Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, March 16, 2018

Extinct, endangered, and rare plants and animals inhabit the Ka Lae area. From top left to bottom right: Hawaiian rail (extinct), Hawaiian pueo (endangered), Hawaiian Monk seal (endangered), Hawaiian hoary bat (endangered), Carelia cochlea (extinct), ‘ōhai (endangered), hua (common but rare in Ka Lae), and hawksbill turtle (endangered).  See story below. Photos from Wikipedia

ROYAL HAWAIIAN ORCHARDS with operations in Hilo, Pāhala, and California, is becoming a major shareholder in the Australian parent company of MacFarms, LLC, with operations in South Kona. Both MacFarms and Royal Hawaiian are major employers of Kaʻū residents.

     The Royal Hawaiian brand and macadamia snack products will be owned by MacFarms' parent, the Buderim Group, in a "deal that will create the largest retail marketer of branded macadamia nuts in the United States," reports a recent article in Pacific Business News.
     The story reports on a February filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which states that MacFarms will "acquire all assets currently owned by Royal Hawaiian Orchards (OTC: NNUTU) that are used in the marketing and retail sale of macadamia nuts under the Royal's trademark and trade-name brands." In exchange, Royal Hawaiian will acquire 13 percent of Buderim Group, with a valuation of about $2.53 million, according to the SEC filing.

     Royal Hawaiian will remain operator of macadamia orchards on more than 5,000 acres it owns and leases on Hawaiʻi Island - much of it surrounding Pāhala. MacFarms owns thousands of acres of macadamia orchards in South Kona, near the Kaʻū border.

     "The Partnership will also enter into a supply agreement to sell kernel at international prices as well as agreements to process each other's

wet-in-shell nuts as needed, and to explore joint investment in a processing facility in Hawaiʻi." says a Royal Hawaiian statement. Royal Hawaiian "will focus on its orchard business and on sales of macadamia kernel from its orchards and other Hawaiian orchards to MacFarms and other customers worldwide at prices higher than can be obtained by selling wet-in-shell in Hawaiʻi."

     Bradford Nelson, CEO of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, said that members of his team are "excited to become a major shareholder of Buderim, and look forward to supporting its growth by ensuring that we continue to invest in optimizing and expanding our production capacity and capability."

     Royal Hawaiian Orchards Executive Vice President Scott Nelson, in charge of branded products, along with his California marketing team, will transition to MacFarms.

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The late Robert Herkes walking in a Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade when
 he served Kaʻū in the state House of Representatives. Photo by Julia Neal

A NEW SIGN HONORING THE LATE ROBERT HERKES went up recently at Kaʻū High School. Herkes, who represented Kaʻū in the state House of Representatives, was integral in helping to fund the $18 million gym's construction to serve high school sports, community events, and to become a regional Disaster Shelter.
     As an elected official, Herkes fought against illegal practices by mortgage lenders and helped bring mobile medicine to Kaʻū. He helped with funding for the water well in Ocean View, bringing mobile medical care units here, assessing weather and geologic risks in the district, and with preservation of the Kaʻū Coast.
     Herkes served on the County Council, House of Representatives

The late Bob Herkes, who helped bring the new gym and disaster
 shelter to Kaʻū is honored on its grounds. Photo by Ron Johnson

and state Senate after a career in the hospitality industry where he worked with Inter-Island Resorts. He died in August of 2014, after a brief illness.

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ENDEMIC, INDIGENOUS, AND ENDANGERED PLANTS AND ANIMALS were given a special study for the recently released Department of Hawaiian Home Lands South Point Resources Management Plan. Conducted by Geometrician Associates in the summer of 2017, the study documents "flora and fauna, threatened or endangered plant or animal species, critical habitat, and the potential to be currently using any habitat within the Project area."

     The entire archipelago of Hawai‘i - Mokupuni o Hawai‘i  - ranges from Hawai‘i Island, the largest island of the chain, to Kure Atoll, some 1,500 miles to the northwest. Due to the chain's distance from any other land, and the islands' distance from each other, the plants and animals of the islands tend to diverge from similar plants and animals found elsewhere. Endemic animals like nene and plants like ‘ōhai, since they are found only on the islands, tend to lean toward endangered status, especially as human influences - from deforestation to the introduction of alien species - affect their habitats. Many mollusks, insects, birds, and even a mammal - Synemporion keana, a bat that was the only member if its species - once existed on the islands, but are now extinct, the report explains.

