Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016

A workshop Saturday focuses on edible landscaping. See more below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

A STATE INVESTMENT PROGRAM has successfully jumpstarted Hawai`i’s business startup environment. According to a new report by the Economic Research Organization at University of Hawai`i, the HI Growth Initiative is creating jobs and leveraging state dollars to encourage private investment. Hawai`i Strategic Development Corporation, an agency of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, runs the state equity investment program created to promote Hawai`i’s innovation sector and mobilize private capital for local entrepreneurs running high growth businesses.

      UHERO economists surveyed nearly 50 businesses and found that the HI Growth Initiative is leading to nearly $12 in private investment for each dollar invested by the state. The companies surveyed also reported total in-state expenditures of approximately $10.8 million and generated more than 150 Hawai`i-based jobs.

      “We need to continue to support innovation to create an environment for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed,” DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria said. “The state’s overall growth strategy focuses on investing in infrastructure, attracting capital and developing talent, which will position Hawai`i to become an innovation and knowledge-based economy.”
      From its start four years ago, Hawai`i’s innovation environment today includes six startup accelerators, six Hawai`i-based venture capital funds, gigabit-enabled co-working spaces, business incubators, research commercialization programs and events year-round aimed at developing entrepreneurs.
      Entrepreneurial programs have been launched across multiple platforms: software/tech, film/creative media, clean energy, value-added agriculture and university research. The innovation sector makes up about seven percent of total jobs in Hawai`i, according to a 2014 report from Hawai`i Business Roundtable.
      Launched by HSDC in 2011 with a $13 million grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative, the HI Growth Initiative currently provides $20 million investment capital, which has in turn generated more than $60 million in additional funding.
      The report may be viewed at hsdc.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Evolution_HIGrowth_Initiative.pdf.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mark Glick Photo from DBEDT

HAWAI`I ENERGY OFFICE IS AGAINST the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and Florida-based NextEra Energy, Duane Shimogawa reported in Pacific Business News.

      Administrator Mark Glick told Shimogawa that his office, part of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, expressed many concerns that have not been addressed. “We think they are important,” Glick said. “There needs to be symmetry of timing of benefits that would come to ratepayers, energy consumers and shareholders whose benefits would be upfront and substantial.”
      NextEra spokesman Rob Gould told Shimogawa, “Hawai`i has set aggressive energy goals that are globally unprecedented, and as recent events have shown, achieving them will not be easy. Mr. Glick himself has acknowledged in his testimony before the Public Utilities Commission that NextEra Energy is a clean energy leader with a lot to offer Hawai`i. Moreover, through our 95 commitments, we have made a good faith effort to meet all the reasonable concerns of interested parties, including those of DBEDT and other state agencies.”
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A small earthquake, shown in red, struck
Ka`u this morning. Map from USGS/HVO

AN EARTHQUAKE OCCURRED in the mountains 4.2 miles northwest of Pahala this morning. The magnitude-2.5 micro-quake shook buildings in Pahala at 9:28 a.m. It struck at depth of 24.5 miles, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO denounced Republican plans to keep the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat vacant until after a new president is elected.
      “I am appalled that Republicans have politicized the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and the process to confirm his replacement,” Hirono said. “The fact of the matter is that the Supreme Court cannot go with a vacancy for nearly a year. A number of consequential rulings, covering topics such as marriage equality, health care reform and campaign finance were recently decided 5-4. And this year, the Court is grappling with cases that impact the future of America’s labor unions, our immigration system, women’s reproductive rights and more is not the time to leave the Court in a position to be gridlocked.
      “The Constitution is clear on what must be done. The President will nominate a qualified candidate, and the Senate must go forward and fulfill our Constitutional duty to advise and consent on the President’s nominee. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that a justice cannot be nominated and confirmed in an election year. The Majority Leader has said time and time again that his goal is to restore regular order in the Senate, which in this case, would mean the swift consideration of a Supreme Court nominee. The Republican vow to block any Supreme Court nominee has once again proven that they are obstructionists and the party of ‘no.’”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
Image from C-Span

IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL Invasive Species Awareness Week, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard spoke on the House Floor today to highlight the harmful impacts of invasive species, including coffee berry borers and macadamia felted coccids that are damaging Ka`u crops. Gabbard encouraged lawmakers to co-sponsor and pass the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act, legislation that she introduced in November 2015 to support long-term and sustainable solutions to fight invasive species. 

