Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, June 18, 2019

A Hawaiian honeycreeper drinks nectar from ʻōhiʻa lehua. Read story below about efforts to save the endemic trees from
 two devastating fungi. Photo from Saving ‘Ōhi’a: Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree, which won three Emmy's last weekend.

THE SINGLE-USE STYROFOAM BAN goes into effect Monday, July 1, says a reminder issued yesterday from Mayor Harry Kim. County of Hawaiʻi Ordinance 17-63, which passed in September 2017, prohibits food service vendors from "providing food to a customer in disposable (single-use) food service ware that is made from polystyrene foam, sometimes referred to as 'Styrofoam.'"

     Straws, lids, and cutlery are exempt. However, the County "encourages the use of environmentally preferable 

Containers like these are no longer permitted for plate lunch
 sold in Hawaiʻi County as of July 1. Photo from ewscripps

alternatives. Through this measure, it is the County's intent to improve environmental quality on the island and in the neighboring marine environment."

     Email Polystyrene@hawaii county.gov or call 808-961-8098 with questions. See hawaiizerowaste.org for more information.

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TACKLING RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH WITH NATURAL, GENETIC RESISTANCE BREEDING may be the most promising way to save the native forest from two deadly fungi. Some of the largest pristine ʻōhiʻa forests in Hawaiʻi are under attack by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in Kaʻū and Volcano.
     A weakened forest threatens the habitat of endangered wildlife, the watershed that provides drinking water for people, a place that visitors and residents enjoy, and Native Hawaiian cultural resources. A film entitled Saving ‘Ōhi’a: Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree won three Emmy's last weekend.

     At the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Science Symposium at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo in May, scientists gave a detailed presentation on how genetic resistance might save – even restore – ʻōhiʻa in Hawaiʻi.

     Richard Sniezko, a forest geneticist with USDA Forest Service, said resistance programs involve an "interactive process of selection, mating, and testing," that will produce "genetically diverse, adapted seed" – seed that is resistance to ROD. "Sometimes there's confusion" about tree-breeding, said Sniezko. He said it's not gene editing, transgenics, or the like. "Those are tools, but they're not required for a successful resistance program."

ʻŌhiʻa lehua give life to bees, among other wildlife. Photo from Saving ‘Ōhi’a: Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree

     Sniezko put forth questions. How bad will ROD get? With funding a genetic resistance program "not cheap," how strong is public support? How will natural resistance be harnessed efficiently and in time to prevent forest devastation? Can resistance be harnessed without destroying natural genetic variation and integrity?

     Sniezko said other species have seen success with natural resistance. He called it a "green," organic, sustainable solution, with few or no side effects.

     Success requires "a few people who are really passionate and drive this – and have the public support it. A sense of urgency" is needed, said Sniezko.

Scientists studying ROD are still searching for
the reason the fungi attack the endemic trees
with such damaging results. UH-CTAHR photo

     In starting this natural resistance study, Blane Luiz with the USDA Agricultural Research Service said he was "able to calculate disease severity" by inoculating four ʻōhiʻa varieties – newellii, incana, glaberrima, and polymorpha – with Ceratocystis lukuohia, the more virulent of the two Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death pathogens.

     Said Luiz, "All the polymorpha varieties died – 100 percent mortality. However, with newellii, incana, and glaberrima, we did see some survivors emerge. After the 17 weeks, incana seems to be the most promising, having the most amount of survivors come out of it. We also are working on other metrosideros (tree) species in the Pacific. We have already tested M. excelsa/kermacadensis hybrids and the M. collina variety Tahiti Red in the lab. If I believe correctly, the M. excelsa/kermacadensis hybrids were not susceptible, but the M. collina was susceptible to disease."

     Luiz said Hawaiʻi Island, "based on what we saw screening the different varieties," may have some disease-resistant trees, but further testing needs to be done.

