Ka`u News Briefs, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016

Nature’s lighting created a Hawaiian Christmas season halo over pine trees at
 Discovery Harbour in Kaʻū yesterday evening.
Photo by Peter Anderson

WAIKAPUNA PRESERVATION came one step closer to reality yesterday when the Legacy Land Commission of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources ranked it number one in all the Hawaiian Islands for land acquisition funding. If Legacy Lands contributions and additional funding from other sources allows for the purchase, the 2,200 acres would be held by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association with a conservation easement provided to the county. The county, Trust for Public Land and many others are helping to conserve Waikapuna.
     The effort is community driven in partnership, said Ala Kahakai National Trail Superintendent Aric Arakaki, who made a presentation.

Waikapuna is one of three major properties in Kaʻū owned by Resource Land
Holdings. Waikapuna won a top ranking for funding for preservation
at the Legacy Land Commission meeting yesterday in Honolulu.

The community organizations that would manage the property have “interest in trail and adjacent cultural and natural landscapes protection, preservation and perpetuation of traditional uses and lifetsyles.”
     Many public, private and community organizations are involved, “dedicated to cultural perpetuation, environmental conservation, agricultural self reliance and the provision of sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people of Kaʻū,” said Arakaki.
    The Ala Kahakai National Trail runs through Waikapuna. The land is known for the remains of a Hawaiian fishing village and many other cultural sites and wildlife.
     In addition to Legacy Land funding, money could also come, in part, from the “Two Percent” fund from county property tax revenues.
     Waikapuna is owned by Resource Land Holdings, of Colorado, which also owns the slope above Honuʻapo and Kaʻū Coffee farmer lands at Pear Tree and Moaʻula.

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

RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE IN THE 2016 ELECTION?  U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono – a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – released a statement yesterday, expressing her support for an independent, bipartisan, Congressional inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 nationawide election and raised six questions for the review process.
     “The Intelligence Community’s assessment that Russia intended to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election is deeply disturbing,” said Hirono. “Last month I joined my colleagues on the Senate Intelligence Committee in writing a letter to urge President Obama to de-classify information about Russian interference. The American people deserve to know as much as possible about Russia’s attacks on our democratic institutions. This is something he can and should do quickly,” said Hirono.

Sen. Mazie Hirono suports inquiry into whether
Russia interfered with the U.S. Election.
Photo from Global Policy Solutions

    “President Obama recently asked the Intelligence Community to provide an assessment before he leaves office. This is an important and positive step. I also support an independent, bipartisan, Congressional inquiry into this matter. This review should focus on answering, among others, the following core questions:
    “To what extent were computer systems at U.S. national party committees compromised?
    “To what extent was information stolen from those computer systems disclosed?
    “Was information leaked from both political party organizations equally – and if not, why not?
    “Did staff members of the presidential campaigns have any contact with Russian officials or Wikileaks during the campaign?
    “To what degree are Russian president Vladimir Putin or other high-ranking officials personally involved in directing these Russian activities?
    “How do we prevent Russia from interfering in future U.S. elections?”
     Last month, Hirono sent a letter to Obama calling on him to declassify any and all intelligence pertaining to Russian interference in the 2016 election.

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

COFFEE BERRY BORER, MACADAMIA FELTED COCCID, RAPHID 'ŌHIA DEATH and other pests, which pose major threats to Kaʻū agriculture and native forests, are the target of funding announced yesterday by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She said Hawaiʻi will receive $3.1 million to fight invasive species like coffee berry borer, Rapid 'Ōhia Death, the coconut rhinoceros beetle, and fruit flies. 

     The money, allocated from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in accordance with Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill, is part of 513 projects supported nationwide that aim to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture and the environment, as well as ensure the availability of a healthy supply of clean plant stock.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (center) met with Kaʻū Coffee farmers
John Ah San, Gloria Camba, Efren Abellera and
Kiki Matsui at Kaʻū Coffee Mill in August. Photo by Julia Neal

     “In Hawaiʻi, invasive species like the coffee berry borer, fruit fly, and macadamia felted coccid have cost our farmers millions, and put hundreds of farms, thousands of local workers, and our agriculture industry at great risk,” said Gabbard. “We need to provide more support to our farmers who contribute so much to our community and our economy. This funding will provide Hawaiʻi with critical resources to combat these invasive pests.”
     Ray Carruthers, Specialist at the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, said, “The University of Hawaiʻi is very pleased to hear that a new project has been funded through USDA-APHIS on the management of the coffee berry borer in Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico. The main thrust of this effect will be to coordinate control efforts with on-going Federal, State and local projects on CBB management, along with the additional development of new insect biological control technologies. We feel that developing, testing and the eventual use of insect parasitoids will be a key for long-term sustainable management of the CBB in both Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico.” Puerto Rican coffee farmers face many of the same pests as Kaʻū Coffee farmers.

