Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017

Marches in Hilo and Kona drew thousands on Saturday. See story below. Photo from Big Island Video News

A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED GRADING STANDARDS for  Ka`u, Kona and other locally grown coffees will be held at Pahala Community Center at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23, the state Department of Agriculture has announced. Proposed new rules can be read at http://bit.ly/2j9lSKd.

     The standards, with certification by state inspectors, determine the grading of coffee and can impact the perceived quality of the brands. One consideration is infestation of coffee berry borers in Ka`u, Kona and other farms on the Big Island, and more recently, on Maui. The number of defects in the coffee beans, including CBB damage, help to determine the grading by agricultural inspectors.
     Temporary rules, allowing more damage to coffee and still maintain prime and other grades, were set up in 2014, to give farmers time to get the CBB pest under control. Now that many farms are managing the problem and reducing damage, some farmers are calling for the grading to be upgraded, returning to pre-CBB standards, which allowed 15 percent damage for a Prime rating. The current, temporary rules allow 20 percent damage for a Prime grade.

     Hawai`i Coffee Association President Chris Manfredi, of Discovery Harbour, reviewed the situation in a letter to members: "Hawai`i's farmers and mills have worked hard to adapt to a post-CBB environment. Government has played a vital role in responding to the needs of the industry. It has been especially hard in Hawai`i due to relatively high labor costs and environmental regulations that make us less competitive with the rest of the coffee-producing world. Since these costs are so high, our coffee must command a high price in order for the industry to remain viable. To command the requisite high price, our quality must be exceptional.
     "As the storm passes, the industry is taking another hard look at voluntary certification and rules relating to grade standards. The first request is to extend the sunset date on the grade standard rules for three more years, taking us to 2020.

Men and women marched in Kona and Hilo and in many cities
around the nation. Photo by Barry Fackler

     "We're committed to using that time to revisit both the minimum grade standards and fully utilizing the best methods and technologies available to battle the beetle throughout the supply chain. If you have strong feelings about any other these issues, please get in touch. We need to hear form you. We're committed to coffee quality to help protect Hawai`i's incredibly valuable origins. This is at the core of sustainability for the industry and all those who depend on it. It's time to walk the talk."
      See www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.org.
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MARCHES IN HILO AND KONA DREW THOUSANDS yesterday as women and men walked in support of equal rights and other causes.
     Big Island Video News reported that in Hilo, "thousands gathered at the Mo’oheau Bandstand at 10 a.m., rallying around music and speeches before taking to the street. The streets were blocked to vehicular traffic only at certain crosswalks. For the most part, the marchers stuck to the sidewalks. The Hawai`i County Police provided some assistance.

"Build Bridges Not Walls" was one of the many signs at the Hilo
 march. Photo by David Berry

     "The crowd was large; some called it the biggest they had ever seen gathered for a demonstration in Hilo. The line was continuous, stretching along the route from the start at the bandstand, down Mamo Street, across Keawe Street, makai on Wainuenue and back down Kamehameha Avenue. Participants were finishing the march before everyone had even started.
   "The Kona march, estimated to have drawn about 3,000, started at Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway just south of Henry Street and headeded north, down Palani Road to the Edible Institute where the march came to an end, and a rally began."
      The Kona organizers' facebook page said that “the rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us – women, immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault. We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear.

Marchers vowed to work on their issues.
Photo by Barry Fackler

     “In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore,” the statement continues.
     “The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.”
     Marches were held in many U.S. and foreign cities. See more at www.bigislandvideonews.com.
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"Women's Rights are Human Rights," said a Hilo
march sign. Photo by David Berry

