Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 3, 2024

KAʻŪ NATIVE PLANT OF THE MONTH is A'E (Zanthoxylum hawaiiens) in the column by author Jodie Rosam and artist Joan Yoshioka.

    Description: It is a pleasure to share October’s friend with you: meet aʻe! Aʻe is also the featured plant for the 2024 Run for the Dry Forest, happening October 19th at Puʻuwaʻawaʻa, so you get two opportunities to get to know more about this amazing tree. If you have never participated in the run (or walk) before, I highly encourage you to check it out. You may even walk away with an aʻe t-shirt (designed by Joan), a native plant, and a chance to see aʻe in person!
    Aʻe is a gorgeous endemic tree species in the Rutaceae or citrus family. This medium-sized tree most often grows to about 5-8m (16-25’) tall and about 25cm (10”) in diameter, though sometimes they can be much larger. Aʻe trunks are easily identifiable when walking through the forest - the pale and dark gray bark stands out among the rest. The opposite leaves are composed of 3 triangular-shaped leaflets that are a lovely shade of green. The leaflets can have a silver sheen to them from the fine hairs that grow on the surface. If you can get close enough, they are worth a sniff - aʻe leaflets smell like lemon oil. Aʻe are dioecious, meaning all flowers on a tree are either male or female. They form in clusters of about 20 and have 4 greenish-white, triangular petals. Fruits are shaped like miniature lemons and contain a single seed. Aʻe are a magnificent sight to see in Hawaiian forests, but this and all Zanthoxylum species are endangered. Wildfires, habitat fragmentation, and invasive plants, rats, and ungulates put aʻe more at risk

for extinction everyday. Like many of the species I have introduced you to, these plants need help to ensure its persistence.
    Uses: Beneath the gray bark of aʻe lies a lovely hard wood that when ground down, yields a yellow dye. The dense wood was also useful in creating kua kuku (kapa beating boards) and iʻe kuku (wooden kapa beaters), as well as ʻōʻō (digging sticks) and ōʻō ʻihe (throwing spears). I would imagine the lemony-scent yields some medicinal uses too, so if you know of any, please do share them! The fruits were likely a source of nutrition for the ʻalalā (Hawaiian crow, now extinct in the wild), and possibly the ʻōmaʻo (Hawaiian thrush).
    Habitat: Aʻe can be found at approximately 550-1,740m (1,800-5,700ft) elevation, growing on lava flows, dry forests, and mixed mesic forests - typically on the leeward sides of the islands. Formerly found on the islands of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, aʻe populations have declined so much that it may be extirpated from Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi. It was no doubt much more common than it is today, but unfortunately aʻe is becoming a rarity in native forests.
    Growing and Purchasing: Because of its rarity, aʻe is not used as an ornamental (but how great would it be if the State and County adopted a policy to plant uncommon native species into their grounds instead of things like autograph tree and non-native fan palms?!?!). If you would like to see aʻe in its native habitat and learn more about this treasured tree, please visit Puʻuwaʻawaʻa this month. Hope to see you on the trail!

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EARLIER AGE DEATH IS ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATITIS C IN HAWAI'I, notes the state Department of Health in its campaign during Liver Cancer Awareness Month in October. DOH released Premature Deaths and Disparities Associated with Hepatitis C: The Hawaiʻi Hepatitis C Mortality Report. It analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 2021 to understand the burden of hepatitis C infections on local communities. DOH states that findings will guide efforts to improve liver health and reduce preventable deaths and says, "This novel report was the first comprehensive analysis of hepatitis C death data for Hawaiʻi." The most important findings include:
    People with hepatitis C die at a younger age than the general population. Most (88 percent) Hawaiʻi residents with hepatitis C-related deaths did not reach age 75, which was lower than the U.S. life expectancy in 2021.
    Many deaths occur before retirement age. Among Hawaiʻi residents with hepatitis C-associated deaths, more than 40 percent died before the average retirement age of 65 years (as compared to 23 percent for all causes of death).