      “In my home state of Hawai`i, the coffee berry borer, coconut rhinoceros beetle, macadamia nut felted coccid and others have cost our local economy millions and threaten our unique ecosystem, our agriculture and waterways, as well as our food supply and public health,” Gabbard said. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to combat the more than 4,300 invasive species that are present in Hawai`i and across the country. That’s why I introduced the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act, which would bring local stakeholders together with researchers and other key players in order to find sustainable, cost effective and comprehensive solutions that will better help all of us to manage and prevent the spread of these harmful pests and invasive species.”
      The AIPM Program Act of 2015 maximizes efficient use of resources on AIPM projects when addressing pest management; protects health and safety of humans and the environment through biocontrol applications; ensures AIPM projects are largely influenced by farmers, ranchers and pest management experts most familiar with local needs with the assistance of federal agencies, universities, and private individuals important for specific projects; and ensures ongoing positive AIPM project outcomes by requiring a comprehensive business plan showing how the project will continue once federal funding ends.
      The legislation is endorsed by the Entomological Society of America, National Farmers Union, Hawai`i Farmers Union United and the Weed Science Society of America.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Workshop participants receive a free
copy of Ho`omalu Ka`u's new booklet.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY HALL hosts a Native Dryland Plants Workshop Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ho`omalu Ka`u’s second workshop focuses on propagation techniques and tips on landscaping with native plants.

      Register for the free workshop at 929-8526 or hoomalukau@gmail.com.

POTTERY THROWING IS ON DISPLAY tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Erik Wold and Emily Herb center and throw ceramic vessels on a ceramics wheel.

      The demonstration is in conjunction with Sightlines, the gallery’s current exhibition of works by members of Volcano Village Artists Hui.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES are still available for Saturday’s Ocean Sanctuary Count of humpback whales, but registration closes soon. From 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at various locations, viewers count whale adults and calves and record their behavior. This is the second of three monthly humpback whale counts on last Saturdays through March. 

      See hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING FOR BACKYARDS & Beyond is the topic Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Zach Mermel teaches fundamental techniques. Fees are $40, or $35, for VAC members plus $15 supply fee. Register at 967-8222.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016

Na`alehu Honu fans in green shirts watch teammate Roselita Anni compete at Hawai`i County's age group track meet.
Photo from Bob Martin

KA`U KIDS RAN AND JUMPED their way to success this past Saturday at Hawai`i County Department of Parks & Recreation’s age group track & field meet held at Konawaena. Na`alehu Elementary and Ka`u Middle School took home nearly 40 medals collectively.

Honu Terlynn Hirata races toward the finish
line. Photo from Bob Martin

      Stand-out sixth-grader Kevin Hirata won two first-place medals for Na`alehu Elementary, finishing the 400-meter run in one minute and 12.78 seconds and the 200-meter in 30.37 seconds in the boys age group 11-12. First-place finishers for the Na`alehu Honu in this age group also included triple-jumper Rudolph Lanwi (26’ 7.25”). Lanwi also placed third in the 400-meter run (1:13.13). Gold also went to the girls age group 11-12 relay team of Terlynn Hirata, Rolinda Bunglick, Roselita Anni and Rosiena Joseph, who beat the pack with a time of 1:15.56.
      Ka`u middle-school students, ages 13-14, took home three gold medals. Kauila Acasio jumped to first place in the boys running long jump at a distance of 15’ 10”, while Takios Paul took first in the boys shot put with a throw of 27’ 2”. Lyric Oliveros placed first for girls 13-14 shot put.
      With 50 girls and boys attending the track meet, Na`alehu, coached by Bob Martin, Linda Le and Audrey Meyer, ended up taking home 21 medals for the girls and 10 for the boys. For boys age group 9-10, fifth-grader Derek Lang placed second in the 400-meter run (1:15.71) and third in the standing triple jump (17’). Fellow fifth-grader Nyzea Kainoa also placed third in the 100-meter run. For the girls, sixth-grader Keahi Forcum gained a silver medal in the age group 13-14 triple jump (22’5”).
      Na`alehu relay race medalists also included the following girls teams: Girls 6-8 4x50 third place 51.55 – Sarah Meyer, Wailea Kainoa-Haili-Barawis, Kamalea Davis, Hoku Cohen; Girls 9/10 4x100 Silver 1:18.58 – Naehu DeGuair, Omella Luther, Meola River, Neilynntha Paul; Girls 9/10 4x100 Bronze 1:19.31 – Zaela Malia Kainoa-Haili-Barawis, Arielle Cohen, Madison Okimoto, Candace Keohuloa; and Girls 11/12 4x100 Silver 1:21.80 – Linna Ading, Kaialani Okamura, Amelia Uribe-Bounos, Akela Kuahiwinui.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Studio 4 owner and stylist Elise Russell
with fellow stylist Kathy Mateo and
client Patti Barry. Photo by Nalani Parlin

