Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Dec. 12, 2014

Turtle midwifery yesterday at Punalu`u with gentle hands helping baby honu `ea emerge from a nest and make their way to the ocean. Photo by Dave Berry

THE TREK OF BABY HAWKSBILL TURTLES to the ocean yesterday at Punalu`u drew volunteer protectors, researchers and school students. The human involvement began months ago with representatives of the Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project, directed by Lauren Kurpita and Liz Ramson, who protect the eggs and keiki of this endangered species – called Honu `ea in Hawaiian.

A throng of students, volunteers and onlookers gather at Punalu`u to watch
the managed birth of hawksbill turtles in their sandy nests.
Photo by Dave Berry

      The researchers explained that they began their watch for development of nests 78 days ago. A 24-seven watch over the nests began two weeks ago. Over the past week, 70 hatchlings emerged. Eighteen hatched yesterday and were released with the help of school children guiding the tiny turtles into the ocean at Punalu`u. 

      The Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Turtle Project is a partnership of National Park Service, Hawai`i Natural History Association, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Wildlife Service.
      Honu `ea come ashore only to nest, with confirmed sites from Ka`u into Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at Awili Point, Pohue Bay, Kawa, Punalu`u, Kamehame, Halape and `Apua Point. More than 90 percent of the nests statewide are found on this island.

      According to the Turtle Recovery Project, some 80 Honu `ea each lay multiple nests each season, which can run from spring to early winter. The hawksbill can live more than 75 years and weigh as much as 300 pounds. The Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project has protected more than 600 nests and assisted more than 65 thousand hatchlings making their way to the ocean since 1989.

Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project staff and volunteers
tell the public about their efforts. Photo by Dave Berry

      After emerging from eggs in the sandy nests on the beach, hawksbills spend their lives at sea dining on sponges, unlike the green sea turtles that bask on the shore at Punalu`u. Threats to the hawksbill include lights that disorient their journey to and from the ocean, fishing nets and other floating debris which can entangle and drown them, plastic bags and other choking litter, driving on the beach where vehicles can destroy nests and development close to nesting sites. Mongooses, rats, cats, dogs and pigs can dig into turtle nests to eat hawksbill eggs and hatchlings.
      Volunteers who would like to help monitor and protect nests can contact the Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at 985-6090 or email HAVO_Turtle_Project@nps.gov. Report people harming sea turtles to 974-6208 and dead, sick or injured sea turtles to 327-7780.

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

HAWAI`I ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ALLIANCE and the state Department of Education are working to build capacity of non-DOE partners to better support environmental education, build community partnerships and strengthen relationships and opportunities. 

      The project is also connected to Hokule`a’s worldwide voyage and malama honua, “which is a nice way for us to link classrooms to local projects/groups who can help them develop a good service project that showcases how they will malama honua in their community,” said organizer Meredith Speicher. 

      The Hawai`i Environmental Education Alliance will be offering professional development in 2015 for their partners and organizations, starting with environmental education service providers that support three complex areas including Ka`u-Kea`au-Pahoa.
      Organizations and institutions that work in these areas can complete a survey aimed at assessing their needs, barriers to working with DOE and ways to build capacity.
      See the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9J8PKNR.

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

Protecting the nest with signage, fencing and a 24-seven watch.
Photo by Dave Berry

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE will conduct islandwide DUI checkpoints throughout the holiday season. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The campaign starts today and runs through January 1. 

      Likely penalties for an arrest and conviction of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant are $500 minimum bail for release from jail, $200 for installation of an interlock system plus $92.56 per month, loss of driver’s license, possible cancellation of insurance policy or a premium increase of up to $100 per month, alcohol assessment classes, community service, criminal probation, court fines and possible jail time.

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SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ HAS CO-INTRODUCED the Promoting Regional Energy Partnerships for Advancing Resilient Energy Systems Act, legislation that would help states modernize U.S. energy systems to make them cleaner, more efficient, cost-effective, reliable and resilient. With an aging U.S. energy infrastructure in need of replacement and growing challenges to grid security, the PREPARE Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy to enter into regional cooperative agreements with states to provide support and funding that will help states develop strategies and plans that address the unique energy needs of the region.

