu Chrissy Kama-Henriques of Hula Hālau E Hulali Mai I Ka. Hunnay performed with hālau members and Bulla and Gene Akamu last year at the Kaʻū Coffee Festival.
     Hunnay is an ambassador for raising funding for senior housing in Nāʻālehu, a mission of the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou community group.
     Hunnay is the daughter of Monica Akamu and Rocky DeMello, and sister to Anthony Demello, as well as Nakoa, Hālaʻi, Auhaki and Lokuhao. She is homeschooled. Her mother served as a preschool teacher at Nāʻālehu, beginning in 2002, and transferred to Kealakehe where she taught kindergarten until 2015, when she decided to stay home and school her two children.
     Hunnay danced today at Nani Mau Gardens for the birthday celebration of retired Pāhala elementary teacher and Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba. Hunnay's mother carried out her student teaching in Camba's classroom.
     Hunnay has won dance contests in Hawaiʻi and beyond, and is fundraising to compete in the Hura Tahiti Contest in Cerritos, California June 26 and 27, and in the Ori Fest Polynesian Dance Competition in Las Vegas July 4 and 5. She will also perform with her hālau on Easter Sunday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium during the kick off of the Merrie Monarch Festival.
     See her YouTube Channel, Facebook, Instagram
for more.
Hunnay celebrates the birthday of  one of her mother's
education mentors, retired Pāhala teacher
Gloria Camba. Photo by Julia Neal

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HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT DREW more than 650 volunteers today, to gather data from many shores, Punaluʻu to north Kauaʻi. Sponsored by the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count on all islands but Maui, where the Great Whale Count was carried out simultaneously by Pacific Whale Foundation, it was the second of three coordinated whale counts in 2020.
     Volunteers collected data from 51 sites across all the main Hawaiian Islands, recording 191 whale sightings during the 8:30-8:45 am time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count. Volunteers were also able to educate 647 members of the public who stopped by for more information during the count.
     Across the main Hawaiian Islands, weather conditions were partly cloudy with rain showers and areas of high wind, making for challenging sighting conditions. Several sites cancelled or dismissed the count early due to strong winds and heavy rain. Pacific Whale Foundation Chief Biologist Stephanie Stack notes that "due to the poor visibility today, our count is likely an under-estimation of the number of whales present in Maui Nui." The same also applies for Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Although, weather conditions were not ideal for viewing whales at the majority of sites, folks were still able to spot some whales in addition to other species. Sea turtles, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, and several sea birds such as frigate birds, shearwaters, albatross, and more were seen at multiple sites across the main Hawaiian Islands.
     Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. Volunteer participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whales activity from the shorelines of Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi islands.
     The counts take place three times during peak whale season: the last Saturdays in January, February, and March of 2020.
     The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which is administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
     The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports national marine sanctuaries by protecting species, conserving ecosystems and preserving America's maritime heritage through on-the-water conservation projects, public education, and outreach programs and scientific research and exploration.
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 MANY VOLCANO ART CENTER EVENTS are on tap for March, including a Comedy Showcase and a session on the importance of stewarding native and Polynesian plants in Hawaiʻi. They will be held at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani campus.
     On Thursday, March 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., is the free class on taking care of the land, mālama o ka ʻāina, by choosing plants wisely. A $5 donation is appreciated.
     The announcement from VAC asks "What can we do to help restore some level of environmental integrity" to Hawaiʻi? "What we choose to plant in our own backyard has tremendous implications on the future of Hawaiʻi."
     The class, given by Jaya Dupuis, will teach attendees the distinction between native, Polynesean-introduced, and invasive species of plants.
     See hawaiienvironmentalrestoration.org for more.
     This evening is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
     On Saturday, March 21, a Big Island Comedy Theater Showcase will be held at 6:30 p.m. The improv is headlined by Keli Semelsberger, founder of Big Island Comedy Theater and Charlotte Comedy Theater, and Matt Kaye, a comedian, writer, and artist who also started out in Chicago over 25 years ago. The hour and a half show will be completely improvised, featuring new students from Volcano and surrounding areas.
     The announcement from VAC states, "These seasoned performers will take the audience on an improvised journey of fascinating characters, bizarre happenings, and intelligent subtext all wrapped up in a side-splitting bow of comedic hilarity. A not to be missed Big Island treat."
     Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for VAC Members. Purchase tickets at volcanoartcenter.org or call 808-967-8222.