STUDIO 4, A NEW HAIR AND NAIL SALON, opened its doors in Ocean View Town Center, holding its grand opening party earlier this month. Owner and stylist Elise Russell said, “We need these services here,” which remained her driving reason for opening Studio 4 after the closure of Ocean View’s only longtime operating salon. With a lot of elbow grease and help, Russell cleaned up the large space adjacent to Kahuku Country Market, formerly the location of a thrift store, which revealed a striking black-and-white checkerboard floor under several layers of dirt and grime. “So many people have come in and asked if we put in new floors,” said Russell, “but it was there all along!”

      Russell’s ultimate goal for the salon is to provide an attractive and welcoming environment for clients with a “really good professional team.” Russell works with hair stylist Kathy Matteo, of Ocean View, who has 26 years of experience with hair and color. Matteo previously owned and operated her own salon in Oregon for six years but loves living in Ocean View. “I love the people (here) and making them feel special when they come in,” she said. She said she is enjoying the Studio 4 roomy atmosphere because it is “well decorated and well lit.” Studio 4 has recently added a manicurist to the roster and offers stations for other hair professionals to rent.
      Russell, who also lives in Ocean View, is a seasoned entrepreneur and professional hair stylist and cosmetologist who owned businesses on the mainland. Her credits also include working with celebrities at Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe and the Mauna Lani resort, and most recently at Kama`aina Kuts in Na`alehu.

      Also a reverse glass painter, Russell has a heart for the arts. She hopes to feature a local artist every other month at her salon, with a meet-and-greet session, so that the community can get to know local artists. Along with her goal to make clients feel pampered, Russell has included opportunities for “retail therapy” with quality hair products and hand-selected jewelry, scarves and other items for sale.
      Studio 4 is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 929-9000 to make an appointment.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui

ACTING GOV. SHAN TSUTSUI has extended the emergency declaration proclamation to address homelessness statewide. This is the third extension to the emergency proclamation on homelessness that Gov. David Ige first declared in October 2015.
      Along with continuing to support the state’s work with homelessness, this third supplemental proclamation continues to support efforts to establish temporary and long-term housing in Hawai`i County and other counties, as well as provide all counties relief in their work for repair and maintenance of existing county shelters.
      “I believe it’s important that we continue to provide the support and services to our state, city and county partners to address this pressing issue,” Tsutsui said. “There’s still much work to do to address this crisis, and we must keep the momentum going to help the homeless community.”
      Hawai`i has the highest rate of homelessness per capita in the nation, with an estimated 465 homeless individuals per 100,000.
      “This extension puts an emphasis on the need for long-term housing for the homeless,” said Scott Morishige, the governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. “At the end of the day, we need to put our focus on the need for developing homes for the homeless.”
      This third supplemental proclamation is set to expire in April.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

DOFAW Administrator David Smith Photo from DLNR

DAVID SMITH, A VETERAN STATE wildlife biologist and forestry and wildlife manager with 28 years of experience, has been promoted to Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife Administrator.

      “We are delighted that one of DLNR’s largest divisions has someone so experienced and respected to lead it,” DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said. “Dave has played lead roles in stewardship of state forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, game management area, public hunting areas and offshore-island seabirds sanctuaries.”
      Smith’s experience also includes field work, personnel, budget legislative, partner and community relations management. He has supervised DOFAW activities at Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and has also supervised forestry, wildlife, ecosystems, trails and access teams.
      “Dave’s passion and enthusiasm for DLNR’s mission, combined with his collaborative, problem-solving style, will benefit all of Hawai`i on a broader level,” Case said.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TONIGHT’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK program focuses on the natural resources of Kahuku. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park botanist Sierra McDaniel and wildlife biologist Jon Faford discuss the natural treasures of the Kahuku Unit and the challenges of conserving native species that cling to life here.

