The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Humpback whales visiting Hawaiʻi in the winter and spring months may be declining in number. A mother

humpback supports her calf in the warm waters of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine

Sanctuary, accompanied by a male escort. Photo from caringforcalves.org

A POSSIBLE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF HUMPBACK WHALES coming to Hawai‘i each winter - to give birth, take care of their calves, and mate before heading back north to feed - is the subject of meetings today and tomorrow. Invited by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, whale experts are convening in Honolulu to discuss the number of humpbacks in Hawaiian waters declining some 50 to 80 percent in the past four years.

Hawai‘i has seen and heard humpbacks in smaller numbers since 2014.
Photo from Ed Lyman/NOAA, under NOAA permit #15240

Whale scientists estimate that about 6,000 to 11,000 humpbacks make the trip to Hawai‘i each year.

The annual humpback whale count - monthly in January, February, March, and April each winter in Ka‘ū and elsewhere - has documented the decline, along with scientists recording fewer whale songs. Crew members on watch from ships coming in and out of Hawaiian waters report fewer sightings.

Humpback whales are no longer on the Endangered Species list but are federally protected as threatened. NOAA comes up with regulations and law enforcement, based on research on the humpback whale status.
Whale watching season, with boats going out of Kona, begins in mid December. Some whales have been reported in nearshore Hawai‘i Island waters since mid November.

Humpback whales come to Hawaiʻi to give birth and raise calves
in the winter and spring. Photo from NOAA

The decline of the number of humpbacks numbers wintering in Hawai‘i was first recorded in 2014, with lower numbers also recorded in their summer home of Alaska. By 2017, humpback numbers in Hawai‘i had decreased by about half, and mother-calf pairs were down an additional 35 percent.

A possible reason for lower humpback numbers is a smaller food supply, due to warmer ocean waters, which affects krill, the humpback's major food source. Scientists posit the whales have not starved, but have moved to different feeding - and birthing and mating - grounds, possibly in the Bering Sea and in the Gulf of Alaska, where more humpbacks than normal have been reported. There could also be more humbpacks wintering in the northern Hawaiian Islands where there are fewer people to see them.

Learn more from Sept. 6 and Aug. 26 Kaʻū News Briefs.

About 5 percent of Hawaiʻi lands statewide burn each year,
Map from Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization

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GIVING TUESDAY IS TODAY AND LOCAL NONPROFITS ARE REACHING OUT as public officials weigh in.
Given the recent destruction of homes by wildfires in California and the recent wildfires on Maui and Oʻahu that destroyed houses, Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization is asking the community to help protect its villages, farms, ranches, and nature: "It is more important than ever that we work together to make our communities and natural areas more resilient and better prepared in the face of growing wildfire threats. Your support will keep our non-profit's engine running. HWMO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that fills a critical need to serve as a hub of wildfire projects and activities among government agencies, land managers, communities, and other organizations across the state. We are the only 100% wildfire focused organization in Hawaiʻi and our ability to maintain and grow our efforts relies on the generous support of people like you!" See the Facebook page and website.

Keiki celebrates a new home and family
ownership through Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island, which helps families to become homeowners through sweat equity and qualifying for mortgages, noted that Paypal is partnering with Facebook to match up to $7 million in donations.
"You can help Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island receive a portion of these funds by donating to us. Any dollar amount given will help us continue our mission to build more homes for families in need on our island. 100% of the funds raised for us on Facebook will be given to us! Please support our cause!" See Facebook page.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard today recognized #GivingTuesday as part of a global day for giving, volunteerism, and service to others. The lawmakers introduced a bipartisan resolution - H.Res. 633 - last year to recognize the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday as #GivingTuesday, an opportunity to provide charitable giving to those in need.
Gabbard said: "United by a common purpose to be of service to others, #GivingTuesday provides an opportunity for us all to come together and support the causes in our communities that inspire us. Today, as millions around the world donate their time, talents, or a piece of their paychecks – or simply perform an act of kindness – let us be inspired by the spirit of #GivingTuesday and continue to be a force for positive change in our communities."