     Ceratocystis Resistance Working Group, comprised of U.S. Drug Administration Forest Service and Agricultural Research Service, Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Purdue University, Hawaiʻi Agricultural Research Center, and Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, is working toward a full resistance program. The group has secured $150,000 from the USDA Special Technology Development Program, $120,000 from the USDA Pacific Southwest and Region 5, and $50,000 from Hawaiʻi DOFAW.

     The Ceratocystis Resistance Working Group goal is improved understanding of resistance, and methods for screening and testing, for ROD; and creating a large supply of ʻōhiʻa for large-scale planting for restoration, landscaping, and biocultural applications.

Some ʻōhiʻa are said to be resprouting after ROD infection.
UH-CTAHR photo

     People in the community have also been pitching in to try to help with ROD. Oils, minerals, and chemicals, and processes such as freezing, have been suggested by various members of the public to the ROD Facebook page. A posted response, made by Corie Yanger, Educational and Outreach Specialist at CTAHR Hawaiʻi County, let the public know that researchers do consider testing out these suggestions. Researchers ask: "Does the compound completely kill or stop the growth of the pathogen – Ceratocystis fungus – in the lab (in a petri dish)? If not, the process stops there. If yes, then they have to figure out how to apply the compound in a real world setting – meaning, to a live ʻōhiʻa. An 'effective' application means that the compound gets into the tree and comes into contact with the fungus."

     Yanger posted that community members are "sharing that they see ʻōhiʻa trees, once thought to be dead, resprouting in lava-impacted areas of Hawaiʻi's Puna district." She said researchers say "We don't yet have data connecting a tested and confirmed ROD affected tree in that area to resprouting observations. That means we don't know for sure that Ceratocystis, the ROD-causing fungus, was actually the killer of those trees. Trees don't 'recover' from fungal infections the way that humans can – with medicine. An infected plant walls off progress of an infection and might grow out again from a healthy part. Trees affected by C. huliohia (less aggressive ROD fungus) might be able to wall off infection, but trees affected by C. lukuohia (highly aggressive ROD fungus), won't.

     "It's definitely a positive sign that trees are flushing back. However, we can't say that there's any connection between the volcanic activity and ROD. There is one case on another part of (Hawaiʻi Island) where Ceratocystis lukuohia was confirmed in a tree and ~1.5 yrs later that tree was found to resprout. Our researchers are currently testing cuttings from that tree to learn more about what might be happening."

Healthy (green), diseased (red), and dead (grey) ʻōhiʻa. UH-CTAHR photo

     Yanger posted that boot brushing station blueprints are available for anyone by contacting ohialove@hawaii.edu. "These stations have been established at all State Na Ala Hele trailheads on Hawaiʻi Island," she said, "and are starting to be installed on other islands. They were designed to catch dirt (that might have #rapidohiadeath fungal spores) and seeds that stow away on our shoes. Whether you use these, or your own brush and bottle of rubbing alcohol, you're helping to show how we help to take care of Hawaiʻi."

     Yanger also posted that the 30-minute documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi’a: Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree, savingohia.com/full-documentary – made by Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, UH Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, CLUB SULLIVAN, Christy Martin, and the multiagency Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Response Team – was nominated for six and won three Emmy Awards last weekend.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

PREPARE FOR HURRICANES and other weather during this hurricane season - expected to be above average this year, through Nov. 30. Though hurricane season began more than two weeks ago, with little action on the storm front, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency has issued additional warnings to prepare now to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs.

     HI-EMA states that, had last year's storm Lane made landfall, it "would have resulted in devastating potential damage to residents and their property" and would have caused "catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawaiʻi. With the shutdown of ports, goods and services would have been weeks or even months away."

