Sunday, August 20, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, August 20, 2023

Darlyne Vierra, who founded Kaʻū Multicultural Society with Liz Kuluwaimaka, pulled from extensive
archives to present photos and other items from Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary at Sunday's Reunion.
Photos by Julia Neal
Reunion promoter and alumni 
archivist Joe Tateyama.

Reunion organizer James Yamaki
ALUMNI FLOODED THE KAʻŪ HIGH & PĀHALA  ELEMENTARY REUNION on Sunday along with friends of the school. The annual potluck event, with local music and Hālau Hula ‘O Leionalani dancers, draws alumni to the town from as far away as Boston. 
    A special presentation about the school was presented by Kaʻū Multicultural Society founders Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka who pulled from their enormous archive on families who immigrated here to work in the sugar industry and paniolo in ranching from Hawaiian and immigrant families. She said she could fill a huge place with just photos and memorabilia from the schools. She noted that Kaʻū Multicultural Society is looking for a permanent home for its archives and displays.
    Reunion organizers and promoters James Yamaki and Joe Tateyama said they were thrilled with the turnout at Pāhala Community Center and the widespread love for the school.

A core group of Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary alumni, some flying in from as far as Boston.
Photos by Julia Neal
Calvin Ponce headed up  entertainment
 for the reunion Sunday.
SOUTH POINT FIRE CONTINUED TO BURN ON SUNDAY. County Civil Defense issued a statement saying, "The Hawai‘i Fire Department reports the brush fire in the Kaʻū District at South Point continues to burn. All road closures are expected to remain in place through Monday."
     The following roads are closed: South Point Road at Ka Lea Road intersection
     The following roads are open for local traffic only: South Point Road below Kamaoa Road
   The area remains closed due to active fires and fire suppression activities. For more information, please visit the County of Hawai‘i Hazard Impact Map.

PALM TRAIL HIKE on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m. is a 2.6-mile loop along an old ranch road that leads to amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruption. At the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, discover relics of the ranching era and learn about hulihia (catastrophic change) and kūlia (restoration). Enjoy panoramic views of Kahuku and the Kaʻū coast. This is a 3-hour program.

5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.