Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Kealia Galimba, with Blossom, won Grand Champion Heifer at last week's Hawai`i County 4-H
Show Sale. See more below. Photos from Michelle Galimba

“SITTING ON THE HOUSE FLOOR to ask for a vote on gun control,” U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard tweeted today. Gabbard was elected by Ka`u and other rural areas of the state to Congress.

U.S. Democratic Congress members are staging a sit-in,
hoping to force a vote on gun control.
Photo from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Office

      Democratic Congress members, including Gabbard, are staging a sit-in that began today at about 11:30 a.m. They are protesting Republican colleagues’ refusal to allow debate and voting on legislation that would keep guns out of the hands of people on the federal “No-Fly” list because they are considered threats to national security.

      The House action follows last week’s Senate filibuster by Democrats who wanted action on similar legislation. A vote took place Monday, and that legislation failed.
      Both houses’ actions follow the worst shooting incident in U.S. history, which left 49 victims and the gunman dead at the Orlando, FL Pulse nightclub on Sunday morning, June 12.
      Sen. Mazie Hirono joined the sit-in. “It is no longer the time for thoughts, prayers and reflection,” she said. “Republicans continue to pass up yet another chance to support commonsense gun safety reform. It’s appalling."
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

EMERGENCY 9-1-1 OPERATIONS are back in service as of 2:30 p.m., Hawai`i Police Department reported. Technical problems caused intermittent communication problems with land lines and cell phones across the state this morning and early afternoon.
      Persons in need of police assistance were advised that if they couldn’t reach the Police Department by phone, they should report to the nearest police station or flag down a police officer.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Gov. David Ige and ASN Dennis McGinn
signed a Memorandum of Agreement
regarding energy-related issues.
Photo from Gov. Ige's Office

GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED a historic agreement with the Department of the Navy to advance clean energy opportunities. He and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Dennis V. McGinn signed a Memorandum of Agreement to work on energy-related issues of mutual benefit, to coordinate goals and to build partnerships whenever possible.

      The MOU between the state of Hawai`i, through the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and the Department of the Navy follows a meeting between Ige and McGinn in November 2015. The parties found that the state and DON have similar energy goals relating to the reduction of greenhouse gases, the reduction of fossil fuel usage, energy efficiency, water consumption, use of renewable energy and use of alternative fueled vehicles.
      The MOU aims to leverage the human and financial resources of the state and the Department of Defense toward a shared vision on energy security and self- sufficiency.
      “As the single-largest customer of Hawai`i’s electric utilities, the Department of the Navy and other branches of the military have an enormous impact on our economy through renewable energy and energy efficiency installations. Our collaboration is intended to accelerate our pace to 100 percent renewable energy,” Ige said.
      “We are pleased to formalize an already strong relationship with the great state of Hawai`i,” McGinn said. “We look forward to the many opportunities where the Department of the Navy and the state of Hawai`i can develop ‘win-win’ solutions to energy related challenges.”
      “This MOU is a testament to Hawai`i’s leadership in clean energy policy and as one of the best places in the world to invest in renewable energy and efficiency solutions,” Ige said. “This agreement will allow us to capitalize to the greatest extent possible, our combined wisdom and experience as we strive to achieve greater energy security, economic vitality and carbon reductions.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Brenda Iokepa-Moses and Randy Cabral
with Kaua`i Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr.
Photo from Brenda Iokepa-Moses

HAWAI`I ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION Districts president Brenda Iokepa-Moses opened the organization’s annual conference at Hilton Garden Inn on Kaua`i today. She and Hawai`i Island Farm Bureau president Randy Cabral met Kaua`i Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr.

      A different island hosts the conference each year. Agencies come together to discuss agricultural issues and policies that they can work on together to improve and benefit the local farming community. 

      “Educational briefings, group discussions and hearing other islands voice their concerns is a great time to exchange information, build relationships and renew our commitment to the farmers, as most of us are volunteers and do this on our own time because of our passion to assist in creating a sustainable island and support local farmers,” Iokepa-Moses said.
      Topics on the agenda through Friday include `Aina – Connect – Respect – Protect, Forestry Landowner Assistance, GoFarm/Ag Curious and Conservation Practices with Monsanto Hawai`i.
     To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Ua Alencastre-Galimba with Ekolu, Grand Champion Lamb.

