Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Andrea Kawabata during a Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, Ka‘ū Coffee College talk. See her
tips below for keeping Ka‘ū Coffee productive with the highest quality. Photo by Julia Neal 

IN RESPONSE TO THE LAS VEGAS TRAGEDY on Sunday, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz released the following statement regarding the mass shooting, which left at least 59 people dead and more than 500 injured. He said, "our hearts are with the people affected by this tragedy, and with all of Las Vegas. But warm words are not enough. Thoughts and prayers won’t stop this from happening again. It’s time for Congress to finally stand up against gun violence and take action so this never happens again."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted, "With yet another horrific mass shooting, when will Congress stand up to the NRA? This senseless violence must end." Gov. David Ige responded also. See yesterday's Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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CONGRESS PLANS TO CUT MEDICARE AND MEDICAID, in order to finance tax cuts for the wealthy, warns Sen. Brian Schatz. He tweeted today: "Medicare and Medicaid cuts are in new budget, not ACA (Affordable Care Act) repeal. It's the way they finance their tax cuts for their friends.

Seriously." He also tweeted, "GOP is going to vote to cut a trillion dollars from Medicaid and a half a trillion from Medicare. This is not an old tweet." This morning, he tweeted, "I'm not sure everyone fully grasps yet that GOP tax plan is actually cutting Medicare and Medicaid. That's how they pay for it. And it will blow up the deficit by trillions."
     Schatz contended that the tax plan in Congress is "ridiculously regressive" with top 1 percent of people - those with income over $730,000 - getting "50 percent of the total benefit, the top 20 percent get 75 percent of the total benefit."
     Schatz said the Senate GOP is voting this week for $537 billion in Medicare cuts and a trillion dollars in Medicaid cuts.

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A COMMUNITY KA‘Ū COAST CLEANUP, delayed by the recent Waikapuna range fire on the Ka‘ū Coast, will be held this Sunday, Oct. 8. It is connected with the statewide, annual Get the Drift and Bag It! and the International Coastal Cleanup.
     Volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles are invited to meet at 8:45 a.m. at Wai‘ōhinu Park, at Mile Marker 65 on Hwy. 11. Bring lunch and snacks for the day, a re-fillable water bottle, sturdy footware, no slippers, sun/wind protection, including sunglasses, a hat, longsleeve shirt, suncreen, work gloves, and swimsuit. The destination, Kamilo, is remote. The cleanup is sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, under the direction of marine biologist Megan Lamson-Leatherman.

Kamilo Beach, featured in a 2010 CNBC production called Trash Inc: 
The Secret Life of Garbage, is the destination for volunteers on Sunday. 

     Kamilo has been given as an example of a destination for trash washing up from the oceans in numerous news stories on television, online and in print publications. In 2010, Trash Inc.: The Secret Life of Garbage, featured Kamilo.
     An Artists Hui Cleanup will be held at Kamilo on Monday, Oct. 30, for artists only. Reserving a space is required. R.S.V.P. to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. Call or text 808-217-5777. Social posts: @wildhawaii #teamupcleanup #keephawaiiwild).

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THE MAIN KA‘Ū COFFEE PICKING SEASON IS HERE and the quality and reputation of the famous Ka‘ū Coffee is on the line. Andrea Kawabata, University of Hawai‘i Agriculure Extension Agent, offers the following tips:
     When harvesting: Pick all ripe to raisin cherries and never intentionally discard berries on the ground. Supervise pickers and make corrections while they are harvesting to be sure they are helping to control Coffee Berry Borers. If harvests are more than two to three weeks apart, consider including color-break cherries when harvesting so they do not become raisins by the next harvest.
     Harvests two to three weeks apart may help reduce CBB infestation by preventing a generation of CBB from exiting berries. Be sure to close the burlap bag after each addition of cherries to prevent CBB from escaping back into the farm. CBB are small enough to crawl through the weave of the bag. Burlap bags lined with a plastic bag can also help to contain CBB and prevent escape. Maintain coffee quality by keeping bags of coffee and cherry out of the sun to prevent bad fermentation and rot. Process or take to the processor as soon as possible.

