Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023

This nēnē family has drawn protection through closing areas were they are nesting at Uēkahuna in Hawai'i Volcanoes
 National Park. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

    Nēnē geese are rare and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is giving them added protection by closing off areas where they are nesting. In late November, HVNP blocked part of the parking lot at Uēkahuna and a short stretch of Crater Rim Trail east to protect a pair of breeding nēnē – the state bird and endemic Hawaiian goose. Uēkahuna overlook remains open but should biologists determine the nēnē pair requires more protection, additional areas could close with little notice.
    "The temporary closure prevents human activity from disrupting the nēnē family and is an important

Nēnē are rare and the Park closes off areas where they nest.
NPS photo

action we take to help them survive and raise their young," said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Wildlife Biologist, Dr. Kristina Paxton. "Nēnē face many challenges, including predation by feral cats and mongoose and deadly contact with vehicles."
    Nēnē typically mate for life. Female nēnē lay between two and five eggs and will incubate them while the male guards the family. Incubation takes about 30 days, but re-nesting could occur if eggs are destroyed or abandoned.
    Nēnē nesting season is October through May, and many geese are seen on or near roadways throughout the park, making them especially vulnerable to deadly vehicle strikes this time of year. Visitors can help protect nēnē by slowing down, watching for nēnē near roads, and never, ever feeding nēnē. Keep wildlife wild and give nēnē space by staying at least 60 feet from them.
    Last year, a different nēnē pair nested near the western end of Uēkahuna which prompted a five-week closure of the entire parking lot, restrooms and overlook to protect the family.
    To learn more about nēnē, visit the https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/nene.htmwebsite for history, a video, and a podcast about these rare and magnificent native geese.

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A MILLION DOLLAR GRANT FROM HOVEIDA FAMILY FOUNDATION will not only help Ka'ū Hospital and Rural Health Clinic's mother ship, Hilo Medical Center, but also help improve access to training for those living in Ka'ū who are seeking health careers. It will help to provide housing for doctors and other healthcare providers working here and around the island. It will expand mental health services. A statement from the Hilo Medical Center Foundation, which received the gift, called the grant "a major milestone in our mission to enhance healthcare services and improve the well-being of the East Hawai'i community."
    The statement says, "The Hoveida Family Foundation, known for its commitment to philanthropy and fostering positive change, has recognized the vital role played by Hilo Medical Center Foundation in providing exceptional healthcare service opportunities to the people of East Hawai'i and the surrounding areas."

  Plans for the funding are to further advance ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care, expanding medical services, and improving the overall patient experience especially in the behavior/mental health medical services area. The Foundation has already renovated a home in Hilo where students from Ka'ū and elsewhere can stay during training and to provide housing for traveling health care providers.
    The Hoveida funding will be directed towards several critical areas, including
    Healthcare Workforce Pipeline: The grant will be used to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts, support outreach/awareness program activities that support students from under-resourced areas to enter a health career, thereby earning a living wage. Scholarships will be awarded to those seeking to advance in their careers as well as physician subsidies to bring in new providers to increase access to healthcare services for community members in East Hawai'i.
    Mental Health Services Expansion: The grant will assist with the expansion of mental health services in East Hawai'i through the creation of a steering committee to bring together mental health providers, healthcare organizations, and the County of Hawai'i to strategize on mental health care delivery, identify gaps in care, and leverage resources to increase access to critical mental health services across the region. The mental health services expansion monies will also include subsidies to mental health providers to increase access to mental health services in the East Hawai'i Region.

    "We are immensely grateful to the Hoveida Family Foundation for their generous grant," said Lisa Rantz, Executive Director of the Hilo Medical Center Foundation. "This transformative investment will enable us to make significant strides towards advancing mental health care in our community. With their support, we will continue to improve patient outcomes, enhance medical services, and touch the lives of countless individuals and families."
    Rebecca and Bahman Hoveida, Co-Chairs of Hoveida Family Foundation, said, "Hawai'i is a special place for all of us, and as residents we want to make a positive contribution to the Island's health care system. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to the Hilo Medical Center Foundation and hope other organizations and individuals follow suit in supporting the medical system on Hawai'i Island. As a part of the community, we have witnessed the lack of available medical and mental healthcare

services on our island. Families should not have to suffer the expense and time it takes to travel off island to receive the medical care they so greatly need and deserve. Individuals dealing with a mental health crisis should be given the opportunity to seek out psychological help instead of being forced through the criminal system. 

