Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, December 25, 2017

Christmas Day snow on top of Mauna Loa Volcano, the long mountain that makes up most of Ka‘ū. The photo
was taken Dec. 25 at Moku`aweoweo caldera's South Pit. Image from USGS

HIGH IN THE SNOW ON CHRISTMAS DAY above Ka‘ū is the top of Mauna Loa, 56,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean floor. At an age of 700,000 to a million years old, it is the largest and tallest volcano on Planet Earth by size and volume, rising 13,677 feet above sea level. It last erupted in 1984, but steam rising from fissures in Mauna Loa's Moku`aweoweo caldera floor and measurements of molten movements signal scientists that lava is on the rise. 

Mauna Loa's summit cabin.
Photo from summitpost.com

     It is filling chambers to someday send liquid rock down its slopes, likely flowing onto Ka‘ū, somewhere. 

     Most Ka‘ū people live on Mauna Loa volcano.
    The path that early explorers took to reach the rim of Moku`aweoweo caldera at the top of Mauna Loa is the native Hawaiian Ainapo Trail through Kapāpala between Pāhala and Volcano Village. Summitpost.org reports some of the history:
     "The summit of Mauna Loa was visited by prehistoric Hawaiians for ceremonial purposes. They constructed the Ainapo Trail from their closest village, Kapāpala, to the rim of Moku'aweoweo caldera. The Ainapo Trail had a series of shelters that were stocked with drinking water and firewood. The Hawaiian method of ascent involved moving upslope in easy segments to lessen fatigue and to allow proper acclimatization. Footwear for the climb usually involved wrapping the feet with ti leaves or merely going barefoot. 

Walking on Mauna Loa in the snow.
Photo from summitpost.org

     "The major stages were a series of overnight camps, complete with small, warm, thatched houses and supplied with food, water and firewood. Smaller stages were areas used as frequent rest stops in natural rock shelters, caves and lava tubes. Ascents of Mauna Loa by prehistoric Hawaiians were made during summit eruptions, when the goddess Pele was present to honor her with chants, prayers and offerings.
     "The first non-Hawaiian credited with climbing Mauna Loa is Archibald Menzies. Menzies was the surgeon/naturalist for the 1791-1795 Voyage of Discovery led by Captain George Vancouver of the British Navy. An expedition set out on Feb. 6 1794 from Kealakekua Bay with Chief Luhea in a large double hulled canoe that belonged to King Kamehameha. Menzies reached the summit of Mauna Loa on Feb. 16, 1794 where he used barometric readings to calculate the summit elevation at 13,564 ft. An excerpt from Menzies journal:

Mauna Loa with snow, seen from Kīlauea caldera.
Photo from summitpost.org

   'We managed to boil the chocolate in a tin pot over a small fire made of our walking sticks, and each had his share of it warm, with a small quantity of rum in it, before we went to bed. ...as it was agreed we should all sleep together to keep ourselves warm, we joined together everything we had for our general covering, made pillows of hard lava, and in this [way] was passed the night... Febuary 16. Next morning, at sunrise, the Thermometer was at 26 degrees and the air was exceedingly keen and piercing... About 11 in the forenoon we arrived at the mouth of an immense crater... [we] crossed over this rugged hollow after a hard struggle, and by noon got to the highest part of the mountain, on the western brink of the great crater, where I observed the Barometer...'  For more, see www.summitpost.org.
     To climb Mauna Loa through Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, permits are required. Stays are limited to three nights per site; group size is limited to a dozen people. The number of bunks are limited at Red Hill and Mauna Loa summit cabins. "Backpackers to Mauna Loa should be adequately equipped, experienced in wilderness/high altitude trekking, and physically fit," says the statement from the National Park Service. Learn more about making the trek to Mauna Loa summit at https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_

Use of Ainapo Cabin on Mauna Loa requires a state
Department of Land and Natural Resources permit.
Photo from DLNR

maunaloa.htm.

    The Ainapo Trail is managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kapāpala Ranch. Overnight hikes and reservations for the Ainapo Cabin require permits. See more at https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,

details,31727.html.

    See webcams on Mauna Loa, showing the caldera, craters, pits, its weather and vistas from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory sites at https://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cams/.

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

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

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

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.

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.

FIREWORKS AND A FIREWORKS PERMITS are available starting Tuesday, Dec. 26. Firework and permit sales end midnight on Sunday, Dec. 31.
     Setting off of Fireworks for 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.

