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Monday, February 28, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022

The FAA and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park are seeking public input on an Air Tour Management Plan. This image shows viewing from the ground during sunrise at the summit of Kilauea Volcano. See more below. NPS Photo by Janice Wei


ALL COUNTY COVID RULES REGARDING LIMITS ON PEOPLE GATHERING were lifted by Mayor Mitch Roth today, but mask wearing in public indoor places remains the rule of the state.
    Roth terminated Hawaiʻi County’s Thirteenth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, declaring an end to all County emergency rules related to COVID-19. His statement says, "As a result, effective immediately, there will no longer be a limit on gathering sizes (indoor and outdoor), which ultimately removes the County’s coveted mechanism for ‘special gatherings’ review and approval."
    However, Hawai'i County residents must still adhere to the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation Related to COVID-19 (Omicron Varient), which includes indoor mask-wearing, Safe Travels requirements, and testing/vaccination requirements for County and State employees.
    The Governor’s emergency order will remain in effect until March 25 unless otherwise acted upon. It is unclear if the Governor will extend his emergency rules beyond then.
    "We are excited to announce a new day for Hawaiʻi County as we shift our efforts from response to recovery,” said the Mayor. “Since taking office in late 2020, our administration has worked tirelessly to manage the ongoing pandemic through fair and data-driven policies. It’s what has allowed us to keep our community safe while also allowing our small businesses and large employers to keep their lights on and their employees working.
    "The decisions we made were challenging and, at times, not always favorable, but we made them with aloha, with data to back them, and with the best interest of all in mind. We believe in our community and their ability to do the right thing for everybody. Moving forward, response is in their hands, and we are confident they will make the right choices for all of us.”
    The termination of the Mayor’s Thirteenth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation marks the first time since Feb. 28, 2020, that Hawaiʻi County is without emergency orders related to COVID-19 – two years to the day.
    “COVID is by no means gone, but we now believe that we are getting to a point where we can learn to live with the virus,” said Roth. “Our medical professionals and frontline first responders have shown that we are capable of moving forward cautiously. We have the resources, we have the want, and we have the capacity. If we have to pivot, we will. But for now, we remain optimistic and ready to tackle the challenges ahead – together.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html. 
Tour companies advertise flights over areas of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Parklike this one from Hawai'i Tours.
The FAA and HVNP are asking for public input on a Air Tour Management Plan
AN AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is on the table with Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the FAA asking for public input. The agencies encourage anyone with an interest in or concern about air tours over Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to review and comment on the potential alternatives, which will be evaluated in an upcoming environmental assessment for the park's ATMP.
    The potential alternatives include no change from current condition, restricting minimum altitudes, reducing the number of flights, limiting flight routes over sensitive areas and prohibiting flights on specific days of the week. An average of 11,376 annual flights occurred over Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park from 2017 to 2019.
    People can comment through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website https://parkplanning.nps.gov/HawaiiVolcanoesATMP  until April 1. The NPS and FAA in a joint statement said they will consider the comments as they develop the draft ATMP and will seek public comment on that draft document.
Tour companies advertise flights over areas of Hawai'i Volcanoes
 National Parklike this one from Hawai'i Tours. The FAA and HVNP
 are asking for public input on an Air Tour Management Plan
.
    "The draft plan is based on public feedback received in 2011 and data collected since then. We encourage everyone to review the range of alternatives and provide feedback to this important project," said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. "Our analysis will consider how best to balance protecting wildlife, natural soundscapes, wilderness character and visitor enjoyment with managing air tours over the park. In addition, we recognize the cultural significance of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes to the Native Hawaiian community, and the need for a peaceful soundscape for cultural practices. As part of this process we are actively engaged in consultations with Native Hawaiian organizations, individuals and other consulting parties," Superintendent Loh said.
    Incorporating input from Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals is an important part of this planning process. The agencies are consulting with those who attach historic and cultural significance to resources within the park. The public has expressed concerns about air tours over the park that include noise, privacy and ecological and cultural impacts.
    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is among 24 national parks developing air tour management plans in cooperation with the FAA. Haleakalā National Park on Maui is also seeking public feedback on its range of alternatives: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/HaleakalaATMP.
    Visit the NPS site at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/airtours.htm?utm_medium=email. FAA site is 
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ara/programs/air_tour_management_plan for more detailed information about air tour management plans. Links to meeting notifications, recordings and slide decks (where applicable) will be posted to the NPS site.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html. 

