Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015

Christmas Day in Ka`u. Ka`u resident Richard Taylor captured this blanket of clouds covering a rainbow mauka of Hwy 11.

BANNING IVORY SALES could be considered by Hawai`i Legislature in the upcoming session. Last year, a bill passed in the House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate. 

      Nick Grube reported in Civil Beat that Hawai`i is the third-largest market in the country. New York and California, where sales are higher, recently passed bans.

Christmas Night in Ka`u. Ka`u photographer Peter Anderson focused in on
the moon as it rose in Ka`u's dark skies. 

      “There’s no question that we’re a massive market,” Inga Gibson, senior director of the Hawai`i office of the Humane Society of the United States, told Grube. “There’s no question there’s a lot of ivory out there. And a lot of it is brand spanking new.”
      The Humane Society is urging the state to ban ivory sales to help curb the killing of elephants, whales, walruses, narwhal, hippos and other species. According to Grube, the ban would not apply to guns, knives and musical instruments that are made up of less than 15 percent ivory. Exemptions would apply for private or personal items already owned or that would be heirlooms. Items used in Native Hawaiian cultural practices and for educational or research purposes would also be exempt.
      “People aren’t bringing ivory here to sell to people in Hawai`i,” Keith Swindle, the resident agent in charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Hawai`i and the Pacific Islands, told Grube. “They’re selling it to tourists, and they’re selling it to foreign nationals.”
      Swindle said that, with a statewide ban, his agency would be able to go after in-state sales rather than having to prove cross-border transactions to establish jurisdiction.
      A ban would also allow Hawai`i’s Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement to assign officers to investigate cases. The agency has previously testified in support of an ivory ban. 

      Hawai`i State Legislature opens Jan. 20.
      See civilbeat.com.
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Rep. Richard Creagan, M.D. testified at a special meeting of Hawai`i County
Council regarding dengue fever. Image from Hawai`i County

MILOLI`I’S CURRENT DENGUE FEVER outbreak is not its first, according to Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan. At as special meeting of Hawai`i County Council on Dec. 2, Creagan, who is a physician, said, as reported by David Corrigan on Big Island Video News, that there was an outbreak in 1993 and 1994, but “we didn’t know what it was, but in retrospect it was dengue because the Health Department did test 10 people who came forward in 2005, and they were all positive for dengue. It was called the Miloli`i Flu. I saw people in the ER who, all the symptoms were dengue … but we didn’t know about dengue. We thought leptospirosis; we thought tick-borne diseases. So, we never knew what happened. After a few months, the cases stopped coming.” 

      Creagan said the outbreak went away because “there was a two-year, severe drought on this island. And with that drought, apparently, this mosquito population diminished enough. People’s pails in their yard and everything else didn’t have any water in them, so the outbreak died away. 

      “We may be facing a drought with an El Nino right now, and prediction is we will have it. Frankly, we better hope we have it because that may be the only thing that stops this epidemic.
      “It’s still considered an outbreak, but it could become an epidemic.”
      The state closed Miloli`i Beach Park and Honomalino Bay last week after finding cases of dengue and dengue-carrying mosquitoes in the areas.
      See bigislandvideonews.com.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about dengue fever are answered on Hawai`i Department of Health’s website, health.hawaii.gov. Here is a sampling:
      Where on the Big Island are the cases located? The investigation is still underway, and the Department of Health is still investigating possible areas where cases may have been exposed to infected mosquitoes. Current investigations have identified South Kona … as an area of particular concern, but the entire island is considered to be at risk. All islands in the state should be vigilant and take measures to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

      Is it safe to travel to the Big Island and the rest of Hawai`i? Absolutely, yes. The Big Island and the rest of Hawai`i remain safe destinations for visitors and residents. The current outbreak is very small by global standards, and minor compared to other popular tropical tourist destinations. (Mosquito bite prevention tips for travelers are also available at DOH's website.)