A FATAL ACCIDENT ON HWY 11 at the Nāmakanipaio Campground intersection in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday afternoon, prompting National Park Service rangers to seek witnesses. Witnesses to the fatal two-vehicle accident are asked to call Park Dispatch at (808) 985-6170, and may remain anonymous.
      Rangers reported that a white Hyundai Elantra and a blue Toyota Scion were involved in the traffic accident about 1 p.m. The driver of the Hyundai, a 65-year-old man from New Jersey, was fatally injured. The other driver, a 33-year-old local male, was transported to Hilo Medical Center by ambulance.
     Rangers and bystanders performed CPR on the 65-year-old male, then a medic unit from the Hawai'i County Fire Department arrived and took over patient care. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
      Both men were the sole occupants of their vehicles.
     The accident caused a complete closure of Highway 11 between mile markers 32 and 34 for several hours Saturday afternoon while officials investigated the scene. Both lanes of the highway were open by 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
      The Hawai'i County Police Department is aiding the NPS in the investigation. The identification of the victims is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
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Mount Shasta, a steep-sided Cascade Range stratovolcano in Northern California,
loomsabove Little Glass Mountain, a thick obsidian flow erupted from the
Medicine Lake shield volcano about 1,000 years ago. They are two of 19 young
volcanic areas monitored by the USGS California Volcano Observatory. Also
shown is the observatory’s operations center in Menlo Park, CA, with Margaret
 Mangan (far right), who worked at the USGS HawaiianVolcano Observatory
 in 1990-1998. She is now CalVO’s Scientist-in-Charge. Dave Hill, who worked at
HVO from 1964-1966, was Scientist-in-Charge at LVO in 1982-2009. USGS photos.

HAWAI`I VOLCANO OBSERVATORY WRITES ABOUT ITS CALIFORNIA SISTER OBSERVATORY in this week's Volcano Watch, as the scientists focus on January being Volcano Awareness Month:

     "The USGS California Volcano Observatory, with its staff and data center based in Menlo Park, California, is relatively young. But it grew from strong parentage through what was known as the Long Valley Observatory.   Long Valley Caldera in eastern California formed as the result of a huge eruption 760,000 years ago. That event was followed by many smaller eruptions ever since. The caldera is at the southern edge of the Mono-Inyo Craters chain of lava flows and domes, which were active as recently as 300 years ago.
     "In 1980, seismic unrest in Long Valley Caldera, near the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, motivated the USGS to begin intensive study and monitoring of the region. This led to the establishment of the Long Valley Observatory (LVO) in 1982.
     "LVO leaned heavily on techniques that were pioneered at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, including laser ranging, which was further refined in Long Valley to produce an extensive and high-resolution time series of how the caldera inflated and deflated. In fact, Dave Hill, the LVO Scientist-in-Charge from 1982 until 2009, was on staff at HVO in 1964–1966.
     "Although the caldera was the focus of LVO’s monitoring efforts, most LVO staff worked from offices in Menlo Park. They made site visits to the caldera as needed to conduct research and to work with local residents and emergency managers to help them understand the volcanic activity and its potential hazards.
     "However, Long Valley Caldera is just one of 19 young volcanic areas in California. Recognizing the value of a local authority responsive to state emergency managers and residents, LVO was reorganized and renamed the USGS California Volcano Observatory (CalVO) in 2012. CalVO is now responsible for researching and tracking volcanic activity throughout California and neighboring Nevada (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/calvo/calvo_about.html).

Red Cones in Long Valley Caldera in California. USGS Photo

     Having a formal USGS volcano observatory focused on California has many benefits. These range from better coordination with emergency managers during a crisis, to increased potential for improving awareness of and preparedness for volcanic hazards within local communities.

     "CalVO has spent its first years of existence supporting a flurry of new research into California’s volcanoes. Among the more significant results has been the discovery that the Salton Buttes, a volcanic area in southern California, are much younger than previously thought—the most recent eruption was only 2,000 years ago!
     "USGS-CalVO scientists have continued their work in the Long Valley region, where they have documented hazardous gas emissions from Mammoth Mountain, seismic swarms associated with magmatic intrusions, and the general swelling of the caldera due to subsurface magma accumulation.
     "As the youngest USGS volcano observatory, CalVO has drawn much from the experience of HVO. As was the case for LVO, the current CalVO Scientist-in-Charge, Margaret Mangan, is an HVO alumnus. Many other CalVO staff have also been based in Hawaiʻi at some point in their careers or have conducted research on Hawaiian volcanoes.