    Progress is being made. Hepatitis C death rates were lower than the national average from 2017 to 2020, with 2.63 deaths per 100,000 in Hawaiʻi compared to 3.45 per 100,000 in the U.S. in 2020. However, disparities in death rates were observed for male and white residents in Hawaiʻi.
    To stem the tide of preventable deaths, the report makes recommendations on how to eliminate hepatitis C in Hawaiʻi, including universal reflex testing and increased access to curative medication. The report also prioritizes population-based data collection and analysis to share more information with community partners.
    "Deaths due to hepatitis C are completely preventable," said State Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. "Although Hawaiʻi has made progress in reducing these deaths, people are still dying unnecessarily from a curable infection. DOH is committed to working with our local coalition, Hep Free Hawaiʻi, and other partners to eliminate this deadly disease."
    The development of this report was the result of a multi-sector collaboration between DOH and external partners, including Hep Free Hawaiʻi and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Download the report at https://health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/new-early-deaths-due-to-hep-c-in-hawai%ca%bbi/.
    This report aligns with Hep Free 2030, the statewide strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis in Hawaiʻi by 2030, which was developed by DOH in collaboration with Hep Free Hawaiʻi and more than 160 community stakeholders.
    For local hepatitis C screening and treatment resources, visit www.hepfreehawaii.org.
    For free local hepatitis C provider training, visit https://uhpcme.teachable.com/p/hepatitis-c-training.
    For more information on hepatitis elimination efforts in Hawaiʻi, visit www.hepfreehawaii.org/hep-free-2030.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, October 12, 2017

Bush Tucker refers to food native to Australia, like macadamia. Peter Salleras, of Queensland, will talk about Bush
Tucker Fruits at the next Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers and Hawai‘i Farmers United joint meeting on Thursday,
Oct. 19. See story below. Photo from Tourism NT

GOOD TREATMENT OF KŪPUNA has led Hawai‘i to a ranking of third in the country when it comes to states that are best at serving their older population. U.S. News and World Report based its rankings, released yesterday, on the cost of care, nursing home quality, primary care and life expectancy.

One of Ka‘ū's most active seniors,
Jeannette Howard, of Punalu‘u, is well
into her 90s. She is a Native Hawaiian
speaker and teacher. She takes classes
 and travels and has operated a beach
 concession for more than 60 years.
Photo by Julia Neal

   The publication says that Hawai‘i’s residents have the longest life expectancy in the U.S., with its 65-and-older population expected to live 20 years longer than in other states. U.S. News has also found that Hawai‘i has the best nursing home quality in the country.
    “It’s part of our culture in Hawai‘i to respect and honor our kūpuna or elders. Our programs reflect these values and aim to keep our older population active and contributing members of society,” said Gov. David Ige.
     Colorado ranked first, with one of the healthiest and most physically active older populations in the country. Maine is second, where a fifth of the population consists of residents 65 and older, a higher percentage than in any other state. Rounding out the top ten are: Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont, New Hampshire and Florida.
     In 2016, Americans 65 and older accounted for 15.2 percent of the total population, an increase of 2.8 percent from 2000. Not only are baby boomers aging, but advances in medicine and technology are resulting in a longer life expectancy. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that one in five Americans will be 65 years and older by 2030.

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STOPPING MISUSE OF FOREIGN WORKER VISAS is a new campaign of Pres. Donald Trump’s administration. The Department of State and Department of Justice announced yesterday they will share information. “Employers that discriminate against qualified U.S. workers by favoring foreign visa workers will be held accountable,” said John M. Core, of the DOJ civil rights division. He said the commitment is to “use all available tools, including collaboration with other federal agencies, to protect U.S. workers from discrimination.” The memorandum of understanding calls for increased scrutiny to H-1B, H-2A and H-2B visas.
     DOJ already filed a suit against against Crop Production, on the mainland, claiming the company required tougher standards for American workers, including drug tests and background checks. Foreign workers started without the requirements, and in some the tests and checks were never done, DOJ claimed.

     Farms on the mainland and even in Ka‘ū rely on foreign workers for processing and picking.

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A native plum of Australia is among the Bush Tucker fruits

to be discussed at the Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers

and Hawai‘i Farmers United meeting.

Photo by John Moss

HAWAI‘I TROPICAL FRUIT GROWERS will team up with Hawai‘i Farmers Union United to discuss tropical fruit yields. The meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Tropical Fruit Growers facility at 81-6393 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook. Guest speaker will be Peter Salleras, of Queensland, Australia, who will talk about Tatura trellis in Hawai‘i and Bush Tucker fruits, the native fruits of Australia.