      All travel involves at least some risk, but visitors can, in general, reduce their risk by protecting themselves against mosquitoes and mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent that contains DEET and covering up with appropriate clothing no matter where they go. Precautions should especially be taken when going into areas where mosquito activity is likely.
      Do I have the symptoms of dengue? If you are concerned that you may have symptoms related to dengue (which can include fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and/or muscle pain and rash), you should contact your healthcare provider and avoid further exposure to mosquitoes.
      If you are ill and are worried that you might have dengue fever, it is important that you be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Many of the initial symptoms of dengue can overlap with other conditions that require specific treatment (like leptospirosis); additionally, a small number of individuals with dengue can go on to have severe dengue, and it is important that individuals with dengue be monitored by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are not progressing to severe dengue.
      Can I get tested for dengue? If you are at all concerned that you might have dengue, you should contact your healthcare provider and avoid further exposure to mosquitoes.
      If you were ill and more than a week has passed since the time of illness, an antibody test can determine whether you were previously infected with dengue. However, determining which dengue virus type you had is not possible after the first week of illness.
      Can I get mosquitoes tested for dengue? Can someone come and spray my property for mosquitoes? Mosquito testing for individuals is not something that the DOH is able to offer. Department staff have been conducting on-going assessments for mosquito activity and may as a precaution be spraying in areas; DOH necessarily is prioritizing areas of concern identified through our investigations.
      What substance is used in the spraying of mosquitoes? The spray that is used is Aqua Reslin, which targets live adult mosquitoes. Although we recommend that people and pets stay away from treated areas for several hours as a precaution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the spray poses no health risk to humans or their pets.

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TO HELP MAKE THE HOLIDAYS greener, Hawai`i County Solid Waste Division of the Department of Environmental Management is again offering Treecycling. 

      Through Sunday, Jan. 17, residential customers may leave trees in designated areas (not in the rubbish chutes) at any of the County Solid Waste Division Facilities, except for Miloli`i and Ocean View Transfer Stations, during normal business hours. Facility attendants will direct the public to the proper drop-off point. All commercial customers must recycle trees at either of the Organics Facilities in Hilo or Waikoloa.
      Trees should be free from all decorations, stands, lights, tinsel and ornaments. Do not drop off artificial or flocked trees in the designated areas. Any flocked trees, artificial trees or trees with tinsel are not recyclable and may be disposed of in the regular trash chutes.
      Also, recycle Kadomatsu decorations, which are normally a combination of bamboo, pine and flowers. Kadomatsu is a tradition that began 600 years ago in Japan as a way of offering luck in the New Year.
      For more information on Recycling in Hawai`i County, see www.hawaiizerowaste.org, or call 961-8270.
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One more week remains to view Volcano Art Center Gallery's Invitational
Wreath Exhibit. Photo from VAC

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY’S annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit continues for one more week during Christmas in the Country. The exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional. 

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Holiday Challenge continues through New Year’s Eve. Lights and Christmas displays are along the walkway fronting the historic stone cottages at KMC near the restaurant, bowling alley and Lava Lounge. The public is asked to take a wintery evening stroll and to vote for their favorite decorated cottage.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park announced 17 fee-free days in the New Year, its centennial. See more below.
NPS Photo by David Boyle

WILL THE STATE PAY Department of Hawaiian Home Lands about $19 million that Hawai`i Supreme Court said it owes? “We are working with the attorney general’s office to understand the court ruling, and once we are clear about what our obligations are, we will be submitting a supplemental request to the Legislature,” Gov. David Ige said during a press conference this week. 

      Ige also told Honolulu Star-Advertiser, “I am not aware of any other court being able to direct the Legislature or the executive to appropriate specific amounts.”
      David Kimo Frankel, who filed suit against the state in 2007, said that the state has to comply with the court’s instructions. “The order is very clear on what they need to do,” Frankel told reporter Sophie Cocke. “There is no question. It is an order – it is a court order.”
      Cocke reported that the court found that the state is required to fund DHHL’s expenses as written into the state Constitution.
      See staradvertiser.com.
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THE BLUE ZONE HEALTH INITIATIVE encourages people to plan for better health during the holidays as the New Year approaches. The program for Ka`u and East Hawai`i offers a Daily Challenge for wellness management and cautions, “When it comes to health and well-being, we often set unrealistic goals that feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to lose 50 pounds, or achieve instant happiness, why not try a different approach – one that’s a little more manageable? The Daily Challenge can help you positively impact your life and advance your personal well-being by suggesting small actions you can accomplish every day.” 

