Ka‘ū News Brief Wednesday, April 4, 2018

View from the top of the ladder at South Point, where a woman was stuck then rescued on Monday.
See story, below. Photo from highwaysandblueskys.com

THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MURDER OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., the famed civil rights leader, has drawn Kaʻū's member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tulsi Gabbard, to ask constituents to sign up for peace.

     Gabbard writes: "Fifty years ago today, tragedy struck in Memphis, Tennessee when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. He was survived by his wife, Coretta Scott King, and four young children. Dr. King's life continues to inspire people around the world. In Hawai‘i, children are raised learning about the aloha spirit - a deep and abiding love, compassion, and respect for all human beings. Dr. King was the living embodiment of that teaching through his relentless pursuit of fairness, equality, justice, and peace for all. Dr. King's dream has not yet been realized. We are still fighting some of the same battles he began.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. is commemorated by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard with a
call for peace. Image from Gabbard

     "Dr. King spoke out against the war machine that fueled the war in Vietnam, and to this day spends trillions of dollars on counterproductive regime change wars, while our veterans and communities face neglect and hardship here at home. We are still fighting for Medicare for All, long-overdue criminal justice reform, fair housing and employment, and putting people and our planet before profits.Dr. King once said, 'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.' As a nation, we are capable of realizing Dr. King's dream, but this can only happen when we respect all people as children of God, when we agree and when we don't, and treat each other with compassion, love, and aloha.

     "Dr. King's aloha - respect, compassion, and love for all people - can heal the divisions in our society and bring people of all walks of life together if we choose to carry on his legacy. When we all come together, we can make that dream a reality."

      Gabbard suggests: "In honor of Dr. King's legacy, will you join my Campaign for Peace?"

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MALIE IBARRA AND BAY CLINIC ARE TWO OF NINE honorees to be recognized by Gov. David Ige for "embracing their voice" to prevent sexual violence.
     A student at Ka‘ū High School, Ibarra is author of Tita the Turtle children's book. She was nominated for the recognition by Ka‘ū Sexual Violence Prevention Community Action Team led by Ka‘ū Rural Community Health Association's Executive Director Jessie Marques. After reviewing Ibarra's book, the Hawai‘i Attorney General's office released a statement: "In an effort to promote healthier relationships in her community, Malie created Tita the Turtle, a book for children that teaches aloha by modeling positive behaviors."

Tita the Turtle, created by Malie Ibarra to help teach young
children about healthy relationshps.

     Bay Clinic serves Ka‘ū with its Ka‘ū Family Health & Dental Center in ‘ and education on such health topics as sexual violence.
     On April 13, the Governor will proclaim April 2018 Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawai‘i and recognize Ibarra, Bay Clinic, and the other seven honorees:
 Dr. Virginia Pressler, state Department of Health; Jennifer Pagala Barnett, University of Hawai‘i; Lisa Charles, United States Air Force; Matthew Houck, YWCA of Kaua‘i; David Rosen, Shooters Film Production; Ken Kazuma, Waipahu Intermediate School; and Deonne Carden, Waianae.

     Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawai‘i joins a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The Hawai‘i Attorney General's office, Hawai‘i Department of Health, and Hawai‘i Coalition Against Sexual Assault, are partnering to combat the risk of sexual violence through conversations, programs, policies, and research-based tools that promote safety, respect, and equality.

     This year's theme, Embrace Your Voice!, "aims to inform individuals on how they can use their words to promote safety, respect, and equality to stop sexual violence before it happens. Individuals can embrace their voices to show their support for survivors, stand up to victim blaming, shut down offensive jokes, correct harmful misconceptions, promote everyday consent, and practice healthy communications with children," states the AG's release.

Bay Clinic will be honored for its work in preventing sexual violence.
Photo from Bay Clinic

     During April, community partners working with the Department of Health on its community mobilization efforts will host activities statewide to bring awareness to the issue of sexual violence.

     In addition to Ibarra, honorees are: Dr. Virginia Pressler, Department of Health; Jennifer Pagala Barnett, University of Hawai‘i; Lisa Charles, United States Air Force; Matthew Houck, YWCA of Kaua‘i; David Rosen, Shooters Film Production; Ken Kazuma, Waipahu Intermediate School; and Deonne Carden, Waianae.

