Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Captain Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa (left) and James Akau (right) on The Golden Rule, after sailing her from
Kauaʻi to Honolulu before her peace mission to the Marshall Islands and on to Japan for the 75th anniversary
of the nuclear bombing at Hiroshima. Photo from The Golden Rule Project

KAʻŪ CREW MEMBERS SAILED ON THE GOLDEN RULE from Kauaʻi to Oʻahu in under 18 hours, leaving Nawiliwili on News Years Day and arriving at Ala Wai Boat Harbor on Jan. 2. Fourth generation canoe builder Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa of Honuʻapo, captained the voyage, joined by Pāhala waterman James Akau,
     The 30-foot wooden sail boat is on a short break from its anti-nuclear warfare mission. The vessel and a varied crew sailed throughout the Hawaiian Islands in recent months, spreading the anti-nuclear message of The Golden Rule Project, a mission of national organization Veterans For Peace. See more at vfpgoldenruleproject.org. 

The Golden Rule, in Ala Wai slip 638.
Photo from The Golden Rule Project

      In September of 2019, Akau sailed The Golden Rule from Hilo to Maʻalea, Maui, where the crew was greeted by grateful Marshall Islanders whose home islands were desecrated by nuclear weapons testing generations ago.
     Following the passage from Kauaʻi to Honolulu, The Golden Rule rests in Ala Wai Boat Harbor slip 638 for repairs, slated for Friday through Monday, Feb. 7-10. After repairs, The Golden Rule Project plans to sail the boat to the Marshall Islands, Guam, Okinawa, and South Korea, with arrival in Japan by August for the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima.
     Johnston-Kitazawa is a well-known canoe builder, sailor, and educator. He shares his perspective on sailing and building iconic Hawaiian canoes. One of his frequently used visual aids is a 28-foot double-hulled canoe, called a waʻa kaulua. The canoe was built in 1993 from two hulls crafted in the 1950's. He added the wooden ʻiako (crossbeams) and planks to form the pola (platform) between the two canoe hulls. He then lashed all these parts together using traditional Hawaiian methods: rope. He also added a mast and sail to the platform. No nails, bolts, or screws were used in its construction, though dacron sail cloth is used for the sail. Ten people can sit comfortably in the two canoe hulls and paddle the sailing canoe, which can reach speeds of up to 21 knots.
     Johnston-Kitazawa details the different styles of canoes and explains when and why each were used throughout Hawaiʻi's history. Polynesians who originally settled the island, possibly first landing in Punaluʻu, arrived by canoe. For island life, canoes were essential for fishing and trading, and for wars and unifying the islands.

Capt. Kiko, showing rowing techniques aboard a Hawaiian canoe.

      Capt. Kiko, as he is known in the community, was born on Oʻahu. His family moved to Hilo when he was about five years old. He raised his two sons in Kaʻū, as a longtime resident and boatbuilder at Punaluʻu, while his wife Margaret Johnston-Kitazawa served as the physician at Kaʻū Hospital.
     Concerning his boatbuilding passion, he told The Kaʻū Calendar that he remembers reading a book at seven years old, in the Hilo Boys Club Library: Kodoku, Sailing Alone Across the Pacific by Kenichi Horie.      
     Johnston-Kitazawa owned his first sailboat at age 14 and his first captain's license at age 18. At 14, he sailed on a 40-foot catamaran from Hawaiʻi to Victoria, British Columbia. He has since sailed from Hawaiʻi to Canada and California three times – a journey not favored by prevailing winds.
       He has built and sailed traditional Hawaiian canoes in Hawaiʻi for more than 30 years. He teaches sailing and navigation on his canoes to many school children, classroom most often in Hilo Bay. He also teaches Hawaiian boat building to those interested in learning. Over the years, many people have stopped by his canoe at many community events for his expert instruction and hands-on experience in building boats and lashing canoes.

Capt. Kiko, working on a canoe.

      For more information on his canoe excursions, open to the public, out of Hilo Bay, go to Captain Kiko's web page, waakaulua.com/index.htm.

