Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, December 17, 2017

The Camba Filipino Dance Troupe performed a variety of ethnic numbers. Joan Obra was the Emcee at
Sakada Day in Pāhala on Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal 

FILIPINO CONTRIBUTIONS TO KA‘Ū were on full display as Sakada Day 2017 landed in Pāhala on Sunday. Filipino families and many others fascinated by the culture witnessed dances embellished by twirling candles, the clicking of bamboo sticks, the flashing of red scarves and the variety of traditional dress.

Tinikling, the bamboo dance, requires careful hopping.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Dignitaries praised two Sakadas - Leovegildo Mercado and Prudencio Tayamen - who came to Hawai‘i in 1946. They are among the many Filipino immigrants who helped build Hawai`i agriculture, from pineapple and sugar to Ka‘ū Coffee.

     Mercado, now 90 years of age, sailed from Salomague Port in Cabugao, Illocos Sur, Philippines. He worked with pineapple on Lana‘i before transferring to Ka‘ū where he started in the fire room, became a fuel driver and later a cane drier. Retired, he “can be seen driving around Pāhala, frequenting cock fights, hunting, and growing vegetables, which he generously shares with his neighbors,” notes the event program.

Filipino fashion styles through history were on full display.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Tayamen, now 95 years of age, came from Laoag, Illocos Norte, Philippines. He worked at Halakalu Plantation north of Hilo and moved to O‘ahu to become a stevedore. In Ka‘ū he was a seedcutter at Hutchinson and Ka‘ū Sugar until he retired. He has four sons, four daughters, 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

    During Sakada Day, an outpouring of emotion came through a song, “Okradek ti pakasaritaa. Daguiti Pilipino iti Haai‘i, Tapno maamuan tay it gapwanan. Daguiti ammatay a namauangayan.” The Pāhala Filipino Club sang in the Ilocano dialect, “Let me present the story of the Fiipinos in Hawai‘i so we shall know the sacrifices and accomplishments of our fathers who came to Hawai‘i before us.”

     The Sakada song urges all Filipinos to understand their history and asks, “Do you recognize and appreciate your roots? If your life is better and more prosperous now, you have to realize that you owe this to the Sakadas!”

     County Council member Maile Medeiros David, herself of Filipino, Hawaiian, and Portuguese heritage, presented certificates and co-sponsored the event.

Amy Peralta and Gloria Camba present a formal Filipino Dance
with fans and scarves, called Carinosa. Photo by Julia Neal

     Praise came from public officials. The Counsel General of the Republic of the Philippines wrote, “Filipinos now comprise the largest ethnic group in the State, many of whom hold esteemed positions in government, businesses, academic institutions... We would not be where we are today if it weren’t for the Sakadas who traveled thousands of miles and bravely crossed the waters to start a new life and put their own mark in Hawai‘i’s society.”

     Gov. David Ige noted that during the 1930’s, Filipinos were 70 percent of the plantation labor force. By 1946, 100,000 Sakadas had reached Hawai‘i's shores.

   U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz pointed to the “vibrant Filipino community.” A Mabuhay message from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said Filipino Americans “are pillars in communities across our state.” She quoted Sir Isaac Newton, who said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Hirono called Newton’s quote “an accurate description of the Sakadas and their impact on generations of Filipinos in Hawai‘i. We owe much gratitude to all Sakadas.”

Mrs. Hawai‘i Filipina Marites Domingo Kano
and Miss Hawai‘i Filipina Kyla Raza with
Sakada Prudencio Tayamen.
Photo by Al Sebastian

Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry
Jasmine Navarro
presents a Noel hula.
Photo by Julia Neal

    In her message, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard pointed out that earlier this year, the United States Congress “finally presented our Filipino Veterans of World War II the congressional Gold Medal – our nation’s highest civilian honor.”

    Mayor Harry Kim urged “all citizens to learn more about the vibrant culture of the Philippines and our Filipino neighbors and friends, and its unique place in our Hawai‘i Island Community.”

    Council member Dru Kanuha noted the “backbreaking work under very strenuous conditions for meager pay” endured by the Sakadas.

    Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry danced a Noel hula with the Ali‘i Hawaiian Hula Hands Dance Troupe. Camba’s Filipino Dance Troupe performed with candles and presented the bamboo stick dance as well as a classical routine. Kūpuna O Pāhala danced hula. The Visayan Club of Hilo Dance Troupe performed. The Pāhala Karate Dojo presented a demonstration. The Hands of Time Band and Chase Cabudol Band backed up the entertainment. Everyone dined on traditional Filipino food.

     Major sponsors included Ka‘ū Andrade Contracting and County Council members Dru Kanuha and Maile David.

