Ka`u News Briefs, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016

Gov. David Ige at a coffee hour in Pahala when he was running for Hawaiʻi governor in 2014. He released a statement yesterday regarding the future after the Nov. 8 national General Election. Photo by Julia Neal

IN RESPONSE TO GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS NATIONWIDE, including Republican Donald Trump winning the post of U.S. President, Hawaiʻi’s Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, released the following statement yesterday:
     “The people of Hawai‘i are resilient and innovative. We have weathered the storm of the 2016 campaign and emerged stronger as we continue to embrace the values, culture and ethnic diversity that define us. We must respect the democratic process and continue setting the example by moving forward with individual and collective actions that contribute to the greater good of our children and their children, for Hawai‘i and the United States of America. Please join me as we make this happen.”
     Hawaiʻi voted for Hillary Clinton in the General Election. However, its own delegation to Washington, D.C., comprised of Democrats, has long worked with both parties.

Federal funding supported construction of the new Kaʻū District Gym & Shelter.
Photo by Ron Johnson

     Hawaiʻi’s economy depends heavily on the federal funding for such military bases as Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, Schofield Barracks, Tripler Medical Center, Wheeler Army Airfleld, Hickam Air Force Base, Pacific Missile Range Facility, and on Hawaiʻi Island, the Pohakuloa Training Area and Kīlauea Military Camp.
     Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the most visited destination in the state, which brings in millions of dollars a year in fees, is administered through the Department of Interior as are other federal lands on this island.
     In social services, Kaʻū’s Marshallese community depends on federal funding. Rural health clinics and Ka‘ū Hospital receive federal assistance, as do many Native Hawaiian programs, the public schools and low-income housing assistance. Federal money was made available for construction of the new Kaʻū District Gym & Shelter. Twenty years ago, start-up federal money helped launch the Kaʻū Coffee industry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to support the farmers with education and training.
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A VOLCANO FOOD AND FARM fund-raising tour will be launched on Jan. 14, sponsored by the non-profit Volcano Community Foundation. The tour visits three working farms:
     A family-run farm with greenhouses raises leafy greens, herbs and berries for market.

Farmer Jeff McCall at his vegetable stall in Volcano.

      A husband-and-wife flower farm raises orchids shipped all over the world and will provide a tour with a lesson on separating and repotting grown plants.
     A farm with over 300 five-year-old tea plants demonstrates how the processing determines whether the tea is green, white, oolong or black, followed by a tea tasting. olong or black, followed by a tea tasting.
     Funds raised support a scholarship awarded each year to an outstanding high school senior from Volcano.

Picking tea at Hawaiʻi Tart Co.’s tea
farm in Volcano.

     Marilyn Nicholoson of the Volcano Community Foundation describes the Volcano area working farm environment: “Volcano’s cool, wet climate and deep volcanic soils have long made it a popular place for small scale and niche agricultural products. Fruit trees, many vegetable crops, flowers, goats and cattle are still a way of life for many in this small upland community. Newer crops like grapes and tea are finding their place as well as developing a strong and expanding market.”
     The tour begins with a 9:15 a.m. check-in at Kīlauea Lodge, with car-pools to the farms. Comfortable walking shoes (it could be a bit muddy) and a rain jacket are recommended. The cost is $45 per person which includes lunch, and advance registration is required.

Last year's winner for the 2016
Directory cover was Peter Anderson

    To reserve a place on the tour send an email to volcanocommunity@gmail.com or call 967-7366.

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ARTWORK TO BE CHOSEN FOR THE COVER of The Directory, the annual Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce community resource and business guide, will be accepted at Naʻalehu Hongwanji, Monday, Nov. 14, between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The annual show entitled The Beauty of Kaʻū opens with free entry to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Naʻalehu Hongwanji Breezeway.
     During the week of the show, business owners have the opportunity to sponsor a work of art by making a donation to the Chamber and sponsoring the artist entry fee. Sponsors will be allowed to show the sponsored art at their places of business for up to three weeks.
     During the showing all week at Naʻalehu Honwanji, those works of art that are for sale will be priced on a list available from art show volunteers.
     The results of judging of all categories and the selection for The Directory cover will be announced Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at Naʻalehu Hongwanji, when artists are invited to a reception and awards ceremony.
    All entries are eligible to win popular vote (the cover) including youth and keiki, with the exception of all previous cover winners. Registration is $5 per adult entry, $2.50 per youth entry and $1 per keiki entry. Prizes will be given for: photography, sculpture, woodworking, quilting, jewelry, lei, graphics, painting and weaving. There are separate youth and keiki categories.
     Entry forms are available at local schools and merchants, on the Chamber website and at the door during art drop-off hours. The Directory is published in January.

