The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, June 16, 2019

Fathers and father figures are saddling up for the Independence Day Rodeo in Nāʻālehu on Saturday and Sunday,
July 8 and 9. They often introduce keiki to the paniolo life at the Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association arena.
See more on the rodeo, below. Photo by Julia Neal

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY comes from Gov. David Ige's Team Ige, recognizing "all the fathers, including Governor Ige and the father-figures in Hawaiʻi, on this holiday. This Father's Day, we express sincere gratitude for their love, commitment, and sacrifices they make for our families and for our community. "

Team Ige states that the governor "was one of six siblings, and he has said that even though his family did not have much, he never knew it, because of his father's love and support. Since leading Hawaiʻi, he sees the impact that father figures have across the state, and even as a father of three children, he experiences firsthand how vital this role contributes to the community. So today, Team Ige wishes your families a happy Father's Day!"

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Kamehameha School volleyball players at home last

week at Pāhala Plantation House, with coach Guy

Enriques and host Julia Neal. The historic Kaʻū High

Gym hosted the team's workout and strategy sessions

before the girls headed to national USA Volleyball

play on the mainland. Photo by Yvette Slack

HEADED FOR THE MAINLAND, volleyball players entering seventh, eighth, and ninth grade at Kamehameha School Hawaiʻi Island will compete in Anaheim and Indianapolis after four days of practice at the historic Kaʻū High School Gym and in Kona.

Coach Guy Enriques said these girls should become excellent high school players with their experience on the national stage. Many volleyball players are scouted during national play and receive college scholarships. Scouts will show up in Anaheim and Indianapolis where the girls will play in USA Volleyball tournaments.

Team members include ninth grader Alisha Andrade, with Kaʻū roots in the Andrade, Kaapana, Emmsley, Eleneki, Freitas and Wroblewski families; and Kaiyana Troy with Kaʻū roots in the Evangelista, Breithaupt and McComber families. Pāhala Plantation House hosted the team for their preparation for their trip to the mainland.

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Telia Espejo-Navarro when she
won Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower
in 2018. Photo by Julia Neal

MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE FLOWER 2018, TELIA ESPEJO-NAVARRO, took her beauty, grace, and fans to the Mini Miss Tropical Island Beauty Pageant at the Grand Naniloa Hilo Hotel yesterday. She is daughter of Elias and Alyssa Navarro, of Nāʻālehu, and headed to second grade.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant Director Trini Marques attended with Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2019 Helena Nihipali-Sesson, Miss Peaberry 2019 Lilianna Marques, and Junior Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2017 Calaysa Koi.
Miss Teen Tropical Island Beauty is Ava Aiona. Little Miss tropical Island Beauty is Madison-Rose Marsh, and Mini Miss Tropical Island Beauty is Lilly-Marie Spalding-Carriaga.

Mini Miss Tropical Island Beauty Pageant is one of three held simultaneously, for ages five through 13, to also name Jr. Teen Tropical Island Beauty and Little Miss Tropical Island Beauty.

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TAIKO DRUMMING WITH KENNY ENDO and his Ensemble comes to Pāhala Public & School Library Friday, July 19, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. The event is free.
"Like all phenomena in this universe, taiko (Japanese drumming) is a result of forces interacting and affecting one another. Master taiko artist Endo has been inspired by space, the heavens, and universal energy in his original compositions," says a statement from the library.

Kenny Endo, master taiko artist, brings his ensemble to
Pāhala Public & School Library on Friday, July 19
at 1:30 p.m. Photo from festivalofsacredmusic.org

The Taiko Ensemble will perform contemporary pieces such as Soaring, Jugoya (Crystal Clear Moon), Moonwind (Backside of the Moon), and Winds of Change.

The 45-minute presentation is suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and the 2019 Summer Reading Sponsors, the program is a production of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College's Statewide Cultural Extension Program with funding and support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the UH-Mānoa.
For a list of upcoming library events, visit librarieshawaii.org/branch/pahala-public-and-school-library or call 808-928-2015.

