Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, October 7, 2017

Fencing off mouflon sheep and other ungulates, from habitation areas of silverswords and other endangered species, 
involves air lifts to high elevations in the Kahuku section of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park this month. 
Photo from USGS

HELICOPTER FLIGHTS TO REMOTE KAHUKU IN HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK were announced Friday by the National Park Service. The flights will lift crews, equipment and materials to conduct archeological and wildlife surveys, invasive species control, as well as recovery efforts for the endangered Ka‘ū silversword.

Ka‘ū sliversword recovery efforts will be
carried out at the 7,000 foot level in the
Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National
Park. Photo by Karl Magnacca

     The Public Notice states that on Thursday, Oct. 12, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., HVNP will shuttle fencing and equipment from ‘Ōla‘a Tract to Wright Road in Volcano. On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14 and 15, between 9 a.m. and noon, HVNP will transport a crew from Kīlauea helipad to Kahuku Unit at the 8,000 ft. elevation for archeological surveys. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., HVNP will shuttle a crew for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 5,000 ft. and 7,000 ft. elevation.
    On Wednesday, Oct. 18, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., HVNP will shuttle fencing material and equipment to Kahuku at about 7,000 ft. elevation for silversword recovery efforts. On Thursday, Oct. 19, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., HVNP will shuttle a crew for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 3,000 ft. and 5,000 ft. elevation. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., HVNP will shuttle fencing material and equipment to Kahuku between 2,000 ft. and 3,000 ft. elevation.
     In addition, the notice states that “USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
     "The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
     "Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.”

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The 1917 Curtis relief model of Kīlauea Volcano's summit shows many well-known geologic features, including
the summit caldera (large depression), Halemaʻumaʻu (crater within the caldera), Kīlauea Iki (crater at far right),
 and elaborate drainage patterns (foreground). Photo by Burr A. Church

MODELING KILAUEA VOLCANO A CENTURY AGO is the subject of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists' Volcano Watch this week:
     In today's age of aerial photography, satellites, and drones, bird's-eye views of geologic features are taken for granted. A century ago, such depictions posed enormous challenges.
     At first glance, the images shown here appear to be aerial photographs of Kīlauea Volcano's summit caldera, but these photos were taken six years before the first airplane overflight. The images actually show a model of the volcano displayed at a Harvard University museum for many decades.
     So, how was the model constructed? And who made it?
     The story began in March 1913, when George Carroll Curtis, an artist, geologist, geographer, and expert in the production of relief models, traveled to the Island of Hawai‘i to make a careful survey of the caldera at the summit of Kīlauea. He established a network of survey flags and took photographs at each using a revolving panoramic camera that provided a complete view the caldera. But progress constructing the model was slow, because Curtis lacked a high altitude perspective of Kīlauea's summit.

J.F. Haworth, II, at left, holding onto the rope of a
hot air balloon, took early aerial photos of Kilauea Volcano
 using kites and cameras of his own invention. He gave his
 patents to the U.S. government for war time photography.
Photo from Family of J.F. Haworth

     To solve this problem, Curtis encouraged J.F. Haworth, a wealthy businessman from Pittsburg, to go to Kīlauea and pursue his hobby of flying kites. But these were no ordinary kites. Each box kite was over 11 feet (3.4 m) long and 9 feet (2.7 m) wide. Instead of string, Haworth used a motorized reel of piano wire to launch and tether the kites, which were capable of lifting a payload of about 100 lbs (45 kg). For the Kīlauea study, the payload was a camera positioned on a wire line several hundred feet (about 60 m) below the kite. A small device was sent up the piano wire to trip the camera shutter for each photograph.
  When Haworth arrived at Kīlauea in 1915, he found that kite photography was no picnic on a volcano. High winds at the summit repeatedly dragged the photographer over sharp lava, leaving him bruised and battered. But he finally succeeded in taking a series of photos of Kīlauea Volcano's summit from various altitudes. These aerial photographs enormously sped up the work of Curtis on his model.
     In 1917, the relief map was finally installed in the Geological Section of the Harvard University Museum and opened for public viewing. The circular model was 14 feet (4.3 m) in diameter, and it was built with a scale of 125 feet to an inch (38 m to 25mm), so there was no vertical exaggeration.

