Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014

Ka`u residents can learn about `ohi`a lehua during a program at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow.
Photo by Elizabeth Fien/FHVNP

KA`U RESIDENTS MAY BE ABLE TO HELP PUNA animal owners who are evacuating their cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs and other animals in advance of a lava flow that is threatening their properties.

Puna animals in the path of the June 27 lava flow may need to be relocated.
Photo from Good Shepherd Foundation

      Hawai`i Evacuation of Livestock and Pets, H.E.L.P. Puna, is providing a free website service for residents who need to find places to protect their animals, and other residents in safe areas who wish to offer their properties as “Places of Refuge.”
      H.E.L.P. Puna is a program of the Good Shepherd Foundation, a nonprofit organization with an animal sanctuary in Opihikao, not far from the lava flow.
      Everyone is invited to offer a haven from the lava flow for any livestock and pets they can accommodate. Some will be willing to accept only certain types of animals, such as dogs or cats. Others may have large, fenced pastures or yards where they can take horses, sheep or goats, and others may have backyards where they can keep chickens.
      Those offering their places as refuges can do so for free or for a fee; it is between the parties to decide all financial issues and ensure a good fit.
      Those with animal trailers can also announce their services on the website.
      For more information, see HelpPuna.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AN ANNUAL COFFEE BERRY BORER SURVEY with new questions is now available online for growers and processors to complete. “Please help us, the industry and our allies to understand the current coffee berry borer situation,” said H.C. “Skip” Bittenbender, of University of Hawai`i’s College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. The survey will be open for responses until Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014. 

See surveymonkey.com/s/V67YFVB
.

UH-CTAHR asks Ka`u Coffee growers and processors to fill out an online
survey about coffee berry borer management.

      As part of CTAHR’s CBB effort, Andrea Kawabata, Dr. Stuart Nakamoto, Dr. PingSun Leung and Bittenbender have developed the survey to help them and the industry understand the extent of damage from CBB. Questions ask farmers and millers about their use of recommended strategies for managing CBB.
      The team will use this information to improve research and extension planning.

 Identity of those who complete the survey is not required, and individual responses are held confidentially. Summary and conclusions from the survey will be shared with the CBB Task Force, coffee organizations and those respondents who request a copy.

 In order to save money, time, and accuracy, the survey is available only online. Those without email access and Internet will need to submit their responses via someone with computer access.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AN EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION IS IN EFFECT in preparation for the possibility that the lava flow that began June 27 could eventually cross Hwy 130 near Pahoa, potentially isolating communities in lower Puna from the rest of Hawai`i County.
      The proclamation, signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie yesterday, suspends certain laws as needed for emergency purposes, including state restrictions on reestablishing abandoned roads that may be used should lava cross Hwy 130. It also activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the state Legislature for disaster relief and facilitates access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels.
      “State agencies are working with the County of Hawai`i to provide alternative access to lower Puna if lava crosses the main highway,” Abercrombie said. “This proclamation will ensure that isolated communities receive a continuation of services.
      “Health officials are also advising all residents living near the lava flow to plan ahead for potential smoke from burning vegetation and low levels of sulfur dioxide. Conditions for nearby communities may vary widely due to the unpredictability of wind and weather.”
      The disaster emergency relief period specified in the proclamation began yesterday and continues through Oct. 15, 2014.
      “The governor’s emergency proclamation comes at a necessary time when Hawai`i Island families are living on the edge, as they face yet another natural disaster,” said U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “The proclamation will allow the state to assist in relief efforts should the situation worsen and affect the people and property of Ka`ohe Homesteads. We need to do everything we can to support the people of our communities when disaster strikes.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Trojans get ready for yesterday's kickoff at Seabury Hall, Maui.
Photo from twitter

KA`U HIGH TROJANS SCORED IN EVERY QUARTER of yesterday’s game at Seabury Hall on Maui. Jordan DeRamos scored a touchdown in the first quarter, followed by a two-point conversion by Randall Kahele. In the second quarter, DeRamos followed up with an 85-yard run into the end zone. Cy Tamura caught a pass from DeRamos in the third quarter and ran 15 yards to add six more points to the score. In the fourth quarter, quarterback Tamura kept the ball and ran 11 yards for a touchdown. He followed that with another keep and ran 50 yards into the end zone. The final six points were added when Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel ran 16 yard for touchdown. 

