Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, April 28, 2016

Koa and `ohia trees line the entrance to Namakanipaio Campground, which was closed to remove dangerous, invasive eucalyptus trees. Photo from NPS

COUNTY PROSECUTOR MITCH ROTH met with about 50 Ocean View residents yesterday. Topics ranged from preventing crime, domestic violence and setting up more Neighborhood Watch teams to increased communication between the community and the prosecutor’s office.
      County Council member Maile David also attended and said she is working on controlling drinking at the county Kahuku Park in Ocean View.

      Roth said the root of much of the crime is domestic violence. Youth coming from homes with domestic violence are six times more likely to commit suicide, 24 times more likely to become sex abuse victims or offenders and 60 times more likely to be involved with drugs.

Mitch Roth

      He encouraged community members to keep the prosecutor’s office up-to-date in its relationship with the Hawai`i Police Department and the efforts of the police department, successful and unsuccessful, in solving crimes. He encouraged residents to give their opinions to the prosecutor’s office on how well or poorly the police are performing. Numerous people said that they felt that police officers were often unhelpful. 

      One resident said she had a garage sale and that an attendee stole her belongings. When the police officer arrived, she claimed, instead of going after the thief, he asked to see her permit to sell items and said that maybe the thief needed the money more than she did. Despite her having a video of the theft, the woman claimed that the police officer was uncooperative and even said he wanted to see whether her tax returns showed garage sale income.
      Roth said that when he ran for prosecutor four years ago, he said, “The system is broken, and we need to fix it.” Making such reports to the prosecutor’s office could help, he said.
      A crime at the community center 13 months ago has not been solved, community member Ron Gall said. Roth promised to get back to the community on the status of the case within a week.
      A Neighborhood Watch coordinator for the island urged Ocean View residents to become involved by setting up and supporting Neighborhood Watches. The Ocean View meeting is first Thursday of each month at Ocean View Community Center, downstairs at 7 p.m. The coordinator also stated that the island needs more police officers. For all of Ka`u, there are only two officers on duty at any given time. “We have to help ourselves,” she said.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WITH NO REPORTS OF RECENT INCIDENTS of locally acquired dengue fever in 30 days, the state and County of Hawai`i announced that they are standing down certain emergency response activities related to the outbreak. This decision rests on the fact that three periods of the maximum human incubation period of ten days have passed. The final day of the infectious period for the last reported case was March 27. However, as per routine operations, the state Department of Health continues to immediately investigate all travel-related cases and conduct mosquito assessments and/or treatment of potential areas of mosquito exposure.

Gov. David Ige announced that response to mosquito-borne
illnesses will continue. 

      While the outbreak seems to have come to a halt, Gov. David Ige, along with other state and local officials, caution the public not to let their guard down in the fight against mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit.

      “This milestone could not have been reached without the diligent efforts and teamwork by the Department of Health and the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency,” Ige said. “While this outbreak seems to be ending, our statewide response to mosquito-borne diseases must continue. We must remain vigilant in our mosquito prevention and abatement practices, be ready to respond to the Zika virus, and continue working together as a state to ‘Fight the Bite.’”

      As of yesterday, 264 cases of locally acquired dengue fever have been confirmed on Hawai`i Island, with illnesses occurring as early as Sept. 11, 2015.

Government officials urge Hawai`i Island
residents to continue to Fight the Bite.

      “By no means are we out of the clear,” said Darryl Oliveira, administrator of the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency. “Cooperation and collaboration between the state and county have been exemplary, but we continue to identify actions and efforts that we can improve on in the future. We appreciate the tremendous initiative shown by the community in assisting with mosquito abatement and encourage everyone to continue taking proactive measures around their homes and neighborhoods to keep our state safe.”

      Over the course of the outbreak, DOH’s Vector Control team surveyed a total of 523 private properties and 310 public spaces. Of that count, 220 private properties and 65 public spaces were sprayed and/or treated for mosquitoes. A total of more than 1,900 reported potential cases were evaluated and/or tested by DOH disease investigators and state Laboratories Division staff.
      Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler said, “The fight against mosquitoes is far from over, and we must do everything in our power to protect ourselves and our communities from the risk of mosquito borne diseases. We continue to receive and investigate reports of travel-related suspect cases of dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya on all islands. As Zika continues to spread rapidly overseas, we must take precautionary measures to prevent any locally acquired cases from taking hold in our state.”

      As part of a supplemental proclamation to extend the state’s emergency period for mosquito-borne illnesses, a statewide public awareness and education campaign will kick off this year to ensure people understand the risks of such diseases and how to best prevent them in Hawai`i.