U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, a Republican, said, "The spirit of giving throughout the holiday season is always an important reminder that much more unites us than divides us. If we focus on these things as Americans, we can continue to be the greatest nation in the world. Giving Tuesday is the perfect example of how we come together to help those in need, and I'm proud to have worked across the aisle with Rep. Gabbard to make the designation of this important day official."
Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, was launched by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in 2012, and has since become a worldwide movement, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change. In its first year, #GivingTuesday brought together more than 2,500 organizations in all 50 States, and it has continued to gain momentum every year since, with more than 35,000 partners in the United States and around the world.

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POHOʻIKI AND ISAAC HALE BEACH PARK WILL REOPEN in lower Puna to everyone Thursday, Dec. 6. The county Department of Parks and Recreation announced today a blessing ceremony to be held at 1 p.m., after the new emergency roadway to Pohoʻiki opens at noon.

The emergency access, a road bulldozed over this year's lava flows, will remain open until further notice, said the statement from the county. "This new park created is dedicated as a safe and

Pohoiki, with a new black sand beach, will open to the public Dec. 6.
Photo from DLNR

peaceful place for our families. Please kōkua to keep it a nice and safe place for the ‘ohana."
The County plans 24-hour security with park hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with no camping, and no showers or drinking water. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water and discouraged from entering four thermal ocean ponds created by the lava flowing across Pohoʻiki bay and preventing access to the boat ramp. The state Department of Health warns of a risk for bacterial infections, and advises to refrain from entering, particularly with wounds.
The shore break on the new black sand beach and ocean currents can be dangerous and cause injury. "Enter the ocean at your own risk," the county advises.
This Thursday, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Agency, will test the Pohoʻiki siren intermittently between noon and 2 p.m.

Kaʻū Girls Soccer Team tried hard against Kamehameha
today. Photo by David Berry

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS AND BOYS KICKED OFF SOCCER SEASON TODAY with hosted games against Kamehameha. During the girls' games, the referee called the game, as Kamehameha had scored 17 and Kaʻū, 0. The boys also faced a loss, with zero points to Kamehameha's 6.

Kaʻū Boys Soccer, using fancy footwork against
Kamehameha today. Photo by David Berry

The next soccer game, boys host MLA and girls host Kealakehe tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 28. The teams will be traveling as far as Honokaʻa and Kohala. See remainder of 2018 sports season schedule, below.

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A GRANT PLANNING WORKSHOP, conducted by The Kohala Center, will be held primarily for coffee farmers on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym's Community Room at 96-3150 Pikake St. in Pāhala. The workshop is to help with planning and preparing to apply for grant programs to support United Ka‘ū Farmers Cooperative. The Kohala Center's agricultural business development specialist, Megan Blazak, will facilitate the session. The workshop is intended for members of the co-op so they can collectively work on project planning for the co-op's initiatives.

SITE VISITS TO KAʻŪ COFFEE FARMS will be made by appointment on Thursday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., by Maile Woodall. Sponsored by The Kohala Center, the outreach support will be from one to two hours per farm and consist of a needs assessment, program orientation, and site walk-through. Appointments are subject to availability and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Contact mwoodhall@kohalacenter.org.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

through end of 2018

Girls Basketball:

Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm

Boys Basketball:

Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:

Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:

Nov. 28, Wed., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa

Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:

Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

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Pū‘ohe - Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 28, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help attendees make their own pū‘ohe. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Nov. 29, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Craft Class, Thu., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Dec. 1, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.
com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Net Patrol along Wai‘ōhinu Coastline, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 27, contact for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Limited seats available for all three days. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Spay and Neutering Clinic, Monday, Dec. 3, 7:30-4pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 31, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Dec. 3, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Dec. 3, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Health Insurance Sign-up, Tue., Dec. 4, 9-4pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Yoga Class, Tue., Dec. 4, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