The Hawaiian archipelago. Map from soest.hawaii.edu

     The 2017 study surveys Ka Lae to Māhana Bay, covering land around existing and proposed trails, roadways, parking areas, and other sites. It mentions that the, “anchialine pond, nearshore, and marine ecosystems may actually be the most valuable biological asset in coastal Ka‘ū.” The report references a 1993 study by The Nature Conservancy, which noted the biological importance of the anchialine resources, including rare native shrimp, the ‘ōpae‘ula, at Lua o Palahemo, which was threatened by pollution, run-off, and the introduction of alien fish. The report noted: "It is a unique biological site, containing a combination of anchialine pool organisms that is not found anywhere else in the archipelago, or the world. One of the shrimps found at Lua o Palahemo, Halocaridina palahemo, is unique to the site. Other shrimps at the site, including Vetericaris chaceorum, Antecaridina lauensis, Calliasmata pholidota, and Procaris hawaiana, are known from very few sites worldwide. In short, Lua o Palahemo comprises the largest concentration of candidate endangered anchialine pool organisms in the world."

     Vetericaris chaceorum and Procaris hawaiana have since been listed as endangered.

An endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle flies through the water;
  Ka Lae waters and shore areas a critical habitat for this species.

     Turtles and seals are well-documented as seeking feeding, nesting, and resting areas in the waters and beaches of Ka‘ū. The report states that Hawai‘i Island is critical habitat for the endangered green sea turtle, endangered Hawaiian hawksbill turtle, and endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

     No systematic bat surveys were performed, according to the 2017 study, and no bats were observed during the 2017 study. However, it does state bats have been observed in many areas of Ka‘ū. The 1993 report did not find Hawaiian hoary bats or ‘ōpe‘ape‘a Lasiurus cinereus semotus, but stated that the species may exist in the area because of previously collected specimens. The 2017 study states: "This endangered species should be presumed to be present at least occasionally and to roost in some parts and of the Project area." The study did not inventory non-native mammals, amphibians, or reptiles, though they did observe cattle, mongooses, and mice. The study states: "The current scope does not allow detailed discussion, but goats, pigs, cattle, mongooses, rats, mice, cats and various lizards have some potential to interact negatively with native flora and fauna."

Extinct Kona Giant Looper Moth

     Seventeen species of birds, including five natives and 12 alien, were recorded in the 2017 study. The most common land birds were mynas, skylarks, and zebra doves, and were found over all of the Project area, with the

skylarks being more abundant in the buffalograss grasslands, and the mynas and zebra doves in areas with trees and shrubs.

     A single short-eared Hawaiian owl, the pueo, was detected near Pu‘u Ali‘i. A single ‘iwa (great frigate bird) was observed just off-shore of South Point. Noio (black noddy tern) were also seen off the tall cliffs north of South Point. No other seabirds were detected, however, states the report, "most Hawaiian seabirds frequent offshore areas, and the lack of detection does not signify absence." No endangered birds were observed in the area.

     The 2017 study reported that the most valuable bird habitat in the Project area is for shorebirds in the coastal zone. Migratory birds were only seen one day, when several wandering tattlers or ‘ulili and a number of Pacific golden-plovers or kōlea were observed. The 2017 study noted that, in other years, researchers have frequently seen ruddy turnstones or ‘akekeke, and even the occasion a bristle-thighed curlew or kioea at South Point.

Common mynah bird.

     During the 2017 research, the crew recorded 75 plant species: six are endemic, 17 are indigenous, and one is endangered. The 2017 study states that patches of rare plants reported in 1993 are no longer found, and where they are found, the plants are less extensive. No plant critical habitat is present in the Project area, states the study, and only one plant species currently listed as threatened or endangered -‘ōhai (Sesbania tomentosa, a flowering plant in the pea family), which was found in all the same areas noted in the 1993 study, though probably in smaller numbers. Most ‘ōhai, "were contained within roped-off and signed enclosures, with plants sometimes sprawling outside and isolated individuals located nearby," states the study.

     The endangered ʻihi, Portulaca villosa, was reported in the 1993 report to be found in several areas, including Papakolea, west of Māhana Bay, at Ka Lae, and near Hanalua Bay. The herb was not identified in the 2017 study; however, "the small plant may be difficult to spot in dense vegetation, particularly if there are dry conditions and/or it is not flowering. Thus, it is possible that the endangered herb is present," states the study. The rare sprawling shrub, maiapilo, Capparis sandwichiana, was noted in several closely spaced patches in just one rocky area near Hanalua Bay, mauka of the four-wheel drive roads and footpaths, but was not noted in the 1993 report.