     Also on hand will be Hawai‘i Farmers United state President Vince Mina who will give a report on the recent state convention and legislative outlook. This will be a pot luck dinner meeting starting at 5 p.m. Members and guests are encouraged to bring a dish for sharing. For more information, contact: Brian Lievens, President West Hawai‘i Chapter, 808895 -8753, greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com or Ken Love, Executive Director, 808-323-2417, kenlove@hawaiiantel.net. Learn more about Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers at: facebook.com/group.php?gid=127197321932&ref=mf, hawaiitropicalfruitgrowers.org and hawaiifruit.net.

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Hep. C, which can be spread through tatoo and other
needles, often has no symptoms. Free testing will
be at Volcano Farmers Market on Sunday, Nov. 5.
Image from Google

HEPATITIS C TESTING IS FREE at Volcano Farmers Market on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. According to the Volcano Community Association, which is sponsoring the event, one in 30 Baby Boomers (born between 1945 and 1965) have Hepatitis C and most don't even know it.
    Hepattisis C is distinct from other forms of the disease. There are vaccines for Hep A and B but not for C. 

    The test for C is a simple finger prick blood test and the results are ready in 20 minutes. The disease can be treated and cured. The only required information from people being tested is a consent form which the testers will provide.

     Volunteers Paul Takehiro and Jewel Castro are the Hep. C testers from Hawai‘i Island HIV/Aids Foundation, and organizer Danielle Flannery is a Hep. C educator from Gilead Sciences. Sponsors are Volcano Community Association, Cooper Center Council, Gilead Sciences and the Hawai‘i Island HIV/Aids Foundation.

     For more information about Hep. C visit the website hepchelp.com or contact Volcano Community Association at vcainfo@yahoo.com regarding this event. Volcano Farmers Market is located on Wright Road in Volcano.

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is accepting reservations for its next volunteer day at its Ka‘ū Preserve for Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserving a spot in advance to go to the remote location in The Nature Conservancy's trucks is a must. Anyone interested in more information, and/or to reserve a spot can contact Linda Schubert at lschubert@tnc.org, or call 443-5401.    

     Volunteers will meet at 7 a.m. at The Nature Conservancy's Ka‘ū office, located at next to the entrance of Whittington and Honu‘apo Parks, between Punalu‘u and Nā‘ālehu. There is ample parking for volunteers' vehicles. Volunteers will be returned to the office by 2 p.m.
     Participants will need: long pants, protective shoes (boots preferred), a lunch and water. Everyone should be ready for a variety of weather conditions, from sun, rain, to cool temperatures.
     The following volunteer workday will be Saturday, Nov. 18. Details to come.

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NĀ‘ĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS A FALL COSTUME PIZZA PARTY on Halloween Day, Tuesday, Oct. 31, starting at 3 p.m.
     "Fun, food and prizes at our annual Fall Costume Party - and this year it's a pizza party!" says a statement from the libaray. Those wearing costumes have an extra chance to win a prize.  The drawing will be at  at 4 p.m.
    The event is free and open to all, though young children should be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
    For more details, call 939-2442.

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Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com 

UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball 

Friday, Oct. 13, Ka‘ū vs. Honoka'a, home.

Eight-Man Football

Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka‘ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

Cross Country

Saturday, Oct. 13, Ka‘ū vs. BIIF, away.

Cheerleading

Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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MOLD CERAMICS REGISTRATION ENDS tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 13. Classes will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 16 through Dec. 4. at Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TOMORROW TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Stewardship at the Summit will take place three more times in October - Fridays, Oct. 13 & 27, and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m.
      Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers  wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit
stewardship.htm.

Collaborative art at the Far from the Tree show
opening this Saturday at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
Photo from VAC

FAR FROM THE TREE, featuring Linda Peterson and Gregg Smith, opens Saturday, Oct. 14, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A reception with both artists will be Saturday, Oct. 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

      The mixed media exhibition showcases Peterson’s detailed acrylic paintings and Smith’s segmented, wood turned vessels made mostly of Hawaiian hardwoods. The exhibit also features hand painted wooden bowls that combine both artists’ talents.

      Volcano Art Center invites all to come view this collection of two and three dimensional works. For more information, visit volcanoartcenter.org or contact VAC Gallery Manager Emily C. Weiss by calling (808) 967-8222 or emailing gallery@volcanoartcenter.org.

THE HISTORY OF DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT will be presented at a dinner this Saturday, Oct. 14, at Discovery Harbour Community Center at 5 p.m. Veteran and current volunteer firefighters will be honored.

A vintage Discovery Harbour fire truck.
Photo from Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept.