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.

Purchase Tickets for Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, Sunday March 8, 6:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House. The concert will feature music that will celebrate native plants of the Kaʻū Dryland Forest and will raise funds for Hoʻomalu Kaʻū. Tickets are $30, available at kauconcert.bpt.me. See himusicfestival.com for more.
     Performers are Maya Hoover, Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Jonathan Korth, Hawaiʻi based Pianist and Professor at UH-Mānoa; and Joshua Nakazawa, Cellist from Hawaiʻi Symphony. They will be joined by the three HIMF co-founders: Amy Shoremount-Obra, Internationally Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Soprano; Eric Silberger, Internationally Acclaimed Prize-Winning Virutuoso Violinist; and Carlin Ma, Multi-Media Artist and Pianist.

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.

Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m., @Waiakea
Wednesday, March 11, 3 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m., host Kealakehe
Tuesday, March 17, 3 p.m., host Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m., host Hilo
Wednesday, April 8, 3 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m., host Kamehameha
Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m., host Kohala
Wednesday, April 22, 3 p.m., host HPA
Wednesday, April 29, 3 p.m., BIIF Div II Semi Finals
Saturday, May 2, BIIF DIV II Finals
Wednesday-Saturday, May 13-16, HHSAA
Boys Baseball
Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m., host HPA
Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m.. @Waiakea
Tuesday, March 10, 1 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m., host Kealakehe
Wednesday, March 18, 3 p.m., @Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 1 p.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m., host Hilo
Tuesday. April 7, 3 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Saturday, April 11, 1 p.m., host Kamehameha
Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m., host Kohala
Friday, May, 2 p.m., BIIF DIV II Semi Finals
Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m., BIIF DIV II Finals
Wednesday-Saturday, May 13-16, HHSAA
Boys Volleyball
Wednesday, March, 6 p.m., @Hilo
Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m., host Makualani
Friday, March 13, 6 p.m., host Konawaena
Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m., host Kamehameha
Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m., @Kohala
Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m., host Keaʻau
Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Friday, April 10, 6 p.m., @Ehunui
Friday, April 17, 6 p.m., host Kealakehe
Wednesday, April 22, 6 p.m., @Waiakea
Friday, April 24, 6 p.m., host HPA
Monday, April 27, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round
Tuesday, April 28, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semi Finals
Wednesday, April 29, 5 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals
Thursday-Saturday, May 7-9, HHSAA on Oʻahu
Judo
Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.. @Kealakehe
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m., @Hilo
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, April 11, 10:30 a.m., BIIF at Kona
Saturday, April 18, 10:30 a.m., BIIF at Hilo
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m., @HPA
Saturday, April 11, 2 p.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, April 25, 2 p.m., @Keaʻau

UPCOMING
MONDAY, MARCH 2
Girl's Day Headband Craft Registration Deadline, Monday, March 2. Program Tuesday, March 3, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Kahuku Park in HOVE. Ages 6 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 929-9113

Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, and 23, 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi offers sliding-fee payment scale sessions with experienced Licensed Massage Therapist and lomilomi practitioner Lehua Hobbs. "Improve circulation, alleviate muscle pain, and improve your overall well-being." Call for appointment, 808-969-9220.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3
Butterfly Art Project Registration Deadline, Tuesday, March 3. Program Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym. Ages 5 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102

Byron Haynie Live Country Music, Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. No cover charge. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8365

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
Registration for Fundamental Baseball, through March 4 at Nāʻālehu Community Center, 95-5635 Mamālahoa Hwy. Ages 5 to 8. Program runs Thursday, March 5, 12, and 19, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Shoes, gloves, and protective cups required. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 939-2510

OKK Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

Wonders of Watercolor Workshop Series with Nancy DeLucrezia, Wednesdays, March 4 through April 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eight-week course designed for artists already working in watercolor who want to benefit from constructive feedback, and sharing of ideas and information, provided by group classes, to take work to a new level. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

THURSDAY, MARCH 5
Register for Free PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

