Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016

Rep. Richard Creagan, of Kiolakaʻa in Kaʻū, is the new chair of the state House of Representatives
Committee on Agriculture. Photo from Rep. Creagan

DR. RICHARD CREAGAN, who represents east Kaʻū and south Kona in the state Legislature, is the new Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. His selection during a caucus in Honolulu yesterday came after Chair Clift Tsuji died last week. 

     Creagan, a physician and Kaʻū resident with a farm at Kiolakaʻa, is a Democrat and also serves as vice-president of the Kaʻū chapter of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. He advocates for transparency for labeling GMO and place of origin for foods sold to consumers. His vice-chair will be Rep. Lynn DeCoite, of Molokaʻi.
     Rep. Richard Onishi, who represents east Kaʻū, will move from vice-chair of the Ag Committee to chair the House Committee on Tourism.
     Creagan is expected to meet this week in Kaʻū with state Senate Ag Chair Mike Gabbard, father of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The congresswoman also supports GMO and origin labeling for food and has taken the effort to the U.S. House of Representatives.

RAPID GROWTH OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING on this island was the warning given to Ocean View residents on Monday. Melody Stone advocated on behalf of the Hawaiʻi Island Coalition Against Human Trafficking. She urged formation of a Neighborhood Watch cooperative to guard against the problem. A group of about 20 Ocean View residents listened to her at Ocean View Community Center.

Ho‘ōla Nā Pua works with Hawaiʻi Island Coalition Against Human 

Trafficking and made a sobering presentation at
Ocean View Community Center this week. 
Photo from Hoʻōla Nā Pua

     A former clinical therapist in private practise, Stone has embraced her calling to spread awareness and offers free training to groups anywhere. She can train others in recognizing the warning signs before the human trafficking begins, and can make them aware of the problems with a video. She works with an organization on ‘Oahu, called Ho‘ōla Nā Pua.
     “About 100 to 300 kids go missing in Hawaiʻi every month,” she explained. “It is a huge problem which people don’t like to talk about, so many are not aware of it. The police want to brush it under the rug, so it’s up to the community to organize.”
     The mission of Ho‘ōla Nā Pua is the renewal of trafficked girls through health, education, advocacy, and reintegration. The organization is also committed to meeting the unique needs of underage female sex trafficked victims through the utilization of individualized, comprehensive, and restorative therapies.
     Rod DuCosin, a volunteer at the Ocean View Community Center, described the situation in Ocean View as a dangerous one. “The kids return from school and get off the bus and go to the park, where there is no drinking water. The parents are often late arriving to fetch their kids, so the kids are left wandering around. It used to be that kids knew where to go for help, but no longer.”

  See https://hoolanapua.org/ for guides and outreach to programs to help stop teen trafficking.
Photo from Ho‘ōla Nā Pua

     “There are lots of unregistered pedophiles in Ocean View, and I see them cruising by the park,” commented DuCosin.
     Stone advised her audience to employ Neighborhood Watch to monitor the bus stop and volunteer time at the park. She also explained ways parents can guard against abduction of young teens by human traffickers.
     “Stay close to your teens and talk to them. Know what their problems are and who their friends are and who they are e-mailing and texting. Get them trained in self-defense,” she advised.
     “We don’t have statistics, but we know it is going on in Ocean View from the stories we are getting from the girls we have rescued,” she explained. “The traffickers are moving all over the island. We have to get training for the police. Traffickers prey where teens gather.”
     DuCosin said many Ocean View kids go to school in Kona, where there is no supervision as they wait for the bus.
    Kaʻū’s Community Policing Officer, Clayton Tayamen, told the group that he had not heard of any human trafficking in Kaʻū. He said that a Neighborhood Watch meets weekly, but admitted that the police had been unsuccessful in stopping the rash of burglaries in Ocean View.
     “We have persons of interest” he stated, referring to the fact that the identities of the culprits are well known in the community, but they remain at large. The situation has been the subject of two recent community meetings.
     See https://hoolanapua.org/ for guides and outreach to programs to help stop teen trafficking.
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The annual Floating Lantern Ceremony
is Saturday at Punaluʻu.
Photo from KRHCAI