Twirling a candle in a glass in traditional
Filipino folk dress. The dance is called
Pandango Sa Ilaw. Photo by Julia Neal

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.

REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM which begins Saturday, Jan. 23, and continues for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
     Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of  volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
     Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
     Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.

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 Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at 

kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 

kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html.

December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is

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

through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout

the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Monday, Dec. 18, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.
     Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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.

HOLIDAY FAVORITES IS PERFORMED BY THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF KONA, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
     The orchestra, under the direction of Bernaldo Evangalista, will present Christmas at the Movies, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, Santa at the Symphony, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many more. Ursula Vietze is the orchestras concert master. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
     Tickets are $10/$20. Free entry is given to those under 18 years old. Purchase tickets at the door starting at 6 p.m. or visit chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html.
     Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HOST A FREE CONCERT featuring award-winning musical artist Ken Makuakāne on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Park entrance fees apply.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

MAKE LEI WITH TROPICAL AG FARMER KAIPO AHCHONG at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. AhChong's experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.

VOLUNTEER WITH HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in at two remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Saturday, Dec. 23, with the event also taking place Dec. 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
     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.

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

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.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, December 16, 2017

Geologist examines spatter and ash deposits within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park along Kīlauea's southwest
rift zone. New understanding of the age of the ash deposits, based on years of careful research, has prompted
revision of ages of these surface lava flows. See story below. USGS photograph by Tim Orr, Nov. 6, 2015

FUNDING FOR THE BAY CLINIC is one of the year end goals taken to the U.S. Senate floor this week by Sen. Mazie Hirono. She named protecting DREAMers, reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program and funding Community Health Centers.
     Regarding the Children's Health Insurance Program, Hirono said that 6,000 children in Hawai‘i depend on CHIP for care they receive for complex medical conditions. Some 30,000 children in Hawai‘i are at risk of losing health care access through CHIP. Hawai‘i's federal funding for CHIP will run out as early as February, she said. The state would have to help out, putting funding for other critical programs at risk, said Hirono.

Bay Clinic's Ka‘ū Family Health Center, which opened in 2013, is at risk
 without federal Community Health Center funding. Photo by Joe Febo

     Hirono said Community Health Centers could be forced to shut their doors. She said they are the only health care provided in much of rural Hawai‘i. She named Bay Clinic, with its Nā‘ālehu venue, as among Community Health Centers at risk. If not funded, she said, the clinics across Hawai‘i would have to lay off staff and dramatically cut services. She noted that recent improvements in clinics include services that help save the cost and time of patients traveling long distances, in particular, to Honolulu. She said thousands of Hawai‘i families and more than 20 million people across the country would be at risk without Community Health Centers.
      Hirono also called for parity in funding between defense and non-defense spending in the federal budget. She said the current plan is for a $54 billion increase in defense spending and $34 billion increase in all non-defense spending. Hirono said that as a member of the Armed Services Committee, she understands the need for more resources for defense, but "not at the expense of funding critical domestic programs." She said that the military also sees the need to fund the domestic programs.

Sen. Mazie Hirono listed the Dream Act, funding Childrens Health
Insurance and Community Health Centers like the Bay Clinic as year
end goals. Image from Sen. Mazie Hirono

     Regarding those young people who grew up in the U.S. after being brought here by relatives without permission from the government, Hirono said she wants to help those who are good citizens to stay under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, with a legal path to citizenship.
     "Every day that we don't pass the Dream Act, 122 Dreamers ....are losing their DACA status (exposing them to deportation). These are extraordinary young people with aspirations most of us take for granted. They just want to live, work, study and give back to the only country they know as home. We need to keep the promises that our government made to them by passing the DREAM Act by the end of this year."
     View the presentation by Hirono and other members of Congress on year end legislation.
 
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PROGRESS IN UNDERSTANDING VOLCANOES CAN BE SLOW BUT ADDS UP, say U.S.G.S. scientists writing this week's Volcano Watch at Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory:

Thomas and Isabel Jaggar. Thomas Jaggar once thought Kīlauea was
an older Volcano than Mauna Loa.

     It's good to stand back, take a deep breath, and examine what has been learned during decades of study of Hawaiian volcanoes. From such perspective, astounding progress has been made, and those who work at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have been privileged to be part of the story. 