The reputation of Ka‘ū Coffee quality keeps it in the high end of the market, creating a product that
brings economic prosperity to Ka‘ū farmers. Photo by Julia Neal 

      Floating cherry in water can help to separate floater from sinker cherry. Post-harvest floating and removal of floater cherry will reduce the quantity of raisins sold or entering the wet and dry mill processes. Raisins often contain heavily CBB-damaged beans. Floating of parchment can also help to reduce hollow and severely damaged beans from the end product.
      Sampling and monitoring to spray for CBB: Following harvest, consider sampling and monitoring fields to determine levels of CBB in the A/B Alive position that trigger a spray for control. Harvesting may agitate CBB and cause an increase in beetle flight and movement. Remember that CBB must be contacted with BotaniGard/Mycotrol or an approved insecticide to obtain best kill.
      For other CBB IPM or coffee-related information, visit hawaiicoffee.weebly.com.

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A JOB IN THE COFFEE INDUSTRY: A Junior Extension Agent for Coffee Berry Borer is open for recruitment through the University of Hawai‘i. For more information, visit: workatuh.hawaii.edu/Jobs/NAdvert/25143/4431348/1/postdate/desc or search the WorkatUH website for position number 0085500T.

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Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com 

UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball 

Friday, Oct. 6, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, home.

Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.

Friday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. Honoka'a, home.

Eight-Man Football

Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.

Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

Cross Country

Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.

Saturday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. BIIF, away.

Cheerleading

Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Konawaena.

Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

REGISTER THROUGH THURSDAY, OCT. 5, FOR A KAHUKU PARK CLEANUP that takes place Friday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Those interested in joining must register. Call 929-9113 for more details.

REGISTER AGES 6-12 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 6, FOR RELAY RACES scheduled to take place at Kahuku Park on Monday, Oct. 9, from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. For more, call 929-9113.

ADULTS ARE INVITED TO REGISTER UNTIL FRIDAY, OCT. 13, for a Mold Ceramics class that takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 16 through Dec. 4. at Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.

HO‘OKUPU HULA NO KA‘Ū CULTURAL FESTIVAL organizing meeting will be tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Pāhala Community Center at 6:30 p.m. for those who would like to volunteer and support the Nov. 4. event.

NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4. All are welcome to celebrate with Ka‘ū police officers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gymnasium Conference Room in Pāhala. The event is a casual talk-story opportunity with no agenda, where attendees can meet local police officers. Coffee and pastries will be available at no cost.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details, call 967-8371.

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A STORY TIME EVENT IS OFFERED AT PĀHALA PUBLIC LIBRARY on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool staff will read a book aloud to keiki of all ages, with "a fun activity and snack provided following the story,” according to the event flier issued by Hawai‘i State Public Library System.
     Story Time is free to attend.
     For more information call Pāhala Public Library at 928-2015. For more library events, visit librarieshawaii.org/events.

HULA VOICES takes place on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates this free event, with Kumu hula Iwalani Kalima of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E presenting her hula experiences. Park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS THURSDAY, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center.

LEARN THE ART OF TROPICAL FLOWER ARRANGING at Volcano Art Center on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kaipo Ah Chong will provide cleaned tropical flowers. The class is $45 plus $20 supply fee. For more, call 967-8222.

TAI CHI QIGONG DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS will be given by Dr. Myrtle Miyamura, a certified Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructor. The new Ka‘ū Gym in Pāhala is the venue on Fridays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
     The tai chi instructions include movement for injury and arthritis management and prevention.
     According to the state Department of Health, injury prevention information online, Tai Chi for Health "is an evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention."
     The classes are cosponsored by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association and the county Department of Parks & Recreation, Call KRHCA executive director Jessie Marques at 928-0101.
     See Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS SET FOR SATURDAY, Oct. 7 (moved from Oct. 14), at the Ocean View Community Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

BUCKETS FOR BOOKS VSAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gym. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences raises funds and offers games for all ages. See friendsofvolcanoschool.org for rules and fees. Email gotwill@gmail.com or call 626-5130 for more.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit event will take place four times in October - Saturdays, Oct. 7 & 21, and Fridays, Oct. 13 & 27, at 9 a.m.
     To join the efforts, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the aforementioned dates. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Oct. 22, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 23.
     Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
     For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the new disease of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on a guided hike in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 9:30 a.m. t0 11 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is also offered Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

COMMUNITY CUP FUNDRAISER takes place Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The event features hand-thrown teacups and bowls by local Big Island potters, as well as samples of fine Hawaiʻi-grown teas, demonstrations, exhibits and more. The entrance fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a choice of one tea bowl, plus tea samples. Call 967-8222 for more.