A NEW VOLCANO MARKET IS ON THURSDAY EVENINGS at Cooper Center in Volcano Village, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. The first market was held on Thursday, Feb. 8. Featured vendors include Volcano Cookshop, Carol's Creations, and Laiku Farm and Special Ti Nursery. To learn more, visit facebook.com/Volcano-Evening-Market105888795330870.

YOUNG WOMEN IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS AWARD offered by Zonta Club of Hilo. Deadline to apply is March 1. Open to women ages 16-19 interested in careers in public policy making, government, and volunteer organizations. For more details, visit zontahilo.org/scholarships-grants/.

                                 CALENDAR OF EVENTS OF MARCH

GIRLS DAY ORIGAMI at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2:30 – 4 p.m. This Japanese tradition of making paper dolls is open to ages K through 6. Register for free from Feb. 24 – Mar. 1. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102.
THE BUSINESS OF ART WITH IRA ONO at Volcano Art Center, Saturday, Mar. 5, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn basic business principles from internationally-known Volcano artist Ira Ono. Class topics covered include: pricing your artwork for profit, creating presentations that focus on gallery buyers, gift shops, and department stores, and visual merchandising. Cost for the full day workshop is $55/$50 for VAC members. To learn more and register, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/.

BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I, the Right Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick, will lead the service at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View on Sunday, Mar. 6. The service will be on zoom and live at 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. The zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85987340947?pwd=VmJOUWkvM3lCT0N2cVN2RUFiM1kzQT09 Meeting ID: 859 8734 0947; Passcode: Aloha.

COFFEE FILTER BUTTERFLY at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages K through 6. Register for free from Mar. 3 – 8. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102.

VOLLEYBALL CLINIC at Nāʻālehu Community Center, Wednesday, Mar. 9, 4 p.m. Open to ages 10 to 15 years old. Register for free from Mar. 1 – 4. Bring close-toed shoes and a water bottle. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Richard Karasuda at (808) 939-2510.

INTEGRATED AQUACULTURE & AQUAPONICS WEBINAR, Wednesday, Mar. 9, 6:30 – 8 p.m. An online Zoom event sponsored by Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, featuring Chantal Chung of Maʻona Community Garden & UH Hilo Sea Grant College Program and Maria Haws, Professor of Aquaculture at UH Hilo and Direction for the UH Center for Excellence for Sustainable Aquaculture. This event is open to the public, with priority given to Farmers Union members. To register and learn more about the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speaker-series-30-integrated-aquaculture-aquaponics-tickets-274390658847?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=820ce93da5&mc_eid=563999cc96.

PUBLIC INPUT FOR DISASTER RECOVERY PROJECT at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park due by Friday, Mar. 11. To submit comments, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/HAVODisasterRecovery or call (808) 460-6212 and leave a message.

ART OF INTERVIEW WORKSHOP presented by Kuhikuhi Mentorship Program and Vibrant Hawaiʻi, Friday, Mar. 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m. This workshop is the first of two in a series and will cover interview etiquette, deconstructing interview questions, and presenting your authentic self in a way that shines. To RSVP, visit vibranthawaii.org/get-involved.

COFFEE TALK AT KAHUKU on Historical Hunting of Native Birds in Kahuku, Saturday, Mar. 12, 9:30 – 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit Visitor Center. Coffee Talk at Kahuku is an opportunity to get to know your park and neighbors. Held on the second Saturday of every month. Attendance is limited to 25 and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call (808) 464-3550 and leave a message. Coffee will be available for purchase by credit card only.

PAPER MAKING WITH PLANTS at Volcano Art Center, Saturday, Mar. 12, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Learn the basics of papermaking using a variety of papers and local plant fibers, plant dyes, and earth pigments. Workshop will be led by artist Mary Milezcik. Workshop fee is $65/$60 for VAC members, plus $50 prep time and supplies. To learn more and register online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/.