     At this scale, Curtis was able to depict minute details of the summit. The model shed light on many geologic features that had not been observed before, such as the elaborate drainage system on the south side of the caldera. Photographs of the model are useful even today to locate historic sites, including roads and other structures that are long gone.

This view of Halema'uma'u, as it appeared in the 1917 relief model

by George Carroll Curtis, shows fine details around the crater, 

including the first road for automobiles, which ended near

 the crater rim. The light-colored circular feature around 

Halemaʻumaʻu is a nearly continuous escarpment

 along which subsidence occurred. Photo by Burr A. Church

    This huge model remained at the Mineralogical and Geological Museum at Harvard University until the mid-1970s, when building renovations required that the exhibit be moved. Unfortunately, the size of the model made relocation impractical, so it was dismantled.
    Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has searched, without success, for the original summit photographs taken by Curtis and Haworth. The hope is that they still exist somewhere, preserved in an archive or personal collection of photos. Images by these intrepid photographers from a century ago could shed new light on features that are the subject of current volcano research.
      HVO would like to hear from anyone who knows of these images, or has other historical photographs of Hawaiian volcanoes. Email askHVO@usgs.gov.
     Visit the HVO website, volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo, for past Volcano Watch articles, volcano updates and photos, recent earthquake info, and more. Call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Matson will help with the Ocean View Deep Clean
on Saturday, Oct. 21, OV Community Center.
Photo from Matson

THE OCEAN VIEW DEEP CLEAN project is gearing up for Saturday, Oct. 21. Supported through a grant from Matson Navigation, it will provide containers for large items being disposed of, including broken appliances and furniture. The event begins at 8 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Those who would like to volunteer can call 939-7033, Mondays through Fridays from 8 am. to noon and
217-7982 in afternoons and evenings, said Ocean View Community Association President Ron Gall.
     Volunteers need to wear sturdy shoes and gloves, sunscreen, long pants/jeans and hat. OVVC will provide bottled water and lunch for volunteers. "The Community Association is seeking a tire recycler to haul off the many tires dumped in the community," Gall said.
In addition to Matson, the Hawai‘i County Solid Waste Division is providing some assistance.

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KA‘Ū FELL TO KEALAKEHE on Friday in Girls Trojan Volleyball. During the contest at home, JV scores were 20-25, 25-19 and 13-15. Varsity scores were 22-25, 15-25, 25-23 and 13, 25. The next game is Wednesday at Kohala.

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 

Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.

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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LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA in native Hawaiian forests, on a guided hike in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is also offered Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

COMMUNITY CUP FUNDRAISER takes place tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. The event features hand-thrown teacups and bowls by local Big Island potters, as well as samples of fine Hawaiʻi-grown teas, demonstrations, exhibits and more. Entrance fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a choice of one tea bowl, plus tea samples. Call 967-8222 for more.

A COMMUNITY KA‘Ū COAST CLEANUP will be held tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 8 as part of Get the Drift and Bag It! and the International Coastal Cleanup.
     Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles meet at 8:45 a.m. at Wai‘ōhinu Park, at Mile Marker 65 on Hwy. 11. Bring lunch and snacks, re-fillable water bottle, sturdy footware, no slippers, sun/wind protection, including sunglasses, a hat, longsleeve shirt, suncreen, work gloves, and swimsuit. The destination, Kamilo, is remote. The cleanup is sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, under the direction of marine biologist Megan Lamson-Leatherman.
     An Artists Hui Cleanup will be held at Kamilo on Monday, Oct. 30, for artists only. Reserving a space is required. R.S.V.P. to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. Call or text 808-217-5777. Social posts: @wildhawaii #teamupcleanup #keephawaiiwild.
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The county is looking for input for its transportation
system. Attend a meeting or email suggestions.
Photo from University of Hawai‘i-Hilo

INPUT FOR THE FUTURE OF HAWAI‘I COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, including the Hele On Bus that takes many Ka‘ū residents to work, school and shopping, is invited at five meetings outside of Ka‘ū. Those unable to attend may contact Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David at maile.david@hawaiicounty.gov or email the consultants directly at heleonsuggestions@ssfm.com.
     Meetings are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on: Monday, Oct. 9, at West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona; Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Kea‘au Community Center (16-186 Pili Mua St.); Thursday, Oct. 12, at Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility (15-2910 Kauhale St.); Thursday, Oct. 19, at Waimea Elementary School; and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu‘au Hale in Hilo.
     To request special assistance or an auxiliary aid to attend the event, contact Jo-Anna Herkes, SSFM International at 808-356-1260 at least 5 days prior to the event.  

