Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, December 23, 2017

Hannah's Mahana ‘Ohana Hālau from Ocean View danced for the Christmas Concert at Ocean View Community
Center on Friday night. Photo by Ann Bosted

THE FIRST SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES in Hawai‘i have brought in the first $25,000 for Haleakalā National Park on Maui and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The specialty license plates in Hawaiʻi became available from Hawaiʻi Department of Motor Vehicles offices in August. They feature colorful, iconic scenes from Haleakalā National Park and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     The license plates were authorized by a 2015 state law to raise funds for resource protection and education projects at Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Haleakalā. The cost of these specialty plates is $40.50 for O‘ahu, Kauai and Hawai‘i Island, $41.25 for Maui, with a $25 annual renewal fee.
     The program is administered by the DMV, and revenues generated are managed by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, a non-profit partner that supports six national park sites in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Plate monies are processed, and then donated to the national parks. Donations will be used for numerous national park projects, large and small.

Specialty license plates have raised $25,000 for Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Haleakalā National Parks in the
first quarter of being available. To buy them, see hawaiiparkplates.com.

    "This is a great way to show state pride and support the protection of natural and cultural resources," said a statement from the Pacific Parks Association.
    Other national parks that benefit from specialty license plate programs include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
     For more information on how to purchase a specialty plate, visit hawaiiparkplates.com.
     For more information on Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, visit hawaiipacificparks.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER on Friday night featured a bilingual visiting church choir from California. Also on the program were solos, duets, a piano recital and hula dancing, along with carols sung by the audience.

     The Christmas Concert entitled O’ Holy Night was hosted by the Lamb of God Baptist Church, and supported by the Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Nā‘ālehu.

A bilingual choir from California preformed in Spanish and English in Ocean View Friday night.
Photo by Ann Bosted

     As visiting guests, the bilingual church choir from Inglesia Bautista Fundamental Buenas Nuevas, provided a variety of entertainment with a medley of songs in English and Spanish. They also performed an amusing skit. They were led by Pastor Jose Talavera. Pastor Tim Chace emceed the concert.
     Hannah’s Makana ‘Ohana Hālau from Ocean View danced hula for the audience. Maria Miranda performed a piano solo entitled Ocean. Tim and Annette Chace sang duets, while other performers, including Debra, Crystal and Lee McIntosh, Nalani Stevenson, and Janette Kiesow also drew on their talents. The audience joined in with classic favorites, including Mele Kalikimaka and Angels We Have Heard on High. Silent Night, Holy Night was sung in both English and Hawaiian.

    To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

FIREWORKS PERMITS FOR THE UPCOMING NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION will be available for purchase at 15 location throughout the island beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26. Fireworks sales will begin Tuesday, Dec. 26, and will end at midnight on Dec. 31.

Fireworks permits become available Dec. 26, the day after Christmas, and
are good through 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve. Photo by Julia Neal

     Setting off of Fireworks for the New Year celebrations are allowed between the hours of 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, and 1 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use, during the time of the firing.
     Each permit costs $25.00 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older and are non-transferable, and non-refundable.
     The Hawai‘i Fire Department announced the following sites:  from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on December 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31;

• KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako Street, Hilo;
• KTA Kona; Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd. Kailua Kona; 
• KTA Keauhou, 78-6831 Alii Drive, Keauhou Kona; 
• Pacific Fireworks Kona, 74-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 155, Kailua-Kona; 
• J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy Kurtistown, HI; 
• BJ Alan Tent Kona, 74-5586 Palani Rd. Kailua Kona; 
• BJ Alan Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd. Kailua Kona; 
• BJ Alan Tent 75-1000 Henry St. Kailua-Kona; 
• BJ Alan Tent 325 Maka‘ala St. Hilo; 
• BJ Alan Tent Hilo, 111 E. Puainako St. Hilo;
• Long’s Puainako 111 E. Puainako St. Hilo;
• TNT Tent Hilo 381 E. Maka’ala St. Hilo; 
• Fire Administration Office located at the Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2501, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on December 26, 27, 28, and 29;
• Kona Fire Prevention Office, located at the West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg E, second floor from, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on December 26, 27, 28, and 29.