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A RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEETING is being held today, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office for those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

OPEN HOUSE IS THIS FRIDAY AT KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK. The Welina Mai Nei Kaikou I Kahuku celebrates Kahuku being open on Fridays, in addition to Saturdays and Sundays. Hawaiian music, informational displays, children't activities. Free entry. Sign up for a guided hike at 929-8075.

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK FREE ENTRANCE is this Friday, Nov. 11, when national parks across the country waive  fees for Veterans Day in honor of the men and women who have served the nation. Volcanoes Park has dozens of veterans among its employees and volunteers. Active duty U.S. military can obtain a free annual Military Pass at the park’s entrance station all year. For more information on the free Military Pass, visit the park website http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/fees.htm.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP VETERANS DAY CEREMONY will be this Friday, Nov. 11. KMC celebrates a century of service with keynote speaker, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The ceremony is on the front lawn at 3 p.m.

VETERANS DAY BUFFET is offered by Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe this Friday, Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. following Veterans Day ceremonies. Adults $27.95. Children 6-11 years old $14.50

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

Ka`u News Briefs, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016

Sen. Russell Ruderman won the vote yesterday to return to his state Senate seat, after a hard fought victory over
 County Council member Greggor Ilagan in the primary. Above, Ruderman campaigns with his baby at Volcano this summer.
 Photo by Ron Johnson

Rep. Richard Creagan (l) won last night and will return for west Kaʻū to the
state Legislature. Kealiʻi Kahele won his late father's state Senate seat and
 Maile David represents Kaʻū again on the County Council.

INCUMBENTS WON all the races for state and county seats representing Kaʻū in yesterday's General Election.
      Sen. Russell Ruderman, representing east Kaʻū  returns to his post winning 76.5 percent of the vote. The Democrat defeated Libertarian Fredrick Fogel in the General Election after defeating County Council member Greggor Ilagan in the primary. Sen. Josh Green, state Senator for west Kaʻū,  a Democrat, was not on the ballot. He serves two more years until his term is up,
     Rep. Richard Creagan goes back to his state House of Representatives seat for west Kaʻū,  the Democrat defeating Libertarian Michael Last with 68.2 percent of the vote.
       Rep. Richard Onishi goes back to his state House of Representatives seat for east Kaʻū  winning 68 percent of the vote, beating Green Party candidate Kealoha Pisciotta.    
      County Council member Maile David, representing all of Kaʻū, won the primary election over Bernnie Sanders supporter Raina Whiting by a large enough margin to avoid a General Election runoff.

State Rep. Richard Onishi was reelected last night. Photo by Ron Johnson

      Kaiʻaliʻi Kahele, son of the Gil Kahele who was a Kaʻū senator until redistricting, won his late father’s state Senate seat in Hilo and promised to continue to help Kaʻū and particularly Miloliʻi where he does community work and has a second family home.
     County Prosecutor Mitch Roth won his post again in the primary. He has worked with Kaʻū farmers and extensively on community Neighborhood Watch and drug and crime prevention programs.  Mayor Harry Kim also won in the primary, taking back leadership of the county after serving two terms and resting for two terms. He replaces Mayor Billy Kenoi who has reached term limits.

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS TRUSTEE for Hawaiʻi Island will be Robert Lindsey, returning to his post with 44.4 percent of the vote, defeating Mililani Trask with 32.5 percent of the vote. The winner of the OHA at-larrge trustee race is Keliʻi Akina with 37 percent of the vote over Haunani Apiliona with 36 percent of the vote.

Mayor Harry Kim says “Thank You” to Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

FOR CONGRESS, REPRESENTING KAʻŪ and rural Hawaiʻi, Sen. Brian Schatz returns to Washington, winning more than 70 percent of the vote and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard returns to Washington with more than 75 percent of the vote.

THE NEW U.S. PRESIDENT, announced this morning after General Election voting yesterday, will be Republican Donald Trump. He lost Hawaiʻi, earning about half the number of votes here as the Democrat, Hillary Clinton. However, nationwide the close race ended in a Clinton concession with Trump winning the electoral votes and Clinton winning the popular vote. The electoral college vote prevails.
      In his acceptance speech, Trump, the New York developer and hotelier, said, “Now it’s time for America to bind together as one united people.” He also said the nation owes Clinton “a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.” Trump promised to rebuild the country’s infrastructure, create more jobs and allow fewer jobs to be shipped offshore. He has also promised a better health care system than Obamacare.
     In speeches this morning, outgoing President Barack Obama and Clinton both urged a peaceful transition to the Trump presidency. They and Trump urged everyone to work together as citizens of the United States to better the country.
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HAWAIʻI COUNTY'S GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT to take the public's health into consideration when planning for the island was approved yesterday with a yes vote with 65.4 percent of the vote.