A Walk into the Past w/ Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tue, Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Tour Jaggar's tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments with Dick Hershberger as "Dr. Jaggar." Supported by the KDEN. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-6pm, Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park, All About Anchialine Pools, Tue., Dec. 4, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawai‘i State Parks Dena Sedar presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Dec. 5 and 12, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Arts & Craft Activity: Paper Tree Table Top, Wed., Dec. 5, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 5; open to keiki Grades K-8. 928-3102

Open Mic Night, Wed., Dec. 5, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.org, facebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

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Monday, November 26, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, November 26, 2018

Practitioners of Okinawan Taiko drumming came to Punaluʻu on Saturday for the Floating Lantern Celebration and
lent their bachi - drumsticks - to keiki. See more, below. Photo from Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MAILE DAVID is nominated to continue as Chair of the Hawaiʻi County Council Finance Committee. Reelected in the August primary, David would be assisted by Vice Chair council member Tim Richards, the veterinarian from Waimea.

County Council member
Maile David
Photo by Annie Bosted

The proposed slate of council member assignments, released today, also includes the following: For the Planning Committee, Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz; Vice Chair Sue Lee Loy; for the Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair Valerie Poindexter; Vice Chair Rebecca Villegas; for the Public Works and Mass Transit Committee, Chair Sue Lee Loy; Vice Chair Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder; for the new Environmental Resiliency and Management Committee, Chair Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III, DVM; Vice Chair Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder; for the Public Safety Committee, Chair Rebecca Villegas; Vice Chair Karen Eoff; for the Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee, Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz; Vice Chair Sue Lee Loy; and Council Chair Aaron Chung.
The proposal also suggests that Deputy County Clerk Jon Henricks become County Clerk and that Aaron Brown, Business Manager of the Dept. of Public Works, become Deputy County Clerk. After consultations among council members in recent weeks, Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy introduced the slate saying, it offers "a thoughtful and cohesive blend of talents and skills to structure the County's legislative body."
The full County Council will vote on the slate to make it official.

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THE FALSE INCOMING MISSLE ALERT THAT TERRIFIED KAʻŪ RESIDENTS and people around the state on Jan. 13 of this year is the subject of a just-released report from the Inspector General of the U.S. The false alert, which came across as warning of an inbound nuclear warhead from North Korea, sent people into hiding, fleeing, and telling each other goodbye. It was carried for more than a half an hour before most people found out it was an error.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was one of the first government officials to take to social media to identify the warning as erroneous.
After the false alert, in response to a request by Sen. Mazie Hirono, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General, reviewed Federal Emergency Management Agency's role.

Hawaiʻi News Now and many other news networks received the false
message from Hawaiʻi Civil Defense, which also turned on warning
sirens and sent alerts through cell phones.

The report examined whether FEMA exercises appropriate oversight of the Integrated Public Alert Warning System, the messaging platform through which the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency sent the false missile alert. The report identified concerns, including FEMA not requiring that alert software have the ability to preview or cancel alerts. FEMA only recommends that software include these functions as "best practices." The report also noted software vendors are not required to provide training to authorities on how to use their software.

While the report states that Hawaiʻi's false missile alert did not result from these concerns, the OIG recommended staff training and the inclusion of safeguard capabilities in emergency alert software, as alerting authorities may continue to face challenges without them. FEMA concurred with the recommendations and estimated that both recommendations would be implemented by Oct. 31, 2019.

"I thank the DHS Inspector General for providing much needed answers on FEMA's role in the false missile alert sent to Hawaiʻi residents and the overall management of the alert system it oversees," said Hirono. "The inadequate safeguards found in the report are unacceptable and I will closely monitor FEMA's progress in implementing the Inspector General's recommendations to ensure such an incident never happens again in Hawaiʻi, or in any other state that utilizes an emergency alert system."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was one of the first to send out the fact that
the missile alert was false.

Following January's false missile alert, Hirono, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, secured a commitment from Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen to strengthen federal-state cooperation on emergency alerts, assess potential human and systemic failures, and improve overall readiness in Hawaiʻi and across our country.

Hirono co-sponsored Sen. Brian Schatz's Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats Act, which would give the federal government the primary responsibility of alerting the public of a missile threat, and require FEMA to recommend best practices to local officials on initiating, modifying, and canceling alerts. The ALERT Act unanimously passed the Senate on June 28, and is pending action by the U.S. House of Representatives. Click here to read the full report.

