Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Justin Kripps, center, is a bobsleigh pilot, born in Nāʻālehu, who guided Canada to a sliver medal in the 2017 International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Championships. He competes in his third Olympics in the four-man bobsled starting on Thursday. Photo from easternontarionetwork.com

KAʻŪ-BORN JUSTIN KRIPPS WILL COMPETE IN BOBSLED at the Olympics. Vying for medals in the two-man and four-man competitions on team Canada, Kripps will pilot the bobsled in his third Olympics. Bobsled training heats begin tomorrow, Feb. 15, in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and continue until the final race on Feb. 25.

Justin Kripps

     Kripps went to Nā‘ālehu School through seventh grade. After high school in British Columbia, Canada, he picked up bobsledding, which he considers "a mix of track and field, and race car driving." He names his sleds after Hawaiian Goddesses; last Olympics, his two-man sled was named Poli‘ahu - the goddess of ice - and the four-man sled, Pele - the goddess of fire.
     His first time at Olympics, he was a crewman, but soon after was offered coaching to be pilot - the front man for a team of two or four - by retired sledder Pierre Lueders, who has an impressive record of two Olympic medals, eight World Championships, and 11 World Cup overall titles during his 20 years.
     After his bobsled overturned during the four-man race in the last winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, he planned to come back to Ka‘ū to recuperate, and hunt pig.

Kripps, at front.

     Kripps piloted a Silver medal win in the two-man race at the 2017 International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Championships.
     He piloted his two-man team, with Alexander Kopacz - his most consistent brakeman - into third place at two-men bobsled World Cup in Königssee, Germany, on Jan. 20.
     Kripps is hopeful that this third trip to the Olympics will be his time to win gold. He and Kopacz are favored to place Bronze in the two-man competition.

   

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HALTING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST IMMIGRANTS was on Sen. Mazie Hirono's mind this week. She retweeted a photo of Korean American Olympic snowboard gold medalist Chloe Kim presenting the American flag. Hirono shared Sen. Dick Durbin's remarks from the Senate floor: "Olympic gold medalist @chloekimsnow is the daughter of a immigrant father who came to America determined to make a better life for his family. Their story is the story of immigration in America. My Senate colleagues should keep it in mind this week," said Durbin. He made the point as discussion in the Senate began toward solving policy problems that could lead to deportation of many DREAMers, the working and student immigrants, brought here illegally by their parents as children.

Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted the photo of Olympic gold medalist and
Korean American Chloe Kim.

     Hirono also encouraged constituents to continue to fight against Pres. Donald Trump's Muslim ban this week. She spoke at a ceremony to honor the late civil rights fighter Fred T. Korematsu in Washington, D.C.
     Korematsu took the federal government to the Supreme Court when it interred Japanese Americans during World War II. Though he lost that court battle, his own conviction for evading internment was overturned decades after the war.
     Earlier this year, Hirono joined Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to introduce a resolution that commemorates Jan. 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution and denounces any effort to discriminate against any individual based on national origin or religion.

Don Tamaki, coram nobis attorney for Fred Korematsu; Sen. Mazie Hirono; 
and  Karen Korematsu. Photo from Hirono

     "Fred Korematsu, Gordon Hirabayashi (a sociologist who resisted internment), and Minoru Yasui (an attorney who resisted internment) fought the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and dedicated their lives to defending civil rights," said Hirono. "However, history can repeat itself if we are not vigilant, and these times call for our vigilance. This country is worth fighting for and I thank you for fighting for justice." Her remarks accompanied a screening of a new film, And Then They Came for Us. See the trailer.  See more at the Fred T. Korematsu Institute.

Fred Korematsu, civil rights activist
for immigrants to the U.S.

     Last December, on the anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Korematsu's case, Hirono also joined Duckworth to announce the introduction of the Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act – a bill that prohibits any individual from being imprisoned or detained based solely upon a protected characteristic such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

     Last January, Hirono joined 29 Senate Democrats in demanding that Trump rescind his executive order establishing the Muslim Ban, the statement said.
   

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HULA KAHIKO AND NĀ MEA HULA SERIES CONTINUE inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National on Saturday, Feb. 17. Sponsored by Volcano Art Center, the free hula performance and demonstration occur once a month.
     Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Kahelelani Lyons Dudiot with Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani perform Hula Kahiko on the kahua hula (platform) near the Volcano Art Center Gallery, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Kahelelani Lyons Dudiot.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

     Both native residents of Kalaoa, Kona, Dudiot and Lyons come from a family of hula dancers and musicians and are “proud to have the opportunity to carry on this legacy that was gifted to them by their mother Sally Alohikea-Toko,” says the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. Their hula years span their lifetime, each with over 35 years of experience. As students of Halau Nā Lei ‘O Kaholoku they participated in the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, traveled to Japan, New Zealand, Tahiti, Taiwan and all across the U.S.