SENIOR ID'S FOR AGES 60 AND UP WILL BE ISSUED MONDAY, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View. For more, call 928-3100.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENROLL NOW in the The Kohala Center’s High School Sustainable Agriculture Program.
     The next session is at TKC's Demonstration Farm in Honoka’a, Oct. 9 to 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services says, “The weeklong program features hands-on training in sustainable agriculture practices and visits to important traditional Hawaiian agricultural sites and farms. Students will also learn about opportunities in farming and supporting Hawai'i's food security. Contact Dave Sansone at 808-887-6411 or dsansone@kohalacenter.org for more information.”

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, October 2, 2017

Hula dancers from Japan, Okinawa, Mexico, the mainland, Ka`u and other Hawaiian islands are coming
to Ho`okupu Hula O Ka`u on Nov. 4. To volunteer for the event or to sponsor a booth, attend
the Wednesday organization meeting at Pahala Community Center at 6:30 p.m.
See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS OF KA`U and the rest of the state enjoying such a close relationship with the city of Las Vegas, often called the Ninth Island, Gov. David Ige’s support team issued a statement today. It addresses the loan gunman who employed rapid firing rifles from a perch in a skyscraper to shoot into an outdoor concert of 22,000 persons, killing at least 59 with more than 500 injured. The statement says:

Hawai`i has an A-minus score, issued by Law Center to Prevent

 Gun Violence. Nevada earns a C -. 

See the analysis as www.smartgunlaws.org. 

     “We at Team David Ige were deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic news of the senseless mass murder in Las Vegas. 
Hawai’i has always been at the forefront of sensible gun laws, making us the state with the lowest gun death rate in the country.

     "Under Governor Ige’s leadership, Hawai'i became the first state to ensure that the authorities are notified when a prohibited person tries to buy a gun -- a measure that will undoubtedly save lives. 

As needless violence erupts in schools, movie theaters, and even music festivals across our great nation, Hawai`i's gun laws are common sense solutions to a fixable problem. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this preventable tragedy, with a shared resolve that we must all work together for a safer and more peaceful future for all Americans.”
     The governor said that Las Vegas is called “The Ninth Island because we have so many family and friends living there, and most of us have visited the city for entertainment or business purposes. Today, we grieve with those who have lost loved ones and pray for the injured.”
     Las Vegas is the chosen site for annual reunions of the Ka`u High School alumni and for vacations for many local families.

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FEMA UPDATED SEN. MAZIE HIRONO today on its hurricane disaster work in Puerto Rico. She visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters for a report on the Trump administration's response to helping Puerto Ricans recovering from Hurricane Maria. Hirono heard from FEMA Acting Deputy Administrator Daniel Kaniewski and other top Administration officials on the status of federal disaster relief efforts.

Senators Mazie Hirono, Elizabeth Warren and Richard
Blumenthal went to FEMA today for an update
on conditions in hurricane ravished Puerto Rico.
Photo from Office of Mazie Hirono

          After the meeting, she said, "President Trump's consistent and repeated failure to recognize the full scope of the devastation in Puerto Rico has resulted in legitimate criticism of the administration's response to the crisis there. The Commonwealth's 3.5 million American citizens have every right to be frustrated. Today's briefing focused on the major logistical challenges Puerto Rico still faces. Progress is being made, but as long as people there do not have food, water, and electricity, the administration is not doing enough. That is the bottom line."
     Hirono, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Sen. Elizabeth Warren requested the briefing following media reports of the administration's "lackluster response to helping the people of Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria," said a statement from Hirono's office.

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IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETS'  Leadership in Government Award went to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard last week. The award was presented at the first annual IAVA Salutes event that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership and courage while advocating on behalf of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Martha Raddatz of ABC News was recognized for Leadership in Journalism.
Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and CEO of IAVA, said, "Gabbard consistently has the backs of IAVA members through her work in Congress, and is a steadfast advocate for national defense issues." He called her "an example of what our generation of veteran leaders can accomplish. She has been a critical leader in IAVA’s fight for increased recognition and services for women veterans, including serving as an original co-sponsor of the Deborah Sampson Act."

Deborah Sampson, the first woman to receive a

military pension after the Revolutionary War.