     The AG's statement says, "One month isn't enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of sexual violence. Nevertheless, awareness efforts in April provide an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts. There's no better way to expand the scope of Sexual Assault Awareness Month than by reaching out to a broader audience."
     The statement points to the 2015 Hawai‘i Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which reports that 12.7% of Hawai‘i's high school students reported being forced to do sexual activities in the last 12 months. "Anyone can experience sexual violence, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. We encourage everyone to 'Embrace Your Voice!'" Go to ag.hawaii.gov to see a list of activities.

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A RESCUE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LADDER AT SOUTH POINT was accomplished Monday. The site was the ladder at South Point in the fisherman's mooring area where people jump off the cliff into the ocean. A woman hung on to the ladder but was unable to pull herself out of the surging water. A call went to the Hawai‘i Fire Department just before 4 p.m. A rescue firefighter entered the water and stayed with the woman, who was in her 30s, until a helicopter lifted both of them out of the water. According to the Fire Department, she suffered minor scrapes on her legs.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono

THE PUBLIC SHOULD HEAR THE ARGUMENTS IN A CASE OF TRUMP V HAWAI‘I, urges Sen. Mazie Hirono. The Supreme Court case, filed by Trump in January, will address the State of Hawai‘i's objections against Pres. Donald Trump's proclamations on barring visitors, immigrants, and refugees from entry into the U.S. The Hawai‘i Attorney General contends that the Office of the President lacks authority to make such rules.
     The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Ranking Member Hirono and Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) want audio recordings of oral arguments in the case to be made available immediately after arguments conclude on April 25. Both Senators call the tapes a valuable resource for the public.
     The Senators wrote to Chief Justice John Roberts, saying: "Releasing same-day audio has proven to be a valuable resource for individuals who are interested in listening to the arguments, as demonstrated in cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges and D.C. v. Heller. Giving the public access to a primary source of information as soon as possible allows more citizens to participate in our democratic system and illustrates the care with which the Court considers the issues that matter to the people of the United States." Read the full letter here. Read the case 17-965.

Shootz band kicks off Ka‘ū Coffee Week at Pāhala
Plantation House on Friday, April 27. Photo by Tanya Ibarra

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PA‘INA AND OPEN HOUSE to kick off Ka‘ū Coffee Week, will light up Pāhala Plantation House at 6 p.m., Friday, April 27. Meet Ka‘ū Coffee Farmers, and the 2018 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Miss Peaberry, and Miss Coffee Flower.
     Enjoy entertainment with the band Shootz, featuring Tui Masaniai, Harry Evangelista, and Cheryl and Gabriel Cuevas. The event is free.

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AMATEUR RADIO TECHNICIANS CLASS is scheduled for Ocean View Community Center on five consecutive Tuesdays - May 1 thru May 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The testing session is Tuesday, June 5. The class is free. However, a $15 fee will be charged for administering the  FCC exam.

     Rick Ward will provide ten hours of training. The accelerated course will require additional self study to complete successfully. The instructor recommends that students purchase/borrow/share The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 3rd Edition, by Ward Silver N0AX, ISBN-10: 1625950136. The paperback is about $30 on Amazon, Kindle is cheaper.
     The book includes the complete question pool for the exam with explanation. The teacher recommends reading it before class, so the lecture and discussion can be used to reinforce the concepts.
     He said that it is important to register for the class in advance, so organizers can prepare the handouts. Students can register for the free class now and decide later about taking the exam.

     To pre-register for the class, contact Rick Ward, wh6fc at reward20a@gmail.com, or Greg Guithues, wh6eph at greg.guithues@gmail.com or 445-0300.

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Learn about silk scarf painting and color theory from
Patti Pease Johnson at Volcano Art Center.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

PATTI PEASE JOHNSON OFFERS HER PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF workshop on Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. 

