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Thursday, January 08, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park rangers offer tips for a positive and memorable visit to the park in the New Year.
Photo by Peter Anderson
HAWAI`I FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT a collection of unwanted, illegal and/or damaged fireworks from anyone wishing to turn them in for proper disposal. Members of the public will be able to drop off their unwanted fireworks islandwide on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Those wishing to participate can contact HFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 by Monday, Jan. 26 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get more information regarding drop off locations and drop-off times.
Aerial luminary devices, illegal in Hawai`i,
can be given to the Fire Department for
disposal. Photo from wikipedia
      These fireworks are dangerous, and utmost care must be taken to keep them away from any spark or open flame. Fireworks may be soaked in water overnight and dried prior to transporting them to one of the drop-off locations. Acceptable items include all types of fireworks, fountains, sparklers, firecrackers, cakes, rockets, etc.
      Aerial luminary devices are also accepted. The state of Hawai`i deemed it illegal to buy, sell, use, possess, ignite or cause to ignite any such aerial luminary device. An aerial luminary device is defined as any homemade or manufactured device that has an open flame and which can be sent airborne or adrift, leaving the height and distance it travels to be determined by existing atmospheric conditions. These devices can start brushfires as well as entangle in electrical lines, and they have the ability to hit an aircraft if they drift near airports or in the vicinity of aircraft. Common brands found here are Sky Lanterns and Hawai`i Lanterns.
      No other hazardous materials or explosive products will be accepted.
      Hawai`i Fire Department would like to thank the community for its continued support in helping make the island as safe as possible.
      For more information, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, with Hawai`i Island headquarters in Ka`u, is one of several organizations offering presentations during an informational briefing at the state Legislature next week. The Senate Energy And Environment Committee and House Energy and Environment Protection Committee have scheduled the briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. to get an update on invasive species threats to Hawai`i. The committees will hear from state departments and organizations tasked with implementing programs for prevention, control, research and outreach related to invasive species issues.
The Nature Conservancy, which helps Ka`u residents battle little fire ants, meets
with the state Legislature regarding invasive species next week.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture
      The Department of Agriculture will be bringing deceased specimens of invasive species including the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fires ant, coffee berry borer, coqui frog, brown tree snake, stinging nettle caterpillar and Madagascar hissing cockroach.
      “Invasive species threaten our quality of life, native species, the health of our agricultural industries and the economy as a whole,” said Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of ENE. “Whether it’s little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles, coqui frogs or albizia, all our communities are being negatively impacted. Eliminating the spread of invasive species continues to be a top priority for lawmakers. We’ll be looking at a variety of legislation this session to continue the fight against invasive species.”
      Rep. Chris Lee, chair of the EEP Committee, added, “The spread of invasive species is an environmental and economic issue. In recent months, we’ve seen the coffee berry borer make its way from Hawai`i Island to O`ahu and possibly now Maui. This briefing will help inform lawmakers on current threats, what preventive and offensive measures are in place and what more can be done.” 
      More presenters are Hawai`i Invasive Species Council, Department of Agriculture – Plant Quarantine Branch and Plant Pest Control Branch, Invasive Species Committees, Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and Wildlife Watershed Partnerships and Division of Aquatic Resources.
      The briefing is not scheduled for live broadcast on Hawai`i Island but will be available later at capitol.hawaii.gov. Select Senate Webstreaming or House Webstreaming.
      More information on the briefing can be found on the hearing notice: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2015/hearingnotices/HEARING_ENE-EEP_01-13-15_INFO_.HTM.
      Ka`u residents can contact the Legislature’s Public Access Room with questions at par@capitol.hawaii.gov or toll-free at 974-4000 ext. 7-0478.
      More information about the upcoming Legislative session is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and House Speaker John Boehner on opening day
of the 114th Congress. Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard
ON OPENING DAY OF THE 114TH CONGRESS Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard assisted in advancing two pieces of legislation. The Hiring More Heroes Act, which encourages businesses to hire veterans, passed unanimously by a vote of 412-0. She also introduced the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act, which she co-sponsored to support housing opportunities for Native Hawaiians. 
      “As we begin the 114th Congress, passage of this bipartisan Hire More Heroes Act, which focuses on empowering and employing our veterans, is the perfect tone to bring in the New Year,” said Gabbard, a Captain in Hawai`i Army National Guard. “This legislation will help decrease the number of unemployed veterans and support our small-business owners as they work hard to grow our economy. I was honored to immediately offer my support and co-sponsor the bill because of the important constituency that it serves — those who willingly serve and sacrifice for our nation.”
      NAHASDA seeks to empower Native communities by assisting low-income families with affordable housing. Similar legislation was introduced last year that omitted Native Hawaiian benefits, but the Gabbard-sponsored bill that was introduced today includes key provisions to ensure that Hawai`i’s native people are not forgotten. Once passed, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands will be able to continue using NAHASDA funds to manage a trust established by Congress to support Native Hawaiians through homesteading.
       “Over 1,400 low-income families in Hawai`i have benefited from these services, and, in many cases, homeownership would not have been possible given the $640,000 median price of a single-family home on the island of O`ahu,” Gabbard said. “Nationwide, passage of this legislation would represent an important step toward removing roadblocks to economic success in Native communities and reaffirm the House’s long-standing commitment to tribal sovereignty and self-determination.”