       The Deborah Sampson Act is named after a veteran of the Revolutionary War, and one of the first known women who fought in uniform for this country. Sampson disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces and was the only woman to earn a military pension for her participation in the fight for American independence.

    The Deborah Sampson Bill asks the Veterans Administration to change its noninclusive motto and to address gender disparities at the VA to ensure women vets receive equitable care.
     Gabbard said, “As we observed the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks earlier this month, I was once again reminded how that fateful day changed our country and our lives. During my deployment to Iraq where I served in a medical unit, I questioned whether leaders in Washington truly understood the cost of war, and if they ever thought about those who truly pay the price. One of the major motivations for me to serve in Congress came from my experiences being deployed, and wanting to be in a position to make critical decisions regarding when to go to war, and just as importantly, when not to go to war, and to ensure the promise our country made to our veterans is upheld and honored. I am humbled to receive the IAVA Salutes Award, and I will continue to do my best to honor the service and sacrifices of my brothers and sisters in arms and their families."

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard invites Ka`u residents to a

Telephone Town Hall on immigration this Wednesday.

Photo from Office of Tulsi Gabbard

A TELEPHONE TOWN HALL FOCUSED ON IMMIGRATION will be hosted this Wednesday, Oct. 4, by Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard at 4 p.m. On the phone will be local and national immigration experts from the ACLU Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Coalition, and National Immigration Law Center. The call will provide an update on immigration issues including DACA and federal immigration reform, give constituents an overview of resources the Congresswoman's office can help with including Social Security, immigration and naturalization applications, passports and visas, and provide constituents an opportunity to ask questions related to immigration, says a statement from Gabbard's office.

     The statement says that "To protect each individual's privacy, constituents living in Hawaiʻi's Second Congressional District with questions regarding a personal claim or casework should contact Gabbard's office directly at (808) 541-1986 or TulsiOffice@mail.house.gov."
     To participate in the Telephone Town Hall, call in live at the time of the event to 888-476-4187 at 4 p.m. HST on Wednesday, Oct. 4. To receive a pre-call reminder to join this event: Text "TULSI" to 828282, or go to vekeo.com/reptulsigabbard and enter name, phone number and email. Click "Verify" in the confirmation email in order to complete the registration.

INSPIRATION FOR WINNING ART is explained by Meliha Corcoran, of Ocean View, describing her Pele & Friends mixed media art that won the cover competition for the Ka‘ū publication, The Directory 2018. She won the popular vote during last week's Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce Art Show held at CU Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union in Nā‘ālehu.

Meliha Corcoran with her Pele & Friends

art that won the popular vote last week.

     Corcoran, who has lived in Ka‘ū for about a decade, said this morning that her passion for art started around the age of 13. She has extensive experience in numerous mediums, including pottery, painting with oil, watercolors, pastels, and many other art forms and crafts.
     "This piece was made with marbling and quilling as a mixed medium, which due to the details took 70 hours to create," she said. She explained that her reverence for Pele was the original inspiration for this craft. "It features Pele, the Big Island and her native species friends from a Ka‘ū perspective," said Corcoran.

    Corcoran also explained the process of paper marbling as "a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to smooth marble or other kinds of stone. The patterns are the result of color floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as size, and then carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as paper or fabric."
     "Also known as paper filigree, quilling is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. Quilling starts with rolling a strip of paper into a coil and then pinching the coil into shapes that can be glued together."
Corcoran offers the Art Express class through the Discovery Harbour Community Association, once a month as a volunteer instructor.

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Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered

free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i 

through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout

the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com

UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball

Friday, Oct. 6, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, home.
Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.
Friday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. Honoka'a, home.

Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

Cross Country
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.
Saturday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. BIIF, away.

Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Konawaena.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR AN ART CLASS until tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 3. The class, Cupcake Liner Owl, takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.

REGISTER AGES 6-12 THROUGH FRIDAY, Oct. 6, for Relay Races scheduled to take place at Kahuku Park on Monday, Oct. 9, from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. For more, call 929-9113.

Karen Masaki begins her Dance Imagined classes tomorrow at
Volcano Art Center. Photo by Ken Goodrich

A STORY TIME EVENT IS OFFERED AT PĀHALA PUBLIC LIBRARY on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool staff will read a book aloud to keiki of all ages, with "a fun activity and snack provided following the story,” according to the event flier issued by Hawai‘i State Public Library System. Story Time is free to attend.
     For more information call Pāhala Public Library at 928-2015. For more library events, visit librarieshawaii.org/events.