    "CalVO continues to grow. There are big plans to enhance monitoring and research at numerous California volcanoes in the coming years, including the volcanoes in the state’s northern mountains—Lassen Peak, Mount Shasta, and Medicine Lake.
     Next week, the SGS volcano observatory series concludes with a visit to the largest volcanic system in the United States—Yellowstone.
     Visit HVO's website http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, recent earthquakes info, and more; call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa); email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
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HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Church 929-9910.

HOW DO HVO GEOLOGISTS TRACK LAVA FLOWS AND LAVA LAKES? A Volcano Awareness Month presentation at After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick explains the toolkit he uses and describes how scientists continuously improve their methods of tracking volcanic activity. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HO`OKANE UKULELE -  Wednesday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the basics of the beloved and iconic part of Hawaiian music culture. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

Ka`u New Briefs Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017

Most Fish Caught in three age groups went to Rylan Egusa, Hanalei Baji and Dana Jo Akana at today's Ninth
Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou at Punalu`u Beach. See story below.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO CARRIED THE "ALOHA FOR ALL" WOMEN'S MARCH SIGN to the streets of Washington, D.C. today. The march in Washington, including an event on the Mall, drew a much larger crowd than yesterday's Inauguration of Donald Trump, now President. Hirono tweeted, "Aloha trumps hate and we will not back down." The Washington march was mirrored by many protests across the country from New York City to Hilo and Kona, with millions of men and women participating to protect civil rights and other progress in the U.S. government. Marches in cities outside the U.S. also drew huge crowds. In Washington, Hirono talked to participants about learning from the mistake of interning Japanese-American families during World War II.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono. herself and immigrant, talks to families of
Japanese Americans who were interned during WWII who oppose
any new registry of immigrants by race or religion.
Photo from Mazie Hirono

A YES VOTE FOR GENERAL JOHN KELLY was cast this week by Sen. Mazie Hirono as he became Secretary of Homeland Security in the administration of Pres. Donald Trump. After voting, Hirono released the following statement:

     "General Kelly has testified before the Senate Armed Services numerous times as the commander of U.S. Southern Command. I believe he will provide candid, reasoned advice to President Trump.
     "While I supported his confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security, I have serious concerns about whether he would accede to and implement President Trump's problematic immigration policies, such as building a border wall, registering Muslims, and deporting millions of undocumented immigrants – particularly if participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DREAMers, are targeted.
    "During his confirmation hearing, General Kelly said that deporting DREAMers 'might not be the highest priority.' The DACA program gave these young men and women a chance to go to college, get a job, and live legally in the only country they know. Let me be clear. The deportation of DACA participants should not occur under his watch, period. 

     "As a strong advocate of comprehensive immigration reform, I will hold General Kelly and the Trump administration accountable if they choose to target immigrants and immigrant families, and will continue to fight for a more just immigration system that prioritizes family unity."

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CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD tweeted on Inauguration Day: "We must not allow the darkness of divisiveness to overcome. Let us work together for the wellbeing of others and our planet."

Largest hinalea in three age groups were caught by Chazhahtee-Ann Cabrera,
Hanalei Keaiaahia and Pablo Roura-Giddings at the Keiki Fishing
Tournament at Punalu`u. Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE STATE WATER PROJECTS  PLAN UPDATE drew only one testifier this week at the hearing in Hilo. Sierra Club's Corey Harden said, "I'm glad the commission is planning to protect the water rights of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and its beneficiaries and the plan will help the state meet the legal obligations to Hawaiian Home Lands."  

     Water for a Hawaiian Homelands in the  South Point area has been a request of beneficiaries for many decades. 

     Harden suggested the plan be updated more often than every 25 years and that she hopes project funding would be for more than supporting Hawaiian Homelands.

      The plan shows possible taro growing areas on this island. "I really think that is goof for food self sufficiency and supporting Native Hawaiian culture. I am glad to see consideration of conservation measures to make water go further," said Harden.

     The need for more water for firefighting, in addition for agriculture and drinking water, should also be emphasized, she said.