A THANKSGIVING WEEKEND TRADITION, the sixth annual Floating Lantern Ceremony, is scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 26 at Punaluʻu Beach Park’s  Medicine Pond. The annual gathering is sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center and founder Jessie Marques. Donations help a college scholarship fund for education for health careers.
Tax deductible purchase of floating lanterns, T-shirts and photos also raises money.    
     The event features community potluck, Taiko drummers, Gi Gon demonstration, hula dancers and local music, followed by a special photo powerpoint presentation of loved ones, friends, families, caregivers and previous celebrations. The theme was “Honoring the Past, Present and Future Generations.”
     To donate to the scholarship fund for health careers, call 928-0101. See more at Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association’s website https://krhcai.com and its Facebook page.

Jessie Marques and
Theresa Richardson
join Be A Lifesaver Campaign
and will receive an AED for Kaʻū.
Photo from KRHCAI

CARDIAC RESCUE EQUIPMENT FOR KAʻŪ: Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association staff, Executive Director Jessie Marques and Office Manager Theresa Richardson recently attended the Special AED Presentation hosted by Big Island Toyota in Hilo. As part of Be A Lifesaver Campaign partnership with Big Island Toyota Hilo and Kona, 20 free automated external defibrillator devices were awarded to KRHCAI and other community non-profit organizations on the Big Island.
     Lisa Rantz, Executive Director of Hilo Medical Center Foundation, planned to deliver the AED to KRHCAI upon completion of training on the use of the AED, training on chest compression-only CPR. For more information contact Marques, Program Coordinator Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


LEI WILI DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. Free; park entrance fees apply

THANKSGIVING DINNER AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be from noon to 3 p.m. The free meal is an annual gift to the community by the Ocean View Community Association.

THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET, Thu, Nov. 24, 2 – 6 p.m., Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day buffet at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet features roast turkey, pineapple honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, pumpkin squares, apple crisp, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $21.95 adults, $11.95 child (6-11 years). No reservations required. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356 

VOLCANO ARTS CENTER PROGRAMS PREVIEW EXHIBIT, Friday, Saturday Nov. 25/26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Discover what the New Year has to offer. VAC will be on Volcano Artist Hui’s tour, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell poinsettias. 967-8222.

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI SHOW & SALE, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 25-27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Gallerygoers are invited to meet the artists in their studios located in Volcano. Artworks will be on display and available for purchase in a variety of media including pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints. Maps to studios available at local businesses & galleries. 987-3472

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 1 from  9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at  Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Ka`u News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016

Hōkūleʻa’s crew sailed into Ka Lae and to Miloliʻi chanting Holiuleʻa Haʻa before heading around the
world in the Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe. Supporters can vote on the National Geographic wesbsite
to choose the crew for the 2017 Adveture of the  Year award. See story below.
Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

NO JOB OFFERED BY DONALD TRUMP YESTERDAY, the Associated Press reported after Kaʻū’s congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard met with President-elect at Trump Tower in New York. Gabbard’s spokesperson Erika Tsuji told the media that Gabbard did not request a position and Trump did not offer one. “She loves the job she has, serving the people of Hawaiʻi in Congress,” Tsuji said.
     However, later in the day Gabbard was said to be “‘under serious consideration’ for various cabinet positions in Trump’s administration, a senior level official within the Trump transition team told ABC News.” The Daily Beast reported that Gabbard “is the first congressional Democrat approached to have a face-to-face meeting with Trump – and the first Bernie Sanders supporter to do so as well.”

Tulsi Gabbard took office in the U.S. Congress in 2013. She was

recently re-elected, but may be courted for a Trump cabinet post.

Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

    Gabbard took her turn meeting Trump, as numerous candidates for cabinet positions filed in to see him over several days. Her arrival led to speculation that she was being considered for cabinet posts from U.N. Ambassador to Secretary of Veterans Affairs. She said her motivation was to to present Trump with her views, particularly on foreign policy. She serves on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.
     Former Hawaiʻi Gov. Neil Abercrombie told the AP: “To the degree and extent that the President-elect Mr. Trump is paying attention to what she is saying, to that same degree, I have confidence that he’s closer to adopting a policy that will be in the interest of the United States.”
      Hawai‘i Democratic Party Chair Tim Vandeveer, a Bernnie Sanders supporter like Gabbard, told AP that he supported Gabbard meeting with Trump: “It’s important that we take the opportunity,” Vandeveer said. “The reality is, President Trump is going to be in the Oval Office very soon, and that's very troubling to many Democrats, but the reality is, we’ve still got to have a voice.”
     The Hill reported that Trump spokesperson Kellyanne Conway said that “Trump and Gabbard have a lot of ‘common ground’ and both understand ‘the country very well.’
     “The top Trump aide pointed out that Gabbard ‘went against her party quite boldly early on,’ by endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders, leaving her post at the Democratic National Committee to endorse the Vermont independent’s presidential bid earlier this year. ‘There’s a recognition that there’s a big country out there with lots of voters that feel disaffected from their party, the Democrats,’ Conway added,” according to The Hill report by Jessie Hellman.
     Read Gabbard’s statement on her meeting with Trump in yesterday’s Kaʻū News Briefs.
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THE ROUND-THE WORLD HŌKŪLEʻA TEAM, who sailed to Kaʻū before launching their current international journey in the double-hull Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe, is one of National Geographic’s ten candidates for 2017 Adventurer of the Year. Hōkūle‘a fans can vote on the National Geographic website until Dec. 16.

Hōkūle‘a crew met wil Miloli`i Hipu`u Virtual Academy teachers and
students before embarking on their worldwide voyage.
Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

   This competition, in its twelfth year, has attracted a diverse and highly adventurous slate of participants in extreme sports – including a cave diver, a kayaker, a paraglider and a mountaineer. Each contestant is described in a feature article, followed by a short question and answer section, on the magazine’s website.   

   Hōkūle‘a is the iconic voyaging canoe that has not only epitomized high adventure, but in the past 40 years has defied naysayers, rewritten history and helped spark cultural revival across the Pacific. The recreated historic Polynesian sailing vessel is 62 feet long, 20 feet wide and its double hulls are held together by six miles of rope. It is navigated only by the stars, the way that ancient Polynesians found their way to Kaʻū where they first landed in Hawaiʻi.

Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe at
 Miloliʻi. Photo by Peter Anderson

    Aaron Teasdale, writing a year ago in National Geographic, described a trip aboard the Hōkūle‘a with the navigator, Nainoa Thompson, who learned the ancient art of celestial navigation from a Micronesian sailor, Mau Piailug, in 1976.
    “Nainoa Thompson studies the clouds, birds and smells, and feels the wind’s subtle shifts on his bare skin. The boat has no enclosed cabin, and as crew members crawl into tiny, canvas-covered compartments to sleep, Thompson stays awake, studying the cosmos as he guides his craft through a world of sea and stars.
   “Initially, scholars, sailors, and even some fellow Polynesians didn’t believe Hōkūle‘a’s crew could successfully navigate the open ocean,” says the National Georgraphic writer. Over the years, however, the crew has made many trips from Hawaiʻi to to Polynesia and the legs of it current Worldwide Voyage have sailed to the East Coast of the U.S., the Caribbean, Brazil, South Africa, Mauritius, Bali and Australia. See more in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.
      To cast a vote to name Hōkūle‘a the 2017 Adventurer of the Year, go to the National Geographic web site

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/adventurers-of-the-year/ 
      Voting is allowed daily.

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Wa'a Kaulua View of Honu`apo won an award in the Beauty 

of Ka`u photo contest. Photo by Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa

CANOE BUILDER KIKO JOHNSTON-KITAZAWA, of Honuʻapo, took third in last week’s Beauty of Kaʻū photo contest, sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce. He captured the image in the early morning with a Samsung cell phone.
    Kaʻū residents, businesses, churches and community groups can support the Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and its scholarship fund through signing up for The Directory 2017 by emailing geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com by Dec. 15.