DANCE IMAGINED, a class lead by Karen Masaki that “encourages exploration and builds strength and fluidity for pure exhilaration of movement,” will be held on Tuesdays this month: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31. The classes will take place at the Volcano Art Center from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and incur a fee of $20 non-members and $15 for Volcano Art Center members or $50 for the entire series. For more, call 967-8222.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Tuesday, Oct. 3, and Wednesday, Oct. 4. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

HO‘OKUPU HULA NO KA‘Ū CULTURAL FESTIVAL organizing meeting will be this Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Pāhala Community Center at 6:30 p.m. for those who would like to volunteer and support the Nov. 4. event.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS MEET TUESDAY, Oct. 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Pāhala Community Center.

NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 4. All are welcome to celebrate with Ka‘ū police officers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gymnasium Conference Room in Pāhala. The event is a casual talk-story opportunity with no agenda, where attendees can meet local police officers. Coffee and pastries will be available at no cost.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.
to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details, call 967-8371.

HULA VOICES takes place on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates this free event, with Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E presenting her hula experiences. Park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS THURSDAY, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center.

LEARN THE ART OF TROPICAL FLOWER ARRANGING at Volcano Art Center on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kaipo Ah Chong will provide cleaned tropical flowers. The class is $45 plus $20 supply fee. For more, call 967-8222.

A PARK CLEANUP AT KAHUKU COUNTY PARK takes place Friday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Those interested in joining must register through Oct 5. Call 929-9113 for more details.

TAI CHI QIGONG DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS will be given by Dr. Myrtle Miyamura, a certified Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructor. The new Ka‘ū Gym in Pāhala is the venue on Fridays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
     The tai chi instructions include movement for injury and arthritis management and prevention. According to the state Department of Health, injury prevention information online, Tai Chi for Health "is an evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention."
     The classes are cosponsored by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association and the county Department of Parks & Recreation, Call KRHCA executive director Jessie Marques at 928-0101.
     See Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS SET FOR SATURDAY, Oct. 7 (moved from Oct. 14), at the Ocean View Community Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

BUCKETS FOR BOOKS VSAS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gym. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences raises funds and offers games for all ages. See friendsofvolcanoschool.org for rules and fees. Email gotwill@gmail.com or call 626-5130 for more.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stewardship at the Summit event will take place four times in October - Saturdays, Oct. 7 & 21, and Fridays, Oct. 13 & 27, at 9 a.m.
     To join the efforts, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the aforementioned dates. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

COMMUNITY CUP FUNDRAISER takes place Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The event features hand-thrown teacups and bowls by local Big Island potters, as well as samples of fine Hawaiʻi-grown teas, demonstrations, exhibits and more. The entrance fee is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes a choice of one tea bowl, plus tea samples. Call 967-8222 for more.

SENIOR ID'S FOR AGES 60 AND UP WILL BE ISSUED MONDAY, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View. For more, call 928-3100.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENROLL NOW in the The Kohala Center’s High School Sustainable Agriculture Program. The next session is at TKC's Demonstration Farm in Honoka’a, Oct. 9 to 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services says, “The weeklong program features hands-on training in sustainable agriculture practices and visits to important traditional Hawaiian agricultural sites and farms. Students will also learn about opportunities in farming and supporting Hawai'i's food security. Contact Dave Sansone at 808-887-6411 or dsansone@kohalacenter.org for more information.”

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, October 1, 2017

Three thousands pounds of marine debris were gathered this summer from the Ka‘ū Coast and will be shipped to New York to help build a 30 foot whale sculpture to be installed in a European city to remind everyone about plastics in
the ocean. Photo from Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund

A THIRTY FOOT BLUE WHALE SCULPTURE, made of marine debris, some 1,250 lbs. of it from the Ka‘ū Coast, will be installed in Europe in May of 2018. In early July, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund and volunteers began working to fill a 40 ft. Matson container with blue and white plastics for the architect couple in Brooklyn, N.Y., Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of StudioKCA. They will build the blue Bruges Whale and ship it to the city of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site like Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Known for its canals, Bruges is the capital city of West Flanders in Belgium. The Bruges Whale will be installed as part of a triennial event of contemporary art and architecture, called Liquid City.