    For those with water from catchment systems, she recommended more government support to keep the water as safe and reliable as county water, particularly for older persons. She said the plan could address more on stream diversion and also the use of water by private water companies. "If you want water for an area, it's kinda like first come first served, and especially the people who make the most noise maybe get served first and they can start pumping water out of an aquifer, and there's no consideration about how much water you can take out until there's a crisis from the water levels getting low or the saltwater intrusion starts to get bad." See Harden's testimony at www.bigislandvideonews.com.

      The state Commission on Water Resource Management is reviewing the plan and accepting public input. The plan is managed by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.

      More on the plan is available at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/cwrm/planning/hiwaterplan/swpp/

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Largest Hinalea the three age groups were caught by Aial Gacayan, Desirae Barrios and
Tysen Navorat the Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u. Photo by Lee McIntosh

EXTRA CARE FOR KA`U COFFEE TREES at the end of the season is advised by the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. Andrea Kawabata, Associate Extension Agent, writes that the rain has been "a nice relief  from the dry weather we've been having. If you are still harvesting or have young green berries from (around) the early December flowering, please be aware that the rain may have encouraged coffee berry borers to leave cherry and raisins and infest berries nearby. 

     "Monitor and sample your coffee to determine if CBB are active in your farm, and are in the A/B position, and vulnerable to spraying. If your sampling indicates that you should be spraying, spray immediately.

     "If you haven't already done so, make sure to document the date of your first flowering as well as your main flowering. Also, if you have finished harvesting, please strip pick your trees prior to pruning. Contain and kill the CBB in these berries and raisins," she recommends.

     The U.H. Extension Service has been working with Ka`u Coffee farmers since the CBB pest was first found in Kona Coffee and spread to this region. While CBB is found here, farmers were able to harvest a good crop this season.

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Largest Po`opa`a winners at the Keiki Fishing Tournament today at Punalu`u were
 caught by Kai Ornelas, Loea Kaup and Makaayla Fukanaga Aiwohi.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE NINTH ANNUAL KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT was graced with good weather and relatively calm seas compared to the forecast of high waves and rain. Hundreds of children entered and won prizes and a free lunch for all the fishing contestants and their families. The tournament at  Punalu`u Beach is in its ninth year, sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou and led by Guy Entriques and Wayne Kawachi.

    Keiki used barbless hoods and the event was catch and release. It also included a food drive.

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A KA`U HOSPITAL COMMUNITY MEETING will be held by the East Hawai’i Regional Board of Directors of the Hawai’i Health Systems Corp. on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Ka`u Hospital in Pahala. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend.
     A statement from the hospital says that "An overview of the operations and financial condition of all facilities as well as a view toward the future will be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services."
     Kurt Corbin, Chair of the East Hawai’i Regional Board of HHSC said, “Personal conversations and dialogue with our community stakeholders are absolutely essential in helping guide the decisions that the Regional Board must make.” 

     For more information, contact Terry Larson, Regional Board Secretary at 932-3103.

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Largets Aholehole in three age groups were caught by Malika Straface,
Wade Baji and Kaleb Cohen. Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE BLUE ZONE PROJECT will likely make a presentation soon to the County Council at the request of Ka`u's council member Maile David. In this coming Tuesday's agenda for the council Committee on Human Services and Social Services, David asks for a presentation by Carol Ignacio of Blue Zone to describe "the progress and purpose of the Blue Zones Project and to provide an update regarding the status of selection and designation of Blue Zones on Hawai`i's Island to improve the overall well-being of Hawai1`i County citizens."

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HOW DO HVO GEOLOGISTS TRACK LAVA FLOWS AND LAVA LAKES? The After Dark in the Park talk is Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National park. Free, park entrance fees apply.

THE GIRLS BASKETBALL 

CHAMPIONSHIP for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation is scheduled with Ka`u winding up the regular season in third place in Division II. Ka`u travels to play Kohala on Thursday, Thursday, Jan. 26 with game time at 4 p.m. If Ka`u wins, the Trojans play the winner between Kamehameha and Pahoa on Friday, Jan. 27.