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Woman Okinawan Taiko drummer sounds out her
rhythms on the shores of Punaluʻu. Photo from
Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association

OKINAWAN STYLE TAIKO DRUMMING came to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park on Saturday as part of the eighth annual Floating Lantern Celebration to remember loved ones. Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko from Hilo drew many beach goers as rhythms filled Punaluʻu Bay.
The event was sponsored by Jessie Marques and Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, with funding by County Council member Maile David.
Hui Okinawa players brought with them their Odaiko - big fat drums - on wheels for easy movement given their very heavy weight.
Hui Okinawa and Puna Tako, which often perform in Kaʻū, are expected on stage at the Big Island Taiko Festival next year on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo. For updates and tickets, see artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/big-island-taiko-festival-2019.
Taiko drumming classes are offered at Pāhala Hongwanji, through Puna Taiko, which performed at last month's Veterans Day Celebration in Nāʻālehu, sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou.
All of the Taiko drumming organizations offer classes to people of all ages, religions, cultures, and races.

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, which stewards pristine forests and the hawksbill turtle nesting site of Kamehame in Kaʻū, announced today that Cara Mazzei joined the statewide organization's fundraising team as senior associate Director of Philanthropy. Mazzei comes from Honolulu Museum of Art, where she directed the events team for all fundraising and stewardship events. She has also worked at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation as senior development officer handling the Foundation's prospect management, and at the Pacific Buddhist Academy, where she was director of community relations and development, and a member of the capital campaign and strategic planning team.

Cara Mazzei is the new senior associate Director
of Philanthropy at The Nature Conservancy
in Hawaiʻi. Photo from TNC-H

"Cara has a well-rounded background in fundraising that includes non-profits, government, cultural organizations, and businesses," said Lori Admiral, director of Philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy's Hawaiʻi and Palmyra programs. "She brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our team."
Mazzei will manage a portfolio that includes individual donors, corporations, and foundations. "I was looking for an opportunity to focus on creative strategies in an organization with an inspiring mission," she said. "I think I've come to the right place."
The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi is a private non-profit conservation organization dedicated to preservation of lands and waters upon which all life depends. The non-profit has helped protect more than 200,000 acres of natural lands in Hawaiʻi and Palmyra Atoll. It manages 40,000 acres in 13 nature preserves and works in more than 30 coastal communities to help protect the near-shore reefs, waters, and fisheries of the main Hawaiian Islands. The Nature Conservancy forges partnerships with government, private parties, and communities, to protect forests and coral reefs for their ecological values and the many benefits they provide to people.

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About 125 people received a Thanksgiving Dinner
at St. Jude's in Ocean View. Photo from Talk Story

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH SERVED UP THANKSGIVING for folks who regularly come to the church to shower and enjoy hot soup. Talk Story, St. Jude's monthly newsletter magazine, reports today that lead volunteers Steve Stigall and Dan Garrett shared their community Thanksgiving feast during Shower Saturday with about 150 people. More than 20 volunteers, including the Rev. Constant Garrett and Marie Lewis, helped out.
"The Thanksgiving Feast is a vivid example of how St. Jude's members focus on abundance in the midst of poverty. And how impactful an army of volunteers can be in a community," states Talk Story.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

through end of 2018

Girls Basketball:

Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:

Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:

Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa

Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:

Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

HOLIDAY POM POM WREATH, AN ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITY for ages 6 to 12 years old, at Kahuku Park on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, is held Friday, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register Dec. 5 to 12. For more, call 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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.

After Dark in the Park, Return to the Wild, One Year Later: An Update on the Reintroduction Efforts of ‘Alalā, Tue., Nov. 27, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Through intensive conservation efforts, 11 reintroduced ‘Alalā – endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow – have survived in native Hawaiian forest for over a year. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Angel Ornament, Wed., Nov. 28, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 19 to 27. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Nov. 28, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Craft Class, Thu., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Dec. 1, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Net Patrol along Wai‘ōhinu Coastline, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 27, contact for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Limited seats available for all three days. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Spay and Neutering Clinic, Monday, Dec. 3, 7:30-4pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 31, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

ONGOING

Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

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.