KAʻŪ ʻOHANA O HONUʻAPO seeks one or two new board members. The organization is a community-based, non-profit with the mission statement: “To restore, care for and protect the natural and cultural resources within the Honu‘apo area. Utilizing the values of mālama ‘āina (care for the land), kūpono (honesty and integrity), and kuleana (duty and responsibility), we will work in community partnerships to preserve this area for future generations.”

     Ka ‘Ohana team members have been working with the county, state, and community partners since the organization’s foundation in 2005 to help manage and improve the 230 acres, now known as Honuʻapo. The land includes a public park, ancient Hawaiian fishponds and an uninhabited coastal stretch.

     “Our organization is a grassroots, Friends of the Park group run entirely by local volunteers living in Kona and Kaʻū (but open to all island residents who share a love for Honuʻapo Bay and shoreline). We firmly believe that our organization is a great example of how a concerned group of committed community residents and NGOs can work together with government agencies to help better manage their properties in perpetuity.”

Monk seal hauls out at Honuʻapo. Photo by Julia Neal

     A statement regarding new board member qualifications says: “We are seeking individuals who care deeply about natural and cultural resources in Kaʻū and are aligned with our mission. Board membership requires time (approximately 10 hours per month) and quarterly in-person meetings and events. We are hoping for new members to bring new energy, passion, and perhaps certain skills that can help our organization grow and continue share our mission. These include grant writing, communications, finances, web design, community networking and social media promotion.”
     Interested individuals can contact Ka ʻOhana at kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com for more information. Include a short biography and a sentence or two on reasons for wanting to join the board.
     Find out more about Ka ʻOhana at: www.honuapopark.org; and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KaOhanaOHonuapo

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HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE board of directors meeting, is today, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m., St. Jude’s Church. 929-9910

LEI WILI DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THANKSGIVING DINNER AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be from noon to 3 p.m. The free meal is an annual gift to the community by the Ocean View Community Association. 

Amakihi, artwork of tooled metal to be on display at the Volcano
Village Artist Hui Show & Sale, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Art by Elizabeth Miller 

THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET, Thu, Nov. 24, 2 – 6 p.m., Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day buffet at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet features roast turkey, pineapple honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, pumpkin squares, apple crisp, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $21.95 adults, $11.95 child (6-11 years). No reservations required. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI SHOW & SALE, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 25-27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Gallerygoers are invited to meet the artists in their studios located in Volcano. Artworks will be on display and available for purchase in a variety of media including pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints. Maps to studios available at local businesses & galleries. 987-3472

VOLCANO ARTS CENTER PROGRAMS PREVIEW EXHIBIT, Friday, Saturday Nov. 25/26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Discover what the New Year has to offer. VAC will be on Volcano Artist Hui’s tour, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell poinsettias. 967-8222

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

 

Kaʻu News Briefs for Monday, Nov. 21, 2016

The sixth  annual Floating Lantern Celebration will be held this Saturday, Nov. 26 at Punalu`u Black Sand
Beach Medicine Pond from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

DONALD TRUMP MET WITH TULSI GABBARD THIS MORNING. Gabbard released the following statement after their meeting at Trump Tower in New York:
     "President-elect Trump asked me to meet with him about our current policies regarding Syria, our fight against terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as other foreign policy challenges we face. I felt it important to take the opportunity to meet with the President-elect now before the drumbeats of war that neocons have been beating drag us into an escalation of the war to overthrow the Syrian government—a war which has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives and forced millions of refugees to flee their homes in search of safety for themselves and their families.
     “While the rules of political expediency would say I should have refused to meet with President-elect Trump, I never have and never will play politics with American and Syrian lives.

Tulsi Gabbard may be considered
for the Trump cabinet.

