The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022

Lonaikaukahi Relay through Kaʻū for the Makahiki Season stopped in for refreshments, rest and community welcome
at Waiohinu Park on Saturday. Photo by Nohea Ka'awa

THE MAKAHIKI SEASON IS HERE with the Lonoikaukahi Relay traveling through Kaʻū on Saturday and onto Miloli'i. Runners from different ahupuaʻa and districts carry a carved staff with an image of an akua named Lono, and pass it from one to another around the island.

The carved image of Lono is carried around the island

during Makahiki season. Photo by James Akau

Makahiki is a time of celebration centered around the importance of hoʻokupu (giving), reflection, and ceremony to encourage the growth and fertility of our land and resources, and also marking a transition in seasons and from Kū to Lono. Participants often give thanks for the abundance Hawaiʻi offers its people, with prayers to god Lono - the Hawaiian deity of fertility and agriculture.

The run itself is called the Makahiki Pule ʻĀina Holo. Runners began at the summit of Mauna Kea and passed through Kaʻū on their way from Kīlauea to Miloliʻi on November 11.

Runners and those accompanying them often stop for ceremonies and food from welcoming groups of people. Waiohinu was one resting place that drew gifts of food and encouragement from the public.

The run follows the practice of the Aliʻi procession that circled the island in the days of Hawaiian ancestors. "With deep humbleness and respect to the traditions of our kupuna, this walk or run is to give our time, energy, sweat, body and ha (breath) to feed the pule and

Megan Lamson in red shirt joine Lanakila

Mangauil, Meleana Smith-Torres, Jonah

Smith-Torres, Jadah Smith-Torres, Nohea

Kaʻawa, Leiahi Kaʻawa and Jodie Rosam in

the Makahiki Run.

consciousness of all to heal and malama our ʻohana, our lahui (nation) and our ʻāina," said Lanakila Mangauil who helped organize the run for years.
He compared this run to a similar revival embraced by the Pitt River Nation of Northern California. Hawaiians have participated in their run and Pitt River Native Americans have joined the Makahiki run here.

A Kaʻū Makahiki Festival will be held at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with food, music, Hawaiian Games and Debbie Ryder's Halau Hula O Leonalani.

Another Makahiki event will be on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Nāʻālehu Resilience Hub at 95-5695 Hawai'i Belt Road. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be hosted by Miloli'i Kalanihale, Ocean View Marshallese Hub, Pāhala Resilience Food Hub and Root & Rise, with support from County Council member Maile David, HPM, County of Hawai'i and Vibrant Hawai'i.
This Kaʻū Makahiki features free keiki activities, health and wellbeing demonstrations, emergency preparedness demonstrations and resources. There will be a celebration of the community's history through storytelling, performances and art exhibits.

Harvest Season brings the Makahiki run through Kaʻū. Photo by Nohea Ka'awa

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

Hawaiian language programs begin this Sunday, Nov. 13

at Hawai'i Volcanoes. Photo by Johann Raimrez/NPS

HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK BEGIN THIS SUNDAY: Wahi a nā kūpuna, e lawe i ke aʻo a mālama, a e ʻoi mau ka naʻauao. ʻAuhea wale ʻoukou e nā kupa o nei ʻāina haʻaheo? Eia nei mākou ke ʻāhaʻilono nei i ka hoʻokumu ʻana mai i kahi papahana hou ma ka pāka aupuni ʻo Kīlauea. He papahana ia e mālama ʻia ana ma ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, a he honua hou hoʻi e hāpai aʻe ai ka 'ōlelo hiwahiwa o kēia ʻāina aloha. Mai kēia Lā Pule (11/13) aku, e mālama ʻia ana kēia ʻano papahana i kēlā me kēia Lā Pule ʻelua ma ka hola 9:30 o ke kakahiaka. E kelepona a leka mai no nā lāliʻi a i ʻole nīnau kikoʻī o kēia hana kūikawā.
Translation: "We are happy to announce that the park will be offering programs through ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language). This is an awesome opportunity to experience the park through a cultural lens. This style of program will start this Sunday, Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m., and will continue on every other Sunday after that. Feel free to contact us via phone or email for further details or questions of this special opportunity."
Phone 808-985-6000. Email HAVO_Information@nps.gov

BIIF Football Coordinator Kalei Namohala
announced honors for players on Saturday.

KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS have received recognition as voted on by Big Island Interscholastic Federation coaches. Trojan Keaka McDohhell is named cornerback to the first team all conference. Kalai Namohala, Kaʻū High's former Athletic Director and current Big Island Interscholastic Federation Football Coordinator, made the announcement on Saturday.
In Division II, these Trojan players were named as Honorable Mention for all conference team: Ocean Nihipali-Sesson for his success as Quarterback, and Vladimir Fedoruk Linebacker.
Other Trojan players given Honorable Mention were TJ Kauahula-Faafia, Cyzeiah "Oli" Sova-Kamei, Dominic Nurial Dacalio, Griff Hemrick, Toby Kekoa-Burgos, and Gabriel Sesson-Paaluhi-Young.
Trojan talent comes from Kaʻū High and Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences.
Trojan Athletic Director Tim Gould said he is "very proud of all of them."

The Trojans came up with outstanding players, announced by BIIF Football Coordinator
Kalei Namohala on Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

Friday, November 11, 2022

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022

OKK HOSTS VETERANS DAY FOR ALL AGES

A fun Veterans Day for keiki and people of all ages was held by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Friday, with

face painting, free food, shave ice and entertainment from the band Shootz. Photo by Wayne Kawachi

KAʻŪ'S REPRESENTATIVE IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GAVE A VETERANS DAY SPEECH. Rep. Kai Kahele said on Friday:

“Today is Veterans Day, a day when our nation comes together to thank all those who have served in our Armed Forces. Approximately 18 million Americans, 7 percent of our nation’s population, have the distinction of being veterans. All of these veterans share a common bond. As former members of our nation’s military, they raised their right hand and took a sacred oath to a document.
"Of the 193 member states of the United Nations, our United States military is the only military that does not take an oath to a king, a queen, a person, a tyrant, a dictator, a country or a religion. We are the only country in the world whose military takes an oath to an idea enshrined in a document. A document called the Constitution of the United States of America.
"At the birth of our nation, when the founding fathers drafted this document, they opened it with these lines: 'in order to form a more perfect union.' The authors knew at the time that this new nation was not a perfect union, and since then we have fought a Civil War, fought two World Wars, and added 27 amendments to strive to make this nation a more perfect union.
"Members of our military, those who have served and are serving today, take an oath to protect, support, defend and – if required – give their life to an idea. A very powerful idea, built into our constitution. What it says is that you and I, no matter, who you are – male or female – it does not matter whether you are gay, or straight. Black, white, Asian or native Hawaiian. It does not matter what your last name is. Your country of origin. Your skin color. Whether you are rich or poor. It does not matter.

U.S. Congressman Kai Kahele who serves in the
Hawai'i Air National Guard gave a Veterans Day speech.

"What matters is you are an American. Every single one of us are born free and equal. A nation where you can achieve anything you want to be. That you are judged by the content of your character, your competence, your work ethic. Not by the color of your skin. That is who we honor today.
"Those veterans who served, and are serving, in our Armed Forces, and who fought in our nation’s wars. We honor their service and their sacrifice to our Nation and our Constitution. We honor their families, their husbands and wives, sons and daughters, for their service and sacrifice.
"So, on behalf of Hawaii’s Second Congressional District, to all our service members past and present: Mahalo nui loa for your courage and bravery protecting our Nation and our Constitution. Happy Veterans Day.”

Victory Gardens for Veterans and additional veteran agriculture programs, and opportunities to volunteer and donate are offered by Ho'ola Farms at https://www.hoolafarms.org/.

A VICTORY GARDEN FUNDRAISER FOR VETERANS and their caregivers was launched on Veterans Day by Hoʻōla Farms. The idea of the Victory Garden program is to encourage veterans and their families to engage in gardening and agricultural activities at home.