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, November 25, 2018

Medicine Pond at Punaluʻu with a lineup of keiki and the emcee Kelsey Hiraishi launching floating lanterns
to honor family and friends. Photo by Michael Worthington

THE FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY at Punaluʻu Medicine Pond drew many keiki yesterday to decorate and launch the tiny rafts with names, sayings, and lights to celebrate friends and loved ones whose lives have gone by.

Keiki decorate floating lanterns for Saturday's commemoration of loved
ones at Punaluʻu Medicine Pond. Photo by Julia Neal

"So long my loved ones, you've found Somebody fine, as many classic moments ride on high," sang local musician Chase Cabudol from the Kalapana song Many Classic Moments. See video.
The celebration included a performance by Hilo Okinawan Kubudo Taiko Drummers, which attracted many people off the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach.
Attendees participated in a Tai Chi and Qigong demonstration, and enjoyed a spaghetti dinner. A prayer followed decorating and lighting the floats as the floating lanterns sailed onto the surface of the Medicine Pond.
Kaʻū Community Rural Health Association and its leader Jessie Marques and County Council member Maile David sponsored the event, with many volunteers, including emcee Kelsey Hiraishi and KCRHA President Michelle Hiraishi.

Chase Cabudol leading up to the launch

of floating lanterns for loved ones.

Photo by Julia Neal

The celebration also raised money for scholarships for education in the health care field. To donate, find out more, call 928-0101.

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.

OCEAN VIEW INDUSTRIAL SOLAR DEVELOPER SPI
ENERGY faces a financial challenge. The global corporation, with plans to build a massive 6.5 megawatt solar project within residential neighborhoods in Ocean View, was struggling to stay listed on the stock exchange as evidenced by its completion of a reverse stock split.

On Nov. 15, all its shares were cancelled. For every ten cancelled shares, one replacement share was issued. By reducing the number of shares, the company was able to increase the value of each share. Thus ten shares of SPI Energy that were worth 27 cents each on Nov. 15, were replaced by one share that on Nov. 16 was worth $2.67.
SPI's shares are currently traded on Nasdaq, a stock exchange market that requires all shares to be worth at least $1.00 or face being removed from the exchange, a process known as being "delisted." SPI Energy's shares have been trading at less than $1.00 since January, 2018.
In filings with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company reported net operating losses of $185.1 million in 2015 and $220.7 million in 2016. In 2017, the company reported an accumulated deficit of $446.8 million, a working capital deficit of $176.2 million, and total outstanding indebtedness of $99.8 million with a number of its obligations being in default, with the possibility that it may be forced to cease operations.

Ocean View Community Center drew a packed house in 2015 to address
the proposed industrial scale solar project. Photo by Julia Neal

Earlier this fall, Nasdaq notified SPI officials that shares of the company would be delisted on September 20 as a result of failure of the company to meet the $1.00 minimum bid price.
SPI Energy, operating through multiple companies, is the developer of the industrial sized solar project in Ocean View. The project was originally proposed under the auspices of the Hawaiʻi's Feed-In-Tariff program. The program was designed to bring small, renewable energy projects of less than 250 kilowatt speedily to the Big Island.

According to public disclosures, SPI has also recently begun bitcoin mining as part of its efforts to become a profitable company.

Twenty-six non-contiguous sites in Ocean View residential neighborhoods were chosen by the developers for the project, thereby creating a utility-scale generation with a capacity of 6.5 megawatts. Projects in excess of five megawatts are not permissible under FIT guidelines established by the state Public Utility Commission.
The proposed solar project would require construction of a new substation in Ocean View and an overhead transmission line across Mamalahoa Highway, both at the expense of SPI Energy.
The Ocean View solar project was announced by HELCO and SPI in 2015, and that year HELCO applied to the PUC for a permit to construct an overhead transmission line. In February, 2016, PUC Chair Randy Iwase oversaw a public hearing on the application for the overhead transmission line. Community members voiced objection, with 650 signing a petition stating they do not want their neighborhoods to be industrialized by the project.