Turtle tracks in the black sand as hatchlings march
to their ocean home. Photo by Dave Berry

      “In Hawai`i, we have seen great success in developing an energy strategy that has increased clean energy production and cut electricity bills, saving customers $1.5 billion since 2009. But we were only able to do this by working collaboratively with the Department of Energy and business and community leaders in the state,” Schatz said. “Our bill empowers the Energy Department to give states and regions the tools they need to modernize their energy infrastructure and build a cleaner, more resilient system.”


      The PREPARE Act is modeled off of Hawai`i’s Clean Energy Initiative, a federal-state-business-NGO partnership and builds upon the state’s energy program administered.

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LIVE HOT GLASS DEMONSTRATIONS with Darren Goodman take place today and tomorrow at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. An exhibit of his works continues at the gallery through Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED holds a holiday party and meeting today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. For more information, email malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

FRIENDS OF VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES present HAPA’s Barry Flanagan in an acoustic holiday performance today at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $50 tickets are available at Lava Rock Store.

Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers a guided
hike tomorrow. Photo from NPS

A GUIDED HIKE AT KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. focuses on the area’s human history. This guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain is free. 

NA MEA HULA WITH LOKE KAMANU and `Ohana takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U CDP STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The committee continues its discussion of the first comprehensive draft. The public is invited.
      The document is available at kaucdp.info and at local libraries and community center.
      For more information, call Ron Whitmore at 961-8137.

Po`o Kumu Huihui Mossman and `Umeke Ka`eo Public Charter School
perform hula kahiko tomorrow. Photo from VAC

PO`O KUMU HUIHUI MOSSMAN with Ka `Umeke Ka`eo Public Charter School presents a hula kahiko performance tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

GILLIGAN’S CAFÉ HOLDS ITS ONE-YEAR anniversary celebration tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with entertainment throughout the day, food, local vendors and a silent auction. See bigislandgilligans.com.

NICK SHEMA GUIDES A SIX-MILE round-trip exploration of Puna Coast Trail from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park; non-members can join in order to attend. Register at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org.

Here Comes Santa Claus, to Pahala on Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE is on Sunday at 1 p.m. The parade travels through Pahala from the armory to the hospital and to Holy Rosary Church for refreshments. Everyone is welcome. Call 928-0808 to sign up. 

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS OFFERS a free Christmas Concert after Pahala Christmas Parade. The concert begins at 3 p.m. Sunday at Pahala Plantation House, featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Halau Hula O Ka `Imina Na`auao Kahiko and a sing-along with Ka`u Community Chorus. Potluck refreshments are welcome.

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, Dec. 11, 2014

Drake Fujimoto hosts the eleventh Hana Hou Christmas party for keiki in Na`alehu last night, giving away bikes,
feeding families and offering music and photographing for keiki IDs. Photo by Julia Neal

ROBERT LINDSEY IS THE NEW CHAIR of the nine-member board of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which is tasked with managing almost 30,000 acres, including urban real estate, farm and forest lands statewide. Lindsey, elected to represent Hawai`i Island, takes over from Collette Machado, who represents Lana`i and Moloka`i.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees elected new leadership yesterday.
From left, in front row: Chair Robert Lindsey, Colette Machado, Haunani
Apoliona, Peter Apo, Hulu Lindsey and Rowena Akana. Back row:
Ka Pouhana Kamana`opono Crabbe, John Waihe`e IV, Kawika
Burgess, Lei Ahu Isa and Vice Chair Dan Ahuna. Photo from OHA

      A Big Island trustee since April 2007, Lindsey is a former Kamehameha Schools land manager. He was also a partner in the purchase of the old sugar factory site in Pahala, where the now abandoned community radio station is located, but said he has separated from the real estate venture. He is also involved with native Hawaiian educational initiatives of the Kohala Center.
      During the investiture where he took his new post yesterday at Central Union Church in Honolulu, Lindsey promised that trustees of OHA will act as “servant leaders at our people’s table.” OHA is a quasi-state agency overseeing native Hawaiian lands and programs. Its assets top more than $600 million.
      “I welcome this new opportunity to play a more significant role in helping to push for the best results for our beneficiaries as well as to ensure that our organization is being responsive to their needs,” said Lindsey.
      Lindsey’s appointment came during a reorganization meeting where OHA’s Board of Trustees also selected a vice chairman and leaders for its three subcommittees.