See the Ho'ola Farms video presentation at
https://vimeo.com/769760847?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=233480462&
_hsenc=p2ANqtz9OAXtHFR6IzPu8JAvJ4TRWSzxUUNgvop IHGUt1D9AYO
IIBSeUfuiYzHUNorvd25FRNdcTTYvEuy3bFd2cX2wffj1hyRFGsoZig
3fndOT7El_f0RK4&utm_content=233480462&utm_source=hs_email

Victory Gardens are planter boxes, soil, and amendments along with starter plants. Two Hoʻōla Veteran volunteers deliver the Victory Garden box to the Veterans home, while also providing care advice to tend to the garden. A statement from Hoʻōla Farms says, "We also check back in a time or two to ensure that the plants (and the Veterans) are doing well. This approach engages Veterans in the process of growing their own food and providing for their families, while also providing an opportunity for them to gain agricultural experiences. Hoʻōla Veteran Services will also facilitate peer-to-peer learning and support among Veterans (both trainees and recruits) and connections to a network of service providers to support Veteran needs."

Hoʻōla Farms also released a Veterans Day statement saying, 'To our Military Veterans 🇺🇸 Today and every day, we are grateful for your service and the sacrifices youʻve made for us to live in a free country. Hoʻōla Farms is a Veteran-run organization and we are proud to serve our Veteran community here in Hawai'i."
See more on the Victory Gardens for Veterans additional veteran agriculture programs, and opportunities to volunteer and donate at https://www.hoolafarms.org/.

Veterans Who Serve Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Some of the many vets who serve Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park got together for this Veterans Day photo. They are Diana,
U.S. Air Force; Jenn, U.S. Air Force; Paul, U.S. Army, Frank, U.S. Marine Corps; and Keoni, U.S. Army. A statement from
the Park says, "'Hauʻoli lā koa kahiko, Happy Veterans Day! As we recognize the sacrifices of veterans and families who served
beside them, we are reminded of their duty, honor, and courage. Mahalo to all the dedicated veterans who continue to serve the
American public by caring for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park!" Photo from National Park Service

Eric Bowman

KAʻŪ HAWAI'I FARMERS UNION UNITED'S last meeting of the year is Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at 96-1034 Center Road in Wood Valley, above Pāhala. The food is potluck. Speaker is Eric Bowman, loan officer with Feed the Hunger Fund who assists The Kohala Center in managing microlending activities on Kiva.

Bowman said he enjoys coaching owner-operators on developing and financing their operations. Farmers Union Kaʻū President Andy Dryer said the meeting will focus on goals for 2023, "ways to grow membership with other passionate people and a community garden initiative."

FLU AND OTHER RESPIRATORY AILMENTS ARE ON THE RISE, according to a message this week from the state Department of Health. It says that Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but children under the age of five, and in particular infants, are at highest risk for severe RSV infections. Older adults, especially
those with underlying medical conditions, can also experience severe illness.
“Many respiratory viruses are circulating in our community, including RSV, COVID-19, and influenza,” said state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “We urge all eligible individuals to get vaccinated against

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is one of the ailments on the rise as
winter approaches. Image from state Department of Health

COVID-19 and influenza and take simple preventive measures that stop the spread of respiratory viruses. In 2020 and 2021, RSV and influenza cases declined sharply, as COVID-19 mitigation measures also prevented the spread of these viruses. Since these measures were relaxed, RSV cases have been rising. RSV cases typically increase in the fall and peak in winter. This year’s total testing volume (positive and negative tests) and percent positivity are both increasing quickly early in the season. Out of an average of 1,858 RSV tests performed per week statewide in recent weeks, 23% were positive. This indicates there is a high level of both detected and undetected RSV infection in the community."
Department of Health reports that influenza activity in Hawaiʻi remains low but is increasing. Out of 3,886 specimens tested for influenza statewide in the week of Oct.16–22, 5.8% were positive. During a similar timeframe, statewide COVID-19 test positivity was 6.4% out of 14,927 tests performed. COVID-19 test positivity declined to 5.3% this week.
"People concerned about the flu or other respiratory viruses can take simple preventive measures like staying away from others who are sick, staying home if they’re sick, washing their hands, covering their cough, and wearing a mask." DOH recommends flu shots for individuals six months and older. COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months and older and COVID-19 bivalent boosters are recommended for everyone age five and older. COVID-19 vaccinations and bivalent boosters can be scheduled through providers found at HawaiiCOVID19.com/vaccine. Many providers and pharmacies allow the scheduling of flu shots when scheduling COVID-19 vaccines or boosters.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

