Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, March 6, 2018

  A visitor's video on You Tube gives suggestions on driving 4-wheel vehicles to Mahana Bay and
Green Sands Beach. Numerous videos are posted on You Tube.

UNREGULATED ACCESS TO LANDS MANAGED by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands at South Point, Ka Lae, has "compromised the integrity of its heritage sites and of coastal ecosystems," says the new DHHL management plan. The plan documents local residents saying that South Point has suffered from the

Four wheel vehicles create new roads as old trails
 become rutted on the way to Green Sands Beach.
This video and many more on YouTube

popularization of large, open areas for off-roading, particularly along the tracks and trails to the rare Green Sand beach at Māhana Bay.

     The report proposes many long and short-term projects to manage South Point, and uses suggestions from many local stakeholders who weighed in for a South Point Cultural Impact Assessment. Keoni Fox, who volunteers on numerous preservation projects in Ka‘ū, asked that community groups and the National Park Service stewarding the Ala Kahakai Trail along the coast and the inland Na Ala Hele trail be consulted when determining access to Green Sands Beach and Māhana Bay. "The path should be as natural as possible to blend into the environment." Fox said his "main concern with any planned action is the need to maintain the cultural integrity and the natural landscape. It is important that we maintain the sense of place at Ka Lae. As a wahi pana (sacred place), respect for Hawaiian culture and history is paramount. Although we are experiencing high demands for visitor and recreational use, we cannot allow tourism and off-road enthusiasts to continue to adversely impact our lands and resources."

     The DHHL report specifies the heavy use of recreational vehicles such as ATVs and motorbikes, which have "not only destroyed sacred sites but has resulted in widespread soil and sand erosion." Along with exposure to the "prevailing winds," this has left the natural and cultural resources of South Point in "critical condition," says the report.

     During the extensive research done for the report, culturally significant sites were discovered along the road to Green Sands Beach. Starting at page 504 of the report, the sites are described in great detail, including several rock walls, partially destroyed to make way for drivable passage points.        

Section A shows where the road leading to South Point would have a 
security guard shack, with an entrance fee, and a possible gate 
further down the road. Section B shows the area that would be used 
for parking to walk to Green Sands/Māhana Bay, with portable toilets, 
waste receptacles, vending, camping, a place for educational 
programs, and a cultural site. Map from DHHL report

     The report gives an example of "jeep road" running through an historic site. Makai sits a small rectangular rock enclosure, heavily damaged. The rocks are scattered, and modern rubbish, from ammunition shell casings to fragments of glass, sit nestled in the crevasses.
     The road also appears to pass through and have possibly destroyed sections of a wall and windbreaks constructed in ancient times for shelter. Archaeologists found ʻiliʻili (small, smoothed stones) lightly scattered around the wall, and fragments of marine shell and coral. The windbreaks adjoining the wall are in decent condition. Archeologists concluded that the wall and shelter are evidence of pre-Contact structures, used for temporary habitation, and described them as "significant."

     See March 3, March 5, and future Ka‘ū News Briefs for more on the South Point Plan.

     See the 799-page plan online.

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NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING must remain in the reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, Sen. Mazie Hirono said on Tuesday. The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act provides affordable housing to the Native Hawaiian and other Native communities. In remarks to the American Indian Housing Council, Hirono pledged to continue to fight to pass a NAHASDA reauthorization that includes Native Hawaiians, and to fully fund other critical Native Hawaiian programs.

Sen. Mazie Hirono meets with American Indian Housing Council.

     "I strongly oppose ongoing efforts to pass a narrow reauthorization of NAHASDA that excludes Native Hawaiians. These efforts seek to pit indigenous communities against one another.

     "Asking us to choose which communities we value over others is a cynical and false choice. We need to stand together and fight back against efforts that demand such a choice. I know we agree on this," she said.
     Last September, Hirono joined all Democratic members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee to introduce S. 1895 to reauthorize the NAHASDA in a way that preserves funding for Native Hawaiian housing programs.
     Last June, Hirono fought back against efforts to eliminate federal Native Hawaiian housing programs during testimony before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

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HAWAI‘I MAKES WOMEN A PRIORITY, according to a new report from WalletHub. In honor of Women's History Month, and campaigns against sexual harassment such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, the report focuses on finding out which states are making life a little more balanced for women in 2018. Though women outnumber men in most places, nearly two-thirds of minimum-wage earners are women, and they are underrepresented in political positions nation-wide.