Ka‘ū Coffee farmers, like Leo Norberte, are getting ready to celebrate
the end of the coffee picking season with New Year's Eve parties.
Photo by Julia Neal

 The Hawai‘i Fire Department asks the community to "please Kokua in helping to prevent fires, and also to avoid the unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks each year.

     "Help by using extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children playing with fireworks should be under an adult’s close supervision at all times. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries that will quickly ruin the Holidays. Please help us, to help you, start the New Year off safely.

     "Fireworks should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials.

     "Be sure Fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed of. 

     "And most importantly, have a fire extinguisher and/ or a water hose ready to use in the event of an unplanned or unexpected fire. Be sure the water hose(s) can reach all areas of where fireworks activities are being conducted, especially around the entire house. It’s also a great idea to wet down any dry, grassy area before and after setting off Fireworks. Doing it before will also let you know the capability of your water source."
     Hawai‘i Fire Department Fire Chief Darren Rosario reminds the public that it is illegal for anyone to: remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework; throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle; offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors; or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult; set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawai‘i Lanterns; or any other aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells.

Fire Departments are sending out statements on the rules and safety
practices for using fireworks on New Year's Eve.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Additionally, it is illegal to set off any firework: at any time not within the specified time periods; within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church when services are held; on any school property without authorization from the said school official; on any Public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.

     For more information on the purchasing of Fireworks permits, or the use of Fireworks, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 in Hilo or 323-4760 in Kona.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A NEW YEAR'S PARTY HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AT THE DISCOVERY HARBOUR Community Centera at Kahiki and Makali‘i Streets, on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m.  A potluck dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

     The Robert Thomas Band Trio will entertain from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

     Pre-sold tickets are $15 per person. Seating is limited to 72 persons; first come, first serve. To purchase tickets or for more information call Elaine at 805-479-6266 or Sue at 310-770-9644. R.S.V.P. by Thursday, Dec. 28. The event is B.Y.O.B. 

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at 
 kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html. 
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html.
December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
     Saturday, Dec. 30, @ Kamehameha.
     Saturday, Jan. 6, @Kamehameha.

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 27, @ Pāhoa.
     Friday, Jan. 5, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.
     Tuesday, Jan. 2, @ Kea‘au.
     Saturday, Jan. 6, Laupahoehoe @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 6, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 6, @ Kea‘au.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

VOLUNTEER WITH HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in at two remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Saturday, Dec. 23, with the event also taking place Dec. 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
     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.

A BELL CHOIR, MUSIC AND SINGING WITH GUITARS, ‘Ukulele other instruments are a highlight of the Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24, at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on Hwy. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE IS OFFERED TO ALL on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. The schedule includes carols and bells at 5 p.m., main service at 6:15 p.m., with a potluck after. For more details, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

A CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET IN VOLCANO is offered Monday, Dec. 25, at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The café is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu includes Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Holiday Lamb Stew and much more. Entry fees are $27.95 per adult, and $14.50 per child (age 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY offers free food to those in need on Tuesday, Dec. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

Learn the significance of the coconut tree in Hawaiian culture and in the Pacific on
Wednesday in Volcano. See event details above. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

LEARN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COCONUT TREE and its myriad of uses in Hawaiian culture and the Pacific during Pulumi Nī‘au Demonstration on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees apply.

ALOHA FRIDAY: ‘OHE KAPALA WITH NOE NOE KEKAUALUA is Friday, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn about the various aspects of traditional hula arts - lei making, pa‘u styles, fabric stamping and more. For more details visit volcanoart
center.org or call 967-7565.

KANE PŌ GOES TO WASHINGTON is the featured topic for Coffee Talk at Kahuku this Friday, Dec. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located near the 70.5 mile marker on Hwy. 11. Kane Pō is the name of a large pōhaku (stone) from the Ka‘ū Desert on loan to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.  It was shipped to D.C. for the dedication of the Museum in 2004. Learn more about this pōhaku and the role it has on the National Mall. Keola Awong, former Cultural Anthropologist at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, will share her experience of this special event. Coffee Talk is free to attend. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, FEATURING THE ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBITION, BEGINS continues through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Christmas in the Country features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.