Common flowering shrub Lantana.

     Some of the native grasses and plants include: ‘aki‘aki, mau‘u, ‘ilima, ‘uhaloa, kakalaioa, nehe, pa‘ū o Hi‘iaka, kakonakona grass, koali pehu kipukai, and ‘ākulikuli, with hau - Hibiscus tiliaceus, and naupaka sparingly present. In some places, occasionally dominating where ‘ā‘ā is present, are kiawe, koa haole, sourbush, Sodom apple - Solanum linnaeanum, and lantana.

     The 2017 Geometrician Associates study reflected The Nature Conservancy findings in 1993 in regards to the most common vegetation: Mixed Alien Lowland Dry Grass, which is "generally better adapted than native species," state the studies. This invasive vegetation type is pervasive, and, "it is likely that the alien grasslands would develop eventually into either shrubland or forest," if left alone, stated the 1993 study - but the area "has been more heavily dissected and trampled by roads," since then. Buffelgrass is the most common alien grass in the area, with much lesser amounts of pitted beardgrass, Bermuda grass, Guinea grass, and others.
     Invertebrates were not included in the 2017 study.

     The 2017 study showed that "the strand vegetation at South Point is diverse and unique and includes rare, threatened, and endangered species. Where the vegetation is not damaged by human activity, the Project area offers excellent habitat for migratory shorebirds, pueo, and native insects." The study indicated that the proposed management plan to reduce vehicular use in the shoreline portion of the corridor, and restrict vehicles in the Project area, "will significantly improve the environment and enhance and preserve the unique flora and fauna." The study further states that "the areas chosen for the infrastructure necessary to support the management plan, including parking lots, emergency road, guard booth and gate, do not contain valuable native vegetation, flora or animal habitat, and are suitable for their proposed uses."

     See March 3, March 5, March 6, March 7, March 8, March 9, March 10, March 11, March 12, March 13, March 14, March 15, and future Ka‘ū News Briefs for more in the continuing South Point Resource Management Plan series. See the 799-page plan online.

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A BILL TO FUND K-12 AGRICULTURE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT goes to a joint hearing of the Senate Agricultural and Environment, and Senate Labor committees. House Bill 2115 HD1 will be heard on Monday, March 19, at 2 p.m. The bill will help fund schooling to increase the number of Hawai‘i students who go on to a career in agriculture.

     Hawai‘i Farmers Union United urges residents to support the bill, saying "You do not need to write a testimonial to have an impact. Simply weighing in with your support will help." Testimonies and support are due by 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 18. 

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Russell Suzuki, newly nominated to
Attorney General by Gov. David Ige.

RUSSELL SUZUKI IS APPOINTED TO REPLACE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG CHIN, who stepped down recently to become Lieutenant Governor. Gov. David Ige put Suzuki temporarily in the AG position on Feb. 2 when Chin took the Lt. Gov. post. Ige wants Suzuki to stay.

     Ige said in his appointment announcement that Suzuki has served as a public-sector attorney working at the Department of Attorney General for 36 years. His responsibilities have included First Deputy Attorney General under Attorneys General Douglas Chin, David Louie, and Mark Bennett. He also served as Supervising Deputy Attorney General of the Administration Division and Education Division. He also served as counsel to state boards and commissions, including Land Use Commission, Board of Education, Board of Regents, Employees' Retirement System, Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund, and Judicial Selection Commission. Before making the move to the public sector, he practiced criminal defense law, family law, business law, and military law at the law offices of Yoshiro Nakamura. Suzuki earned a B.A. from the University of Hawaiʻi and his J.D. from Ohio State University.