      In addition to allowing the keeping of a personal health improvement record, the Daily Challenge will “help you connect with the people in your life who will hold you accountable and cheer you on toward better health. These people are your Right Tribe. The Daily Challenge makes it easy to connect your tribe and to share successes and best practices that can help inspire and empower those most important to you. Together, you can turn everyday choices into everyday victories. Sign up for the Daily Challenge today!”
      The website also offers the Gallup Healthways Well Being Index to assess an individuals health status. See hmsa.com/wbc.
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AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION’S 2015 fall meeting, the largest annual Earth and space science meeting in the world, is the topic of the current issue of Volcano Watch. Last week, nearly 24,000 scientists from the U.S. and abroad met in San Francisco for the meeting. 

      “The five-day event was filled from morning to night with more than 23,000 talks and poster presentations and 300 technical exhibits and demonstrations of new scientific tools and publications, as well as networking opportunities and a multitude of sidebar meetings,” the article states. “Attendees exchanged ideas, heard recent discoveries, debated evidence and defined new directions for research.
      “A number of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists attended the meeting to present information ranging from summaries of recent activity at Hawaiian volcanoes to results of their research on various volcanic topics. They were joined by other USGS and university co-workers who are investigating many aspects of Hawaiian volcanology, often in direct collaboration with HVO.
      “Several HVO talks and posters dealt with the Halema`uma`u Crater lava lake. One presentation offered insights into how and why the lake transitions from times of quiet lava upwelling and circulation to periods of unstable lava spattering (one explanation is rockfalls). Other lava lake studies examined how rockfalls influence seismicity and what this can tell us about the properties of magma within the conduit.
      “Current and former HVO staff presented analyses of the April – May 2015 lava lake overflows within Halema`uma`u and the coincident deformation and seismicity within Kilauea’s summit and upper rift zones. Scientists were able to discern transfer of magma from the shallow Halema`uma`u reservoir into a south caldera magma storage area. Further analyses will provide new insights into how Kilauea’s magma plumbing system behaves. Another HVO poster showed how the current location of magma under Kilauea’s summit is inconsistent with where magma resided in the past.
      “HVO’s long-term monitoring of Kilauea gas emissions was also featured at the meeting. This included a discussion of the possibility that the Pu`u `O`o eruption might be waning based on lowered sulfur dioxide gas emissions and analyses of sulfur preserved in melt inclusions within olivine crystals. How this long-term trend relates to Kilauea’s summit gas emissions, which are still quite elevated, is the subject of ongoing study.

Kilauea's summit lava lake, including this explosion triggered by falling rocks
on May 3, 2015, was one of many topics HVO scientists discussed
at the meeting. Photo from USGS

      “Two presentations addressed explosive and effusive cycles at Kilauea, an important aspect of the volcano’s long-term history with implication for hazards. The studies represent two different ways of looking at the issue: geochemical lab analyses of tiny crystals in volcanic ash and field examinations of the relationship and characteristics of tephra deposits. Convergence of insights from these disparate approaches is accelerating our understanding of important questions, such as what controls Kilauea’s eruptive cycles and how we might know a transition is coming. 

      “The use of new technology to study volcanoes was also presented at the meeting. University of Hawai`i at Hilo scientists demonstrated the use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to monitor pahoehoe emplacement and inflation. Another team reported on kite-based imaging and analysis of the 1974 Kilauea lava flow.
      “Other scientists shared results from laboratory experiments to simulate lava flows, magma motion and the explosive expulsion of gas and lava from a vent, all documented with high-definition, high-speed video. Using materials that closely replicate the properties of magma and its gas bubbles, these experiments approximate what is actually happening inside an erupting vent or lava flow – places otherwise inaccessible. 

      “Several HVO and UH-Manoa poster presentations dealt with the 2014-2015 Pahoa lava flow crisis. Each discussed how scientists conveyed hazard information to emergency managers and the public. Hazard communicators from other fields (earthquake, tsunami, weather) were interested in the Pahoa experience and how HVO’s communication efforts might be applied to other hazardous events.
      “The AGU meeting also involves recognizing extraordinary careers of scientific achievement. This year, former HVO scientist Dan Dzurisin, now at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, was honored for his decades-long research on volcano deformation.
      “Why do scientists spend a week listening and talking to each other from dawn to dusk? Recent and cutting-edge information, most of it not yet published, is presented at the AGU meeting, creating an atmosphere of excitement, discovery and camaraderie among scientists that is highly stimulating. HVO participants always come away with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm for understanding Hawaiian volcanism and its hazards.”  