     A wall of photos, with two original helmets used in 1988, and an album with facts and photos from past to present will be unveiled. For more information call Dina Shisler at 410-935-8087 or email dinashisler24@yahoo.com. Read the Ka‘ū News Briefs from Tuesday, Oct. 10, for more details.

ATLAS RECYCLING ACCEPTS RECYCLABLES AT SOUTH POINT U-CART again on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

TWO EVENTS WILL BE HOSTED BY KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 14.

     From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.,  Crater Rim Café offers a Mongolian BBQ. Call 967-8356 for more details.

    At 8 p.m.: Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge offers Comedy Night with Tom Clark. Call 967-8371 for more.
     Both are open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

KANIKAPILA welcomes acoustic instrumentalists, drummers, singers and dancers on Saturdays, Oct. 14 and 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more, call Desmond at 937-6305.

EXPLORE THE HUMAN HISTORY OF KAHUKU, on a three-hour guided moderate two-mile hike, People and Land of Kahuku, that loops through varied landscapes in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands– from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is also offered on Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.

Ka‘ū Desert footprints will be explained Tuesday
at After Dark in the Park. Photo by Ann Bosted

LEARN ABOUT KA‘Ū DESERT’S FOOTPRINTS IN THE ASH with Park Ranger Jay Robinson during Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium.
     Hawaiians once traversed Kīlauea on foot to travel between Puna and Ka‘ū, and during the 18th century, explosions from the volcano rained volcanic ash down on the people, preserving their footprints in the sands of “Keonehelelei.” Robinson will discuss new interpretive displays in the Ka‘ū Desert and explain what is known today about the impact of these explosive eruptions on native society. The event is free, park entrance fees apply.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR PAPER PLATE SILHOUETTE CRAFT, until Tuesday, Oct. 17, for the class that takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.

Mark Yamanaka with Ka‘ū fans. Photo by Julia Neal

A FREE CONCERT FEATURING LOCAL RECORDING ARTIST MARK YAMANAKA will be hosted in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
     Yamanaka has been awarded multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards since the debut of his first album, Lei Puakenikeni. His album, Lei Maile also received critical acclaim.  “Mark’s crisp, clear falsetto and rich baritone voice will mesmerize you,” says a statement from the park.
     This event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Park entrance fees may apply.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD meets Wednesday, Oct. 18, starting at noon, in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

REGISTER KEIKI AGES 5-12 FOR A HALLOWEEN MASK MAKING CLASS that takes place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Register through Friday, Oct. 20. For more, call 939-2510.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
     The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, November 3, 2017

Longline fishing boats provide most of Hawai‘i's sashimi tuna. Hawai‘i's Congressional Delegation introduced a
bill on Friday that would address the working condition and foreign worker status in the industry.
Photo from Hawai‘i Seafood Council

THE SUSTAINABLE FISHING WORKFORCE PROTECTION ACT has been introduced by the Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation to provide nonimmigrant work visas for the longline fishing industry, to promote transparency in compensation, workplace safety and clarity in federal enforcement and oversight. “This bill provides necessary protections for foreign fishermen and ensures the continued viability of Hawai‘i’s longline fishing fleet, which is important to our culture,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono.

Hawai‘i Longline Fishing. Drawing by Les Hata/Hawai‘i Seafood Council

       The longline fishing industry began in Hawai‘i with flagline fishing by Japanese immigrants, starting in 1917. They built their own wooden boats and headed out to sea, with opelu for bait, small fish caught by native Hawaiians. The fleet became more modern in recent years and the name changed to longline. It is the main source of sashimi tuna and many other fish in Hawai‘i, including swordfish. According to the Hawai‘i Seafood Council, "The Hawai‘i longline fishery is one of the most intensively studied, monitored and best managed fisheries in the world. It has achieved a high level of compliance (94 percent) with the global standard, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries."
     Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said, “The Sustainable Fishing Workforce Protection Act addresses longstanding allegations in the Hawai‘i fishing industry regarding the treatment of foreign workers on longline commercial fishing vessels homeported in Hawai‘i. I am optimistic this legislative framework will allow Congress to better define the employer-employee relationship between boat owners and foreign fisherman such that each side understands their rights and obligations."

Longline tuna sells at fish auctions. Photo from NOAA

    Sen. Brian Schatz said, “This legislation is about providing safety, protecting human rights, and restoring dignity to the foreign crewmen working in Hawai‘i’s fishing fleet."