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THE FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL BUCKLE JULY 4 RODEO will kick up action and dirt at the Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association arena in Nāʻālehu on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7.
Last year, bulls won the bull riding competition, as no paniolo could stay on board. A collateral event invites folks to pray and praise at Cowboy Church on Sunday at the arena.

Last year, the bulls won, as no rider could keep their seat at the

41st Annual Buckle July 4 Rodeo. Photo by Richard Taylor

Competitions are: Open Dally, Kane-Wahine Dally, Century Roping – where ages of the team members add up to 100 years or more, Ranch Mugging, Kane-Wahine Ribbon Mugging, Double Mugging, Wahine Mugging, Rescue Race, Poʻowaiʻu, Tie Down, Wahine Breakaway, Youth Barrels for children under 12, Dummy Roping for children four and under, Dummy Roping for children five to eight, Goat Undercorating for children four and under, Goat Undercorating for children five to eight, Calf Riding for children five to 12, and Bull Riding.

Slack starts at 8 a.m., show starts at noon, at the rodeo grounds behind Nā‘ālehu Park. Tickets are available at the gate for $8 per person. Pre-sale tickets are available for $7 person around town from Rodeo Queen contestants. Contact Ralph or Tammy Kaʻapana, 929-8079.

Entry blanks available at docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/09756f_1bbb3c630e8f499195b81a919c07db24.pdf, due by June 23, postmarked by June 19. Entries for most events are between $8 and $25 per person; bull riding is $50. Waivers available at docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/09756f_faf8e6653d064af9ac3327064b81e9f0.pdf.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

UPCOMING

MONDAY, JUNE 17

Help Keiki Learn About Alzheimers with Aunty Leona and Aunty Roxane, with Wordsworth Dances the Waltz, Monday, June 17, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Story Time and Activity Hour at Pāhala Public & School Library. Book by Hawaiʻi Island native Frances Kakugawa. Keiki are introduced to the concept that as grandparents age, they may become different, and even forget important things – but "that doesn't mean they aren't still a part of the family nor do they love us any less than they did before." Visit librarieshawaii.org/branch/pahala-public-and-school-library or call 808-928-2015.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, June 18 (Committees), Wednesday, June 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

After Dark in the Park - Surviving Against the Odds: The Story of the Hawai‘i ‘Amakihi, Tuesday, June 18, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Gabrielle Names, UC Davis PhD student, studying the mystery of how this unique little bird appears to be beating avian malaria, a deadly disease, on Hawaiʻi Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, June 19, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ONGOING

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

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.
The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required.
To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, June 15, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, June 15, 2019

Mokumanamana, Necker Island, is the destination for Edith Kanakaole Foundation and Na Kalai Wakaʻa in the
Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument. The voyagers plan to meet on the summer solstice,

next Friday, June 21. Photo from NOAA

PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀKEA is the destination of voyagers numbering 13 from the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation and 14 from Na Kalai Waʻa. Members of the Edith Kanakaole Foundation set off yesterday on the 96-foot research and education vessel the Searcher. The team includes Native Hawaiian researchers Dr. Pua Kanakaʻole Kanahele and Kalei Nuʻuhiwa. The two have studied traditions and cultural sites of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument for more than a decade, focusing on Mokumanamana and Nīhoa, the two most easterly Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

The Nā Kalai Waʻa crew launched from Kawaihae and passed Mahukona on the northwest side of Hawaiʻi Island on a 30 day journey aboard the traditional Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe Makaliʻi. The two voyaging groups will meet to conduct cultural training, research, and protocol in the Marine Monument.

Upright wayfinding stones at a temple on Mokumanamana with
frigate birds nesting. Photo from NOAA

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO/Ka Pouhana released a statement saying OHA is "proud to kōkua the efforts of Nā Kalai Waʻa and Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation in creating the next generation of Hawaiian wayfinders and furthering our cultural understanding and connections to Papahānaumokuākea. We wish the voyagers favorable weather, calm waters, and the best of luck. The ʻike they will return with will have a profound impact on the cultural foundation of our Lāhui moving forward."

