Ka`u News Briefs Monday, April 20, 2015

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2014 Amery Silva, with her crown, joins Ka`u Coffee pageant chair Gloria Camba (center) in showing the 2015 candidates Ka`u Coffee orchards. At left are Jennifer Tabios and Maria Miranda. At right are Louise Vivien Santos and Joyce Ibasan. They will make an appearance at the kick-off celebration for ten days of Ka`u Coffee festival this Friday evening at Pahala Plantation House. The pageant is Sunday at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Nalani Parlin

LAST STRETCH FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISING for the Miss Ka`u Coffee program is this week, wrapping up Friday night at Pahala Plantation House with a kick-off celebration for ten days of the Ka`u Coffee Festival. Supporting Miss Ka`u Coffee scholarships with more than $5,900 raised to date are Olson Trust; CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union; Ka`u Royal Coffee & Tea, LLC; Ka`u Coffee Festival Committee; Pacific Quest; Bobby Tucker Family Trust; Ka`u Chamber of Commerce; Francisco Lobos, of Bio Eco Hawai`i; Punalu`u Bake Shop; Ka`u Specialty Coffee; Sen. Russell Ruderman; Sen. Josh Green; Rep. Richard Creagan; Rep. Richard Onishi; County Council member Maile David and Damian Eatinger. To donate, call Elijah Navarro at 928-6471.
     The kick-off event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates Joyce Anne Ibasan, Maria Miranda, Louise Vivien Santos and Jennifer Tabios will make an appearance. Jazz great Jr. Volcano Choy and Keoki Kahumoku and friends will provide entertainment. Reigning Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will dance hula. Refreshments will be provided. For more on the Ka`u Coffee Festival, see www.kaucoffeefest.com.

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

Speak-out at Pahala Community Center yesterday featured recorders taking ideas
from area residents to consider for incorporation into the Ka`u Community
Development Plan. Photo by Julia Neal

THE PAHALA SPEAK-OUT for the Ka`u Community Development Plan presented community and planner ideas for the future of the village and surrounding conservation and agricultural lands. Proposed general plan amendments would increase the amount of urban land within Pahala village to accommodate places where there has traditionally been or could be urban use in the walkable community. Displays also showed community comments. Some Pahala ideas include encouraging variances to maintain town character, prioritizing rural street standards and historic streetscape on Kamani Street and community-based efforts to retain town character and document local history. 

      Pointing to unique culture, an objective in the draft Ka`u Community Development Plan is to “establish and enforce standards for development and construction that reflect community values of architecture, beauty and distinctiveness.”
      Several comments regarding local planning and agriculture reflected differing views on farm land. One community member said that farmers should be allowed to live on farm land. Another said that housing on farm land could introduce speculation and make land too expensive for real farming, contending that the Pahala model of living in town where there is childcare and facilities with farmers owning homes and going out from the village to farm is already a good model.

      Read the CDP at kaucdp.info and at local libraries and community centers. Comments are accepted by June 1.
      Special sessions will be held on Saturday, May 9 at Na`alehu Community Center. Agriculture is the topic at 9 a.m., with coastal management covered at 1 p.m.

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

Betty Clark walked for babies on Saturday
and is still nearing her fundraising goal.

WALK FOR BABIES drew Betty Clark, of Honu`apo, to Hilo on Saturday to raise money. This was the second time she has participated as an individual walker, not affiliated with a company or group. “As you may be aware, my daughter was born prematurely, weighing in at just 2.2 lbs. (one kilogram), with a birth defect, so there is a special place in my heart for families facing similar circumstances,” Clark said. 

      The March of Dimes has been working for many years to prevent premature births and to support and educate pregnant and new mothers.
      See Clark’s donation page at marchforbabies.org/Kaimiloa to learn more and make a donation to help her reach or exceed her goal of $500.

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

HAWAI`I’S HUMPBACK WHALE POPULATION and nine other distinct populations around the world are no longer endangered, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
      Today, NOAA Fisheries proposed to reclassify humpback whales into 14 distinct population segments under the Endangered Species Act, providing a more tailored conservation approach for U.S. fisheries managers. According to NOAA, protection and restoration efforts over the past 40 years have led to an increase in numbers and growth rates for humpback whales in many areas.
      The humpback whale is currently listed as endangered throughout its range. The proposed rule finds that ten of those 14 populations, including Hawai`i do not warrant ESA listing.
      While commercial whaling severely depleted humpback whale numbers, population rebounds in many areas result in today’s larger numbers, with steady rates of population growth since the United States first listed the animal as endangered in 1970.
      Also under the proposal, two of the other four populations would be listed as endangered, and the remaining two would be listed as threatened. If the proposal is finalized, the humpback whale populations that would no longer be listed under the ESA would remain protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
      “The return of the iconic humpback whale is an ESA success story,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries. “As we learn more about the species – and realize the populations are largely independent of each other – managing them separately allows us to focus protection on the animals that need it the most.”