     Unlike sausage making, the scientific learning process is open to observation, warts and all. Blunders, some rather embarrassing, will be caught, even if made by luminaries. For example, Thomas Jaggar, founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, once thought that Kīlauea was older than Mauna Loa, a conclusion quite opposite to what is known today.
     Generally, though, it is not blunders but small errors that are corrected. Even more often, new data or changes in interpretation drive the process forward. Progress is incremental, sometimes two steps forward and one step back or, momentarily, even the reverse. Grand breakthroughs are unusual, plate tectonics being an example. With that said, what is the big-picture knowledge of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa acquired in the past few decades?
     Hawaiian volcanoes seem to remain active for several hundred thousand, perhaps a million, years. Mauna Loa is well into its life span and will, eventually, be replaced by Lōʻihi, now a large and growing seamount south of the island. Kīlauea probably has more years ahead of it than behind, starting perhaps 300,000 years ago.

Lōʻihi, the underwater volcano off the Ka‘ū Coast, is
expected to eventually replace Mauna Loa. It sits some
3,000 meters above the ocean floor.
Image from Hawai‘i Center for Volcanology

   The two volcanoes formed along different curving but parallel lines, the Loa and Kea trends, that erupt chemically different magma. This was recognized in the 19th century as a geometric pattern but was not identified chemically until the last half of the 20th century.

     Giant submarine landslides, first recognized in the early 1960s, have peeled away from the west side of Mauna Loa, most recently about 105,000 years ago. No such giant slides are known at Kīlauea. The south or southeast flanks of both volcanoes are continuously moving southeastward a few centimeters a year owing to volcano spreading. Gravity is the principal cause, aided by intrusion of magma into rift zones.       

     The summit of each volcano sits atop a poorly understood pathway that transports magma upward from a melting site 100 km (62 miles) deep in the Earth's mantle. A shallow reservoir system 2-5 km (1-3 miles) deep caps this pathway, and magma moves from there upward to the surface or into the rift zones that sprout laterally from the reservoir.
     Most eruptions produce lava flows, a fact long known, but each volcano has violent explosive eruptions triggered by pent-up magmatic gas or steam from heated groundwater. Explosive eruptions are not unusual over a time horizon of centuries and need consideration in long-term planning.
     These findings, far from exhaustive, are awfully impressive. All were acquired since the late 1950s and took major effort to amass the necessary evidence.

Predicting the next Mauna Loa flow, like this one from 1984, as well as
 the next landslide and explosion from Mauna Loa is an ongoing
effort of scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

    They result from research. Whether at a university or a volcano observatory, research is needed to better understand volcanism. The science can't stand pat, arrogantly assuming that it already knows enough to suit society's needs. To improve, we must always learn more.
     Here are some important questions about Mauna Loa and Kīlauea that we can't yet answer.
     What are the details of melting in the mantle, and why does the supply rate of magma from the mantle to the shallow plumbing system change over time?
     What will cause the next giant landslide from Mauna Loa and, perhaps, the first from Kīlauea?
     Can we develop a way to determine how long an eruption, once underway, will last?
     Can the next explosive eruption be predicted? How large will it be?
     A new concept for Kīlauea is that periods dominated by explosive activity last centuries and alternate with periods of similar length dominated by lava flows. If so, when will the next explosive period start at Kīlauea? What clues might foretell it? When will it end?
     Such questions drive research—with progress inevitable, if at times frustratingly slow.

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.

VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES: This past week, Kīlauea Volcano's summit lava lake level generally rose in concert with summit inflation, ranging from about 50 to 30 m (98–162 ft) below the vent rim. On the East Rift Zone, the 61g lava flow remained active downslope of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, with scattered breakouts on the pali and coastal plain. The ocean entry remained inactive. The 61g flows do not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Lava flows remain active on the East Rift Zone this week.
USGS Photo

     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Small-magnitude earthquakes continue to occur beneath the summit caldera and upper Southwest Rift Zone at depths less than 5 km (3 mi). A few deeper earthquakes were scattered beneath the volcano's southeast and west flanks at depths of 5–13 km (3–8 mi). GPS and InSAR measurements continue to show slow deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone. Overall, rates of seismicity and deformation have decreased. No significant changes in volcanic gas emissions were measured.
    There were three events with three or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. On Dec. 13 at 7:09 a.m. HST, a magnitude-2.8 earthquake occurred 3 km (2 mi) NW of Honaunau-Napo‘opo‘o at 13 km (8 mi) depth. On Dec. 11 at 6:39 a.m. HST, a magnitude-2.7 earthquake occurred 9 km (6 mi) SSE of Volcano at 8 km (5 mi) depth. On Dec. 10 at 02:13 p.m. HST, a magnitude-2.5 earthquake occurred 3 km (2 mi) ESE of Leilani Estates at 2 km (1 mi) depth.
    Visit the HVO website (hvo.wr.usgs.gov) for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates and other volcano status reports, current volcano photos, recent earthquakes, and more; call (808) 967-8862 for a Kīlauea summary update; 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.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.