     "Russell brings a wealth of experience to this position, and I know he will continue to provide sound legal advice to the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government." Said Suzuki, "I am humbled and honored to serve in this position. I'll do my best to serve the people of the State of Hawaiʻi." His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarallo daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Saturday, Mar. 31, to Sunday, May 6. The multi-media exhibition explores the conceptual disparity between threads of history verses ribbons of myth while referencing pivotal events in Hawaiian History. Presented by the Hale Naua III, Society of Maoli Arts, this exhibition references the Battle of Kuamoʻo fought on Hawaiʻi Island on December 31, 1819.
     “The exhibition provides historical details harmoniously embedded in a collection of modern and iconographic works of art,” states the event description.
     A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures and feather work items deliver a sublime message connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design. For instance, Jensen’s paintings, which display indigenous iconographic designs, are rendered to weave a human-life story of a particular event or particular Maoli belief. Feather and ribbon capes and sashes made by Tarallo tell the history of the making of capes during pre and post western contact eras.

     Both artists will be present at the exhibition opening on Saturday, Mar. 31, at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The event will begin at 3 p.m. with a short lecture by Tarallo providing insight into the concepts and items on display. An opening reception will follow the lecture, until 5 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public, however, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū
   Thursday, Mar 22, @ Hilo
   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 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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-EAST, Sat, Mar 17, 8:30 - noon, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, UCB 100. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org

OPTIMAL NUTRITIONAL GARDENING, Sat, Mar 17, 9 - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. Students depart with plant materials - seeds and/or cuttings. $30 per VAC member and $35 per non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, Sat, Mar 17, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

ST. PATRICK'S DAY LUNCHES - ‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU, Sat, Mar 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nāʻālehu Methodist Church. $10 per plate Corned Beef & Cabbage lunches for sale - all proceeds go to senior housing project. okaukakou.org

THE ART EXPRESS, Sat, Mar 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

OCEAN VIEW C.E.R.T., Sat, Mar 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

EXPERIMENTAL WATERCOLORS with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Mar 17, noon - 3:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Students create 3-5, 8"x8", watercolor paintings on hot press paper using pre-broken glass as a catalyst to spark creativity. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. $45 per VAC member, $50 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

ST. PATRICK'S DAY BUFFET, Sat, Mar 17, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Corned Beef & Cabbage, Lamb Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, and Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie, plus all the fixings. $20/Adult, $11/Child (6-11 years). Irish ale available. Call 967-8356 for more. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat, Mar 17, 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Mar 18, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, MARCH 19

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Mar 19, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar 20 and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center. 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

THE WONDERFUL WORD OF WINE AND WATERCOLOR, Tue, Mar 20, 4 - 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from wine store "Grapes" in Hilo. $30 VAC members/$35 non-members, plus $17 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 20, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

OVCA BOARD MEETING, Wed, Mar 21, 12 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SENIOR BINGO DAY, Wed, Mar 21, free lunch 11 a.m., free bingo 1 - 2:30 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Prizes for all. ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, okaukakou.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 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.

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL, Thu, Mar 22, noon - 1 p.m., Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Meeting provides local forum 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. Chad Domingo, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, March 23, at its Kona Hema Preserve Honomolino (located across Hwy 11 from Miloli‘i), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri., March 23. 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, raingear, 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.

ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING FLOWER COLLAGE, Fri, Mar 23, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m., Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. For ages 6 - 12 years. Free. Register Mar 19 - 22. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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 Volcanoes National 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 Thursday, March 15, 2018

Students from Kaʻū High, and Pāhala Elementary and Middle Schools stood in solidarity with students across the nation to protest gun violence. See story, below. Photo from Kaʻū High Twitter

KAULANA BAY HAS PROVIDED ACCESS TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN from the eastern shore of South Point since ancient times. Hawaiian people have been using the entry since the first landings by Polynesians in Hawaiʻi, which, according to archaeologists, were possibly at South Point. On the Kaulana shore was the Kapalaoa Village, dating back to the days before Capt. James Cook sailed in to Hawaiʻi.

Kaulana Boat Ramp, looking out into Kaulana 
Bay. Photo from Rosa Say's flickr 

     Kaulana Bay and its boat ramp are surrounded by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which recently released its South Point Resources Management Plan. The Bay has been designated as a National Landmark by the federal government. A survey by the National park Service identified the east side of the bay as a kapu area, with numerous archaeological sites, having fishing and launching canoes in its history.
     Kaulana is on the east side of South Point, where the winds are strong, the water often rough, and entering and exiting the ocean often risky. Fishermen who launch canoes and more modern fishing boats at Kaulana often come back from fishing to shelter next to the cliffs on the western side of South Point. They can leave their boats in the calm water overnight, and guide them to Kaulana to pull them out when the water is calm again.