     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “For years, disjointed laws have left foreign fishermen working off our shores without federal protections or status, and at risk for inhumane conditions and human rights abuses. This legislation will increase employer accountability, strengthen federal oversight, and improve working conditions for these workers that contribute to our local economy.”   

     The Sustainable Fishing Workforce Protection Act would: provide foreign fishermen in the Hawai‘i fleet with visas that will allow them to transit to and from and work legally in the U.S.; establish a baseline of responsibilities for employers by outlining the components of labor agreements that they and the foreign workers must agree to governing wages and other compensation; require that the terms of those agreements be enforceable in U.S. court or by voluntary arbitration; and require that signed copies of the agreements be kept on file at relevant federal and state agencies.

     The legislation would also clarify oversight responsibilities of federal agencies with respect to health and safety issues for the Hawai‘i fishing fleet.

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The late George Na‘ope, upper right, was mentor to Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder 

who founded Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival.

HULA DANCERS, MUSICIANS AND CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS from Japan, to Mexico, Lana‘i and West Virginia, descended on Pāhala this week, preparing for workshops on Friday and the Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
     On Friday, the public and the hālau hula enjoyed a free hula workshop with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, as well as classes in lei making, and lau hala and coconut weaving.
     The Saturday Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival begins at 10 a.m. with an opening pule, address by Kawehi Ryder, Ho‘okupu, and Kaulana Na Pua by Hālau Hula O Leionalani.
    Musicians for the day include Wailau Ryder, Steven Sioloa, Keiawa and Kaleo Maoli, with the Inoue ‘Ohana from Japan and headliner Raiatea Helm.             Emcees for the day are Skylark Rossetti and Makana Kamahele. The event is dedicated, in part to the late George Na‘ope, the mentor of Ryder who founded the festival.
    At 11 a.m. will be the music of Kaleo Maoli. At 11:30 a.m., Ho‘onani Komohana from Osaka, Japan and special guests from Lana‘i, Pekelo and Kazumi Palisbo, will perform. At noon, Yoko Sensei from Sendai, Japan will perform Kauluwehi O Ke Kai. From Mexico City, Aloha Pumehana with instructor Veror Ramirez will dance, followed by Yoko Sensei offering Pua Lililehua and Aloha Nua‘uanu.
    From West Virginia, Hālau Hula Kahanuola will dance to Hanalei Moon.

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder draws dancers from Japan, O‘ahu, Mexico and

West Virgina to her Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festivals. Hālau

 enjoy dancing at Punalu‘u and the main festival all day Saturday at 

Pāhala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

     At 1 p.m., Filipino dancers take the stage - the Bayanihan Club of University of Hawai‘i- Hilo. At 2 p.m. the Puna Taiko Drummers perform. At 2:30 p.m. it's Lorilei's Hula Studio.
     Famed vocalist of Moloka‘i, Raiatea Helm, performs from 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the
Back Yahd Boyz. On stage from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. is the Inoue ‘Ohana from Japan.
     At 5:15 p.m., instructor Laura Plata from Mexico performs hula numbers. At 5:30 p.m. Mexican Folklore dancers take the stage. At 5:45 p.m., its Hālau Hula O Leionalani; Kahiko; Ho‘opuka; Ka piko; Holo ana Ho‘i; and O‘ahu ladies- Oli Kilauea.
      At 6 p.m., a Remembering Our Ancestors - Kukui Celebration will be held.
      At 6:30 p.m., Hālau Hula O Leionalani will wrap up the day of dance, with hula sisters from Pāhala, O‘ahu and Japan. The evening music concludes with Keaiwa beginning at 7:30 p.m.
     The music and entertainment are free and vendor booths offer crafts, food, games and information.

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BIRTH OF KAHUKU, a guided easy-to-moderate hike, traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations as hikers explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. The free hike is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

A HOLIDAY AFFAIR is set for Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. The art sale also offers maps to Ka‘ū galleries for attendees to continue their Ka‘ū art exploration. Gift wrapping and/or boxing for easy mailing will be available for items sold. To reserve a booth or space call Mars Cavers at 938-9760 or email starmars@mac.com. For more about the event, see Ka‘ū News Briefs from Sunday, Oct. 22.

A HEALTH FAIR will take place at Discovery Harbour Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along with exercise demonstration - Yoga, hula, pilates, Tai Chi, and Qigong - the fair will also offer healthy cooking demonstrations, flu shots, massages and health presentations from various organizations, including Unsafe at Any Meal author Dr. Renee Dufault. For more, visit discoveryharbor.net or call 929-9576. See Ka‘ū News Briefs from Sunday, Oct. 1.