Hawai`i's humpback whale population is no longer endangered, according to NOAA.
Photo from NOAA

      Approximate locations of proposed humpback whale distinct population segments are: West Indies, Cape Verde Islands/Northwest Africa, Western North Pacific, Hawai`i, Mexico, Central America, Brazil, Gabon/Southwest Africa, Southeast Africa/Madagascar, West Australia, East Australia, Oceania, Southeastern Pacific and Arabian Sea.
      The two populations proposed as threatened – the Central America and the Western North Pacific – at times enter U.S. waters. Two other populations that do not enter U.S. waters – in the Arabian Sea and off Cape Verde Islands/Northwest Africa – would remain listed as endangered.
      NOAA Fisheries is opening up a 90-day public comment period for this proposed rule. During this time, NOAA Fisheries welcomes public comments and any new information to ensure that its final determination is based on the best available scientific and commercial information.
      The public can submit comments, information or data on this document, identified by the code NOAA-NMFS-2015-0035, by email at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= NOAA-NMFS-2015-0035 or mail to Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
      For general information on humpback whales, see: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/humpback-whale.html
      To read the proposal’s Federal Register notice, go to: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2015-09010.pdf.

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

Scott Enright continues as head of state DOA.
Photo from Gov.'s Office

IN A UNANIMOUS DECISION, state senators confirmed Scott Enright as chair of the Department of Agriculture. 

      Enright has served as DOA director since January 2014 and deputy director for the previous two years.
      Enright serves as national chair of the National Association of State Directors of Agriculture and has extensive knowledge of bioenergy fuel stock and broad experience in land use planning and policy as it pertains to agriculture in Hawai`i.
      “We’re impressed with the fact that Mr. Enright enjoys support from every sector of agriculture, from large-scale industries including biotech to small farmers and the organic farming community. This ability to relate to and support all kinds of farmers is exactly what we need in Hawai`i today,” said Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman, chair of the Senate Agriculture committee.
      Enright said, “It’s wonderful to be able to work with Gov. Ige as he moves to make Hawai`i’s diversified agricultural economy and food sustainability a success.”
      The Senate also confirmed Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser as deputy chair of DOA.
      Shimabukuro-Geiser is a third generation descendant from a farming family on Maui. She has both bachelor’s and master’s of science degrees in agriculture and has 30 years of experience in farming.

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

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND SPONSORS Anchialine Pool Restoration Workdays Wednesday and Thursday at Ho`onoua.
      For more information and to sign up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

KA`U COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public plus live entertainment. For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, April 19, 2015

Chinese investors in 1600 acres mauka of Hwy 11 in Na`alehu enjoyed the breeze at Punalu`u and a lu`au where they met local
coffee farmers. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS MET OWNERS of the new Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, LLC  yesterday at a Punalu`u lu`au held by former county councilman and beach house owner Jim Dahlberg. Dahlberg helped broker the 1,600-acre sale to the hui for lands on the mauka side of Na`alehu in the area behind Ace Hardware and extending into the hills and along Hwy 11 on the Wai`ohinu side of the village.

Jim Dahlberg, second from left, with Barry Flanagan to his right,
the HAPA band and Keoki Kahumoku, left, provided a Punalu`u
concert yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

  Project Manager Louis Leong said plans include growing coffee, adding tea and other agriculture and building a coffee mill, tea processing establishment and visitor center along Hwy 11. Today the Chinese investors are touring Ka`u Coffee farms, mill and other agricultural operations in Ka` u, led by their new local representative Tyler Johansen, of Elite Agri Services. Johansen can be reached at 808-938-3230.
    The welcoming party featured famed Hawaiian musician Barry Flanagan and his band HAPA. Sitting in was Keoki Kahumoku, whose uncle Moses Kahumoku played with Flanagan years ago. The music provided a surprise for Punalu`u beachgoers.
    Some members of the investment group said they plan to return for the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a on May 2 and have contributed to the Miss Ka`u Coffee and Ka`u Chamber of Commerce scholarship funds.

