Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014

A quarter mile setback for development along the Ka`u Coast is one of the issues being discussed at Ka`u Community Development
Plan meetings. Photo by Peter Anderson

TESTIMONY AGAINST A QUARTER MILE COASTAL SET BACK FOR DEVELOPMENT, considered in the draft of the Ka`u Community Development Plan, was presented yesterday by Chris Manfredi. 

     Manfredi, a Na`alehu resident, has worked for land investment and development groups that owned some 5,880 acres in Ka`u, including property at Waikapuna bay, the site of a former Hawaiian fishing village. He made his presentation and turned in written testimony during yesterday's Ka`u CDP Steering Committee meeting in Na`alehu. As a member of the public, Manfredi, who formerly managed the Moa`ula Ka`u Coffee lands, pasture and coastal lands, which are now up for sale, presents the following objections in his written testimony:

     "The shoreline setback proposed by the CDP is a massive taking of private property rights. If passed, it will expose the County and members of the Steering Committee to legal liability. It is the duty of the (Ka`u CDP) Project Manager and (county attorney) Corporation Counsel to make members of the Steering Committee aware of this fact."

Road to the Sea is another Ka`u Coast area with plans for protection.
Photo by Megan Lamson

     Manfredi also states in written testimony that "This shoreline setback would have a significant impact on the wetland restoration plan being contemplated for Honu`apo Park." Manfredi is a board member of Ka `Ohana `O Honu`apo, which partners with the county in managing the park and fishponds, and his development group that previously owned large tracts of nearby land, gave money toward the purchase of property for the park.

     According to Manfredi, the Special Management Area permitting process "that exists along Ka`u's entire coastline provides ample opportunity for coastal preservation while giving the community the opportunity and flexibility to evaluate proposals on a case by case basis." The setback along the coast is currently 40 feet. 

     The proposed quarter mile setback idea came out of the work of the state legislature''s South-Kona-Ka`u Coastal Conservation Task Force and founders of Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo, as well as through the gathering of public preferences during the Ka`u CDP process. 

     The Coastal Conservation Task Force was set up by the late Rep. Bob Herkes. Manfredi, who served on the Task Force, also objected to the setback in 2007 when the Task Force made its report to the legislature. Read the Coastal ConservationTask Force document at http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/reports/SP07-South-Kona-Kau-Task-Force-Rpt.pdf. 

The Ala Kahakai Natinal Histotric Trail was called an "attempt at a federal land grab"
by one testifier at the Ka`u CDP meeting yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

     In his written testimony regarding the Ka`u CDP, Manfredi also comments on the federal Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail as "an attempt at a land-grab by the Federal Government." Manfredi claims that "During its designation, the National Park Service and notable archaeologists familiar with Ka`u asserted that a coastal trail spanning the entire coastline never existed. Since it was impossible to locate or document the tail system, NPS designated a 'trail corridor'. NPS said the system was 'interpolated' and describe these modern interpolations as 'historic,'" Manfredi proclaims.

     For more on the Ala Kahakai Trail Historic Trail and its process to ask permission from landowners for the public to cross their properties on the shoreline walking trail, see www.alakahakai.org and http://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/ala-kahakai-national-historic-trail. The trail extends beyond Ka`u into Puna and up the Kona and Kohala Coasts.

    Leina`ala Enos, chair of the Steering Committee, said that the group will take up the coastal setback issue at a future meeting and that there are several options, including doing away with the setback, leaving the setback in the plan, letting public input determine the setback issue and working on rewording and reworking the coastal preservation proposal.

    In presenting his opinions on the shoreline setback proposal and other Ka`u Community Development Plan issues, Manfredi noted that he moved here 13 years ago and has been active in community service currently and in the past as: Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation President, Ka`u Farm Bureau President, Ka`u Coffee Festival Organizer, Hawai`i Coffee Association Director, Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District Steering Committee member, Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council President, State of Hawai`i Agriculture Workforce Advisory Board member, Coffee Berry Borer Task Force Director and Ka 'Ohana o Honu`apo Director, as well as holding positions with other community groups.

     See the Ka`u CDP draft at www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp.