     The Hula Kahiko performance will be presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
     These events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center’s ʻohana.

Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani. Photo from Volcano Art Center

     In conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance, the public is invited to join Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe and mebers of Hālauolaokalani on the lānai of the Volcano Art Center Gallery, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They present and share a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. The demonstration is hands-on and family friendly.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February 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.

 THURSDAY, FEB. 15

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu applications due by Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer program 2018, June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at ksbe.edu/admissions or call 982-0033 for more info.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Remove invasives; bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes - clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com - nps.gov/HAVO for more.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME Thurs., Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library - 929-8571.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church, Thurs., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Meetings happen third Thursday each month - West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

Volunteer with Hawai‘i Volcaneos National Park to remove invasive
 species from native forest habitat. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HIKING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Thurs., Feb. 15, 6 p.m., at Nāʻālehu Community Hall and Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The hike would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

FAMILY READING hosted at Ocean View Community Center Thurs., Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - 939-7033 or ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thurs., Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu - Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION WITH BIG ISLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE, Volcano Art Center, Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free, suggested donation $5 - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

  

                                      FRIDAY, FEB. 16

Kaho‘okele Crabbe

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU from master practitioner, Fri., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11 - nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, Fri., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei. The free hike is offered Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH hosted Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family - 939-7555.

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON RAISING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The increase would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

                                 SATURDAY, FEB. 17
WARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

Henry ʻOpukahaʻia

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public Sat., Feb. 17 to Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17.  A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea. 

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū HEAD TO PANA‘EWA for annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain - HawaiiRodeo
Stampede.com.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitary
camp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult, hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY AT PUNALU‘U. The Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at the tiny Hokuloa chapel above the sea. The service  will replace the regular worship service in the Wai‘ohinu church. An additional commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

Chinese New Year Guided Hikes - in Mandarin Chinese - are offered at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park this weekend. 
See event details below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a free, Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MONDAY, FEB. 19

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM Volunteers meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Mon., Feb. 19. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.


DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meets Monday, Feb. 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUESDAY, FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū; residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

    To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Learn the at of making Lei Haku at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See story below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO IS URGING THE VA TO PAY for veteran's emergency medical costs at non-VA hospitals, as ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Hirono said in a statement Tuesday that 46,000 veterans in Hawaiʻi could be affected. She and her colleague Jon Tester, both serving on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, wrote a letter to VA administrator David Shulkin.
     On Jan. 9, the VA announced its refusal to retroactively reimburse veterans for emergency treatment - despite the court ruling that the VA is responsible for emergency medical costs at private, non-VA hospitals, when veterans are not otherwise insured.

     The senators wrote to the VA saying, "Between 2010 and April 16, 2016, the VA erroneously denied thousands of veterans' claims for emergency treatment. With the VA's recent interpretation of this ruling, veterans who filed claims before April 16, 2016, would see no relief from the VA's wrongful application of the law and would be stuck paying medical bills that Congress intended that the VA pay. We ask that the VA include those veterans whose claims were decided before April 16, 2016, so that all veterans can fully take advantage of a benefit Congress intended they receive."

VA Hospital on Oʻahu. Photo from hawaii.va.gov

     The Expansion of Veteran Eligibility for Reimbursement Act, of 2010, directed the VA to pay for veteran's emergency treatment at non-VA facilities, unless the veteran has another form of insurance that entirely covers their medical costs. Since 2010, the VA has denied thousands of claims because a veteran's other insurance partially paid for their treatment, leaving veterans to cover the difference for costly emergency care, said the statement from Hirono.

     The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, on April 16, 2016, ordered the VA to begin paying the claims. "Despite that, the VA has chosen not to pay veterans who filed before the 2016 court ruling," the senators state.

     Hirono also worked to lessen red tape for veteran health care, by waiving a requirement that only allowed veterans reimbursement for non-VA emergency care if they had received VA care in the past 24 months.

     Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI.), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Steve Daines (R-MT) also signed the letter. Read the full letter here.

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‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU IS ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships are available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 deadline, application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.

Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū Volleyball Tournament saw the 14u first place go to Ho‘opa; 14u second place to Cuzins; 
16u first place to Cuzins; 16u second place to Cuzins; 10u first place Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū; 
12u first place Cuzins; and 12u second place Nawahi Na‘auao. 