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

SIMON RUSSELL, VICE PRESIDENT of Hawai`i Farmers Union United, is a gubernatorial candidate for the state Board of Agriculture.
      “New agricultural technologies, methods and innovations will emerge to give humans an agriculture system that has never been so productive, and Hawai`i can lead the way,” Russell said. “Hawai`i BOA can be an enabler, and I would like to help make it happen. 

      “We must take a good look at what the future will be like for our keiki. They should be able to live in a place that is food secure and resilient with regards to the economy, environment and community.”

Gov. David Ige chose Simon Russell as a member
of the state Board of Agriculture.

      A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 2:45 p.m. For public testimony to be included, the Legislature must receive it by 2:45 p.m. tomorrow. Go to capitol.hawaii.gov and reference GM718.

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

AFTER PASSING BOTH STATE LEGISLATIVE BODIES, Ka`u Sen. Josh Green’s bill requiring health insurance companies to pay for autism treatment goes to a conference committee this week. “As far as health policy goes … this is the most important bill of the year,” Green told Maria Riker, of Civil Beat. He said thousands of children in Hawai`i with autism don’t get treatment.
      Green told Riker that unlike with previous bills regarding insurance coverage for autism, he worked with health insurance providers on the bill. “I don’t want to alienate anyone, I want everyone to work as partners,” Green said. He said most private insurance companies in the state are not opposed to providing coverage.
      In order for coverage to be provided, insurance premiums may increase by $28 per year by 2019, according to Civil Beat.
      SB 791 provides access to state Department of Health and Department of Education services, pharmacy services, psychological care and habilitative and therapeutic services.
      The Legislature accepts public testimony at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

Dan Ahuna

“WHEN WILL DECISION-MAKERS LEARN that this type of political gaming will no longer fly in today’s age of instant information accessibility?” Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Dan Anuha asks in a Civil Beat commentary about the continuing controversy on building the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. “I applaud the young warriors for stepping up. I applaud them for their tenacity and perseverance, and am proud to support their efforts. 

      “This struggle also has another component. Balanced growth and development.
      “This generation has been raised reading and hearing about the adverse environmental impacts of unchecked growth of industry and development. They have a different set of priorities than the past couple generations — mainly, that the bottom-line benefit of such projects shall not be based solely on monetary profit, but that social and cultural margins must also be accounted for.
      “Thus, the emphasis is to focus on sustainable growth and investment in clean projects that minimize environmental and cultural impacts while maximizing social benefit.
      “There is lacking in this current project the social benefit element for Hawai`i. A few hundred temporary construction jobs and less than 150 permanent jobs, none of which are guaranteed to local residents, are not worth the impending uproar that this project will cause. 

      “Let us utilize this opportunity for engagement to re-examine our growth models and find creative ways to invest manpower, as well as finances, into industries that truly benefit our Hawai`i, that respect its people and culture and allows Hawai`i to be a world leader in sustainable growth.
      “Mauna a Wakea is a global spiritual icon that represents mana and pono, not only for kanaka maoli, but for all native indigenous peoples around the world.
      “The largest geological feature on our planet has become the focal point for all peoples to unite.”
      See civilbeat.com.

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

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees today to celebrate National Parks Week. Also, Kilauea Military Camp offers an open house where everyone can utilize any of its facilities and services to experience how KMC supports America’s troops.

Map from Ka`u CDP

KA`U DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN speak-outs continue today. Ka`u residents can view visual displays about the CDP, discuss strategies with people familiar with it and provide feedback at Pahala Community Center until 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center. 

      According to the draft, the preferred settlement pattern in the planning area is based on a CDP Steering Committee-driven analysis of the region’s settlement patterns, build-out capacity relative to population projections, related General Plan policies and alternative future patterns for growth. That preferred pattern is to prioritize infill residential and commercial development in Pahala, Punalu`u, Na`alehu, Discovery Harbour and Ocean View.
      The plan calls for maximizing use of existing and planned infrastructure; limiting development on shorelines to protect ecological resources, archaeological sites, people and facilities from coastal hazards; preserving viable agricultural lands, open space and viewscapes by allowing only agriculture, ranching and related economic infrastructure and rural development in rural lands; preserving historic sites and buildings and encouraging construction of new buildings in character with Ka`u’s architectural distinctiveness and rural sense of place; and managing growth to protect people and facilities from lava hazards.