Reelected last night, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard visited leaders of
two Kaʻū Coffee cooperatives this Summer. She will give the
 Kilauea Military  address this Friday at 3 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

THE STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT setting a  higher value in civil cases to qualify them for jury trials, was passed yesterday by the Hawaiʻi electorate with 46.3 percent of the vote. Another amendment which directs the state to use excess funds to pay debt and other costs also passed with 50.4 percent of the vote.
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A GATHERING WILL BE HELD TO HONOR the life of Ocean View Community leader Don Nitsche this Saturday, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. at Bougainvillea Bed and Breakfast in Ranchos. A military funeral will be at noon today at the West Hawaiʻi Veterans’ Cemetery.

Don Nitsche

     Nitsche, a well-known Kaʻū personality, died peacefully on Oct. 27 in his Ocean View home at age 86, bringing a full and active life to a sudden and unexpected end.
     Nitsche was a builder, paver, fisherman, pilot, skier, sailor, war vet, host, water hauler and entrepreneur. His legacy is advocating for many Ocean View community services and facilities including the new well for potable water for the community, which, without his perseverance, may never have been built. He was born in Seattle, WA and graduated from Garfield High School. He served in the Navy for two years and was a Korean war veteran. After marrying his wife, Martie, in 1952, he joined an Alaskan fishing fleet to earn capital for land and to build a home on Mercer Island. Entrepreneurship came early to Don – he was able to build a mountain cabin while simultaneously managing a ski chalet and selling commercial ski equipment and also building his home.
     In 1976 he and Martie moved to Maui with their two children to run an Orange Julius concession and sell Buck Alum steel-frame home kits to home builders who wanted strong, durable, termite-proof materials. In 1989 the family moved to Ocean View and Don took over the gas station. Today it is Spirit gas, but at the time it was Texaco. It was a full-service facility, that offered repairs, tires and batteries. Don also built the Bougainvillea Bed and Breakfast in Hawaiian Ranchos, which he and Martie ran for 25 years.

Seeking funding for drilling an Ocean View well was one of
 Don Nitsche’s long-term community projects.

     At one time, the roads in Ranchos were inadequately maintained. Exeter Equity Inc. held about $400,000 in trust, as required by the county, for road maintenance, but were not doing the work. In 1991, Nitsche, as President of the Hawaiian Ranchos Community Association, threatened to sue Exeter for non-performance, unless that company gave the funds to the community. They finally agreed, and in 1992 the Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. was formed with Nitsche as its first President. Nitsche acquired equipment, and the cindered roads were chipsealed over time – about six miles per year.
     Long time Ocean View resident Richard Rogers affectionately described Nitsche as the “Crusty Old Buzzard who gets things done.” He recalled a time, circa 1996, when the Legislature voted to give Ocean View a water well and storage tank, but, according to Rogers, the Governor refused to release the funds as retribution for Ocean View residents refusing to allow the development of both a prison and a rocket launching site in Kaʻū.
     “Gov. Ben Cayetano told us straight,” recalled Rogers. He said: ‘You are not getting any money while I’m in office.’
     “We in Ocean View, led by Don and Martie, were not taking ‘no’ for an answer,” recalled Rogers. “Martie arranged flights to Oʻahu for about 20 of us, and a bus to take us to the capitol. We called ourselves ‘The Well-Wishers.’ We picketed all day, shouting ‘Give us our money!’ Cayetano arranged to be absent that day, so we flew back a second time. That time we picketed a huge hotel where they were holding the Pacific Business Economic Summit – Bill Gates was there – and we hoped that picketing Cayetano in front of these VIPs would embarrass him into releasing the funds, but it only made him madder.
     “I still remember Don standing on a median picketing, when a hotel guard ordered him to move, which Don refused to do. The big, beefy guard asked, threateningly, ‘You want trouble?’ to which Don replied, ‘Yes, what do you think we came here for?’ The guard stomped off. We later heard that Cayetano had a paddy wagon around the corner, ready to haul us off if we got out of hand.”

The Nitsche home in Ranchos was the site of many community
planning and strategy meetings. 

    Unfortunately for Nitsche and Ocean View, said Rogers, the oft-criticized Cayetano was elected to a second term by a single percentage point, so they had to wait until 2002 for Linda Lingle to take office. “We had to start all over again, getting the Legislature to again approve the project,” explained Rogers.

