Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015

Highway 11 was blocked multiple times, trees toppling during and after the windstorm Friday night and Saturday.
Photo by Charles Tobias

CUTTING THEIR WAY THROUGH BLOCKED ROADS after the fierce windstorm Friday night and Saturday morning, farmers and drivers pulled out their chain saws yesterday to remove tall trees that slammed onto roads, highways and lanes.
  Powerful warm winds with little rain pushed through Ka`u in starts and fits, cleaning dead wood from trees weakened by a long drought then thrashed by two hurricane-tropical storms this past summer. Some seemingly healthy trunks simply toppled over from their weakened root systems.
    Charles Tobias, of Ocean View, reports that he helped remove trees from Highway 11 between his home and Na`alehu and witnessed fallen trees on Ocean View community roads. Coffee farmer Trini Marques reports growers clearing huge trees along the cane haul road between Pahala and Na`alehu where eucalyptus fell from Kamehameha School lands. Albesia crashed onto the unpaved road leading to Moa`ula orchards during one of the heaviest harvests in Ka`u Coffee history. This morning,  Cloud Rest farms remained baracaded by fallen trees, keeping pickers away from the heaviest harvest in Ka`u Coffee history for a second day.
     Coffee pickers staying in Wood Valley were also blocked from going to work yesterday on Olson Trust lands until trees could be cleared from Wood Valley roads.

Branches across a lane in Ocean View.
Photo by Charles Tobias

     Andrea Kawabata, of the University of Hawai`i Agriculural Extension Service, urged farmers to document farm and structural damage and contact insurance providers. “Before you begin cleaning up, document all damages with (clear and focused) photos. Review your inventory and take note of anything damaged or missing. It's better to have more than not enough information and documentation when dealing with insurance claims,” Kawabata advised. She circulated a photo of an uprooted macadamia tree at a U.H. research station.
      Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba reported this morning that after albesias fell across the road to Cloud Rest coffee farms, growers started cutting with their own chain saws. She said that coffee grower Francis Marques helped push the trees with tractor and bucket, trying to reach his bulldozer trapped on his farm. Bozo Lorenzo, Bong Aquino and Jimbo Dacalio helped out.
     Pear Tree farmers also started cleaning up. Jeffrey Gascon, Melchor Fernandez, Milton Dacalio with Marshallese coffee pickers cut their way into Pear Tree. Higashi Camp Road going to Pear Tree remained blocked this morning. At Pear Tree, Norfolk Pine windbreaks snapped around several farms, including those operated by Camba, Aquino and Wally Young.
    Last night some trees kept falling around Ka`u even with the wind dying down. Hwy 11 was blocked again, and reopened about 2 a.m.
    During the storm, wind speeds topped 140 miles an hour on the highest island summits, a 75-foot long sailboat washed up near Four Seasons Resort in Kona with first mate still missing, and electricity outages led to water conservation measures in Waimea until power can be restored there. 

Document farm damages with focused photos, advises UH Agricultual
Extension Service. Photo from Andrea Kawabata

     Hawai`i Electric Light Co. issued a statement last night, noting damage around the island with trees severing lines and power poles. About 5,000 customers in Kamuela, Hamakua and Ka`u remained without power. Yesterday crews concentrated on stabilizing the cross-island transmission system, the backbone of the electric grid. Today crews will concentrate on neighborhoods.
   “The company urges the community to be safe and treat downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Do not handle or move any fallen or damaged utility equipment. If someone injured by a downed power line, do not approach them. Call 911 for assistance,” HELCO advises. 

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KA`U HIGH TROJANS POUNDED KEALAKEHE last night at home in girls basketball, the varsity team basketing 55 points. Denisha Navarro scored 22 and Kerrilynn Domondon 123. Kealakehe scored 28 points. Leading scorers for Kealakehe were Ivans Galvez with 15 and Ailyn Miranda with 12. The Trojan JV team lost to Kealakehe, 7 to 36. Top Trojan JV player was Tristan David. For Kealakehe, Sira-Claire Hauanio led the team with 14 points.

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HAM RADIO OPERATORS HOST A POTLUCK PICNIC today at Manukā Park just west of Ocean View. All American Radio Emergency Service members and those seeking to operate a Ham radio and families are invited. Ham radio operators coordinate with the county civil defense and medical providers for disaster preparedness. For more information, call Dennis Smith, 989-3028.

AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS closes today with a  2:30 p.m. final performance at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. For tickets, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

Updates on Kilauea eruptions will be given Tuesday at After Dark in the Park,
as a flow slowly moves toward Pahaoa. Photo from HAVO

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S EXHIBIT for Christmas in the Country ends today, with wreaths and other art for sale. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply.

WALK INTO THE PAST this Tuesday, Jan. 6 and again on Jan. 20 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., beginning at Kīlauea Visitor Center and entering the Whitney Vault in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life every other Tuesday.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK offers Updates on Kilauea’s Two Eruptions, at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick talks about Halema‘uma‘u lava lake and presents a brief overview on the first 30 years of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō’s eruption and the lava flow that has advanced toward Pāhoa over the past six months.  Free; park entrance fees apply.

TROJAN BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYERS travel to Kealakehe with coach Daryl Shibuya for a 6 p.m. game this Tuesday.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets Thursday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church. Public invited. Contact richmorrow@alohabroadband.net

A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING will be held Thursday, Jan 8 at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. The gathering is for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes, 929-9953.

JOHN DAWSON'S Over & Under will be unveiled on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The tag line for the show is More of His Nature - Fresh observations of the park through Dawson paintings. Show closes Feb. 15.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015

Humpback whales are living along the Ka`u Coast for winter. A whale count is set for Jan. 31.
Photo from NOAA

WARM WINDS FROM THE SOUTHWEST and west whipped through Ka`u last night, damaging some roofs and downing branches and trees, while causing local power outages. The unusually strong gusts with periods of silence between them were predicted to reach more than 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a high wind warning through noon today, with the expectation of constant winds 40 mph and higher. “The strongest winds are likely to occur along exposed coastal areas and where winds accelerate downslope from higher terrain. Strong winds will also be present in scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms,” the weather service warned. The weather service attributed the strong winds to a cold front moving across the Big Island. The winds also whipped up waves that are crashing along the coastline, making swimming and launching boats very dangerous.
     At dawn, Ka`u Coffee farmers and macadamia orchard growers were out assessing damage from the windstorm.
     Overnight Hwy 19 was blocked by fallen trees near Glenwood near the 19 mile marker. While Ka`u was spared from most of the heavy rain from the storm, much of the island experienced downpours and thunderstorms.
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The Coast Guard, NOAA and DLNR coordinate enforcement of
whale protection laws, with help from the public.
Photo from NOAA

WHALE SEASON IS BACK IN FULL FIPPER with numerous humpback sightings reported at Punalu`u, Honu`apo and Ka Lae. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has set dates to count the whales along the shoreline for Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28. Both site leaders and general volunteers are needed for the Ka`u Coast.
      This year, 2015, marks the 20th anniversary of the whale count. The sanctuary is raising money for the project by selling Keep Calm and Count the Whales short-sleeve and long-sleeve tees and hooded sweatshirts. To register to volunteer for the whale count, see more at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
     The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Sactuary was created by Congress in 1992. According to its website, “the sanctuary, which lies within the shaller (less than 600 feet deep) waters of the main Hawaiian Islands, constitutes one of the world’s most important humpback whale habitats.
     “Through education, outreach, research and resource protection activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i.” Federal law protects them from harassment and probhibits approaching humbacks by any means to within 100 yards in the water and 1,000 feet via aircraft. Enforcement is coordinated by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard and state Department of Land & Natural Resources. Anyone seeing a boat, helicopter or persons harassing whales can make a report to 800-256-9840.
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NOVEMBER WAS A STRONG MONTH FOR TOURISM, according to the Hawai`i Tourism Authority. The tourism count was up in November for the Big Island. The count increased 4.8 percent over last November and tourists spent an extra 6.8 percent. The number of visitors coming here reached 106,800 and they shelled out $141.7 million in just the one month.
     According to HTA, the number of visitors arriving to Hawai`i County during the first 11 months of 2014 topped 1.3 million. Their spending increased by 5.4 percent - unloading $1.7 billion into Hawai`i Island businesses through November, with an average daily expenditure per visitor of $174.
     Airline capacity to the island has increased, providing more seats to get here, particularly to the Kona airport. Through November, there were 619,789 seats available to the west side of the Island. There were 42,000 to Hilo Airport.
     The Japanese tourist count was up 3 percent for November of 2014 over 2013, reported Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

The Kahuku section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is open every Saturday
and Sunday with no entrance fees. Photo from NPS

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EVENTS AT KAHUKU IN KA`U have been announced by Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park for January through March.  The Kahuku unit of the park is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday and all events are free. Those who travel through the entrance on the mauka side of Hwy 11 between Ocean View and South Point Road near mile marker 70.5 can explore on their own, or join these upcoming programs:
     ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is offered Jan. 10, Feb. 15, and March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
     Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, and March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
     People & Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Jan. 17 and Feb. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

     Hi‘iaka & Pele. Discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pele and Hi‘iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors will experience the sisters coming alive through the epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi‘iaka and Pele program is offered Jan. 18, Feb. 21, March 21, and March 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    Pu‘u o Lokuana is a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u o Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike is offered Jan. 31 and March 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

    Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all activities at Kahuku.