     Participants paint a 8" x 53" scarf using three colors of their choice, which will create many more colors on the silk. Using one main color, then two more, after learning about color theory. Students will learn to create new colors by pre-mixing the four process colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The event description states, "Students from previous classes have been amazed by what they refer to as 'happy color accidents.'"
     Johnson says the class is about playing with colors. Cost for the workshop is $45 for Volcano Art Center Members and $50 for non-Members, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists are welcome. Register at volcanoartcenter.org.
     Johnson's artwork can be found at galleries and shops across the state and in collections around the world. She "has a designer's ability to distill natural subjects into their most essential forms and to rearrange them in her paintings," states the event description. Johnson lives in Kea‘au with her family and teaches painting at her home studio.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS SPORTS had a rough start in April, with losses for both girls softball and boys volleyball.
     April 2 saw the girls team go up against Kohala, ending at 9 to 0. April 3 saw the Varsity boys team go up against Waiakea, scoring 22, 21, and 18, during the three games.
     See the full schedule, below.

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.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: 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, Apr 9, Christian Liberty @ Ka‘ū
   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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THURSDAY, APRIL 5
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 6
FROM SAND TO SNOW - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, 8 - 11 am, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

CREATING SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS II - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, noon - 3 pm, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about developing strategies that support children’s positive social behavior. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 7
OCEAN VIEW C.E.R.T. TRAINING, Sat, Apr 7, 14, 21 & 28, 8:15 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency Community Emergency Response Team training. Free, limited seating, open to public. Bill Hanson, 937-2181. Pre-register online, certkau.eventbrite.com

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Apr 7, 13, 21 (fee-free day), & 27, 8:45 a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native, plant species. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat, Apr 7, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

HAWAI‘I DEMOCRATIC PRE-CONVENTION MEETING, Sat, Apr 7, 11 - 3 p.m., Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. hawaiidemocrats.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 8
PALM TRAIL, Sun, Apr 8, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun, Apr 8, noon - 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MASS TRANSIT MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING, Sun, Apr 8, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Meeting regarding public transit and paratransit system on the Big Island. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 10
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL Meetings, Tue/Wed, Apr 10 (Committees)/11 (Council), & Tue/Wed, Apr 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, Apr 10, 4 - 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

PROPOSED NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TALK STORY, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 10, 11 & 12, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. County asks those planning to attend contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com, Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083, or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

PU‘UWA‘AWA‘A AHUPUA‘A: Successes & Challenges of Restoring Endangered Dry Forests of Kona, Tue, Apr 10, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Elliott Parsons, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, discusses ongoing conservation efforts and lessons learned. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

LAU HALA DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Apr 11, 10 - noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn to weave leaves from the hala tree into many useful and beautiful items. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

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.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "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." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Saturday, Mar. 31, to Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

Elgon Villanueva's Ka`u Coffee Garlic Furikae Wings were a hit during

the 2017 Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest. Photo by Julia Neal

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration is open through Friday, April 20.
      The event will be open to the public to observe the judging, taste the variety in coffee cuisine, and enjoy Ka`u Coffee Mill.
      Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions will be judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee.
      There is a imit one entry per category, per contestant. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com
or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market. Click on entry forms below to enlarge and print them. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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Ka‘ū News Brief Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Billy Kenoi, who is known in Kaʻū for bringing department heads out to the country to meet the people when he served two
 terms as mayor, is receiving many messages from those wishing him well with his cancer challenge. Photo by Julia Neal

A GET WELL CARD TO BILLY KENOI came from performers and many others who gathered at the opening of the Merrie Monarch Festival on Sunday in Hilo. The former mayor, who left office after serving the maximum two terms ending December of 2016, is 49 years old. Kenoi is battling a rare leukemia, myelofibrosis. Until recent days, Kenoi kept his challenge private, having fought the disease since 2015, while still serving as mayor. Kenoi is receiving treatment at City of Hope in Duarte, Southern California.

Well-wishers send encouraging notes on a giant card to former Mayor 
Billy Kenoi who battles cancer. Photo from Big Island Video News

Billy Kenoi
Photo by Julia Neal

     On Easter Sunday, participants at Merrie Monarch opening festivities signed a giant card to send to Kenoi, who is Hawaiian and has long supported the festival.
     Kenoi is known in Kaʻū for bringing the heads of county departments - from water to police and planning - out to the country to meet the people. He is known for taking up the cause against building a biofuel refinery in Wood Valley. A beachboy in his youth, who grew up surfing, Kenoi supported the transition of Kāwā and other strands of Kaʻū Coast from private ownership to county and local stewardship.