     For more information on the purchasing of Fireworks permits, or the use of Fireworks, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona). For a list of places to purchase fireworks permits visit Dec. 23 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

Learn about the myriad of uses in Hawaiian culture and the Pacific for the coconut tree.
See event at left. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

LEARN THE SIGNIFICANTS 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.

BUY TICKETS FOR DISCOVERY HARBOUR'S NEW YEAR'S PARTY by Thursday, Dec. 28. The party will be held in Discovery Harbour Community Center (Kahiki & Makali‘i Streets) on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (or later for those who wish to stay). A potluck dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. for those who wish to participate.

     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. The event is B.Y.O.B. 

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 volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

A view from Birth of Kahuku Hike. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

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. 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.

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.

EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku.

Volcano Art Center's wreath exhibit continues through Dec. 31. See event
details below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ASKS VOLUNTEERS to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing at a Stewardship at the Park event Saturday, 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.

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.

Master Gardener classes start Jan. 23.

Photo from ctahr.hawaii.edu

A NEW YEAR'S EVEN TOAST is hosted by Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371

REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continues for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the U.H. 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.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, December 24, 2017

Christmas Eve celebrated by villagers inside and outside of Holy Rosary Church in Pāhala, following the Pope's
message supporting understanding, tolerance and help for immigrants. Photo by Julia Neal

CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN KA‘Ū focused on peace on earth on Christmas Eve, following the message of Pope Saint Francis, who spoke to some 10,000 people at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican Sunday evening.
       The Pope focused on the number of refugees, which has grown worldwide to more than 22 million people. "We see the tracks of entire families forced to set out in our own day. We see the tracks of millions of persons who do not choose to go away but, driven from their land, leave behind their dear ones." The Pope said that many flee from those who "see no problem in shedding innocent blood." The Pope himself is an Argentine whose grandparents were immigrants from Italy.

Father Martin Mwanshibula came a long way from Zambia in Africa to serve
Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu Catholics, many of them immigrants or descendants
from immigrants to Ka‘ū. Photo from Hawai`i Cathlolic Herald

       He urged everyone to welcome foreigners and compared immigrants to Mary and Joseph with no place to stay in Bethlehem. "So many other footsteps are hidden in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary," said the Pope.
     The Pope asked for a "new social imagination," leaving no one feeling like "there is no room for them on this earth." He was harsh on those who exploit desperate refugees, calling them "Herods of today," saying they have blood on their hands.
      In Ka‘ū, Father Martin Mwanshibula, the Catholic priest who himself is a long way from his African home in the Diocese of Kasama, Zambia, led Christmas Eve masses In Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu. Father Martin has been the administrator of Holy Rosary Church, Pāhala, and Sacred Heart Church in Nā‘ālehu  for about six years, He serves many immigrants and descendants of immigrants from Portugal, the Philippines, India and other far off places who came to Ka‘ū for better lives in the sugar industry long ago and the coffee industry more recently.

Proteus and other local foliage become the
Christmas setting along with a candle at
Thy Word Ministries Ka‘ū Christmas
Celebration. Photo by George Kamakahi

     Father Martin said earlier this year in the Hawai`i Catholic Herald that there is a challenge in being far  from home, where he is eldest of five brothers and two sisters. "But, within any challenge, something also appears. And that is the community which becomes your family, your support. I am very fortunate the people are very supportive here," in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, said Father Martin.

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.

Santa wears shorts at St. Jude's Keiki
Christmas party.

A NEW YEAR'S PARTY WILL BE AT DISCOVERY HARBOUR Community Center 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. 

Marie  baked cookies for the St.
Jude's Keiki Christmas Party
in the new church kitchen.
Photo from St. Jude's

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

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

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

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

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 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.

Fireworks image from wikipedia.com

FIREWORKS AND FIREWORKS PERMITS become available starting Tuesday, Dec. 26. Firework and permit sales will end at midnight on Sunday, Dec. 31.
     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.

     For more information on the purchasing of Fireworks permits, or the use of Fireworks, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona). For a list of places to purchase fireworks permits visit Dec. 23 Ka‘ū News Briefs. 

LEARN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COCONUT TREE and its myriad 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.

REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 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.

View Ken Charon's Four ‘Ōhi‘a Wreath at the ongoing 18th Annual
Invitation Wreath Exhibition. See event details at right.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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