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KONAWAENA COMES TO KA`U HIGH today for boy's soccer, travel permitting. Coach for the Ka`u Trojans is Crystal Mandaquit. Start time is 3 p.m.

Ka`u High's girls basketball team hosts Kealakehe this evening at the Pahala gym.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HIGH HOSTS KEALAKEHE this evening in girls basketball with coach Cy Lopez this evening at the gym in Pahala. Start time is 6 p.m. The next game is Wednesday when the Trojan wahine travel to Kohala. Next Saturday, Hilo High comes to Ka`u.

KA`U HIGH'S WRESTLING TEAM was scheduled to travel to Kamehameha School today for tournament play starting at 10 a.m.

AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS continues tonight at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow with a 2:30 p.m. final performance at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  For tickets, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS HOST A POTLUCK PICNIC tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 4 at Manukā Park just west of Ocean View. All American Radio Emergency Service members and those seeking to operate a Ham radio and families are invited. Ham radio operators coordinate with the county civil defense and medical providers for disaster preparedness. For more information, call Dennis Smith, 989-3028

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S EXHIBIT for Christmas in the Country wraps up tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 4 with wreaths and other art for sale. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply.

WALK INTO THE PAST  this Tuesday, Jan. 6 and again on Jan. 20 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., beginning at Kīlauea Visitor Center and entering the Whitney Vault in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life every other Tuesday.

Lava fingers headed toward Pahoha. Photo from USGS

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK offers Updates on Kilauea’s Two Eruptions, at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick talks about Halema‘uma‘u lava lake and presents a brief overview on the first 30 years of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō’s eruption and the  lava flow that has advanced toward Pāhoa over the past six months. The 32nd anniversary of the beginning of the eruption is today. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TROJAN BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYERS travel to Kealakehe with coach Daryl Shibuya for a 6 p.m. game next Tuesday.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets Thursday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church. Public invited. Contact richmorrow@alohabroadband.net

A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING will be held Thursday, Jan 8 at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. The gathering is for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes, 929-9953.

JOHN DAWSON'S EXHIBIT, entitled Over & Under, will be unveiled on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The tag line is More of His Nature. On display will be fresh observations of the park through the Dawson paintings. The show closes Feb. 15.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 2, 2015

Punalu`u Beach tidepools and shoreline are the site of the annual Keiki Fishing Tournament that draws nearly a thousand people
 each January. Photo by Nalani Parlin

O KA`U KAKOU IS STARTING 2015 with a big mahalo or all whose who volunteered during 2014 and looking ahead to many projects, said Pres. Wayne Kawachi.
      The first endeavor for the New Year is the ‘O Kaʻū Kākou Keiki Fishing Tournament, the largest shoreline annual event in Ka`u, that sometimes brings around 1,000 people to Punalu`u Beach. This year it takes place on Saturday, Jan. 24. The Keiki Fishing Tournament draws families for a day of friendly competition, with every keiki participants up to 14 years of age receiving a prize. The fish and release competition also includes marine education. Participants are urged to pre-register and forms are available from members and at area businesses.

Joe Buyuan caught the most fish in the 2014 Keiki Fishing
Tournament. He also won in 2013, taking over the legacy of his
brother Jamal, who won many times. Photo by June Domondon