Many volunteers prepared and served a Christmas meal for families
at Hana Hou. Photo by Julia Neal

      Dan Ahuna, the trustee for Native Hawaiians on Kaua`i and Ni`ihau, is the board’s new vice chair, replacing Oswald Stender, who retired in November.
      Three subcommittee leaders were re-elected to four-year terms, taking their oaths of office just prior to being selected to be chairpersons.
      Trustee Rowena Akana leads the Committee on Asset and Resource Management; her vice chair is Trustee John Waihe`e IV.
      Waihe`e also leads the Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment; his vice chair is Trustee Peter Apo.
       Trustee Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey continues to lead the Committee on Land and Property; her vice chair is Ahuna.
      According to a report in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune Herald by Nancy Cook Lauer, “Hawai`i Island has the highest percentage of pure Hawaiians and residents reporting some Hawaiian blood in the state, according to the 2010 census. Some 8.5 percent of the island’s population is pure Hawaiian, compared to 5.9 percent statewide. In addition, 29.7 percent of residents on Hawai`i Island say they have some Hawaiian blood, compared to 21.3 percent statewide.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

Santa Bobby Gomes and Mrs. Claus, Phoebe Gomes, listen to Christmas wishes
of Ka`u keiki and pose for photographs with families. Photo by Julia Neal

HANA HOU RESTAURANT and many volunteers including members of `O Ka`u Kakou, Drake Fujimoto’s poker friends, the Edmund C. Olson Trust and many more put on a community Christmas dinner and party on the grounds of Hana Hou restaurant last night in Na`alehu. The eleventh annual Keiki Christmas party was hosted by Fujimoto and wife Patty at their popular eatery. Many bicycles were given to children. Families enjoyed a free Christmas dinner. Hawai`i Police Department photographed children to make I.D. cards. Keoki Kahumoku and friends sang and played Christmas music throughout the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Bobby and Phoebe Gomes, posed for photographs with keiki and their families.

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

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO YESTERDAY PRESIDED over a full Senate Judiciary Committee hearing examining President Obama’s executive order that will bring five million undocumented people in the U.S. out of the shadows, including an estimated 7,000 individuals in Hawai`i. The committee hearing highlighted the executive order’s impact on families, businesses, and American workers.

Hawai`i County Police Department photograph children to make I.D. cards
for them to carry. Photo by Julia Neal

      “This is not just some abstract discussion about legal theory,” Hirono said. “It is about real people and real families. It is about taking concrete steps toward making our families and our economy stronger. It is about who we are as a country.”


      As an immigrant who came to America as a small child with her family, Hirono drew on her own experiences and shared her unique perspective at the hearing. 

“My story is the story of millions. My mother brought me to this country when I was a young girl. While we had very little as immigrants, Mom had a dream to provide a better life for our family. Many of these families come to the U.S. to pursue similar dreams, perhaps starting their own business or working to provide for their family in a safe community. Regardless of education or background or financial means, immigrants do best with their families around them,” said Hirono. “Family is the cornerstone of our immigration system, and the President’s commonsense plan helps keep families together.”

Boy and his bike became reality for many children at last night's Hana Hou party.
Photo by Julia Neal

      According to Hirono, the President’s executive order will tighten border security, strengthen enforcement and focus taxpayer dollars on getting violent criminals off of streets rather than deporting families. The action will help drive economic growth, cut the deficit and support American businesses and workers. Individuals who qualify to stay in the U.S. will be required to pass tough background checks and pay taxes.

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

HAWAI`I HAS BEEN SELECTED TO RECEIVE a Preschool Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $2,074,059 to support communities in providing high-quality preschool programs. The grant will advance the Hawai`i Department of Education’s efforts over the next four years by setting up preschool programs in public charter schools, expanding access to large populations of Native Hawaiian families and high-need communities on Hawai`i Island, and providing culturally responsive professional development and quality improvement activities for early education providers.

       “I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of the preschools and Head Start programs across the state, and it’s clear that investing in early education opportunities for our keiki will help to provide the opportunity for a bright future for them, their families and Hawai`i,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “This Preschool Development Grant will support the great work of Hawai`i educators and expand early education opportunities for families who are most in need of assistance.”

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

The path of steepest descent that lava is currently following takes it toward
Pahoa Marketplace, Map from Hawai`i County Civil Defense

LAVA FLOWING IN PUNA is currently following a path of steepest descent toward Pahoa Marketplace at the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Hwy 130. The flow front, which was in an area where it could have gone in different directions, has advanced 340 yards since yesterday and 1.9 miles from the intersection, according to Hawai`i County Civil Defense.