KA`U YOUTH WON BIG with their entries at Hawai`i County’s annual 4H Livestock Show & Sale in Waimea last weekend.

      Ua Alencastre-Galimba won Grand Champion with her lamb Ekolu; Reserve Champion Beef Heifer with Holly and Reserve Champion Beef Steer with Holiday.
      Gavin Galimba was Champion Beef Showman and took second place in the Lightweight Hog division.
      Grand Champion Beef Heifer went to Kealia Galimba, with Blossom.
      Kailee Aickin placed first in the Lightweight Hog Division.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Gavin Galimba was Champion Beef Showman at the show & sale.

HAWAI`I RANKED 25TH OVERALL in nationwide child well-being rankings. Last year, Hawai`i’s rank was 24.

      Each year since 1990, the Annie E. Casey Foundation has published the KIDS COUNT Data Book to track the well-being of children nationally and in every state. The overall ranking is the average of four categories. In the Economic Well-Being category, Hawai`i ranked 33rd; in Education, 31st; in Health, 22nd; and Family & Community, 13th.
      The KIDS COUNT index reflects child health and education outcomes as well as risk and protective factors. The index incorporates a developmental perspective on childhood and includes experiences across life stages from birth through early adulthood.

Kailee Aickin placed first in the Lightweight Hog division.

      The indicators are consistently and regularly measured, which allows for legitimate comparisons across states and over time. A nuanced assessment of child well-being in each state can inform policy solutions by helping policymakers and advocates better identify areas of strength and weakness.

      Over the course of 25 years, the Casey Foundation has used the KIDS COUNT Data Book to raise awareness locally and nationally about how kids are doing and what policies and programs might lead to improvements. Over that time, advocates for children have emerged to join the KIDS COUNT network. Every year, KIDS COUNT leaders use both state-based and national data on child well-being to focus policymakers on the most challenging issues facing children in their states and communities.

Augie T and friends come to Ka`u in July.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

WAHI PANA: HAWAI`I’S SPECIAL PLACES focuses on Ka`u on KGMB Channel 7 tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.

LIVE & LOCAL COMEDY comes to Pahala Community Center on Sunday, July 3 at 7 p.m.
      Augie T, Frank De Lima and Mel Cabang headline the event for all ages. Advance tickets are $20 and available at R&G Mini Mart and AugieT.com. Tickets at the door are $25. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
      Call 990-0474 for more information.

HAWAI`I COUNTY ECONOMIC Opportunity Council holds a public meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5 at HCEOC Na`alehu Office on Puluala Street in back of Na`alehu Community Center. HCEOC will discuss its intent to file an application with USDA Rural Development for financial assistance to purchase a mini-bus to provide transportation services to Ka`u residents. Public comments are welcome.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_June_2016.pdf.

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

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Ka`u is the focus of this week's TV show Wahi Pana: Hawai`i's Special Places. See more below.
Photo by Peter Anderson

GOV. DAVID Y. IGE YESTERDAY signed a fifth supplemental proclamation on homelessness, which will remain in effect until August. The supplemental proclamation provides an additional 60 days in which to continue the state’s cross-sector collaboration and coordinated efforts with the counties.

Gov. David Ige signed a fifth supplemental proclamation on
homelessness yesterday. Photo from Office of Gov. Ige

      “The state has taken strides forward in creating a truly client-centered system among federal, state, county and community organizations,” said Scott Morishige, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. “We are seeing unprecedented alignment of services and a commitment to the common goal of connecting people to permanent, stable housing as quickly as possible.” Morishige made the statement from the Maui Landlord Summit, where he outlined progress in the state’s unified response to homelessness.