    "We can provide better long-term solutions by encouraging our intelligent and motivated students to seek out degrees in the medical and mental health fields so that they can return here to serve their 'ohana. With the support and involvement of the local community, we can find the best long-term solution to recruit for otherwise unavailable medical services and retain our current medical professionals in order to grow our healthcare options on Hawai'i Island." Earlier this year the Hoveida Foundation gave $10 million to Mayo Clinic. See https://hoveidafoundation.org/

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

7,500 printed, 5,000 in the mail

Directed by Kaʻū's own Farley Sangels and four other
musicians from Kaʻū.

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023

Rushing streams and flooding may be on the menu for this week, according to multiple
advisories from agricultural agencies, Civil Defense and National Weather Service.
See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

THE LIVE KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL is coming back. It's been virtual only, since the pandemic began but Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative has named the dates June 1-8 and its chair Gloria Camba. Kaʻū Coffee Growers are building a week-long schedule of activities leading up to the full day Ho‘olaule‘a on the grounds of Pāhala Community Center. The Festival was first launched in 2009. Here are the committee leaders who welcome more volunteers to work on the festival:

FESTIVAL CHAIR: Gloria Camba is an award-winning R&G Farms Kaʻū Coffee grower and long time President of Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative. She played an instrumental role in Kaʻū Coffee growers becoming owners of their lands, working with state Department of Agriculture and other federal and state agencies. Camba served as Cooperative Treasurer from 2003 -2011 and became President in 2011. She was pageant Chair for Miss Kaʻū Coffee from 2011-2015, providing many scholarships for young Kaʻū women.

A classic poster design by Tanya Ibarra for the 
2013 Kaʻū Coffee Festival.