     “Serving the people of Hawaiʻi and our nation is an honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly. Representing the aloha spirit and diversity of the people of Hawaiʻi, I will continue to seek common ground to deliver results that best serve all Americans, as I have tried to do during my time in Congress.
     “Where I disagree with President-elect Trump on issues, I will not hesitate to express that disagreement. However, I believe we can disagree, even strongly, but still come together on issues that matter to the American people and affect their daily lives. We cannot allow continued divisiveness to destroy our country.
     "President-elect Trump and I had a frank and positive conversation in which we discussed a variety of foreign policy issues in depth. I shared with him my grave concerns that escalating the war in Syria by implementing a so-called no fly/safe zone would be disastrous for the Syrian people, our country, and the world. It would lead to more death and suffering, exacerbate the refugee crisis, strengthen ISIS and al-Qaeda, and bring us into a direct conflict with Russia which could result in a nuclear war. We discussed my bill to end our country’s illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government, and the need to focus our precious resources on rebuilding our own country, and on defeating al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups who pose a threat to the American people.
   “For years, the issue of ending interventionist, regime change warfare has been one of my top priorities. This was the major reason I ran for Congress—I saw firsthand the cost of war, and the lives lost due to the interventionist warmongering policies our country has pursued for far too long.
     “Let me be clear, I will never allow partisanship to undermine our national security when the lives of countless people lay in the balance."
     Eariler in the day media reports said that she may be considered for an appointment by Trump for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, U.N. Ambassador, Secretary of Defense or Secretary of State.
     According to a Washington Post analysis before the General Election, by Elsie Viebek, who speculated on possible women to be chosen for the White House cabinet, an appointment for the Democrat to the post of VA Secretary "could represent an olive branch to the progressive wing of the party she represents. (Gabbard was a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders in the presidential primary.) Then again, with Gabbard’s political star on the rise, it’s unclear she would want to leave elected office to lead a difficult bureaucracy."
    Representing Ka`u and the rest of rural Hawai`i in the U.S. House of Representatives, Gabbard is involved in a group of young members of congress, who ban together for action despite the polarization of elected officials. She serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee. Gabbard is a Major in the Hawai`i Army National Guard. She served as an aide for veterans affairs with Dan Akaka when he served as U.S. Senator from Hawai`i.
     Gabbard recently gave the Veterans Day address at Kilauea Military Camp in Volcano.

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`ALALA ARE IN THE FOREST, but these endangered Hawaiian crows are living within their own contained aviary until their caretakers can make sure their tracking technology is working to follow them into adaption to life in the wild. A celebration was held Saturday in Hilo honoring the success of raising the endangered species in captivity at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center in Volcano and its sister center on Maui.
     Waiting for their freedom, five male `alalā have been moved to an aviary in the Pu’u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve near Volcano. Overseeing their progress is San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program with help from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

‘Alalā painting commissioned by the State of Hawai`i,
wildlife artist Patrick Ching.

   In explaining the wait on releasing the crows into the wild. Briyce Masuda, conservation program manager of the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, said, "'Alalā are very intelligent and precocious birds and are inclined to play with and manipulate new items, so our ability to observe their behaviors closely and give them more time allows us to make adjustments to the tracking systems we will be using once they are released. It is important for us to track these birds once they go out into the forest so that we can continue to support them as they explore their new home.”
     Praising the state's management of the forest where the `alalā are to be released, Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, Project Coordinator of the ‘Alalā Project, said, “Decades of intensive management by the state Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, in stewardship with local conservation partners, have led to the preservation of some of the most intact native-dominated wet and mesic forest on windward Hawai`i Island, known as Pu`u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve.” See films on the subject at bigislandvideonews.com

FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY to honor relatives and friends who have passed away will be held at Punalu`u Beach park this Saturday, Nov. 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Register today by calling Ka`u Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. Donations help a college scholarship fund for students enrolled in education for health careers. Tax deductible purchase of floating lanterns, t-shirts and photos are limited to the first 50  registrations. The celebration  will feature community potluck, Taiko drummers, Gi Gon demonstration, hula dancers and local music, followed by a special photo powerpoint presentation of loved ones, friends, families, caregivers and previous celebrations. The theme is "Honoring Past, Present and Future Generations.:"

First place photo belongs to Ann Bosted, who photographed
underground to capture the roots of an Ohia tree in Kula Kai
Caverns.

PHOTOGRAPHY WENT UNDERGROUND for the winning photo announced Saturday at the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce art show called the Beauty of Ka`u. Ann Bosted took first place for photography with her photo called `Ohia Roots in Kula Kai Caverns.