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 Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at 
 kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html. 
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html.
December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Monday, Dec. 18, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.
     Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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.

THE FINAL PERFORMANCE  OF A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL takes place Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

JOIN RANGERS ON A FREE MODERATELY DIFFICULT GUIDED HIKE, entitled People & Land of Kahuku, on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 2.5 mile hike takes visitors over rugged terrain and focuses on the human history of Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A FILIPINO FASHION SHOW AND FILIPINO ENTERTAINMENT FROM AROUND THE ISLAND is on the agenda for Sakada Day on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The Sakadas are the workers who came to Hawai‘i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association.
      Sakada Day celebrates the Sakada legacy in the agricultural development of Ka‘ū and honors the Sakada's work, economic and cultural contributions to society in Hawai‘i. The event, including a Filipino lunch, is free and offers Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.
     Formal recognition will be given to Sakadas and their families from Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala at Sakada Day.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

RESIDENTS OF KA‘Ū WILL PERFORM IN THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF KONA's Holiday Favorites on Tuesday, Dec. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
     The orchestra, under the direction of Bernaldo Evangalista, will present Christmas at the Movies, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, Santa at the Symphony, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many more. Ursula Vietze is the orchestras concert master. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
     Tickets are $10/$20. Free entry is given to those under 18 years old. Purchase tickets at the door starting at 6 p.m. or visit chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html.
     Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

15 TIME NĀ HOKU HANOHANO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD and six time Big Island Music award-winner musical artist Ken Makuakāne performs Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Free, park entrance fees apply.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LEI MAKING WITH KAIPO AHCHONG is featured at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. Make lei with tropical ag farmer AhChong, whose experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

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

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.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, December 15, 2017

The second $20 million capital improvement investment in Pāhala, following the recent completion
of the Ka‘ū District Gym, will be the town's wastewater treatment facility. Five small gatherings
for talk story sessions on the design and location were held this week in the village.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE LAST PRELIMINARY PĀHALA SEWAGE TREATMENT MEETING wrapped up Thursday night, Dec. 14, drawing the most people of any of the five talks story sessions this week. The $20 to $21 million project, more costly than the new Ka‘ū District Gym, could be completed by the end of 2021. It will be the most expensive capital improvement in Pāhala's history.

     Sophia Hanoa said that wastewater affects all of the Ka‘ū District and the ahupua‘a from the mountain to the ocean and urged the entire community to become involved in the decision making on protecting the water resources. She said the project will affect generations to come and also suggested that the ideas be taken to the students at Ka‘ū High School, which is one of the places that will hook up to the sewer. She thanked the outreach consultant and wastewater engineer for coming to the community on behalf of the county. In the past, she said, the community has experienced that sometimes people with plans for the area come to Ka‘ū with some arrogance.

Berna Cabacungan collected input from Pāhala residents.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Engineer Michelle Sorensen said that the county wanted to come in early to receive local knowledge and questions from the community.
     When asked by consultant Berna Cabacungan what people like about Pāhala, Keoni Grace said everyone knows each other, from the folks at work to neighbors, friends and family.

     Gay Polido said that people care about each other here. She also said she appreciates the open attitude of the consultants in getting to know the community.

      Residents like Leonard Villa talked about the quiet nature of Pāhala, friendliness and the close knit families.
      When asked about challenges, people talked about keeping the rural lifestyle and balancing economic opportunity with the easygoing life in a town without a stoplight.
      Concerning the proposed sewage treatment plant, Liz Polido said she would like to see printed preliminary plans and explanations about the treatment plant in order to take them home and study them.

      Mary Ibarra asked whether those who live next to the planned sewer line be required to hook up, even if they have already paid for their own cesspool. Could they be compensated?

Mary Ibarra asked whether homeowners who already
paid for cesspools will have to pay to change over
to the new sewer system. Photo by Julia Neal

    A man named Alan asked whether the proposed system that uses aerated lagoons and growing trees to clean the water will be able to handle metals. The engineer said that there are very few metals in residential wastewater and most metal pieces ending up in the sewage, would be largely removed by a filtering system.

     May Galacio and Francis Delos Santos said they were concerned about the cost to homeowners. Lois Camba asked what responsibilities will fall on the homeowner?

