Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, March 24, 2016

Ocean View blacksmith Richard Blaine explains his craft to the audience while he and assistants and practitioners create items during yesterday's demonstration at Na`alehu Public Library. Photos by Ron Johnson

RAPID `OHI`A DEATH, which has spread from Puna to Volcano, Ka`u and Kona, is likely spread when beetles burrow into dead trees, Bret Yager reported in West Hawai`i Today.

      J.B. Friday, an extension forester with University of Hawai`i Cooperative Extension Service, told Yager that burrowing ambrosia beetles create dust that can be carried up to two miles by prevailing winds, which he said would help explain why the fungus hasn’t made it to Hamakua or Kohala.

Beetles are being blamed for spreading rapid `ohi`a death.
Photo from UH-CTAHR

      Reseachers suggest that landowners have dead trees cut down and cover the debris to prevent infestation by beetles.

      Dust can also be carried by people who visit infected `ohi`a forests. To avoid movement of the dust, researchers also urge people to clean shoes, tools and clothing before leaving such areas.
      Lisa Keith, a research plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Hilo, told Yager, “The fungus might have come in on some nursery plants, certain changes might have occurred, and a new very susceptible host – `ohi`a – became infected.”

      Hawai`i Department of Agriculture is informing hula halau traveling to Hawai`i Island for next week’s Merrie Monarch Festival that the very act of harvesting `ohi`a may spread the disease, as spores may be carried in soil and by vehicles, shoes and clothing to uninfected areas.
      “`Ohi`a is one of the most important trees in our native forests and has such cultural significance,” said Scott Enright, chairperson of Hawai`i Board of Agriculture.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYOR Billy Kenoi has been indicted by a grand jury. The charges arose from alleged conduct taking place from 2011 through 2015 during his tenure as mayor.

      The charges are:

• Counts 1 and 2: Theft in the Second Degree, Class C felonies each punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine;
• Counts 3 and 4: Theft in the Third Degree, misdemeanors each punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine;
• Counts 5, 6 and 7: Tampering with a Government Record, misdemeanors each punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine; and
• Count 8: False Swearing, a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

      State Attorney General Doug Chin said his department “sought this indictment after an intensive investigation that lasted almost a year. I thank the investigators and prosecutors for their efforts.”
     Kenoi was arrested and released on his own recognizance. He remains Mayor of the County of Hawai`i. An indictment is a finding of probable cause and is not a criminal conviction. Kenoi is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty of the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
      “The county is not out one penny. Mayor Kenoi has not enriched himself one penny,” Honolulu attorney Todd Eddins told John Burnett, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. “It is factually and legally feeble to claim that Billy Kenoi stole from his hometown.”
      Todd Belt, a political science professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, told the Tribune-Herald, “Past history shows that the mayor is a fighter. I fully expect he will fight these charges. The outcome of this case is what matters to his political career.”      

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

`O KA`U KA`U THANKS all of the many volunteers from Ka Lae Quilters and Ka`u Red Hat Ladies to the Ka`u Hospital Charitable Foundation for their help in putting on the very successful Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for the hospital held on Feb. 27. Through everyone’s efforts, they sold 329 dinner tickets for a total of $3,290 dollars. With all of the donations and items sold in the auction, craft and bake sale, there was a total $6,212.49 raised for the Hospital Foundation.

      Tui Masanai and Harry Evangelista provided entertainment, and a fun time was had by all. “Thank you to the Ka`u community for supporting this great event,” OKK Secretary Nadine Ebert said.

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

A blacksmith shapes an iron rod after heating
it in a cylindrical oven.

LEAVES, POKERS AND KNIFES were items forged by blacksmiths during a free demonstration at Na`alehu Public Library yesterday. Ocean View residents Richard and Schaunlee Blaine used heat from a charcoal grill to make iron malleable, while David Brunetta and Ian Bailey used a cylindrical oven powered by propane.