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

Freshly cut ucalyptus logs line the road to Namakanipaio tent sites
and pavilion. Photo from NPS

NAMAKANIPAIO CAMPGROUND in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has reopened. Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Company, which manages the campground under a concession contract for the park, is taking reservations immediately. 

      The popular campground has been closed since last September for removal of large, falling and hazardous non-native eucalyptus trees in the area.

      Originally scheduled to reopen last Thursday, workers discovered unforeseen electrical issues that delayed reopening.
      “We mahalo the public for their patience while we ensure the campground is safe again,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We are delighted to reopen ahead of summer.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

RESULTS OF AN AUTOPSY on the body of a man who died Monday while in police custody outside of a house in Ocean View are inconclusive pending toxicology results. The medical examiner determined that 46-year-old Jonathan Watson, of Ocean View, had a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his left leg. According to police, evidence found at the scene indicated that the wound was most likely accidentally self-inflicted.
      The Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigations Section is conducting an investigation into the death and the circumstances leading to it, and the Office of Professional Standards is conducting an administrative investigation.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Learn professional brewing techniques
at the Ka`u Coffee Experience.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL invites everyone to the Ka`u Coffee Experience and Ka`u Coffee College.

      The Ka`u Coffee Experience takes place during the Ho`olaule`a on Saturday, May 21 at Pahala Community Center. “The Ka`u Coffee Experience is one of our most popular events,” said festival organizer Chris Manfredi. “It will again feature locally grown coffees prepared in a number of ways during guided tastings by accomplished baristas. From pour-over to French Press, cold-brew and espresso drinks, you can explore the best ways to brew Ka`u coffee to unlock all of the distinctive and complex flavors.”
      On Sunday, May 22, also at Pahala Community Center, is Ka`u Coffee College. Said Manfredi, “the theme this year is ‘Coffee Quality.’ Guest speakers include UH-CTAHR extension agent Andrea Kawabata paired with Greenwell Farms biologist Arturo Ballar. They will discuss how to maximize efficiencies surrounding Integrated Pest Management.”
      Also at Ka`u Coffee College, local coffee professionals will team to present a coffee quality workshop where producers can enhance and maintain high quality and recognize and minimize defects. “If you’re in the coffee business, these sessions should not be missed,” Manfredi said.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

DONATIONS FOR DOLLARAMA can be dropped off at Ocean View Community Center tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. At the event on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., everything is $1 or less, including food and beverages. Funds raised go toward a new roof for the facility.

TOMORROW IS MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY at CU Hawai`i. Chartered in 1955, CU Hawai`i has been serving its membership for over 60 years.

Tomorrow is Member Appreciation Day at both
Ka`u branches of CU Hawai`i.
Image from CU Hawai`i

      “From our very humble beginnings, we now have over 26,000 members, and that is something to celebrate!” said a statement from the credit union. “On this very special day, we want to say ‘Mahalo’ to all of our members across Hawai`i Island.” 

      At each of its branches, including Na`alehu and Pahala, the day features refreshments and member gifts while supplies last. Members can also enter to win a grand prize of $200 at each branch. Grand prize winners will be announced on Monday, May 2.

SAVE THE SUMMIT UNDERSTORY during Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Centennial Hike Saturday at 9 a.m. Meet near the flagpole outside Kilauea Visitor Center to lop invasive Himalayan ginger from the native Hawaiian rainforest.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for Jazz in the Forest. Two shows on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village feature guitarists Reggie Griffin and Curt Warren with Volcano Art Center's Jazz Ensemble.

      See volcanoartcenter.org, or call 967-8222.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Ka`u Coffee growers and festival organizers urge everyone to Buy Local for a chance to win $1,000. See kaucoffeefest.com for details. Photo by Chris Cook

THE KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL is once again launching its Buy Local-It Matters promotion in partnership with the state Department of Agriculture. Ka`u Coffee farmers and supporters met last night to get ready for the May 13 - 22 festival and urge everyone to participate and build their opportunity to win $1,000.

      Festival organizer Chris Manfredi said, “This promotion is designed to drive customers to local businesses, where they can collect invoices, receipts or business cards and redeem them at our Ho`olaule`a on May 21 for chances to win valuable prizes. The more they collect, the more chances to win.” 

      See kaucoffeefest.com for a list of participating businesses. 

      See more Ka`u Coffee Festival updates in future Ka`u Calendar News Briefs.