      Once the existing infill potential is largely met, existing settlements could be expanded in ways that maximize use of existing infrastructure and facilities and that create compact, walkable, mixed-use town/village centers.

Keoki Kahumoku returns to Pahala Plantation House to participate in the first event
of this yea's Ka`u Coffee Festival, the Pa`ina Open House. Photo by Julia Neal

      The plan is available for public review at local libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info.

AN INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBIT OPENS TODAY at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani campus. with seven artists. Opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. with a performance by dancer Shizuno Nasu and Rhiannon. Artists are Susumu Sakaguchi, Kenji Misawa, Ken Charon, Sonja Henrixson, Shingo Honda, Ryosaku Miyasaka and Stephen Freedman. The exhibit runs through May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays, except for today's opening at 5 p.m.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS begin Friday with a Pa`ina Open House Kickoff Celebration at Pahala Plantation House from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy Jr. Volcano Choy jazz and Keoki Kahumoku Hawaiian music and hula by reigning Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva. Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee contenders and donate to the scholarship fund. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Call 928-6471.
      Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public plus live entertainment. To enter the recipe contest, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.
      Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant takes place a week from today at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Tickets are $10. Call Pageant Chair Gloria Camba at 928- 8558.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, April 18, 2015

Cathloic Youth Day came back to Pahala yesterday and today after a decade of other locales around the island. Parish youth from
 throughout Hawai`i county joined in for an overnight stay, community service, celebration, education and praise.
Photo by Julia Neal    

COUNTY CREDIT CARDS are coming under media scrutiny for more than use by the mayor's office. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser requested and received the history of the county credit card used by the head of the the county water department. The newspaper reported this morning that "The manager for Hawai`i County's Department of Water Supply billed the county more than $7,000 for post-meeting lunches with board members over two years, raising concerns that Hawai`i island taxpayers have been picking up the tab to have public issues discussed in private."

Quirino Antonio

     "A department spokes­woman said no official business was discussed during the lunch meetings, which have been held at public expense because the department 'is appreciative of the service and value the Water Board members provide as volunteers with substantial responsibilities,'" the Advertiser story reported.
      The Advertiser story stated that "Quirino Antonio, the Department of Water Supply's manager and chief engineer, regularly used his county-issued purchasing card — or pCard — to buy lunch for the Water Supply Department's nine board members and staff primarily at the Hilo Yacht Club and Kona's Bite Me Fish Market following monthly board meetings. Antonio is also in charge of overseeing the Department of Water Supply's pCard expenditures, according to the State Procurement Office."
     The Advertiser review of pCard receipts from the county Department of Water Supply showed $7,366.03 in expenditures described as "Water Board Meeting," "Water Board Luncheon Meeting in Kona" and "Water Board Luncheon" from January 2013 through January 2015. The newspaper pointed out that "luncheons were not announced to the public, even though the Water Board describes them as meetings."
     According to the Advertiser, the average bill cost the county $294.64 with lunch bills at the Hilo Yacht Club averaging $339.35. The most expensive charge on the county water chief's pCard "was the $921.87 lunch bill at the Hilo Yacht Club following the Department of Water Supply's meeting on Dec. 13, 2013. His pCard records list only eight people who attended the lunch. But Kanani Aton, the department's spokes­woman, who is listed as one of the eight people in attendance, wrote in an email that the lunch honored 'employees of the quarter, retirees, and outgoing board members with a buffet style meal.'
     "Asked to explain the discrepancy, Aton wrote in a subsequent email that a problem with the spreadsheet of Water Supply pCard expenditures cut off other names," reported the Advertiser.
     The story quotes Dan Mollway, former executive director of the state ethics commission, saying such purchases raise concerns over whether Water Supply board members discussed board matters in violation of Hawai`i's sunshine law. Mollway also questioned the propriety of the department head with the pCard monitoring pCard use, particularly since Antonio made most of the expenditures.
     "The rule should be that someone else should oversee it to avoid temptation or overuse," Mollway told the Advertiser.
      The water department spokesperson told the Advertiser that liquor was never purchased and board matters were not discussed at the county funded lunches. She also attempted to justify buying lunches. "Some members have to travel substantial distances, involving hours worth of travel times (to and from) in addition to the board meeting duration," Aton wrote to the newspaper.
     Several news services around the state are asking local government officials for records of pCard use, the interest coming after West Hawai`i Today reported on non-county expenditures by Mayor Billy Kenoi on his pCard, for which he has reimbursed the county. See more at www.staradvertiser.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Earth Matters Farm will be the site of a soils day on May 3 and a talk by Hawai`i Farmers Union United Preisdent Vicne Mina on May 23.
Photo from Earth Matters