View unique wreaths and Christmas decor at
the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i
Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

     The concurrent Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional. “Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community, ” states gallery manager Emily C. Weiss.  Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565.

REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continued for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
     Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of  volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
     Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
     Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, December 22, 2017

Lava is breaking out at the bottom of the pali on the coastal plain. A geologist marks a G.P.S. waypoint.
USGS photo

THE NEW FEDERAL TAX BILL, signed into law Friday, Dec. 22, by Pres. Donald Trump, received a quick review by Hawai‘i Gov. David Ige's team. "This week, House and Senate Republicans hastily passed a federal tax bill that President Trump signed today. What does this mean for the people of Hawai‘i? The corporate tax rate will drop, and the income tax for working families will temporarily be lowered. But in the long run, our working families could face a tax hike. Governor Ige has always stood up for the values of Hawai‘i in the face of national issues, from rejecting the Travel Ban to signing onto the Paris Climate Accord. Team Ige has no doubt that he will continue fighting for the working families in Hawai‘i. "The tax break in the bill only provides a short term solution for us. The state and local tax deduction cap, as well as the mortgage interest deduction cap, will mean that the people of Hawai‘i will get some kind of tax break in the short run but overtime will eventually face such consequences from it, like cutbacks in federal services.

     "The tax break would also affect housing since costs are high, and this could really hurt us and the many families who may never fulfill their dream of home ownership. Additionally, the elimination of private activity bonds, or tax-exempt bonds for special projects, could mean that the state could face a decrease in funding for initiatives aimed at improving and developing low-income communities. Finally, this bill could discourage tourist spending and hurt a significant part of our economy.   

Rubbly clinker and other ‘a‘ā formations moving down the pali.
U.S.G.S. photo

     "Governor Ige has always represented the values of Hawai‘i by keeping his promise of promoting economic diversity and growth. The new G.O.P. federal tax bill goes against the values of Hawai‘i, and Governor Ige's leadership is imperative to our state's progress," says the statement from Team David Ige.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

LAVA IS DIVERTED FROM THE KAMOKUNA DELTA by an evolving tube network that blocks it, says this week's Volcano Watch from scientists at the U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
     Lava erupting from the active vent on the east flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō has not entered the ocean or reached the Kamokuna lava delta during the past month. Instead, small lava flows are scattered across the 61g flow field, breaking out from the lava-tube network between Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and the coastal plain. Geologists of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory last observed active lava atop the delta on November 17.

Breakouts active on the pali but not near the ocean on Thursday.
U.S.G.S. Photo

     For nearly 16 months beginning on July 26, 2016, lava traveled through an evolving lava-tube network into the ocean at Kamokuna. Lava alternately built new land into the ocean when the steep submarine slope grew sufficiently seaward to support a lava delta; and poured directly into the ocean as a great lava fall when the delta and submarine slope collapsed, shearing the tube at the sea cliff and exposing a lava stream 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) in diameter gushing into the ocean.
     Earlier this year, with commercial boat operators taking people to the lava entry by sea, and thousands of people viewing the lava fall from the established viewing area inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park or by helicopter, more people probably witnessed this lava fall than any other since lava first reached the ocean in 1986.
    Why did the lava delta become inactive? Simply, lava stopped reaching the delta either through the tube or as surface flows, slowly at first, and then intermittently.

Thermal map of the 61g lava flow, created on Dec. 12. The thermal map is limited to the current flow (episode 61g

 flow), which runs along the center of the map. The blue and green colors correspond to lower surface temperatures; to

 areas of cooled, inactive lava. The orange and red colors show areas of hot, active breakouts on the flow surface

 on Dec. 12. The lava-tube network is shown by white lines, mapped from a sequence of thermal images

 made over the past year. Steepest-descent paths, shown as blue lines and calculated from a 2013 digital elevation

 model of the flow field, represent possible flow paths based on topography. U.S.G.S. map

       Most likely, a combination of three factors prevented lava from reaching the delta.

