Friday, March 13, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, March 13, 2020

Second Saturday in Volcano Village offers a wide variety of entertaining, engaging, educational, and delicious 
activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See details, below. Photo from Volcano Garden Arts
VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES WILL OFFER HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES. Beginning in the 2020-21 school year, the Hawaiian-focused public charter school will accept ninth and tenth grade students, in addition to Pre-K through eighth grade, with a free, cultural- and placed-based educational opportunity. 
     Chris King-Gates, Vice Principal and High School Exploratory and Planning Committee Chair said, "The high school will perpetuate Hawaiian cultural practices and knowledge through hands-on, experiential, and project-based learning." The high school will start with 20 to 25 ninth and tenth graders, and will add 11th and 12th grades in following years, with an anticipated 60 students at full enrollment.
VSAS students helping clear marine debris during a Ka Lae cleanup. 
Photo from VSAS
     Courses will earn credits in accordance with Hawaiʻi Board of Education policy for graduation requirements. Students will meet the majority of high school graduation requirements through projects and stand-alone courses through the statewide E-School program. Students will also have the opportunity to do Directed Studies, enabling them to pursue an area of interest or advanced studies. Projects will focus on sustainability and civic action, including restoring important ecological and cultural sites; increasing local food production through gardening, permaculture, and agroforestry; and engaging in civic action initiatives.
     In addition to the Campus program, the school is offering ninth and tenth grades its Kula ʻAmakihi Community-Based Education program, in which students complete the majority of their course work at home on a flexible schedule.
     Lead Teacher Manu Goodhue said, "We aim to provide an educational option that does not currently exist in our area. This is a small, project-based school in which students are engaged in study, collaboration, and action to help address meaningful, real world problems and needs."
     Volcano School developed the program with assistance from the West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy Public Charter School in Kailua-Kona. VSAS Principal Kalima Kinney said, "We're so grateful for WHEA's partnership in sharing resources and helping us adapt their successful model to our Hawaiian-focused, place-based mission. We are pleased to be able to respond to the needs of our families and community, not just from Volcano but from communities throughout Kaʻū and Puna. We have so few options for high school in our remote rural area. Parents and students have been asking for a Volcano School High School since the school’s inception in 2001."
     Founding teacher Star Carlin said, "A high school at Volcano has been a dream since the beginning."
     Board member Jodie Rosam added, "I am so proud to be a part of this movement!"
     To inquire about enrollment or how to get involved in VSAS High School, contact 808-985-9800, visit the school website, or email info@volcanoschool.net.
     The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences is a Hawaiian-focused public charter school dedicated to the mission of learning through Volcano's unique natural and cultural resources to become creative global citizens.

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Watch a video of how fast a screening is outside Hilo Medical Center.
KAʻŪ HOSPITAL ENACTS NEW RESTRICTIONS AND SCREENINGS in response to the COVID-19 threat. East Hawaiʻi Regional Chief Information Officer Kris Wilson said patients, visitors, and employees entering the hospital will be verbally asked about having fever, cough, or congestion. Those who have symptoms will have their temperatures taken. These steps are also being taken at Hilo Medical Center, Hale Hoʻola Hamakua, and HMC's Extended Care Facility and outpatient clinics.
     HMC Chief Medical Officer Jon Martell said anyone with a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be allowed into the facility unless they have an appointment. Those individuals will be given a mask. One visitor at a time is permitted in a patient's room, and children under 12 are not allowed to visit. Anyone who exits will have to re-enter from the main entrance. A day pass sticker will be provided, but those who don't have that pass will have to be re-screened.
     HMC spokeswoman Elena Cabatu said hospital officials want people to arrange for child care in advance of coming to HMC if possible, and urges the community to consider limiting the amount of people who come. With only one visitor allowed at a time, Cabatu said that means "a lot of people hanging out outside the main entrance," which congests the waiting area outside. She also recommends using technology, like video calling, to reach patients.
     Martell said, "I want to emphasize that we put our screening in place even before we have cases in the community, and (are) now planning next steps." Martell said HMC is "diligently working to make sure we stay one step or two steps ahead of the actual situation in our community. We want to be proactive rather than reactive, (which is) why you see this screening up already."