A crowd gathers around Ranger Dean Gallagher to hear his "Life on the Edge"
talk at Jaggar Museum's observation deck overlooking Halema`uma`u.
NPS Photo by Janice Wei
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK rangers offer tips for a positive and memorable time in the national park. 
      Plan to arrive early and explore Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) before 10 a.m. Not only is parking available, but the lava tube is virtually empty of people. As a bonus, birdwatching at Nahuku is best in the early morning.
      The four-mile Kilauea Iki Trail is one of the most scenic and popular trails in the park. Plan to hit the trail by 8 a.m. and be out by 10:30 a.m. to avoid crowds.
      Historic and scenic Chain of Craters Road originates at the summit of Kilauea and stretches 19 miles to Holei Sea Arch. Many overlooks, pullouts, and lesser-known hikes (Mauna Ulu, Pu`uloa Petroglyphs) abound, and it’s an ideal way to avoid the crowds and see more of what the park offers.
      The best time to observe the glow from Halema`uma`u is before sunrise or after 9 p.m., when most visitors have left. The park is open 24 hours a day.
      Jaggar Museum is the closest visitors can get to the summit eruption’s glowing lava lake, and it’s the park’s most popular spot after 5:30 p.m. More than 6,670 people were counted at Jaggar Museum one night in late December. If avoiding peak hours is not possible, work with park staff who are re-routing overflow traffic to Kilauea Overlook. Bring a flashlight and a jacket for the short walk to Jaggar Museum, or consider observing the glow from a less-crowded location, like Keanakako`i, `Akanikolea (Steam Vents), or Kilauea Iki Overlook.
      Mauna Loa Road is well worth exploring during peak hours, especially in good weather. Kipukapuaulu offers an easy, forested hike, and views and birdwatching are excellent along the way to the Mauna Loa Overlook at 6,662 feet.
Yellow `ohi`a lehua Photo by David Boyle
      Visit Kahuku, which is free, never crowded, and open to the public every Saturday and Sunday.
      “With a little planning and preparation, it’s easy for visitors to avoid the crowds and have a safe and memorable park visit,” said Acting Superintendent Rhonda Loh.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

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 during a free program Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 985-6011

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Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015