      Final score was Ka`u High 40, Seabury Hall 61.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN DOUBLE THE IMPACT of donations to Hawai`i Wildlife Fund this month. Aloha Campaign at Foodland and Sack N Save stores will match each donation to specific charities up to $300,000 total. Last year, it raised over $2 million for over 650 island nonprofit organizations. This year, shoppers can support HWF’s Maui and Hawai`i Island projects by using these separate codes: Hawai`i Island – 78764
; Maui – 77187.
      Donations of up to $249 will be added to receipts at checkout. Each donation guarantees that a percentage of Foodland’s $300,000 matching gift will go to Hawai`i Wildlife Fund. The more support HWF receives from the community, the more matching funds it will receive from Foodland. Foodland will not inform HWF who donated, so those who wish to be acknowledged must let HWF know.
      Give Aloha is Foodland’s annual Community Matching Gifts Program. It was created in 1999 to honor founder Maurice J. “Sully” Sullivan and continue his legacy of giving back to the community. Each year during the month of September, customers are encouraged to make a donation at checkout to their favorite Hawai`i nonprofit organization.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, which promises expansive vistas of the district,
is two weeks from today. Photo from `O Ka`u Kakou

`OHANA DAY AND KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN are two weeks from today on Saturday, Sept. 20. The whole family can participate in the 5K walk/run and watch as other athletes take off on the 10K race and Half Marathon.
      All races begin at 7:30 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill, followed by family activities at the mill until 3 p.m.
      Discounted race registration fees are available at race360.com/21357 for one more week. Fees increase by $20 on Sunday, Sept. 14.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK presents its free `Ohi`a Lehua program tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Participants bring lunch and learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO KA`U SCENIC BYWAY Committee’s meeting Monday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.
      For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

A KA`U PLANTATION DAYS PLANNING MEETING takes place Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Residents continue planning for the Saturday, Oct. 11 event.
      For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL FARMING is a presentation one week from today on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. at Ka Lae Gardens, 92-8395 Mamalahoa Hwy in Ocean View on the makai side of Hwy 11, accessible from Kohala Street. Richard Perea, of Ka`u Natural Farming, said he is soliciting interest in natural farming and aims to make training and certification available to all at an affordable price.
      See Ka`u Natural Farming on Facebook or call 937-3010 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Sept. 5, 2014

`A`ali`i Ku Makani, a sculpture by Volcano resident Randall Shiroma on the grounds of Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School, was dedicated this morning. Photo by Julia Neal

THE RANDALL SHIROMA TERRAZZO SCULPTURE at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School was center stage of a dedication ceremony this morning, sponsored by the Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the state Department of Education. 

      Local music group South Side Serenaders with Ty Chun, Terrie Louis and Elijah Navarro led Hawai`i Pono`i and other songs. Student Body Government President Denisha Navarro and Vice President Jennifer Tabios welcomed attendees, and Jonathan Johnson, Executive Director of the State Foundation, introduced artist Randall Shiroma before the maile lei ceremony led by Kupuna Jessie Ke, Principal Sharon Beck and others, including Cheryl Maesaka, who wrote the grant to the state Foundation for the sculpture for the school grounds.
      The name of the sculpture is `A`ali`i Ku Makani, which describes the native `a`ali`i plant’s ability to take root and thrive despite strong winds. The program for the blessing states that the “phrase describes the tenacity of the people of Ka`u and their ability to persevere in the face of adversity.”

      Shiroma, who designed and built the sculpture for the campus, is a Volcano resident born in Honolulu. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of Hawai`i at Manoa and a Master of Fine Arts degree from San Jose State University.
      The sculpture was funded through the state Foundation’s Arts in Public Places Program, which enhances “the environmental quality of public buildings and spaces throughout the state for the enjoyment and enrichment of the public,” the program states. Arts in Public Places was also established to “acquire, interpret, preserve and display works of art expressive of the Hawaiian islands, the multicultural heritages of its people, and the creative interests of its artists.” During the creation of `A`ali`i Ku Makani, Shiroma was an Artist in Residence on campus to involve the students and faculty.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE STATEWIDE HAWAI`I FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, headed by Ka`u resident Chris Manfredi, and an entity from the Big Island called Hawai`i Agriculture Network are using the progressive nonprofit The Action Network system for an online petition. The campaign is to oppose legislation to regulate pesticides and GMO foods, according to a posting gathering signatures online at actionnetwork.org/petitions. 