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The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, seen through
an electron microscope. Photo from NPR
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS IS A NATIONAL EMERGENCY, declared President Donald Trump today. He issued a National Emergency Declaration "which will enable needed resources, removes obstacles, and increases testing capacity to battle the coronavirus pandemic affecting the United States."
     Effective at midnight, foreign nationals who have been in Europe in the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States, and all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and family members returning from Europe will be subject to extra screening and 14-day self-isolation.
     There are more than 132,203 COVID-19 cases worldwide, with at least 4,700 dead. The U.S. has over 1,700 confirmed cases, with at least 50 deaths.
     The state Department of Transportation's Harbors Division reports that cargo shipping between the West Coast and Hawai`i and interisland shipping will move interrupted. Harbors will remain open to move freight.
     Department of Transportation reports that the majority of cruise ship companies are ceasing operations "for the health and safety of all concerned." See more in the article below.
     
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The second annual Ocean View Community Association Car & Bike Show is postponed. Photo by Annie Bosted
LOCAL EVENTS ARE CANCELLED all over Kaʻū in attempts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, should it be here and start to move through the community. To date, there are no confirmed cases on this island. The two on O`ahu picked up the virus outside of the state and are quarantined. Some public officials say that COVID-19 may be here but unknown, since little testing has taken place.
     The Mormon Church in Nāʻālehu is halting services, in compliance with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is suspending all worship services worldwide. In a letter to members informing them of the decision, the Utah-based faith called for a temporary suspension of all church activities until further notice.
     The Catholic Church in Pāhala, with its branch in Nāʻālehu, has stopped the sharing of communion wine served in a chalice. Participants receive the bread, representing the body of Christ, but not the wine, nor grape juice, representing Christ's blood.
     The second annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, scheduled for March 21, is cancelled. Organizer Regina Blanchard-Walker told The Kaʻū Calendar "Our number one concern is the safety and health of all vendors and the customers who would choose to support this event. We are not experiencing a 'shut down' but rather a 'set back.' We will be back and ready to support each and every one of youth in developing and showcasing their business talents! Stay healthy and safe!"
The second annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair is cancelled for this year,
but it's a "set back" rather than a "shut down." Photo by Julia Neal
     Ocean View Community Association's second Saturday Pancake Breakfast & Raffle is cancelled for March, and the annual Car & Bike show is postponed, with no future date set.
     The next two monthly Ocean View Neighborhood Watch/Block Watch meetings, on April 2 and May 7, are canceled.
     Check future Kaʻū News Briefs for more local cancellations.

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UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI HAS SUSPENDED ALL IN-PERSON CLASSES AND SPORTING EVENTS due to COVID-19 fears. UH President David Lassner made the announcement yesterday during a press conference that, while there were no confirmed cases of the virus on any campus, "to protect the health and safety of our community to the extent possible," instruction in the university system will move online as of Monday, March 23. Sporting events are "suspended indefinitely." However, campuses will remain open.
     Lassner said the decision was not made lightly, and that UH is "continuing to provide all our students with the outstanding education that characterizes the University of Hawaiʻi. The measures being put into place will also help protect our employees… If a class needs to continue to be taught face-to-face to meet learning objectives, students will be informed after approval by the campus." Students will receive directions on accessing online instruction from their respective campus in the coming week, said Lassner, and those without their own computers may use campus library and computer lab computers. "UHOIC and UH Information Technology Services will work with campus offices and others to ensure support for our students and faculty with particular needs."
UH President David Lassner at the press conference where he announced online classes and cancelled sports events
 for the university, statewide. Photo from UH
     Lassner said in-person classes are scheduled to resume Monday, April 13, but that date may change as the novel coronavirus situation changes. "UH is committed to completing the academic semester and enabling students to graduate on schedule."
     Most services on campuses will continue to be provided. University employees will continue to perform their duties, libraries will maintain regular hours, and student housing will remain open for current residents who have nowhere else to go. All student employees and graduate assistants will continue their duties as normal and will be paid accordingly.
     Lassner said UH is also restricting university travel and other events.
     UH email updates on COVID-19 will continue. Stay informed through UH System COVID-19 and UH Mānoa COVID-19 web pages. Questions? Email covid19@hawaii.edu.

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MORE CRUISE LINES CANCEL HAWAIʻI ISLAND STOPS. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. announced suspension of all cruises between March 13 and April 11. Stops through mid-April – two each in Hilo by Pride of America and by Norwegian Jewel – and two visits by Pride of America to Kona are cancelled.
Pride of America, off Kona. Small taxi boats deliver passengers to the shore
for day trips from Kona when the ship is in. All cruises are
cancelled until at least April 11 due to fears of further COVID-19
spread. Photo by WF Craf
     A statement from Frank Del Rio, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., said that even without confirmed cases, their voluntary suspension of all cruise voyages is done with "the safety, security, and well-being of our guests and crew."
     Princess Cruises stopped its service for two months earlier this week, canceling stops in Hilo and Kona. Shore excursions often include travels into Kaʻū, to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Winery, restaurants in Volcano, and Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.