Hula Voices, Thursday, March 5, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., VAC Gallery. Presents engaging, intimate "talk story" session with Hawai‘i Island kumu hula. Features Noe Noe Kekaualua. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Eco-Tour at Shaka Forest Farms with Zach Mermel, Friday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Stewardship at the Summit, March 7 and 14, Saturday, and Friday, March 20 and 27, 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Additional planning details at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

Mokuhanga: Japanese Woodblock Printing series with Glenn Yamanoha, four weeks starting Saturday, March 7 through 28, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Mixed Flock Glazing Techniques Demo by Artist Emily Herb, Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Recognition Gala, Saturday, March 7, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hilo Hawaiian, Moku Ola Ballroom. The late Barry Taniguchi, whose KTA stores sponsor much outreach into the Kaʻū community, and Gerald De Mello, will be recognized for community involvement, leadership, and significant contributions made towards the strengthening of Hawaiʻi Island communities. The evening will include dinner and drinks, entertainment, and light humor, along with recognition of outstanding youth, including the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. Sponsorships, including the purchasing of sponsorship tables, donating silent and live Auction items, and individual ticket sales are available. To donate and buy tickets, call Kaʻū board member Julia Neal at 808-928-9811 or email mahalo@aloha.net. See more about the Boys & Girls Club at bgcbi.com.

ONGOING
Kaʻū Art Gallery is looking for local artists. Call 808-937-1840

Mixed Flock Volcano Art Center Exhibit, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, March 29. Features prints by Margaret Barnaby and pottery by Emily Herb. Glazing techniques demo Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Sign Up to Be a Vendor at the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar by Wednesday, March 18. The annual event will be held Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located on the corner of Mamalahoa HwyKamaoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu.
     Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be vendors at the "flea market" that will be located on the church lawn. The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods or plate lunches.  
     Vendors must fill out and submit a Vendor Application with the $10 fee by Wednesday, March 18. Call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-8039 for the application.
     The Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and smoked meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.
     For more information, call 928-8039.

Sign Up Keiki for the Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, to be held Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center. Open to young entrepreneurs ages seven and 18 to share their talents by selling handmade items and services. One application may be submitted for each business. Children can sign up for booth space at no charge. Children working as a group submit one application that includes each child's information; no more than three children per business.
     Kaʻū Children's Business Fair guidelines are designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents of younger children (under eight years old) may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. Parents may aid a child, but the child runs the business.
    Learn more about participating at childrensbusinessfair.org/pahala. Visit Kaʻū Children's Business Fair's Facebook event page facebook.com/KAUCBF/. RSVP to the event at facebook.com/events/925342784527676/. Text KAUKIDSFAIR to 31996 for updates and information (message and data fees may apply).

Register for Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited.
     This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes. Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.

AdvoCATS, Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. Reserve spot in advance. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Market, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
     Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration.  Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
     Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
     Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org

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.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, February 28, 2020

A closer view of the braided section of the fissure 8 channel, with Highway 132 cutting across both branches. Read about 
the differences between the 2018 eruption and the 1955 eruption, below. USGS photo by M. Zoeller

