     All fifty US states, plus D.C., were ranked by looking at twenty-three key metrics, ranging from economics to health to safety.

     Hawai‘i ranked an impressive first in Women's Health & Safety overall, and seventh in Women's Economic & Social Well-Being; the rest of the overall highest-ranking states are primarily east coast states, with the next-closest west coast state being Oregon, at eighteenth.

     Unemployment for women was ranked as sixth-lowest, and the share of women-owned businesses at sixth highest. Hawai‘i was fifth lowest for women in poverty, fourth lowest for uninsured women, and had the third highest rate of women's preventative health care. For first place, Hawai‘i was ranked both best in the quality of women's hospitals, and in women's life expectancy at birth.

     See the full report.

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PRECINCT MEETINGS FOR THE HAWAI‘I DEMOCRATIC PARTY are Wednesday, March 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

     Residents who live in Volcano, Pāhala, and Punalu‘u can attend the District 3 Precincts 5-7 meeting at Volcano Art Center campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano.

     Residents who live in Nā‘ālehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, Mark Twain, South Point, Ocean View, Miloli‘i, and Ho‘okena can attend the District 5 Precincts 1-8 meeting at New Thought Center, 81-6587 Mamalahoa Hwy, C302, Kealakekua.

     Hawai‘i County Democratic Party chair Margaret Willes said, "The time has come: make this party what you want it to be."

     Attending the meeting qualifies attendees to be considered to become delegates to the upcoming county and state conventions. Attendees may seek election to become a party precinct officer, and learn more about the priorities for the current legislative session and what to do to get involved.

     Pre-convention meeting will be held April 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. Sangha Hall in Hilo will host the County Convention on April 28th. The Hawai‘i Democratic Party State Convention will be held on Hawai‘i Island this year; May 26 and 27 will see the Hawai‘i State Convention at the Hilton Waikaloa.
     Find a specific precinct location. Contact Tonya Lee Matson at 937-3037 or tonyacoulter@gmail.com for West Hawai‘i, or Shannon Matson at 747-2122 or hotyogahilo@gmail.com for East Hawai‘i. For the county site, go to hawaiicoutydemocrats.org, or hawaiidemocrats.org for the state site.

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Jeff from Bee Boys explains a honeycomb.

JOIN THE FUN AT THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU SCHOOL'S FREE EXPLORE! FAIR this Thursday, March 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the school gym. Each family should pick up a fair passport when they enter, visit the activities and booths to get the passport punched, and turn it in for a chance to win cool door prizes. Win a volleyball, basketball, or experiment kits from Nāʻālehu ACE; gift certificates from KTA; ono local honey or a lava cider from Bee Boys; and more.

     Make and take activities, brain-challenging games, and engineering challenges aligned with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) will be featured, along with free food and popcorn. Ke Ola magazine's current featured artist Don Elwing will host his gallery of marine debris art, along with his newest pieces' special effects viewed with 3-D glasses.
     Each grade-level will sponsor an activity and other community organizations will be on hand to share information. Make recycled paper, a wind sock, a lava lamp, or a hurricane tower, and much more. Pick up milo seeds from Nā Mamo o Kāwā table to create a native plants nursery; visit Three Mountain Alliance to learn more about our unique Hawaiian watershed; explore Bee Boys observation honeybee hive; conduct science experiments with Nāʻālehu ACE. Don't forget to also gather seeds and plants for a garden, along with soil and a garden box, for school ‘ohana who haven't yet received their materials.

Make a Hawaiian Top, Hū, from a kukui nut, and learn how 
to use it, on Mar. 28. Photo from National Park Service

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A HŪ DEMONSTRATION, in which participants can make their own and learn the game of the Hawaiian Top, takes place on Wednesday, Mar. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Early Hawaiians devoted much of their time to games, amusement, and relaxing, says the event press release. Top-spinning was an absorbing activity for children, and making hū (kukui nut top) was equally engaging.
     The free event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. 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.

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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Wednesday, Mar 7, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū
Friday, Mar 9, @ Hawai‘i Prep

   Tuesday, Mar 13, @ Hilo

   Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū

   Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe

   Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a

   Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala

   Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

   Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

   Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Friday, Mar 9, @ Kohala

   Monday, Mar 12, @ Makua Lani

   Wednesday, Mar 14 Ehunui @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Mar 16 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19 @ KSH

   Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū

   Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea

   Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

REGISTER FOR KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING by March 9 by calling Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. The gathering will be Fri., March 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST is open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.