      The introduction to the petition says: “Do you want disgusting bugs to destroy our locally grown produce? Of course not! Then why should Maui County start dictating beyond Federal and State laws how local farmers make sure crops are safe and sustainable?”
      The message attached to the petition directed to “Hawai`i’s Elected Officials” says:
      “Local farmers would not survive if this bill were passed. Safe use of pesticides allow them to grow fresh, healthy, affordable, local produce available to everyone without the threat of insects and pests.
      “Local farmers provide sustainability for our island state. Without them, we’ll have to import all of our fresh produce at high costs.
      “Farmers and Ranchers already disclose their pesticide use information as regulated by State and Federal law. The pesticides that are used have very strict rules and parameters that certified users must abide by and have been vigorously tested for health and safety purposes.
      “Approximately three trillion meals with GMO ingredients have been consumed without incident.
      “Benefits of biotech include a reduction in pesticide spraying which is the equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as removing 10.2 million cars from the road for a year while saving crops such as the papaya.
      “Over 600 peer-reviewed studies (1/3 of which are independently funded) show that biotech (GMO) crops are safe and beneficial.

      The posting suggests that petition signers include the following comments to Hawai`i’s elected officials: 

      “We support Federal and State laws that regulate pesticides and GMOs to provide parity for farmers and ranches statewide.
      “As a resident of Hawai`i, I urge you to please oppose additional County level regulations relating to the use of pesticides and GMO (bioengineered seed). I support State & Federal laws.
      “Support for agriculture is needed, not additional regulations.”

      According to The Action Network’s website, “The Action Network is an open platform that empowers individuals and groups to organize for progressive causes. We encourage responsible activism. ...” Action Network purports to “only work with progressives.” Its website says that the nonprofit organization helps build “lists of activists.” Campaigns listed on its website include: 

      “End Deportations, End Our Pain;”
      “Petition: Demand Respect for Walmart Workers;”
      “Educators Need Time to Teach, Students Need Time to Learn;” and
      “I Support the Equal Rights Amendment.”
      The Action Network was founded by Corporate Action Network, which states that it was established “to address the imbalance of power between corporations and people. Using the new tools of the Action Network and a networked approach, Corporate Action Network is building campaigns to end corporate abuse that are more effective and powerful than have ever been possible. Connected through the network, campaigns can then grow into a movement — and for the first time truly be able to address the imbalance of power between corporate actors and the rest of us.”
      The Action Network was recently named Best Startup Technology and Best Overall Organizing Technology at the inaugural Netroots Nation New Tools Shootout, sponsored by Google and New Media Ventures.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Micah Munekata
Photo from linkedin.com

HAWAI`I FARM BUREAU HAS HIRED MICAH MUNEKATA as Director of Government Affairs. In his paid position that has a new title, Munekata’s primary function is to work with the HFB leadership in the areas of legislative and governmental relations. He is responsible for directing policy and government relations strategy for the organization, including policy implementation and policy development.
      A graduate of Hawai`i Baptist Academy, Munekata has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Christian University and a master’s degree in political science from Villanova University. He has worked at the Hawai`i House of Representatives as a Finance Budget Analyst for the House Finance Committee and most recently as the Committee Clerk for the Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Munekata also served as the Community Coordinator and Legislative Aide for City and County of Honolulu Councilmember Stanley Chang. 

      “I have experience working with local, state and city politics,” Munekata says on his Linked In page. “My skills include: government/financial analysis, government relations and affairs, public policy, program management/development/evaluation, legislative regulation/formation, political research, community outreach, communication, and team leadership.”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK presents its free `Ohi`a Lehua program Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Participants bring lunch and learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower.

Volcano Art Center offers Art of the iPhone workshops next week.
Photo from VAC

ART OF THE IPHONE IS THE TOPIC of workshops next week at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Mary and Ken Goodrich help participants navigate through several apps best suited for the iPhone camera to improve color, blend images or introduce mood to a scene.
      The instructors also offer tips on recognizing good light and composition.
      Each session introduces two or three new applications. Students can make still life photos with props and will have an opportunity to make portraits or nature images in the Niaulani forest. With help from the instructors, students process their images with the apps and share results with the class.
      Android Smartphone users are also welcome. 