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KA`U'S JV TEAM BEAT KOHALA last night in boys basketball. The Trojans racked up 50 points to Kohala's 32. Kyson Toriano and Micah Koi each made 15 points at the new Ka`u gym. Seth McMasters scored 13 Points. The hard fought Varsity game ended with Kohala on tip, scoring 55 to Ka`u's 53. The Trojan's scorers were: Titan Ault with 12, Andre Carvalho with 11, Jansiae Badua with 10, Pete Dacalio with 9, Joven Padrigo with 5 and Masen Dacalio with 2, reports Athletic Director Kale Namohala.

OHIA LEHUA WALK at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in Sunday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m. Learn about the vital role of ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests on this one mile, easy hike. npes.gov/havo

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Church 929-9910. 

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 20, 2017

‘Alalā, the Hawaiian crows, are featured in a new documentary film by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.
It airs this weekend on KFVE-TV (K5). See story below. Image from DLNR

KA`U'S U.S SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO issued the following statement today on the inauguration of President Donald Trump: “I attended today’s inauguration out of respect for our democracy, our institutions, and and the peaceful transition of power, but remain deeply concerned about President Trump’s vision for America. I will resist any attempt the President makes to dismantle the progress we’ve made to increase health care access, protect immigrants and working families, and expand civil rights.”

Barack Obama and Mazie Hirono
Photo from Mazie Hirono

      Hirono released a memorabilia photo and wrote a thank you note for Pres. Barack Obama as he wrapped up his presidency: "President Obama is our keiki o ka aina, and his deep understanding of Hawai`i and the Aloha Spirit clearly shaped his presidency. His actions demonstrated an enduring commitment to righting the inequalities in our world. Mahalo, President Obama."

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"CHANGE IS COMING TO WASHINGTON," Ka`u's member in the U.S. House of Representatives, Tulsi Gabbard, wrote in an Inauguration Day message. While on her Middle East fact-finding mission, away from Washington, D.C., she released a statement today, saying, "here is what we have a responsibility to do in the coming months: reject the status quo of the establishment in both political parties as we expand our political revolution and focus on real solutions that serve all Americans.

On Inauguration Day, Tulsi Gabbard was in Lebanon and met with
its Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibraham, according
to Lebanon's  National News Agency. See story below.
Photo from Lebanon's  National News Agency

     "That means taking steps every day to enact a vision of this country where the ultra-rich can’t game our political and economic systems for their own benefit -- a country where we all matter and where individuals of every walk of life are empowered to be part of this great democracy that we live in.
     "That means fighting for laws that protect the people of our country -- whether it be fighting for criminal justice reform to end needless mass incarceration, ensuring that every single American has health insurance, and fighting for the rights and freedom of all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
     "It’s about net neutrality, equal pay, protecting our precious world by stopping climate change, and preventing the deportation of millions of people who have known no other home than the United States.
     "And it’s about joining together to end the counterproductive war in Syria, which has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, created over a million refugees, torn a country apart and strengthened terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS."

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

Tulsi Gabbard met with spiritual leader Cardinal Rahi in
Lebanon on Friday, the day of the Trump Inauguration.
Photo from Lebanon's  National News Agency

CONGRESSWOMAN TUSLSI GABBARD made news today in Lebanon, on the day Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Gabbard today met with Lebanon's Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, "with talks touching on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as on the situation in Syria and its repercussions on Lebanon." Her delegation, according to the News Agency, included former Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and Syrian-American peace advocates Elie and Bassam Khawam. 

    Lebanon's National News Agency also reported that they met with Army Commander General Jean Khawaji and that talks touched "on the latest developments in Lebanon and the broad region. Talks also dwelt on cooperation relations between the armies of both countries." 

    Gabbard, Kucinich and the Khawam's also met with the Maronite sprititual leader, Patriarch Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Rahi. According to the News Agency, the Cardinal welcomed them to discuss "latest developments on the regional and international scenes."