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

VOTING LAST NIGHT AGAINST THE BILL THAT WILL FUND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT until late next year, Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "The price of funding government programs for only one year should not be permanent changes to laws that will have lasting impacts on working families for years to come." 

Sen. Mazie Hirono said funding the government last night carried
too many conditions that will hurt retirees and working people.
Photo from Mazie Hirono

     She explained her "no" vote: “Important government programs that support our families and communities should not be held hostage to get permanent changes to laws that undermine the middle class." She said the bill to fund the government "revises pension laws in a way that breaks a longstanding commitment to retirees and working people. In Hawai'i, this change could impact some 37,000 union members and their families." She also contended that "this bill waters down hard-fought limits on Wall Street recklessness and lifts the ceiling for political contributions to parties at a time when the flood of big money in our democracy is a matter of national outrage.” The Senate voted to approve the 1,600 page bill that funds nearly every policy area and government program through Sept. 30, 2015. Opposing the bill, which passed on a vote of 56 to 40, Hirono joined Senators Carl Levin (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jon Tester (D-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Al Franken (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
     The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill earlier. Having approval from both House and Senate. the legislation avoided a government shutdown at midnight.

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

FEDERAL REGULATIONS SHOULD BE A FLOOR AND NOT A CEILING. This is how state Sen. Russell Ruderman recently described his idea of federal and state regulations interacting with local government. He was referring to recent local legislation that was passed in an attempt to regulate pesticides and GMO's in Hawai`i, Maui and Kaua`i counties. A federal magistrate ruled that state and federal authority trumped local control, giving counties no right to regulate. The magistrate set aside new laws approved at the county level. Ruderman said he would work for legislation for more county-level home rule in the 2015 Hawai`i Legislature where he will chair the Senate agriculture committee. He said, however, that he would not expect that regulation of GMO's would get much traction among state Senators and Representatives in terms of passing statewide laws in the coming year. Ruderman's remarks were carried in a story at www.bigislandvideonews.com. The Big Island Video News story noted that the GMO issue will come before the Hawai`i County Council this week, as County Council member Margaret Wille proposes that the council advise the County Attorney to appeal Magistrate Barry Kurren's ruling "with regard to regulating the open air cultivation, propagation, development or testing of genetically engineered crops or plants." See more at bigislandvideonews.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar

Joe Iacuzzo has been serving up pizza and other
 food to support Ka`u Learning Academy.
Photo by Julia Neal

INCREASED POLICING FOR DRUNKEN DRIVERS is planned for the holidays. A statement from Hawai'i Police Department reminds drinkers of consequences. Bail is a minimum of $500. Steering interlock devices to detect drunkenness before driving can be required with a DUI conviction. They can cost $200 to install and $92.56 per month. Losing a driver’s license for DUI can make it difficult to reach a workplace and take care of a family. Insurance companies can cancel or severely increase premiums required to operate a vehicle on public roads. These penalties are in addition to alcohol assessment classes; possible jail time, fines, court fees, probation and community service. 

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

THE KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY, supported by Gilligan's Cafe, yesterday celebrated the restaurant's one year anniversary and the launch of registration for the school which is set to open under a state charter school license in August. A silent auction, donations and dining at Gilligan's raised money all afternoon and evening with numerous local entertainers participating. The open enrollment is available for  school year 2015-2016  for grades 3 to 6. Classes will be held at the old Discovery Harbour Golf Course Clubhouse, which operates as Gilligan’s to benefit the school. Kathryn Tydlacka, founder and executive director, said KLA will offer individual education plans for each student designed for ability level. She promised "high academic expectations" and electives such as theatre, agriculture, computer, art and music.  Transportation and lunch will be provided.

      Enrollment meetings will be scheduled in Ka`u communities in January.  For more information and to enroll a child, see www.kaulearning. com or call 213-1097.

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014

Frosty the Snowman is expected to return to Pahala for tomorrow's Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

A MAGNITUDE 4.2 EARTHQUAKE STRUCK off the west coast of the Hawai`i Island yesterday at 8:42 p.m. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center determined that no damaging tsunami was generated.