     This event is the start of a slew of projects that OKK, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community service organization, plans for the improvement and wellbeing of Kaʻū and its residents, Kawachi noted. Reflecting on 2014, Kawachi said, “It has been a rewarding year for OKK and definitely took help from the community and others for our success. We would like to thank all who helped.”
    Some of those projects included the first annual Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run, which debuted on September 20, drawing competitors from around the world to a half-marathon and shorter races on trails above Ka`u Coffee Mill, followed by entertainment, crafts and food booths and games for everyone.
     Kawachi mentioned OKK’s help with the annual Fourth of July parade down Hwy 11 in Na`alehu and Family Day at Nāʻālehu Park.
     OKK improved and continues to maintain seven cemeteries and provides public toilets at South Point and Punaluʻu. A new project included collaborating with the Edmund C. Olson Trust II, Kaʻū Andrade Contracting, Inc. and members of the Nāʻālehu Catholic Church to erect a stone wall fronting the church property.
     In addition to giving scholarships for individual students and monetary donations to community groups, from athletic teams to other non-profits, OKK provides manpower to numerous community events, including the Ka`u Coffee Festival, Ka`u Coffee Pageant and Ka`u Plantation Days.
     In December, OKK assisted Hana Hou Restaurant in serving the community a free dinner and celebration at the annual Keiki Christmas Party.

Hezekiah Baji, Aleavah Abellera and Janslae Badua won Largest

 Aholehole division in last year's Keiki Fishing Tournament,
sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou. Photo by Nalani Parlin

     OKK members can be seen all over Ka`u lending a hand from highway and Punaluʻu pond cleanups to assisting seniors with home repairs and installing guard rails . OKK Senior Bingo events continue to be a hit, and OKK members have expanded their support to individual seniors including yard work and roofing projects.
      “Senior projects were plentiful throughout the year,” said Kawachi. One story involved the Rev. Lona Lyons, of Ocean View, who broke her ankle in three places, and was trapped in her house due to the steepness and difficulty of the path from the street to her house. Lyons said she had to be carried from her house to the car for doctor appointments. OKK helped Lyons redeem her independence by creating a new path on which she could easily use her walker right to her front door. “Yes, there were tears of joy, but more than anything, I was so touched by the generosity and kindness of your organization. In a world where only ʻbad news’ captures the headlines, it is good to be reminded that there are such beautiful souls who give selflessly of their time and energy to help others,” Lyons told OKK members.
    The work of OKK has inspired many people, living in Kaʻū and away, to donate time, money and supplies to support its projects. Anyone wishing to become a member or to donate can contact the organization by emailing info@OKauKakou.org, visiting www.okaukakou.org, or writing to P.O. Box 365, Pahala, HI 96777.
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KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is making a last call to all who want to participate in its annual scholarship drive, which is supported by participation in The Directory, the guide to businesses and community organizations for Ka`u. The Ka`u Chamber gives scholarships with funding raised by advertising sales in The Directory to new higher eduction students from Ka`u and also those who are continuing and have received scholarships from the Chamber in the past.  This year, the cover of the Directory will feature a painting of Green Sands Beach by Suzanne D. Kaliko, which was voted most popular at the annual Chamber art show held at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union. The Chamber also plans to put all of The Directory information on an app to make it more available to visitors and residents. To apply for a scholarship, contact Scholarship Chair Lee McIntosh at 929-9872. To support The Directory with a $35 per year Ka`u Chamber of Commerce membership and advertising, contact Elijah Navarro at 928-6471.
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AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS continues at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KDEN presents the production this Friday through Sunday, Jan. 4. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS POTLUCK PICNIC is this weekend, Sunday, Jan. 4 at Manukā Park just west of Ocean View. All American Radio Emergency Service members and anyone interested in learning how to operate a Ham radio and families are invited to attend. Ham radio operators coordinate with the county and medical providers for disaster preparedness. For more information, call Dennis Smith, 989-3028

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S EXHIBIT for Christmas in the Country wraps up this Sunday, Jan. 4 with wreaths and other art for sale. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply.

THE FIRST WALK INTO THE PAST  in 2015 takes place next Tuesday, Jan. 6 and again on Jan. 20 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., beginning at Kīlauea Visitor Center and entering the Whitney Vault in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life every other Tuesday.

Lava burns through forests above Pahoa. Photo from HAVO

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK next Tuesday features Updates on Kilauea’s Two Eruptions, at 7 p.m. in Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick presents an update on the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, a brief overview on the first 30 years of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō’s eruption and an in-depth account of the current lava flow that has advanced toward Pāhoa over the past six months. Over the New Years holiday the lava heading toward Pahoa moved very slowly with some fronts stalling and other breakouts above them.  Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets next Thursday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church. Public invited. Contact richmorrow@alohabroadband.net

A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING will be held next Thursday, Jan 8 at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. The gathering is for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes, 929-9953.

JOHN DAWSON'S EXHIBIT, entitled Over & Under,  will be unveiled on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The tag line is More of His Nature. On display will be fresh observations of the park through the Dawson paintings. The show closes Feb. 15.

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