A tangle of downed power lines and tree limbs prompted caution tape to be placed in front of Wood Valley Temple until HELCO crews could repair lines going into the valley, where many residents spend several days and nights without electricity. Photo by Julia Neal
ELECTRIC COMPANY CREWS WORKED through the night to restore service to customers affected by a storm system that passed through the islands last Friday and Saturday. As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Hawai`i Electric Light Co. reported 120 customers remained without power primary in Wood Valley and Hamakua.
Miguel Schwab drives his equipment to fix a water line after last weekend's storm
in Wood Valley. Photo by Julia Neal
      About 46,000 customers were without power at one time or another during the storm, according to HELCO. When the storm passed through Hawai`i Island, the company received about 6,700 outage calls over a two-day period. The company normally receives an average of 50 calls daily. Some employees from around the island were reassigned to help answer phones, manage outage reports and follow up with customers.
      “Hawaii Electric Light employees are committed to safely restoring service as quickly as possible,” said spokesperson Rhea Lee. “We live here, we work here, and we raise our families here. We understand the responsibility we have to our community, and we will do our best to serve our customers.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WITH THE APPROACH 2015’s state Legislative Session opening on Wednesday, Jan. 21, the Legislature’s Public Access Room has information to share.
Albizia, eucalyptus silver oak and a few cedar were the
majority of trees that fell in Wood Valley. Native koa
and `ohi`a stood strong. Photo by Julia Neal
      The Senate Ways and Means and House Finance Committees have scheduled informational briefings over the next few weeks to explore the Executive departments’ budget requests. Most of them will be scheduled for broadcast. Meeting notices for the briefings appear under Current Hearings in the central column of the Legislature’s home page at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      For video information, use the Broadcasts link. Then select Capitol TV Broadcasts for the schedule of upcoming broadcasts.
      Select Senate Webstreaming or House Webstreaming to watch previously televised events. Contact the Public Access Room with any questions.
      Applications and instructions for 2015 Grant-in-Aid requests have been posted. A link currently appears under Recent Updates on the Legislature’s home page or by clicking on the Legislative Information bar.
      Ka`u residents can contact PAR with questions relating to the Legislature at par@capitol.hawaii.gov or toll-free at 974-4000 ext. 7-0478.
      More information about the upcoming Legislative session is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Piles of tree trunks fill the front yard of Wood Valley Temple. Photo by Julia Neal
USDA HAS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES for small businesses and farmers/ranchers for energy efficiency and renewable energy. 
      The Rural Energy for America Program has two funding deadlines for Fiscal Year 2015. For applicants requesting $20,000 or less who wish to have their applications compete in the Grants of $20,000 or less set aside, complete applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on April 30. For applicants requesting grant funds over $20,000 (unrestricted), complete applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 30 or 4:30 p.m. on June 30, 2015.
      For guaranteed loan only projects, applications will be reviewed and processed when received with monthly competitions on the first business day of each month for those applications ready to be funded.  
      Eligible entities are agricultural producers directly engaged in the production of agricultural products that obtain at least 50 percent or of their gross income from their agriculture business, or a rural small business. SBA small size standards can be found at http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table(1).pdf. Also, the business headquarters must be in a rural area.
Shallowly rooted eucalyptus, albizia and silver oak toppled along
Wood Valley roads, taking out electric lines. Photo by Julia Neal
      Nonprofit organizations and public entities are not eligible.
      For proposed projects to be eligible, they must:
  • Be for the purchase of a renewable energy system or to make energy efficiency improvements; 
  • Be for a pre-commercial or commercially available and replicable technology (no Research and Development, demonstration or pre-demonstration projects); 
  • Have technical merit; and 
  • Be located in a rural area. 
      Applicants must be owners of the projects (no leasing of systems).
      Technologies that are eligible for funding include biomass, anaerobic digester, geothermal – electric generation, geothermal – direct use, hydrogen, small and large wind, small and large solar, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and thermal), hydroelectric and energy efficiency improvements.
      See more at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei_Eligibility. East Hawai`i residents may contact Lori Nekoba at 933-8312 or lori.nekoba@hi.usda.gov, and West Hawai`i residents may contact Denise Oda at 933-8323 or denise.oda@hi.usda.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sunset did not keep HELCO crews from
continuing to work on downed lines in
Wood Valley. Photo by Julia Neal
HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS ARE APPLAUDING President Barack Obama’s intention to nominate former Bank of Hawai`i Chief Executive Officer Allan R. Landon to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 
      “The Federal Reserve is responsible for regulating nearly every aspect of our banking industry, and it is critical that its members reflect the diversity in the industry,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “I am thrilled that President Obama has nominated … Mr. Landon to serve on the Federal Reserve Board. Drawing on his experience at Bank of Hawai`i, Mr. Landon will bring an essential community banking perspective to the Board. This perspective will be very important for states like Hawai`i that depend on a vibrant sector of community banks to serve their banking needs.”