       First, many scattered breakouts from the lava-tube network between Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and the delta effectively decreased the amount of lava reaching the coast. A series of breakouts from the upper section of tube this past summer developed into a second tube on the east side of the 61g flow, diverting an increasing volume of lava from the primary (west) tube and ultimately, the delta.
      For at least the past few weeks, this east tube, which has not yet reached the ocean, appears to be supplying more lava to surface flows than the west tube.

It's been more than a month since lava has flowed into the ocean at the
Kamokuna Delta. Find out why from the scientists at Hawaiian Volcano
Observatory in Volcano Watch. Photo from Lava Ocean Tours

      Second, starting in mid-November, tiltmeters at the summit of Kīlauea recorded two sharp deflationary trends followed by alternating deflation-inflation episodes. These tilt patterns have corresponded well during the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō eruption to a decrease in the supply of magma or an interruption in supply of magma to the erupting vent, respectively.
     Less lava erupting from the vent results in less lava entering the tube network, further diminishing the volume reaching the coastal plain in either branch of the tube network.
     Finally, by mid-November one or more restrictions along the west lava tube on the coastal plain blocked the entire underground lava stream from reaching the delta. Several breakouts from the tube within 100 m (300 ft) of the sea cliff had flowed onto the delta or into the ocean in recent months but after November 14, these flows were too small to make it that far. No active flows in this area have occurred since November 22.
    If the east tube continues to capture more of the lava stream from the west tube and more voluminous breakouts spread eastward, they could eventually travel towards the coast along steepest-descent paths east of the current 61g flow. Stay tuned to the flow's next move by visiting the HVO website at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Kane Pō is the pōhaku from Ka‘ū in the outdoor
garden of the Museum of the American Indian
in Washington, D.C. Photo by Julia Neal

KANE PŌ GOES TO WASHINGTON is the featured topic for Coffee Talk at Kahuku next Friday, Dec. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located near he 70.5 mile marker on Hwy 11. Kane Pō is the name of a large pōhaku (stone) from the Ka‘ū Desert on loan to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
      It was shipped to D.C. for the dedication of the Museum in 2004. Learn more about this pōhaku and the role it has on the National Mall. Keola Awong, former Cultural Anthropologist at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, will share her experience of this special event. Coffee Talk is free to attend. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

TAI CHI CHUAN: YANG LONG FORM 108 is offered at Discovery Harbour Community Hall on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A $5 donation is asked of attendees. For more, call David at 785-6644.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at 
 kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html. 
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html.
December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
     Saturday, Dec. 30, @ Kamehameha.
     Saturday, Jan. 6, @Kamehameha.

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 27, @ Pāhoa.
     Friday, Jan. 5, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.
     Tuesday, Jan. 2, @ Kea‘au.
     Saturday, Jan. 6, Laupahoehoe @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 6, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 6, @ Kea‘au.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE NON-NATIVE PLANTS that prevent native plant species from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at two remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Saturday, Dec. 23, with the event also taking place Dec. 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church invites the community to a Christmas Eve
Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24. See event details at left.
Photo from tripadvisor.com

TRAVERSE ALONG A MODERATELY DIFFICULT 2.6 MILE LOOP HIKE through scenic pastures and past an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer on the Palm Trail guided hike that takes place Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. The entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park can be found near mile marker 70.5 along Hwy. 11. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A BELL CHOIR, MUSIC, AND SINGING WITH GUITARS, ‘Ukulele and other instruments are a highlight of the Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24, at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on Hwy. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

CAROLS, BELLS AND A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE are offered on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. The schedule includes carols and bells at 5 p.m., main service at 6:15 p.m., with a potluck after. For more details, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

PRIME RIB, ROAST TURKEY AND HOLIDAY LAMB STEW are featured on Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café's Christmas Day Buffet menu for Monday, Dec. 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The café is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Entry fees are $27.95 per adult, and $14.50 per child (age 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY offers free food to those in need on Tuesday, Dec. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

LEARN ABOUT THE MYRIAD USES AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COCONUT TREE in Hawaiian Culture and in the Pacific during Pulumi Nī‘au Demonstration on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees apply.