      Fees are $60 for VAC members and $75 for nonmembers. Register at 967-8222.
      The three-session workshop takes place next Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ka`u High football team is on Maui to face Seabury Hall.
Photo by Tammy Ke

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL'S EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL TEAM is trekking to Maui for a game against Seabury Hall. Members hope to follow their season-opening win at home last week with another victory over the Cowboys.

INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL FARMING is a presentation on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. at Ka Lae Gardens, 92-8395 Mamalahoa Hwy in Ocean View on the makai side of Hwy 11, accessible from Kohala Street. The program will be led by Richard Perea, of Ka`u Natural Farming. Perea said he is soliciting interest in natural farming and aims to make training and certification available to all at an affordable price. He said he has so far led nine farmers to advanced certification. See Ka`u Natural Farming on Facebook or call 937-3010 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014

Sky Esperon reaches for the ball as Ka`u faced Hilo last night at home. They host Kealakehe Saturday. Photo by Pono Palekiko

THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE has designated Hawai`i County as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by wind, rain and flooding from Tropical Storm Iselle. After a review of the Hawai`i County Loss Assessment Reports, the USDA determined that there were sufficient agricultural production losses to warrant a Secretarial natural disaster designation.

Ka`u farmers and ranchers who have tropical storm damage can apply
for federal emergency loans. Photo by John Cross

      “I thank USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack for reviewing the Loss Assessment Reports and for issuing a Secretarial natural disaster designation for Hawai`i County,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “Support from the USDA will help ensure that our farmers in Hawai`i County will receive the assistance they need.” 



      A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous to such primary counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. This assistance includes FSA emergency loans. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. FSA considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator. So far, FSA has received over 100 inquiries for assistance from producers in Hawai`i County.
      “I appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s decision for a natural disaster designation and the work by the Farm Service Agency who initiated the request and has been on the frontlines working with farmers,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “Federal resources are urgently needed to help our farmers, and access to emergency loans is an important option for farmers as they work to recover. I will continue to fight for federal resources to support communities, small businesses and families.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

With lava less thatn a mile from Ka`ohe Homesteads subdivision,
Mayor Billy Kenoi has signed an emergency proclamation.
Map from USGS/HVO

HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYOR BILLY KENOI TODAY SIGNED an emergency proclamation for the advancing lava flow in the Wao Kele O Puna area after the flow extended to less than a mile from the edge of the Ka`ohe Homesteads subdivision.
      “We are taking this step to ensure our residents have time to prepare their families, their pets, and their livestock for a safe and orderly evacuation from Ka`ohe in the event the flow continues to advance,” Kenoi said.
      Hawai`i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said the proclamation allows county authorities to restrict access to Ka`ohe Homestead roadways so that residents can move safely if an evacuation becomes necessary.
      Oliveira stressed that no evacuation has been ordered at this time. He urged residents to finalize their evacuation plans and monitor county Civil Defense updates closely in the days ahead.
      Civil Defense employees will continue today to conduct door-to-door visits to each home in Ka`ohe to explain the situation to residents and to help them prepare.
      “Only residents will be allowed on the subdivision roads starting today, and we ask that non-residents stay away from the area,” Oliveira said. “The lava cannot be seen from the subdivision, and there is no reason for non-residents to be in the Ka`ohe subdivision at this time. This is a difficult and stressful time for Ka`ohe residents, and we ask that everyone show respect and understanding for our Ka`ohe neighbors.”
      Hawai`i County Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are holding public meetings to update residents on the lava flow, and the next update will be at 6:30 p.m. today, Sept. 4 at Pahoa High School Cafeteria.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Funding to control little fire ants is on the County Council's agenda.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW at 8 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

      On the agenda is the second reading of bills that would appropriate funds for control of little fire ants at county Parks & Recreation Department facilities. Funds would be used to hire three employees and provide them with equipment and materials in LFA control efforts.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A section of the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run cuts through pasture
above Ka`u Coffee Mill. Photo from `O Ka`u Kakou

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN DIRECTOR RAYLENE MOSES reported that 120 people have signed up for the event on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The 5K, 10K and Half Marathon begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by family-friendly events at the mill until 3 p.m.
       Participants can choose among a 5K run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; a moderate 10K run through macadamia nut grove, coffee fields and a huge eucalyptus tree forest; and a Half Marathon that follows the 5K and 10K course, then continues up to an elevation of 3,100 feet and traverses onto a four-wheel-drive access road, marked trails undulating through grazing pastures, former sugarcane fields and then down through newly planted coffee fields.