     The consultants said they will attempt to bring some preliminary cost estimates for hooking up and the regular sewer bill cost to the community during a second round of meetings early next year. The consultants then noted that the design is in its beginning stages and land for the project must be acquired.
      They reiterated that the cost of construction will not be born solely by Pāhala residents and that government officials have vowed to look for funding to help hook up. The regular sewer bills are the same around the island so that no one on a county system pays a higher rate than others on a county system.
     More meetings will take place and information exchanged as the project moves along. Its estimated completion date is December of 2021. The federal government has ordered the construction of a sewage treatment system so that old large capacity cesspools that have no treatment ability can be abandoned. They were made illegal in the year 2000 to protect drinking water and other natural resources and for public health.

     For more information, contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan at eplan1@aol.com or the Department of Environmental Management at 961-8339. 

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This week applications opened up to be paid for
taking care of kupuna.

THE KUPUNA CAREGIVERS PROGRAM began this week statewide and applications are open. Full-time caregivers of kūpuna are eligible for financial assistance of up to $70 per day to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for senior citizens. When Gov. David Ige signed the bill, AARP Hawai‘i called it "a major win." 

    "Full-time caregivers often have additional full-time jobs, and this recent triumph allows them to provide care for their loved ones while being gainfully employed, said a statement from Team David Ige. "From the beginning, the people of Hawai‘i are taught to treat our kūpuna with the utmost respect, and part of the respect we show is taking accountability and responsibility for their care. Governor Ige has fought for shared responsibility when advocating for our kūpuna.
     "Our kūpuna caregivers deserve our full support so Hawai‘i can continue to honor the wishes of our seniors, improve their health outcomes, and help ease the cost of long-term care for both family caregivers and the state," said the Team David Ige Statement.

     It noted that the number of kūpuna is growing more rapidly in Hawai‘i than across the nation and that longevity is longer here. To enroll to be paid to take care of kūpuna, see care4kupuna.com.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at 
 kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html. 
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html.
December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 16, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 16, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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KEIKI CHRISTMAS AT KAHUKU PARK, a new event organized by Ocean View community members Ian and Kathie. The free event is scheduled to take place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kahuku Park, which is located on Paradise Circle, four blocks mauka of hwy. 11 and Ocean View Town Center in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Food, activities, games and exhibits will be open to all and santa gifts and photos will be available to keiki, from newborn to age 14. An all day long gift raffle will be available to kūpuna. It is a drug and alcohol free event. For more information or to participate or make a donation, call Ian at 758-6351 or Kathie at 937-5865.

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL, continues daily through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

JOIN VOLUNTEERS FOR A COMMUNITY BEACH CLEAN-UP AT KAMILO hosted by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited in HWF 4WD vehicles. To volunteer, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com in advance to reserve your spot. Meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park.

A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.

JOIN DISCOVERY HARBOUR RESIDENTS FOR BUNCO & POTLUCK on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., in the Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco, also known as Bonko or Bunko, is a popular game played with nine dice. Bring a dish to share. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF KUMU HULA SAMMYE KU‘UALOHA YOUNG, Hālau Hula Na Lei Hiwahiwa o Ku’ualoha performs Hula Kahiko on the hula platform Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16.
     Following the performance until about 1 p.m., Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani provides a hands on cultural demonstration, Nā Mea Hula. For more and to confirm date, contact Desiree by calling 987-7288 or emailing volcanohula@gmail.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets at the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, call 939-7033.

MAKE AND TAKE HOME A ZENTAGLE INSPIRED ORNAMENT at the Volcano Art Center's Zentagle Inspired Art Exhibit & Reception from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Volcano Art Center says, “Bring your friends, your art and a light holiday pupu to share." The event is open to the public and offers door prizes, a slideshow and videos. Attendance is free, donations are welcome. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

FORMAL RECOGNITION WILL BE GIVEN TO SAKADAS and their families from Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala at Sakada Day on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The Sakadas are the workers who came to Hawai‘i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association.
      Sakada Day celebrates the Sakada legacy in the agricultural development of Ka‘ū and honors the Sakada's work, economic and cultural contributions to society in Hawai‘i. The event, including a Filipino lunch, is free and offers Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.

JOIN RANGERS ON A FREE MODERATELY DIFFICULT GUIDED HIKE, entitled People & Land of Kahuku, on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 2.5 mile hike takes visitors over rugged terrain and focuses on the human history of Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF KONA, with performing residents of Ka‘ū, presents Holiday Favorites on Tuesday, Dec. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
     The orchestra, under the direction of Bernaldo Evangalista, will present Christmas at the Movies, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, Santa at the Symphony, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many more. Ursula Vietze is the orchestras concert master. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
     Tickets are $10/$20. Free entry is given to those under 18 years old. Purchase tickets at the door starting at 6 p.m. or visit chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html.
     Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL ARTIST KEN MAKUAKĀNE PERFORMS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Free, park entrance fees apply.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

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

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