SENIOR ID'S FOR AGES 60 AND UP WILL BE ISSUED MONDAY, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View. For more, call 928-3100.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN ENROLL in The Kohala Center’s High School Sustainable Agriculture Program. Next session is at Kohala Center's Demonstration Farm in Honoka’a, Oct. 9 to 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services says that the weeklong program features hands-on training in sustainable agriculture practices and visits to "important traditional Hawaiian agricultural sites and farms." Students also learn about opportunities in farming and supporting Hawai'i's food security. Contact Dave Sansone at 808-887-6411 or dsansone@kohalacenter.org for more information.”

LOMI, the traditional massage practice of Hawaiian people, will be demonstrated by practitioner Annie Erbe in a free workshop on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Most of the many styles of lomi are a way to heal body and mind. The workshop is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” and will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

History of the Kahua Hula, the platform near Volcano Art Center, will
be presented by Boone Morrison this Thursday.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are invited to meet Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

A HISTORY OF THE KAHUA HULA, will be given at the Volcano Art Center on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. Photographer and VAC founder Boone Morrison discusses the construction, history, and dedication of the hula platform near VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Attendance is free, though $5 donations are appreciated. For more, call 967-8222.

ADULTS ARE INVITED TO REGISTER UNTIL FRIDAY, OCT. 13, for a Mold Ceramics class that takes place 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 TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE PLANTS that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit will be on Fridays, Oct. 13 and 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 nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, October 6, 2017

The Punalu‘u wharf and ramp desecration made statewide news when locals guarded the place
and the boat operated who wanted to launch trips to the lava flow was confronted. He
now faces $17,000 in fines from the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Photo from Hawai‘i News Now

THE PUNALU‘U BOAT RAMP AND HISTORIC WHARF DESECRATION on June 22 will be the subject of recommendations for penalties to be heard by the state Board of Land & Natural Resources on Friday, Oct. 27. Public testimony is welcomed in person at the Honolulu meeting or via email to BLNR through darlene.s.ferreira@hawaii.gov. The testimony must arrive several days before the meeting to provide time for it to be printed and distributed to the board.

Bulldozer illegally removing stones from Punalu‘u

Wharf. Photo by Gary Domomdon

   The state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands recommends fines for Hang Loose Boat Tour operator Simon Velaj, who used heavy machinery to alter the ramp and wharf area without permission of the state. A fine of $15,000 would be "for the disturbance of the land, demolition and alteration of existing structures and causing a permanent change in land within the Conservation District, Resource subzone prior to obtaining the appropriate approvals within the Conservation District," says the recommendation. An additional $2,000 fine would be for administrative costs associated with the violations. Valej would be required to pay within 90 days or weather additional penalties of $1,000 per day until he pays.
     The report to the BLNR states that Velaj attended a community meeting on June 26 at Nā‘ālehu Community Center and "apologized to those in attendance and stated he made a mistake."

Part of the historic Punalu‘u Wharf.
Photo from Ruth Beauchan

     Velaj planned to launch boat tours from Punalu‘u to the lava flowing into the ocean in Puna using his 34-foot aluminum catamaran. Shown on state maps as the only privately held boat ramp on island, the ramp and wharf are owned by a group associated with Roberts Tours and the undeveloped land and golf course at Punalu‘u. The owners were leasing use of the ramp and a parking area for Velaj's boat for $3,000 a month. The lease stated that he must comply with all government rules and regulations.

     After local beachgoers, boaters and shore fishermen protested to Roberts and the state, Roberts cancelled the lease. A group of local campers guarded the area and Velaj stopped his work of expanding the boat ramp to accommodate his catamaran tours.
     Numerous area residents were interviewed for statewide television news as they confonted Valej and protected the pohaku (stones) and other historic features of the wharf.
The recommended fines before the BLNR do not include any fines for the boat ramp and wharf owners.