MISS KA‘Ū COFFEE PAGEANT - REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Sat, Mar 10, 6 p.m. Event held Sat, Apr 21, Ka‘ū District Gym. Those who sign up early will be offered more opportunity for training and sponsorships. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. kilauea
military
camp.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKA
PUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 8, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

MOKUHANGA: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING, Thursdays, Mar 8 - Apr 5, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Volcano ArtCenter. Five hands-on sessions w/ Sensei Glenn Yamanoha. Water-based printing by hand using non-toxic natural materials. No experience necessary. $72/VAC members, $80/non-members, plus a $40 supply fee. Registration online, volcanoartcenter.org

FOUR DAYS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP COMING TO KA‘Ū, with Big Island Faith Crusade, at Ka‘ū District Gym, Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m.; doors open one hour beforehand; free. Contact Thy Word Ministries Pastor Bob Tominaga at 936-9114 or Herb Schneider at 327-9739 for more information.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri, Mar 9. Participants meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, required for volunteers under 18. Visit park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm

KDEN HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - March 9 through 24. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp’s Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Mar 10, 8 - 11 a.m., OceanView Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

ZENTANGLE: HALF-PAST PAIZLEY, Sat, Mar 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lydia Menses incorporates a paisley motif as Zentangle string, using a mixture of Zentangle's official and non-official tangles to fill. No experience necessary. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Light refreshment provided. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

RED CROSS MEETING, Sat, Mar 10, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

AN EVENING WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sat, Mar 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Awarding-winning artist. $20 per VAC member and $25 per non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

THE ART OF VOCAL FREEDOM WORKSHOP WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sun, Mar 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn to sing and express authentically with ease and flow. Incorporates a blend of traditional and non-traditional volcano technique, martial arts, yogic posture, Toltec, and Taoist exercises. Open to all levels of singers. $50 per person, plus $10 supply fee.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sun, Mar 11, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. nps.gov/HAVO

TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR, Sun, Mar 11, 10 a.m., River of Life Assembly of God, Pāhala. The group will minister through song and testimony, as well as spreading awareness of the Teen Challenge Program. rolhawaii.com, 443-9394.

MONDAY, MARCH 12

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, Mondays, Mar 12 & 26, noon - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton. Ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels. $15 VAC members/$20 non-members, per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 13
C.E.R.T. DISCOVERY HARBOUR/NĀĀLEHU, Tue, Mar 13, 4 - 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, as well as participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Tue/Wed, Mar 13 (committees)/14 (Council), Hilo, & Tue/Wed, Mar 27 (committees)/28 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

ONGOING

TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

KDEN HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - March 9 through 24. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp’s Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344.

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, March 5, 2018

Green Sand Beach and Māhana Bay. The olivine sand beach, one of only four known in the world, exists in a delicate balance of erosion from natural and human influences. See the plan online with its history, cultural, wildlife, and archaeological studies. Photo from DHHL report

MANAGING ACCESS TO THE POPULAR GREEN SAND BEACH at Māhana Bay is one of the aims of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands recently-released South Point management plan. The plan divides the South Point properties of Hawaiian Home Lands into four management areas: the entrance to the South Point area; Ka Lae and a walking loop; the Barracks; and the area leading to Green Sands, including Māhana Bay. It also includes a proposal to charge entry fees.
     Concerning Māhana Bay, it says, "the main near-term priority for DHHL is to gain site control by managing vehicular access." With Green Sand beach promoted in tour guide books and online travel sites as one of only four green sands beaches in the world, and with an increase in adventure travel among international visitors, Māhana Bay has become a popular destination. Many visitors walk the four miles. Others pay for rides in four wheel drive vehicles along the unpaved road from the South Point boat ramp to Māhana Bay. The number of people going there daily steadily increases.

Yellow-and-black marks the proposed pedestrian path to Green Sand Beach.
 Pink marks the proposed emergency-access road. Bright teal marks
 the proposed parking area. View full report, with other maps and figures, 
online. Map via the DHHL report

     The Hawaiian Home Lands plan for Green Sands and Māhana Bay is to allow access through walking along a designated pedestrian path near the shore. An inland road would be for emergencies and maintenance. Hawaiian Home Lands would install portable toilets and waste receptacles at the beginning of the trail and near the beach.