    She co-chaired Kaʻū Coffee Recipe Contest in 2012. She is a liaison with University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources to help farmers manage, mitigate pests, and diseases affecting coffee production.
    SECRETARY: Miles Mayne owns Silver Cloud Coffee Farm in Wood Valley. With a background in business, he volunteered to bring programs to Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative and to help farmers secure the purchase of their coffee lands and to expand their markets. Maine comes from a tradition of family coffee farming in India and returned to his love of agriculture and rural economic development when he moved to Kaʻū. He is retired from an International Oil Service Company where he worked as an economist in business evaluation, on projects in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North America.
    TREASURER: Ray Kudo returned to his roots in Kaʻū when he became a Kaʻū Coffee grower at his Cloud Rest Farm. His parents Kazuo and Tori Kudo arrived in Pāhala in 1930 as contracted sugarcane workers from Japan and settled in Higashi camp in Moa‘ula. Kudo began his long career in ABC Stores, initially as a stock clerk and progressed to Night Manager, Assistant Manager, Store Manager, Area Supervisor and finally retired as District manager in charge of sales, profits, operations and merchandizing for Kona and Kaua‘i.
   LOGISTICS & VENDOR CHAIR: Brenda Iokepa Moses volunteered in this capacity since the first Kaʻū Coffee Festival. She worked with coffee farmers in land management roles with the Kaʻū Sugar Company and succeeding owners and helped mentor coffee growers toward purchasing their farms. Iokepa Moses is the former USDA Hawai‘i & Western Pacific Rural Development Director. She is current Deputy Director of County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management and President of Hawai‘i Association of Conservation Districts. She helps cover Kaʻū cultural events with photography for local news outlets.
    ENTERTAINMENT CHAIR: Debbie Ryder is Kumu for Hālau Hula ‘O Leionālani, numbering more than 60, taking students to Neighbor Islands and international destinations. She has served as a Hawaiian cultural mentor at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and produced student performances focused on Hawaiian culture. She and Kawehi Ryder created and steward Ke Ola Pu‘uhonua in Nāʻālehu with performances, native gardens and classes in cultural practices for visitors and locals. They produce Ho'okupu Hula No Kaʻū festival with hula and ethnic dancers from mainland, Hawai‘i, Mexico and Japan.
    MARKETING & MEDIA CHAIR: Alla Kostenko is a manager of Kaʻū Coffee farms and Secretary of Hawai‘i Coffee Association, the state-wide organization that represents coffee growers, processors, retailers, and service providers with a shared interest in Hawaiian coffee. She has served as Event Coordinator for HCA's state convention since 2019 and its participation in Specialty Coffee Association Expo in 2022 and 2023. She was Assistant Organizer for virtual 2020 and 2021 Kaʻū Coffee Festivals. She worked on the production of a film about the history of Kaʻū Coffee.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CHAIR: Lou Daniele is General Manager of Kaʻū Coffee Mill & Visitor Center. Since 2013, he has led his team to represent Ka‘ū Coffee at Specialty Coffee Association Expos, North America's largest coffee trade shows. Organizes events for Kaʻū Coffee Festival, including Kaʻū Coffee Recipe Contest, farm and nature tours and stargazing. Danielle is a board member of Hawai‘i Coffee Association and Windward Planning Commissioner for County of Hawai‘i. His background includes nursery managing, landscaping, diversion of green waste from landfill to rich soil production, marketing and advertising.
    PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR: Julia Neal has published The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper for more than 20 years. It covers community transition from sugar to coffee, marketing and growers' campaign to purchase of their Kaʻū Coffee farms. Neal has promoted Kaʻū Coffee at U.S. Specialty Coffee Association confabs and secured Kaʻū as the official coffee of the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball. She helped to bring the  Kaʻū Coffee story to cover of Japan Air magazine and in National Geographic Traveler. She volunteered at Kaʻū Coffee Festivals to coordinate entertainment and raise scholarship money. She hosts the Kaʻū Coffee Festival kickoff at Pāhala Plantation Manage’s House.
    INTERNATIONAL MARKETING CO-CHAIRS: Kayo Yamazaki Munnerlyn and Eva Liu. Kayo Yamazaki Munnerlyn lives in Pāhala and performs with the Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko organization, which also hosts music, dance and other cultural groups from Japan. Before and after moving to Kaʻū she worked with the Japanese company, The Contact Inc., promoting Japanese visitors to international destinations. Clients included Jamaica, Orlando, New York and European destinations. Eva Liu and her company are owners of the Sea Mountain Punalu‘u lands and 1,200 acres of farm and pasture in Kaʻū. She is working on carefully focused segments of the Chinese market to attract ecologically and agriculturally interested visitors to come in small groups to learn and to volunteer. She recently hosted a group of travel entities from China, led by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

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KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE LISTS EVENTS FOR 2024 KA'U COFFEE FESTIVAL Here is the working schedule of events for the 2024 Ka'ū Coffee Festival June 1-8 These are events already committed by their organizers:

A classic opening of Kaʻū Coffee Festival's week of events, years
before the pandemic with Hālau Hula O Leionalani dancers.

    Ka'ū Coffee Recipe Contest: Saturday, June 1. Those with a passion for cooking and coffee can bring their your entries to the no-entry-fee recipe competition at 11 a.m. at Ka'ū Coffee Mill. Show off culinary skills using Ka'ū Coffee as an ingredient. Enter in one of the three categories: pupu (appetizer), entrée, or dessert, and compete for cash prizes in the adult or student division. All entries will be judged by a panel of experts; winners will be announced at the end of the event. All attendees will enjoy free coffee tastings and entertainment. Entry deadline is May 27, 2024. Register at www.kaucoffeemill.com or contact (808) 928-0550.
    Pā'ina & Launch Party at historic Pāhala Plantation Managers House: Saturday, June 1. Learn the history of the plantation and the rise of Ka'ū Coffee. Enjoy the charm of the historic home with music, hula, food and tours. Mingle with local coffee growers and their families. Co-hosted by Ka'ū Coffee Growers Cooperative, Ka'ū Multicultural Society, Pāhala Plantation Cottages and The Ka'ū Calendar newspaper. The event is from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.
    Tour Ka'ū Coffee Farms: Wednesday, June 5. Take a self-guided tour of the Ka'ū Coffee farms and see how the world-class coffee is grown, harvested and processed. Meet the farmers and learn about their stories, challenges and successes. Sample and purchase coffee products, as well as other local delicacies. A list of participating coffee farms will be made available in the festival brochure and at kaucoffeefestival.com.