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GROWING SEAWEED FOR ENERGY is the goal of two Hawai‘i businesses that will receive $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. The seaweed will be grown offshore for a potential clean energy source. The funding was awarded through DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy program, Sen. Mazie Hirono announced today. Hirono a member of the U.S. Senate's
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, said “This funding will assess the viability of developing seaweed as an energy source, and explore how to use local resources to meet Hawai‘i’s renewable energy goals.”
     Under the grant, Kampachi Farms in Kailua-Kona received $500,000 to develop an offshore seaweed production farm and test harvesting techniques for future use in renewable energy production.

Neil Sims, co-founder of Kampachi Farms.
Photo from Kampachi Farms

     Neil Sims, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Kampachi Farms, said that “Marine agronomy – the culture of limu (seaweed) in oceanic conditions – offers potential for increased production of food, feeds and fuel. Using the power of the ocean’s primary production, we can increase availability of healthful food for people, feeds for fish and other animals, and biofuels for a carbon neutral planet, with minimal use of land, freshwater or artificial fertilizers. Offshore culture of limu connects innovative aquaculture with Hawaiian culinary traditions. It also offers – in our estimation – the only possible means of harnessing entrepreneurial resources to create incentives for countering ocean acidification.”
     Makai Ocean Engineering in Honolulu will receive $995,978 to create a model that simulates the ocean to help researchers determine the proper design and estimate costs of offshore seaweed farming systems.

Makai Oceanic Engineering, famous for providing
air conditioning using ocean water will also
work on seaweed-to-energy.
Photo from Makai Oceanic Engineering

     "Makai is thrilled to be selected for award alongside Kampachi Farms by ARPA-E under this innovative program," said Duke Hartman, vice president of business development at Makai Ocean Engineering. "In addition to advancing the state of the art in macroalgae cultivation, Makai will be strengthening our expertise in technologies with many other applications, such as autonomous and underwater robotics, biological and oceanographic numerical modeling, and offshore engineering. This project builds on our 44 year track record of developing cutting-edge technologies and bringing high-paying, high-tech jobs home to Hawai‘i for our kama‘āina."    
     Hirono continues to advocate for Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy funding. Earlier this year, she wrote a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging for continued funding for ARPA-E after the President threatened to slash the program by $20 million in an effort to wind it down.

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A Hawai‘i Fire Department chopper made water drops 

on a brushfire in a ravine along the cane haul road near

coffee and eucalyptus farms above Pahala. Photo by Julia Neal

A BRUSHFIRE BROKE OUT YESTERDAY just above the Pāhala  water tank in a gulch and along the old cane haul road. Farmers worried about their nearby Ka'ū Coffee crop and the eucalyptus farm above the town.
     Hawai‘i County Fire Dispatch reported that a crew of 23, including 11 county and seven volunteer firefighters, responded, using five fire engines, a tanker, helicopter and fuel truck.
     It was “a brushfire with smoldering fires and hot spots along the edge of and within a ravine. Small spot fires within eucalyptus orchard,” said the report.
      Ka‘ū Fire Captain T. Fujii reported that fire crews maintained "the perimeter and fire spread using available resources. On duty personnel and recall crew [worked the] perimeter during daylight hours. Recall personnel will monitor fire throughout the night.”
      Fujii described the property as “heavy brush and trees inside of a deep ravine,” with “approximately 10 acres” burned as of 6 p.m. on Thursday.
     Ka‘ū Coffee farmers expressed concern over the safety of their trees, currently in the height of the picking season. Ka‘ū Coffee Farmers Cooperative President Gloria Camba thanked the firefighters for protecting the famous Ka‘ū Coffee farms.
     The cause of the fire is “unknown” and no roadblocks were put in place, said the report from the Fire Department.