Hawaiʻi Island, top center, was brushed by the edges of Hurricane Lane last season. Kaʻū escaped with comparatively
little damage. If landfall was made by Lane, the damage would have been much worse. NOAA image

     Governor David Ige said, "Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge, and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn't hit us directly. I urge Hawaiʻi's residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient."
     Emergency kits of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies are recommended by HI-EMA. Thomas Travis, Administrator of HI-EMA, said the 14 days are recommended "because of Hawaiʻi's location in the Pacific... Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but... their entire community."
     HI-EMA says: "Build an emergency kit – now." Keep emergency kit supplies fresh by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time, HI-EMA officials say. HI-EMA also recommends planning with family and neighbors; prepare for medication, medication refills, and other needs; keep important documents in protective containers; deciding to shelter in place or evacuate and under what circumstances; assessing living spaces and surrounding areas for storm hazards; secure buildings and equipment for high winds or flooding; prepare pets and pet supplies - a carrier is required to stay in a pet-friendly shelter; monitor weather updates and emergency broadcasts (i.e., HNL.Info); and keep vehicle gas tanks filled.
    HI-EMA urges visitors to download the GoHawaii App and read the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's Travel Safety Brochure.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, June 19, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hilinaʻi  Initiavtive Community Meeting happens Wednesday, June 19, 6 p.m., at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani campus, second floor at 19-4024 Haunani Rd., in Volcano Village. Facilitated by Bob Agres and Keiko Mercado County of Hawaiʻi Kīlauea Recovery Initiative Community Engagement Team, the goal is to move toward a "comprehensive community resilience plan for upper Puna and Kaʻū." Hilinaʻi Kaʻū, kālele iā Puna; Hilinaʻi Puna, kālele iā Kaʻū: Kaʻū is independent, supported by Puna; Puna is independent, supported by Kaʻū, is the slogan on the announcement.

     Dinner is provided, and attendees are welcome to bring a local, healthy dish to share, if can. To get involved, email resilience@volcanoschol.net.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20
SIGN UP for Nā‘ālehu July 4th Parade, open until Thursday, June 20. Parade and Keiki Fun Day held June 29, 10a.m.-1:30p.m. - see separate event listing. Sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872. okaukakou.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Dementia Caregiver Boot Camp, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-4p.m., Kaʻū Rural Community Health Assoc. in Pāhala. RSVP by June 17. Free. Three workshops, movie, and lunch. Attend one or all segments. Learn more and RSVP at alz.org/Hawaii or 800-272-3900.

A-Mazing Triangles, Bookbinding Workshop with Charlene Asato, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. $32/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Abstract Collaging Workshop with Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 22, 10a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 10 adults. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily, June 22 through Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Opening Reception, Saturday, June 22, 2-4p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, JUNE 24
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, June 24. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

TUESDAY, JUNE 25
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, June 25, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, June 25, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, June 25, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Performing Arts Activity: Karaoke Sing Along, Tuesday, June 25, 2-3p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6 & up, June 17-21. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ONGOING

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through July 11; no meal Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.

     The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required.
     To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org

Volcano Village 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Craft Fair happens Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade starts at the Volcano Post Office, travels down Old Volcano Road, and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Road. Free entry to activities, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs allowed. Provided by Cooper Center Council, Volcano Community Association, and more. To be in the parade, download the entry form at volcanocommunity.org and email to vcainfo@yahoo.com. Vendors, download applications at thecoopercenter.org and email to idoaloha@gmail.com, or call Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bags and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, June 6, 2019

DDay air troopers, at right, on their way to dropping into France on June 6, 1944. At left are the same men,
75 years later as WWII veterans in the same plane. DDay led the way for Japanese Americans of the 442nd from
Hawaiʻi to head for Europe on June 26, 1944, as loyal U.S citizens supporting the Allies.
 Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono's Twitter

THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF DDAY, with World War II ceremonies this week in France and Britain, drew the following from Sen. Mazie Hirono: "We remember those in our military who served and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country on the beaches of Normandy. Today, we honor the legacy of the greatest generation and salute you."