A GILLIGAN'S NIGHT to raise funds for Ka‘ū Learning Academy is Saturday, Nov. 4, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Gilligan's Restaurant former sitem, which is now the charter school in Discovery Harbour. It is the first in a series of Ka‘ū Learning Academy fundraisers with music and food.

      Foggy will play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Solomon and Tiger will play from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. The food will feature pizza, pasta, lasagna, salads, desserts and chicken parmesan. Beer and wine will be served.See Ka‘ū News Briefs from Monday, Oct. 23.

FREE HEPATITIS C TESTING IS AVAILABLE on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.,  at Volcano Farmers Market on Wright Rd in Volcano. Volcano Community Association, the organization hosting the event, says that one in 30 baby boomers have Hep. C and most don’t event know it. For more details visit Ka‘ū News Briefs from Thursday, Oct. 12, or email vcainfo@yahoo.com. 

HAM RADIO OPERATORS HOST A POTLUCK PICNIC Sunday, Nov. 5, at Manukā Park. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. For more, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.

PU‘U O LOKUANA, a free moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike, takes visitors to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered Sunday, Nov. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn about the formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of lower Ka‘ū.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS MEET TUESDAY, Nov. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

RETURN TO THE WILD: AN UPDATE ON THE ‘ALALĀ RELEASE is the Tuesday, Nov. 7, After Dark in the Park topic in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at 7 p.m. ‘Alalā Project staff Jackie Gaudiso-Levita and Rachel Kingsley present and update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of ‘alalā, the endangered Hawaiian crow. Paul Banko (USGS) and Donna Ball (USFWS) will share past experiences. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Pick up the November edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar, 

free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 

through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout

the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com 

REGISTER KEIKI GRADE K-8 FOR PAPER FALL FLOWER CRAFT by Tuesday, Nov. 7, for the class which takes place Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

DISCOVER THE SKILL OF WEAVING LAU HALA with ‘Aha Pūhala o Puna on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The event is free, though park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UPS are offered at Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event will occur again on Tuesday, Nov. 14. For more, call 939-7033.

THE PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM AT THE STATE CAPITOL is offering citizens training to help them interact with government, especially leading up to the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature.

     Several opportunities to learn learn about the legislative process and how to participate will be provided at the Your Voice workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i training room near the Kona Airport, and on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hawai‘i Community College Manoa Campus Building 379, Room 1 in Hilo. Both events are free to attend.

     The workshop is designed to be helpful to newcomers and seasoned advocates alike.

     For additional information, contact the Public Access Room (PAR):
phone (808)587-0478, email par@capitol.hawaii.gov, or visit LRBhawaii.org/PAR. Read the Ka‘ū News Briefs for Thursday, Oct. 26 for more.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL AID will be provided on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. The event offers free social security, veterans information and legal advice. For more call 939-7033.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
     The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, November 4, 2017

Hawaiian, Mexican and Japanese dancers and musicians shared their cultures on Saturday at Ho‘okupu Hula
 No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal

DANCE AND MUSIC BROUGHT the Ka‘ū community together in an international exchange at Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Culural Festival in Pāhala on Saturday. Tiny hula maidens expressed bewilderment with the swirling skirts and thundering rhythms of shoes and boots of Mexican folk dancers who flew in from Mexico City. Japanese hālau shared hula and the Puna Taiko Drummers presented their sounds to the ladies from Japan. Demetrius Oliveira reunited with the Inoue ‘Ohana with whom he toured Japan years ago. Lorielei Shirakawa, who taught hula in Wai‘ōhinu for 20 years, came home to Ka‘ū with her hālau from Hilo and reunited with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, who produced the two-day event. They were both mentored by the late George Na‘ope, founder of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

A hālau from Mexico dances both hula and Mexican
folk numbers. Photo by Julia Neal

      Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Culural Festival presented two days of workshops and performances. Ryder presented the talents of her students from Pāhala and around the islands to families and all those who came for the cultural exchange. Children learned to pound poi and weave coconut. A kukui lighting ceremony remembered many people who passed on in the last year.
     Famed Hawaiian high soprano Raiatea Helm, of Moloka‘i, brought back the songs of the great falsetto singers of Hawaiian music, accompanied by Wailau Ryder and Demetrius Oliveira. Helm thanked Skylark, who emceed the event with Makana Kamahele, for all she has done to help Hawaiian musicians.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SEN. RUSSELL RUNDERMAN briefed the County Council this week on his plans for the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature. Ruderman, who represents east Ka‘ū, Volcano and Puna, said he will push for a statewide direct citizens initiative. He acknowledged the initiative and referendum process for Hawai‘i County and hopes for one statewide. "We can have a participative democracy to address some issues that the legislature has failed to address and continues to fail to address.”