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PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING HAWAI‘I COUNTY’S BUS SERVICE, including suggestions to improve, are welcomed at five County meetings around the island this month. None of them are in Ka'ū, but Ka'ū's County Council member Maile David said that persons unable to attend, who want to comment or make suggestions, are welcome to  send emails. She and her staff will forward them to the consultants. Send comments to Maile.David@hawaiicounty.gov.
     A flyer from the county Mass Transit Agency states that the agency "is preparing a future master plan for transit and paratransit service on the island. The goal is to improve service so it is safe, reliable, and accessible to all users.”
    The meetings will include a short presentation, posters and input tables. They are open to all from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on: Monday, Oct. 9, at West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona; Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Kea‘au Community Center (16-186 Pili Mua St.); Thursday, Oct. 12, at Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility (15-2910 Kauhale St.); Thursday, Oct. 19, at Waimea Elementary School; and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu‘au Hale in Hilo.
     To request special assistance or an auxiliary aid to attend the event, contact Jo-Anna Herkes, SSFM International at 808-356-1260 at least 5 days prior to the event.
     Those who cannot attend these meetings may submit suggestions Maile David or to: heleonsuggestions@ssfm.com.
   
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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 

Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.

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

Eight-Man Football

Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.

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

Cross Country

Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.

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

Cheerleading

Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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

PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS SET FOR TOMORROW, SATURDAY, Oct. 7 (moved from Oct. 14), at the Ocean View Community Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

BUCKETS FOR BOOKS VSAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT IS TOMORROW, Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gym. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences raises funds and offers games for all ages. See friendsofvolcanoschool.org for rules and fees. Email gotwill@gmail.com or call 626-5130 for more.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit event will take place four times in October - Saturdays, Oct. 7 & 21, and Fridays, Oct. 13 & 27, at 9 a.m.
      To join the efforts, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the aforementioned dates. Volunteers should 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.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Oct. 22, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 23.
     Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
     For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A FUNDRAISER FOR HURRICANE RELIEF for Puerto Rico victims will be held this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Eagles Hall in Kea‘au. El Leo, The Jarican Express, the Puerto Rican band that has opened Ka‘ū Coffee Festival week at Pāhala Plantation House for the last two years, and also participated in Ka‘ū Plantation Days, will perform, along with many others. It is sponsored by east Ka‘ū's state Senator Russell Ruderman and Charles Bragas.

A COMMUNITY KA‘Ū COAST CLEANUP will be held this Sunday, Oct. 8. It is connected with the statewide, annual Get the Drift and Bag It! and the International Coastal Cleanup.
     Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles are invited to meet at 8:45 a.m. at Wai‘ōhinu Park, at Mile Marker 65 on Hwy. 11. Bring lunch and snacks for the day, a re-fillable water bottle, sturdy footware, no slippers, sun/wind protection, including sunglasses, a hat, longsleeve shirt, suncreen, work gloves, and swimsuit. The destination, Kamilo, is remote. The cleanup is sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, under the direction of marine biologist Megan Lamson-Leatherman.
     An Artists Hui Cleanup will be held at Kamilo on Monday, Oct. 30, for artists only. Reserving a space is required. R.S.V.P. to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. Call or text 808-217-5777. Social posts: @wildhawaii #teamupcleanup #keephawaiiwild).

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the new disease of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on a guided hike in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 9:30 a.m. t0 11 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is also offered Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

COMMUNITY CUP FUNDRAISER takes place Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The event features hand-thrown teacups and bowls by local Big Island potters, as well as samples of fine Hawaiʻi-grown teas, demonstrations, exhibits and more. The entrance fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a choice of one tea bowl, plus tea samples. Call 967-8222 for more.

SENIOR ID'S FOR AGES 60 AND UP WILL BE ISSUED MONDAY, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View. For more, call 928-3100.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENROLL NOW in the The Kohala Center’s High School Sustainable Agriculture Program.
     The next session is at TKC's Demonstration Farm in Honoka‘a, Oct. 9 to 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services says, “The weeklong program features hands-on training in sustainable agriculture practices and visits to important traditional Hawaiian agricultural sites and farms. Students will also learn about opportunities in farming and supporting Hawai‘i's food security. Contact Dave Sansone at 808-887-6411 or dsansone@kohalacenter.org for more information.”

LOMI, A POPULAR HEALING ART and the traditional massage practice of the Hawaiian people, will be demonstrated by lomi practitioner Annie Erbe in a free workshop on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     There are many different styles of lomi used throughout Hawai‘i, and most are used as a way to heal body and mind. The workshop is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” and will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

A HISTORY OF THE KAHUA HULA, will be given at the Volcano Art Center on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. Photographer and VAC founder Boone Morrison discusses the construction, history, and dedication of the hula platform near VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Attendance is free, though $5 donations are appreciated. For more, call 967-8222.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are invited to meet Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

ADULTS ARE INVITED TO REGISTER UNTIL FRIDAY, OCT. 13, for a Mold Ceramics class that takes place 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.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, October 5, 2017

Nā‘ālehu Land Use Policy Map in the Ka‘ū Community Development Plan. See story below.