      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “Our nation’s economic policy should be focused on growing strong local economies that support local businesses, middle class families and vibrant communities. Allan Landon’s experience as a community banker and his record of service in the community make him a solid choice to serve on the Federal Reserve Board. His leadership at Bank of Hawai`i came at a time when our country went through the financial crisis, and he ensured the bank remained secure and sound. Allan Landon’s nomination demonstrates President Obama’s continued focus on strengthening the middle class.”
      In April 2014, Hirono joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging Obama to nominate someone with community banking experience to the Federal Reserve Board. She has also supported legislative efforts to ensure that one seat on the Federal Reserve Board be held by someone with community banking experience.
HELCO crews worked through last night to restore power
to Wood Valley residents. Photo by Julia Neal
      Landon served as Chairman and CEO of Bank of Hawai`i from 2004 to 2010. He also served on University of Hawai`i’s Board of Regents from 2005 through 2009 and was board chair from 2007 to 2009. After retiring in 2010, he served as a lecturer at UH-Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law.
      The Federal Reserve Board of Governors oversees the Federal Reserve System, which is made up of 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks. Hawai`i is served by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The Board is made up of seven governors who are nominated by the President and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Governors are confirmed to 14-year terms of service.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ALOHA KIDNEY OFFERS FREE KIDNEY CLASSES online to Ka`u residents through Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. and University of Hawai`i TASI Scopia Desktop. The goal is for chronic kidney disease patients to understand the condition and allow them to work better with doctors, family and friends. Participants learn what their kidneys do, what happens if they fail and how they affect health of the heart, brain and circulation and immune systems.
      Contact Heanu at KRHCAI at 928-0101 if interested in signing up.

A volunteer participates in Stewardship at the Summit, continuing in 2015.
Photo from NPS
KA`U RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO RESOLVE to protect the Hawaiian ecosystem from invasive, non-native plant species by volunteering for continuing Stewardship at the Summit programs in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 
      Programs begin at 9 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. Scheduled dates are Jan. 9, 15, 24 and 31; Feb. 7, 11, 20 and 28; and March 6, 14, 21 and 27.
      Participants meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate. Park entrance fees apply.
      Volunteers spent more than 2,000 hours restoring more than 15 acres of native rainforest within the national park last year. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, strawberry guava and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory have been removed. In their place, once-shaded `ama`u and hapu`u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa`iniu, kawa`u and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.

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Tuesday, January 06, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015