      Brunetta, a professional knife maker, created a knife with a twisted handle and guard, then intentionally broke it so the audience could see the inside.
      The Blaines offered their leaves to keiki as thanks for attending. The library received a poker that library manager Sara Kamibayashi said will be framed and displayed.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE invites residents to its blessing of the new three-sided informational kiosk sign at Na`alehu Park Monday, March 28 at 2 p.m. Ka`u's County Council member Maile David and past Council member Brenda Ford, along with others who contributed to the creation of the kiosk, will be in attendance.
      This is the first three-sided informational sign in the state. The panels display maps and photos of the byway and the Na`alehu area, along with historical photos and stories of Na`alehu, Wai`ohinu and Honu`apo. The 1868 earthquake, the history of sugar and coffee in Ka`u and the historic Fourth of July celebration in Na`alehu Park are also included.

Drop off items for Discovery Harbour's fundraiser rummage
sale today. Photo from DHCA

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY Association accepts items today until 4 p.m. for this weekend’s Volunteer Fire Department rummage sale. 

      For more information, call 929-9576.

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT Network presents The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) over the next two weekends. Curtain time at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Fridays and Saturdays is 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. is the venue.
      Tickets are $15 general, $12 for students and seniors and $10 for children 12 and under. Reservations can be made at 982-7344 or kden73@aol.com.
      Park entrance fees may apply.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA`U invites residents to enjoy Prince Kuhio Day at Na`alehu Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

     Opening pule is at 8:45 a.m., followed by announcements and greetings, arrival of the Royal Court and entertainment. There will be food, arts and crafts, exhibits, photos, cultural demonstrations, Hawaiian games more.
      For more information, contact Darlyne at 640-8407 or dvierra22@gmail.com or Liz at 339-0289 or konawaileo@yahoo.com.

Nene habitat stewardship takes place
Saturday. Photo from NPS

GUIDED HIKES AT HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park take place this weekend at the summit and at Kahuku.

      A centennial hike to protect nene and Devastation Trail begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Devastation Trail parking lot. Join park staff to malama a section of Devastation Trail that provides important nene habitat by removing knotweed and other invasive plants. Park entrance fees apply.
      Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate one-mile walk Saturday at the Kahuku Unit from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
      On Sunday at 9:30 a.m., also at Kahuku, participants learn about the formation and various uses of the grassy cinder cone Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. The one-hour, free program is a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top.

HAWAI`I’S DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL Preference Poll takes place Saturday at 1 p.m. Ka`u Democrats in precincts 03-07 and 05-01 cast ballots at Pahala Community Center, and those in precincts 05-02, 05-03 and 05-04 vote at Ocean View Community Center. Doors open at 12 p.m.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST CONTINUES Saturday, featuring vocalist Ron Murphy with Volcano Art Center’s Jazz Ensemble.

      Murphy’s music is a combination of the American Song Book along with a tribute to Joe Williams called A Cup Of Joe, performing some of his most noted songs. He also performs music of Billy Eckstein, Johnny Hartman, Duke Ellington, Arthur Prysock, Frank Sinatra and many of the Ladies of Song, including Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Bette Carter and Dinah Washington.
      Two shows are offered, with a matinee at 4:30 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for VAC members and $25 for non-members. Tickets are available through tomorrow at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village, VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and online at volcanoartcenter.org. After that, tickets will be sold at the door if they are not sold out. Tickets will be held at Will Call on the day of the show.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Three Mountain Alliance encourages Ka`u teachers to participate in a place-based learning workshop next month. Here, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences students learn about native species at The Nature Conservancy's Kaiholena Preserve in the mountains of Ka`u.
See more below. Photo from TMA

A BILL TO KEEP OLD PLANTATION WATER in farmers’ hands passed the Senate Committee on Water, Land & Agriculture this week and would be good for three years. Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman said the bill was designed to keep water in the hands of Alexander & Baldwin on Maui, where court decisions have directed the state to put the water back in streams following the shutdown of the sugar company there.

      The possibility of having water permits cancelled put fear into the Ka`u agriculture community. At the request of the Hawai`i Farm Bureau, several flew to O`ahu to testify at the Legislature.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

      Ruderman said he received an opinion from the attorney general saying that cancellation of permits would have only affected A&B on Maui and not Ka`u agriculture. He told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the legislation to extend water permits “only benefits one company who has taken advantage of their situation for a very long time.”