     “Even then we had to wait for her second term. She wanted to give us a smaller well, with a single pump and a smaller tank. Don argued vehemently that it was not adequate. Gov. Lingle got frustrated and said ‘What’s the matter with you – won’t you accept what we are giving you?’ to which Don replied, ‘No, we are not accepting it.’ The Crusty Old Buzzard got his way and now Ocean View has two pumps, a deeper well and a larger storage tank.”
     Martie recalled that it was State Rep. Bob Herkes who pushed the proposal through the Legislature, winning $6.4 million for the project. “It took Don 14 years, but Ocean View now has a well, so it was worth it,” added Martie. “I think of it as Don’s legacy to our town.”
     While the saga of the water well played out, Nitsche was hauling water from Waiohinu in his truck with a 2,000-gallon water tank. On Easter eve in 2008, he turned into Ranchos at the Kohala gate and was driving makai when the truck’s brakes failed. He turned the rig towards a ditch to slow it down, but the truck jack-knifed and then somersaulted and rolled before coming to rest on the lava as a mangled wreck. Luckily Nitsche was not wearing a seat belt. He was thrown out and landed on the lava, where he lay, concussed, until a police officer stopped, expecting to find a fatality. Miraculously, the Crusty Old Buzzard survived with a brain concussion, a broken rib and a punctured lung.
      When not working hard, which was most of the time, Don enjoyed skiing, flying small aircraft and sailing. He is survived by Martie, his son Karl, daughter Jahna Brown, five grandchildren and one great grandson.

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A RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEETING will be held tomorrow, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office for those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

 OPEN HOUSE IS THIS FRIDAY AT KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK. The Welina Mai Nei Kaikou I Kahuku celebrates Kahuku being open on Fridays, in addition to Saturdays and Sundays. Hawaiian music, informational displays, children't activities. Free entry. Sign up for a guided hike at 929-8075.

Free admission, hike, music and displays this Friday in
Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from NPS

FREE ENTRANCE TO HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will be this Friday, Nov. 11, National parks across the country will waive entrance fees for Veterans Day in honor of the men and women who have served the nation. The park has dozens of veterans among its employees and volunteers. Active duty U.S. military can obtain a free annual Military Pass at the park’s entrance station all year. For more information on the free Military Pass, visit the park website http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/fees.htm.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY will be this Friday, Nov. 11. KMC celebrates a century of service with keynote speaker, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The ceremony is on the front lawn at 3 p.m.

VETERANS DAY BUFFET is offered by Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe this Friday, Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. following Veterans Day ceremonies. Adults $27.95. Children 6-11 years old $14.50

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

See www.kaucalendar.com

Ka`u News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016

Ka‘ū Learning Academy fourth grade students learn about Kīlauea volcano and the lava lake within
Halema‘uma‘u Crater. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

FOURTH GRADERS ON A FIELD TRIP TO THE ERUPTING SUMMIT of Kīlauea received their free Every Kid in a Park pass yesterday from Sen. Mazie K. Hirono. The Senator, Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando, and park rangers greeted Kaʻū Learning Academy students at Kīlauea Overlook. The students traveled 41 miles from their charter school campus in Discovery Harbour to hike with the Senator along Crater Rim Trail to the observation deck at Jaggar Museum. Each student learned about the volcano and earned an Every Kid in a Park pass.

Every Kid in a Park Pass is good for entry to 2,000

public lands and waters nationwide.

NPS Photo by Janice Wei

     The Every in Kid in a Park program is part of President Barack Obama’s program to protect iconic outdoor spaces and ensure that every American has the opportunity to visit them. In its second year, it gives fourth graders and those accompanying them, a free pass for a year to visit 2,000 public lands and waters nationwide – including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     “Senator Hirono is a dedicated advocate of education for Hawai'i youth, and fully embraces Every Kid in a Park,” said Orlando. “The Kaʻū students who hiked with her today not only met one of Hawai‘i’s senators, but were able to spend quality time outdoors with someone who truly advocates for our keiki and national parks,” Orlando said.
      The students took photos with Hirono, and witnessed surges of lava spattering from a vent within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, one mile away. “My favorite thing was seeing the volcano,” said nine-year-old T'rael Pesnell, who took photos of his classmate posing with the eruption behind him.

Fourth graders from Ka‘ū Learning Academy display 

their free Every Kid in a Park pass at Jaggar Museum. 

NPS Photo by Janice Wei

   Hirono also presented the national park with Senate Resolution 541, proclaiming Aug. 1, 2016 as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and Haleakalā National Parks Day, to honor the parks’ centennial anniversaries.
     “As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the Every Kid in a Park program promotes a lifelong appreciation for our environment and natural resources,” said Hirono.
     Educators for all grades can learn more about the park's educational opportunities and curriculum on the park website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/education/index.htm, and by calling the Education Center at 985-6019.