     An Archeological Inventory Survey was conducted from June into August last year  by Cultural Surveys Hawai‘i along the proposed walking trail to Green Sands Beach. Many previously discovered and five new sites were documented.

     A cultural survey includes interviews with local residents concerning history and ideas for managing the area.
     The late Tommy Kaniho, a rancher on Hawaiian Home Lands at South Point, described Māhana Bay as a fisherman's landing lined with canoes. Fishermen would leave their canoes but carry home the ama (the outrigger), he said.

The late Tommy Kaniho proposed security guards and charging fees to
help fund managing Green Sands Beach. Read his other opinions and 
recollections of the area in the full report. Photo by Julia Neal

     Kaniho said he supports managed ecotourism on the South Point lands. He recommended charging visitors a fee and noted that, "visitors are paying $20 to $30 just to be taken in to see Māhana Bay."
     He also recommended posting a security guard. "You can't stop anybody from walking in, but can stop a car driving in," said Kaniho.
     Anna Cariaga, of Pāhala, recommended closing off the area to all but local fishermen, until a management plan is put in place. She said she would like vehicular damage, including rutted roads and new driving paths constantly created, to be repaired. "That place is sinking... I would like to see that place filled and let it stand for a while then put a solid pavement... a road," said Cariaga.

     See March 3 Ka‘ū NewsBriefs and future briefs for more on the South Point Plan.
     See the 799-page plan online.

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.

Assistant Chief of Police for Ka`u and West Hawaii
James O'Connor. Photo from hawaiipolice.com

NEW KAʻŪ AND WEST HAWAIʻI ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF IS JAMES O'CONNOR. The Major has served HPD for 25 years. As Assistant Police Chief, he now oversees the western portion of the island, from Ka‘ū to North Kohala.

     O'Connor graduated from University of Hawai‘i-Hilo in 1992, with a Bachelor's in Economics. He started in the Hawai‘i Police Department in 1993, serving: as an officer in South Kohala, South Hilo and Hamakua; as a sergeant/detective in Kona and South Kohala, and the Internal Affairs Unit; as a lieutenant in the Records and Identification Section and Special Response Team; as a captain in Ka‘ū and the Criminal Intelligence/Internal Affairs Unit; and as a major in the Area II Operations Bureau and Administrative Services Bureau/Technical Services Section.
     Assistant Chief O’Connor had this to say about his new position: "I am excited about returning to Area II Operations and to have the opportunity to again work with a wonderful group of hardworking and dedicated professionals. I also look forward to connecting with the various community members from North Kohala to Ka‘ū to build a positive relationship that will allow us to work together to solve the problems that impact our communities."

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TRACKING LAVA LAKES WITH THE SOUNDS FROM BURSTING GAS BUBBLES has been announced for After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, Mar. 27, by Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The program takes place at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

     Other volcanic systems around the word are similar to Kīlauea Volcano's Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and Halema‘uma‘u craters. These churning lava lakes continuously emit gas bubbles that burst when they reach the surface. Volcano seismologist Greg Waite from Michigan Technological University uses the sounds of these bursting bubbles to investigate the rise and fall of lava lakes in volcanic conduits. Learn about his fascinating work with Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala, Villarrica Volcano in Chile, and Kīlauea.
     The program is free; however, a $2 donation is suggested to support park programs. 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.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP ANNOUNCES A ST. PATRICK’S DAY BUFFET for Saturday, Mar. 17, at Crater Rim Café, located at KMC in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     The dinner, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., features a menu of Corned Beef & Cabbage, Lamb Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, and Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie plus "all the fixings." Tickets are $20 per adult and $11 per child between the ages of 6 and 11. Irish ale will be available for purchase from KMC's Lava Lounge.
     Call 967-8356 for more details. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Learn more about KMC at kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Moses Whitcomb, helping an injured player, puts
ideas into action for National Athletic Trainers
Month. Photo from Ka‘ū Athletics

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GIRLS SOFTBALL HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINERS MONTH with an action shot of Moses Whitcomb taking care of an injured player during the game Ka‘ū hosted, playing Kohala, on Saturday, March 3.

     Ka‘ū players Tiare Wong-Yuen, Analei Emmsley, and CeAndrea Silva-Kamei all hit singles, and Kamei, Rebekah Polido-Kalili, and Reishalyn Kekoa-Jara all hit doubles. The game ended with a victory for Kohala, at 17 to 2.