A COMMITTEE ON CORONAVIRUS ECONOMIC IMPACTS IN HAWAIʻI is expected to form next week. State Speaker of the House Scott Saiki said today that he will introduce a resolution for a Special Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness to identify the potential economic and financial impact to Hawaiʻi from the coronavirus, develop short-term and
long-term mitigation plans, and monitor conditions and outcomes.
     "Hawaiʻi's Department of Health, Department of Defense and other agencies have been focused on health preparedness," said Saiki. "But just as importantly, we also need economic and financial preparedness." Saiki said, with the significant drop in the stock market and with the state's economic dependence on tourism and imported goods, lawmakers must quickly prepare for the growing financial impact on Hawaiʻi. "This committee will involve not just the government sector but the private sector, labor unions, and industries that would be impacted."
Economic preparedness for the cost of health care and the disruption of the economy from the new coronavirus is the aim
of a new committee  proposed by the state Speaker of the House of  Representatives.
     He told his colleagues in the House that the World Health Organization has raised its global spread warning of coronavirus or COVID-19 from "high" to "very high." Saiki said the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism reported a 7.3 percent drop in international passengers to Hawaiʻi in February and an estimated loss of $23 million in visitor expenditures due to the temporary suspension of flights to and from South Korea.
     Saiki said that during the 2008-2009 recession the state was forced to make budget cuts of $2.1 billion over a three-year period. "The state had to make some drastic decisions such as implementing the Furlough Friday program and reducing the public school week to four days. We need to be prepared for what may happen with coronavirus and how that may affect our state. If we are prepared, we should be in a position to mitigate any impacts that the state may experience from the
virus," he said.
     The novel coronavirus has killed more than 2,800 people worldwide, the vast majority in mainland China. There have been more than 83,000 global cases, with infections in 49 countries on every continent except Antarctica. No cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Hawaiʻi at this time. The state is expected to start testing for the virus in about a week.
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.
Next Wednesday, Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences will be the location of Democratic Party election of Precinct Officers and Delegates to the State Convention. Photo from Volcano School
DEMOCRATS WILL MEET ALL ACROSS THE STATE NEXT WEDNESDAY, March 4 to elect Delegates to the State Convention and to elect Precinct Officers. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the
meetings will begin at 7:00 pm. The east Kaʻū and Volcano meeting place for District 3: Precincts 5/6/7 is the Volcano School of Arts and Sciences - Keakealani Campus - 19-4024 Haunani Rd. The west Kaʻū into Kona meeting for all of District  5 is New Thought Center at 81-6587 Mamālahoa Hwy in Kealakekua. "These meetings are a great opportunity to meet your fellow Democrats in your neighborhood while getting engaged with the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi," said a statement from the Democratic Party.
     At the meetings, elections will be held for Precinct and District Officers as well as delegates to the County and State Convention. It is also the beginning for choosing delegates to represent candidates and the state of Hawaiʻi at the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee on July 13 through 16. To be able to vote and run for any of the elections, one must be 18 years old by Nov. 3 and be registered voter in this state and member of the Democratic Party. Everyone will be able to register to vote and become members of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi at the March 4 meeting.
     Those thinking of running for Precinct Officer positions, Precinct President, 1st Vice President, Precinct Secretary, Precinct Treasurer, or District Council Representative (District Councilperson) can read about their responsibilities at bit.ly/DPHPrecOff.
     Those seeking District Chair, 1st District Vice Chair, District Secretary, and District Treasurer, can find out about their responsibilities at bit.ly/DPHDistOfficer.
     For state positions - Party Chair, National Committee person, State Central Committee member (elected by delegates at the State Convention), or other Party Officers (elected by the newly elected State Central Committee from their membership) - find out responsibilities at bit.ly/DPHSCCduties.
     For any questions about the March 4th Precinct Meetings please contact Michael Golojuch, Jr.,Co-chair of the DPH Membership Committee at michael@hawaiidemocrats.org.
     Regarding the Party-run Presidential Primary on April 4, there will be walk-in voting and ballot drop-off sites throughout the state. To vote, one must be a registered voter in the State of Hawaiʻi and an enrolled member of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.
     All new members who have registered to vote with the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Elections and enrolled with the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi after March 8, will not receive a mailed ballot but are welcome to cast their vote as walk-ins. Voter Registration and Party Enrollment is available through 3 p.m. on April 4, for purposes of voting in the PPP. Members who were mailed ballots are encouraged to mail in their ballots but will also be able to drop off their completed ballots at any of the 21 sites. On April 4, the sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All mailed ballots or dropped off ballots must be received by 3 p.m. April 4th. All members in line at 3 p.m., and no later than 3 p.m., will be permitted to vote. Location in Kaʻū is Ocean View Community Center.
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ATTEND KAʻŪ CHAPTER HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNION UNITED MEETING March 5, 4:30 p.m., at Ka Lae Coffee located on South Point Road in Nāʻālehu. The meeting will include a potluck. Attendees are asked to help make this a waste free event by bringing their own plate and utensils.
     The agenda will include steps in electing the board, along with networking and making new connections.
     Info on new digital membership cards that can be accessed on your smartphones will be sent out in the next newsletter.
     Matt Drayer, Kaʻū Chapter Interim President, wrote, "We are excited to see you all and move forward with the Kaʻū chapter, further strengthening and empowering each other as farmers and farm supporters! Please bring anyone along with you that you believe would find interest in HFUU. Join us so that we may 'grow' together."