Mokumanamana (Necker Island) is a remote and rugged 46-acre island where the voyagers gain "insight into traditional concepts of time, space, the geological creation of the islands, and the way our kūpuna connected all the islands in Hawaiʻi together. The Nā Kalai Waʻa voyagers will lend their wayfinding expertise to assist Edith Kanakaole Foundation with better understanding the alignments of 33 cultural sites on Mokumanamana to stars and other celestial phenomenon during and around the Summer Solstice on June 21," says the OHA statement.

The Nā Kalai Waʻa voyage, called Hanaunaola, is the capstone of a three-year grant from the Administration for Native Americans. The grant helped Nā Kalai Waʻa members grow and preserve their own food to provision all 14 voyagers for the full length of the journey. The sail is the first time in 200 years that the route from the heiau Koʻa Holomoana in Mahukona in Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island to Mokumanamana has been used to train new wayfinders and voyagers. This voyaging route was a traditional test for apprentice navigators, says the OHA statement.
Ceremonial sites on Mokumanamana may represent the highest concentration of heiau in the Hawaiian archipelago, with 52 archaeological sites identified, including 33 basalt upright shrines. They are believed to be celestially oriented, rising from stone alters and tied to Polynesian navigating by stars.

Dr. Pua Kanahele is on board the research ship headed
for Papahānaumokuākea. Photo from OHA

Keola Linday, OHA'S Chief Advoctae said: "As a co-trustee of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument with the specific kuleana of advocating for Native Hawaiian interests in the co-management of the area, OHA is honored to have a part in helping our beneficiaries with fiscal support as well as in working through the permitting and other requirements to enter the monument. Our goal is to assure that our people have the ability to access the area to conduct activities that perpetuate our cultural and traditional connections to these Kūpuna Islands."
Established by presidential proclamation in 2006, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest contiguous fully protected conservation area in the United States, and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. The OHA statement says that "the monument is cooperatively managed to ensure ecological integrity and achieve strong, long-term protection and perpetuation of Northwestern Hawaiian Island ecosystems, Native Hawaiian culture, and heritage resources for current and future generations."

Four co-trustees – the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of the Interior, State of Hawai‘i and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs – are assigned to protect Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. It was inscribed as the first mixed (natural and cultural) UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States in July 2010.

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HELPING KEIKI LEARN ABOUT ALZHEIMERS is the subject of Story Time & Activity Hour, Monday, June 17, noon to 1:30 p.m. at Pāhala Public & School Library.

Aunty Leona and Aunty Roxane present Wordsworth Dances the Waltz, a book by Hawaiʻi Island native Frances Kakugawa. They introduce keiki to the concept that as grandparents age, they may become different, and even forget important things – but "that doesn't mean they aren't still a part of the family nor do they love us any less than they did before."

A special guest appearance of Wordsworth the Hawaiian Mouse will be featured. The program is free and suitable for all ages. All children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.

For auxiliary aid or service, or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least seven days prior to the program date. Every attempt is made to fulfill all requests for accommodations. All programs are subject to change. For a list of upcoming library events, visit librarieshawaii.org/branch/pahala-public-and-school-library or call 808-928-2015.

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SEEING THE EARTH SHAKE ON YOUR SCREEN is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

The USGS HVO, along with its partners at NOAA's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and the National Strong-Motion Project (NSMP), operates a network of seismic monitoring stations on the Island of Hawai‘i and throughout the state.

HVO collects real-time data from these stations using computer processing software to detect, locate, and publish information about earthquakes that happen in Hawaiʻi. The data are used for cataloging of earthquakes and for assessment of earthquake, volcano, and tsunami hazards, as well as for engineering purposes, such as structural monitoring.

All seismic data are freely available to the public. How can you view these ground motion data? There are several ways. Below, we walk you through two options.

If you follow our volcano updates, chances are that you already frequent HVO's website. The earthquake page on this website, volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes, by default, shows recent earthquake locations. To also see the monitoring stations, click on the tab labeled "0 Instruments Visible" on the right side of the webpage, and then click on "Seismometer" to show seismic stations. Many black triangle symbols will appear on the map, indicating the locations of seismic monitoring sites.

Screenshot of a seismic webicorder from the USGS HVO website showing 24 hours

of data from a seismic station located on the north flank of Mauna Loa Volcano.