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

A HAWAI`I LAW THAT “PITS RURAL against urban communities” is how Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis describes a law that allows large solar projects in rural neighborhoods zoned agricultural. Developers are using the law for a proposed project in Ocean View Ranchos and neighboring subdivisions.

Henry Curtis

      “The solar project pits rural residents against the alleged ʻpublic interest,’ Curtis said on his blog at ililani.media. “Renewable energy projects are good for the local construction industry. The projects generally reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Often, they keep money within the state that would have been used to import oil.

      “Developers often target large, open, undeveloped land in rural and agricultural areas. These areas are used to generate electricity necessary to power more urban areas.

      “At the southern end of the Big Island, a developer proposed segmenting a solar project into more than two dozen little projects. The proposals date from 2011 and have yet to be built. Combined, the projects require a new utility substation and electric lines crossing a state highway.
      “If combined into one package, the project would need to sign a Power Purchase Agreement with Hawai`i Electric Light Company, which would then need approval from the Public Utilities Commission.
      “By segmenting the project into separate ʻindependent’ proposals, each one can be approved through the existing Feed-in Tariff mechanism.
     “The Feed-in Tariff rate is much higher than recently signed Solar Power Purchase Agreements. Thus, the impact to Big Island ratepayers will be larger.”
      As an example, Curtis quoted from the PUC’s ruling regarding its PPA with Hu Honua, a power plant in Hamakua. “Because HELCO’s renewable energy generation output is in excess of the statutory 40 percent level, for any new generation project (renewable or fossil) or any significant change in the type of fuel supply proposed in the future, HELCO must demonstrate that the project provides cost reduction benefits to ratepayers, directly or indirectly, by improving and maximizing integration of additional lower cost renewable energy.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES TULSI GABBARD, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, advocated and worked to ensure provisions critical to Hawai`i were included in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act draft. The full committee was scheduled to consider amendments to the Act today, when members will have the opportunity to further amend the bill before it comes before the full House of Representatives. 

      “Hawai`i’s strategic role in the Asia-Pacific region is recognized and reinforced in this year’s National Defense Authorization bill,” Gabbard said. “The bill includes funding for critical infrastructure and facilities in Hawai`i, strengthened missile defense capabilities against the threat posed by North Korea and improved protections for our environment. Also included is Talia’s Law, which we passed through the House earlier this year in order to protect military children from abuse. Unfortunately, there are some problem areas included within the bill, to include a continuation of harmful arbitrary sequestration cuts which negatively impact our service members, readiness and capabilities. I will be highlighting areas of concern in the committee markup tomorrow, in order to ensure that the national strategic military assets of Hawai`i, and of our country, are maintained and supported.”

      The bill includes $31 million for a National Guard combined support maintenance shop in Hilo to support ongoing training at Pohakuloa Training Area.

      It also calls for a Medal of Honor Review for Asian American and Native American Pacific Islanders. The Department of Defense will conduct comprehensive reviews of the service records of these war veterans to determine whether they should be awarded the Medal of Honor. Often times, these awards were not given due to discrimination.
            To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO TOOK to the Senate floor to call for unanimous consent to confirm Hawai`i’s Clare Connors and other judicial nominees from courts across the country who have been waiting months, and in some cases over a year, for a floor vote. Sen. Mitch McConnell blocked Hirono’s request. Hirono also called on Senate Republicans to take up the nomination of Merrick Garland, President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court.

      “While my colleagues and I attempted to fulfill our duties as senators by voting to fill urgent vacancies on the federal bench, Senate Republicans continue to refuse to do their jobs, which delays justice from our district courts to the Supreme Court,” Hirono said. “Clare Connors was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan basis, but she and other qualified nominees are being kept in limbo by Republican inaction. I call upon my Republican colleagues to enable all of us to do our jobs and begin the advice and consent process, which we are required to do under the Constitution.”
      Earlier this month, Connors was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai`i created by Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway’s retirement from active service.
      Although there are 79 federal judicial nominations pending, 28 of which are judicial emergencies, Senate Republicans called to stop the confirmation process in July. This would leave federal courts across the country, including the Supreme Court and Hawai`i’s U.S. District Court, understaffed for months, or even years.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A KA`U MAN DIED AFTER POLICE responded to a report of a shooting. He has been identified as 46-year-old Jonathan Watson, of Ocean View.