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
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DRAW FROM NATURE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ken Charon teaches how to gain inspiration from the natural environment of Kilauea in this free instructional outing.
      The class meets at Volcano Art Center Gallery before heading to a scenic are to witness the creative forces of Kilauea and develop the ability to capture its unique natural beauty.
      Sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the class. Bring a sketchpad, pencils, eraser and sharpener.
      Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-7565, or see volcanoartcenter.org.

Kilauea Iki Trail is popular for visitors and kama`aina. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE turns 100 years old in 2016, and so does Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. All national parks will waive entrance fees on 16 special days in 2016, and Hawai`i Volcanoes will offer one additional fee-free day to celebrate its 100th birthday on Aug. 1, 2016. 

       The 17 fee-free days in 2016 are:

• Jan. 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; 
• April 16-24 – National Park Week (nine fee-free days); 
• Aug. 1 – Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park 100th birthday; 
• Aug. 25-28 – National Park Service Birthday Weekend (four fee-free days; 
• Sept. 24 – National Public Lands Day; and 
• Nov. 11 – Veterans Day. 

      Usually, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has an entrance fee of $15 per vehicle, and the pass is good for seven days. Park visitors can also purchase the annual tri-park pass for $25 and enjoy Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Haleakala National Park for less than seven cents a day. The annual tri-park pass, which is good for one year from the date of purchase, is available at entrance stations of all three parks.
      See nps.gov/havo.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, Dec. 25, 2015

Ka`u residents can join a guided hike at Kahuku tomorrow to walk of holiday calories. Photo from NPS

LAND SURROUNDING HONOMALINO BAY is closing due to the dengue fever outbreak on Hawai`i Island. Hawai`i News Now reported that the area, near Miloli`i Beach Park that previously closed, is prohibited to everyone except residents and essential personnel who will work to eradicate mosquitoes and clear standing water.

Miloli`i and surrounding areas are now dengue hotspots. Map from DOH

      As of yesterday, the state Department of Health confirmed 181 cases of dengue fever in Hawai`i County, with 145 being adults and 36, children.
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MILOLI`I WANTS MOSQUITO NETS for Christmas. A Fight Da Bite fundraiser drive to help combat dengue fever in Miloli`i has gone up on gofundme.com. See gofundme.com/ztg9544s.

      Pa`a Pono Miloli`i would like to raise $3,000 to purchase 100 mosquito nets, mosquito coils and 100 percent natural (non-DEET) spray and lotion for the residents of Miloli`i Village.      “The Miloli`i Beach park was closed by the county on Dec. 23 as there is a influx of the dengue-carrying mosquitos in the Miloli`i Village area. We are humbly asking for 100 donors to donate $30 each to help us reach this goal by Monday,” says the posting. “We would like to deliver the nets, coils and spray to the village by Dec. 31. Please kokua our infants our keiki, our kupuna and our community!”
      Hilo Surplus Store is partnering in the effort.
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Covering catchment tanks securely keeps them from becoming
mosquito breeding grounds. Photo from Clark Realty

CONTROLLING MOSQUITO BREEDING in rainwater catchment systems, which are prevalent in parts of Ka`u and South Kona as sources of potable water, is the topic of a new entry on Hawai`i Department of Education’s website. 

      The Department of Health suggests physical barriers as the best and safest means to prevent tanks from becoming breeding sources, while at the same time keeping water safe for human consumption. There are several kinds of physical barriers.
      Solid material covers (concrete, steel, aluminum or wood) are considered the best form of protection as long as there is no gap between the cover and the tank sides. Any gaps should be screened with a fine mesh screen.      Suspended solid covers are also available.

      Flexible, non-porous cover (tarp, canvas, rubberized) should be stretched over the tank with an elevating support in the center to provide a slope to prevent ponding. Flexible porous covers (screen, shade cloth, etc.) should be supported above the water level. A tight seal needs to be maintained with all covers to prevent mosquitoes from getting under them.
      Mosquito fish will eat egg larvae (wigglers) and possibly pupae stages of mosquito growth. The fish cannot be introduced into tanks that are chlorinated; the chlorine will kill them quickly. Fish are live organisms and therefore will discharge waste, reproduce and die, at rates dependent on food and oxygen supply. Any dead fish must be removed and disposed of, as the remains and waste discharges will adversely affect the taste and potability of the water. The fish must not be released into the environment. They will endanger Hawaiian native species and habitats.
      According to DOH, cooking oil on the surface of catchment water should interrupt wigglers’ ability to breathe at the surface. Cooking oil is suggested because humans can safely consume it. Enough oil needs to be applied to the surface of the water to completely cover the surface. Drawbacks: provides a food source for microbes; greatly increasing bacteriological presence in water; eventually turns rancid, affecting taste and odor of water; can clog or otherwise disrupt function of water filters and/or treatment devices; and needs to be removed once the dengue outbreak has subsided by skimming it off the surface and scrubbing the sides of the tank. Disposal of skimmed oil must be done properly.
      See more at health.hawaii.gov.
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Sen. Mazie Hirono said continued health care enrollment is "truly
a Christmas gift."