Architects Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang (center), of
StudioKCA in Brooklyn, N.Y., came to Hawai‘i to help gather
 marine debris for a whale sculpture with Hawai‘i Wildlife
Fund's Nohea Ka‘awa, Bill Gilmartin and Megan
 Lamson-Leatherman. Photo from Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund

     “The Bruges Whale is meant to spark conversation and raise awareness about the tremendous amount of plastic waste that is ending up in our oceans, hopefully helping the nearly 2,000,000 anticipated visitors reconsider what and how we consume, package, and dispose of plastic," said Klimoski. "Special thanks to Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund for their tremendous effort over the course of the last several months, helping us collect blue, white, and grey plastic to build ‘Skyscraper’, or ‘the Bruges Whale’ for the 2018 Bruges Triennial.”

       Seventeen Hawai‘i Island cleanup events were coordinated by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund to fill the shipping container with approximately 3,000 lbs. of plastics while it was stationed at the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station in Ka‘ū. Additionally, Surfrider Foundation volunteers on Kaua‘i collected 1,000 lbs. of plastic debris that were added to the container once it reached Hilo, courtesy of a Young Brothers gratis-shipping grant that was received by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund.  

     Matson Navigation was another supporter of the project with a free extension of time allowed to fill the container. Kona Trans also provided StudioKCA with a discounted hauling rate for the project and the County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Environmental Management provided HWF space to store the 40 ft. container for 12 weeks as volunteers contributed to fill it with plastic debris, making this effort an especially collaborative project by local businesses and residents alike.  The container will ship from Hilo on Oct. 4, to begin its journey to New York, and later Belgium.  

      "We are thrilled to able to work with artists to create awareness installations, like this Blue Whale project, and simultaneously divert some of this plastic pollution from our island landfills," said Megan Lamson, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund's Hawai‘i Island Program Director. "Since 2003, HWF and volunteers have removed nearly 225 tons of debris from the shores of Hawai‘i Island. Whatever cannot be recycled, generally ends up in landfills. Innovative projects that include re-use, art, research, and recycling are always preferred." 

StudioKCA's mockup of a blue, white and gray whale sculpture, made from marine debris from Ka‘ū and
other Hawai‘i sites. It will be installed in Europe in 2018. Image from StudioKCA

     HWF is a small nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1996 to conserve native wildlife.  During its 21 years, HWF and volunteers have removed 260 tons of marine debris from the shores of Hawai‘i Island (86% by weight), Maui, Midway and French Frigate Shoals. In 2017, HWF and volunteers have removed 63,343 lbs. of marine debris from Hawai‘i Island and Maui during 51 community cleanup events. The majority of HWF’s marine debris removal work is conducted by volunteer labor, with financial support from the federal government through NOAA's Marine Debris Program, local businesses including Matson Navigation, Kona Surf Film Festival, Kona Brewers Festival and Norwex, and individual donations from around the world. 

      For more information on the project or how to get involved with HWF, contact kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or at 808-769-7629. See Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund. See more on Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of StudioKCA. See more on the Bruges Triennial.

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Ka‘ū chapter of Farmers Union United operates a Farm School in Ka‘ū.
Photo from Farmers Union United

KA‘Ū FARMERS UNIION UNITED held elections on Saturday in advance of the statewide annual meeting of Hawai‘i Farmers Union United next weekend on O‘ahu. The elected officers are President Kyle Studer who grows corn and other vegetables at the Hester Farm above Pāhala; Secretary-Treasurer Raina Whiting, a kindergarten teacher at Nā‘ālehu School, who advocates for school gardens; and Vice President Greg Smith, who operates Earth Matters Farm at Kama‘oa and South Point Roads.
      During the meeting at Pāhala Plantation House, members discussed working more closely with the local schools, the Farm School initiative, the upcoming Hawai‘i Farmers Union United state convention and 2018 state legislature. Studer and Whiting will represent Ka‘ū at the state convention.
See more at Hawai‘i Farmers Union United.

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Pele & Friends won the popular vote last week
for The Directory 2018. The mixed media work
is by Meriam Meliha Corcoran.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

THE COVER ART AND BEST IN SHOW from the annual Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce art contest have been announced. The popular vote, which determines the cover art for The Directory, according to Chamber co-chair Allan Humble, went to Meriam Meliha Corcoran, of Ocean View. Cocoran is the Office Assistant at Discovery Harbour Community Association. Her artwork of mixed media is called Pele & Friends.
    The Best in Show award went to Thomas King, of Honu‘apo for his woodworking. King's winning art is a podium with a Ka‘ū emblem on the front.