      The Maui Landlord Summit is the fourth in a series of state-supported events aimed at increasing government-assisted housing inventory. It serves to introduce potential landlords to homeless service providers and government agencies providing landlord support. The summit dispels misperceptions about Section 8 and the Housing First program.
      Hawai`i Public Housing Authority’s board has approved emergency rules to establish a special rental subsidy program, which will make available approximately $600,000 to quickly move at least 100 homeless families statewide into housing. HPHA Executive Director Hakim Ouansafi said, “With partnership with local nonprofits, this program is specifically focused on homeless families, where we expect to have an immediate, noticeable and lasting impact across generations.”
      Morishige underscored the importance of the developments. “These are two examples of community partnerships the state is forging to effectively and quickly address homelessness,” he said. “We are looking at new and creative ways for the community to pool funds, leverage resources and work in alignment across all sectors to house and stabilize people experiencing homelessness.”
      Over the past week, representatives from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the National Governors Association have been in Hawai`i as the governor’s office has convened cross-sector meetings with stakeholders from every county and every sector.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

This is Mosquito Control Awareness Week. Photo from AMCA

THIS IS MOSQUITO CONTROL Awareness Week. The American Mosquito Control Association promotes the three Ds: Drain, Dress and Defend as methods to enhance public health and quality of life through suppression of mosquitoes.

      Drain. Many mosquito problems in neighborhoods likely come from water-filled containers that residents can help to eliminate, according to AMCA. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around homes. Dispose of any tires; tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers. Clear roof gutters of debris. Clean pet water dishes regularly. Check and empty children’s toys. Repair leaky outdoor faucets. Change water in birdbaths at least once a week. Canoes and other boats should be turned over. Avoid water collecting on pool covers. Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on woodpiles. Plug tree holes. Even the smallest of containers (bottles, barrels, buckets, overturned garbage can lids, etc.) that can collect water can breed hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes. They don’t need much water to lay their eggs.
      Dress. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Studies have shown that some of the 174 mosquito species in the United States are more attracted to dark clothing and most can readily bite through tight-fitting clothing of loose weave. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.
      Defend. Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Registered products have been reviewed, approved and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions. Four repellents that are approved and recommended are DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3,8- diol, or PMD) and IR3535.
      See mosquito.org.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Mazie Hirono speaking on gun control.
Image from Sen. Hirono's Office

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS YESTERDAY voted to support measures to curb gun violence, following the worst shooting incident in U.S. history, which left 49 victims and the gunman dead at the Orlando, FL Pulse nightclub on Sunday morning, June 12. The measures failed.
      The first would have strengthened background checks for gun buyers by requiring that each one, with exceptions, pass an instant background check. It also would have required states and the federal government to send all necessary records on felons, drug abusers, the seriously mentally ill and other dangerous people to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. 

      The second, cosponsored by senators including Sen. Brian Schatz and Sen. Mazie Hirono, would have closed the “terror gap” by giving the attorney general the discretion to keep suspected terrorists from buying guns and explosives if the attorney general has a reasonable belief that the weapons would be used in connection with terrorism.

Sen. Brian Schatz joined last week's
filibuster. Image from YouTube

      “More than 90 percent of Americans demand we take action on gun violence, but again Senate Republicans refuse to act. It’s unacceptable,” Schatz said. “Right now, known terrorists are banned from getting on an airplane, but they are still allowed to buy military-style weapons. It is absolutely insane. After one of the most horrific mass shootings in our history, we saw people across the country courageously stand up against gun violence and hatred. When will Republicans in Congress finally do the same?”

      “Last week on the Senate floor, I joined Sen Christopher Murphy in calling for action on commonsense measures to curb gun violence in honor of the more than 6,000 people killed by guns so far in 2016,” Hirono said. “Since that speech last Wednesday, nearly 200 more Americans have been killed by guns. Enough is enough. These victims and their loved ones deserve more than empty promises, thoughts and prayers. Today, Senate Republicans sent a clear message that they are more interested in pandering to special interests such as the National Rifle Association than taking steps to prevent tragedies like Orlando, like Newtown, like Charleston, from happening again. I will continue to fight alongside the millions of Americans demanding action.”
      Last week, Hirono and Schatz joined Sen. Murphy’s 15-hour filibuster to demand votes on the amendments. Click here to watch Hirono’s remarks and here for Schatz’s.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

PARTICIPANTS WEAVE THEIR OWN ti leaf lei tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

WAHI PANA: HAWAI`I’S SPECIAL PLACES focuses on Ka`u in its upcoming program, airing on KGMB Channel 7 Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Learn about the Business of Art from Ira Ono
Photo from VAC

AN UPCOMING WORKSHOP at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village focuses on the Business of Art. Volcano artist Ira Ono’ topics include Pricing your Product for Profit, Focus on Galleries/Gift Shops, Trade Show Visual Merchandising, Affordable Display Techniques, Fool Proof Presentations, Internet Marketing and Getting Free Publicity.