Ka'u Coffee Mountain Hike. Photo by Jesse Tunison

    Ka'ū Mountain Hike & Lunch: Thursday, June 6. Join Ka'ū Mountain Hike & Lunch in the Wood Valley rainforest, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hike along the historic flume systems of the sugar cane era and learn about the development of hydroelectric power in Ka'ū by the Ka'ū Coffee industry. Enjoy stunning views of mountains, the valley, waterways and native plants and animals. The hike will be followed by a delicious lunch prepared with local ingredients. Limited to 30 participants; costs $60 per person, which includes lunch. Reserve at www.kaucoffeemill.com or contact (808) 928-0550.

A hayride during Coffee & Cattle Day
at Aikane Plantation Coffee Co.

    Coffee & Cattle Day: Friday, June 7. Those who love coffee and beef will love Coffee & Cattle Day at scenic Aikane Plantation Coffee Company, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discover how descendants of Ka'ū's first coffee farmer integrate coffee with pasture-raised beef, and how they manage their land sustainably. See cattle and coffee trees up close, and learn about the varieties and processing methods of Ka'ū Coffee. The event will end with a sprawling, all-you-can-eat outdoor buffet featuring Ka'ū Coffee and beef dishes, as well as other local specialties. Enjoy a hayride around the plantation and live entertainment. The event costs $35 per person and requires a reservation at (808) 927-2252.
    Stargazing Night: Friday, June 7. If fascinated by the stars, don't miss Stargazing Night on the hills around Ka'ū Coffee Mill, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Observe the heavens from one of the best locations on the island, with the help of professional astronomers and telescopes. Learn the importance of stars in Hawaiian culture, and how navigation by stars led to the first landings of Polynesians in Hawai'i right here in Ka'ū. The event costs $60 per person and includes a barbecue dinner. Parking is available at Ka'ū Coffee Mill for boarding a shuttle to the viewing site. Reservations are required at www.kaucoffeemill.com or contact (808) 928-0550.
    Ka'ū Coffee Festival Ho'olaule'a: Saturday, June 8. The grand finale of the Ka'ū Coffee Festival is the Ho'olaule'a, a full day of fun and celebration, coffee tasting and interaction with Ka'ū Coffee farmers on the spacious grounds of Pāhala Community Center. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy live music, hula, local food and crafts, keiki activities, educational displays, guided coffee tastings and farm and mill tours. It's a great place to talk story with Ka'ū Coffee growers and learn more about their passion and dedication. Within Pāhala Community Center, The Ka'ū Coffee Experience will offer Ka'ū Coffees prepared with a variety of brewing methods by professional baristas from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Taste the difference and discover your favorite Ka'ū Coffee.

More than 4,500 attended the ninth annual Ka`u Coffee Festival, according to organizers  Photo by Jesse Tunison/Ka`u Coffee Fest

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COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE ISSUED A MESSAGE TUESDAY regarding possible flooding Wednesday through Thursday afternoon. It said:
    The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all districts of Hawai'i Island from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon.
    A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding. Flooding may not occur, but is possible. The National Weather Service may also issue Flood Warnings and Advisories for specific districts on Hawaii Island while the Flood Watch is in effect.
    Residents in flood prone areas should be prepared for heavy rains and potential flooding.
Be aware that road closures may occur without notice.
    Do not attempt to cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot; turn around don't drown.
    Remember, if lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors.
    You will be informed as conditions change. For more information, visit the County of Hawai'i Hazard Impact Map at https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/5865229bcba74020992b372ef18b6f17

7,500 printed, 5,000 in the mail

Directed by Kaʻū's own Farley Sangels and four other
musicians from Kaʻū.