     See the full Spring schedule, below.

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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Wednesday, Mar 7, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Mar 9, @ Hawai‘i Prep

   Tuesday, Mar 13, @ Hilo

   Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū

   Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe

   Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a

   Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala

   Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

   Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

   Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Friday, Mar 9, @ Kohala

   Monday, Mar 12, @ Makua Lani

   Wednesday, Mar 14 Ehunui @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Mar 16 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19 @ KSH

   Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū

   Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea

   Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING BUTTERFLY CRAFT, register until Mar 6. Event is Wed, Mar 7, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. For grades K-8 years. Free. Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro, 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation 

MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST is open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.

REGISTER FOR KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING by March 9 by calling Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. The gathering will be Fri., March 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

MISS KA‘Ū COFFEE PAGEANT - REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Sat, Mar 10, 6 p.m. Event held Sat, Apr 21, Ka‘ū District Gym. Those who sign up early will be offered more opportunity for training and sponsorships. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques.

MONDAY, MARCH 5

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Mon, Mar 5, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar. 6, 20, and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea VisitorCenter. Each performance lasts about an hour. To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website. 

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 6, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Mar 6, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT ERUPTION, Tues., Mar. 6, 7 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT MEETING, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 8 p.m., New Thought Center in Kealakekua. Democratic Party Precincts of Ho‘okena, Miloli‘i & Ocean View. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 8, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

MOKUHANGA: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING, Thursdays, Mar 8 - Apr 5, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Volcano ArtCenter. Five hands-on sessions w/ Sensei Glenn Yamanoha. Water-based printing by hand using non-toxic natural materials. No experience necessary. $72/VAC members, $80/non-members, plus a $40 supply fee. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

EXPLORE! FAIR, Nāʻālehu School Gym, Thurs, Mar 8, 4 - 6 p.m., free. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) is the theme, with hands-on experiments, make-and-take activities, student-work showcases, and brain-challenging games. Enjoy free food and refreshments, and a chance to win door prizes.

FOUR DAYS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP COMING TO KA‘Ū, with Big Island Faith Crusade, at Ka‘ū District Gym, Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m.; doors open one hour beforehand; free. Contact Thy Word Ministries Pastor Bob Tominaga at 936-9114 or Herb Schneider at 327-9739 for more information.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri, Mar 9. Participants meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, required for volunteers under 18. Visit park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm

KDEN HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - March 9 through 24. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp’s Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Mar 10, 8 - 11 a.m., OceanView Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

ZENTANGLE: HALF-PAST PAIZLEY, Sat, Mar 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lydia Menses incorporates a paisley motif as Zentangle string, using a mixture of Zentangle's official and non-official tangles to fill. No experience necessary. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Light refreshment provided. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

RED CROSS MEETING, Sat, Mar 10, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

AN EVENING WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sat, Mar 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Awarding-winning artist. $20 per VAC member and $25 per non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

THE ART OF VOCAL FREEDOM WORKSHOP WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sun, Mar 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn to sing and express authentically with ease and flow. Incorporates a blend of traditional and non-traditional volcano technique, martial arts, yogic posture, Toltec, and Taoist exercises. Open to all levels of singers. $50 per person, plus $10 supply fee.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sun, Mar 11, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. nps.gov/HAVO

TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR, Sun, Mar 11, 10 a.m., River of Life Assembly of God, Pāhala. The group will minister through song and testimony, as well as spreading awareness of the Teen Challenge Program. rolhawaii.com, 443-9394.

ONGOING

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

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, March 4, 2018

After Dark in the Park presents The First Ten Years of Kīlauea Volcano's Summit Eruption on Tuesday.
Details below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

THE DEATH WITH DIGNITY BILL MOVES ON to a public hearing Monday, a third reading and a floor vote in the state House of Representatives. HB2739HD1 is supported by Rep. Richard Creagan and Sen. Josh Green, two physicians who represent Ka‘ū in the Hawai‘i State Legislature. The bill would establish "a regulated process" so that physicians can provide life ending prescriptions to adults confirmed terminally ill with a life expectancy of of less than six months. The bill also covers "tampering with a patient's request for a prescription or coercing a patient to request a prescription" by imposing criminal sanctions.
     Called Our Care, Our Choice Act, the bill passed the House Health & Human Services Committee with a 4-1 vote, and the Judiciary Committee with a 7-1 vote on March 1.