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LOW-INTEREST FEDERAL DISASTER LOANS will be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to small businesses and private, nonprofit organizations in designated states and territories affected by COVID-19. The funds will come out of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, signed into law this week by President Donald Trump.
     Jane Sawyer, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Hawaii District Office, told Pacific Business News, "The economic injury disaster loan is not for improvements or anything else like that. It really is to help a small business survive the impact of this unforeseen condition that is going to negatively impact our economy. If you have a small hotel or were you doing conferences, or filming something and these things have been canceled and it's impacting your bottom line — that's what these loans are for. [The SBA Hawaiʻi district office] is having meetings with our partners about how we will move forward in the next month, and we're also working on getting the information out to small businesses to take care of their customers, take care of their staff and keep their business going."
     Sawyer told PBN that, in order to prepare to apply for one of the economic injury loans, her advice to small businesses is to start pulling documentation together, as businesses will need to show how the coronavirus has directly affected their income.
     SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza said the SBA will work directly with state governors to "provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the situation. Additionally, the SBA continues to assist small businesses with counseling and navigating their own preparedness plans through our network of 68 District Offices and numerous Resource Partners located around the country. The SBA will continue to provide every small business with the most effective and customer-focused response possible during these times of uncertainty."
     For more information on what SBA is doing and/or to apply for a low-interest economic injury loan, click here.

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Jake P. Branch
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE is requested by Hawaiʻi police in the search for Jake Branch, a 35-year-old male who frequents the Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, and Ocean View areas. Branch is wanted on multiple outstanding Criminal Contempt Bench Warrants, BOLO's for Resist Order to Stop, Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving Damage to a Vehicle.
     Branch is described as being 6-feet 3-inches, approximately 285 pounds, with long brown hair. Branch is known to operate a black Yamaha FJ 1300cc motorcycle with unknown plates.
     Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Officer Jeremiah Hull at (808) 747-3591 or at the police non-emergency number, (808) 935-3311.

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MIRANDA'S FARMS is opening a new store and coffee shop. The grand opening will be held tomorrow, Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the mauka side of Hwy 11 between South Point Road and the Kahuku Section of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event will feature music and hula, ribbon cutting, tacos, tamales, Miranda Kaʻū Coffee, and cake.
     The new store will be operated by the Miranda family of Kaʻū Coffee fame, Berta and Jose Miranda, along with former Miss Kaʻū Coffee Maria Miranda, and their family team. Their coffee was the spotlight of a recent promotion in stores in Taiwan and has been an award winning coffee in Hawaiʻi for years. See mirandasfarms.com.
The new Miranda's Farms Kaʻū Coffee store and shop has its grand opening tomorrow. Photo from Miranda's Farms 
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SECOND SATURDAY IN VOLCANO VILLAGE happens tomorrow, Saturday, March 14. Each month, the entire Volcano area hosts a wide array of entertaining, engaging, educational, and delicious activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free family fun, open to the public.
     Sponsored by Experience Volcano Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the monthly showcases the variety of activities available in Volcano. Lava Rock Cafe, Kīlauea Lodge, Volcano Winery, Akasuka Orchid Gardens, and other businesses will have specials and art demonstrations can be found throughout the village.
     For more details and information, call (808) 985-8979 or visit experiencevolcano.com.

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MACADAMIA NUT GROWERS are invited to learn about orchard management through an on-farm educational series from Hawaiʻi Macadamia Nut Association. Workshops on Macadamia Tree Grafting and Nursery Management will be held Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to noon at MacFarms in Captain Cook and on Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to noon at Island Harvest in Hāwī. A workshop on Macadamia Orchard Nutrient Management will be held Thursday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kaʻū Coffee Mill in Pāhala.
     Participants of the grafting and nursery event will have the chance to graft their own seedling and tour a commercial orchard's nursery. Participants of the nutrient management class will meet Peter Bunn of Crop Nutrient Solutions, Inc. He will instruct growers how to improve their fertility management practices, take samples, and address orchard nutrient issues.
     Free; registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/macadamia-orchard-workshops-tickets-95433268475 as space is limited to 25 people per class. These workshops are co-sponsored with the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

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.

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.

All Kaʻū High School and other public school sporting events are canceled until further notice, including:
Girls Softball Cancelled
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
Boys Baseball Cancelled
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
Boys Volleyball Cancelled
Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m., host Kamehameha
Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m., @Kohala
Judo Cancelled
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m., @Hilo
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m., @Waiakea
Track Cancelled
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

UPCOMING
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Stewardship at the Summit, March 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.