He ipu a'o loko 'o Kīlauea – Kīlauea is a container of inspiration – is the Hawaiian proverb chosen for the

new Hula Kuhiko presentation that will soon be live again, after the pandemic, in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Unuokeahi under direction of kumu hula Kapua Kaʻauʻa is one of the selected halau for the season. See more below.

Photo by Dino Morrow

LAYING NET WILL REQUIRE AN ANNUAL PERMIT, ACCORDING TO NEW RULES FROM THE STATE. They will also prohibit lay nets unattended. The Department of Land & Natural Resources approved a measure on Thursday that requires fishers statewide to apply and receive permits to employ lay nets to catch fish. Previously, each lay net was to be registered, a rule that was impossible to enforce, according to DLNR.

The new rules allow licensed lay net fishers to have a permit for multiple nets. Lay nets are suspended in the water and often left overnight to catch fish. The DLNR's Department of Aquatic Resources came up with the rules, stating that they will help protect unintended marine life from becoming entangled and killed. The new rules replace old rules that allowed lay nets to be left unattended for up to 30 minutes. The new rules allow no time for unattended lay nets.

Thousands of feet of illegal lei nets seized by the
DLNR containing undersized fish and coral
Photo from DLNR

The Division of Aquatic Resources justification statement says, "Monk seals, turtles, and other marine life can become entangled and die during the half-hour period of unattendance." The new rules require a lay net to be attended for the entire time it is set and clarify that a lay net "will be considered unattended if the lay net or surface buoys are not with eyesight of the person using the lay net."
The Board of Land & Natural Resources approved these new rules proposed by DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources that will regulate the use of lay nets. There will be no fee for local residents, their family and the military to obtain the permits. Nonresidents must pay $25 a year.
The new rules allow for lay net permits to be awarded annually. The new penalties for leaving lay nets or gill nets unattended in the water, subject violators to equipment and vessel seizure by the state's DLNR enforcement devision.
The new rules also amend the definitions of aquatic species and other terms.

See https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/F-2.pdf and look for the section on lay nets.

UNUOKEAHI'S KUMU HULA STACEY KAPUAIKAPOLIPELE KA'A'UA is one of the selected halau for Volcano Art Center's Hula Arts at Kīlauea performance series, which is soon to resume. The performances take place in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at the kahua hula (platform), located near the VAC Gallery. Entrance fees apply.
On the winter solstice of 2016, Unuokeahi opened her doors under the tutelage of kumu hula Kapua.

Kumu Hula Stacey Ka'a'ua

Hālau Unuokeahi is made up of culturally sustainable members from various communities. Students who arrived at the hālau come to learn traditional and cultural leadership through moʻolelo, ritual, and environmental sustainability. Many of the students of Unuokeahi have reached or are reaching higher academic degrees, an essential piece for the journey of the hālau.
Along with Hālau Unuokeahi comes the Unuiti Hula Ensemble program from Ka ʻUmeke Kaʻeo Charter school in Keaukaha. Started by her kumu, Taupōuri, in the early 2000's, Kumu ʻAuʻa continues this program throughout all 11-grade levels. Hula ʻaihaʻa, moʻolelo, and ritual are taught through the Hawaiian language medium. It is a rigorous program, requiring students to create, and manifest their hula world in every aspect. From making implements, gathering, fabrication, and 'āina projects, to haku hula, these core learning accouterments are required of every student. Paired with academics, it makes it for a dynamic program.
The halau performances have gone dark since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Volcano Art Center announced that it is is pleased to soon resume the series which invites hula hālau from across Hawaiʻi to perform in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform), located near the VAC Gallery. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
These family friendly, free events are currently unsponsored. 'Ohana or business that would like to offer support can contact Emily Weiss at Volcano Art Center. The Volcano Art Center is a non-profit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai'i's people and environment through activities in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information.