Fishing boats launch at Kaulana and take shelter below the eastern
South Point cliffs, as in this 2010 poto by Rosa Say.

     A 1981 description of Kaulana's connection to fishing says, "The current practice for Kaʻū fishermen is to launch their boat at Kaulana and then moor it in lee of the cliffs on the west coast of South Point. At the mooring area, they unload their catch and load fuel and ice, as long as the wind and seas permit. Fish and supplies are brought up and down the cliff face by rope and pulley. During the times of the year when fishing is exceptionally good, the boats are often moored overnight to reduce the number of hazardous launch and recover y operations. However, this practice is very risky also, particularly during the winter months when the wind and seas often change direction quickly. One boater reported having lost seven boats in the last 20 years because he could not get his boat out when the wind and seas came up unexpectedly."

     The report was tied to a proposal for the Army Corps of Engineers to build a seawall and protected ramp at Kaulana, after choosing the location over Punaluʻu, Honuʻapo, Kaʻaluʻalu and Pohuʻe Bay, which are described as being more likely to be tied up in development projects.

A 1092 plan by the Army Corps of Engineers to build a basin, breakwater, and new ramp at Kaulana Bay. Map from DHHL report

     The Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Statement for the Kaulana project said, "A protected basin would permit fishermen to return to the ramp and safely unload their catch and return to the fishing grounds.
     "The relatively small, 18 to 27 -foot fishing boats have no refrigeration or room for large amounts of ice. This limits their catch to what can be kept chilled and often necessitates frequent trips to shore to unload their catch. With safer launch and recovery conditions, several of the boaters have stated that they would purchase larger craft to increase their fishing capability."
     Just a decade earlier, a 1972 master plan of statewide boat launching facilities recommended relocating the Kaulana ramp to the Kona side of the cove, and constructing a small stub breakwater to reduce shoaling and wave action. The state concluded, however, that use of Kaulana by fishermen was not extensive enough to justify the expense.
     The 1982 Army Corps of Engineers report said, "within recent years the Kaulana ramp has been heavily used by commercial fishermen from all parts of the island." Several plans were put forth. One would dredge a 245-foot long, 80-foot wide, 8.5-foot deep entrance channel plus a 220-foot long, 80-foot wide and 6.5 foot deep turning basin. A 160-foot long breakwater, 11.5 feet tall, would have been constructed. The Environmental Statement determined a high probability of archaeological and cultural sites being destroyed during the dredging and breakwater construction. It proposed a smaller project to avoid the historic sites.

A local fishing boat at South Point in 2010. Photo by Rosa Say

     However, the plan was abandoned. For the Department of Hawaiian Homes South Point Resources Management Plan, Palikapu Dedman told interviewers: "They wanted to take 55 acres and make a public boat ramp at Kaulana. They brought all the surveyors and took surveys. We sold laulaus and made $2,500 to pay for the cost of legal fees… We filed suit and lost the lawsuit. The Feds were going to go in half-half with the State for the ramp. So, I got on a plane and went to D.C. Went to Inouye, Akaka's office."

     Dedman said he argued that Hawaiian Home Lands were "like Indian Reservations, are private lands, not intended to be opened up to the public." He said he returned to Hawai‘i Island feeling unsuccessful - but then an earthquake damaged Kawaihae Harbor, and he was notified the funds for the proposed boat ramp would be redirected there. "The Feds pulled out and South Point never got developed," Dedman concluded.

     The report notes that Kaulana Ramp is managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and that about ten vehicles park at the ramp each day.

Drawn map of Kaulana Bay boat ramp and surrounding
evidence of historical habitation. Map from DHHL report

     The late Tommy Kaniho told interviewers: "There's nice fishing grounds at South Point and you can't stop fishing because that's people's livelihoods but the tourism, that's what needs to be managed. Recreational users need to be managed."

     A letter from the planning company Townscapes, Inc. - which worked on the plan for Hawaiian Homelands - written to Sina Pruder, P.E. Chief of the Wastewater Branch at Hawai‘i State Department of Health in October of 2017, says that DHHL plans to allow boats to travel to the ramp, even after more management of South Point is instituted, with other vehicular traffic halted and visitors required to walk to Green Sands Beach.

     "Use of motorized vehicles along existing roads, including vehicular access to the Kaulana Boat Ramp, will still be permitted."