      The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

A voluntee removes ginger choking out native plants.
Photo from NPS

COME HELP OUT THE PARK and the `aina by cutting invasive Himalayan ginger on trails in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Stewardship at the Summit takes place tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Work is often in the shade of the forest with sweet sounds of native honeycreepers like `apapane, `amakihi and `oma`o above to serenade volunteers. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended.
      This project is open to the public, and no reservations are required. Stop by Kilauea Visitor Center to get directions and more information. The hike is around a one-mile, moderate roundtrip into Kilauea caldera down Halem`auma`u Trail. The hike involves walking over rough, uneven terrain on a dirt and rock path with up to a 400-foot elevation change.

      Park entrance fees apply.

Participants make kahili tomorrow.
Photo from NPS

NPS RANGERS AND HAWAI`I Pacific Parks Association staff demonstrate the art of making feather kahili tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kahili is a symbol of royalty that is displayed in the presence of ali`i.

      Participants can watch or join in and make their own kahili to take home.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

POTTERY THROWING IS ON DISPLAY Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Erik Wold and Emily Herb center and throw ceramic vessels on a ceramics wheel.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U'S STATE SEN. Russell Ruderman meets with his Ka`u constituents a week from today. Ruderman discusses the current legislative session and Ka`u concerns at Pahala Plantation House on Tuesday, March 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      For more information, call 808-586-6890, or email senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, Feb. 22, 2016

Ka`u High track & field team placed well at Hawai`i County Department of Parks & Recreation's age-group track meet Saturday. See more below. Photo from Coach Angie Miyashiro, at left

HAWAI`I’S MOSQUITO CONTROL has gotten worse rather than better, according to a Civil Beat story. Jessica Terrell reported that government efforts to control the insects that spread dengue fever, Zika and other diseases have been gutted. As of Friday, the total number of confirmed cases of dengue on Hawai`i Island was 259.

Sen. Josh Green

      David Morens, a senior scientific advisor at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Terrell that mosquito control is “the easiest thing for politicians to cut. If there’s no epidemic going on, then (politicians say) ‘Why do we have all these people sitting around doing nothing?’ They cut all the positions, and then sooner or later the epidemic comes back and they say, ‘Why aren’t you doing anything about this?’”

      Terrell said that, because of the government’s cyclical interest in mosquito control, the best chance for success in fighting mosquito-borne illness is to inform the public about how to keep mosquitoes under control.
      “The risk you have as a resident of Hawai`i is not some general thing in your community. It’s right in your own house, and people need to understand that,” Morens said.
      Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green told Johnson, “If we had gone overboard in December, then maybe this (Hawai`i Island dengue fever) outbreak would have stopped at 80 or 100 cases. I think the world is going to have to get used to going overboard on infectious diseases a little bit.” Green has criticized the state’s response to Hawai`i Island’s dengue fever outbreak and called for the state to enlist the National Guard in mosquito eradication.
      Information about mosquito control is available at health.hawaii.gov.
      See civilbeat.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN’S bill regarding growing medical marijuana is advancing at the state Legislature. Senate Bill 2523 calls for medical marijuana licensees to be permitted to grow crops outdoors and in greenhouses and shade houses, as long as the operations aren’t visible from other properties.

      Ruderman’s bill is in response to a statute passed last year that calls for all production centers to be indoors only. Ruderman told Kirsten Johnson, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, that he thinks that is too restrictive. He said evidence shows marijuana plants grow differently under artificial lights, and indoor growing would raise operating costs and lead to higher prices.
      Johnson reported that Ruderman said plants should grow under natural sunlight instead of under artificial lamps. “Plants should be grown in sunlight, especially in the state which has the most,” Ruderman told Johnson.
      The Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health passed the bill on Thursday after amending it to eliminate the allowance for outdoor growing.
      Progress of SB2523 and other bills is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.

      Ruderman will be in Ka`u a week from tomorrow, holding a talk story on Tuesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. to discuss the current legislative session and constituents’ concerns.

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NONPROFIT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOLAR advocacy groups joined together today to protest what they referred to as Hawaiian Electric’s opposition to renewable energy. HECO recently announced that it would not pursue plans for several renewable energy projects, including biomass and geothermal facilities on Hawai`i Island.

Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake

      Earthjustice, Sierra Club, Blue Planet, Hawai`i PV Coalition, the Alliance for Solar Choice and Hawai`i Solar Energy Association joined together to raise concern with the direction of Hawai`i’s largest electrical utilities.
      “HECO claims to support clean energy,” said Marti Townsend, Director of the Sierra Club of Hawai`i. “So why isn’t HECO moving forward with real clean energy projects? How can a state-sponsored public utility flout the will of the people and the Legislature?”
      “HECO is heading in the wrong direction, seemingly under the influence of NextEra,” said Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake. “We need a new kind of utility that puts people and the planet first, rather than profits.”
      “It’s time to change the system,” said Robert Harris, spokesperson for the Alliance for Solar Choice. “We need to look at options, such as putting another entity in charge of running the grid who doesn’t produce or sell power. HECO won’t change its stripes if it’s not in its financial interest to do so.”
      “Ninety-six percent of people in Hawai`i believe we should have more solar power, not less,” said Rick Reed, President of Hawai`i Solar Energy Association. “Anything that’s not meaningfully moving in that direction isn’t respecting what the people want: cheaper and cleaner power.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Donors receive an Own the Power T-shirt.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN SUPPORT Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative through an online fundraiser. HIEC was formed after a Florida-based NextEra Energy announced in late 2014 that it intended to buy Hawaiian Electric Co., of which Hawai`i Electric Light Co. is a subsidiary. “Our board decided that as the deal was being evaluated, all options should be put on the table –including, and especially, an energy cooperative for Hawai‘i Island,” the board said in a statement.

      Before HIEC can ask large investors for additional funding, it needs to raise $50,000 to prove that the community is on-board with a co-op. The money will be used for planning and public outreach. Actual purchase of the utility would be made with traditional financing sources.
      See https://www.crowdrise.com/hawaiiislandenergycoop/fundraiser/HiEnergyCoop.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WITH THE FEDERAL TAX-FILING deadline set for April 18, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono urged Hawai`i families to utilize helpful tax credits, now that these important benefits have been made permanent by Congress. Representatives from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, the AARP Foundation Tax Aide program and Catholic Charities Hawai`i joined Hirono to promote tax benefits and free tax services available to seniors and low-income households.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

      Hirono reminded Hawai`i families to check their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which were made permanent as part of the Senate’s FY2016 omnibus package signed into law in December.
      “As Hawai`i families start preparing their 2015 taxes, we want to make sure that they are taking advantage of every tax credit they’ve earned, which will reduce the amount of taxes eligible families will have to pay, or perhaps even provide a tax refund. This extra cash will allow families to purchase more food, pay rent or meet other basic needs,” Hirono said. “For years, I have supported expanding the EITC and CTC and making these tax benefits permanent. I am proud to have been an original cosponsor of legislation that made this a reality.”
      Individuals who received an Advanced Premium Tax Credit for their health insurance coverage in 2015 are also reminded that they must file a tax return to be eligible for the credit again next year.
      Free tax preparation help is available through the IRS and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Certified volunteers provide free tax preparation and counseling for seniors and low-income families. To find Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for Elderly sites, call 1-888-227-7669 or see https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
      VITA sites where Hawai`i residents can receive free help in filing their taxes can be found at https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH TRACK & FIELD TEAM participated in Hawai`i County Department of Parks & Recreation’s age-group track meet on Saturday, Feb. 20. “We did very well,” Coach Angie Miyashiro reported. She said many teammates place first through sixth and that she was very proud of her well behaved group. Participants included Jayme Kaneshiro, Lyric Oliveros, Sepe Levi, Rosenlintha Ken, Amber Sugrue, Marilou Manantan, Rina Joseph, Anthony Ywasa, Nelson Boaz, Takios Paul, Cyrus McMasters, Seth McMasters, Kauila Acasio, Coach Angie Miyashiro and Assistant Coach Carma Hanshew.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Learn about Kahuku's natural resources tomorrow.

NATURAL RESOURCES OF KAHUKU is the topic at After Dark in the Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Wildlife Biologist Jonathan Faford and Botanist Sierra McDaniel discuss successes and challenges of natural resources management there.

      In 2003, the National Park Service acquired the 116,000-acre Kahuku Ranch, adding a rich collection of ecosystems, lava flows and high-elevation forests to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. These lands were extensively modified by cattle ranching, logging and introduced plant and animal species, presenting a great challenge to natural resource managers tasked with protecting and restoring the native plant and animal communities there.
      $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

HAWAI`I ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY holds a public meeting on Thursday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Representatives discuss programs and resources available to the community. Topics include animal welfare, how to report concerns and future plans on how resources will be made more accessible. A question-and-answer session follows.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

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