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POLICE ARRESTED 23 FOR DUI IN KAʻŪ IN 2019 and the same in 2018, according to statistics issued by Hawaiʻi Police Department today. During 2019, police arrested 1,085 islandwide, for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. In 2018, police arrested 1,095 for DUI.
     The numbers of DUI arrests by district show that in North Hilo police arrested four in 2019 and four in 2018. Was the only place where DUI’s increased, with 178 in 2018, and 219 in 2019.

     Of the 1,085 island wide arrests for DUI in 2019, 233 were in traffic accidents, an increase of 42.9 percent from 2018 when police arrested 163 drivers for DUI after accidents.
     In 2019, major accidents decreased 13.5 percent to 983, from 1,137 in 2018. 

     In 2019, fatal crashes totaled 25 on Hawaiʻi Island, compared with 30 fatal crashes (one with multiple deaths) resulting in 32 fatalities recorded in 2018.

     Impairment was a factor in 12 island traffic fatalities in 2019. Of those, four involved alcohol only, seven involved drugs only, and one involved both alcohol and drugs. Those totals may increase due to pending toxicology reports.

     In 2019, police arrested 65 drivers under the age of 21 for DUI, compared to 54 in 2018, an increase of 20.4 percent.

     HPD warns: DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.

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KAʻŪ IS UNDER A FLASH FLOOD WATCH Thursday through Saturday evening, as is all of Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. An unstable airmass will bring increased shower activity, reports the National Weather Service. Windward areas will be most susceptible to flooding. Caution is recommended for all due to possible impassable roadways, and debris clogging streams and gulches. Continuing strong winds causing falling tree branches, and high surf and small craft advisories, are of special concern for east-facing shores of Kaʻū through Friday, Jan. 10.

     According to weather.com, winds in Kaʻū will stay above 20 mph through the end of next week. People are also urged to be cautious about roof shingles and danger in driving high-profile vehicles. Expect power outages.

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SIGN WAVING FOR PEACE and against a war with Iran will be held Thursday, Jan. 9 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway and South Point Road. Kaʻū Voices, an informal group of Kaʻū residents affiliated with Indivisible - a national group that takes "actions to resist the GOPs agenda, elect local champions, and fight for progressive policies," according to their website - is sponsoring this event. All are invited to participate in this demonstration for peace. Signs will be provided, or participants may bring their own.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUTH SPORT SPECIALIZATION SAFETY is addressed by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, promoted by Kaʻū High Athletics. The guidelines are meant to "help reduce the risk of injury related to sport specialization and to keep (school-aged youth) athletes safe, healthy, and in the game," according to NATA. The guidelines include:

     Delay specializing in a single sport for as long as possible. Specializing is defined as training and/or participating in one sport year-round.

     Play on one team at a time. NATA recommends youth athletes play only one sport per season.

     Participate for less than eight months per year in a single sport.

     Keep sports training and/or participation to less than the age in years of the youth to hours in the week (e.g.: a 15-year-old should not play organized sports for more than 15 hours in a week).

     Take a minimum of tow days off from organized sports per week.

     Rest and recover from each sports' season before starting a new sport.

     See the infographic for more details, right.

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Kaʻū Trojans Girls Soccer team went up against the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy's Ka Makani (the wind) 

yesterday in Waimea. Photo from Kaʻū Athletics

MONDAY'S GIRLS SOCCER GAME ENDED IN A TKO – The Trojans ladies traveled north to Kamuela where Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy scored 12 points. With Kaʻū at zero, the referees shut down the game in Waimea.

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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.

Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball

Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala

Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa

Tue., Jan. 14 host Konawaena

Boys Basketball

Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena

Mon., Jan. 13 host Hilo

Wed., Jan. 15 host Kealakehe

Soccer

Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm

Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa

Wed., Jan. 15 @Konawaena

Wrestling

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe

Sat., Jan. 18 @HPA

Swimming

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center

Sat., Jan. 18 @Kamehameha

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, JAN. 7

Hawai‘i County Council Committee Mtgs., Tuesday, Jan. 7 (Hilo) and 21 (Kona) – second and fourth Tuesday, monthly. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Bookstore and Thrift Shop, Tuesday-Saturday, 8-11:30a.m., and Sunday, 6:30-10a.m., weekly, Cooper Center in Volcano. Shop, donate, or both. thecoopercenter.org

Blended Learning Computer Class, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – every Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly – 8a.m.-3p.m., St. Jude's computer lab. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Yoga Class, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 – every Tuesday, monthly – 9:30-10:30a.m., PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 0-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can - supplies limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 10a.m., noon, and 2p.m. One hour performance includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist and founder of Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, Dr. Jaggar, to life. Space limited; pick up free tickets at Visitor Center's front desk day of program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network. Free; Park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Levels One, Two, and Three will be taught on Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4 at Volcano Art Center by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. Each levels costs  $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. No text books are required. There will be no classes Jan. 24 and 31. volcanoartcenter.org
      Level One, from 4-5p.m., focuses on vocabulary, counting, simple conversation, grammar, and sentence structures.
     Level 2, 5-6:30p.m., focuses on expanding vocabulary, using longer snippets of conversation, and understanding how repeating Hawaiian word and phrase patterns can be used to communicate using many types of sentences. Class taught using Hawaiian as language of instruction about 10% of the time to help with listening comprehension.

     Level 3, 6:30-8p.m., is taught over 50 percent in the Hawaiian language to increase comprehension and to "immerse" the student. Class is ideal for teachers, cultural practitioners, and those with the goal of using Hawaiian language on a daily basis.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Jan. 7– 1st Tuesday, monthly – 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park - Transitions: What's Next for HVO and the Volcanoes it Monitors?, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Tina Neal, Scientist-in-Charge of HVO, describes the current status of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and what might be coming next, and gives update on HVO's new volcano observatory. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8

Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Wednesday, Jan. 8 (Hilo) and 22 (Kona) – second and fourth Wednesday, monthly. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

ʻAi Pono: Healthy Hawaiian Foods, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. ‘Anake (Aunty) Edna Baldado discusses eating and living healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (the staple food of Hawaiians), ‘uala (sweet potato), and ‘ulu (breadfruit). Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Restoring Hope Group, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – every Wednesday, monthly – 4-6p.m., PARENTS Inc. Office, Nā‘ālehu. For families with keiki ages ages 3-17. Free, dinner included. Registration required. For more info, 333-3460

THURSDAY, JAN. 9

A Walk Through Kīlauea Volcano's Summit History, Thursday, Jan. 9, Friday, Jan. 17, Wednesday, Jan. 22, Saturday, Jan. 25, 8-10a.m., Devastation Trail Parking Lot. Join USGS HVO scientist emeritus Don Swanson on a two-hour walk. Learn about the past 500 years of Kīlauea Volcano's history. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Beginning Improv for Adults, Thursday, Jan. 9 through Feb. 13, 1-3p.m. Learn to live more in the moment, think on your feet, let go of self-judgment, bring more joy in your life, and recapture your playful spirit in the 6-week workshop series with improv legend Keli Semelsberger. Attendance to all 6 classes is not required – classes may be attended individually. No prior experience is necessary. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Jan. 9 – second Thursday, monthly – 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JAN. 10

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Jan. 10 – second Friday, monthly –  9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, JAN. 11
Nā Mamo o Kāwā Community Access Day, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – gates open 6a.m.-6p.m., Kāwā. All cars must park at end of road fronting Kāwā Flats. Dogs must be on leash. No driving through fish pond. 557-1433, nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Swap Meet, Saturday, Jan. 11 and 25 – second and fourth Saturday, monthly – 8-12:30p.m., Cooper Center in Volcano. thecoopercenter.org

Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning Exhibit, Saturday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 16, daily, 9a.m.-5p.m. Volcano Art Gallery features works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins. Join the artists for an opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 7p.m. Live woodturning demonstration will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 11a.m.-2p.m. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Stained Glass Basics I with Claudia McCall, Saturday, Jan. 11, 18, and 25, 9a.m.-1p.m. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Second Saturday in Volcano Village, Saturday, Jan. 11 - second Saturday, monthly - 10a.m.-4p.m. Each month, the entire Volcano area hosts a wide array of entertaining, engaging, educational, and delicious activities from  Free family fun, open to the public. For more details and information, call (808)985-8979 or visit experiencevolcano.com, volcanogardenarts.com, or cafeono.net.