ONE-OF-A-KIND WREATHS IN A VARIETY OF IMAGINATIVE MEDIA, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional are available for viewing in the concurrent Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit. “Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community, ” states gallery manager Emily C. Weiss.
     Christmas in the Country features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.
     Christmas in the County featuring the 18th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit continues through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565.

STROLL OUTDOORS AND VIEW THE LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS bedecking the stone and wooden cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Friday, Jan. 1. Vote on the best decorated cottage. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8371 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continues for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
     Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
     Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
     Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, December 21, 2017

Nā‘ālehu School Gym filled with joy as children prepared for the winter break from Friday, Dec. 22, through
Monday, Jan. 8. Photo from Nā‘ālehu School Council.

RETIRING ALL CESSPOOLS IN HAWAI‘I to protect clean drinking and recreational waters is the goal of the state Department of Health and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. “Cesspools are an antiquated technology for disposal of untreated sewage that have the potential to pollute groundwater,” says the state Department of Health report to the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature, released this week.
     The report notes that Hawai‘i relies on groundwater for over 90 percent of its drinking water, but has more cesspools than any other state. Some 88,000 of them across the islands put “53 million gallons of raw sewage into the State’s groundwater and surface waters every day,” says the report.

The state Department of Health says that sewage can reach coral
reefs and drinking water sources quickly from cesspools in
porous lava. Photo from N.O.A.A.

“Cesspools also present a risk of illness to island residents and a significant harm to streams and coastal resources, including coral reefs.”      

     Even some remote places in Hawai‘i are seeing effects on drinking water.” Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler said, “The water in these areas is still safe to drink, with no evidence of bacterial contamination; however, there are early warning signs that tell us we must act now to protect the future of our drinking water and the environment.”
     The 2017 Hawai‘i Legislature passed Act 125, which requires the replacement of all cesspools by 2050. It directs the Department of Health to: “investigate the number, scope, location, and priority of cesspools Statewide that require upgrade, conversion, or connection based on each cesspool’s impact on public health.” It also directs the Department of Health “to work in collaboration with the Department of Taxation to assess the feasibility of a grant program to assist low-income property owners with cesspool upgrade, conversion, or connection.  The Department of Health came up with the places it considers most at risk from cesspools and Ka‘ū went unnamed.
     However, concerning areas with new and old lava flows, with “little to no soil cover to mitigate the impact of cesspools or slow the drainage of cesspool effluent to the water table, travel time from the ground surface to the groundwater could be as short as a fraction of an hour. 

     “A high density of cesspools and short leachate infiltration time pose a significant health risk in an area where residents rely on domestic wells for drinking water.” The DOH tested waters in Kea‘au and found that “25 percent of domestic wells sampled tested positive for wastewater indicator bacteria, demonstrating the potential for disease transmission.”

     The report also states that “Over 90 percent of Hawai‘i’s public drinking water sources are groundwater wells, and dense concentrations of cesspool are present over many drinking water aquifers, posing a threat to new drinking water sources.” The report estimates a cost of $1.75 billion to upgrade cesspool systems across the state.
     In Ka‘ū, sewage treatment plants are planned for Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, but only to serve the homes on the old plantation sewer system with disposal in illegal large capacity, gang cesspools. The new systems would also serve nearby houses where the sewer pipes will be built in the road next to them. 

     When the rest of the towns would be served by sewage treatment plants, given the deadline is 33 years for all cesspools to be gone in Hawai‘i, is unclear. However, consultants working on the Pāhala design said it will be designed to include a plan for expansion.
     Public meetings were held in Pāhala in December regarding the planned new wastewater treatment plant for the community. More meetings will be held early next year and residents are invited to a field trip to view a treatment plant in Honoka‘a, similar to the initial concept for Pāhala.