     Hundreds of testimonies flowed in for the first public hearing in February, with more than 1,000 signatures in support through Compassion & Choices HI. The testimonies range from strongly in support, to strongly opposed. Some testimonies are emotional, giving examples of ill friends and loved ones at the end of their lives.

     "I oppose this bill as it opens the door to abuse and related issues for the old, infirmed, disabled, and undesirable," stated Carl Nagasako.

Compassion & Choices Hawaiʻi organizers brought a petition with
more than 1,000 signatures to the Hawaiʻi Legislature.

     "Ending your own life for medical reasons is clearly a very personal decision that only you can make. It should be a basic right of all citizens of Hawaiʻi," stated Patrick Conant.

     "In my humble opinion, it is Not loving to kill someone merely because they suffer; it is loving to comfort, console, and ease their pain and suffering – the 'Aloha' and 'Dignified' way treat these suffering souls before their deaths. The dignity of the human person requires us to refrain from killing others, or assisting to kill themselves. Physician Assisted Suicide is immoral and amounts to murder in the first degree. Some legislators talk about 'Death with Dignity' in the HB 2739 in total disregard for human dignity. It is a lie from the 'Culture of Death', and the pit of Hell," stated Greg (no last name).

     "I support this bill because it will provide me with peace of mind in case I am faced with a painful and debilitating illness at the end of my life. Polls show that people of Hawaiʻi want this law, especially with the built-in safeguards based on the experience of multiple states with similar laws," stated Karen Masaki.
     "I have worked with doctors that refused to refer their patients to hospice care, even though the patient was actively dying. I have seen this aversion to death when doctors were overly cautious about prescribing too high a dose of pain medicine to a frail older adult. It was difficult to watch a person suffer because a doctor seemed to fear death. I often observed that doctors did not like to participate in 'end of life' discussions with the family and did quick hand offs to the chaplains in many cases. This is understandable. Doctors are trained to save lives, not terminate them. Life is a very strong and pervasive motivation for medical care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other long term care organizations. This bill undermines and erodes that singular, uniting purpose and creates yet another grey area for otherwise overburdened doctors and family members. This bill would create temptation where there should be none, and problems for medical communities and families that could be avoided. Please do not bring this to Hawaii. Please protect our most vulnerable citizens," stated Rosanna Vanderhoeven.

     "My Mom, an incredible community activist in NYC, died after 8 months of agonizing pain, finally withering away to 45 pounds at her death in 1991. She was in a teaching hospital in NYC with doctors who wanted to try everything to keep her alive, while I was trying to keep her comfortable and as pain-free as possible. She was so thin that the hospital could not find a place where they could inject her morphine. I asked for a morphine drip, the hospital refused, and I started to pack my Mom's things to leave. I was determined to find a place that would at least let her die with some semblance of dignity. The hospital finally relented and Mom finally got what she needed. What happened after my Mom was made more comfortable is that other families started approaching me to ask how I managed to get that relief for my Mom. So, while my Mom was sleeping, I assisted other families in getting help for their loved ones. This brought the enormity of the problem up close and personal to me. My Mom was a devout Catholic and one of the last things she said to me was, 'No one should have to suffer like this.' I took those words to heart and that is why I am testifying today," stated Kat Brady.

     Read more testimonies.

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.

USGS HVO field engineers upgrade a tiltmeter on Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone. The upgrade consisted of switching the old analog instrument to a newer digital model. This tiltmeter is used to track magma movement within the volcano. USGS photo by K. Kamibayashi

MONITORING HAWAIIAN VOLCANOES REQUIRES A DIVERSIFIED TOOLKIT, asserts this week's Volcano Watch, written by US Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists: Most people likely know that USGS HVO uses seismometers and Global Positioning System receivers for monitoring volcanoes. However, fewer people may be aware of the full extent of the volcano-monitoring toolkit.

     Today's Volcano Watch addresses this instrumentation, but still only scratches the surface of the great variety of equipment that HVO scientists use to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes.

     HVO has an extensive network of remote monitoring stations which continuously telemeter data back to the observatory. They also have instruments used to collect data during periodic campaign surveys, in which HVO scientists collect data on site during a field visit.

     Digital communications allow HVO field engineers to integrate all of HVO's monitoring capabilities into a single telemetry system that is referred to as the "volcano monitoring network."