          Gabbard introduced the Areawide Integrated Pest Management (AIPM) Act (H.R.3893) and the Macadamia Tree Health Initiative (H.R.6249) in the 114th Congress. In August, she conducted an agriculture tour on Hawaiʻi Island where she met with local agriculture professionals and researchers in Kaʻū and other districts to talk about about invasive species in Hawaiʻi.

The first high school sports team to use the new Kaʻū District Gym are
Wahine Trojans who play basketball. They marched last weekend
in the Pāhala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT MAKING for adults is today, Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at Kahuku County Park. Ages 18 and older. 929-9913.

MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING for keiki, grades K-8,  is today, Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. 928-3012.

FAMILY READING NIGHT is tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

Pahala Filipino Community Association participates each year
in the Pahala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for this Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM will be held at Ocean View Community Center next Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp cottage through the holidays.

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, Dec. 13, 2016

A view of one of the many littoral tension cracks that run parallel to the coast on the newly acquired county
lands makai of Ocean View. The water level rises with the tides, and the water is the least brackish at high tide.
Photo by Ann Bosted

WAIKAPUNA COASTAL LANDS were on the agenda of the Legacy Land Commission of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources both yesterday and today in Honolulu. On Monday, the non-profit Ala Kahakai Trail Association asked the Legacy Land Commission for funds to purchase the 2,200 acres. Today, the commission is expected to make a decision. The land runs from Hwy 11 to the coast southwest of Honu`apo and Kaunamano.

     The land is known for its sandy beach area, abundance of archaeological sites, remnants of a Hawaiian fishing community called Waikapuna Village, and two miles of coast where the ancient Ala Kahakai Historic Trail has long carried people from one place to another.

    A large contingent of people from Hawai`i Island was at the meeting to support the bid for Legacy Land funds. Ala Kahakai Trail Superintendent Aric Arakaki, Trust for Public Land representative Laura Ka`akua, and Ala Kahakai Trail Association board member Keoni Fox, whose has Hawaiian family ties to the property, all made presentations. Also attending was County of Hawaiʻi land acquisition expert Alexandra Kelepolo; Michelle Galimba whose family ranch runs cattle at Waikapuna and Kaunamano; Ala Kahakai board member Keola Paik and Laʻakea Suganuma.

Rounded beach rocks were used as stepping stones
by early inhabitants. Photo by Ann Bosted

     Another possible source for funding for the Wakapuna acquisition is the county “Two Percent Fund” that comes from taxes on real estate. See more in the Nov. 2 of the Kaʻū News Briefs at kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com. 

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

THE COUNTY’S NEWLY ACQUIRED 3,200 ACRES with a mile of coast makai of the town of Ocean View was the site of a field trip Friday by land managers to evaluate its potential. The county’s Property Management Technician, Alexandra Kelepolo, led the group.

     Keola Awong, manager of the Kahuku Unit, represented Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Accompanying Kelepolo from the County Finance Department were Hamana Ventura, a property manager, and Iwaloa Chilson. Representing Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail were Superintendent Aric Alakaki and Archaeologist Rick Gmirkin, along with Keoni Fox of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Matt Clark, an archaeologist, represented University of Hawaiʻi, Hilo Heritage Management Program.

     Traveling in four-wheel-drive vehicles, the group caravanned down Road to the Sea. This rough road borders the state owned Manuka Natural Area Reserve. Once on County land, the group quickly realized that the first order of business was collecting trash. Some was marine debris washed ashore, and some was left by campers. Kelepolo and Fox broke out trash bags, which were quickly filled.

    Clark carried an archaeological report dating from 1987, enabling him to lead the group from site to site, finding well-preserved signs of early habitation. This was apparent where entrances to low lava tubes were surrounded by rock walls to act as wind breaks and opihi shell middens were in abundance. They also found areas where hollows had been ground into the rock – either for tool making or food preparation. In a number of places they found trails built using smooth beach stones, carefully placed to act as stepping stones. In other sites the rounded beach stones had been used as quarrying tools and some petroglyphs were noticed.  

     The group was particularly fascinated with littoral tension cracks, which prompted speculation as to how these natural, water-filled, vertical cracks, which run parallel to the coast, were formed. 

    Yesterday, renowned volcanologist Jack Lockwood told The Kaʻū Calendar that littoral tension cracks are typically found on volcanic islands and form parallel to coastlines.  He explained:  

    “These are found in Kaʻū up to 2,500'- feet - or so - elevation, but are most common near coastlines where coastal erosion relieves gravitational stresses. The ones in that new County-protected land below Ocean View are particularly well-developed. They are wonderful, unpolluted water sources – as well as beautiful passageways to explore with mask and snorkel. I have observed that salinity varies with the tides. High tide is when the water is the least brackish.”