DDay on June 6, 1944, made way for Japanese American soldiers like Iwao
Yonemitsu and Tokoichi Nakano to fight for the U.S. in Europe.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Hirono shared a photo of veterans in a plane that dropped them into France on DDay, their images then - and now - in their tenth decade of life.
     DDay, June 6, 1944, saw 57,500 U.S. troops land in France by sea and 15,500 from the sky. On the beaches of Normandy, it was the largest seaborne landing in military history.
    The DDAY landing on June 6 led the way to the deployment June 26 of the U.S. Army's 442nd unit of Japanese Americans to fight in Europe. Some came from from Kaʻū, including Iwao Yonemitsu and the late Tokoichi Nakano.
     Along with the Allied Forces, they defeated the Nazis who were taking over Europe.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAIʻI COUNTY STYROFOAM-POLYSTYRENE BAN is before the County Council. Proposed by councilmember Tim Richards, who introduced the ban, it would allow use of containers widely considered recyclable but not currently accepted in Hawaiʻi County's recycling system. Plastic clamshell containers are examples.

Example of a recyclable plastic clamshell container, which
would be allowed with the new amendment.
Photo from webstaurant.com

     A problem developed with the styrofoam-polystyrene ban that goes into effect July 1, with few alternatives for packaging. While the new law allows recyclable plastic and compostable containers, Hawaiʻi County stopped accepting "No. 5 plastic 'clamshell'" containers – the recyclable alternative many food vendors would use as a replacement for the styrofoam plate lunch container. This leaves the more expensive compostable containers as the only option.
     The proposed amendment would allow use of packaging currently unacceptable for recycling by Hawaiʻi County, but potentially acceptable in the future.
     The ban prohibits sale and use of any styrofoam-polystyrene containers by restaurants, food vendors, and on county property. This includes banning the public from using them at county-supervised pavilions, parks, cabins, and other facilities. The polystyrene ban doesn't affect packaging for raw meat or eggs, coolers or ice chests intended for reuse, or containers from out of state.

     Local food services and restaurant association executives testified before the council on Monday, June 3.

Examples of Styrofoam containers, banned as of July 1.
Photo from homeforfoam.com

     Lauren Zirbel of Hawaiʻi Food Industry Association said the amendment is needed, as "what the County is recycling or not recycling at the time could lead to an almost immediate shift in what is allowable for products." She said that would put local businesses, that employ locals and make items locally, at a disadvantage, and not affect imported goods.

     Richard Kobayashi of Café 100 said "We are willing to adapt and change, and I think it is important to the community that the changes we make will have an effect on the price we charge. Our goal is always to provide value… our concern is to find a suitable alternative (to Styrofoam) that is also cost effective." He said the options for alternatives aren't "comparable" to polystyrene, and that time is needed to find the right products.

     Jason Higa, CEO of Zippy's, said his company supports Bill 74. He said the legislation that was meant to ban Styrofoam ended up as a "broad mandate" for only compostable containers, which would put companies like Big Island Candies and Mauna Loa Mac Nut "out of business… It's going to be a challenge as it is. We are doing our best to adapt to, not just legislation, but the desires of our customer base, who have been telling us that they would like to see change."

Example of a compostable clamshell container, usually
made from fiber. Photo from gppro.com

     Sheri Holi of Big Island Candies said that, being "in the gift giving business," appealing packaging is important. She said she doesn't think "technology is advanced enough" to provide visually appealing containment, recyclability, and food safety and freshness all in one. She said that the ban being enforced as it is now would put Big Island Candies "at a huge disadvantage" because imported items are not under the same restrictions. She said Big Island Candies does support the polystyrene ban.

     Derek Kurisu, executive vice president of KTA Super Stores, said, "As we find a suitable alternative, we would definitely change, but as for now, we support only the ban on polystyrene – that's the only alternative."

     Kaʻū's Councilmember, Maile David, praised Richards for responding to public concern and proposing the amendments to his own bill.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Map showing LFA treatment closure. NPS Graphic

STEAM VENTS PARKING LOT in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is closed Monday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to noon, as park staff continue efforts to eradicate little fire ants from the area.

     Only the Steam Vents parking lot and the trail from the parking lot to Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff) will be closed; Wahinekapu and Crater Rim Trail will remain open. Park pest control workers will treat Steam Vents every four to six weeks and will announce closures in news releases, the park website, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, and via social media. The goal is to completely exterminate the ants from the area. 