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Nov. 27, 2023

Christmas in the Country is open daily at the historic Volcano Art Center Gallery. Image from VAC

HEAVY RAINS ARE EXPECTED WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY and University of Hawai'i Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service Agents Andrea Kawabata and Matt Miyahara urge farmers, ranchers and homeowners to be aware.
     They quote Glenn Sako of Hawai'i County who said that "National Weather Service briefed the Hilo Emergency Operations Center regarding an anticipated Kona Low forecast with heavy rain (3-5 inches) expected this Wednesday through Thursday. Showers will be following Friday into the weekend. Thunderstorms are also expected as part of the weather pattern." Sako said that southerly winds are forecast, most affecting the leeward coast. "Please take the necessary steps to prepare for possible flooding events."
     The Ag Extension Service Agents wrote that storms should be anticipated this time of year and noted similar storms on Dec. 4, 2021 and Dec. 20, 2022. The ag agents recommended paying close attention to the forecast and to agricultural areas that could be impacted. They recommended knowing "what to do before you clean up if you have crop insurance."

     Click here for the statewide NOAA forecast discussion.  Go to this link for the County of Hawai'i Hazard Impact Map to get the latest closures and to increase awareness of the hazards. Kawabata reminded farmers and ranchers that crop insurance is like life, medical, and car insurance. "If you don't have a current policy when an emergency occurs, an insurance company will not help pay for your losses and recovery. Consider crop insurance policies before storms and hurricanes cause damage and be sure to sign up during their open enrollment period. Farm information and records will be required by the insurance agent."
    Those who would like information about crop insurance, visit: http://bit.ly/2eVzuc5. Click on List of Crops That Can Be Insured on the left side of the page or scroll down until seeing photos of fruit and nut trees and the factsheets for Hawai'i's insurable crops for an idea of deadlines and other insurance

information. Contact an agent for updated details and inquiries. Deadline to enroll or make changes to existing policies is Dec. 31for banana tree, coffee fruit, coffee tree, macadamia nut, and papaya tree crop insurance.
    When home, farm, ranch, trees, crop and/or structures sustain damages from a storm, high winds and/or rain, contact home and crop insurance agents immediately.
    Should damage be done, document with (clear and focused) photos and/or video. Review inventory and take note of anything damaged or missing. Be sure to receive clearance from insurance agent before doing any clean-up, repairs, or replacements related to an insurance claim.
    The County and/or USDA Farm Service Agency may ask for an assessment of damages and losses from growers and ranchers and may be able to provide support to those affected. When an announcement is made by the County and/ or FSA, contact them so they can learn of the full impact of the storm, damages, and how to best assist.

Wally Andrade recently donated crew and dozer to clear land along Hwy 11 next to Hawai'i Island Community Health Center's
Kaʻū Family Health & Dental in Nāʻālehu. OKK hopes to put in a dialysis center. Photo from OKK

'O KAʻŪ KĀKOU CELEBRATED THE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND giving out $2,000 in gift cards to needy residents in Kaʻū. "The gifts were available, thanks to funding from Carol Elwell, of Discovery Harbour," said OKK President Wayne Kawachi. 

    Kawachi said mahalo to Wally Andrade, who recently donated a bulldozer and crew to help clean up the land next to Hawai'i Community Health Center's Kaʻū Family Health & Dental in Nāʻālehu. He said he hopes someday the land will become the site of a dialysis center for Kaʻū residents who often have to travel hours to and from Hilo and Kona up to three times a week for their diabetes treatments.