      At 9:51 a.m. Monday, the Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a man who said he had been shot. When officers arrived at a home on the 92-2600 block of Hukilau Drive in Ocean View, a man with a bandage on his left leg came out of the house in an aggressive manner and began fighting with the officers. The officers took him into custody.
      While some of the officers went into the house to check for possible suspects or victims, Watson tried to kick the officers who were with him, and then he became unresponsive.
      Police attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation until Fire Department personnel arrived a few minutes later and took over unsuccessful efforts to revive him. Watson was later taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead at 3:40 p.m.
      Police have requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The case is classified as a coroner’s inquest.
      The Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigations Section will conduct an investigation into the death and circumstances leading to it, and the Office of Professional Standards will conduct an administrative investigation.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mitch Roth

DOLLARAMA ACCEPTS DONATIONS for the event this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off items at Ocean View Community Center through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Everything is $1 or less, including food and beverages. Funds raised go toward a new roof for the facility.

OCEAN VIEW’S CRIME WAVE is the topic of a meeting at Ocean View Community Center today at 6 p.m. Mike and Debbie Dubois invited Hawai`i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth and a Police Department representative to discuss crime with concerned citizens. The meeting follows break-ins and burglaries at Ocean View Community Center, area churches and Ocean View Market.

LEGAL AID SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW at Ocean View Community Center has been cancelled.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Coffee & Cattle Day, one of several Ka`u Coffee Festival events, includes hayrides through the verdant fields of Aikane Plantation.
Photo by Jesse Tunison/ Ka`u Coffee Festival

MORE DETAILS HAVE BEEN RELEASED about the next month’s Ka`u Coffee Festival. Events begin on Friday, May 13 and continue through Sunday, May 22.

      “The festival highlights the efforts of our hard-working Ka`u coffee producers and also offers unique activities that showcase the heritage District of Ka`u. Many events are only available during the festival,” said one of the festival organizers, Chris Manfredi.

      Donations for Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship fund will be accepted at the Kickoff Pa`ina & Open House on Friday, May 13 at Pahala Plantation House, sponsored Hawai`i Farmers Union United and the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. The first event of the 10-day festival features fresh foods grown here and music. El Leo, the Jarican Express, led by East Ka`u's state Senator, Russell Ruderman, will play Kachi Kachi Puerto Rican music. Bolo and Friends will also entertain. Call 928-9811.

This year's Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest offers nearly $2,000 in cash prizes.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

      This year’s Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest offers nearly $2,000 in cash prizes. Deadline for entries for the Saturday, May 14 event at Ka`u Coffee Mill is Monday, May 9.  Emcee is Miss Holly T and attendees are able to enjoy live music and taste the many kinds of food from desserts to main dishes, made with Ka`u Coffee. Call Lisa Wright at 928-0550.

      “New to this year’s lineup of java-jumping fun is the Lobsterpalooza – a leisurely Sunday afternoon picnic on the lawn at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach," says the statement from the Ka`u Coffee Festival. "On the menu of the May 15 spread is a variety of tantalizing skewered pupus, your choice of Kona Cold Lobster or charbroiled Spencer Steak, raised locally by Kuahiwi Ranch, and served with roasted potatoes, Cajun-style local sweet corn, a mouthwatering Ka`u Coffee Mocha Torte, lilikoi lemonade, brewed ice tea and plenty of Ka`u coffee.” Tickets for $75 are available online at brownpapertickets.com.
      At Coffee & Cattle Day on Friday, May 20, Aikane Plantation carries attendees, by four-wheel drive and on a hay ride, deep into the hills above Pahala through horse and cattle pastures and into their Ka`u Coffee farm. Back at the ranch house, owners Merle and Phil Becker present their Ka`u Coffee and new line of native mamaki tea. Makana is scheduled to entertain with his Hawaiian music. Call 808-927-2252 to make a reservation.
      The statement from the Ka`u Coffee Festival Committee urges the public to “pour some fun at the Ka`u Coffee Festival – 10 days of java-jumping fun!” See more events in upcoming news briefs. See kaucoffeefest.com for the full lineup.

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

Ka`u youth have an opportunity for summer work in South Kona.
Photo from NPS

YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS applications are available for those who may want to drive north from Ka`u this summer to work at Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park.

      YCC provides gainful employment and an educational experience in conservation of our natural and historical heritage. Workers will participate in conservation and preservation projects throughout the park and work with all park divisions.
      This year’s program runs from June 13 to July 23. Applicants must be 15 to 18 years old during the six-week period.
      For more information, call Felipe Galieto at 328-2326, ext. 1314.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE U.S. SENATE UNANIMOUSLY passed the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, legislation co-introduced by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, co-chair of the Senate Tourism Caucus. The bipartisan NATIVE Act would enhance and integrate native tourism, empower native communities and expand unique cultural tourism opportunities.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

      “I authored this bill because our country’s native communities are unique and have histories and cultures that can only be shared in America,” Schatz said. “In our state, we are proud that the Native Hawaiian contribution is foundational to who we are as a place and a people. Every visitor should know that.”