Hike the Path on Mauna Loa's 1868 Lava Flow, Saturday, Jan. 11, 10a.m.-1p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. RCUH-HVO geologists Katie Mulliken and Lil DeSmither lead this guided hike along the Pu‘u o Lokuana trail. Free; bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle Embedded: It Grows Like Coral!, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 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

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Kapuaikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a Nā Kumu Pelehonuamea Harman & Kekoa Harman with Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo and Nā Mea Hula with Loke Kamanu & ʻOhana, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Hula Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

House Concert and Silent Auction Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Fundraiser, Saturday, Jan. 11, 6-9p.m., 19-3938 Keonelehua Ave. off Wright Rd in Volcano Village. Parking available but carpooling from Cooper Center advised.

     Entertainment will include Americana and World Music by Anomaly, Virtuoso Guitarist and Violinist, Lauren and Loren. $20 suggested donation includes heavy pūpū and refreshments, BYOB. Tickets available hawaiicountydemocrats.org/bw2020. For further information contact Ann Oshiro-Kauwe, 808-282-3107.

Sounds at the Summit: Muriel Anderson Live in Concert, Saturday, Jan. 11, 6:30p.m. The guitarist/harp-guitarist leads a journey in music and stories, with a backdrop of visuals artfully compiled by award-winning photo-artist, Bryan Allen. Tickets available online or at any VAC location. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Girls Night Out Band, Saturday, Jan. 11, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge, free to in-house guests. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 12

Puʻu o Lukuana, Sunday, Jan. 12, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, .4 mile hike. Bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo

Sunday Walk in the Park: Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, Sunday, Jan. 12 – second Saturday, monthly – 10a.m.-noon, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate 1.6 mile round trip hike. Free for members. Register online. Park entrance fees apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Jan. 12 and 26 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, JAN. 14

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesday, Jan. 14 and 28 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Empower Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 14 and 28 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Jan. 14 – second Tuesday, Monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park – What's Happening at Kīlauea Volcano's Summit?, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. What are the potential hazards at Kīlauea’s summit? Could explosive activity return? What is known about the water lake? How is it monitored? Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists Matt Patrick and Tricia Nadeau as they answer these questions and more. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Deadline to Sign Up for Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū is Friday, Jan. 10. Classes run Thursday afternoons, 1-3:30p.m., Jan. 16 through Feb 20, at Kaʻū Resource Center, 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pāhala. The free class series on Chronic Kidney Disease is lead by retired kidney doctor Ramona Wong. Bring a pen and whomever cares/cooks/shops for the person(s) with CKD. Enroll online at alohakidney.com or call (808) 585-8404.

Apply for Mosaics of Science by Monday, Feb. 3. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's 12-week paid summer internship position is designed to engage university students and recent graduates with on-the-ground work experience in the National Park Service. A $4,800 stipend, and all travel costs are covered, including a week-long career workshop in Washington,  D.C. to meet with NPS managers.

     The internship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents ages 18-30, and to military veterans up to age 35. Funding is provided under a cooperative agreement for youth conservation activities as part of the Public Lands Corps program, which mandates that these age ranges are followed. 

     The selected intern will assist with the development of education curriculum for Kīpukapuaulu and Pu‘u Loa trails in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     For more information, contact Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Education Specialist Jody Anastasio by email at jody_anastasio@nps.gov. To apply go to go.nps.gov/mosaics or mosaicsinscience.org.

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.

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