      The plan states that DHHL seeks to: "Deter visitors from driving off-road and destroying natural and cultural resources; Encourage public safety by providing a designated area for vehicles in specific places rather than throughout the property, as well as provide opportunities for the placement of security guards in the future to reduce car theft and break-ins; Provide a mechanism for monitoring capacity to ensure that the carrying capacity of the environment is not exceeded by the number of visitors."
     See March 3, March 5, March 6, March 7, March 8, March 9, March 10, March 11, March 12, March 13, March 14, and future Ka‘ū News Briefs for more in the continuing South Point Resource Management Plan series. See the 799-page plan online.

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Students outside Kaʻū High, and Pāhala Elementary
and Middle Schools on March 14.

KA‘Ū STUDENTS MOBILIZED AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE ON WEDNESDAY when they walked out of their classes onto the Pāhala pubic school campus at 10 a.m. Elementary, middle, and Kaʻū, the southernmost high school in the nation, participated.
      Several Ka‘ū students gave speeches about gun control, the National Rifle Association's influence on Congress and state legislators, and the student goal to affect change and to keep schools safe. They displayed posters with such slogans as: No Guns in Our School, Arm Teachers with Resources Not Guns, We Stand with Parkland Florida, Have a Heart Not a Handgun, and #Enough. One student went so far as to  wear a paper target.

     Carrying signs with their messages, students supported a nationwide movement: walking out of classes for 17 minutes, one minute for each of the 17 students and faculty slaughtered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida one month ago.

     Some students pledged to attend marches on Saturday, March 24, in Hilo - on Kanoelehua Ave., from 1 to 3 p.m. - and Kona - on Kamakaeha Ave., starting at 10 a.m. - as part of the March For Our Lives movement. March For Our Lives encourages people or groups to sign up to host a march in their location, via their website, and for attendees of existing march locations to RSVP.

     Marches are scheduled throughout the states and in Washington, D.C. But while the highest concentration of marches is happening in the U.S. to change gun laws, people in countries across the world - from Hanoi, Vietnam to Reykjavik, Iceland, to Tel Aviv, Israel - are standing up and moving out to encourage the end of gun violence.

     March For Our Lives is also hosting an online petition, the goals being: ban the sale of assault weapons; prohibit the sale of high-capacity magazines; and make background checks a requirement on every gun sale, no exceptions.
               The organizers, students of the school attacked in Florida, posted a message on their website, describing what the walkout on March 14 means to them, what they went through on the day of the attack, the aftermath of the attack, and the fear that they "would be another community left to be permanently damaged.  Eventually forgotten. Afraid we would be another statistic depicting the perpetual gun violence that plagues communities across the nation." They state the movement needs to continue: "From walkouts, we march on."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, speaking
to Congress on March 14, in
support of the STOP Act. Photo
from Gabbard's Facebook video

     March 14 also saw Rep. Tulsi Gabbard stand before Congress, speaking in support of the STOP School Violence Act, which she has cosponsored. She commented on the support of school walk-outs happening all across the country, in protest of the lives lost in Florida last month, and the, "7000 children whose lives have been lost since the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook." She stated the students were walking out "to demand action, that will help to prevent these horrific tragedies and improve the safety and security of our schools."

     Gabbard said the bill - or any other single bill - would not solve everything but, "it will help prevent school violence by implementing measures developed after Sandy Hook." She stated the bill supports training teachers, school personnel, and local law enforcement, to better identify early warning signs of violence, and "increases coordination between schools and local law enforcement.

     "We also need to take action on things like closing the gun show, and online loopholes, and require universal background checks for anyone seeking to purchase a gun." She stated there is "overwhelming bipartisan support" from legislators. Gabbard closed her remarks by stating: "The time for action is long overdue."

Watch Revis Petit, Ezra Ramores, and Rowlie Flores
compete on It's Academic - Hawaiʻi on KFVE, 
Sunday, April 15. Photo from khpes.org

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THREE KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPETED ON IT'S ACADEMIC - HAWAI‘I last week. The competition, an annual event between Hawai‘i schools that is done in a game show format, features Ka‘ū High School students Revis Petit, Ezra Ramones, and Rowlie Flores.

     Watch to see how well they did - spoiler alert, they did a great job representing Ka‘ū, according to the post on khpes.org - on Sunday, April 15, at 7 p.m., on channel 5 (KFVE), or watch the live stream on KFVE.com. The episode will be re-aired Saturday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. See more info on the channel's website at http://www.k5thehometeam.com
/category/229108/its-academic.