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BRING IN MEDICATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY, Saturday, April 28, urges the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Hawaiʻi Attorney General, County Dept. of Environmental Management, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. The event legally accepts controlled substances like opioid pain medications. However, no illicit drugs nor needles will be accepted. "With the rise of prescription drug abuse, this is one effort to combat that problem. Spring Clean your Medicine Cabinet," says a statement from Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist, with the county.

     The Take-Back locations to receive the drugs will be in Kona at Hawaiʻi Police Department, 74-0611 Hale Makai Place, and in Hilo at Ka Waena Lapaʻau Medical Complex, upper parrking lot at the corner of Ponahawai and Komohana Streets, 670 Ponahawai St.

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POLICE CHIEF PAUL FERREIRA WANTS MORE POLICE OFFICERS FOR KAʻŪ. While Mayor Harry Kim's budget doesn't call for more officers, Ferreira plans to appeal to the County Council as it goes through the proposed 2018-2019 budget. Kaʻū, for many years, has been asking for more and more police officers, due to the long distances between Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View communities, and the growing population.

Ocean View residents want more than a Mini-Station and
the police chief asked for it. Photo by Ann Bosted

     Ferreira told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald reporter John Burnett that one of HPD's most pressing priorities and toughest challenges is acquiring those additional officer positions and recruiting to fill existing officer vacancies. The budget proposal submitted by the mayor to the council would increase by $2 million over the 2017-18 budget of $65,529.60. In contrast, the 2017-18 budget rose by about $3.3 million over the 2016-2017 budget.

     The Police Chief told the Tribune Herald, "We've been operating for years with a status quo budget. People can promise us, 'Oh, we're going to give you 60 more officers,' but sPhoto by Ann Bostedomebody's gotta pay for it." Ferreira pointed out that 450 sworn officers serve in the HPD. At the end of 2017 there were 34 vacancies. They will be filled mostly by 30 new recruits and another eight to 10 officers to be hired in April, said the chief, noting the nine month training time before they can "hit the streets."

Police Chief Paul Ferreira joined police officers in Ka`u
 last October to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the police
 station on the edge of Na`alehu. Photo by Patti Mlarkar

     The police chief also told the Tribune Herald that the improving economy is providing jobs that pay as well as policing. "As the economy gets better, nobody wants to be a police officer. They'd rather be in construction or other jobs that pay just as much and don't have the challenges that being an officer does. So when the economy gets good, recruitment falls. When the private sector economy is good, the public sector suffers."

     The KPD budget proposed to the mayor asked for seven new supervisory positions and five additional officers for each of the growing Puna and Ka‘ū districts. It also asked for a new police station in Ocean View, but the mayor's budget was unable to accommodate the requests, leaving Ocean View its "mini station" that is used only for its bathroom, said the chief.

     The mayor wrote to the County Council, saying he asked every department in county to cut their budgets and "we're still $7 million short." Kim said the budge cuts are motivated largely by forces beyond his control.

     Salaries and benefits to employees are adding $12.7 million. County contributions to the employee pension plan total $4.4 million, with other post-retirement benefits adding an additional $5.9 million. An additional $1.5 million in raises recently were awarded to top officials by the Salary Commission. Debt payments by the county will total $49 million.

Mayor Harry Kim talks to Ocean View residents about the need for more police officers. 
Photo by Ann Bosted

  Kim said he is sympathetic to the plight of rural district residents: "Ka‘ū is one of the fastest growing districts on the island; the fastest is Puna," Kim said. "Ka‘ū is growing because of Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and that area becoming the bedroom community of Kona, which is very surprising to people."
      The mayor emphasized that the budget cuts were done by department heads, under his orders. "When you tell them 'no' and you tell them why - and the responsibility is mine - you're the one that's saying 'no,' not the chief of police. Because I made a policy (of) no increase in personnel. And it's not easy. But that's the blanket that went to every district, not just Ka‘ū."

     The County Council scheduled reviews of the Kim budget, department by department, April 17 through 19. Department heads, including the police chief, will present their priorities to the County Council.

     Ferreira told the Tribune Herald that in smaller districts - Ka‘ū, North Hilo, Hamakua, North Kohala - adding on supervisors is important: "by adding another sergeant, we're adding another body on the watch. It's a supervisory position but it's another officer on the road."