County Property Management Technician, Alexandra Kelepolo
and Keoni Fox of Ala Kahakai Trail Association
pick up  marine trash and garbage. 

Photo by Ann Bosted

     Field trip participants had lots of comments to make on the County’s newest land preservation. Awong called it a “beautiful, rich, cultural resource. I could see a park here. A key component would be getting the community to steward the place and educate the public.  The Hawksbill Turtles have established their spots, and as they came first, their needs should have priority. During the turtle season, the public would need to be educated about them.”

    Kelepolo agreed saying that signs warning the public that this beach is used by endangered Hawksbill Turtles are essential. 

     “Many people don’t know that this is a turtle breeding area and drive their jeeps everywhere. We have to put up signs and access may have to be restricted during the breeding season. It’s a matter of educating the public,” she added. 

      Remains of the Ala Kahakai Trail are evident on the property. Once only a foot path, it has changed over time, as people started traveling around the island by horse drawn carts and on horseback, jeep and other vehicles. The land was also used for cattle ranching.

     Arakaki who now superintends the trail, commented: “I feel overwhelmed by all I have seen here. It is pristine. The evidence of the people who lived here is fresh and I hope we can save that and work with the community of people who have ancestral connections to this area. We also need the participation of the NGO’s – specialists in their field who can contribute to the project.” 

    His Ala Kahakai Trail colleague, Rick Gmirkin described the property as “spectacular” and “a celebration. If you don’t like lava you won’t dig this place, but I think the public should be thrilled with the acquisition.”

Two depressions worked into the lava rock, which could be grinding
areas for food or tools, in a bygone era. Photo by Ann Bosted

     Ala Kahakai Trail is typically managed in sections by the local communities as projects. It is not one single trail, but rather a system of trails going around the west, south and east of the island, with other mauka-makai trails. 

     The county’s property manager, Ventura, described the property as a “time capsule.”  

“There are so many untold stories and here we have the opportunity to research and find out our past.  This property is a snapshot of another era when communities were able to sustain themselves and meet their own needs. I think the county did an incredible job in preserving all this.”

    As an archaeologist, Clark summed up his overall impression as “amazing, beautiful and breathtaking. There is so much to see and discover. I was taken with how the people lived – how they made tools from the lava, and how they built shelters to protect themselves from the wind and sun. The terrain must have been quite different then. From reports we know that they were able to grow sweet potatoes. 

    “I would like to see it managed as Open Space. Fortunately, stewardship money is available for groups to take care of the land, so I would hope that descendants of those who lived there and local residents will develop a management plan and accept kuleana for the ʻaina.  This could change the way conservation is done in Hawaiʻi. It is important to get local people involved so that they have a stake in what is going on there. You have only to look at the ATV tracks on the cinder cones to know that this land needs protection,” added Clark.

      For more information about the County’s newest and biggest land acquisition, please see the Kaʻū Calendar Newsbriefs on Tuesday November 15, and this month’s edition of The Kaʻū Calendar. 

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

Wheelchair accessible for exploring, picnicking and use of a barbecue
at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PATH has opened in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes national Park at the Kīpukapuaulu day-use picnic area on Mauna Loa Road, and the area is open for visitor enjoyment. A new accessible barbecue grill was also installed.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP, ONCE A DETAINMENT CAMP is a presentation this evening at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at 7 p.m. Archaeologist, Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamua, discusses detention of Japanese-Americans following the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Free, park entry fees apply.

 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT MAKING for adults is Wednesday, Dec. 14 at  1 p.m. at Kahuku County Park. Ages 18 and older. 929-9913.

Kaʻū Coffee court represents the industry in the annual
Christmast Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING for keiki, grades K-8, on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. 928-3012.

FAMILY READING NIGHT, Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.. at Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

KAʻŪ COFFEE BEAUTIES are making their rounds at Christmas events in Kaʻū. They were seen last weekend in the Pāhala Christmas Parade.

Miss Kaʻū Peaberry Chazlynn Pua-Queja.
Photo by Julia Neal

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community
groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee Karlee Fukunaga-Camba.
Photo by Julia Neal

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM will be held at Ocean View Community Center next Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp cottage through the holidays.

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

Kaū News Briefs Monday Dec. 12

Classic trucks and cars joined the Pāhala Christmas Parade yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

PUBLIC INPUT ON THE HAWAIʻI FOREST ACTION PLAN update is being accepted through today. The plan, originally adopted in 2010, is managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife. It covers thousands of acres of forest in Kaʻū and Volcano as well as other districts of the Hawaiian Islands. The updating of the plan is required by the  U.S. government for federal funding provided to each state for forest management.