KEEP AMERICANS SAFE ACT, has been introduced into Congress by Sen. Mazie Hirono, joined by Senators Bob Menendez, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and 14 colleagues. Hirono described it today as "a commonsense proposal to ban the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition."

     Said Hirono, “I urge my colleagues to join us in putting an end to the epidemic of mass shootings in our country. The Keeping Americans Safe Act is a commonsense bill that will help address one part of this senseless violence. Until we take action, it’s only a matter of time until the next tragedy.”

     Brady Campaign Co-President Avery Gardiner said, “Large capacity magazines have no place in our communities. Hunters don't use them. Killers use them to hurt as many people as they can, as fast as they can. Large capacity magazines are a threat to all of us, and to our often outgunned law enforcement community. That is why Brady is proud to support this legislation.”
     The proposal comes after last Sunday's massacre in Las Vegas.

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THE KA‘Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN PASSED the County Council on Wednesday and will go to Mayor Harry Kim for his signature. Several Ka‘ū residents testified at the council meeting, some making the long drive, some talking through videoconferencing from the state building in Nā‘ālehu.
     John Replogle, of Ocean View, who grew up in Nā‘ālehu, said, "I live in Ka‘ū. I've lived there forever." He thanked the council for passing the Ka‘ū CDP on first reading and encouraged its passage on final reading, He gave his view on the future:

     "Probably 95 percent of the children in the public schools today will not be able to own their own home or their own place in Hawai‘i and much of Hawai‘i's land is being purchased by people from other places with more economic means. Hawai‘i has almost total dependence on imported food. Hawai‘i's population is growing faster than it can be sustained. Where will our citizens of Hawai‘i go to be part of their ‘āina? If every coastal and agrarian site is built over by the developer, then where will our citizens go? How will they feel? Not content, I would venture to say. We need to begin to make changes that will ensure a healthy future for all of Hawai‘i's citizens."

John Replogle, who grew up in Ka‘ū, talked about the future and asked,
"Where will our citizens go?" Image from Big Island Video News

     Replogle asked, "Have you been to a PONC (Preservation, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission that conserves lands) hearing? There, people are evoking their ancestors, their kūpuna, even the iwi (bones) of ancestors, to convince commissioners that the piece of land being discussed should be saved yet, for others not yet present - our future generations of people. It is as if the people here before you at present are somehow not worthy or important enough to just have this granted as a right of life. So, we evoke our ancestors or people who are not present."

     Replogle said that when real estate plans don't comply with the Ka‘ū CDP, "There are tools available to the landowner to use to affect a different outcome should they desire. However, they will need to stand up before the public to make their case."

     He directed his statement to the County Council: "I invite you to engage in the change to protect our people and our ‘āina today and in the future and move beyond the way it is to the way it can be. Please pass our Ka‘ū CDP."

Pāhala Land Use Policy Map in the Ka‘ū Community Development Plan.

    Replogle noted, "As the world population grows to more than nine billion, science tells us that to create a world where nature and people can thrive together, we must act swiftly and with urgency to generate the biggest impact possible."

     Council members Tim Richards and Eileen O’Hara suggested amending the Ka‘ū CDP before passing it. Richards said he was concerned that language within the CDP seemed to be a mandate rather than a planning tool. "Is this planning or is this statutory?" He said he worried it was too binding.
      Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David objected to the amendments from the two council members who live outside the district. Council member Karen Eoff also spoke against the amendments. She said the CDP process is community based, representing lots of time and money, including planning staff hours. "It is adopted by ordinance. It is a planning tool. Most of it is a directive and a planning tool."

    The council voted against Richards’ amendment and O’Hara withdrew hers. It passed with a majority of the council members voting aye.
     The CDP includes guidleines for building away from the Ka‘ū Coast and suggested locations for housing, commercial, industrial and other land uses. It includes nunerous maps, graphs and geographical and social data about Ka‘ū. See it on the county website.