     Kim's final proposed budget will be released by May 5, to go into effect July 1, once amended and passed by the council.

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SPRING FUND DRIVE FOR HAWAIʻI PUBLIC RADIO, with stations 89.1 FM and 91.3 FM serving Kaʻū, begins its ten-day run this Wednesday, April 4. The goal of $865,000 marks the station's seventh consecutive semi-annual campaign of raising less money than the preceding year, despite steadily rising costs. The downward trending goals are offset by a growing number of Sustaining Members whose monthly contributions provide the station a steady income stream. Nearly half of HPR's 14,200 donor-members are Sustainers, says an HPR statement.
     HPR's mission is to serve the entire population of Hawaiʻi with FM radio. HPR-1, found in Kaʻū at 89.1 FM KANO radio, features news, talk, entertainment, jazz, blues, and world music. HPR-2, heard in Kaʻū at 91.3 FM KAHU radio, broadcasts classical music.

     HPR's President and General Manager José A. Fajardo describes the station's on-air fund drives as "a time for us to celebrate our Sustainers and those who gave early, but primarily an opportunity to reach listeners who are ready to become new members with our message that 'you are HPR.'"
     HPR is a private, nonprofit organization which broadcasts classical, jazz, and international music; and in-depth news and informational programming from National Public Radio, American Public Media, Public Radio International, and other local, national, and international program sources, as well as programs produced by Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

HPR pledge drive scene, President &
General Manager José A. Fajardo (foreground on phone), with 
Executive Producer, Talk Programs Beth-Ann Kozlovich
and News Director Bill Dorman. Photo from HPR

     In August 2017, Charity Navigator, the premier charity evaluator, awarded HPR its sixth consecutive four-star rating for exceptional fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. HPR was named one of the 2015 Best Places to Work in Hawaiʻi by Hawaiʻi Business magazine and Best Places Group. In the same year, it was awarded the Cades Schutte - The Cades Foundation Nonprofit Leadership Award, administered by Pacific Business News. The station won two National Edward R. Murrow Awards for its news coverage of the 2014 Pāhoa lava flow, and most recently won a third National Murrow Award for its series on the Thirty Meter Telescope.
     During the fundraiser, the live pledge-table conversations are enriched by visits from community guests representing groups such as Sustainable Coastlines, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library, and Planned Parenthood Young Leaders, as well as numerous local businesses and arts organizations. Many of these community partners also contribute unique thank you gifts for those donating or grand prizes for one-day sweepstakes. HPR's classical music stream, HPR-2, also features a day-by-day countdown of the Top Ten Magical Maestros, favorite conductors who were selected in a listener poll.

     Contributions to HPR may be made online at hawaiipublicradio.org or through the HPR mobile app. Volunteers will staff phones starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, when the fund drive goes on the air. Call in the day to (808) 944-8800, toll-free (888) 970-8800; after 8 p.m. at (808) 941-3689, toll-free (877) 941-3689. HPR is online and streaming at hawaiipublicradio.org; as well as on Facebook (FB/hawaiipublicradio), Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms (@WeAreHPR™). Free iOS and Android™ apps for Hawaii Public Radio are available from the App Store or Google Play™. HPR-1 and HPR-2 may also be heard via cable broadcasts from Spectrum (channels 864 and 865) or Hawaiian Telcom TV (channels 661 and 662). Recently, Hawaiʻi Public Radio became an Amazon Echo skill.

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.

Photo from St. Jude's

MONDAY AFTERNOON HANDBELL CHOIR performs at St Jude's Episcopal Church, Thursday, April 12, 1:30 p.m. "We are looking forward to entertaining with a variety of music that will include selections written specifically for handbells, as well as familiar tunes. We are also pleased to welcome a quartet of guest musicians, who will entertain with selections of Baroque music. Come and help us celebrate as we end our handbell season!" states the announcement. Free.

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 Dirty Cello in Concert on Tuesday, 
April 10. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT takes place on Tuesday, April 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., announces Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20 per Volcano Art Center Member, $25 per non-member.

     From China to Italy, and all over the U.S., Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues and bluegrass. "Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you've never heard before. From down home blues with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin' bluegrass, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!" states the event description.