KA`U FARMERS UNION UNITED meeting today featured State Rep. Richard Creagan who gave an update on the activity at the 2015 Hawai`i State Legislature. During the meeting held at Gilligan's Cafe in Discovery Harbour, Creagan  said a cottage industry bill, which would allow producers to use their home kitchens instead of a certified kitchens, looks like it will pass. The bill limits the amount of sales that could be received for products made in home kitchens.
     A bill concerning medical marijuana dispensaries may make it easier for Ka`u residents to fill medical marijuana prescriptions. Creagan said this bill too may pass.
    Creagan, who also serves as vice president of Ka`u Farmers Union United, also said that he sees agriculture as a rainbow that includes all the people who produce, from those who just have one fruit tree, to those with backyard home gardens and those with farms and ranches in the full spectrum. He said farmers markets can better integrate agriculture from the smallest to largest producers.
     Ka`u Farmers Union United president Greg Smith mentioned several upcoming events. The Farmers Union will sponsor a booth at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaulea on Saturday, May 2, promoting memberships and locally produced food products. Volunteers can call him to help. On Sunday, May 3 there will be a soils day at Earth Matters farm at South Point and Kamaoa Roads. Topics will include how to create healthy soil and saving seeds. On Saturday, May 23, Earth Matters hosts a potluck at 11 a.m. following a meeting at 10 a.m. when Vince Mina, the statewide Farmers Union United president will speak. Call 939-7510.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN SPEAK-OUTS continue Sunday in Pahala and Discovery Harbour. Ka`u residents can view visual displays about the CDP, discuss strategies with people familiar with it and provide feedback at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.

Hawaiian cultural practitioners have been staging gatherings on Mauna Kea in
 the face of approved construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Photo from Protect Mauna Kea

CONSTRUCTION ON THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE on top of Mauna Kea will be delayed further, according to a statement from Gov. David Ige this morning. He said that "leadership informed me that constructin will continue to be postponed." He also stated that it is his understanding that sponsors of "TMT followed an almost seven-year planning and permitting process, which included public hearings and community input. Following this process, project permits were issued. The TMT team is legally entitled to use its discretion to proceed with construction." The governor said, "I understand that not everyone will agree with this and recognize and respect their right to appeal through the court system.
     "We have used this time to listen and learn about Maunakea from various stakeholders. I learned about other issues that need our attention to create and implement a better plan for the stewardship of Maunakea. This may include: Decommissioning and removing older telescopes and facilities to restore the summit; reducing the level of activity on the summit; and integrating culture and science."
     Ige said that his administration will work with University of Hawai‘i, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the community "to actively pursue these outcomes."

     The delay came after protesters set up camp on Mauna Kea and attempted to block construction vehicles, with some arrests made. Protesters contend that the mountain is sacred and being desecrated by continued development of astronomy facilities.  To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PARK WEEK, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees through Sunday, and Kilauea Military Camp offers an open house where everyone can utilize any of its facilities and services to experience how KMC supports America’s troops.

AN INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBIT OPENS TOMORROW at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani campus. with seven artists. Opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. with a performance by dancer Shizuno Nasu and Rhiannon. Artists are Susumu Sakaguchi, Kenji Misawa, Ken Charon, Sonja Henrixson, Shingo Honda, Ryosaku Miyasaka and Stephen Freedman. The exhibit runs through May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Banners from parishes around the island were displayed at
Catholic Youth Day in Pahala. 

CATHOLIC YOUTH DAY came to Pahala yesterday and today with teen boys and girls offering community service, and experiencing education, organization and celebration. The events were held at Holy Rosary Church and Pahala Plantation House with accommodations at Pahala Plantation Cottages and the Old Pahala Clubhouse. The youth groups marched though the village with banners and slogans like Don't Be Afraid. They visited long term residents of Ka`u Hospital and the medical staff.  Parishes included St. Theresa, St. Joseph, Holy Rosary, Immaculate Heart and others.

   Representatives of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry came from Honolulu with their vision to help young people by "encouraging full, active, and responsible participation in the life and mission of the Church." OYYAM provides leaership training and community building skills, education and retreats and opportunities to participate in World Youth Day.

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