An industrial sized solar installation in Miloliʻi, of the style which
could be placed on many lots in residential Ocean View.
Photo by Annie Bosted

A formal complaint against the project was filed with the PUC in August 2016 by Ranchos residents Peter and Ann Bosted. Their complaint alleged that the proposed project size - 6.5 megawatts - exceeds the allowable limit of the FIT program, and is in effect an attempt to railroad a mega-project "through the back door."
The complaint also claims SPI lacks sufficient working capital to meet its financial obligations with regard to implementing the project, and as a result has been allowed to delay the project for over six years, confounding the stated goal of the FIT program to bring renewable energy online expeditiously. The complaint also alleges the proposed project has become economically obsolete and is no longer in the interest of ratepayers, citing that the rate for any electricity generated by the proposed project would be pre-set at 23.8 cents per kilowatt hour. Today, many solar projects in Hawaiʻi provide power at around 11 cents per kilowatt hour, including battery storage.
HELCO's overhead transmission line application is on hold pending the resolution of the Bosted's formal complaint before the PUC.

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.

Girls basketball teams from around the island - and Lanaʻi - came together Thanksgiving weekend to play,
and urge donations of food for their sixth annual Preseason Food Drive. Photos by Julia Neal

The ball flies high at this weekend's
Basketball Tournament.

KAʻŪ VARISTY GIRLS SCORED HIGHEST OVERALL during Friday's Basketball Tournament and sixth annual Preseason Food Drive. The Trojans girls won three of their four games over the two-day tournament, losing only to Keaʻau, which had the highest overall score on Saturday. Kaʻū, Keaʻau, Pāhoa, Kealakehe, and Lanaʻi competed in games over two days at Kaʻū District Gym.

Day one, Kaʻū triumphed over Pāhoa, 45 to 21, and Lanaʻi, 33 to 25; Keaʻau beat Pāhoa, 38 to 15; Kealakehe took Lanaʻi, 44 to 32; and Keaʻau had the upper hand over Kealakehe, 43 to 27.

Day two, Kaʻū won over Kealakehe, 38 to 33, and lost to Keaʻau, 27 to 42; Lanaʻi took Pāhoa, 36 to 27; Keaʻau beat Lanaʻi, 51 to 29; and Kealakehe scored over Pāhoa, 55 to 30.

Also on day two, there were two games of JV basketball, with Kaʻū losing to Keaʻau, 39 to 46, and Laupāhoehoe narrowly winning over Kealakehe, 51 to 49.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

through end of 2018

Girls Basketball:

Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:

Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:

Nov. 28, Wed., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha

Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:

Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

SANTA'S WORKSHOP AT KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM is offered to all ages Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The special event is held in the gym's multipurpose room. Register Dec. 3 to 12. For more, call 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Free Diabetes Management Program held by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi in Kaʻū on Monday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. Registration required; sign up to be a Hui Mālama client at hmono.org or call 808-969-9220. Location of classes given to attendees after signing up. For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Keep up to date at facebook.com/HMONO.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Registration for Christmas Cards & Ornaments open Nov. 27-30, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Program, for ages 5-12, held Dec. 1 and 8. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Nov. 27, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

After Dark in the Park, Return to the Wild, One Year Later: An Update on the Reintroduction Efforts of ‘Alalā, Tue., Nov. 27, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Through intensive conservation efforts, 11 reintroduced ‘Alalā – endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow – have survived in native Hawaiian forest for over a year. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Angel Ornament, Wed., Nov. 28, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 19 to 27. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Nov. 28, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Pū‘ohe - Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 28, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help attendees make their own pū‘ohe. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Nov. 29, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Craft Class, Thu., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

ONGOING

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes on Thanksgiving, or between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.org, facebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

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.

About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Monday, November 26, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, November 26, 2018

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, November 25, 2018