Taylor does a jump serve.

THE SECOND ANNUAL MILOLI‘I-KA‘Ū VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT drew 12 teams and local spectators each day to the Ka‘ū District Gym last weekend. They traveled to Pāhala from afar. Teams included Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū, Keaukaha Cuzins, Hoopa, KS Southside, Mauloa, Nawahi Na‘auao, Yosh, Big Island Boys, Nawahi Hanohano, and Hi-Intensity.

     Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū, which hosted the tournament, won first place in the 10u.

     The big winner was Keaukaha Cuzins club, winning first and second place in the 16u, second place in the 14u, first place in the 12u, and second place in the 10u. Playing together for many years, the team is called Cuzins because all the players are family from Keaukaha.

     First place for 14u, long-time team Ho‘opa from Kona, is under the direction of coach Ainsley, who also coaches the girls at Konawaena high school.

Taylor from 16u passes a ball.

     Second place 12u was Nawahi from Hilo, coached by Kamalei, with coach Aoloa. The Nawahi team comes from the Hawaiian immersion school Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u, where there are many teams, all coached in the Hawaiian language.

     Tournament coaches include Ka‘imi Kaupiko, Auntie Tene Kaupu, Auntie Carol, Auntie Shonda, April Pana, Ainsley, Aoloa, Kamalei, Erica, and Darion.

     Kaupiko, who organized the event, wrote: "Mahalo and thank you to all those who came and supported our second annual tournament. The funds will help us as we travel this summer to Kaua‘i and Anaheim, CA." Plans are to have another tournament in April; dates coming soon. Food concessions both days supported the effort.

Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū 10u and Cuzins 10u slap their hands to 

begin championship games. 

     Organizers Yolanda Kuahuia and Kaupiko give the history of the Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū team that, "began five years ago. Our history in volleyball is long and extensive - we all grew up playing on a concrete court in the hot sun, but it has been a favorite pastime throughout the years in Miloli‘i." After making the team official, the team played Parks & Recreation games with Ka‘ū and Pāhala, and through that connection, "we started to practice at the Nā‘ālehu elementary gym. Many of the ‘ohana from Ka‘ū wanted to join our club, as they saw our little village kids play volleyball at a high level. We invited and encouraged them to team up with us.

     "Throughout the past three years, we have grown and built our club from its humble beginnings. We have participated and won numerous tournaments from the annual Haili tournament in the spring, the Moku o Keawe regionals, and tournaments in Maui and Kaua‘i. Last year we took our girls to play in the Anaheim volleyball tournament in which we placed 10th in the 12U in a tournament with over 400 teams."

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AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL, this Thursday, Feb. 15, will see Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm representing Ka‘ū. Phil and Merle Becker have been showing and serving their Ka‘ū Coffee at the Capitol Since Ag Day began.
     The event, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., is cosponsored by west Ka‘ū's state House of Representatives member Dr. Richard Creagan, who chairs the House Ag Committee.

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION'S BEGINNING FARMER INSTITUTE program applications are available, reports Hawai‘i Farmers Union United. Those selected to participate travel to the Mainland three times, to three sessions. One will be in September in Washington, D.C.; another in November in Northern California; and the third in March 2019, outside of Seattle.

     Most of the travel, lodging, and meals are covered for those selected.
     The Farmers Union expectation is for institute graduates become an inspiration and mentor new farmers at home, and to become candidates for local boards and other community positions. The Farmers Union provides ongoing support to participants after they return to their farms.
     "National Farmers Union's ability to reach out to a broad cross section of farmers makes it different than other organizations. They teach at a level that opens eyes to a broader picture of where our farm fits into agriculture," says Erin, an NFU BFI alum, who is quoted on the application available here. "It's the content of their classes, the small group in a close-knit setting, visiting innovative farmers, talking with experts and learning from my peers from a diverse variety of farms across the country that gives me the opportunity to learn different solutions. The NFU Institute makes a person think beyond his or her own farm. The NFU Institute is where 'top down and bottom up' come together. It’s a powerful experience."
     The program is sponsored by the National Farmers Union Foundation, Farm Credit, FUI Foundation, CoBank, Farm Aid, and CHS Foundation.

Lei Haku. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

     Deadline to apply is April 30. Eligible are: persons age 18 or older, who are currently or plan to start farming within the next year, of any operation size or type - ownership not necessary - who reside in any of the 50 US states, D.C., or Puerto Rico. Classes will be announced by May 31. Application and more info here.