      Ruderman told the Star-Advertiser that A&B used “fear mongering” to convince farmers and ranchers that they would be affected. Five of the nine state revocable water permits are in Ka`u, Ruderman noted. He told Star-Advertiser reporter Kevin Dayton, “I care about those guys a lot, and I work closely with them. I’m clear in my belief that the court ruling does not apply to them, and they’re not in jeopardy of losing their revocable permit.”
      The Star-Advertiser reporter wrote: “Ruderman said lawmakers ought not to reward a ‘bad actor’ that diverted water for 100 years and allowed streams to run dry. They don’t need this water, and if they do need it, they can pay a fair market value.'”
      Dayton reported that several senators expressed concern about the bill, which may signal problems the Ways and Means Committee considers it.
      WLA Committee Chair Mike Gabbard told Dayton he wanted to keep the bill alive to allow more time to sort through the issue. “It was a tough one because both sides of the issue gave very strong arguments,” Gabbard said. He said the concerns raised “need to be addressed, need to be a part of the solution for water rights on Maui and across the state.”
       According to Dayton, Gabbard said BLNR needs more time to resolve the issue of revocable permits, and a task force is working to do that.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Volcano tea grower Eva Lee asks Ka`u residents to support
geographical region designations. Photo from Volcano Art Center

GEOGRAPHICAL REGION DESIGNATIONS for tea would be instituted by a resolution under consideration at the state Legislature. Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman co-introduced SCR129 encouraging the state Department of Agriculture to adopt standards established by the tea industry to define geographical region designations for tea grown in the state.

      The resolution is the first in the nation regarding tea origin. “The Hawai`i state government is taking the lead in bringing us closer to establishing true origin geographic indicators for Hawai`i tea industry,” Volcano tea grower Eva Lee said. “It is through this initiative that Hawai`i tea growers marketing Hawai`i-grown tea will assure the public the origin authenticity. Origin Pride initiative is the founding basis in awarding excellence for domestically grown tea. State by state, we hope that local governments will engage with regional tea growers for official origin recognition, furthering the U.S. domestic tea industry.”
      A hearing on the resolution is scheduled on March 28 at 3 p.m. “We hope that you will support this resolution by submitting a written testimonial,” Lee said. Testify at capitol.hawaii.gov by March 27, the deadline.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Flags remain at half-staff until sunset Saturday.

NATIONAL AND STATE FLAGS are at half-staff at the state Capitol and all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai`i National Guard. President Obama issued the order as a mark of respect for victims of acts of violence perpetrated yesterday in Brussels, Belgium. The flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 26.

      “It saddens me that this international surge of terrorism has become the ‘new normal’ that can happen anywhere at any time,” Gov. David Ige said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured in the attacks in Brussels, and we send our deepest condolences to the victims of this tragedy and their families.”
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I DEMOCRAT PARTY JOINS the race to the White House this Saturday at 1 p.m. with its own version of the Presidential Preference Polls, like Iowa and New Hampshire. Democrats across the islands are invited to attend their precinct meetings and cast their votes among candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton, Roque De la Fuente and Bernie Sanders. Also on the ballot is Martin O`Malley, who suspended his campaign. Hawai`i has 34 delegates, 16 of which are district delegates to win the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
      Ka`u Democrats in precincts 03-07 and 05-01 cast ballots at Pahala Community Center, and those in precincts 05-02, 05-03 and 05-04 vote at Ocean View Community Center. Doors open at 12 p.m.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u teachers can sign up for next month's place-based learning
workshop with TMA Outreach and Education Specialist
Lahela Camara. Photo from TMA

THREE MOUNTAIN ALLIANCE is looking for educators who would like to engage students in place-based learning. TMA is hosting a teacher enrichment opportunity to connect educators with relevant environmental education sites and activities. The event will give teachers an opportunity to participate in native forest restoration by planting native trees and shrubs. Teachers also will visit Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, home to Hawai`i’s most endangered birds, including the `alala, or Hawaiian Crow, which is currently extinct in the wild. Both activities can serve as possible field trip opportunities.

