Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021

Holoholo for the Holidays is a new way to experience the less crowded areas of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. On one
 hike, see a lava landscape from the 1969-1974 Maunaulu flow. Walk by lava tree molds and climb 210 feet (64m)
 to the top of a forested cinder cone, called Pu‘uhuluhulu (hairy hill). See more below. NPS photo
SHUT DOWN RED HILL FUEL TANKS PERMANENTLY, says Conservation Council of Hawai'i. "Call your Congressman, Submit Testimony, Share with others!"
    The non-profit asks for people statewide to call for the removal of the military's fuel tanks buried in Red Hill on O'ahu where they have been leaking into potable water for tens of thousands of residents nearby.
    The organization released a statement Tuesday, saying, "Our aquifers are vital to all life on and around our islands. Our people, plants, animals and marine resources are in grave danger from the decades of leaking jet fuel from the tanks at Red Hill. Such leaks occur due to failing infrastructure, line malfunctions, operator error, understaffing and lack of monitoring by the US Navy. It is time to stand strong and call upon our leaders at the city, state, and federal level to have the Red Hill fuel tanks decommissioned, to clean up the environmental catastrophe in a sterile manner to avoid further negative impact on the health of our population, and to implement more stringent permitting systems that cannot be circumvented by military or others."
    Conservation Council urges testimony to be submitted to 
Hawai'i State Commission on Water Resource Management. Email testimony to
raeann.p.hyatt@hawaii.gov and dlnr.cwrm@hawaii.gov
The tunnel for fuel stored for the military in Red Hill on O'ahu where Conservation Council for Hawai'i is
 asking for its removal. Photo from Conservation Council for Hawai'i
    Listen to the Department of Healths Evidentiary Hearing follow instructions on this link.
     Sign On with Sierra Club Hawaii Urging President Biden to shut down Red Hill. Call on the Secretary of Defense to SHUT DOWN Red Hill!
    Contact Hawai'i's Congressional Delegation  and "ask their support in shutting down Red Hill fuel tanks  Ed.Case@mail.house.gov; Kai.Kahele@mail.house.gov. For Sen. Mazie Hirono, contact through https://www.hirono.senate.gov/. For Sen. Brian Schatz, contact through https://www.schatz.senate.gov/."

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

Holoholo for the Holidays to uncrowded areas of Hawai'i Volcanoes and pick up a certificate.
NPS photos
HOLOHOLO FOR THE HOLIDAYS: IT'S NO WALK IN THE PARK at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park during the crowded holidays.  The Park sent out the message: "It's easy to become the Grinch but donʻt let the congestion snatch your holiday spirit! Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park invites you to skip the stress and come holoholo by yourself, with friends or the family to the park's lesser known and uncrowded destinations.
    As locals know, the Hawaiian word holoholo means to cruise, go for a walk, ride or sail; to go out for pleasure, and stroll. Holoholo for the Holidays is a self-guided program to help the first-time or the long-time visitor discover (or rediscover) diverse and inspiring park landscapes away from the crowded Kīlauea summit.
Walk in the footsteps of the kūpuna (elders) to Puʻuloa (hill of long life),
a sacred and awe-inspiring gallery of kiʻi pōhaku (images carved in stone).
These simple etchings document the life and culture of the
Native Hawaiian people.  NPS photo
  This new self-guided Holoholo for the Holidays program is as easy as 1-2-3: Download the NPS app, and search for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Save the park for offline use. Click on Holoholo for the Holidays on the front page.
   Pick up a certificate from the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai or print it  from the park website, go.nps.gov/holoholo. Hike or visit at least four of the five suggested locations anytime through January. Engage in the activities at each site through the NPS App. Write a reflection on your certificate that describes your experience.
     Sign your certificate and take it to the www.hawaiipacificparks.org bookstore inside Kīlauea Visitor Center for a complimentary gift and store discount.
    "Visiting these areas, to be in the moment, and to practice aloha ʻāina (love of the land) is sure to restore your holiday spirit!," says the Park statement.

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

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC'S HOLIDAY SEASON GIFTS totaled $141,500 to more than a dozen local nonprofit groups and educational organizations that contribute to the cultural enrichment, education, and health and welfare of Hawaiʻi keiki and families across the state.
    In addition, Hawaiian Electric continued its support of  Hawaiʻi State Competitions organized by the Hawaiʻi Society of Professional Engineers Educational Foundation and robotics programs at McKinley High, Nānākuli High & Intermediate and Waialua High schools. 
    Among the funded programs are:
    HawaiiKidsCAN earmarked the donation for its Wi-Fi on Wheels program, an initiative that closes the digital equity gap by providing high-speed internet access to low-income areas so underserved students can access online programs while adhering to safety guidelines.
     ʻOlelo Community Media is planning its 2021-2022 Youth Xchange Statewide Student Video Competition that empowers youth to identify and draw attention to critical community issues through un-editorialized video content.
     Kupu will hold its Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainabilty Challege seeking student-driven solutions to conservation and sustainability issues facing their schools and communities. 
     American Lung Association in Hawaiʻi will use the funds for its Asthma Friendly Schools program that helps Hawaiʻi keiki with asthma increase their self-management skills and improves their parents’ and teachers’ ability to support them.
Hawai'iKidsCAN is one of the recipients of
Hawaiian Electric funding.
    EPIC ʻOhana will continue its work to strengthen families and enhance the welfare of children and youth through family conferencing, facilitation, training and program development. 
   Kapili Like Hawaiʻi provides Native Hawaiians, community members that need a hand up and those in transition or displaced with no-cost education and workforce development so they can achieve career and life success and fortify local communities. 
    Nā Kama Kai and its mission of educating and inspiring keiki about ocean safety, environmental stewardship and conservation has already touched the lives of more than 35,000 keiki through its free programs that include ocean safety clinics, mentorships and ocean equipment recycling. 

O KAʻŪ KĀKOU'S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION OF GIVING takes place Wednesday at the OKK  Market in Nāʻālehu.  Everyone arriving will receive at least one certificate, worth $3, $5, $10 or $20 to be spent with vendors on site. One certificate donated by Eva Liu of 'Ulu Farms will be valued at $100. In addition to the money certificates there will be vendor prizes for attendees. Also offered will be free face painting. The band Shootz plans to offer its music, pending weather.

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


Kalei Namohala bids farewell to Kaʻū High after
 accepting the position of Athletic Director at
Waiakea in Hilo. Photo from Kaʻū
 High Athletics
KAʻŪ HIGH HOSTED WAIAKEA IN GIRLS BASKETBALL ON TUESDAY.  The game was livestreamed on instagram. The final score was Waiakea 82 and Ka`u 11.  Scoring 5 points for Kaʻū was Katrina Manaran. Riley Brown scored 3 and Heidi Vidal scored 3. 
    The report came from D. Kalei Namohala who is departing from her 12-year stint as Athletic Director for Kaʻū High. Namohala will be returning to her high school alma mater at Waiakea High. The announcement has drawn a slew of comments of appreciation on the social media pages of Kaʻū High.

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


See the December and past issues of The Ka`u Calendar
at www.kaucalendar.com.


















































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 x.


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. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..


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.


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



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


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.


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. Pāhala 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.


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


ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.


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. "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.biz.


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 panoramiocean 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, hosted by Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer 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.