Kaʻū Plantation Days, Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nāʻālehu Community Center. Organized by Kaʻū Multicultural Society. Marlene Hapai, 808-557-4540

Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Zentangle: Enso Circle Techniques with Lois & Earl Stokes, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Second Saturday in Volcano Village, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monthly event showcases business throughout the village. Volcano Garden Arts will hold self guided "Secret Garden" tours of its famous gardens, with 10% off in the art gallery, which showcases the works of many local artists. Special menu selections will be featured at Café ʻOno, serving lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Mondays. experiencevolcano.comvolcanogardenarts.comcafeono.net, 808-985-8979

Miranda's Grand Opening of New Kaʻū Coffee Store, Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the mauka side of Hwy 11 between South Point Road and the Kahuku Section of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event will feature music and hula, ribbon cutting, tacos, tamales, Miranda Kaʻū Coffee, and cake. mirandasfarms.com

MONDAY, MARCH 16
Spring Break, Monday through Friday, March 16 thorough 20.

Fix-A-Leak Week will be held March 16 through 22. Pick up free leak detection tablets, one pack per household, at the county Department of Water Supply base in Waiʻōhinu, 95-6041 Māmalahoa Hwy. Additional detection and water conservation tips are available at epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week and hawaiidws.org.

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.

Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Mondays, March 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 17
St. Patrick's Day Buffet, Tuesday, March 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. $24.95 Adults, $13.95 children 6 to11 years old. In-house guests & military ID holders, 20% discoun. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8356

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
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.

Sign Up to Be a Vendor at the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar by Wednesday, March 18. Event is Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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.

S.T.E.M. Family Night be held at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room on Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Deadline to register at bit.ly/2Trk8N8 is Wednesday, March 18. For students in Kindergarten through 6th grade and their families, this event will allow exploration of science, technology, engineering and math in an interactive and engaging environment.

     A light dinner and refreshments will be served. Contact Jen Makuakane at 808-313-4100 for more.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Stewardship at the Summit, 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.

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

Check Out Nāʻālehu Elementary Student Artwork from the 32nd Annual Young At Art Juried Exhibit through Friday, March 27 at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in downtown Hilo. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Prince Kuhio Hoʻolauleʻa will be held Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nāʻālehu County Park. Reborn after a 20-year hiatus through the efforts of local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū, the event will feature Hawaiian music and cultural demos, hula, crafts, food, and more. The drug- and alcohol-free event will offer entertainment with live entertainment from Gene Akamu and G2G, Uncle Sonny & Bro Tui, Braddah Ben, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and more. Local personality Kurt Dela Cruz will emcee, and several lucky number prizes will be announced throughout the day.
     Hawaiian culture demos and activities, showcasing cultural knowledge of Kaʻū people and those tied to the area, include lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, waʻa kaulua (double-hull canoe) tours, kākau (tattoo) artistry, ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamps), traditional Hawaiian games, and more.
     Travel through time by walking through a photo exhibit showcasing the history of Kaʻū, set-up within the Nāʻālehu Community Center. Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū representatives said they intend this to be like a visit to a mini version of their proposed Kaʻū Hawaiian Cultural Center, which has been their goal for the last 20 years. Visit Hana Laulima's booth at the hoʻolauleʻa to learn more about the revival of the Cultural Center project and membership.
     Choose from a variety of ono food including shave ice, korean chicken, roast pork plates, chili bowls, Kaʻū coffee, Big Island Candies Crunch Bars, and more. Local entrepreneurs will have pop-up shops displaying wares such as Hawaiian arts and crafts, jewelry, shirts, and hats.
     Learn more about Junior Rangers, and natural resource management, with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers; ways to help free the coast of marine debris with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund; staying healthy with state Dept. of Health; native Hawaiian healthcare with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi; ʻōpeʻapeʻa monitoring with Friends of the Kaʻū Bats; and more.
     The organization's new logo, symbolizing its rejuvenation, was created by Kaʻū High graduate and local artist Kaweni Ibarra, who is also a Hana Laulima board member. Newly elected board members also include Lisa Derasin, Kupuna Jessie Ke, president Terry-Lee Shibuya, vice-president Elizabeth Naholowaʻa Murph, secretary Nālani Parlin, and treasurer Kehaulani Ke. Membership is $10 per year. For more information about the hoʻolauleʻa, contact Terry Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.
     Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū promises that the Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa will continue as an annual event.

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

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 Farmers 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, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.
     See ohialehuahalf.com.

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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