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AERIAL INSPECTIONS of Hawaiian Electric major overhead transmission lines can be expected from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exact times and routes will depend on weather conditions. Inspections will be conducted in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter and require the aircraft to fly low and slow which may cause some noise disturbances.
     Hawaiian Electric apologizes for any disruption this may cause and sincerely thanks the community for their cooperation and understanding. If there are any questions or concerns, please call 969-6666.

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Download Born of Fire, Born of the Sea. HVO Video
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK MONTHLY EVENTS continue to share Hawaiian culture, stewardship programs, and opportunities to explore the Kahuku Unit throughout March 2020. The activities are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association:
     Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation, March 26 to June 30. The visitor center will remain open. Park films, including Born of Fire, Born of the Sea, will not be shown. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will continue to be shown on a television in the exhibits area, and is available online for free download.
     Legacy of Magic in Hawai‘i, Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Some of the world's most famous touring magicians traveled the world by steamship and performed in Hawai‘i. Some made Hawai‘i their home, and their legacy lives on today in local talented magicians, slight-of-hand artist,s and other performers. Join local award-winning magicians Bruce and Jennifer Meyers for an evening of history, mystery, and magic. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
Michelle Wall-O'Connor gives a lomilomi demonstration
at the Park's annual cultural festival in 2017. NPS photo
     Lomilomi Demonstration, Wednesday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Lomilomi is a style of massage that incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha, which means to love, unify and breathe. Michelle Wall-O'Conner demonstrates the important spiritual components of lomilomi to promote personal harmony. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops.
     The Third Voyage of Captain James Cook, Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Captain James Cook once wrote that he intended to go not only "farther than any man has been before me, but as far as I think it is possible for a man to go." Join local guide and historian Rob Kitsell as he looks closer at the man who was Captain James Cook, and the fateful third voyage when Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay, February 14, 1779. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
     Pū‘ohe Demonstration, Wednesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. The pū‘ohe is a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet with a deep sound somewhat like a conch shell. Like other native instruments, it takes the spirit breath to produce the proper sound. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help you make your own pū‘ohe. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops.
1776 painting of Capt. James Cook 
by Sir Nathaniel Dance Holland
     Stewardship at the Summit, March 7 and 14, Saturday, and Friday, March 20 and 27, 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
     A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tuesday, March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Each performance is about an hour. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar will take you on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. You'll learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up your free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center's front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN).
     Explore Kahuku, Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a self-guided hike, or join rangers on weekends for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.