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LEARN LEI HAKU, lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves. The workshop is sponsored by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work."  The free demonstration takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For more, 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.

‘ULU MAKUAKANE's HULA WERK! CLASS runs Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. Makuakane employs hula, Tahitian, Samoan, and Hip Hop dance moves for the workout.
     Makuakane was the first Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, served as Miss Hawaiian Islands representing Hawai‘i in the Miss South Pacific Pageant, and moved back to Ka‘ū last year.
     Makuakane recommends that participants dress comfortably, bring a pareo (sarong), water, and shoes. Participants need to sign a release form before joining the class. Class is free but donations are accepted - 640-9694.

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

AUNTY EDNA BALDAD EXPLAINS ‘AI PONO, how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). Free program offered Wed., Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai - nps.gov/HAVO.

VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, Wed., Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Crater Rim Café. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests - kilaueamilitarycamp.com or 967-8356.

DENNIS & CHRISTY SOARES AT LAVA LOUNGE Wednesday, Feb, 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free. Award-winning singer-songwriters perform contemporary Hawaiian music, folk, and slack-key, on Valentine's evening - kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu applications due by Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer program 2018, June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at ksbe.edu/admissions or call 982-0033 for more info.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Remove invasives; bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes - clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com - nps.gov/HAVO for more.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February 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.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME Thurs., Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library - 929-8571.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church, Thurs., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Meetings happen third Thursday each month - West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

PUBLIC HEARING ON HIKING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Thurs., Feb. 15, 6 p.m., at Nāʻālehu Community Hall and Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The hike would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

FAMILY READING hosted at Ocean View Community Center Thurs., Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - 939-7033 or ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thurs., Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu - Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION WITH BIG ISLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE, Volcano Art Center, Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free, suggested donation $5 - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU from master practitioner, Fri., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11 - nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, Fri., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei. The free hike is offered Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH hosted Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family - 939-7555.

PUBLIC HEARING ON RAISING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The increase would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

                                           SATURDAY, FEB. 17
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

Henry ʻOpukahaʻia

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public Sat., Feb. 17 to Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17.  A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea. 

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū HEAD TO PANA‘EWA for annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain - HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult, hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY AT PUNALU‘U. The Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at the tiny Hokuloa chapel above the sea. The service  will replace the regular worship service in the Wai‘ohinu church. An additional commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a free, Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUESDAY, FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū; residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

    To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.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.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, February 12, 2018

Learn about the human history of Kahuku on a 2.5-mile moderately-difficult hike over rugged terrain on Saturday. 
See event details below. Photo by Janice Wei of National Park Service

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HIKING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT WILL BE IN VOLCANO AND NĀʻĀLEHU THIS WEEK. The hearings are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in Nāʻālehu Community Hall and Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in Volcano Cooper Center. The half percent hike in general excise tax, now 4 percent, would generate funds to revamp the county's transportation system, including the Hele -On Bus fleet. The county predicts extra income of $25 million per year. The hike would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030. The additional sales tax would be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi, to be used for transportation only.

Hele On Buses would be upgraded and repaired 
through a sales tax increase to support transportation.

     The Hawaiʻi Legislature passed an act allowing the counties to add onto the sales tax for their local expenditures, but gave a deadline of March 31 to approve the measure. Mayor Harry Kim, a supporter of expanding public transportation, is campaigning for it.

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

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, are due Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Applications for suggestions for new properties to be purchased by the County of Hawaiʻi can be found online and emailed to the Commission Secretary Maxine Cutler at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.
     Suggestions can be made for properties to be acquired for preservation. The Commission prioritizes the suggestions and those that make the list are put before the County Council. Properties must have a willing seller and price can be no higher than determined by an independent valuation.
     Money to buy PONC properties is raised through 2 percent of collected county property taxes and funding from federal and private partners. See the application here.
     Stewardship grants are also available to help the county take care of PONC properties. See the application here.
     One such stewardship grant was recently provided to Mā Mamo o Kāwā for care of Kāwā, the local surf spot with many archaeological sites, an estuary, and a pond. See the county's Kāwā Resources Management Plan here. Volunteer to help care for Kāwā the second Saturday of each month. Contact James Akau at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.
     PONC welcomes a new Chair for 2018, Kekaulike Tomich, and Vice Chair, René Siracusa. All commissioners are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the County Council. They are: Timothy DeLozier, Kaʻena Bisha II, Dr. Wayne Frank, Rick Warshauer, Cynthia Nazara, and Susan Wells Fischer. The next meeting is on Monday, March 12, at 10 a.m., at 25 Aupuni St, Hilo Council Chambers, Suite 140.