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Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. all day today.
Photo by Julia Neal

IT’S ELECTION DAY, and a holiday to make time to vote for U.S. President, members of the U.S. Congress and Hawaiʻi State Legislature, Office of Hawaiian Affairs and amendments to law.

     Election Day voting locations, open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. include: Cooper Center in Volcano at 19-4030 Wright Rd; Ka‘ū High School Cafeteria at 96-3150 Pikake St. - turn into the school grounds; Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria at 95-5545 Hwy 11; Ocean View Community Center at 92-5545 Māmalahoa Hwy; and Miloli‘i Halāu. See ballots below.

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CANDIDATES IN TODAY'S ELECTIONS include those for U.S. Senator. Candidates: Constitution Party member Joy Allison; Republican John Carroll; American Shopping Party member John M. Giuffre; Libertarian Michael A. Kokoski; and incumbent Democrat Brian Schatz.
     Ka‘ū's member in congress is also up for reelection. Democrat Tulsi Gabbard is challenged by Republican Angela Kaaihue.

     On the East Ka‘ū ballots, Sen. Russell Ruderman is challenged by Libertarian Fredrick Fogel. East Ka‘ū state Rep. Richard Onishi is challenged by Libertarian Gregory Arianoff and Green Party Candidate Kealoha Pisciotta. On the West Ka‘ū ballots, West Ka‘ū state Rep. Richard Creagan, a Democrat, is challenged by Libertarian Michael Last. West Ka‘ū state Sen. Josh Green is not up for reelection this year.

     Office of Hawaiian Affairs voting is open to people of all races and cultural backgrounds. On the ballot, incumbent Robert Lindsey is challenged by Millilani Trask. The At-Large Trustee contest is between Keli‘i Akina and Haunani Apoliona. 

      Listed in alphabetical order, for United States Presidency, are the following candidates: Constitution Party member Daniel L. Castle (who withdrew but still on ballot) with vice presidential running mate Scott Bradley; Democrat Hillary Clinton with Tim Kaine; Libertarian Gary Johnson with Bill Weld; Green Party candidate Jill Stein with Ajamu Baraka; and Republican Donald Trump, with Michael Pence.

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THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS on the ballot for today’s General Election include one for the Hawaiʻi County General Plan, which would add considerations for health into its language.  A state Constitution Amendment would hike up the minimum value of an expected outcome in each civil case from $5,000 to $10,000 in order for the case to be heard by a jury.  

     Another proposed state Constitutional Amendment would allow the state to distribute excess funds in its coffers when they reach more than 5 percent of revenues for two consecutive years – to be used for debt service for state bonds or pensions and other post-employment benefit liabilities for state employees.

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KAʻŪ HOSPITAL REPORTS that its newly upgraded electronic medical record system has produced some errors. “During a recent upgrade of our system some bills for services received at our hospital may have gone out with incorrect information,” reports Kaʻū Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris. She asks that anyone receiving any bills in question, please contact the hospital. “Please let us know if you have received one of these. Our staff members are working hard to fix the problem and we apologize for the inconvenience,” she said.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will be keynote speaker
at KMC Veteran's Day ceremony.
Photo from Office of Tulsi Gabbard

CIVIL DEFENSE REPORTED YESTERDAY at 12:30 p.m. that Hawaiian Telcom was experiencing technical problems affecting telephone, internet, and cell phone services, including 911. Problems were reported from Pahala though Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Bank of Hawaiʻi, Longs Drugs and other businesses were unable to make transactions. The outage was as far north as Kailua-Kona and lasted until approximately 4:30 p.m. Civil Defense advises that anyone affected by these problems requiring immediate medical attention, go to the nearest fire station, police station, or medical facility.

LEARN THE SKILL OF WEAVING lau hala with practitioners from ʻAha Pūhala o Puna this Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For centuries, Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items.

FREE ENTRANCE TO HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will be this Friday, Nov. 11, National parks across the country will waive entrance fees for Veterans Day in honor of the men and women who have served the nation. The park has dozens of veterans among its employees and volunteers. Active duty U.S. military can obtain a free annual Military Pass at the park’s entrance station all year. For more information on the free Military Pass, visit the park website http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/fees.htm.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY will be this Friday, Nov. 11. KMC celebrates a century of service with keynote speaker, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The ceremony is on the front lawn at 3 p.m.

VETERANS DAY BUFFET is offered by Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe this Friday, Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. following Veterans Day ceremonies. Adults $27.95. Children 6-11 years old $14.50

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

See www.kaucalendar.com

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