Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016

Ka`u High School students Justin Subica-Kawakami, Brennen Nishimura and Aaron Delos Santos share their Science Fair wins with Principal Sharon Beck and Physical Science teacher Chayanee Brooks. Missing is Randall Patton. See more below. Photo from Chayanee Brooks

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH reported one new case of dengue fever yesterday, but none that are infectious. The cumulative total of confirmed cases now stands at 260.

Teri Tico 

      Former Pahala homeowner Teri Tico compared Hawai`i County’s current outbreak to Maui’s outbreak in 2001-2002. “Having lived on Maui during the dengue outbreak, and having observed the immediate response, I am extremely disappointed in the Big Island response,” Tico said. “On Maui, there were constant public radio announcements, community meetings, door-to-door information sharing (brochures) and relentless educational outreach. But here on the Big Island, there has been little if any public information about how to mitigate the outbreak. No one during the Maui outbreak said we had to spray poisons. What we were told was to eliminate all water-collecting sources on our properties, like old tires, ponds, leaves on the ground, etc. I think the outbreak lasted about nine months, then it was over.”

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

TWO SMALL EARTHQUAKES occurred near Pahala again this morning. A 2.6-magnitude quake occurred at 6:39 a.m., waking residents. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported it as a surface quake one mile east-southeast of Pahala on the makai side of Hwy 11. Almost three hours later at 9:28 a.m., a 2.3 magnitude struck 3.3 miles northwest of Pahala at a depth of 24.4 miles.

While small earthquakes occur in the Pahala area, Hawaiian
Volcano Observatory reports that seismicity is an normal levels.
Map from USGS/HVO

      HVO also reported that a magnitude-3.6 earthquake struck yesterday at 6 p.m. 2.4 miles west of Kilauea’s summit, while rates of seismicity continue at normal levels.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE STUDENTS received awards for their projects at the 2016 Hawai`i District Science and Engineering Fair held at `Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo on Feb. 13.
      Aaron Delos Santos and Randall Patton won first prize for the most outstanding renewable energy award from Hawai`i Electric Light Company. Their project was Watt’s It All About? They showed the hidden power of microbes and the effect of sodium chloride on mud as a future alternative source of energy.
      Justin Subica-Kawakami won second prize in the same category. His project was Batteries that Makes Cents. He made a battery from pennies, nickels, sodium chloride and acetic acid.
      Brennen Nishimura was recognized as the best project in the robotic and intelligent machine category. His project was What Light is Right? He explained the effect of the reflector on grasshopper robot’s photovoltaic cells.”
      All the students were from Mrs. Chayanee Brooks’ Physical Science classes at Ka`u High.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Water balloon battles are part of BISAC's
Splash Bash next month.
Photo from BISAC

BELIEVE IN OUR COMMUNITY is the theme of Splash Bash, a free family fun day happening Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Sponsored by Big Island Substance Abuse Council, the event features water slides, a water balloon battle, a photo booth, games, music and more. An activity touted as the Bubblicious Family Fun Walk will have participants wading through walls of bubbles and soapy suds. Food such as cotton candy, shave ice, hot dogs and water will be available for just $1 each. A prize giveaway will allow lucky winners to walk away with a new bike, Razors and more. 

      The County of Hawai`i will also provide two buses for transportation throughout the day. The first pick-up will be at 9:30 a.m. from Pahala Community Center and the Park-&-Ride gravel lot across from Ocean View Shopping Center. The last drop-off to both locations leaves Na`alehu at 2:15 p.m. Those leaving their cars in Pahala should note that Pahala Community Center gates will open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. Buses will run continuously throughout the day.
      For more information, contact Pamella Deniz at 969-9994 (ext. 827) or Pamella.Deniz@bisac.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U COMMUNITY HEALTH workshops are set for April, June and August. A four-part free training opportunity for community members, health providers and professionals will continue on Friday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The workshop will be given by Big Island Substance Abuse Council CEO Dr. Hannah Preston Pita, PysD, CSAC and will focus on kupuna, or elder, care.