A CLIMATE HUB FOCUSED ON HAWAI'I and Affiliated Pacific Islands is the proposal by Sen. Mazie Hirono. She made the request this week to Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak who oversees the ten official Climate Hubs in the U.S., including the Southwest Climate Hub, which covers Hawai'i, U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. The Southwest Climate Hub is based at New Mexico State University in Las Cruses near the Mexican border. Its latest Conference focused on the Colorado Basin.

Hawai'i is roped into the Southwest Climate Hub for continental
U.S. Hawai'i and the Pacific islands could have their own.

Among the ten Climate Hubs there is one set aside for the Caribbean to include Puerto Rico, but none for Hawai'i and the Pacific Basin. Hirono put forth that Hawai'i and the Pacific should have their own. "A number of local agricultural and natural resource stakeholders support establishing a USDA Climate Hub in Hawai'i," wrote Hirono. She invited the Secretary of Agriculture to visit Hawai'i "to see the unique challenges that our producers and natural resource managers face and learn more about the value that a USDA Climate Hub in Hawai'i would provide to our local communities."

Hirono advised the USDA Secretary:

"Given the vast differences in climate considerations and agricultural practices between the Southwestern continental U.S. and Hawai'i, combined with the growing impacts of climate change faced by our natural resource managers and agricultural producers, I ask that you consider establishing a new hub in Hawai'i.
"The USDA Climate Hubs were formally established in 2014 under your leadership. They are led and hosted by the Agricultural Research Service & Forest Service and include contributions by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Risk Management Agency. They also coordinate with other federal agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, as well as university and non-profit partners. There are USDA facilities in Hawai'i currently interested in hosting a new hub that are well-positioned to facilitate this kind of partnership between USDA, other federal agencies, and external partners."
Hirono noted that the mission of the USDA Climate Hubs is to “…develop and deliver science-based information and technologies to natural resource and agricultural managers: enabling climate-informed decision making, reducing agricultural risk, and building resilience to climate change.”

She said that "Despite these hubs having been in existence for eight years, hub staff visitation to Hawai'i has been sparse. Understanding the unique challenges our producers and natural resource managers face as well as providing trusted information and tools requires frequent presence, engagement, and established relationships within local communities. Having a hub physically located in the state would facilitate the establishment of trusted relationships necessary to ensure the success of the USDA Climate Hubs’ mission in Hawaii and the Pacific basin.
"Additionally, the Climate Hubs’ five-year strategic plan for 2020-2025 identifies three overarching strategic goals and notes that woven throughout those goals are the themes of equity and environmental justice. Hawai'i is a majority-minority state, and a significant number of our agricultural producers are considered socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Establishing a hub in Hawai'i would further the Climate Hubs’ goal of ensuring equity and environmental justice by focusing on the unique needs of our diverse, historically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers that have often been overlooked.
"Finally, environmental and agricultural variables that exist in Hawai'i and the Pacific Basin vary
greatly from those that are common throughout the Southwestern continental United States. For example, while wildfire is as much a concern in Hawai'i as it is in the western continental United States, unlike the mainland, Hawai'i native ecosystems are not wildfire adapted. This means that while wildfire is a key part of ecosystem functions in mainland forests, wildfire does not play a key role in native ecosystem functions across Hawai'i and many Pacific islands.

USDA has a Caribbean Climate Hub,
while Hawai'i is included with the
Southwest continental U.S.

The Senator also pointed out that "Hawai'i has diverse tropical cropping systems that include multiple growing seasons each year, the majority of which are on small farms. In contrast, farms in the Southwestern United States tend to be much larger, have one growing season, and include commodities such as corn, wheat, and cotton that are not grown in Hawai'i and the Pacific basin. Having a Climate Hub physically located in Hawai'i would allow a more acute focus on the unique challenges that our agricultural producers and natural resource managers face and in turn, would better facilitate delivery of information and tools tailored to our unique adaptation needs."

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