     Lou Fancher, Oakland Magazine, says, "Dirty Cello's music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical."

     Good Times Santa Cruz writes, "The band plays every style imaginable, and does some fantastic covers. (Their rendition of "Purple Haze" is incredible.) But what is most spectacular about them is hearing the depth of soul in Roudman's playing - it goes beyond what most people would expect from the instrument. She plays it with so much heart, you’ll wonder why more bands don’t have a cellist."

Dirty Cello comes to Volcano. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     LA Times adds, "The group seamlessly careens from blues to bluegrass and rock in a way that really shouldn’t make sense but somehow does."

     See video examples of their work on YouTube: Devil Went Down to Georgia; House is a Rockin'; and Don't Call Me Honey.

     For more about the concert or to buy tickets, visit 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.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: 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: 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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
ADVOCATS, Wed, Apr 4, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Apr 4, 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, APRIL 5
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 6
FROM SAND TO SNOW - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, 8 - 11 am, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

CREATING SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS II - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, noon - 3 pm, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about developing strategies that support children’s positive social behavior. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 7
OCEAN VIEW C.E.R.T. TRAINING, Sat, Apr 7, 14, 21 & 28, 8:15 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency Community Emergency Response Team training. Free, limited seating, open to public. Bill Hanson, 937-2181. Pre-register online, certkau.eventbrite.com

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Apr 7, 13, 21 (fee-free day), & 27, 8:45 a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native, plant species. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat, Apr 7, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

HAWAI‘I DEMOCRATIC PRE-CONVENTION MEETING, Sat, Apr 7, 11 - 3 p.m., Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. hawaiidemocrats.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 8
PALM TRAIL, Sun, Apr 8, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun, Apr 8, noon - 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MASS TRANSIT MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING, Sun, Apr 8, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Meeting regarding public transit and paratransit system on the Big Island. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 10
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL Meetings, Tue/Wed, Apr 10 (Committees)/11 (Council), & Tue/Wed, Apr 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, Apr 10, 4 - 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

PROPOSED NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TALK STORY, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 10, 11 & 12, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. County asks those planning to attend contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com, Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083, or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

PU‘UWA‘AWA‘A AHUPUA‘A: Successes & Challenges of Restoring Endangered Dry Forests of Kona, Tue, Apr 10, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Elliott Parsons, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, discusses ongoing conservation efforts and lessons learned. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

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.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "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." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Saturday, Mar. 31, to Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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

Ka‘ū News Brief Monday, April 2, 2018

Learn about the conservation practices, successes and challenges, of restoring the dry forests  with Division of 
Forestry and Wildlife Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Coordinator Elliot Parsons Tuesday, April 10, 
at After Dark in the Park. See story below. Photo by Elliot Parsons

MAZIE HIRONO OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES HER 2018 REELECTION CAMPAIGN for U.S. Senate Wednesday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m., at the State Office Tower on O‘ahu After filing her nomination papers, Hirono and supporters will speak about her advocacy on behalf of Hawai‘i families, states the announcement.

     Hirono's early endorsers for her 2018 reelection include the Hawai‘i State AFL-CIO, the Hawai‘i Democratic Party LGBT and Labor Caucuses, International Longshore & Warehouse Union, Local 142, EMILY's List, Americans for Democratic Action, Democracy for America, the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, MoveOn Political Action, the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and End Citizens United.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, who will submit
reelection papers on Wednesday.

     "In Congress, Mazie has been a leading voice for immigration policies that keep families together; health care as a right and not a privilege; preserving the programs our kupuna rely on; and increasing access to quality, affordable education. She is running for reelection to the U.S. Senate to continue her fight for Hawai‘i families and people across the country whose voices are often not heard loud enough in Congress," states the release.

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

THE LAST HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT of the season, Saturday, drew more than 442 volunteers statewide to the shores: from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to Punaluʻu, South Point and Miloliʻi, all the way up the chain of inhabited Hawaiian Islands. It was the final of three events of the 2018 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count.
     Volunteers collected data from 43 sites statewide on March 31. A total of 34 whale sightings were recorded during the 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count. Conditions were great for viewing whales on Hawaiʻi island, but poor for Oʻahu and Maui due to inclement weather and resulting poor visibility; many of those sites cancelled their counts.

     Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. The sanctuary holds Ocean Count three times each year during peak whale season. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.

The last NOAA whale count of  the season was Saturday, and mother 
humpbacks and calves will soon be heading north for the summer. 
Photo from NOAA

     Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location are available at http://www.
sanctuaryoceancount.
org/resources/. Additional information is available on the sanctuary's website at http://hawaii
humpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
     The sanctuary, which is administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
     NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources. See NOAA's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
 other social media channels.

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.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MAUNA LOA STRIP ROAD, due to 55th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, through April 8. The road in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will be restricted to hiking, biking, and official motor vehicle traffic only.

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.

FUNDS TO OPERATE HAWAI‘I ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, groups that maintain and protects the natural resources of the islands, are being requested in a bill that goes to hearing in front of the Senate Ways and Means Committee Wednesday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m.

     HB2101: "Makes an appropriation to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the operational expenses and staffing costs of the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts."

     Hawai‘i Farmers Union United urges residents to submit testimony in support of the bill.

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.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER FOR KA‘Ū HIGH announces the Hawai‘i National Guard Youth Challenge Recruiter will be on campus Tuesday, April 3 to speak with students who are interested in learning about and possibly participating in the program. Signing  up with Ms. Strand in room 28 is required.

     Ka‘ū High Senior fundraising with Krispy Kreme started March 30, and continue through Friday, April 13.

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.

PU‘UWA‘AWA‘A AHUPUA‘A: SUCCESSES & CHALLENGES OF RESTORING DRY FORESTS OF KONA, with Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Coordinator Elliott Parsons from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, is the presentation on Tuesday, April 10, at After Dark in the Park in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

     Parsons reviews threats to the endangered lowland dry forests and how new technology is being used to mitigate those threats. The public is invited to learn more about the area’s rich biological diversity and how they can help conserve Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a for future generations.
     The After Dark in the Park presentation, held in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, begins at 7 p.m. Free; suggested $2 donation helps support park programs. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. 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.

KA‘Ū GIRLS SOFTBALL was highlighted in the Hawai‘i Tribune Herald last week, with an article about pitcher Silva-Kamei, whom coach Donovan Emmsley credited for the March 22 win. Silva-Kamei the Tribune Herald reporter that favorite moment is when the Trojans accomplished the win against Hilo, 22 to 11.

     March 27 saw another big victory for the Ka‘ū team, taking Pāhoa down 20 to 0.

     March 29, a game against Kealakehe, was not a win, but Ka‘ū made a good effort with 14 to 4. Same with the March 31 game against Honoka‘a, at 10 to 4.

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.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: 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: 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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3
SPECIAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL EVENTS, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 3, 4 & 5, 11 - 1 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Honoring 55th Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, live music. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETINGS & TRAININGS, Tue, Apr 3 & 24, 4 - 6 p.m., Apr 17, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Apr 3, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

HOW THE PACIFIC TSUNAMI 

WARNING CENTER WORKS, Tue, Apr 3, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Nathan Becker, Senior Oceanographer describes PTWC operations. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
ADVOCATS, Wed, Apr 4, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Apr 4, 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, APRIL 5
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 6
FROM SAND TO SNOW - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, 8 - 11 am, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

CREATING SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS II - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, noon - 3 pm, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about developing strategies that support children’s positive social behavior. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 7
OCEAN VIEW C.E.R.T. TRAINING, Sat, Apr 7, 14, 21 & 28, 8:15 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency Community Emergency Response Team training. Free, limited seating, open to public. Bill Hanson, 937-2181. Pre-register online, certkau.eventbrite.com

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Apr 7, 13, 21 (fee-free day), & 27, 8:45 a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native, plant species. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat, Apr 7, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

HAWAI‘I DEMOCRATIC PRE-CONVENTION MEETING, Sat, Apr 7, 11 - 3 p.m., Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. hawaiidemocrats.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 8
PALM TRAIL, Sun, Apr 8, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun, Apr 8, noon - 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MASS TRANSIT MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING, Sun, Apr 8, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Meeting regarding public transit and paratransit system on the Big Island. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

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.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "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." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Saturday, Mar. 31, to Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com. Click on forms below to make larger and print.

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.