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4TH ANNUAL KAʻŪ COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT, hosted by Hope Dia-Mend Ministries, is announced for Sunday, Apr. 1, at Nā‘ālehu Community Park, from 1 to 3 p.m. The free event is open to all ages, from infants to adults.
     There will be "over 6,000 candy filled eggs and over 300 prizes," says Hope Dia-Mend Ministries Outreach Coordinator Henri Freitas. She adds that free chili and rice bowls will be served.
     The event flyer states the organization is actively seeking donations for plastic eggs, candy fillers, and prizes. For more, contact Pam or Lance at 929-8137, or Henri at 464-5042.

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RE-USE HAWAI‘I HAS OPENED UP JOBS ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND, disassembling buildings. The aim is to reuse materials, generate jobs, lower construction costs, and help to preserve Hawai‘i's limited natural resources.
     Compensation is $15 to $16 an hour with 35 to 40 hours a week, paid vacation and sick time, and health, dental, and vision insurance.
     To apply, fill out an online application. Required qualifications include but are not limited to: reliable transportation; professional references; ability to frequently lift up to 60+ lbs.; some background or experience in construction, with use of hand and power tools; attention to detail; excellent communication skills; enjoy physically demanding labor; and more.
     Re-use Hawai‘i started on O‘ahu in 2007, diverts tons of reusable building material from landfills each week, and makes this material available to the public "at extremely affordable prices," says its website. Check out available jobs and places to purchase the reclaimed materials at reusehawaii.org.

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VICTORY FOR KA‘Ū TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL on March 14, as the three games played at Ka‘ū against Ehunui ended with Ka‘ū having nearly  double the points at the end of two out of three games. Ka‘ū scored 25 each game, calling each game to a close. Ehunui had 12, 20, and 14.

     Friday will see the Boys Volleyball team away, playing against KHS. See the full Trojans Spring sports schedule, below.

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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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena

   Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū
   Thursday, Mar 22, @ Hilo
   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 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

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri, Mar 16. 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, raingear, 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

PŪ‘OHE (Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet) DEMONSTRATION, Fri, Mar 16, 10 a.m. - noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Make a pū‘ohe, Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. Has a deep sound somewhat like a conch shell. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ANNUAL HŌʻIKE rock opera Kū I Ka Mana, Fri, Mar 16, at 6 p.m., in Koaiʻa Gymnasium. Tickets are $5, available online, at the door, or from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on school days at the high school office or Student Activities Center.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-EAST, Sat, Mar 17, 8:30 - noon, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, UCB 100. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org

OPTIMAL NUTRITIONAL GARDENING, Sat, Mar 17, 9 - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. Students depart with plant materials - seeds and/or cuttings. $30 per VAC member and $35 per non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, Sat, Mar 17, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

ST. PATRICK'S DAY LUNCHES - ‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU, Sat, Mar 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nāʻālehu Methodist Church. $10 per plate Corned Beef & Cabbage lunches for sale - all proceeds go to senior housing project. okaukakou.org

THE ART EXPRESS, Sat, Mar 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

OCEAN VIEW C.E.R.T., Sat, Mar 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

EXPERIMENTAL WATERCOLORS with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Mar 17, noon - 3:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Students create 3-5, 8"x8", watercolor paintings on hot press paper using pre-broken glass as a catalyst to spark creativity. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. $45 per VAC member, $50 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

ST. PATRICK'S DAY BUFFET, Sat, Mar 17, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Corned Beef & Cabbage, Lamb Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, and Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie, plus all the fixings. $20/Adult, $11/Child (6-11 years). Irish ale available. Call 967-8356 for more. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat, Mar 17, 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Mar 18, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, MARCH 19

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Mar 19, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar 20 and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center. 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

THE WONDERFUL WORD OF WINE AND WATERCOLOR, Tue, Mar 20, 4 - 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from wine store "Grapes" in Hilo. $30 VAC members/$35 non-members, plus $17 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 20, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

OVCA BOARD MEETING, Wed, Mar 21, 12 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SENIOR BINGO DAY, Wed, Mar 21, free lunch 11 a.m., free bingo 1 - 2:30 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Prizes for all. ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, okaukakou.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 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.

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL, Thu, Mar 22, noon - 1 p.m., Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Meeting provides local forum 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. Chad Domingo, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

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 Volcanoes National 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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