The Hawaiʻi Forest Action Plan is being revised and the public
can weigh in today. Kaʻū Forest Reserve, one of the state’s
largest, is included in the plan. Photo by Rob Shallenberger

    The Hawaiʻi plan draft states: “Our life in these islands is directly tied to the health of our forests and the role that they play in recharging our groundwater, springs, and streams.”
    The plan also explains the importance of Hawaiʻi being largely comprised of high islands, which “produce a precious commodity –  water.” The plan explains that, “As the tradewinds approach a high tropical island, the air that has traveled thousands of miles over the open ocean rises and drops its cargo of rain. Trees on the forested peaks also capture fog from the misty clouds. This rainfall and fog drip are essential in sustaining life on the high islands,” supporting the windward rainforests and cloudforests and the drier leeward forests.
    The draft covers all of Hawaiʻi’s forest land ownerships — state, private, and federal — and views forests as a whole rather than by programs. It enables the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to integrate the many programs in one planning document.
     David Smith, State Forester and administrator for DOFAW, said, “This plan helps us to keep current on recent advances in forest conservation and watershed management, identify new threats that have emerged since 2010, and incorporate recent progress made with development of the forest products industry and planning on climate change.
    “We hope this information will be used to influence our communities, our state and national governments, and other leaders to invest in Hawai‘i’s forests for the future,” Smith said.

    The Executive Summary says that the makers of the plan “have renewed our commitment to the cultural values and land stewardship ethic that we have inherited from the native Hawaiians: the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next, a deep respect for the ʻaina (the land that sustains us), the aloha spirit that binds us as a community, and a commitment to doing our part as responsible stewards of the 21st century ahupuaʻa.”
     It also refers to the state motto Ua Mau Ke Ea, O Ka ʻĀina I Ka Pono, which means “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” The plan says that the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife does “not simply hang this motto on the wall; in cooperation with our partners and volunteers we strive every day to do the right thing, to ensure that the land is cared for and preserved into perpetuity.”

     The Hawaiʻi Forest Action Plan, with more than 300 pages, has detailed history of land use and management in Hawaiʻi.
    It identifies nine priority areas: water quality and quantity; forest health, invasive species, insects and disease; wildfire; urban and community forestry; climate change and sea level rise; conservation of native biodiversity; hunting, nature-based recreation, and tourism; forest products and carbon sequestration; and US tropical island state and territorial issues.

      Key goals in the plan seek to:
     • Protect and manage forested watersheds for production of fresh water supply for public uses now and into the future;
     • Maintain biological integrity of native ecosystems;

     • Provide public recreational opportunities;

     • Strengthen the economy by assisting in the production of high quality forest products in support of a sustainable forest industry.
      View the Hawai`i Forest Action Plan draft at dlnr.hawaii.gov.
      Comments may be submitted in writing to: Robert.D.Hauff@hawaii.gov or to Forest Action Plan, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Room 325, 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813.

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

Bid on these pigs through Dec. 20 at Kaʻū High School.

A SILENT AUCTION FOR PIGS grown at Kaʻū High School is taking place through Dec. 20. Staring bid is $120 per pig and each pig is 70 to 100 lbs in weight. The three highest bids give the bidders each a pig. Place bids at the office in Kaʻū High School, said teacher Michael Moe who is helping the students who raised the pigs at the campus. Raising the pigs along with hydroponic lettuce, macadamia and other foods are part of the rebounding of agriculture at Kaʻū High School.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jasmi Beck

VOTE TODAY TO SUPPORT JAMI BECK for Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi Pageant. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 12. Beck will participate in the statewide pageant on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. Beck is a graduate of Kaʻū High School and attends the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo. She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. She is supported by Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative. Beck tied for talent and came in first in the swimsuit division in Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2016. Vote at Facebook.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE was a resounding success,

yesterday, said organizer for 38 years, Eddie Andrade. The parade rolled through the village between rains, with Kaʻū Coffee queens, marchers, riders, classic cars, fire engines, police cars, Trojan girl basketball players and many church and community organizations.

     Tutu & Me marched and showed off its van. The non-profit with early childhood education programs in Kaʻū will host a Keiki Christmas Fund day and Open House for all keiki birth to five years of age, along with their caregivers on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Pāhala Community Center.
     See more parade photos in tomorrow’s Kaʻu News Briefs.

Tutu & Me will host a program for keiki birth to five years of age
and caregiver on Tuesday, Dec. 20. See more photos in tomorrow's
Ka`u News Briefs.  Photo by Julia Neal

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community
groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

Pāhala Preschool participates each year in the
Pāhala Christmas Parade. See more photos in
tomorrow's Ka`u News Briefs. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM  will be held at Ocean View Community Center next  Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED Kilauea Military Camp cottage through the holidays.

See www.kaucalendar.com

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