      Registration for the races and a Kendama tournament is available online at race360.com/21357.

M57, The Ring Nebula, by Hubble Heritage Team. The center star is dying
and shedding its outer layers to expose more hot layers beneath that radiate
ultraviolet light. This causes the old layers to glow like a fluorescent light
bulb. This star, while looking insignificant here, is 200 times
as bright as the sun. Photo from Lew Cook

“TWO VERY LARGE BIRDS FLY OVER US THIS MONTH – Cygnus the Swan and Aquila the Eagle,” reports astronomer Lew Cook in his September article for The Ka`u Calendar newspaper. “They appear to be chasing Mars and Saturn out of our evening sky. The brightest stars in each constellation along with Vega (very high in the northwest) form the Summer Triangle, formed by the brightest stars in Cygnus, Aquila and Vega in Lyra. What color do these stars appear to you? Most people see Vega as the bluest, closely followed by Deneb, while Altair is blue-white. If you look toward the southwest, you can spot Antares in Scorpius before it sets. Get out just after dark to see Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, and before its light is reddened by passing through more air as it sets. Everyone who can see colors at all sees Antares as red. So is the planet Mars, which Antares rivals in color. What differences can you see? Which is brighter? Redder? Mars is now approaching Antares – take a look before they disappear into the sun’s glare. 

      “Stars’ colors are determined by the temperatures at their surfaces. Blue equates to an extremely hot surface, while red means the star is comparatively cool. As an example, Antares checks in at 5,300 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot, hotter than lava, but cooler than the white-hot or the blue-hot surface of Vega. Altair, the brightest star in Aquila, has a surface temperature of around 13,000 degrees. Deneb is a little warmer at 14,000 degrees, and Vega tips the temperature scales at 16,500 degrees. Vega isn’t even the hottest star in the constellation Lyra, but since it is close and a bit larger than the sun, it wins the prize for the brightest star in our Summer Triangle. What’s a hotter star? The star that is tossing off its outer layers that form the Ring Nebula, M57, in Lyra. How hot is it? Over 200,000 degrees! Deneb is the brightest of the three stars in the Summer Triangle.

      “You might say, ‘Hey, Lew, I can see it isn’t! Look up and see for yourself.’ Well, you’re right. While Vega appears brighter, Deneb is far away, so far that if it were at Vega’s distance (25 light-years) it would outshine all stars but the sun in our sky. It would be about as bright as the crescent moon, but shining all from one point. Altair is a close star, only 17 light-years distant. Put it at Vega’s distance, and it would appear less than half as bright as it is now and shine at second magnitude.”

      See The Ka`u Calendar or kaucalendar.com for a Star Map and rising and setting times for the sun and moon plus a listing of moon phases.

Ka`u's girls volleyball team sings the school song after last night's game.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL TROJAN WAHINE VOLLEYBALL hosted the Hilo Vikings last night at Ka`u High School gym. The Junior Varsity team lost in two sets 11-25, 12-25. Varsity wahine lost in four sets 25-21, 11-25, 10-25, 14-25. Jami Beck exercised good blocking for the Trojans. The Trojan wahine host Kealakehe Waveriders on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 10 a.m.
      This story was written with reports from Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.

OTHER KA`U HIGH TROJAN SPORTS TEAMS HAVE A BUSY weekend planned, as well. Eight-man football team flies to Maui Friday to play Seabury Hall. Boys and girls in cross-country have a meet at Kamehameha in Kea`au Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and bowling teams roll into Kona for games against Kamehameha-Hawai`i.

PO`O KUMU HUIHUI MOSSMAN and Ka `Umeke Ka`eo Public Charter School present Sunset Hula tomorrow at 6 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hold their annual meeting Saturday at Pahala Plantation House. Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m. for the members-only event. To RSVP or become a member, email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.