      TMA will share existing curricula and lesson plan resources that can be incorporated into classroom learning for all grade levels and subjects. Lessons focus on topics such as Hawai`i’s native species, ecosystems, watersheds and cultural knowledge.
      The event takes place on April 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kamehameha Schools’ Keauhou Forest in Ka`u.
      To register, contact Lahela Camara at lahelacamara@gmail.com. Priority registration deadline is April 8. To learn more about TMA teacher engagement, see threemountainalliance.org/teachers.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT Network presents The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) over the next two weekends. This comic adventure into the quirks and conundrums of the Bible opens Friday and plays through Sunday, April 3, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30. Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is the venue. 

      The premise is fairly straightforward: Present the books of the Bible in chronological order. “With 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament, it’s easy to imagine that two hours just isn’t enough time,” Director Suzi Bond said. “And this is where it gets funny. The subject is one that’s liable to cause some to bristle at its treatment of the Bible. But, this is where it’s important to emphasize that the show is about the Bible, not Christianity, or Judaism or Islam – or any religion. They even go out of their way to clarify that.”
      Tickets are $15 general, $12 for students and seniors and $10 for children 12 and under. Reservations can be made by calling KDEN at 982-7344 or by email at kden73@aol.com.

      Park entrance fees may apply.

A rummage sale this weekend supports Discovery Harbour
Volunteer Fire Department. Photo from DHVFD

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY Association accepts items for this weekend’s Volunteer Fire Department rummage sale today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

      For more information, call 929-9576.

HAWAI`I HUMANE SOCIETY meets with Ka`u residents tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Representatives discuss available programs and resources.
      For more information, call Roxy at 329-1175.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Saturday is the final 2016 Sanctuary Ocean Count of humpback whales. Aerial footage of unusual whale behavior is available at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. See more below. Photo from NOAA

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH yesterday reported no new confirmed cases of dengue fever since one was reported last Friday. Presently, the total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the outbreak is 262, including 236 residents and 26 visitors.

      DOH urges residents to prevent mosquito bites. Wear clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellent on skin that cannot be covered, and avoid areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.

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

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO CO-INTRODUCED the Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act, legislation that would jumpstart research related to coral reef conservation.
      “In the past two years, Hawai`i’s coral reefs have experienced two serious coral bleaching events, and with rising ocean temperatures, we can expect these events to become more commonplace,” Hirono said. “There is much to be learned about mitigation and the long-term effects of coral bleaching, and this legislation will spur research to better protect this precious natural resource.”
      Hirono said coral reef ecosystems are marine biodiversity hotspots that provide food for millions of people and also protect our shorelines from storms and erosion. Coral reefs in Hawai`i alone are worth $385 million per year to the local economy, and taking into account all of the services, they have a net present value of $10 billion.

      The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has declared a worldwide coral bleaching event that will impact 95 percent of U.S. coral reefs, including reefs in Hawai`i. Long-term coral bleaching leaves reefs vulnerable to disease outbreaks and death.

Coral reefs, which are being damaged by bleaching events,
contribute millions to Hawai`i's economy.
Photo from XL Catlain Seaview Survey

      This no-cost bill would encourage the 12 federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which includes NOAA, the Coast Guard and the Department of Defense, to collaboratively use existing funds across agencies to carry out a competitive prize competition. The legislation also allows the federal agencies to work with private entities to both fund and administer the prize competitions. Prize competitions that encourage public-private partnerships like this have a history of incentivizing innovative research that can be integrated into a Federal ocean management strategy.

      “Ocean Conservancy applauds Sen. Hirono and Rep. (Mark) Takai for their leadership in protecting coral reefs and the livelihoods that depend on them,” said Julia Roberson, director of Ocean Conservancy’s Ocean Acidification Program. “Corals are under threat from ocean acidification, bleaching and warming, and yet reef fisheries support thousands of our fishermen, and millions of Americans travel every year to marvel at the beauty of coral ecosystems. The Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act applies American ingenuity to tackle some of the most pressing problems our corals face.”
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists discuss vog in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
      “The first few months of 2016 have brought a range of wind and weather conditions to the Island of Hawai`i,” the article states. “As is typical during strong El Niño events, there’s been a notable absence of trade winds and minimal rainfall. Periods of Kona winds (winds with a southerly component) interspersed with light and variable winds have brought noxious volcanic pollution (vog) to many parts of the island, as well as to our neighbor islands to the northwest.
      “Vog forms as volcanic gases bubble out of Kilauea’s active lava lake at Halema`uma`u and from the vents and lava flows in and around Pu`u `O`o. The main culprit in the formation of vog is sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), which is released in ample supply from the volcano. In 2015, Kilauea released roughly 800,000 metric tons of the pungent gas, more than five times the amount released by the dirtiest coal-burning power plant in the United States.