Honu`apo Sunrise, a photo by Betty Clark, won
 second place in photography at the art show.

     Ann and Peter Bosted, residents of Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, are enthusiastic lava tube explorers, photographers and mappers. They work to document and conserve lava tubes.
      'Ohi'a Roots in Kula Kai Caverns features a French caver, Annie, below a mass of long 'Ohia tree roots. Bosted said that 'Ohi'a trees and banyans  thrive with roots hanging down into lava tubes.
     For her photo, Bosted set up two side lights to illuminate the roots, and a small front light on Annie. The print was made on metallic paper, which enhances the sharpness and detail of the image. Kula Kai Caverns in Ocean View, is open to the public.

    Second place went to Betty Clark, of Honu`apo, who took her Honu`apo Sunrise photo with an iphone. Clark is site manger of the Tutu & Me program for Ka`u. She lives above Honu`apo Bay and she watches the colors above the horizon develop dramatically before sunrise each morning. She describes Honu`apo daybreak skies as comparable to any sunset. "I took the photo one morning when it was more spectacular than usual."
     See more winners in upcoming Ka`u News Briefs and in yesterday's
edition.
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TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT drew a lot of food for the needy as spectators donated canned goods. It also drew two wins for the Ka`u girls during the annual invitational last Friday and Saturday. The tournament brought in the  first official high school sports played at the new Ka`u Gym.

Trojan girls, with coach Cy Lopez, host the first high school
sports competition in the new Ka`u Gym, with a food
 drive last weekend. Photo by Jen Makuakane

     Ka`u won two games on Saturday, with a 43 to 41 victory over Pahoa and a 38 to 24 win over Kealakehe. The Trojans recorded two losses on Friday, with Kea`au squeaking past Ka`u with two points and final score of 11 - 8. Ke`au jayvee scored three more points than Ka`u jajvee, with final score of 11- 8.
     Competition continues with coaches Cy Lopez, Jen Makuakane and Bridgette Pasion on the following dates:
     Trojan girls travel to Hawai`i Preparatory Academy in Waimea for a tournament Thursday, through Saturday, Dec. 1 - 3.
     The BIIF season kicks off at home for the Trojans on Tuesday, Dec. 13 with Ke`a`au at Ka`u, another tournament on Thursday, Dec. 15 in Hilo, followed by Kealakehe at Ka`u on Thursday, Dec. 22 and Ka`u at Honoka`a on Friday, Dec. 30.
Wednesday, Jan. 4, with Ka‘ū at Kona; Saturday, Jan. 7, Ka‘ū at Kohala; Tuesday, Jan. 10, Pāhoa at Ka‘ū; Thursday, Jan. 12, Hilo at Ka‘ū; Friday, Jan. 13, Ka‘ū at Waiākea; Monday, Jan. 16, HPA at Ka‘ū; and Wednesday, Jan. 18, Kamehameha at Ka‘ū.

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THE NAʻALEHU STUDENT COUNCIL WINTER FESTIVAL is announced. The festival will put fun and friends in the spotlight at Na‘alehu Elementary School on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Billed as a “friend-raiser,” the mini-carnival will be held at Naʻalehu Elementary School grounds and will raise needed funds for student council activities and student incentives. 

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE board of directors meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m., St. Jude’s Church. 929-9910

LEI WILI DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET, Thu, Nov. 24, 2 – 6 p.m., Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day buffet at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet features roast turkey, pineapple honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, pumpkin squares, apple crisp, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $21.95 adults, $11.95 child (6-11 years). No reservations required. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356 

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI SHOW & SALE, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 25-27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Gallerygoers are invited to meet the artists in their studios located in Volcano. Artworks will be on display and available for purchase in a variety of media including pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints. Maps to studios available at local businesses & galleries. 987-3472

VOLCANO ARTS CENTER PROGRAMS PREVIEW EXHIBIT, Friday, Saturday Nov. 25/26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Discover what the New Year has to offer. VAC will be on Volcano Artist Hui’s tour, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell poinsettias. 967-8222

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 1 from  9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at  Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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