      The first session was held in February on the subject of mental health. After the April 22 session, subsequent workshops will be on Friday, June 10 on substance abuse and Aug. 12 on compassion fatigue. All sessions are provided by BISAC. Donations are accepted, and coffee and refreshments will be provided.

      “These topics were identified by Imua Ka`u’s coalition as training area priorities for the community,” Pita said. Imua Ka`u is a group dedicated to improving the well being of the Ka`u community and residents. The training will provide information on these issues to include education, application, intervention and resources.
      Kathy Carr, a Mark Twain health professional who attended the first session on mental health, said Pita was “very knowledgeable” and the presentation was very timely and informative. Carr recommended the training to anyone interested in learning more about these topics. Register by emailing Pamella.Deniz@bisac.com with IMUA KA`U in the subject line. For questions, call Elizabeth Murph at 961-7051.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U’S STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN, who holds a talk story in Ka`u next week, encourages his constituents to get involved in the legislative process. Register at capitol.hawaii.gov to track bills, subscribe to hearing notices of interest, and submit testimony online. Testimony can be sent directly to committees hearing bills by using the list of email addresses at capitol.hawaii.gov/submittestimony.aspx.

      In order to submit testimony through the online system, the measure must currently be scheduled for a hearing and formally referred to a committee.
      Ruderman's talk story takes place at Pahala Plantation House on Tuesday, March 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      To sign up for his newsletter and receive updates on issues, email m.greenough@capitol.hawaii.gov with OPT-IN in the subject line. For specific concerns, call 808-586-6890 or email senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE OFFICER WHO HAS BEEN ACTING as Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources' Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, Hawai`i Branch Chief for the past year and a half has been appointed permanently to the position. DOCARE Chief Thomas Friel said, “It is my honor and privilege to announce the selection of Lino Kamakau as DOCARE’s Hawai`i Island Branch Chief, effective immediately.”

      Kamakau has 17 years of law enforcement experience on Hawai`i Island, with a sharp focus on enforcement of natural resources laws. He began his enforcement career as a Hawai`i County police officer, where he served for a decade. At DOCARE, Kamakau served nine years as a Conservation Resource Officer III and then six years as a DOCARE Field Supervisor. He has served as acting Branch Chief on Hawai`i Island since September 2014.
      DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “Lino has been deeply engaged in protecting Hawai`i literally from mauka to makai. We are fortunate to have him as a core leader of our DOCARE team.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HO`OMALU KA`U’S SECOND Native Dryland Plants Workshop takes place Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The workshop focuses on propagation techniques and tips on landscaping with native plants.

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

SPAGHETTI DINNER, SILENT AUCTION and bake and craft sales raise funds for Ka`u Hospital Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Purchase $10 dinner tickets from Nadine Ebert at 938-5124.

ZACH MERMEL TEACHES FUNDAMENTAL techniques to create edible landscaping for backyards and beyond Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Fees are $40, or $35, for VAC members plus $15 supply fee. Register at 967-8222.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST 2016 continues with two performances, 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 pm. on Saturday, featuring the Jazz Guitar artistry of Curt Warren, Jr. Volcano Choy with the Volcano Art Center Jazz Ensemble and a special Hana Hou appearance by Jeannine Guillory.

Jazz in the Forest continues Saturday. Photo from VAC

      Warren for years was the featured guitarist with the U.S. Navy’s official Jazz Ensemble, the Commodores, based in Washington. DC. He recently completed 31 years as professor of guitar at University of Texas in El Paso. Through the years, he has toured the world and recorded with various jazz greats such as Billy Eckstein, Monty Budwig and Della Reese along with being a featured artist at the Newport Jazz Festival.
      Tickets are available through tomorrow at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village, VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and volcanoartcenterorg. After tomorrow, tickets will be sold at the door if they not sold out.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

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.