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REDUCING AIR TOUR NOISE IS THE AIM OF A LAWSUIT filed by advocates for quiet within parklands and residential areas under the path of helicopters and planes. With aircraft carrying visitors to the volcano, waterfalls and other spectacular sites around Hawai‘i Island, area residents joined a lawsuit filed on Wednesday against the FAA by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and Hawai‘i Island Coalition Mālama Pono.
    One Ka‘ū resident supporting quieter skies is Barbara Davis, of Wai‘ōhinu, who said three helicopters and a tour plane fly over her house, often daily. She said it is not just the noise. She raised eight kids and is used to noise. "It is the disrespect," she said. Davis said she keeps records of the overflights of her home and reports them to the FAA and HICoP. She said she observes flights along the coast that turn inland at Ka Lae and fly over Wai‘ōhinu. They often return from the volcano, fly over Wai‘ōhinu and back to the coast, she said.
    Bob Ernst, who is leading the Hawai‘i Island Coalition Mālama Pono group, said that FAA rules already prohibit helicopters and planes from disturbing very sensitive areas. He points to FAA Circular Circular #91-36D, which describes "very sensitive" as places where the "noise interferes with normal activities associated with the area's use. Examples of noise-sensitive areas include residential, educational, health, and religious structures and sites, and parks, recreational areas (including areas with wilderness characteristics), wildlife refuges, and cultural and historic sites where a quiet setting is a generally recognized feature or attribute."
     The circular also states: "Moreover, the FAA recognizes that there are locations in National Parks and other federally managed areas that have unique noise-sensitive values."

     In announcing its lawsuit yesterday, the organization Protecting Employees who Protect Our Environment stated that the FAA, "has fallen down on its job of protecting national parks, visitors, and nearby residents from incessant, noisy air tours. As a result, nearly 65,000 air tours, most concentrated over a few parks, took off last year without limit on the number, routes, or timing of flights."
     PEER brought up Hawai‘i island. "Near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, for example, hundreds of homes lie in the path of air fields from which as many as 80 flights a day and more than 15,000 last year were launched. Residents say that helicopter noise is constant and year-round, causing many to lose sleep, suffer from stress and have a host of other complaints."
     The statement from PEER described Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as one of the "most heavily trafficked national parks," which along with five other parks, accounts for more than one-third of all park air tour traffic.
     PEER pointed out that in 2000, Congress directed the FAA "to establish an air tour management plan for any national park or tribal land whenever a person applies for authority to conduct a commercial air tour." According to the lawsuit, no management plans have been established.    
     "Our lawsuit is meant to jumpstart a planning process that should have begun a generation ago," said PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch.

      The suit asks for air tour management plans within two years for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park; Maui's Haleakalā National Park; Arizona and Nevada's Lake Mead National Recreation Area; California's Muir Woods National Monument; Montana's Glacier national Park; Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park.
      Ernst said that all of Hawai‘i's Congressional Delegation support aircraft noise reduction, as does the Hawai‘i County Council and Mayor Harry Kim. Ernst said he hopes that helicopters will fly a mile off shore, minimum of 2,500 feet in elevation, and over land only above Hilo and Kona Airports.
     For more, see PEER and Hawai‘i Island Coalition Mālama Pono. Call Bob Ernst at 968-8611 or email rce1@isp.com.

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A Ka‘ū Coastal Clean-up takes place Sunday, Oct. 8, at Kamilo.
See story below. Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund

GRID-CONNECTED PRIVATE ROOFTOP SOLAR APPLICATIONS to Hawaiian Electric Companies can now be completed entirely online using a newly launched tool called the Customer Interconnection Tool. 

     According to a statement released yesterday, it is “believed to be the first of its kind to provide a seamless, start-to-finish online solar application process that allows customers of Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaiʻi Electric Light to check the status of their applications. The tool provides a user-friendly interface to guide contractors and customers through all steps of the Customer Self-Supply program application process, from submittal to finalizing the agreement,” including electronic documents and signatures of customers and their designated representatives.
     “We’re excited to offer a streamlined electronic process to our customers,” said Jim Alberts, senior vice president of customer service. “The tool is able to show customers exactly where they are in the application process, which eliminates guesswork. This is one more way to make interacting with our companies as smooth and as easy as possible."
     The release stated that “applicants are prompted to provide required documentation, reducing the potential for delays caused by errors of omission. The tool also automatically calculates the system size based on four design guidelines, which simplifies the procedure.
     “Customers will receive regular status updates by email as various milestones are reached, keeping them informed every step of the way.”
     For more information, visit hawaiianelectric.com/DistributedEnergyResources or hawaiianelectric.com/CITonline.