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 COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL WELCOMES ALL INTERESTED to monthly meetings. The next is at Punalu‘u Bake Shop on Thursday, Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m.
     The local Council serves Ka‘ū High, Pāhala Elementary, Nā‘ālehu Elementary, and Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences. The parent co-chair is currently vacant; the Professional co-chair is Zoe Shih. Staff contact Chad Domingocan be reached at 305-0697 or chad_domingo@hawaiidoe.org.
     There are 17 Community Children's Councils statewide, with a mission to "provide local forums statewide for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families and communities." Working together with the State departments and service providers, the CCCs collaborate to improve system delivery at school and complex levels.
     An informational flyer states that the CCC's duties and responsibilities include: "the identification, recruitment and retention of broad-based group of community opportunities; to link with family support groups and parent training opportunities; to inform community members and parents about State policy and support community feedback on such policy; to identify specific needs, gaps in services and barriers that have not been met through the local system of care by providing data to the State policy makers; to develop strategies to assure quality of services; and to separate and support systemic concerns from individual concerns."

     In addition, it suggests that the benefits of the CCCs provide an: "opportunity to share information and learn about community resources; opportunity to represent the family and community perspective regarding services delivered in your community; and opportunity for parents to gain support from other parents." The flyer also states that the CCC's link with: schools through their Quality Assurance Meetings; family-based organizations; private child-serving agencies; and military networks and support services.
     The Ka‘ū council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The following meeting will take place on Mar. 22. For more, visit ccco.k12.hi.us.

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.

FORMER HAWAI‘I ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK BENNETT is nominated to serve in the open Hawai‘i seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz support the nomination.

     Said Hirono, "Attorney General Bennett has extensive experience practicing law in the public and private sectors in Hawai‘i and at the federal level. Mark is a well-qualified nominee to serve on the Ninth Circuit."

Former Hawai‘i Attorney General Mark Bennett is
nominated to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

     Said Schatz, "Mark Bennett has a long and distinguished career as a lawyer and public servant in Hawaii that makes him well-qualified to serve as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. With more than two decades of public service, Mark has a reputation as a highly competent, principled attorney – something I saw first-hand when he served as Attorney General. I am confident that he will be a fair, dispassionate jurist who will carefully follow the rule of law while reflecting Hawai‘i's values."

     Bennett has been a director at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, where he has specialized in civil and appellate litigation, and government relations, since 2011. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Bennett served for nearly eight years as Hawai‘i's Attorney General under Republican Gov. Linda Lingle from 2003-2011.

     Prior to his service as Attorney General, Bennett was a partner at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP, and an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i.

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.

TUESDAY, FEB. 13

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February 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.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6-12 YEARS, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class Wed., Feb. 14, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Free; Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT Wed., Feb. 14, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). The free hike is offered Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR - NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM Tues., Feb. 13, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what C.E.R.T. is about, and participate in training scenarios; Dina Shisler at dinashisler24@yahoo.com or 410-935-8087.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GEOCHEMICAL TOOL TO PREDICT VOLCANIC UNREST AND EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY at After Dark in the Park Tues., Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, suggested donation $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

AUNTY EDNA BALDAD EXPLAINS ‘AI PONO, how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). Free program offered Wed., Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai - nps.gov/HAVO.

VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, Wed., Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Crater Rim Café. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests - kilaueamilitarycamp.com or 967-8356.

DENNIS & CHRISTY SOARES AT LAVA LOUNGE Wednesday, Feb, 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free. Award-winning singer-songwriters perform contemporary Hawaiian music, folk, and slack-key, on Valentine's evening - kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS' SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu applications due by Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer program 2018, June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at www.ksbe.edu/admissions or call 982-0033 for more info.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Remove invasives; bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes - clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com - nps.gov/HAVO for more.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME Thurs., Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library - 929-8571.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church, Thurs., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fishery Council meetings happen third Thursday of each month - West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

FAMILY READING is hosted at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - 939-7033 or ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu - Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION WITH BIG ISLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE at Volcano Art Center on Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free, suggested donation $5 - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

 

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU from master practitioner, Fri., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11 - nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, Fri., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH hosted Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family - 939-7555.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public Sat., Feb. 17 to Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17.  A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea. On Sunday, the service at Punalu‘u will replace the regular worship service in Wai‘ohinu. A commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū HEAD TO PANA‘EWA for annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain - www.HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult, hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

    To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.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.