ZENTANGLE PARADOX FOR THE EQUINOX at Volcano Art Center, Saturday, Mar. 12, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn how to make Zentangle art with Valdeane Odachi in the week prior to the Spring Equinox. Class is open to all levels, no Zentangle or art experience necessary. Workshop fee is $35/$30 for VAC members, plus a $15 supply fee. To learn more and register online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/.

SOUNDS AT THE SUMMIT FEATURING MURIEL ANDERSON at Volcano Art Center, Saturday, Mar. 12. First performance at 4:30 p.m. and second performance at 7 p.m. Guitarist/Harp-guitarist Muriel Anderson will perform with a backdrop of visuals from award-winning photo-artist, Bryan Allen. Tickets are $20 for VAC members/$25 for non-members/$10 virtual. Tickets are available for sale online at volcanoartcenter.org/events/.

CHARADES at Kahuku Park in Ocean View, Monday, Mar. 14 from 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages 6 through 12 years old. Register for free from Mar. 4 – 11. For more information, contact Recreation Technician, Teresa Anderson at (808) 929-9113.

HOKU NIGHTS AT HIPUʻU, Friday, Mar. 18, 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Ohana Miloliʻi and Hipuʻu o Miloliʻi Kumu every full moon. Topic is Native Trails. Zoom ID: 227 574 9157.

MALAMA MAKAI AT MILOLIʻI at Park Halau, presented by Kokua Entreprises and Kalanihale. Saturday, Mar. 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with village vendors, crafters, and stewards each month. For more information, call (808) 937-1310 or visit Kalanihale.com.

SPRING FLOWER COLLAGE at Kahuku Park in Ocean View, Tuesday, Mar. 22 from 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages 6 through 12 years old. Register for free from Mar. 8 – 16. For more information, contact Recreation Technician, Teresa Anderson at (808) 929-9113.

SPRING FLOWER CRAFT at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages K through 6. Register for free from Mar. 16 – 22. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102.

STORYBOOK – STEM PROJECT at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Open to ages K through 6. Register for free from Mar. 3 – 8. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102.

CULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (CIA) QUESTIONNAIRES related to Maunakea will be accepted through Thursday, Mar. 31. Experts on cultural resources, practices, and beliefs connected to Maunakea are sought by the University of Hawaiʻi. Responses to the questionnaire will help inform "the preparation of a Cultural Impact Assessment for an Environmental Impact Statement that will address proposed future UH land authorization for Maunakea." Go to https://www.pcsihawaii.mkcia to learn more about the CIA and participate in the cultural practices questionnaire.

FREE FOOD

ST JUDE'S HOT MEALS are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until they run out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.

KAʻŪ FOOD PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Tuesday, Mar. 22, 9:30 a.m. - Pau. Located at St. Judeʻs Episcopalian Church above Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Tuesday, Mar. 22, 10 a.m. - Pau. Located at Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

SACRED HEART: LOAVES AND FISHES FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Thursday, Mar. 24, 9 - 11 a.m. Located at 95-5558 Mamalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

KUPUNA FOOD BASKET, Thursday, Mar. 24, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Located at Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

COOPER CENTER COMMUNITY PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Wednesday, Mar. 30, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Located at 19- 4030 Wright Road in Volcano. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

VOLCANO EVENING MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com/Volcano-Evening-Market-105888795330870.

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE is hosted by Nā'ālehu Main Street on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Old Shirakawa Estate in Wai'ōhinu. It features Made in Hawai'i products, organic produce, creative crafts, art, flowers & plants, food, music, and more. Email AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Kaʻū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O KA'Ū KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Masks, temperature checks and hand sanitizing required. Social distancing enforced. No vaccination proof required. 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 COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. 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.

OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET 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.

THE BOOK SHACK is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church grounds, located at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻōhinu.

DAILY/WEEKLY/MONTHLY

SWIM AT PĀHALA POOL at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School. Weekday lap swims. Call for hours. (808) 928-8177

PĀHALA DOJO Sensei Francisco Villa invite individuals to join in-person classes held at Pāhala Community Center. "All students of Pāhala Dojo are dedicated to participating in class during the pandemic," said Villa. Those interested can contact him at (808) 345 3036.

HULA CLASSES WITH HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI at Pāhala Hongwanji taught by Kumu Debbie Ryder. Class times based on experience and age groups. Contact leionalani47@hotmail.com.