In this plot, several earthquakes are visible, along with wind noise.

Clicking on a particular station symbol on the map will reveal a pop-up window that shows four panels of seismic data plots, known as webicorders, for time spans of 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours. You can click on each time span to enlarge the webicorder. You can also click on the "Open Image" link on the lower right corner of the pop-up window to access the image files for downloading or bookmarking. This same process applies to viewing other types of HVO monitoring data, such as that from GPS and tiltmeter instruments.

The seismic webicorder plots available on the HVO website are digital versions of the paper seismic drum recorders used in past decades. Each line shows the seismic record for 15 minutes, starting from the upper left, with the latest time in the bottom right. Thus, you read a webicorder like a book, from left to right and top to bottom. The start time of each line is shown in local time (Hawai‘i Standard Time, or HST) on the left, and the end time of each line is shown in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on the right.

Seismic data are shown in blue on webicorder plots, with each 15-minute span alternating between dark- and light-blue tones. The blue lines mimic ground motion under the seismic sensor: the line moves up if the ground shifts upwards, the line moves down if the ground moves downwards, and the line would be flat at "zero" if no ground motion is detected. The higher the amplitude of the ground motion, the taller the blue line will be. What is immediately apparent is that the ground is always moving up and down ever so slightly.

Seismic instruments are very sensitive and record anything that shakes the ground. So, wiggles on webicorder plots could be a record of wind, thunder, lightning, ocean waves crashing against the island, as well as of localized shaking from rockfalls, quarry blasts, or other explosions.

Earthquakes appear as blue smudges that often resemble a sideways tornado. Each has certain recognizable characteristics,

including P- (primary) and S- (secondary or shear) waves, which may have a sharp onset and then decay to background level. Greater separation between P and S waves indicate increasing distance from the seismic station to the earthquake. Other types of earthquakes, for example those due to the movement of magma or gas, look different, generally with longer period energy that can persist over longer time frames.

Another way to find seismic data online is through the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) website. IRIS is the world's repository for seismic data, including HVO's. IRIS offers many ways to find, view, and download data for various purposes. One of the easiest and most convenient methods is with the IRIS Station Monitor tool, iris.edu/app/station_monitor, which can be accessed in a website browser or in apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Video on reading webicorders.

For more tips on reading webicorders, check out this informative USGS video:
youtu.be/SkfR4 GBEIp8.

Volcano Activity Updates

Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL. For definitions of USGS Volcano Alert Levels, see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html.

Rates of deformation, gas release, and seismicity on Kīlauea have not changed significantly over the past week. Since early March, GPS stations and tiltmeters at Kīlauea's summit have recorded deformation consistent with slow magma accumulation within the shallow portion of the summit magma system. However, gas measurements have not indicated shallowing of large volumes of magma.

On Kīlauea's East Rift Zone, GPS stations and tiltmeters continue to show motions consistent with refilling of the deep magmatic reservoir in the broad region between Puʻu ʻŌʻō and Highway 130. This trend has been observed since the end of the 2018 eruption, although there is an indication that this motion has been slowing down over recent weeks. Sulfur dioxide emission rates on Kīlauea's ERZ and summit remain low, but HVO continues to closely monitor gas emissions in both areas for any changes.

One earthquake had three or more felt reports this past week: a magnitude-2.8 quake beneath Captain Cook at 11 kilometer (7 mile) depth on June 6 at 3:02 a.m.

The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL. A slight increase in detected earthquakes was noted over the past month. GPS instruments show slow inflation of the summit magma reservoir. Gas and temperature data showed no significant changes the past month.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

UPCOMING

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

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

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

MONDAY, JUNE 17

TUESDAY, JUNE 18
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, June 18 (Committees), Wednesday, June 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

After Dark in the Park - Surviving Against the Odds: The Story of the Hawai‘i ‘Amakihi, Tuesday, June 18, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Gabrielle Names, UC Davis PhD student, studying the mystery of how this unique little bird appears to be beating avian malaria, a deadly disease, on Hawaiʻi Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, June 19, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

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

Taiko Drumming Presentation by Endo and his Taiko Ensemble happens Wednesday, June 19, 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., at Pāhala Public & School Library. This free event is in celebration of the Summer Reading Program. Hear contemporary pieces such as Soaring, Jugoya (Crystal Clear Moon), Moonwind (a.k.a. Backside of the Moon), and Winds of Change. Free 45-minute program is suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. Visit librarieshawaii.org/branch/pahala-public-and-school-library or call 808-928-2015.