Gabbard met with Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Khawaji
today, according to the Lebanon National News Agency.
Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency

    The News Agency reported that Gabbard told reporters: "This is my first visit in Lebanon and the region and it has been a great experience, because I listened to the viewpoints of the political and spiritual leaders, among whom Cardinal Rahi, who are still working on enhancing religious freedom and preserving free and diversed communities, where people can live in peace regardless of their religious beliefs. This is a very important message, not just for this region, but also for the entire world. This why we must work together to assume this mission of peace," she said.
     The News Agency reported that Kucinich "highlighted the necessity that Congressmen visit Lebanon to take note of the situation, and carry back with them a message to the country 'on the necessity to work on fighting terrorism and supporting pluralism in which the U.S. strongly believes. The diversified communities in Syria and Lebanon rely on our respect for sovereignty and religious freedoms.'" 

     The News Agency reported that "Elie Khawam underlined that the U.S policy towards the region would 'completely change' with the election of President Donald Trump and his new administration."   Gabbard's mission was to form a clear idea on the situation in Lebanon. "Priority remains for fighting and eradicating the Islamized takfiri terrorism sweeping the region,'" said Khawam, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
    Gabbard also visited Syria, including the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.
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HALTING THE EXTINCTION OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FOREST BIRDS is core to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' latest DLNR & You television special, which illustrates the efforts of dozens of organizations and hundreds of people across the state. The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, airs on KFVE-TV (K5) on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 9:30 p.m. It will be available online after 7 p.m. on Jan. 21st at https://vimeo.com/199157463. The broadcast is funded, in part, by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

‘Alalā Project is one of the segments of the new DLNR film on
 endangered, forest birds which airs this weekend on K5.
Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i

    DLNR chief Suzanne Case said, “We hope this show brings the serious plights of these native birds into our homes. When you see a tiny ‘Akikiki (Kaua‘i honeycreeper) in the forest or hear the call of the native crow, the ‘Alalā, it reinforces why so many people are undertaking some pretty extraordinary steps to reverse the downward trend of numerous forest bird populations. The birds have long been part of Hawaii’s natural landscape, and culturally they’ve been revered for centuries by Native Hawaiians.”
     Photographed over the course of nearly two years, The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, transports viewers deep into the Alaka’i Plateau on Kaua‘i, where the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project is working with numerous partners to try and save three endangered species of tiny birds on the brink of extinction - the ‘Akikiki, ‘Akeke’e, and Puaiohi.
     Dr. Lisa “Cali” Crampton, the KFBRP Project Leader commented, “The most recent estimate for the number of ‘Akikiki is 450 birds, give or take 50. The worst thing that could happen is for any of these forest birds to join the list of 23 endemic bird species that have gone extinct since 1778. All of our partners and everyone working to reverse these trends are excited to show this movie. There are some pretty astonishing projects underway to save these amazing forest dwellers and their native homes.”

Endangered forest birds are raised in captivity, some from eggs gathered in the wild, as shown
in the new DLNR film to be aired this weekend.
Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i

     The show chronicles projects and people working in some really tough environments, toward the common goal of preventing further population reductions and ultimately extinction. In one segment, a staffer from San Diego Zoo Global climbs a freely suspended ladder, 40-feet in the air, to collect marble-sized eggs from a treetop nest in an ʻōhiʻa tree.
     Of particular interest to Big Island viewers is a segment dedicated to The ‘Alalā Project, which for several decades has worked tirelessly toward the reintroduction of captive-raised ‘Alalā, back into the Pu’u Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve. The film shows first-hand, the tremendous amount of work being done by a broad collaboration of federal, state and non-profit partners to be sure the birds continue to exist and thrive in their natural habitats. Last month five ‘Alalā were released into the wild, but when three perished, the remaining two were recaptured and are now safely in captivity. It is presumed that the three were victims of the ‘Io, an endangered Hawaiian hawk.

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Keiki win at the ninth annual OKK Keiki Fishing Tournament.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT, the ninth annual for `O Ka`u Kakou community organization, is tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 21 at Punalu`u Beach, with registration at the pavilion. The catch and and release event is open to all keiki, one to 14 years of age. Parents or legal guardians must accompany all children who enter. Only barbless hooks are allowed and families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the tournament's food drive. Check-in is at 8 a.m. Guidelines explained at 9 a.m. Fishing is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free lunch and prizes provided. Contact Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or Guy Enriques at 217-2253.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.

OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.

HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.

MONGOLIAN BBQ is Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8356.