Iilewa Fountain #1 from the air looking north on March 21, 1955
USGS photo
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KĪLAUEA'S 1955 LOWER EAST RIFT ZONE ERUPTION is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
     Feb. 28, 2020, marks the 65th anniversary of Kīlauea Volcano's 1955 lower East Rift Zone eruption. In recognition of this historic event, we look back at the eruption and compare it to what happened in 2018.
     Increased seismic activity and ground deformation began at Kīlauea's summit in January 1953. Despite a short (4-day) summit eruption in May 1954, the summit continued to pressurize, and by August 1954, summit inflation was at its highest levels since 1924.
A glowing pit crater from the air on March 21, 1955. USGS photo
     Following two large earthquakes in the south Puna District in March 1954, HVO deployed a seismograph at Pāhoa School to monitor increased seismic activity in the region. Months later, that seismic station began recording many small earthquake swarms near the town of Pāhoa.
     By Feb. 24, 1955, the Pāhoa seismograph was recording 130 earthquakes a day. That daily number quickly rose to 700 earthquakes just three days later, and HVO scientists thought an eruption in the area was imminent.
     Lava erupted from the first LERZ fissure near Pu‘uhonua‘ula at 8:00 a.m. local time on Feb. 28. Fourteen additional fissures then opened down-rift of the first. By the time the eruption waned on the morning of March 7, several lava flows had crossed Highways 132 and 137, as well as the Pāhoa-Pohoiki road, isolating Kapoho Village.
     The eruption paused for six days, and then a new fissure opened approximately 3 km (1.8 mi) up-rift, near Kali‘u, on the evening of March 12. An additional eight fissures opened along this up-rift trend.
A map of the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano showing the fissures and flow fields from the 1955 (blue) 
and 2018 (pink) eruptions. Portions of the 1955 lava flows that were covered during the 2018 eruption, 
are represented with a blue outline. USGS map
     The 1955 eruption abruptly ended on May 26 around 11:15 a.m., following the sudden termination of seismic tremor. Overall, nearly 2 km (1.2 miles) of Highway 130 were cut by lava flows. Three lava lobes reached the ocean, covering sections of Highway 137 and cutting access to Kalapana in the process.
     So how do the events of Kīlauea Volcano's 1955 LERZ eruption compare with its 2018 LERZ eruption?
Fountains, fissures, and flow near Pohoiki Road on February 28, 1955
Photo by George Ruhle courtesy of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
     The 1955 eruption lasted 88 days, with a brief (6-day) pause in activity after the first week. An additional two-week pause occurred in April, during which the coastal road to Kalapana was reopened. The eruption then resumed for another month, producing intermittent lava fountains up to 60 m (200 ft) high from several vents. During this renewed activity, lava ponded between two of the fissures. The lava pond eventually spilled over, producing multiple flows that crossed Highway 130 again, but stopped short of crossing Highway 137 and isolating Kalapana for a second time.
     Kīlauea's 2018 LERZ eruption lasted 124 days. It also paused briefly for several days soon after the eruption started, with a longer pause of approximately two weeks near the end of the eruption. However, the lava activity that resumed within the fissure 8 cone in 2018 was weak and lasted only about five days before ceasing.
Looking north along the broad fissure 8 channel. At its widest section,
 the channel is about 430 meters (1400 feet wide). Highway 132 (upper
 right) can be seen cutting through the braided section
of the channel. USGS photo by M. Zoeller
     Both eruptions opened 24 fissures that erupted lava. But, the estimated volume of lava erupted in 2018 was roughly seven times greater than that erupted in 1955.
     The 1955 lava flows covered about 15.8 sq km (6.1 square miles) of land, burying around 10.1 km (6.3 mi) of roads and destroying 21 homes. In 2018, lava flows covered about 35.5 sq km (13.7 square miles) of land, burying 48.3 km (30 mi) of roads and destroying 723 structures.
     In 1955, HVO's monitoring network on Kīlauea was sparse, but tilt measurements on the north rim of Kīlauea Crater recorded subsidence at the summit of the volcano. This subsidence, a result of the 1955 LERZ eruption, must have been more than 0.5 m (1.4 ft).
     Prior to the 2018 LERZ eruption, a 10-year-long eruption persisted in Halema‘uma‘u, a crater within the caldera atop Kīlauea. This 2008–2018 eruption ended when magma drained from the summit magma reservoir in response to the LERZ eruption, which led to caldera collapses. The maximum subsidence recorded at Kīlauea's summit in 2018 exceeded 500 m (1600 ft).
     Summit and rift zone eruptions are common in Kīlauea Volcano's geologic history. Per the guiding geologic principle that "the past is the key to the future," the 1955 LERZ eruption helped HVO scientists better understand the 2018 LERZ eruption. In turn, what we learned in 2018 will help us better understand future Kīlauea LERZ eruptions.
Fountains near Halekamahina on March 4, 1955. USGS photo
     Volcano Activity Updates
     Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMALKīlauea monitoring data over the past month showed no significant changes. Rates of seismicity were variable but within long-term values. Sulfur dioxide emission rates were low at the summit and below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the lower East Rift Zone. The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continued 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 80 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded beneath the upper elevations of Mauna Loa; the strongest was a M2.9 quake on Feb. 27. Deformation indicates continued slow summit inflation. Fumarole temperature and gas concentrations on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable.
     No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands this past week.
     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.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.

Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m., @Waiakea
Wednesday, March 11, 3 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m., host Kealakehe
Tuesday, March 17, 3 p.m., host Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m., @Keaʻau
Boys Baseball
Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m., host HPA
Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m.. @Waiakea
Tuesday, March 10, 1 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m., host Kealakehe
Wednesday, March 18, 3 p.m., @Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 1 p.m., @Keaʻau
Boys Volleyball
Wednesday, March, 6 p.m., @Hilo
Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m., host Makualani
Friday, March 13, 6 p.m., host Konawaena
Judo
Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30 a.m., @Kealakehe
Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.. @Kealakehe
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m., @Hilo
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m., @Konawaena
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena

UPCOMING
SATURDAY, FEB. 29
Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, Feb. 29 and March 28, 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., orientation included. Register at oceancount.org. Locations in Kaʻū are: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.

Mixed Media Photo Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m. The class is slated for beginner to intermediate students. volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, MARCH 2
Girl's Day Headband Craft Registration Deadline, Monday, March 2. Program Tuesday, March 3, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Kahuku Park in HOVE. Ages 6 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 929-9113

Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, and 23, 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi offers sliding-fee payment scale sessions with experienced Licensed Massage Therapist and lomilomi practitioner Lehua Hobbs. "Improve circulation, alleviate muscle pain, and improve your overall well-being." Call for appointment, 808-969-9220.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3
Butterfly Art Project Registration Deadline, Tuesday, March 3. Program Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym. Ages 5 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102

Byron Haynie Live Country Music, Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. No cover charge. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8365

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
Registration for Fundamental Baseball, through March 4 at Nāʻālehu Community Center, 95-5635 Mamālahoa Hwy. Ages 5 to 8. Program runs Thursday, March 5, 12, and 19, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Shoes, gloves, and protective cups required. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 939-2510

OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

Wonders of Watercolor Workshop Series with Nancy DeLucrezia, Wednesdays, March 4 through April 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eight-week course designed for artists already working in watercolor who want to benefit from constructive feedback, and sharing of ideas and information, provided by group classes, to take work to a new level. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

THURSDAY, MARCH 5
Register for Free PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

Hula Voices, Thursday, March 5, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., VAC Gallery. Presents engaging, intimate "talk story" session with Hawai‘i Island kumu hula. Features Noe Noe Kekaualua. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Eco-Tour at Shaka Forest Farms with Zach Mermel, Friday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

ONGOING
Purchase Tickets for Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, Sunday March 8, 6:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House. The concert will feature music that will celebrate native plants of the Kaʻū Dryland Forest and will raise funds for Hoʻomalu Kaʻū. Tickets are $30, available at kauconcert.bpt.me. See himusicfestival.com for more.
     Performers are Maya Hoover, Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Jonathan Korth, Hawaiʻi based Pianist and Professor at UH-Mānoa; and Joshua Nakazawa, Cellist from Hawaiʻi Symphony. They will be joined by the three HIMF co-founders: Amy Shoremount-Obra, Internationally Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Soprano; Eric Silberger, Internationally Acclaimed Prize-Winning Virutuoso Violinist; and Carlin Ma, Multi-Media Artist and Pianist.

Sign Up to Be a Vendor at the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar by Wednesday, March 18. The annual event will be held Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located on the corner of Mamalahoa HwyKamaoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu.
     Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be vendors at the "flea market" that will be located on the church lawn. The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods or plate lunches.  
     Vendors must fill out and submit a Vendor Application with the $10 fee by Wednesday, March 18. Call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-8039 for the application.
     The Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and smoked meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.
     For more information, call 928-8039.

Sign Up Keiki for the Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, to be held Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center. Open to young entrepreneurs ages seven and 18 to share their talents by selling handmade items and services. One application may be submitted for each business. Children can sign up for booth space at no charge. Children working as a group submit one application that includes each child's information; no more than three children per business.
     Kaʻū Children's Business Fair guidelines are designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents of younger children (under eight years old) may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. Parents may aid a child, but the child runs the business.
    Learn more about participating at childrensbusinessfair.org/pahala. Visit Kaʻū Children's Business Fair's Facebook event page facebook.com/KAUCBF/. RSVP to the event at facebook.com/events/925342784527676/. Text KAUKIDSFAIR to 31996 for updates and information (message and data fees may apply).

Register for Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited.
     This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes. Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.

Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
     Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration.  Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
     Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
     Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org

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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