YOGA AT KAHUKU PARK in Ocean View, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 - 10 a.m. For more information, contact Trisha Meyer at +1 (208) 353-3594.

WALK FOR FITNESS AT KAHUKU PARK in Ocean View. Tuesdays from 9 - 10:30 a.m. now until Mar. 24. Registration is ongoing. Open to all ages. Close-toed shoes required. For more information, contact Recreation Technician, Teresa Anderson at (808) 929-9113.

KEEP ON WALKING III at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Mondays to Thursdays from 5 - 6:30 p.m. now until Mar. 31. Registration is ongoing. Open to adults. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102.

4-WAY FITNESS STATION at Kaʻū District Gym & Pāhala Community Center. Mondays to Thursdays from 5 - 7:45 p.m. now until Mar. 31. Registration is ongoing. Open to ages 15 yrs. and older. For more information and to register, contact Recreation Director, Nona Makuakane at (808) 928-3102.

HIKE AT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK. Description of trails, including Maunaula, Pu'uloa Petroglyphs, Keanakākoʻi Crater, Ka'ū Desert Footprints Trail and more at www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hikes_day.htm.

KAHUKU RANGER GUIDED HIKES, Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Join a Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park park ranger to learn about the history, geology, and ecology of Kahuku while hiking through varied landscapes. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station. See www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku.htm

PICKLEBALL AT KAHUKU PARK in Ocean View, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. For more information, please contact Jaquie Woodmansee at (808) 929-7022.

NET RECOVERY PATROL on Mondays with Hawai'i Wildlife Fund. The team and core volunteers conduct marine debris recovery efforts targeting large debris items, including derelict fishing net and line bundles, that are especially hazardous to marine wildlife. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, these events are limited to current HWF volunteers. Please contact kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com for more info. Check https://www.wildhawaii.org/ with its HWF calendar for more opportunities to get involved with its bi-weekly net recovery patrols.

SEED COLLECTION WORKDAYS. On various weekdays, join Hawai'i Wildlife Fun team and core volunteers to collect coastal strand and dry forest plant seeds for saving (with the Hawai'i Island Seed Bank) and future restoration efforts. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, these events are limited to small groups of current HWF volunteers. Please contact jodie.HWF@gmail.com for more info and www.wildhawaii.org/ for more opportunities.

ST. JUDE'S SHOWER MINISTRY has reopened to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. noon, with hot water, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and clean towels. Masks and social distancing are required before and after showering. The long standing public shower service, put on pause by Covid, is supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi's Commission on Mission Beyond Church and St. Jude's own outreach fund. Location is 8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Members of the congregation built the facility.

FREE HELP WITH FAMILY HISTORY in Kaʻū is available 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday. All are welcome to the Family History Center. The aim is to "Come Discover Your Past," says the statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which hosts the weekly sessions at 95-5682 Hawaiʻi Belt Road in Nāʻālehu. The drop-in assistance includes free Ancestry.com, Familysearch.org, and other online resources.

WEEKLY COMMUNITY COVID-19 TESTING is available for free at Nāʻālehu Community Center every Thursday from 3 – 5 p.m. For more information on free COVID-19 testing, visit health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/testing-locations/.

SEE THE COLLECTION OF CALABASH EXHIBIT OF MIXED MEDIA by multiple artists at the Volcano Art Center Galley in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through Apr. 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Participating artists include Wesley Buscher, Jelena Clay, Stewart Geller, Tim Freeman, Aaron Hammer, Frank McClure, Heather Mettler, Daniel Moe, Michael & Misato Mortara, John Mydock, Les Pedersen, and Jeff Roth. While admission is free, park entrance fees apply.

MAKE YOUR OWN GLASS MOSAIC with Michael Reeder is a 3 session workshop held on Sundays Mar. 13, 20, and 27 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus. The class fee is $45/$40 for VAC members plus a $25 materials fee. Please bring your own glasses or goggles. To register online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/.

KEIKI DRAWING CLASSES WITH KEN CHARON, Tuesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Mar. 15 – Apr. 19. A series of 6 drawing classes for children ages 8 to 14 at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus. Fee: $120/$110 VAC Members plus a $17 supply fee. To register online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/events/.
See the February Print Edition of The Kaʻū Calendar at www.kaucalendar.com