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

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will conduct aerial operations Dec. 15, 16 and 18 between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. to transport fencing material, camp supplies and crew near the Kahuku Unit/Ka`u Forest Reserve Boundary.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee meeting today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

FIFTH- AND SIXTH-GRADERS PRESENT FREE performances during Volcano Middle School Theater Night today at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED holds a holiday party and meeting tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The potluck features a drawing for prizes, including a Christmas turkey, heirloom tomato and squash seeds, a 12-pack of mason jars for canning and more. 

      For more information, email malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hawa`i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES presents HAPA’s Barry Flanagan in an acoustic holiday performance Friday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $50 tickets are available at Lava Rock Store.

KA`U CDP STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS Saturday at 10 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The committee continues its discussion of the first comprehensive draft. The public is invited.

      The document is available at kaucdp.info and at local libraries and community center.

      For more information, call Ron Whitmore at 961-8137. 

SUPPORTING KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY, Gilligan’s Café holds its one-year anniversary celebration Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainers include Solomon & Tiger, Lucky Lizardz, `Ukulele Boyz, Mark Chopot and surprise musical guests throughout the day.
      The event also includes food, local vendors and a silent auction.
      See bigislandgilligans.com.

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 Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014

Ka`u's current and former Hawai`i County Council members, Maile Medeiros David and Brenda Ford, team up and share a shovel at groundbreaking for Volcano transfer station's expansion and structural repairs. Photo from Hawai`i County

KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER Maile Medeiros David and former member Brenda Ford shared a shovel at groundbreaking for Volcano transfer station’s expansion and structural repairs. The $1.06 million project broke ground Tuesday.

      According to the county Department of Environmental Management, a wooden retaining wall at the facility has deteriorated and is no longer is structurally sound.

The country of France has named Ka`u 442nd veterans
Iwao Yonemitsu, 92, and Tokuichi Nakano, 95,
Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Green `Aina Engineering designed the project using a design-build approach that allows the contractor, William C. Loeffler Construction, Inc., to use lower-cost construction techniques.
      The new transfer station’s design will encourage recycling and be able to provide green waste recycling, a HI-5 redemption site and reuse operations as the county adds those services in rural communities.
      It should be completed by early summer of 2015.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

CHEVALIER OF THE LEGION OF HONOR is the title bestowed on Ka`u residents Tokuichi Nakano and Iwao Yonemitsu by the French Republic. The Counsul General representing France wrote to them saying, “I avail myself of this opportunity to reaffirm France’s gratitude for the contribution in the liberation of our country.” An awards ceremony is expected in January. Both Nakano and Yonemitsu previously received Congressional Gold Medals for their volunteer service in World War II in the famed 442nd Batallion, comprised of Japanese American soldiers.
      In his collection of photos and documents on his military career, Nakano displays a quote from former Pres. Bill Clinton saying, “We are diminished when any American is targeted unfairly because of his or her heritage.”
      While Nakano and Yonemitsu joined the U.S. military and were sent to Europe while the U.S. was at war with Japan, many others of Japanese heritage were sent to internment camps. Nakano, who is now 95, signed up when he was 23. Yonemitsu, who is now 92, signed up when he was 20. They both live with their wives in Na`alehu and had long careers in the sugar industry.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HAS A TRADITIONAL AND FUTURE PLACE in agriculture, according to Weston Yap, who spoke this week at the Ka`u Farm Bureau meeting. Yap said he became fascinated with Ka`u in the writings of Mary Kawena Pukui, who wrote The Polynesian Family System in Ka`u. He said that “something about this place” motivated her to go to Honolulu, Bishop Museum, and research and write about Ka`u.

Weston Yap

     Yap said, “We wouldn’t have a lot of the Hawaiian renaissance” without her research and writing about Ka`u. He talked about the reputation of Ka`u people and Ka`u Makaha – “Fierce, savage, ferocious ... to seize property.”
      He said he has been involved with protecting many varieties of taro, including creation of the website Kupunakala.com. Yap said there used to be 300 varieties of taro.
     Yap said he applauds expansion of the Ka`u Coffee industry and noted that the statewide harvest of 1957-1958 netted 18 million pounds of coffee, most of it from the Big Island. The 2013-2014 harvest brought in 7.5 million pounds. There is much opportunity for growth in the industry, he said.
     Yap has worked on many environmental and youth service projects, and his professional life has taken him toward helping farmers learn about federally subsidized crop protection programs. He said that fewer than half of farmers have crop insurance in Hawai`i even though there is government assistance.
      He can be reached at Gold State Crop Insurance Services at 808-252-9797 or westony@goldenstatecrop.com.