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

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

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

ONGOING

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 16 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 15 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

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

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

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

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.

Friday, June 14, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, June 14, 2019

Runit Island along the Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands is subject of a study approved in the 2020 House
version of the National Defense Authorization Act. The concrete dome is a nuclear storage facility. Photo from NPR

REQUIRING AN UNCLASSIFIED PUBLIC REPORT ON THE STATE OF NUCLEAR WASTE on the Marshall Island of Runit is included in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, through the initiative of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The Runit Dome nuclear waste storage site is located on one of 40 islands of Enewetak Atoll of the Marshalls. The Defense Act passed the House Armed Services Committee and the report would involve the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Defense.

The Okenos Foundation sailing canoe carried a Marshall Arts
Project team in 2018 to map the island and the nuclear waste site.
Photo from Marshallese Arts Project

Runit Dome, called The Tomb by the Marshallese, contains 111,000 cubic yards of radioactive nuclear waste created by U.S. nuclear testing in the 1940's and 1950's. Gabbard said, "The Marshallese people are gravely concerned about environmental threats to the integrity of the storage site and the impact on their country. The U.S. government is responsible for this storage site and must ensure the protection of the people and our environment from the toxic waste stored there."
The report would assess the current condition of the dome's outer construct, it's environmental impacts, and safety of food sources, and people residing in the vicinity of Runit Dome.
In 2018, the Marshall Arts Project group mapped the island using drones, after sailing to Runit on a modern walao style Pacific canoe, operated by the non-profit Okeanos Foundation. The boat uses wind, solar, and coconut biofuel to operate.

In addition to the Runit Dome study, Gabbard cosponsored H.R. 1377, the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act, which would provide treatment of veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll and were likely exposed to radiation that led to disabilities acknowledged by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Current law only covers service members who participated in active nuclear tests, not those who participated in the cleanup. Gabbard serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She is in her fourth term in the House and is one of more than 20 candidates for President.

Marshallese group on top of the nuclear waste storage Runit Dome. Photo from the Marshall Arts Project

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TULSI GABBARD will take the stage for the nationally televised Democratic debate on the first night, Wednesday, June 26. According to the Democratic National Committee's announcement today, Gabbard will be on stage with presidential candidates Cory Booker, Julian Castro, Bill de Blasio, John Delaney, Jay Inslee, Amy Klobuchar, Beto O'Rourke , Tim Ryan, and Elizabeth Warren. The second night, Thursday, June 27, candidates debating will be Michael Bennet, Joe Biden, Jr. Pete Buttigieg, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, John Hickenlooper, Bernie Sanders, Eric Swalwell, Marianne Williamson, and Andrew Yang.
See yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs for the qualifying rules and a statement from Gabbard's campaign, saying she will make the risk of nuclear war a major point in her statement. The debates, staged in Miami, will be shown in Hawaiʻi from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on MSNBC and NBC.

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.

Location of planned Pāhala wastewater treatment plant. County map

A TEN MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET IS APPROVED TO START THE PĀHALA AND NĀʻĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECTS. The money is included in the County of Hawaiʻi Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The County Council approved the budget last week.

The county budget allows the county to sign on for a $10 million loan for the Pāhala and Nāʻālehu wastewater treatment systems during the coming fiscal year. The money is coming from a state revolving fund. The fund offers a lower interest rate than money that would be garnered if the county issued a bond. With the revolving fund, the county would pay interest as the money is used.

Kaʻū's County Council member Maile David said the $10 million commitment will provide initial funding for such work as conducting environmental assessments for both treatment plants. The goal is to shut down old gang cesspools that are now illegal under federal law, and to replace them with sewage treatment plants and distribution lines. The sites for the facilities are still to be finalized, following Environmental Assessment to determine if the sites are environmentally acceptable, she said.