Kona winds on Jan. 3 created spectacular geysers at South Point blowhole. Areas of Ka`u are still recovering from the storm.
Photo by Peter Anderson
VOLCANO, WOOD VALLEY AND DISCOVERY HARBOUR are on the list of places Hawaiian Electric Light Co. will be working at to restore power to about 360 customers still without power following recent severe weather conditions.
      HELCO encourages residents to treat downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Do not handle or move any fallen or damaged utility equipment. If someone is injured by a downed power line, do not approach them. Call 9-1-1 for assistance.
      Customers who remain with power and have not reported it are asked to call 969-6666. Due to the high call volume, customers may experience a longer wait time before speaking with a representative.
      According to HELCO, during storms, strong winds can blow tree branches and other debris into power lines and cause short circuits. Lightning also can strike near power lines and cause short circuits. This can create very high currents, and the power lines must be turned off very quickly to prevent damage or further disruption to the rest of the power system.
      HELCO uses automatic sensing devices to detect these short circuits and turn off power to lines in a fraction of a second; this is when customers see a power interruption. In many cases, once the power is turned off, the line can be turned back on because the tree branch that caused the short circuit clears the line or the lightning strike dissipates. The automatic devices wait a few seconds and then turn on the power to the line; this is when customers see their power restored after a short time. Customers can experience multiple brief power interruptions during a storm because of frequent lightning strikes or trees and debris being blown into lines.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS ANNOUNCED more new directors. Elizabeth Kim will serve as director for the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and Cindy McMillan as director of Communications. 
      Kim currently serves in President Obama’s Administration as Director of the Office of the Executive Secretariat at the U.S. Department of Labor. She is a member of the senior leadership team advising the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Labor. Prior to that she served as the White House Liaison for the Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Defense and as Administrator of the Business and Professional Licensing Administration at District of Columbia’s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
      “Elizabeth brings executive management experience in federal, state and local level policy formation,” Ige said. “She is a proven leader that has demonstrated success in managing a large staff as well as implementing major programs and initiatives at a high level. Elizabeth’s wealth of knowledge, national experience and leadership equips her to lead the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.”
      Kim earned a BA degree from Pomona College and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Arizona College of Law. A graduate of Kaiser High School, Kim was also President of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Greater Washington, D.C. and Chair of the D.C. Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs.
      Cindy McMillan has most recently led advocacy and communication efforts for Pacific Resource Partnership. Prior to this, she was executive vice president at Communications Pacific, where she led the firm’s community relations and public affairs team, which assisted a wide range of clients. McMillan’s previous experience also includes serving as a legislative aide to members of Honolulu City Council, where she helped develop legislative strategies and worked closely with city and state agencies, neighborhood boards, the Legislature, the media and constituents.
      “Cindy brings superior organizational skills along with a wealth of experience in strategic communication planning and implementation,” Ige said. “Her experience in the public and private sector along with her demonstrated commitment to our community make her a valuable asset to our team.”
      McMillan moved to Hawai`i in 1996 from Washington, D.C., where she was assistant director of the Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies. She holds a master’s degree in English from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in English from Columbia Union College.
      “I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Gov. Ige to ensure that his priorities are communicated accurately and the public is informed about the administration’s decisions,” McMillan said.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD HAS RETURNED from a tour of India and is now in Washington, D.C., where the 114th Congress begins today. Her trip was prompted by a personal invitation from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the U.S. last September.
      During nearly three weeks of meetings with India’s top government, military and business leaders, Gabbard sought to “introduce the people of India to Hawai`i — to share with them the aloha spirit and plant seeds for closer cultural and economic ties between the people of India and Hawai`i.
      “I feel this trip was a great success,” said Gabbard. “I went to India hoping to introduce and familiarize people with Hawai`i and to help warm the relationship between our two countries. I think we accomplished both goals, and I am optimistic that there will be increased collaboration between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy.”
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Photo from Office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
      Visiting five major cities, Gabbard was received by several high-level Indian officials and the country’s most respected and progressive leaders. Gabbard met again with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further explore topics of mutual interest to America and India, focusing on enhanced cooperation in the fight against Islamic terrorism, working together to protect the environment and maximizing economic opportunities between the two countries. Gabbard met separately with India’s Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley, Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs (Secretary of State) Srimati Sushma Swaraj to discuss challenges facing the international community.
      She also met with General Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Indian Army. Gabbard, a captain in Hawai`i Army National Guard, discussed with Singh the need for the U.S. and India to increase collaboration in the fight against terrorists and the importance of partner-building, military-to-military engagements between the U.S. Pacific Command and the Indian military.
      Gabbard discussed strengthening tourism and cultural exchange opportunities between the U.S. and India with India’s Minister for Tourism, Mahesh Chandra Sharma.
      Srimati Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, and Gabbard discussed ideas to increase commerce between India and the U.S. and minimize barriers to greater foreign investment. She also met with several prominent figures in India's film industry to encourage increased cross-collaboration between those in the industries in India and Hawai`i.
      Establishing a sister state relationship between Hawai`i and Goa, India’s most popular beach tourism destination, was the topic of conversations with Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Gov. Mridula Sinha. The aim would be to increase economic and cultural exchanges between Goa and Hawai`i, as well as promote tourism.
      Gabbard also toured several sites of spiritual and cultural significance, including the memorial temple of Mahatma Gandhi.
      Gabbard’s tour of India was conducted while Congress was in recess, and no U.S. taxpayer dollars were expended for any portion of the trip.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The first of four After Dark in the Park programs tonight during Volcano Awareness Month focuses on Halema`uma`u's lava lake, at left, and Pu`u O`o's current eruption. Photos from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
THIS EVENING, 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 `O`o’s eruption and the lava flow that has advanced toward Pahoa over the past six months.
Geologist Matt Patrick Photo from USGS/HVO
      After Dark in the Park begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE has cancelled its meeting scheduled for this Thursday, Jan. 8. Next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.

REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE for New Year’s recreation programs in Ka`u.
      At Pahala Community Center, New Year’s Wall Hanging on Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. is open to children in grades kindergarten to eight. Adult Volleyball takes place Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Age Group Basketball on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is for ages 11 to 12 and 13 to 14. Also on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Track & Field Practice for ages six to 14 starts at 3:30 for 1.5 hours.
      To register, call Nona at 928-3102.
      Na`alehu Community Center offers many sports activities Mondays through Thursdays. Registration for T-Ball for ages five and six and Coach Pitch for ages seven and eight is available now for programs at 4 p.m. beginning Jan. 20. Track & Field Practice for ages six to 14 begins Jan. 13 at 3:30 p.m. Instruction for grades three through 12 in tennis begins at 3:30 p.m., and ages 14 and above can learn basketball beginning at 5 p.m.
      Register with Richard at 939-2510.
      Kahuku Park is also now accepting registration for T-Ball for ages five and six on Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. and Coach Pitch for ages seven and eight on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. Track & Field Practice is also available for ages six to 14 Mondays through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
      Call Teresa at 929-9113.

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