A National Park Service ecologist applies granular bait to 

treat invasive little fire ants at Steam Vents, Hawai‘i 

Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo/Janice Wei

     For more information on LFA, how to control them and how to prevent spreading them, visit littlefireants.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

KAʻŪ RANCHERS AND FARMERS are invited to register for the annual conference of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaiʻi. Called AG2019, it will be on Oʻahu Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 15 and 16 at Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

     Taylor Kellerman, President of Agricultural Leadership Foundation Hawaiʻi, said "AG2019 will be one of our most innovative conferences ever in terms of content and education. The theme is AGdaptation: Hawaiʻi's Growing Opportunity. In addition to keynote speakers, the conference offers networking among growers and buyers, and exhibits and presentations of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits."

     Kellerman said the intent is to "share and develop ideas and strategies to help Hawaiʻi agriculture become a viable, sustainable resource that provides rewarding careers, enriches lifestyles, and stewards our ʻāina for future generations."
     Early-bird registration is through Aug. 31 at $300. It costs $350 after August. For more, and to register, visit hiiagconference.org.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stained Glass Basics II: Baubles, Bevels and other Embellishments w/Claudia McCall, Saturday and Sunday, June 8, 9, 15 and 16, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Open to those with prior copper foil stained glass experience. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, June 8, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle Ulana, Appreciations of Weaving w/Dina Wood Kageler, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest: Binti Bailey & Larry Seyer with the Jazztones, Saturday, June 8, 5:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets available online, $20/VAC Member, $25/non-Member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

MONDAY, JUNE 10
Summer Algebra Camp: Grades 6-8, Monday, June 10, to Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Supplies provided, free. Registration required, 313-4913, dexsilyn.navarro@k12.hi.us

Early College: High School Students, Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 11, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, June 10, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Kapa Kuiki w/Cultural Practitioner Cyndy Martinez, Wednesday, June 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian traditional quilting methods demonstration and discussion. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, June 13, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, June 14, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Father's Day Card, Friday, June 14, 1:30-2:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, June 10-13. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Community Dance, Friday, June 14, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Lorna Lim w/Hālau Kawehileimamoikawekiu‘okohala, Saturday, June 15, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Kumu Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert w/D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Father's Day Buffet, Sunday, June 16, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays, June 7 through July 11; no meals Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open.

     Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

     Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 14 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

     Supporters can vote for the candidate called Kamalani, contestant #7, for the People's Choice award, by liking her photos on the pageant Facebook. Deadline to vote by liking the contestant photo is this Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m.

     See misshawaiiisland.com.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.
     The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required.
     To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org
Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, May 16, 2019

Hukilau Hula throwing nets to the sea, at May Day celebration for students of all ages in Pāhala.
See more photos and story below. Photo by Julia Neal

A BUSY HURRICANE SEASON IS PREDICTED for the Central Pacific, including Hawaiʻi Island, according to reports today from AccuWeather and other experts. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Last year was the fourth-busiest hurricane season for the Eastern and Central Pacific on record, tied with 1982, with 23 named hurricanes.
     For 2019, AccuWeather predicts six to eight named storms, four to six hurricanes, three to five major hurricanes and one to two direct impacts on land in the Central Pacific.

Paʻaʻau Gluch, from the bridge at Hwy 11, on Aug. 24
during Hurricane Lane. Photo by Julia Neal

         Dan Kottlowski, of AccuWeather, said that "the onset of an El Niño typically increases the total number of storms and hurricanes in the basin." This increase in tropical cyclone activity will increase the chances of a Hawai`i impact. He said "The most worrisome track for an impact on Hawaiʻi is from the south." AccuWeather reminds Hawaiʻi residents that "Only four hurricanes have taken this track into Hawaiʻi and brought significant impacts since 1950, but Hurricane Lane did so just last year. The combination of a more active season and warmer-than normal ocean water south of Hawaiʻi could set the state for a tropical system to approach from the south this season. The most likely time of the year for an impact on Hawaiʻi will be from July into early October."