      Ono is an internationally known artist. His works are found in the Hawai`i State Art Museum and private collections in the U.S., Europe and Japan. He is owner/director of Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village. He founded the Trash Art Shows throughout the state and is well versed in every aspect of marketing fine arts and crafts in Hawai`i and beyond.
      During the workshop, Ono will help artists navigate basic business principles in this one-day intensive workshop. From the initial pros and cons of being your own boss to copyright basics to branding your product, artists discover what’s right for them and their art.
      The workshop is held on Saturday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $40 for VAC members and $50 for non-members.
      Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their own artwork for Ira to review.
      To register, call 967-8222 or see volcanoartcenter.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_June_2016.pdf.

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

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, June 20, 2016

Sign up now for a Pohaku Clay Sculpture class next month. See more below.
Photo from Na`alehu Public Library & Olivia Ling

DR. CLIFFORD KOPP COMPLETES another 300-mile walk around Hawai`i Island tomorrow in Kailua-Kona.

Kopp's trek included an outreach
event with The Food Basket.

      Kopp traveled through Ka`u last week during his efforts to raise awareness of homelessness on the island. The walk included an outreach event with The Food Basket and a Native Hawaiian spiritual walk in Pololu Valley.

      This is his fourth journey around the island. The purpose of his Walk the Talk journey has been to raise awareness of the estimated 1,800 unsheltered homeless that have, in many cases, been ignored, unidentified and uncounted.
      The first trip began on Christmas Eve 2015.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN TAKE an online Bowhunter Education course beginning on July 1. Hawai`i Hunter Education Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is offering the course in order to expand bowhunter Education certification options in Hawai`i.

      The course is approved by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation and meets the requirements to purchase a bowhunting license where required. In addition, it does not require completion of a field day.

      Although Hawai`i does not require a Bowhunter Education certification to bowhunt, many states are increasingly requiring this additional certification to purchase a bowhunting license.

      Currently, the Hawai`i Hunter Education Program offers a three-day in-person Bowhunter Education course with field day once a year. Over the past three years, classes have been held on Maui, O`ahu and Hawai`i Island.

Royden Okinishi is a Ka`u bowhunter.

      This online course is offered through the NBEF-approved Bowhunter-ed.com. The cost for this is $30, which is assessed directly from Bowhunter-ed.com after course completion. Students must have completed Basic Hunter Education prior to completing the online Bowhunter Education course. In addition, students must be at least 10 years old to take this course. The course is limited to Hawai`i residents. 

      After passing and paying for the course, students will be able to immediately print their Temporary Bowhunter Education Certificate, which is valid to purchase a bowhunting license (where required) as long as it is purchased within the expiration date. Students will be mailed their permanent Hawai`i Bowhunter Education Certificate from the Hawai`i Hunter Education Program within three to four weeks. If they complete the course but do not meet the requirements above, they will not be issued a Bowhunter Education certificate from the program.
      To take the online course after July 1, see https://www.bowhunter-ed.com/#select-your-state. Select “Hawaii,” register, and begin the course. The course includes chapter quizzes and a final exam.

      The Hawai`i Hunter Education Program will also continue to schedule one three-day, in-person bowhunter course per year for those individuals wishing to attend an in-person course.