Funds from sushi sales were  presented to Ka‘ū
Hospital from ladies of Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji, left
to right, Masako Sakata, Sumiye Takaki, Hanako
Miyahara, Lily Nagata, Administrator Merilyn
Harris, Alice Yonemitsu, Director of Nursing
Sherrie Bazin and Irene Kohara.

To sign up, call 961-8339.

      See more on the local wastewater meetings in Ka‘ū News Briefs on Friday, Dec. 15, Thursday, Dec. 14, Wednesday, Dec. 13 and Tuesday, Dec. 12. Also see the January edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar newspaper.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū HOSPITAL & CLINIC RECEIVED A GIFT FROM NĀ‘ĀLEHU HONGWANJI just before the holidays. Members of the Hongwanji presented a check for $500.00 after raising the money "from the sale of their famous sushi," said Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris.

    The check arrived in a thank you card for Ka‘ū Hospital & Clinic, saying, "Thank you for the health care you provide to all the communities in Ka‘ū. Best wishes for a bright and successful future."
      During their visit, the ladies from the Hongwanji shared some of their stories about family members who have been taken care of at Ka‘ū Hospital & Clinic. The first baby ever born in Ka‘ū Hospital was Hongwanji member Alice Yonemitsu's daughter in July of 1971. "It is really inspiring to be supported by such kind and wonderfully strong women," said Harris.

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TROJAN GIRLS BASTKETBALL HOSTED WAI‘AKEA on Wednesday. The Jayvee final was Wai‘akea 59, Ka‘ū 15; Jayme Kaneshiro led Ka‘ū in scoring with 5 points. The Varsity final was Wai‘akea 75, Ka‘ū 16; with Reishalyn Jara scoring 8.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at 

kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at

kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html.

December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is

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

through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout

the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
     Saturday, Dec. 30, @ Kamehameha.
     Saturday, Jan. 6, @Kamehameha.

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 27, @ Pāhoa.
     Friday, Jan. 5, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.
     Tuesday, Jan. 2, @ Kea‘au.
     Saturday, Jan. 6, Laupahoehoe @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 6, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 6, @ Kea‘au.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be Friday, Dec. 22, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A young Spanish choir form San Carlos, California will perform. Also on the program are popular Christmas carols, a skit and hula, followed by refreshments. Santa Claus will appear. Call Ron Gall at Ocean View Community Association, 939-7033, or email ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

MAKE LEI WITH TROPICAL AG FARMER KAIPO AH CHONG at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. AhChong's experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

Lanaya Deily submitted this Mamaki Wreath for the
17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition last year.
The 18th exhibition is ongoing now at Volcano
Art Center Gallery in Hawaii‘i Volcanoes National
Park. Photo from Volcano Art Center 

VOLUNTEER WITH HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in at two remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Saturday, Dec. 23, with the event also taking place Dec. 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
     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.

A BELL CHOIR, MUSIC AND SINGING WITH GUITARS, ‘Ukulele and other instruments are a highlight of the Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24, at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on Hwy. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE IS OFFERED TO ALL on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. The schedule includes carols and bells at 5 p.m., main service at 6:15 p.m., with a potluck after. For more details, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

Learn to make a pulumi nī‘au, coconut broom, on Wednesday, Dec. 27. 

See event details at right. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

A CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET IN VOLCANO is offered Monday, Dec. 25, at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The café is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu includes Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Holiday Lamb Stew and much more. Entry fees are $27.95 per adult, and $14.50 per child (age 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY offers free food to those in need on Tuesday, Dec. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

LEARN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COCONUT TREE and its myriad of uses in Hawaiian culture and the Pacific during Pulumi Nī‘au Demonstration on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees apply.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, FEATURING THE ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBITION, BEGINS continues through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Christmas in the Country features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.

     The concurrent Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional. “Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community, ” states gallery manager Emily C. Weiss.  Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565.

REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continued for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
     Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of  volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
     Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
     Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.

LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS BEDECK THE STONE AND WOODEN COTTAGES at Kīlauea Military Camp. They are open for outdoor strolling within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Friday, Jan. 1. Vote on the best decorated cottage. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8371 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.