Hurricane Lane in August of 2018 
caused wind and flood damage. 
Image from AccuWeather

     Hawaiʻi  Island was threatened by six hurricanes in 2018 – the average is four or five. In August, Hurricane Lane hung off South Point for several days, then passed south, causing damage all over the  state.
     Hurricane Olivia made landfall on Maui and Lanaʻi. Hurricane Walaka largely washed away East Island in French Frigate Shoals, north of the main Hawaiian Islands, destroying a major birthing place for endangered Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, and endangered and threatened seabirds. Other storms not powerful enough to be called hurricanes also caused flooding and wind damage.
     The National Hurricane Center, 

William Aila, Jr.
Photo from the governor's office

nhc.noaa.gov, updates its tropical weather status a minimum of four times a day, every day of hurricane season. The site provides tracking of large weather disturbances, including the predicted path and wind speed of any hurricanes, and how to prepare for hurricanes.

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WILLIAM AILA, JR. is appointed by Gov. David Ige as chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, effective Friday, May 17. Aila's appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

     Aila was confirmed as deputy to the commission chair in April. He has been serving as acting chairman since the departure of Jobie Masagatani on May 2. He served as deputy to the chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission from 2014 to 2018. Previously, he headed the Department of Land and Natural Resources and was harbor agent for the Wai‘anae Boat Harbor on O‘ahu, under the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation under DLNR.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property in Kaʻū.
Map from DHHL

     Said Ige, "William is a proven leader and steward of Hawai‘i's natural resources. I am confident that he will continue to lead the department as it works to create vibrant homestead communities for native Hawaiians."

     Aila said, "I thank Gov. Ige for this opportunity to continue to serve the Hawaiian community, and I look forward to working closely with homestead leaders to advance the vision of Prince Kuhio."
     Prince Johnah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole successfully campaigned for the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act by the U.S. Congress in 1921, when he served as a Delegate from the Territory of Hawai‘i. The act set aside 200,000 acres as a permanent homeland for native Hawaiians. About 11,300 of those acres are located in Ka‘ū, including lands at South Point, above Punalu‘u, and near Wai‘ōhinu.

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A MAY DAY PROGRAM ENTERTAINED FAMILIES AND THE PUBLIC at Kaʻū District Gym today, with presentation of the May Day Court and attendants, comprised of Kaʻū High School students, and hula and song from Pāhala Elementary School. The program was directed by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder with assistance from local musicians Makana Kamahele, Ty Chun, and Terry Lewis. May Day has been a tradition for many generations of students attending school on the Pāhala campus.

May Day Court welcoming the Queen and King at Kaʻū District Gym today where preschool to high school
celebrated with hula and music. Photo by Julia Neal

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PĀHALA'S LONGS DRUGS ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL DELIVER PRESCRIPTIONS to Ocean View Community Center on Tuesdays between 8 a.m. and noon. When patients receive alerts that their prescriptions are ready, they may call Longs at 928-6252 to request delivery to OVCC. No controlled substances, such as opiates, are included in this program. If payment is required, patients must have a payment card on file at Longs in Pāhala. Kaʻū Wellness patients' prescriptions will be delivered to 92-8691 Lotus Blossom Lane in Ocean View for pick up. Questions? Call Longs at 928-6252 and ask for Leisha.

Pāhala kumu Debbie Ryder taught hula and joined with local
musicians Makana Kamahele, Ty Chun, and Terry Lewis to
present the May Day program to the public.
Photo by Julia Neal

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A LACK OF A REPLACEMENT FOR STYROFOAM FOOD CONTAINERS, TO BE BANNED FROM FOOD VENDING STARTING JULY 1, was the subject of two public hearings this week.

