Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, July 5, 2021

 

Aliza McKeigue, founder of Root & Rise Therapeutic Horticulture will give a zoom talk July 15.  See more below.
Photo from Ku'ikahi Mediation Center

KA‘Ū FELT THE RATTLE OF THE 5.2 WAIPI'O VALLEY OFFSHORE EARTHQUAKE today at 1:43 p.m. The quake failed to generate a tsunami, which could have swept in with significant damage to Waipi'o valley floor taro farms and homes.
    U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported: "The earthquake was centered less than 5 km (3 miles) north and offshore of Waipiʻo Valley, at a depth of 27 km (17 miles) below sea level. Strong shaking, with a maximum intensity of V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, has been reported across the districts of Kohala. At that intensity, significant damage to buildings or structures is not expected."

A 5.2 earthquake today off Waipi’o failed to generate a tsunami but was felt
as south as Ka`u and as far north as Kaua`i. USGS map 

    The USGS Did You Feel It service received 1100 felt reports within the first hour of the earthquake. Felt reports have been reported as far away as Kaua‘i.
According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge, Ken Hon, the earthquake had no observable impact on Kīlauea or Mauna Loa volcanoes. “This earthquake is related to stress from the weight of the island on the underlying ocean crust and mantle. These earthquakes are relatively common and not directly related to volcanic processes. Please be aware that aftershocks are possible and may be felt. HVO continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes. The Alert Levels / Color Codes 

remain at ADVISORY/YELLOW for Kīlauea and Mauna Loa at this time.”
    The largest previous earthquake in the area was a magnitude-4.2 ton Oct. 30, 2010. It was located 7 km (4 miles) east of Kukuihaele at a depth of 33 km (21 miles).
For information on recent earthquakes in Hawai'i and volcano updates, visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

NATURE: THE GREAT EQUALIZER is the zoom talk with Aliza McKeigue on Thursday, July 15 at noon for an hour. It it is one of the non-profit Ku'ikahi Mediation Center's free talks in its Finding Solutions, Growing Peace Brown Bag Lunch Series. 

Aliza McKeague and son. She says Nature
is the Great Equalizer.  Photo by Katie Graham

    "While intuitive at its core, there is mounting scientific evidence that humans benefit from interaction with nature," says McKeigue. "There are practical ways to use nature as a facilitator to create more harmonious relationships and communities." The talk aims to explore why the natural world eases anxiety, fear, and anger, and how shared experience of the outdoors breaks down barriers and opens lines for communication.    

    McKeigue is the founder and facilitator of Root & Rise Therapeutic Horticulture, whose mission is to cultivate social, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness through creativity and interaction with nature. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy from AHTA-accredited Chicago Botanic Garden. McKeigue has a decade of experience in adult mental health, child and family services, and the Hawai'i public school system.

    Ku'ikahi's Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session and connect with others interested in Finding Solutions, Growing Peace.
    To get the Zoom link, register online at https://freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com.
    For more information, contact Ku'ikahi Mediation Center at 935-7844 or info@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit www.hawaiimediation.org. This lunch-and-learn series is made possible thanks in part to funding from the County of Hawai'i and Hawai'i Island United Way.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com

LAMA IS THIS MONTH'S SPECIES in Lāʻau Letters: Native Plants of Kaʻū. This is this second edition of the new column by Jodie Rosam, with illustration by Joan Yoshioka, as published in the July edition of The Ka`u Calendar Newspaper, sent free to every postal address from Volcano, through Pāhala  Nāʻālehu and Ocean View to Miloli'i and farther north. 

    In this column, read about Kaʻū's native plants' moʻolelo (stories), uses, preferred habitats, and opportunities to adopt them for stewardship. This column seeks to encourage making new plant friends and to reunite with others.
    Description: Lama (Diospyros sandwicensis) is an endemic (found nowhere else in the world) hardwood tree in the Ebenaceae family, belonging to the same genus as persimmons and ebony. The flowers are extremely inconspicuous, but produce large, bright yellow or red fruits (up to one inch long) which are sweet and delicious. The colors of liko (new growth) range from vibrant shades of red, magenta, pink, or even orange.

    Uses: The wood was used for the framework of houses, temple construction, stone chisel handles, and is occasionally used in woodworking today. Pupupu hale (huts) were made of lama wood in a single day during the daylight (lama) hours, and the sick were placed inside them for curing. The wood is medicinal, and was woven through sticks (ʻaukā) to strengthen ʻie kala fish traps. A block of lama wrapped in scented yellow kapa is often placed on a kuahu (hula altar) to honor Laka (the Goddess of Hula). Lama represents enlightenment.
    Habitat: Lama was the dominant dry forest canopy tree along with ʻōhiʻa, and can still be found today in most dry forest habitats, from 0-4,000 feet. There are recollections of a windblown lama forest near the

Artist Joan Yoshioka

coastline in Kipuka Hanalua. Here in Kaʻū, the matte green leaves stand out against the glossy alaheʻe forests across ahupuaʻa from Manukā to Kahilipali.
    Growing and Purchasing: Lama seeds do not store and deteriorate rapidly, so sew the seeds immediately upon collection (the easiest way to remove seeds from the fruit is to enjoy the sweet fruit and spit out the seeds). Lama is slow to germinate (between 1-4 months) and extremely slow-growing, so patience is vital. Lama seedlings grow an impressively long taproot which likely enables them to survive times of drought, but restricts their potential as a container plant, so plant them in the ground once the seedling reaches 6-12". Plant in full sun, and once established, water only monthly during dry periods. Established seedlings may be available to purchase at Aileen's Nursery or Future Forests.

Author Jodie Rosam

  About the artist: Joan Yoshioka says she is a conservationist at heart and has dedicated her life to preserving the native plants and animals of Hawaiʻi through her work with federal, state, and private organizations over the past 30+ years. She describes herself as an outdoor-lovin' optimist, biologist/botanist, and habitual creator of art-stuff. She says the key to our most fundamental and truest part of ourselves is found in nature and she constantly draws on it for inspiration.
    About the author: Jodie Rosam says she has a deep love for native plants and a passion for exploration, with over 15 years of experience in working in the restoration of Hawaiʻi's forests. As a mother and an educator, she says the next generation has the power to lead the world to a sustainable future, and is committed to teaching her children (and others) from a place-based perspective.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com

See the Ka`u Calendar July newspaper at
www.kaucalendar.com.

ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It starts Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net. See more on Page 6 of the The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IN KA‘Ū. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

REGISTER TO GET RID OF JUNK VEHICLES at a pop up event at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday July 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the pickup on July 17 and 18. See more on Page 11 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

GET PFIZER OR J&J COVID VACCINATIONS at Ocean View on July 10 and Pāhala on July 17. See more on Page 13 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

VOLUNTEER AT KA‘Ū SCHOOL GARDEN on Saturday, July 31 at 9 a.m. as part of the Hawai`i Island Community Food Summit. See more on Page 5 of the July Kaʻū Calendar Newspaper.

SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 15 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.

REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/

WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.

KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.bi

GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramic

ocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.

Aloha Friday Marketplace every Friday from 9am to 2pm on the beautiful grounds of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St., Wai'ohinu,

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.

O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON

VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.

KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in Nāʻālehu.

ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.

AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.

CHURCH SERVICE

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. ovecchurch@gmail.com

ST. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is Aloha.
      St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
     Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12  p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel. 
    Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
    St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.

HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.

LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg


KAʻŪ WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.

CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.

EDUCATION

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.

Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.

ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.


Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES.org for Live WebEx link.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pahala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.ECONOMIC RELIEF

Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.


COMMUNITY

Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.