A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck of the west coast of Hawai`i Island last night.
Map from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

      According to Wes Thelen, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Seismic Network Manager, the earthquake was centered about 35 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona and 71 miles south of Kihei, Maui at a depth of 7.2 miles. 

      The USGS “Did you feel it?” website received more than 100 felt reports within two hours of the earthquake. Most of the felt reports were posted from the islands of Hawai`i and Maui, but a few were from O`ahu, over 125 miles from the epicenter. Only weak shaking (Intensity III) has been reported. At these shaking intensities, damage to buildings or structures is not expected.

      The earthquake has caused no detectable changes on the active volcanoes on the Island of Hawai`i.
      As of 8 a.m. this morning, no aftershocks of the earthquake had been recorded.
      During the past 30 years, there have been seven earthquakes, including last night’s event, in this general area with magnitudes greater than 3.0 and depths of six to 12 miles. According to HVO, earthquakes at this depth off the west coast of the Hawai`i Island are most likely caused by structural adjustments within the Earth’s crust to accommodate the heavy load of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes.

      For more information on recent earthquakes in Hawai`i, see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

DR. VIRGINIA PRESSLER IS GOV. DAVID IGE’S choice as director of the state Department of Health. Pressler’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.
      “Ginny has more than 35 years of experience in the medical field and has held administrative positions for more than two decades,” Ige said. “A well-respected member of Hawai`i’s medical and business communities, Ginny’s wealth of knowledge and experience equips her to lead the Department of Health.”

Dr. Virginia Pressler

      The appointment marks a return to DOH for Pressler. From 1999 to 2002, Pressler served as deputy director for Health Resources Administration. During that time she was instrumental in obtaining sixty percent of the $1.3 billion tobacco settlement fund for public health purposes and initiated the Tobacco Trust Fund, Healthy Hawai`i Initiative, Hawai`i Outcomes Institute and Hawai`i Uninsured Project.
      Pressler earned a BA from Cornell University, and she also earned an MBA, MS in physiology, and MD degrees from University of Hawai`i at Manoa. She is currently the executive vice president and chief strategic officer at Hawai`i Pacific Health, the largest healthcare provider in Hawai`i.
      Over her career, Pressler has earned numerous local and national awards including Pacific Business News’ Business Leadership Hawai`i Lifetime Achievement Award, University of Hawai`i Distinguished Alumni Award and the American Cancer Society’s St. George National Award. She was also named Hawai`i Medical Association’s Health Care Administrator of the Year in 2008 and the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion in 2007.

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

UNITED STATES SENATE DEMOCRATIC leadership announced the selection of Sen. Brian Schatz to serve on the key Senate Committee on Appropriations.

 Prescribed in the U.S. Constitution, the Committee writes legislation that allocates funds to government departments, agencies and organizations. The Committee also has responsibility for supplemental spending bills as may be needed during the fiscal year.



Sen. Brian Schatz with President Barack Obama

      “This is an important job because the Committee makes appropriations that support our national priorities and because I will be in a position to ensure that the needs of Hawai`i are strongly represented at a critical juncture,” Schatz said. “It is an honor, and I look forward to working with all Committee members as we move forward.”


      “The Appropriations post is a most significant one for our state and country,” said retired Admiral Thomas Fargo, former Commander of U.S. Pacific Command. “This appointment so early in his career speaks to the fact that Sen. Schatz has earned the respect of his Senate colleagues and is increasingly effective in Washington.”


      In addition, Senate Democratic leadership selected Schatz to serve as one of three Democrats on the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, which investigates allegations and recommends disciplinary action in cases of improper conduct by senators, including violations of law or Senate rules and regulations.

 Appointments to these four committees are subject to a full vote by the Senate that is scheduled to occur in early January.
      Senate Democrats have also named Schatz to the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, a Democratic leadership committee. The group makes recommendations on committee chairmanships and committee assignments to the Democratic caucus. It also brings together senators, community leaders, policy experts, businesses and intergovernmental organizations to help develop policies to strengthen the economy and support families, workers and businesses.
      Schatz will also retain his seats as a member on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists say lava activity that destroyed
Kalapana is similar to current activity threatening the Pahoa area.
Photo from HVO

WITH LAVA ONCE AGAIN THREATENING PAHOA, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists, in the current issue of Volcano Watch, compare the flow with the one that destroyed Kalapana. The scientists hope that understanding factors at play and the time scale of the stop-and-start inundation of Kalapana may help them understand the range of possibilities for the unfolding of the current situation in Puna. 