     In 2017, Bill 13 passed the County Council, banning use of polystyrene – Styrofoam – containers from restaurants, food vendors, and on county property. This includes banning the public from using them at county-supervised pavilions, parks, cabins, and other facilities. The polystyrene ban doesn't affect packaging for raw meat or eggs, coolers or ice chests intended for reuse, or containers from out of state. The law requires the use of recyclables or compostables in place of polystyrene.

A sitting hula as the May Day court watches over the elementary students. Photo by Julia Neal

     On December 1, 2018, Hawaiʻi County discontinued recycling plastic "clamshell" food containers, a major replacement of polystyrene for businesses that offer items such as plate lunch.
     According to a report by Nancy Cook Lauer in West Hawaiʻi Today, Hawaiʻi County Council Chairman Aaron Chung is working on a new bill, because "Everyone was led to believe it was a polystyrene ban." Lauer reports Chung said the original bill, which he opposed, is now "a ban on plastics. A lot of people who weren't affected are now affected."
     A public hearing Tuesday about rules implementing the current law, reports Lauer, quickly turned into questions about what might change. A second public hearing happened at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center.

Hula is taught in all of the preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school grades in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal

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STUDENTS USE SCIENCE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THEIR COMMUNITIES notes this week's Volcano Watch written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist Jefferson Chang:

     During the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, when fissures erupted and lava flowed in the lower East Rift Zone, many Puna residents were displaced from their homes. We, as a community, watched from the sidelines as the eruption went on, helpless in averting the course of nature.

Keiki from Pāhala Elementary School sing for the public
at the annual May Day celebration today. Photo by Julia Neal

     Although the 2018 event was profound, residents not in the eruption's path had to tend to their daily duties. People still went to work and students still went to school.

     In the middle of this, only a few weeks after joining the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff, I met a group of enthusiastic high school students from Kea‘au, Hilo, Honoka‘a, Konawaena, and Kealakehe. They were enrolled in an Upward Bound summer program at the University of Hawai‘i Hilo, led by instructor Adam Low. The program, Teaching Through Technology (T3), was aimed at teaching students Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and discovering how STEM can help address societal and environmental concerns.

     During the program, the students became familiar with simple sensors and an inexpensive credit-card sized computer called a Raspberry Pi raspberrypi.org. One of their early projects involved attaching a camera to the Raspberry Pi and creating a "photo booth" at an incoming freshmen orientation event. The students coded their own software so that when a photo was taken, the computer would send the image to the subject's email address.

Preschool students perform a sitting Baby Doll Hula. Photo by Julia Neal

     Empowered with their newly minted skillsets, the students decided to apply their classroom activities beyond academic learning and into a more practical and needed application. 

     As lava erupted from fissures in Leilani Estates on Kīlauea's LERZ, so did noxious gases. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an extremely irritating gas that is released from shallow or erupting lava. This gas reacts in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid droplets, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

     The Hawai‘i State Department of Health, as well as other agencies, monitor SO2 gas and particulate matter emitted from Kīlauea. These data are provided in near-real time to the public via the HDOH website air.doh.hawaii.gov/home/map.

T3 students install an air-quality monitoring station outside the Dragon's Eye 

Learning Center on Papaya Farms Road. Photo from Adam Low, T3 Alliance

     About half of the students were either directly impacted, or related to someone directly impacted, by Kīlauea's LERZ eruption. The students decided that they could help their communities by deploying air-quality sensors. They put together a proposal and submitted it to UH-Hilo Upward Bound director, Len Woods, for funding. The proposal outlined their mission and the equipment needed.

     With funding in hand, the students built and deployed six air-quality monitoring stations using a PLANTOWER PMS5003 sensor for particulates and a SPEC GDS-SO2 968-038 sensor for ambient temperature, humidity, and SO2 concentration. They installed the stations in communal hubs, such as the Dragon's Eye Learning Center on Papaya Farms Road, the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences in Volcano Village, the Ka‘ū Coffee Mill in Pāhala, and the evacuation shelters at the Kea‘au Armory and Pāhoa Community Center. 