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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. 6, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, home.

Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.

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

Eight-Man Football

Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.

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

Cross Country

Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.

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

Cheerleading

Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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REGISTER KEIKI AGED 6-12 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 6, FOR RELAY RACES scheduled to take place at Kahuku Park on Monday, Oct. 9, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more, call 929-9113.

LEARN THE ART OF TROPICAL FLOWER ARRANGING at Volcano Art Center on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kaipo Ah Chong will provide cleaned tropical flowers. The class is $45 plus $20 supply fee. For more, call 967-8222.

TAI CHI QIGONG DEMONSTRATIONS will be given by Dr. Myrtle Miyamura, certified Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructor at Ka‘ū Gym in Pāhala on Fridays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
     The tai chi instructions include movement for injury and arthritis management and prevention. The state Department of Health, injury prevention information online says, Tai Chi for Health "is an evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention."
     Classes are cosponsored by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association and county Department of Parks & Recreation, Call KRHCA executive director Jessie Marques at 928-0101. See Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS SET FOR SATURDAY, Oct. 7 (moved from Oct. 14), at the Ocean View Community Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

A FUNDRAISER FOR HURRICANE RELIEF for Puerto Rico victims will be held this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Eagles Hall in Kea‘au. El Leo, The Jarican Express, the Puerto Rican band that has opened Ka‘ū Coffee Festival week at Pāhala Plantation House for the last two years, and also participated in Ka‘ū Plantation Days, will perform, along with many others. It is sponsored by east Ka‘ū's state Senator Russell Ruderman and Charles Bragas.

BUCKETS FOR BOOKS VSAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gym. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences raises funds and offers games for all ages. See friendsofvolcanoschool.org for rules and fees. Email gotwill@gmail.com or call 626-5130 for more.

VOLUNTEERS HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit will take place four times in October - Saturdays, Oct. 7 and 21, and Fridays, Oct. 13 and 27, at 9 a.m.  Meet 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.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Oct. 22, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 23.
     Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
     For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Lomi massage demonstrated in the park.
NPS Photo/Jay Robinson

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the new disease of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on a guided hike in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku during the easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is also offered Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A KA‘Ū COAST CLEANUP will be this Sunday, Oct. 8, part of the statewide, Get the Drift and Bag It! and International Coastal Cleanup.
     Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles meet at 8:45 a.m. at Wai‘ōhinu Park, at Mile Marker 65 on Hwy. 11. Bring lunc, snacks, re-fillable water bottle, sturdy foot ware, no slippers, sun/wind protection, including sunglasses, a hat, longsleeve shirt, suncreen, work gloves, and swimsuit. The destination, Kamilo, is remote. The cleanup is sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, under the direction of marine biologist Megan Lamson-Leatherman.
     An Artists Hui Cleanup will be held at Kamilo on Monday, Oct. 30, for artists only. Reserving a space is required. R.S.V.P. to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. Call or text 808-217-5777. Social posts: @wildhawaii #teamupcleanup #keephawaiiwild).

COMMUNITY CUP FUNDRAISER is Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The event features hand-thrown teacups and bowls by local Big Island potters, as well as samples of fine Hawaiʻi-grown teas, demonstrations, exhibits and more. The entrance fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a choice of one tea bowl, plus tea samples. Call 967-8222 for more.

SENIOR ID'S FOR AGES 60 AND UP WILL BE ISSUED MONDAY, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View. For more, call 928-3100.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN ENROLL NOW in The Kohala Center’s High School Sustainable Agriculture Program. Next session is at Kohala Center's Demonstration Farm in Honoka‘a, Oct. 9 to 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact Dave Sansone at 808-887-6411 or dsansone@kohalacenter.org for more information.

LOMI, A POPULAR HEALING ART and the traditional massage practice of the Hawaiian people, will be demonstrated by lomi practitioner Annie Erbe in a free workshop on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The workshop is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” and will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.