   At a volcano observatory, instrumentation is tasked by scientific disciplines including geology, geophysics, and geochemistry. HVO scientists constantly reach beyond their particular areas of expertise to compare findings from as many monitoring methods as they can.

USGS scientists measure the weight of Mauna Loa. USGS photo

     In general, HVO monitors volcanic activity through observation - seeing, listening, feeling, and smelling - and by making measurements. Roughly translated, HVO geologists "see" with tools like web cameras; geophysicists "listen and feel" with seismometers, and measure with tiltmeters and GPS; and geochemists "smell" (observe and measure) with ultraviolet spectrometers.

     Many monitoring instruments require additional devices to monitor non-volcanic phenomena to interpret the data. For example, rainfall can cause ground tilt changes and can scrub out some volcanic gas. These additional support instruments, such as a rain gauge, help HVO scientists distinguish real signals from non-volcanic processes.

     Take a closer look at the instruments in HVO's volcano monitoring network.

HVO geologists use various types of cameras for observation, including fixed-view webcams, thermal cameras, and time-lapse cameras. Geologists cleverly "stack," or combine, images from these camera systems to create a single composite image that visually traces the hotspots of active lava flows over time. Thermal cameras have replaced radiometers for monitoring lava lake activity; both instruments detect changes in infrared radiation, or temperature, as the lava lake surface rises and falls, but thermal cams also provide images that are used for additional study of lava lake motion and behavior.
     Geophysicists include geodesists - scientists who study ground deformation (inflation and deflation of the volcano) - and seismologists, who study earthquakes.
     Instruments used by HVO geodesists include GPS, tiltmeters, and gravimeters. The GPS used are multi-frequency receivers with a GPS antenna permanently affixed to a monument, which is anchored to the earth. With GPS, HVO geodesists can measure surface movement in both horizontal and vertical directions. Tiltmeters measure changes in ground tilt, which allow them to recognize, among other things, accumulation of magma into various structures of the volcano. Gravimeters measure small changes in gravitational pull, useful for observing subsurface intrusions of magma and mapping accumulations of minerals associated with magma storage systems.

     HVO seismologists require a variety of instruments to detect and record earthquakes, including seismometers with different geophones, frequency response (short period and broadband), accelerometers, and infrasound sensors. Each type of seismic instrument has specific characteristics that seismologists have determined to be necessary for specific monitoring goals. Every seismic station also has a GPS receiver used for signal timing and location accuracy.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory tiltmeter site.
Photo from HVO

     HVO geochemists use ultraviolet spectrometers for both campaign surveys and permanent installations. UV spectrometers allow geochemists to derive gas concentrations by measuring how much sunlight passes through a volcanic plume. Volcanic emission monitoring instruments also include both low- and high-resolution sulfur dioxide sensors, thermocouples to measure fumarole temperatures, and particle sensors to assess airborne particle concentrations. Gas monitoring instrumentation also requires support instruments, such as anemometers (measures wind speed) and rain gauges. Some gas monitoring sites also require canisters of known gas concentrations that are used to calibrate measurements.

     Scientists at HVO use these tools - and many more - to further the monitoring capabilities and understanding of volcanoes. HVO field engineers are constantly challenged with the task of integrating new instrumentation into the volcano monitoring network. Although it's a daunting task, this work is both intriguing and comforting; after all, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff live on these active volcanoes too.

     Monitor HVO's networks and website https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/. Call for summary updates at 967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@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.on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Prickly Pear is one of the many wild food options available on Hawai‘i Island.
Learn more about foraging locally on Mar. 24. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

EDIBLE WILD PLANTS: A HANDS-ON FORAY FOR FORAGERS AND FOODIES, with Zach Mermel from Ola Design Group, will take place Saturday, Mar. 24, from 8 a.m. to noon, announces Volcano Art Center.
     Hawai‘i’s year-round growing season offers a wide array of wild food options for intrepid locavores. From seeds to leaves, stems to fruits: participants can learn what is edible and what is not in this workshop, and will interact first-hand with many of these under-appreciated edibles. Learn about wild edibles like plantain/laukahi, sow thistle, cat's ear, and dandelion, mainly in Pu‘u Huluhulu cinder cone area. The event description warns, "This is discovery only – no picking!"
     "Remember: Never eat anything from the wild without first consulting an expert! Please forage responsibly. Educate yourself, and have fun."
     The class, $30 per VAC member and $40 per non-member, plus a $15 transportation fee, boasts hands-on immersion for foragers and foodies alike. Class size is limited; register early. Attendees will meet at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, with transportation to and from the main destination provided. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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