Approvals to borrow additional money for both projects are included in two bills, unanimously passed by the County Council Finance Committee last week and sent to the full County Council for final approval.

Bill 75 for Nāʻālehu includes $7 million for a Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System and Drainage Modifications; $2 million for a Wastewater Collection System; and $1 million for a Sewage Pump Station and Force Main.

The Pāhala Bill 76 includes $15 million for Wastewater Collection System and $22 million for Large Capacity Cesspool Conversion.

Red lines indicate where sewer lines are planned in Nāʻālehu. County map

Several community members in Pāhala have objected to the proposed site above Highway 11 next to the Norfolk Pine lane coming into the village. Several have also opposed the Nāʻālehu location, which has been moved away from the Makahiki Grounds and Nāʻālehu Elementary School.
County Council member Karen Eoff emphasized that interest the county will pay on money borrowed for both projects will be low. Deanna Sako, county Director of Finance, said interest is about .5 percent and that no payments or interest are due until money is withdrawn.
She said the county committed to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's ruling deeming Large Capacity Cesspools illegal more than ten years ago. She said an environmental assessment will be completed on the project once funding has been secured, and that a draft EA is expected in October.

Dora Beck, Wastewater Division Chief, said the the now-defunct sugar company that provided housing for employees asked the county to help change the sewer system since the company was going through dissolution. She said options were septic tanks or a sewer system, and that a community vote approved a county owned sewer and treatment system. She said the county agreed to take over the Large Capacity Cesspools by 2010 and to work toward replacing and closing them.

"Since then, we've been trying to move the LCC closures along," said Beck, noting that the process has taken longer than expected, mostly due to site concerns. She said the EPA "understands the problems we have been having."

Beck said there is a $1.8 million federal grant for the Pāhala project, which was issued in the early 2000s. Testimony at the meeting came from several island residents.

Wastewater treatment engineer Michelle Sorensen goes over the plan with a Nāʻālehu property owner
during an earlier community meeting. Photo by Julia Neal

John Olson from Pāhoa testified that the small population of Pāhala "will need some help paying for this… This is not socially going to have a very good outcome."

Jerry Warren from Nāʻālehu testified the Nāʻālehu Senior Center was converted from LCC to septic, a project that "came in under budget," and that the "same solution can be applied to Pāhala's" and Nāʻālehu's LCCs. He contended that the cost of the planned lagoon treatment project for the two towns is too high, that there is a lawsuit against the Nāʻālehu Project, and that the Finance Committee should not consider letting this "boondoggle" progress.

Shelly Mahi testified that a methane conversion plant could benefit everyone by making the wastewater an energy source, that there are more ways to dispose of waste, and that those alternatives should be looked into.

Sandra Demoruelle testified that no environmental assessments on either project have been published for public comment in "over 12 years." She said EAs are required to be completed early in the project process, "before decisions like bills 75 and 76 are made by you, the county council."

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.

HIGH SURF ADVISORY for all south-facing shores from Kona to Puna is in effect through Saturday, reports the National Weather Service and Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense. Surf will be higher than normal, and shore break and rip currents could cause injury or death, and make swimming difficult and dangerous. Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Beaches may be closed without notice but there are no beach closures at this time.

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.

HILINAʻI INITIATIVE COMMUNITY MEETING happens Wednesday, June 19, 6 p.m., at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani campus, second floor at 19-4024 Haunani Rd., in Volcano Village. Facilitated by Bob Agres and Keiko Mercado County of Hawaiʻi Kīlauea Recovery Initiative Community Engagement Team, the goal is to move toward a "comprehensive community resilience plan for upper Puna and Kaʻū."

Hilinaʻi Kaʻū, kālele iā Puna; Hilinaʻi Puna, kālele iā Kaʻū: Kaʻū is independent, supported by Puna; Puna is independent, supported by Kaʻū, is the slogan on the announcement.

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

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.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MONDAY, JUNE 17

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

ONGOING

See misshawaiiisland.com.

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

About The Kaʻū Calendar

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, June 16, 2019

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, June 15, 2019

Friday, June 14, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, June 14, 2019