KA`U’S MARSHALLESE COMMUNITY is encouraged by Gov. David Ige and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono to enroll for extended health care coverage. Eligible Hawai`i residents of the Compact of Free Association nations can once again sign up now that the enrollment period has been extended to Feb. 15, 2016. 

      The governor said, “When people have access to affordable health care coverage, their health outcomes are more positive, and our four decades of experience with Hawai`i’s Prepaid Health Care Act of 1974 have shown us that. We appreciate the federal government’s understanding of the special circumstances our residents from Compact nations face when seeking health care services in Hawai`i.”
      Earlier this month, Hirono led a Hawai`i delegation letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell to request a special enrollment period for COFA citizens in Hawai`i due to the challenges experienced with the enrollment process on healthcare.gov. Hirono spoke with Acting Administrator for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Andy Slavitt about how the call center hours and site maintenance downtime disadvantaged Hawai`i’s COFA citizens because of the time difference and the need to approve certified language translators. CMS yesterday announced the special enrollment period with retroactive coverage.
      “It is critical that residents from COFA nations have the ability to sign up for health care insurance to take care of themselves and their families. This extension is just the latest effort in our state's long-standing tradition of providing health care coverage for all,” Hirono said. “This is truly a Christmas gift to those families who missed the enrollment deadline. On behalf of our Micronesian community here in Hawai`i, mahalo nui,” said Josie Howard, program director for We Are Oceania.
      Click on the following link for the CMS guidance on the Special Enrollment Period for Compact of Free Association Migrants in Hawai`i: 

https://www.regtap.info/uploads/library/ENR_GuidanceSEP_HI_COFA_Migrants_122415_5CR_122415.pdf.
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Sen. Brian Schatz and Nahe. Photo from Sen. Schatz's
Facebook Page

SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ POSTED a photo of himself and Nahe as a holiday greeting to his constituents in Ka`u and throughout the state.

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THOMAS “TOMMY” FRIEL, a conservation law enforcement officer for nearly three decades, has been named the new Chief of Department of Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation Resources, effective Monday, Dec. 28. 

      DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We have the great privilege of hiring Tommy, who has deep personal and professional roots in Hawai`i. Enforcement of laws aimed at protecting our precious natural and cultural resources is one of the most important roles DLNR plays. To attract someone of Tommy’s stature and experience ensures a strong enforcement philosophy with fairness and balance.”
      Friel has more than 28 years in state and federal law enforcement leadership roles. For over 21 years, he served with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement, Pacific Island Division. His experience includes supervision of special agents, fisheries enforcement officers and office staff in Hawai`i and around the Pacific. “With Tommy’s experience working with ocean fisheries, marine mammals and endangered species, he is a natural fit for the State’s top conservation law enforcement role,” Case said.
      Friel is a lifelong resident of windward O`ahu but has worked in enforcement operations throughout the world. “My passion in protecting Hawai`i’s natural resources stems from my commitment to creating a brighter tomorrow for our keiki and mo`opuna,” Friel said.
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IT’S HOLIDAY TIME, which means the 2016 Legislative Session is almost here. Opening Day is Wednesday, January 20, 2016, and the calendar of deadlines has now been published. Public Access Room’s 2016 Session Calendar in an easy-to-read format, with explanations of the deadlines appearing on the second page, and other helpful handouts will be posted at LRBhawaii.org/PAR. Go to the Information Sheets page.

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`Ohi` lehua is the topic of a guided walk tomorrow. Photo from NPS

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN FOLLOW THEIR CHRISTMAS celebrations with events in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow. During Stewardship at the Summit, they can help the park and `aina by cutting invasive Himalayan ginger along trails. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.
      Hikers learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua and the many forms of its tree and flower during an easy, one-mile walk at the Kahuku Unit at 9:30 a.m.
      See nps.gov/havo for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.