     Another station was co-located with a HDOH air-quality station at Rainbow Falls in Hilo for ground-truthing. They programmed a screen display to show the level of ambient temperature, humidity, particulates, and SO2 at each site, and created a website that showed real-time readings from their monitoring stations at t3alliance.org/vog.

     At Kīlauea Volcano's summit, episodic collapses within the caldera were producing unprecedented levels of seismic activity. So, the students also installed a Raspberry Shake, which is a small seismic sensor connected to a Raspberry Pi, at the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, to monitor the hundreds of earthquakes happening daily. Data from the Raspberry Shake were streamed and publicly shared with a global community of citizen seismologists via raspberryshake.net/stationview/#?net=AM&sta=RDCB.

T3 Alliance students install a large display showing measurements 

from their air-quality monitoring station outside the Pāhoa Community 

Center, which was used as a temporary shelter for displaced residents from 

Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 eruption. Photo from Adam Low, T3 Alliance

     Seventeen high school students did all of this. All it took was a bit of knowledge, support, and passion. I look forward to working alongside this next generation of colleagues and using science for the benefit of our communities.

Volcano Activity Updates

     Kῑlauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes are not erupting and both USGS Volcano Alert levels remain at NORMAL.

     Since early March, tiltmeters at Kīlauea's summit have recorded modest inflationary tilt. During the same time period, a GPS station within the 2018 collapse area has recorded approximately 5 cm (3 in) of uplift. On Kīlauea's East Rift Zone, GPS stations and tiltmeters continue to show motions consistent with refilling of the deep magmatic reservoir in the broad region between Puʻu ʻŌʻō and Highway 130. This trend has been observed since the end of the 2018 eruption.

     Sulfur dioxide emission rates on Kīlauea’s ERZ and summit remain low. Gas measurements have not indicated significant shallowing of large volumes of magma, but HVO continues to closely monitor gas emissions at both the summit and ERZ of Kīlauea for any changes.

     One earthquake with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.7 quake 4 km (2 mi) southwest of Volcano Village at 1.8 km (1.1 mi) depth on Saturday, May 11 at 6:51 p.m.

     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JUST ANNOUNCED

ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition book study and talk story happens Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Materials and light refreshments provided. Robert Kobzi, the new temple president, said sessions "will be ongoing for quite some time. Let me know if you need more information."

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UPCOMING

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Stained Glass Basics I, Saturday and Sunday, May 18, 25, and June 1 and 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko – Kumu Hula Wahineaukai Mercado with haumana (students) of Ke Ana La‘ahana Public Charter School, Saturday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Wes Awana, Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #1, Saturday, May 18, noon – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hand-build porcelain ceramic tea bowls with Volcano artist and tea farmer Chiu Leong. Includes history of tea bowl culture and brief overview of local tea farming by Eva Lee. Focused cupping, tasting and education on Hawaii grown white teas. Pre-event for A Taste of Tea Pottery Fundraiser on August 25. Workshops designed to be attended as a series; #2 set for May 18, #3 set for July 27. No experience necessary. $60/VAC member, $75/non-member for series. Individual workshop, $25 each. Registration limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, May 18, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Ka‘ū Little League Benefit Concert, Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., The Terraces, 92-1885 Princess Ka‘iulani Blvd., Ocean View. Lopaka Rootz and D-Tech Solutions, live. Tickets, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, plus can of food at entry. Sponsored by Criminal Justice Solutions and Kahuku Park Block Watch. Gabe Morales, gcmorales2020@gmail.com, Kathi Griffeth, kathiegriffeth@gmail.com

MONDAY, MAY 20

Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Monday, May 20 (Committees), Tuesday, May 21, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Summer Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song Auditions, Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Parts for all ages and ability. Cold readings. Dress comfortably to move on stage, be prepared to sign a song that best shows vocal range. Show to run July 12-28. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Lei, Tuesday, May 21, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 13-17. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 23
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

ONGOING

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition,  runs through June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

___________________________________________________________________
A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.

Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo

2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenbaum.
HIMF photo

     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more.
     Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
___________________________________________________________________

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