     Kawachi also noted that on Veterans Day in November, OKK celebrated at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji with food, music from Keoki Sereno, hula by Honey Girl - Hunnay DeMello, and Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko Drummers to honor veterans. See more on OKK at https://www.facebook.com/okaukakou/ or call Kawachi at 808-937-4733.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

7,500 printed, 5,000 in the mail

Directed by Kaʻū's own Farley Sangels and four other
musicians from Kaʻū.

Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 26 2023

Created by artist Makanani, this wreath is named Alice Returns to Volcano Park. It was created from green/blue jewel beetle wings, pūkiawe berries, bromeliad leaves, ʻaʻaliʻi flowers, jobʻs tears seeds, red wiliwili seeds, kalanchoe beharensis leaves, brown monkey pod seeds, araucaria needles, waewaeʻiole, red ti leaves, juniper pine, dried bamboo leaves, agave, podocarpus, autograph tree, uki grass, orchid root, coconut branches, succulents, rabbit foot fern and bay leaves.This and other wreaths in the competition can be purchased at Volcano Art Center or online at https://volcanoartcenter.org/product-category/featured-exhibit/.

THE ANNUAL WREATH EXHIBIT AND COMPETITION AT VOLCANO ART CENTER opened over Thanksgiving Weekend at Volcano Art Gallery, the 1877 Volcano House Hotel historic building

Kapapala Wreath by Jennifer Gomez

within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. 

    The Wreath Exhibit is part of the 24th Annual Christmas in the Country, which continues through Dec. 31. "This year’s Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of creativity and cheer to welcome the holiday season," says the statement from Volcano Art Center Gallery. It is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Christmas Day).
    The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of media, techniques, and styles. This year artists engaged with the theme A Walk in the Park. "Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by the local artistic community," says the Volcano Art Center statement. The exhibit is free, however park entrance fees apply.

Anchiote wreath by Roy Kaneko

    The 34 wreaths in the exhibit can be seen at the gallery and most of them online and for sale at  https://volcanoartcenter.org/product-category/featured-
exhibit/.
    Christmas in the Country also features holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawaiʻi Island artists.
    Christmas in the Country has expanded this year to Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus on Old Volcano Road, with additional  handmade art and gifts by Hawai‘i’s local artists.

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PĀHALA TOWN LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE on Saturday, Dec. 9 is drawing folks to walk and ride starting at 6 p.m. with the route along Pikake and Kamani Streets.
    Mayor Mitch Roth and Hawai‘i County Council member Michelle Galimba are on board along with Santa Claus, the American Red Cross, local sports clubs, local church groups, community groups, and Pāhala Senior Center members.
    The parade honors Eddie Andrade who has retired from hosting the renowned Pāhala  Christmas Parade with his family for more than 40 years.
    The new evening version parade will conclude with picture-taking with Santa and his Buddies, some arts and crafts and light refreshments until 8:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
    Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade is co-hosted by County Department of Parks & Recreation.
    Parade Committee Chair Shai Lopez-Castenada said that more parade participants are welcome. "We are calling all businesses, farmers, agencies, clubs and individuals to join in the parade."
Parade participants will be entered in a drawing for a Two Guest Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch, sponsored by Body Glove in Kailua-Kona.
    Those who would like to enter the parade can call Lopez-Castaneda at (808 )345-0649 or email him at pahalalightedchristmasparade@gmail.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

7,500 printed, 5,000 in the mail

Directed by Kaʻū's own Farley Sangels and four other
musicians from Kaʻū.

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023

 A classic from marine debris artist Don Elwing, called Peace at the Temple Bell, components collected from Kamilo Beach in Kaʻū. He will display more recent works at Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Christmas in Kahuku event Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Art by Don Elwing

HOLIDAYS IN KAHUKU is next Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Hwy 11 at the 70.5 mile-marker. The free family event features food, a craft fair and music, along with Santa bringing 200 gifts for keiki.
    "It's Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's own festival to highlight the Kahuku Unit of the National Park and to thank the community for all of their support," said Friends CEO Elizabeth Fein.
     Emcee will be Makana Kamahele. Performers will be the Kipapa Sisters, Kumu Debbie Ryder and Halau Hula O Leionalani, South Hawai‘i Symphony with holiday music, The Jazz Gardeners and the rock band Hot Potaytahs. John Replogle will perform the skit Little Lei Puahi & The Wild Pua‘a.

  Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will present its new logo and first line of clothing, long and short sleeve shirt, for sale for the first time, with colors from a wild dark brown, to Kelly green to heather, white, royal blue and slate. Traditional wear with the retired logo on jackets, youth shirts and women's tees
will also be on sale. Buy a new logo shirt and receive a 2018 Hawai‘i Volcano National Park Cultural Festival Shirt for free. The 2018 shirts were made but the Cultural Festival was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.
    Those selling gifts include makers of Christmas ornaments, clothing, art made from marine debris, park-inspired paintings, pottery, jewelry, and locally produced packaged foods like Kaʻū Coffee and honey.
    Food and drink will be available from The Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, 4 Scoops of Aloha and Flyn' Hawaiian Coffee Truck.
    There will be free shave ice minis and free face painting for keiki donated by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
    Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park financially supports numerous activities and projects in the Hawai‘i Volcanoes, including the Park's own annual Cultural Festival. Friends also raises money to support the Tuesday night After Dark in the Park presentations and cultural practitioners in the Ikahana No‘eau and Naleomanu Concert Series at Kīlauea Visitors Center. It financially supports the Youth Rangers Program provides work training for young people and can lead to long term employment with the National Park Service. Friends helps fund the Hawksbill Turtle Project, nēnē conservation efforts, the Park's native plants nursery, and supports volunteers to collect seeds, outplant and help with forest restoration, including removal of endangered species.
    Friends financially supported remodeling of the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the building of the grass hale next to Volcano Art Gallery.
    It also operates its own programs, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes Institute, with educational experience in the National Park for school, college, non-profit and private groups. It produces and funds the upcoming Holidays in Kahuku.
    Friends also financially supports the new Kahuku-Pōhue Bay unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
    Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been featured in numerous media, including the upcoming hour-long Nick News Special on Nickelodeon, to be released in December. The show features Guardians of the Trails and Youth Rangers programs.
    The mission of Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is to support the National Park Service in the protection, preservation, and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

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Laurel Wilt has killed more than 140,000 commercial
avocado trees in Florida and U.H. warns it could come
to Hawai‘i. Photo from University of Florida

A THREAT TO AVOCADO TREES has been announced by University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. It's the Laurel Wilt spread by redbay ambrosia beetles and movement of infected avocado wood products. 

    The beetle bores into avocado trees, leaving sawdust exit tubes hanging off the trunks. Green leaves wilt, and turn brown, stems and limbs die back and avocado trees die.

    The infestation was first detected in Savanah, Georgia and moved across southern states to Texas but is not yet detected in California, where there is fear it might arrive through importing firewood from infected states.

    U.H. warns that it could come here. In Florida, more than 140,000 commercial avocado trees have been lost, valued at about $46.2 million. 

    The U.H. statement says Laurel Wilt "is not yet found in Hawai‘i, but we must be aware of this problem and learn how to identify LW and its vector, prevent its introduction, and manage LW should it arrive in Hawai'i."

    U.H. asks avocado tree owners and commercial producers to participate in a survey "to provide feedback on objectives that are important to you" and to help shape the U.H. and University of Florida team effort for funding to control Laurel Wilt and its vector. Click here to download the survey.
Click here to learn more about Laurel Wilt. Questions and completed surveys can be sent to Dr. Jonathan Crane (jhcr@ufl.edu).

The redbay ambrosia beetle that kills avocado trees. U.H. says be aware. Photo from University of Florida

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TROPICAL STORM RAMON, southeast of Hawai‘i Island, is forecast to become a remnant low within 60 hours. The storm held winds of 45 mph on Saturday and all forecasting predicts reduction and not much movement toward Hawai‘i, according to the National Weather Service.

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Directed by Kaʻū's own Farley Sangels and four other
musicians from Kaʻū.