Goodwill from traditional Mexican dancers and singers to Hawaiian
dancers and singers and a hug to Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder.
Photo by Julia Neal

    Concerning jobs, Ruderman said he will advocate for a “$15 an hour minimum wage. It's important. I feel like I have a role to play on that discussion," he said, noting that he employes many Hawai‘i Island residents in his business of owning food stores. "You think I would oppose it." However, Ruderman said that he believes a $15 minimum wage "is really good for business, not bad for business. Moreover, it’s good for our society and I think its a way to lift hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty and virtually solve our homeless problem."

    The state Senator said, "When I look in our toolbox, what do we have to address poverty and homelessness?" He contended that nothing makes more of an impact than raising wages. "So, it’s something we can do... and make a dramatic difference in our society. I know that it comes with some controversy but I think the benefits greatly outweigh the negatives.”

    Concerning marijuana, Ruderman said, he is “constantly trying to push on decriminalizing or making legal cannabis in our state and I will once again propose a bill to allow the counties to legalize or decriminalize cannabis. Since the state does not seem to want to do so.” 

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, right, with Hālau Hula O Leionalani at Saturday's Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Rat lungworm disease is another issue Ruderman said he will revisit at the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature, by supporting funding for the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo rat lungworm lab. He said $600,000 in funding went all the way through the House and the Senate. "It never got a single no vote in any committee or on the floor and was killed in conference committee through some very dirty business, which harms our community, especially here on the Big Island." He said the bill will be resubmitted. "We would love support for that." He said Hawai‘i County Council "is stepping up helping the lab in its own ways."

Wailau Ryder and Raiatea Helm.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Medical Aid and Dying is another bill Ruderman will continue to support next legislature. It is also called physician assisted suicide or death with dignity. "That's the idea that with a lot of safeguards in place, a person of sound mind facing a terminal diagnosis can have their doctor prescribe life ending drugs without their doctor getting in trouble," and without the medical professionals losing their insurance to stay in practice, said Ruderman. He pointed to the legality of physician assisted suicide in five other states, noting that "Oregon is famous for having it" for more than five years. About 20 people a year are assisted in Oregon, he said.

   The Tiny House bill and other ways of helping farmers and ranchers to provide more worker and family housing is another goal of Ruderman. Last year's Tiny House bill passed the legislature but was opposed by the Hawai‘i County Planning Director and the chair of the state Department of Agriculture, who said it could become a loophole for unplanned development on agricultural lands. Gov. David Ige vetoed the Tiny House bill. Ruderman said he would work on the bill to gain county support for 2018.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

WATER QUALITY AT BEACHES is easy to access on the state Department of Health's new website for its Clean Water Branch. The website offers up-to-date information — integrated with aerial photos from Google maps — to check on the status of the water quality of beaches that may have a surge in bacteria levels or are being impacted by sewage spills. This website at eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/#!/viewer is part of a revised statewide beach monitoring and notification system.

Lori Lei Shirakawa, Demetrius Oliveira and one of her award
winning Kupuna Kane dancers. Photo by Julia Neal

    "The new features and functions of the website, developed in part from a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, were based on feedback from those within the health department as well as external stakeholders," said a statement from DOH. The website is part of an integrated notification system that includes warning signs posted at selected beaches throughout the state.
    “This was a collaborative effort within the Department of Health and with others in the community,” said Keith Kawaoka, DOH deputy director of environmental health. “The input we received allowed us to develop a much more robust beach monitoring and notification system that will serve as a valuable tool for the community." He called the new website, "just the beginning. In the future, we’ll be able to use the data to improve efficiency in the beach warning notification system and use the data for other purposes.”