      “HVO started voicing serious concern for the Kalapana community after an eruption pause in February 1990,” the article states. “By the time the eruption resumed, parts of the previous, long-lived lava tube had collapsed. Lava spilled out of the blocked tube system and flowed along the east side of the flow field toward Kalapana. By the end of February, this flow was only 550 yards from the nearest homes.
      “It took more than a month for flows to advance to those homes, destroying two of them on April 4. The eruption paused the very same day. In a pattern that was to be repeated more than 10 times in 1990, lava reoccupied the tube system near the vent, but broke out downslope. The new flows followed the eastern edge of flow field and once again advanced into the Kalapana community. Between mid-April and the next pause in early May, lava covered most of the Kalapana Gardens subdivision, destroying 60 homes, enclosed Kalapana Village in a kipuka and briefly entered the ocean at Harry K. Brown Park.

      “The pattern of pauses and renewed flows that destroyed homes and beloved areas continued all summer. In the fall, lava filled Kaimu Bay and claimed homes in Kalapana Shores. For the rest of the year, lava mostly covered previous flows. A residence that burned on January 9, 1991 was the last to be taken, at least for the next 19 years. Lava returned to the area in 2010 and destroyed three homes, two of which were built on the 1990 flows.

HVO's most recent map shows intervals of lava's distance from Pahoa
Marketplace, following the path of steepest descent. Map from HVO

      “Several factors contributed to the lava’s slow progression and spread into a wide flow field through Kalapana in 1990. First, the terrain was very flat — the average slope was less than two degrees, only slightly lower than the average slope in the vicinity of Pahoa. On such low slopes, intervals of advance, in which the flow front thins and the crust cools and thickens, are followed by periods of no advance as the flow inflates behind the front. Eventually, the crust at the front and/or margins ruptures and new lobes and breakouts emerge to start the advance again. Breakouts from behind the front widen the flow field.
      “Probably the greatest factor, however, was the frequency of interruptions in supply to the flow. Often, lava is not able to re-occupy the full length of the lava tube after an interruption and breaks out far upslope from the previous front, covering new ground as it finds the new steepest descent path downhill. This is the process that we just experienced with the June 27th flow, as lava reoccupied the tube near the vent but broke out downslope, creating a flow that is advancing over new ground toward the Pahoa Marketplace.
      “The June 27th flow, with its front at more than 12 miles from the vent, is already far longer than any that encroached upon Kalapana. Indeed, it is the longest flow that has formed during the nearly 32 years of this eruption. This is significant because, even though lava flowing through tubes is well insulated, it still loses heat as it travels, and lower temperature lava is stickier, making it harder to flow. …”
      HVO reported this morning that the flow front is 1.7 miles from the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Hwy 130, where Pahoa Marketplace is located. It advanced 225 yards since yesterday.
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov for Volcano Watch articles and daily updates on the June 27th lava flow.

Darren Goodman offers glass demos
today. Photo from VAC

KA`U CDP STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS today 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.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents live hot glass demonstrations with Darren Goodman today. 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. 

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

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN – Pahala – tomorrow for the Christmas parade at 1 p.m. The parade travels through town from the armory to the hospital and to Holy Rosary Church for refreshments. Everyone is welcome. Call 928-0808 to sign up.

Halau Hula O Ka `Imina Na`auao Kahiko returns to Pahala Plantation House
tomorrow to participate in Ka`u School of the Arts free Christmas concert.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS OFFERS a free Christmas Concert after Pahala Christmas Parade, beginning at 3 p.m. tomorrow 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.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER'S annual keiki Christmas party is a week from today on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event includes gifts, a visit from Santa Claus, food, fun and celebration. Call 939-7033 to volunteer.

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, 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.

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

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.

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

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.