Thomas King, of Honu‘apo won Best in
Show at the annual Ka‘ū Chamber of
Commerce Art Show with his
podium displaying the Ka‘ū emblem.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

    Cover of  the
guide will be
Pele &
Friends, said Humble. The publica-
tion is an
annual community and business resource for all of Ka‘ū.
     The art show, with the popular vote for the cover, was held during credit union hours all last week, at the CU Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union facility in Nā‘ālehu.
     See Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce.

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TAI CHI QIGONG DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS will be given by Dr. Myrtle Miyamura, a certified Tai Chi for Health Institute Instructor. The new Ka‘ū Gym in Pāhala is the venue on Fridays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
     The tai chi instructions include movement for injury and arthritis management and prevention.          According to the state Department of Health, injury prevention information online, Tai Chi for Health "is an evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention."
     The classes are cosponsored by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association and the county Department of Parks & Recreation, Call KRHCA executive director Jessie Marques  at 928-0101.
     See Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association.

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A HEALTH FAIR AT DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTER has been announced for Saturday, Nov. 4. The time is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the program are healthy cooking demonstrations with the Blu Zones Project from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Island Health Care from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
     Dr. Renee Dufault will offer a talk on her new book called Unsafe at Any Meal. Longs Drugs will offer Flu Shots, others will offer massages. Also making presentations will be Bay Clinic and the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as Ornish Lifestyle Medicine.
      Demonstrations will include Yoga with Suzanne Brady at 9 a.m., Hula with Kumu Hula Hannah Uribes at 10 a.m., Pilates plus with Judy Knapp at 10:30 a.m., Tai Chi with David Copeland and Qigong with Shary Grogker.
     See Discovery Harbour Community Association.

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Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered

free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i 

through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout

the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com

UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball 

Friday, Oct. 6, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, home.
Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away.
Friday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. Honoka'a, home.

Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

Cross Country
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away.
Saturday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. BIIF, away.

Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Konawaena.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR AN ART CLASS until Tuesday, Oct. 3. The class, Cupcake Liner Owl, takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS TOMORROW, MONDAY, Oct. 2, at 4 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

TWO STORY TIME EVENTS ARE OFFERED AT KA'Ū LIBRARIES the first week of October. Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool staff will read a book aloud to keiki of all ages, with "a fun activity and snack provided following the story,” according to the event flier issued by Hawai‘i State Public Library System.

      Story Time is free to attend and will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Public Library tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 2, and from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 5.
      For more information call Nā‘ālehu Public Library at 939-2442 or Pāhala Public Library at 928-2015. For more library events, visit librarieshawaii.org/events.

DANCE IMAGINED, a class lead by Karen Masaki that “encourages exploration and builds strength and fluidity for pure exhilaration of movement,” will be held on Tuesdays this month: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31. The classes will take place at the Volcano Art Center from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and incur a fee of $20 non-members and $15 for Volcano Art Center members or $50 for the entire series. For more, call 967-8222.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Tuesday, Oct. 3, and Wednesday, Oct. 4. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

HO‘OKUPU HULA NO KA‘Ū CULTURAL FESTIVAL organizing meeting will be this Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Pāhala Community Center at 6:30 p.m. for those who would like to volunteer and support the Nov. 4. event.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS MEET TUESDAY, Oct. 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Pāhala Community Center.

NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 4. All are welcome to celebrate with Ka‘ū police officers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ka‘ū District Gymnasium Conference Room in Pāhala. The event is a casual talk-story opportunity with no agenda, where attendees can meet local police officers. Coffee and pastries will be available at no cost.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details, call 967-8371.

HULA VOICES takes place on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates this free event, with Kumu hula Iwalani Kalima of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E presenting her hula experiences. Park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS THURSDAY, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center.

REGISTER THROUGH THURSDAY, OCT. 5, FOR A KAHUKU PARK CLEANUP that takes place Friday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Those interested in joining must register. Call 929-9113 for more details.

LEARN THE ART OF TROPICAL FLOWER ARRANGING at Volcano Art Center on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kaipo Ah Chong will provide cleaned tropical flowers. The class is $45 plus $20 supply fee. For more, call 967-8222.