The Inoue ‘Ohana from Japan reunite with Demetrius Oliveira who
accompanied them on tour in Japan years ago.
Photo by Julia Neal

    Once fully optimized, the new system will automatically generate the advisory text with the location details. The system will alert the Clean Water Branch staff of the pending advisory so it can be reviewed and submitted with one click. With the current system, CWB staff must manually input the advisory and location details and manually transmit the email notifications. In addition, the information on the website and the email notifications are part of two different systems. The new system will make all advisory text consistent and integrate email notifications and website information in a single system.
     “The State of Hawai‘i has taken an important step to ensure public safety by promptly notifying the public about potential human health risks and improving access to beach monitoring data,” said Tomas Torres, Director of the Water Division at EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “The DOH’s partnership with Surfrider and other stakeholders exemplifies a notable bottom-up collaboration that results in tangible human health and environmental protection for residents and visitors in Hawai‘i.”

Japanese hula dancers shared their skills with Ka‘ū on Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

      The monitoring of clean water conditions started in ernest in 2000, when the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act became an amendment to the federal Clean Water Act, establishing national standard criteria for coastal recreational water monitoring and public notification of possible pollution at beaches. As an eligible coastal state, Hawai‘i receives an annual EPA BEACH Act grant to implement the BEACH program. For this new federal fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2017, the Department of Health received $265,000 from the EPA to operate the statewide program.

A big stage at Pāhala Community Center drew more than 1,000 people to
the hula fest. Photo by Julia Neal

    The  Clean Water Branch is required to operate the beach monitoring program and to provide public notification whenever indicator bacteria levels exceed a specified threshold level. This includes beach advisories for beaches that experience temporary or permanent elevations of bacteria, sewage spills, or brown water advisories following rainy weather that cause runoff to the beaches. The website complements the physical posting of signs on the beaches and the onsite notifications by the county lifeguards.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A JUMBLE & PLANT SALE is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All you can eat pancakes will be available for $3 per person. For more details, call 939-7000 or email StJudeHawaii@bak.rr.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF Class will be hosted Saturday, Nov. 11,  from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. Big Island artist Patti Pease Johnson teaches color theory and silk scarf painting techniques using three colors of each artists choosing. Beginners and intermediate artists welcome. Fees are $50 per non-member and $45 per Volcano Art Center member, plus $10 supply fee per person. For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Pick up the November edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar, 

free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 

through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout

the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

FREE HEPATITIS C TESTING IS AVAILABLE on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.,  at Volcano Farmers Market on Wright Rd in Volcano. Volcano Community Association, the organization hosting the event, says that one in 30 baby boomers have Hep. C and most don’t event know it. For more details visit Ka‘ū News Briefs from Thursday, Oct. 12, or email vcainfo@yahoo.com. 

HAM RADIO OPERATORS HOST A POTLUCK PICNIC Sunday, Nov. 5, at Manukā Park. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. For more, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.

PU‘U O LOKUANA, a free moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike, takes visitors to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered Sunday, Nov. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn about the formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of lower Ka‘ū.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS MEET TUESDAY, Nov. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

RETURN TO THE WILD: AN UPDATE ON THE ‘ALALĀ RELEASE is the Tuesday, Nov. 7, After Dark in the Park topic in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at 7 p.m. ‘Alalā Project staff Jackie Gaudiso-Levita and Rachel Kingsley present and update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of ‘alalā, the endangered Hawaiian crow. Paul Banko (USGS) and Donna Ball (USFWS) will share past experiences. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADE K-8 FOR PAPER FALL FLOWER CRAFT by Tuesday, Nov. 7, for the class which takes place Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

DISCOVER THE SKILL OF WEAVING LAU HALA with ‘Aha Pūhala o Puna on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The event is free, though park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UPS are offered at Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event will occur again on Tuesday, Nov. 14. For more, call 939-7033.

THE PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM AT THE STATE CAPITOL is offering citizens training to help them interact with government, especially leading up to the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature.

     Several opportunities to learn learn about the legislative process and how to participate will be provided at the Your Voice workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i training room near the Kona Airport, and on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hawai‘i Community College Manoa Campus Building 379, Room 1 in Hilo. Both events are free to attend.

     The workshop is designed to be helpful to newcomers and seasoned advocates alike.

     For additional information, contact the Public Access Room (PAR):
phone (808)587-0478, email par@capitol.hawaii.gov, or visit LRBhawaii.org/PAR. Read the Ka‘ū News Briefs for Thursday, Oct. 26 for more.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL AID will be provided on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. The event offers free social security, veterans information and legal advice. For more call 939-7033.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
     The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017