      See http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/huntered/classes/ for a list of current classes.
      For more information, call 808-587-0200.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists discuss Kilauea’s new lava flows at Pu`u O`o in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

      “Early on the morning of May 24, 2016, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were alerted by text message that a tiltmeter on the Pu`u `O`o cone on Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone had detected rapid change,” the article states. “Soon after, an HVO field crew reported that lava had broken out from the flanks of Pu`u `O`o. Tiltmeter data showed that the breakout likely began at 6:50 a.m. HST, resulting in a rapid deflation of the cone as magma burst forth from new vents.
      “HVO geologists were soon in the air to investigate the sudden – although not entirely surprising – change in activity at this long-lived eruption site.

      “Once on scene, the geologists mapped and sampled two vigorous lobes of lava advancing from new vents on the north and east sides of Pu`u `O`o. Both lobes traveled atop older Pu`u `O`o lava flows, forming shimmering deltas of pahoehoe channels, fingers and toes. At the time, the two flows were about 1 kilometer (3,300 yards) in length, too short to reach the forest on the north, but active enough to thrill tourists flying above the area.

Lava flowing from Pu`u `O`o is heading to a pali and the coast.
Photo from NPS

      “Over the following days, activity continued from these breakouts – now called episodes 61f and 61g in the lexicon of HVO eruptive activity tracking. Each was developing nascent lava tubes and distributary channels that carried lava downslope, slowly extending their lengths and widths. 

      “During this time, the June 27th lava flow field remained active in scattered areas within about 5–6 km (3–4 mi) northeast of the vent, a continuation of the activity observed in the same general area for the past year. Apparently, the supply of lava from Pu`u `O`o to the lava tube feeding the June 27th flow was not immediately starved by the new breakouts.
      “Now, however, only the eastern breakout is active—no lava has been sighted in the northern breakout or on the June 27 flow field since June 6. Clearly, the eastern breakout — informally called the “61g flow” — has captured most, or all, of the outflow from Pu`u `O`o. This is most likely because the 61g vent is at a lower elevation on the flank of Pu`u `O`o compared to the 61f vent and the older June 27th lava flow tube. 

      “As of June 16, the 61g flow is moving steadily southeast along, and just outside of, the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park boundary. The flow is contained within topography of older Pu`u `O`o lava flows and is headed for the northwestern corner of the long-abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision.
      “At its present advance rate, the flow could reach the Pulama pali (a steep, lava mantled fault scarp on Kilauea’s south flank) in days to weeks. If and when it reaches the coastal plain and then the ocean depends on the evolution of a tube system and constancy of lava supplied from the vent – variables that are difficult to forecast at this time.
      “This turn of events at Pu`u `O`o was not entirely unexpected. For weeks, an HVO tiltmeter on the north rim had shown steady outward tilting as magma accumulated in the subsurface reservoir system, pushing on the sides of the cone and the floor of the crater. Indeed, thermal webcam imagery showed the floor of Pu`u `O`o slowly lifting as the pressure increased from below and numerous small lava flows repeatedly erupted from vents within the crater.
      “The cone was clearly filling with magma, the crater floor responding like a piston and the flanks bulging outward. A new outbreak of lava was certainly possible, and, on May 24, it happened: flows 61f and 61g erupted from the flanks of Pu`u `O`o.
      “Meanwhile, Kilauea’s summit magma reservoirs have also been on a long run of inflation, punctuated by occasional DI (deflation-inflation) events. For some months now, we have considered the magmatic plumbing system of Kilauea’s summit and upper rift zones to be pressurized and full, a condition ripe for change as stresses increase on the walls of engorged magma reservoirs.
      “Time will tell if and how other parts of Kilauea respond to this pressurization.
      “For now, the recent activity at Pu`u `O`o is just the latest chapter in what long-time volcano watchers have observed for decades: Kilauea’s complex and long-lived East Rift Zone eruption site is dynamic and always changing.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Weave a ti leaf lei Wednesday. Photo from NPS

WEAVE A TI LEAF LEI Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.       Free; park entrance fees apply.

POHAKU CLAY SCULPTURE class still has openings. Offered by Olivia Ling, the class takes place at Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants each make a clay mask, which will be pit fired at the community center on Tuesday, July 26 at 10 a.m. Cost is $25 per person and includes instruction and all materials and firing.
      Space is limited, and to ensure enough clay for the class, RSVP as soon as possible by calling 929-8174.

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_June2016.pdf.