      The NATIVE Act would require federal agencies with tourism assets and responsibilities to include tribes and native organizations in national tourism efforts and strategic planning. It would also provide Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native and American Indian communities with access to resources and technical assistance needed to build sustainable recreational and cultural travel and tourism infrastructure and capacity, spur economic development and create good jobs.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAIIAN OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS discuss Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
      “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i, known affectionately to local volcanologists as the BIMP (Big Island Mapping Project),” the article states.

      “The first printing of this map was in 1996. Digitized in 2005, it is still in print today due to its popularity and continued use by geologists and other scientists, educators and land managers and planners, as well as island residents and visitors. It’s also just rather nice to look at.
      “The Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i was a decade-long project that updated the 1940s geologic map by legendary Hawai`i geologists Harold Stearns and Gordon Macdonald. By comparing the two, you can see how much more detail is provided in the updated map.
      “The 1996 map was a large undertaking involving more than two dozen geologists and geochronologists, a cartographer, a data technician and many volunteers.

      “To gather new information, geologists walked over many miles of terrain, sometimes using helicopters to reach remote areas and sometimes camping for several days. Geologists used aerial photographs to identify subtle patterns in the landscape and then examined the features on the ground to understand their significance. GPS units, new (and cumbersome) technology at the time, helped locate points in highly vegetated areas. Geologists also used new techniques for dating and characterizing lava flows that were not available in the 1940s.

A comparison of the 1946 Stearns and MacDonald map and the 1996

BIMP map, digitized in 2005, shows how the understanding 

of Hawai`i Island's geology advanced over half a century.

      “Each geologist compiled field information using aerial photographs, and then transferred the observations and interpretations onto 1:24000 (quadrangle) topographic maps. The cartographer then unified the field geologists’ linework for the final map. All this information was then carefully hand-drawn and colored onto the USGS 1:100,000 Hawai`i County topographic base map. 

      “The 1996 geologic map publication contains six sheets. One set of three sheets presents the colored geologic map, which displays the origins, shapes, physical compositions, and ages of the lava flows and other surface deposits, including cinder cones, fissure vents, and faults. On the map, colors reflect lava flow age, and patterns indicate composition. Permission was granted to reject traditional, subdued USGS geologic map colors to allow geologically recent and active lava flows to enliven the map, just as they do the landscape.
      “Each flow is also labeled with an alpha-numeric signature that is keyed to source, age, and type of deposit. For example, ‘kc5’ indicates a spatter or scoria cone (c) from Mauna Loa (k) in age group 5 (0 to 200 years before present). An 18-page text summary of the three colored sheets is included with the geologic map.
      “The second set of three maps displays the location and some analytical data for 1,783 rock and 242 radiocarbon samples gathered by BIMP geologists. The chemical composition or radiocarbon age of each sample is published in tables in the accompanying 51-page pamphlet. These data add scientific depth to the geologic map, which is much appreciated by geologists and other scientists.
      “This evolution of the map from 1946 to 1996 illustrates a theme of geologic maps: they are always a snapshot of understanding at a point in time. As insight into geologic processes grows and analytical tools improve, maps will be updated by future generations of scientists. Of course, the 1996 Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i is already out of date, lacking the last 20 years of Pu`u `O`o lava flows and missing some important new insights into both Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
      “Since the 1996 map was published, Geographic Information System, or GIS, has become the standard tool of map-making and is a powerful way to combine disparate data and look at relationships of information in new ways. Someday, digital geologic maps will be three-dimensional and completely interactive, probably in ways we cannot even imagine now.
      “However, despite new high-tech tools and visualizations, the preparation of geologic maps still involves hefting a pack and spending time on amazing landscapes, sweating and using all our senses as we carefully pick our way across the terrain. For many of us, this is what drew us to geology and keeps us excited at each new outcrop.
      “Happy 20th birthday to the Geologic Map of the Island of Hawai`i. We look forward to its next iteration!”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Learn about invasive species at After Dark in the Park.

ECOLOGIST DAVID BENITEZ DISCUSSES some of the most unwanted species in the park, Hawai`i and around the world at After Dark in the Park today at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

LEARN HOW TO CREATE designs on a bamboo stamp and make nose flutes tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Staff from Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association and rangers share their knowledge and love of two of Hawai`i’s popular traditional arts.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.