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

HAWAI`I COFFEE GROWERS ASSOCIATION met yesterday on Maui. John Cross, of Olson Trust, represented Ka`u and said the group discussed expansion of the coffee berry borer pest to O`ahu at a farm near Dole Plantation.

Coffee berry borers have been found on O`ahu

      The technique for fighting the borer there may differ. On O`ahu, coffee is mechanically harvested. After the harvest is pau, the presence of the borer would necessitate sending in a crew of pickers to make sure all leftover beans are stripped from branches and disposed of. On the Big Island, coffee is one hundred percent picked by hand, and farmers strip the branches at the end of the season to keep down the borer and disease.
      Hawai`i Coffee Growers Association plans to send a team to Brazil to study methodology dealing with the borer there and also mechanical harvesting.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE is asking Ka`u farmers to be on the lookout for a new detrimental pest to crops. Bagrada hilaris is a small stink bug with piercing needle-like mouthparts which they insert into and feed on host plants. Females lay oval, cream-colored eggs, which mature to become more of an orange-red color, on the undersides of leaves, on stems and in soil around plants. Eggs laid in soil are camouflaged and very easily transported to uninfested areas.

      Preferred hosts are cruciferous vegetable crops including broccoli, tatsoi, cabbages, cauliflower, kale, radish, turnip, mustards, brussels sprouts, sweet alyssum, collards and arugula. The bagrada bug can also feed on corn, cucumbers, okra, sugarcane, papaya, potato, cotton, figs and some legumes. In the absence of preferred host crops, the pest will feed on a variety of weeds, also in the Brassicaceae plant family, which may serve as a reservoir for the population.
      In California, the bagrada bug has been very expensive for Brassica crop growers to control with conventional insecticides, and organic farmers have taken severe losses due to lack of control measures acceptable to organic certifiers.
      DOA asks farmers who suspect an infestation of bagrada bugs to call 974-4146.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Darren Goodman demonstrates glass art today through
Saturday. Photo from Volcano Art Center

LIVE HOT GLASS DEMONSTRATIONS with Darren Goodman take place today through Saturday at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Goodman uses a portable furnace to create works inspired by the 1877 Volcano House and droplet-shaped, glassy bits of lava rock known as Pele’s tears. An exhibit of his works continues at the gallery through Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.

PETE LICATA TEACHES HOST MIKE ROWE about coffee cupping in a segment on CNN’s Somebody’s Gotta Do It today at 4 p.m. Licata helped put Rusty’s 100 Percent Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee on the international barista stage.

HANA HOU RESTAURANT’S KEIKI Christmas party today at 5 p.m. in Na`alehu features gifts for keiki, food for everyone and a visit from Santa. 

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee Meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

FIFTH- AND SIXTH-GRADERS PRESENT FREE performances during Volcano Middle School Theater Night tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED holds a holiday party and meeting Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.
      “It’s been a lot of hard work this year with everyone pulling together toward our goals, and we have accomplished a lot,” Ka`u chapter President Malian Lahey said. “We started our chapter and have made good progress towards some significant goals.”

      The potluck party features a drawing for prizes, including a Christmas turkey, heirloom tomato and squash seeds, a 12-pack of mason jars for canning and more.
      For more information, email malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS can still sign up to be in Pahala Christmas Parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. The parade travels through Pahala from the armory to the hospital and to Holy Rosary Church for refreshments. Everyone is welcome. Call 928-0808.

Pahala Filipino Community Association holds its Christmas party Sunday,
Dec. 20. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS OFFERS a free Christmas Concert after Pahala Christmas Parade. The concert begins at 3 p.m. Sunday at Pahala Plantation House, featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Halau Hula O Ka `Imina Na`auao Kahiko and a sing-along with Ka`u Community Chorus. Potluck refreshments are welcome.

PAHALA FILIPINO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION holds its annual Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 21 at Pahala Community Center. Gifts from Santa, wrapped by parents, will be distributed to children. Everyone is encouraged to prepare a number for entertainment. Desserts are welcomed. The association provides all other food and utensils. 

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.