/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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Wednesday, Mar 7, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Mar 9, @ Hawai‘i Prep

   Tuesday, Mar 13, @ Hilo

   Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū

   Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe

   Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a

   Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala

   Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

   Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

   Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Mar 5, @ Hawai‘i Prep

   Friday, Mar 9, @ Kohala

   Monday, Mar 12, @ Makua Lani

   Wednesday, Mar 14 Ehunui @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Mar 16 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19 @ KSH

   Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū

   Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea

   Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

KAHA KIʻI CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION is open to high school students. Digital files of 2D artwork due by tomorrow, March 5, at haearts@gmail.com. More info at: gabbard.house.gov/serving-you/student-resources/art-competition

ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING BUTTERFLY CRAFT, register until Mar 6. Event is Wed, Mar 7, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. For grades K-8 years. Free. Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro, 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

REGISTER FOR KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING by March 9 by calling Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. The gathering will be Fri., March 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST is open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.

Applications open for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant
through March 9. Details, left. Photo from Pam Taylor

MISS KA‘Ū COFFEE PAGEANT - REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Sat, Mar 10, 6 p.m. Event held Sat, Apr 21, Ka‘ū District Gym. Those who sign up early will be offered more opportunity for training and sponsorships. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques.

MONDAY, MARCH 5
OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING, Mon, Mar 5, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar. 6, 20, and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea VisitorCenter. Each performance lasts about an hour. To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/walk_into_the_past.htm
DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 6, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Mar 6, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT ERUPTION, Tues., Mar. 6, 7 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT MEETING, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 8 p.m., New Thought Center in Kealakekua. Democratic Party Precincts of Ho‘okena, Miloli‘i & Ocean View. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Join other volunteers in stewarding this natural area, by removing invasive plants such as morning glory. Thursdays, in the park. 
Photo from NPS

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 8, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

MOKUHANGA: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING, Thursdays, Mar 8 - Apr 5, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Volcano ArtCenter. Five hands-on sessions w/ Sensei Glenn Yamanoha. Water-based printing by hand using non-toxic natural materials. No experience necessary. $72/VAC members, $80/non-members, plus a $40 supply fee. Registration online, volcanoartcenter.org

EXPLORE! FAIR, Nāʻālehu School Gym, Thurs, Mar 8, 4 - 6 p.m., free. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) is the theme, with hands-on experiments, make-and-take activities, student-work showcases, and brain-challenging games. Enjoy free food and refreshments, and a chance to win door prizes.

FOUR DAYS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP COMING TO KA‘Ū, with Big Island Faith Crusade, at Ka‘ū District Gym, Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m.; doors open one hour beforehand; free. Contact Thy Word Ministries Pastor Bob Tominaga at 936-9114 or Herb Schneider at 327-9739 for more information.

Musician Rebecca Folsom - concert Mar. 10. workshop
Mar. 11. Details below. Photo from VAC

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri, Mar 9. Participants meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, required for volunteers under 18. Visit park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyour
visit/summit_stewardship.htm

SATURDAY, MARCH 10
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Mar 10, 8 - 11 a.m., OceanView Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

ZENTANGLE: HALF-PAST PAIZLEY, Sat, Mar 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lydia Menses incorporates a paisley motif as Zentangle string, using a mixture of Zentangle's official and non-official tangles to fill. No experience necessary. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Light refreshment provided. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org
RED CROSS MEETING, Sat, Mar 10, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

AN EVENING WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sat, Mar 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Awarding-winning artist. $20 per VAC member and $25 per non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11
BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sun, Mar 11, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. nps.gov/HAVO

TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR, Sun, Mar 11, 10 a.m., River of Life Assembly of God, Pāhala. The group will minister through song and testimony as well as spread awareness of the Teen Challenge Program. rolhawaii.com, 443-9394.

THE ART OF VOCAL FREEDOM WORKSHOP WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sun, Mar 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn to sing and express authentically with ease and flow. Incorporates a blend of traditional and non-traditional volcano technique, martial arts, yogic posture, Toltec, and Taoist exercises. Open to all levels of singers. $50 per person, plus $10 supply fee.

ONGOING

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

KDEN HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - March 9 through 24. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp’s Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344.

TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

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