The summit of Mauna Loa rises above a layer of vog.
Photo from USGS/HVO

      “The voluminous visible plumes emitted from Kilauea are composed mainly of water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide gases, as well as small amounts of ash, other gases and particles. SO2 gas is invisible, but once released from the volcano, it reacts chemically in the atmosphere to form tiny liquid acid droplets and fine solid particles. These particles fall into a category of air pollution referred to as PM2.5, particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 microns (0.0001 inch) or less – smaller than the diameter of one strand of a spider’s web or of a human hair. These tiny particles, which are good at scattering light, are largely responsible for the visible haze associated with vog. 

      “The term ‘vog’ is generic, with the actual proportion of gases and particles dependent on how much time it has had to react in the atmosphere. Close to the gas emission sources, vog can contain significant amounts of unreacted SO2 gas. The longer SO2 gas has to react in the atmosphere, the more complete the SO2 gas to particle conversion is. So, farther away from the volcano, vog is composed primarily of particles.
      “The dual gas and/or particle nature of vog means that people are exposed to different vog cocktails, depending on location. In areas closer to Kilauea, such as Ocean View and Pahala, which are downwind of the volcano during prevailing northeasterly trade winds, people are chronically exposed to a mixture of SO2 gas and particles. During non-trade wind conditions, communities in the Hilo and Puna districts are frequently voggy, and, because they are relatively close to the emission sources, there is also a mixture of SO2 gas and particles in the vog. On neighbor islands, and in communities on the western and northern areas of Hawai`i Island, people are mainly exposed to particles.

The Volcano Measurement & Prediction Project
forecasts vog.

      “According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, high concentrations of SO2 gas and particles can cause a variety of effects, including aggravation of existing heart and lung disease, increased asthma symptoms, emergency department visits and hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses. Even healthy people can experience eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, phlegm, chest tightness and shortness of breath. 

      “In Hawai`i, current vog concentrations are expected to have the highest impact on sensitive populations – people with preexisting medical conditions, the elderly and children. However, minor symptoms are reported by many people exposed to vog, consistent with the effects expected from SO2 and particle exposures.
      “Many websites provide information on current SO2 gas and particle conditions, protective actions for when pollution levels are elevated and other air quality data.
      “The Hawai`i Department of Health provides 15-minute SO2 gas concentration data at www.hiso2index.info and PM2.5 data at http://emdweb.doh.hawaii.gov/air-quality/. PM2.5 data and advice are also available through the multi-agency AirNow website (www.airnow.gov).
      “SO2 gas and PM2.5 data for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park are available at http://www.hawaiiso2network.com/.
      “The Volcano Measurement and Prediction Project (weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/) provides a modeled two-day forecast for volcanic SO2 gas and particles.
      “Finally, the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (www.ivhhn.org) provides additional information.
      “Kilauea continues to release large amounts of volcanic gas each day. Learning to identify when vog is present and how to protect ourselves and our families is a sensible adaptation to living with the active volcano in our backyard.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

DEMONSTRATIONS OF VARIOUS Hawaiian games take place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center's lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

NA`ALEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY hosts a free Blacksmithing Demonstration tomorrow at 2 p.m. All ages are welcome; young children must be accompanied by an adult.
      Call 939-2442 for more information.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY Association accepts items for its upcoming Volunteer Fire Department rummage sale tomorrow and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale takes place Friday and Saturday.

      For more information, call 929-9576.

HAWAI`I HUMANE SOCIETY meets with Ka`u residents Thursday at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Representatives discuss available programs and resources.           For more information, call Roxy at 329-1175.

THURSDAY IS THE FINAL DAY to register for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s last 2016 count of the mammals. Volunteers gather on Saturday to count and record whales’ behavior at various locations, including Miloli`i, Ka Lae, Punalu`u and Ka`ena Point. See sanctuaryoceancount.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.