Ka‘ū News Brief Friday, April 6, 2018

The late Sen. Dan Akaka, who died today, became the first recipient of the Aloha Award of Merit in 2013, congratulated by
then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie. See story below. Photo by Shane Tegarden

BRENDA FORD WILL RUN FOR STATE SENATE AND REP. RICHARD CREAGAN WILL RUN FOR REELECTION, the two announced today. They seek to represent west Kaʻū into Kona as a team at the legislature. Previously, Ford said she would seek the House seat, and Creagan the Senate.
     The two issued statements today explaining the change. Ford said that Creagan "maintaining his House seat is best for all of us as it will allow him to continue his important legislative work. I have deep respect for Rep. Creagan, who previously endorsed me for Representative; however, it does not serve the public well to have two candidates with similar viewpoints running against each other. That is the reason I've decided to enter the Senate race."

Brenda Ford will run for state Senate.

     Senate District 3, encompassing most of Kailua-Kona through Nāʻālehu to Honuʻapo, is currently represented by Sen. Josh Green, who is running for Lt. Governor and unable to run for reelection.

     Ford previously served as a County Council member, reaching the maximum number of terms, and states, "Having worked as a Council member for eight years, I know how to research, draft, and pass legislation, and I understand how government works. I know the needs of our district, and people are comfortable in calling me to let me know of any issues that should be addressed. I believe my years of experience will help me succeed in assisting the people of my district and the Big Island. West Hawaiʻi needs experienced, hardworking, strong, and proven leaders in both House and Senate seats to maintain the continuity of support, protection, and leadership for the people.

     "Many problems face our island and I will work on solutions," Ford says. "I will fight for a $15 minimum wage, permanent low-income rental housing, protection of our heritage coffee, maximum funding for studies of Rat Lungworm Disease, faster State responses to medical emergencies like Dengue Fever, a new South Kona Police Station, and a state-of-the-art hospital near the Kona Airport to serve West Hawaiʻi."

     Ford and her husband, Larry, have been married for 26 years and have three grown children. They own a small farm in Captain Cook where Larry grows lychee, papaya, bananas, and a little coffee for personal use. They have lived on the Big Island for 23 years. Ford has a long history of community involvement, having volunteered for many years as a member and Director of the Citizens for Equitable & Responsible Government, and the nonprofit environmental group Plan To Protect. She is a Volunteer Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, and volunteer with the South Kona Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Brenda Ford served Volcano, Kaʻū into Kona as a County Council member, seen
here riding in a Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

     Ford's accomplishments on the Hawaiʻi County Council include helping fund the West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center Keiki Dental Clinic, helping fund the battered women's shelter, funding training for teens to recognize and avoid teen dating violence, helping start Ke Kama Pono (Boy's Safe House in Captain Cook), voting for a bond to build the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, and purchasing land for a new South Kona Police Station. She continued the work of previous Council Members to get the Laʻaloa Street extension completed. She filed a redistricting lawsuit in 2001, which resulted in a fourth State Senator for Hawaiʻi Island in 2011.

     More information can be found at votebrendaford.com and facebook.com/VoteBrendaFord.

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"KEEP A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE" IS DR. RICHARD CREAGAN'S headline announcing he will seek reelection to the state House of Representatives. He writes:

Rep. Richard Creagan seeks relection.

     "After careful deliberation with my colleague Brenda Ford, I have decided to ask your support to keep me in my House seat. At the time I made my decision to run for the Senate seat being left vacant by Dr. Josh Green, there were good reasons to do so."

     Creagan explains that a power struggle in the House, following his and other Neighbor Island Reps' opposition to a tax requiring Neighbor Islanders to help pay for the rail in Honolulu, drew him to conclude that a fresh start in the Senate would be the best for his community. "I asked Brenda Ford who had represented me for eight years on the Hawai'i County Council to consider running for my House seat and she enthusiastically joined that race.

     "Brenda has always been viewed by her constituents, including me, as honest, ethical and hard-working. She did not shrink from a fight for what she tenaciously believed. She had been a proud union member and union steward in her work on the mainland and has continued to support hard working union families in Hawaiʻi, as I proudly have." She also "understands, as I do, the rewards and challenges of being farmers."

     Creagan writes that he has been able to keep his position as Chair of Agriculture in the House and is "nearing the end of a successful legislative session. We worked with House leadership to pass a House bill to greatly increase the Neighbor Isles' share of the TAT tax. As a physician, I supported the Our Care, Our Choice Act, helped remove the roadblocks that had stalled that legislation last year, and I was at our governor's side when he signed that bill into law yesterday."

Rep. Richard Creagan wants to remain the Doctor in the House of Representatives, 
seen here in a Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

     Creagan talks about other likely success during this session. "We are hopeful that we will make our environment and our food safer by banning and phasing out the use of a toxic and unsafe pesticide, chlorpyrifos, that the EPA was poised to ban until President Trump appointed Scott Pruitt. The bill to do that will pass out of the House this week and will cross over to the Senate next week where we expect it will pass. I met with the governor yesterday and am very hopeful he will sign that bill into law when it reaches his desk.

     "Rat lungworm disease is another challenging issue that is threatening our health and our small farmers," proclaimed Creagan. "This legislative session I employed, part-time, a recovering victim of that illness to help me build a data base of rat lungworm research. I feel confident that at long last the legislature will provide substantial funding to Dr. Susan Jarvi and her colleagues at UH Hilo to allow them to continue their rat lungworm research."

     Creagan observes that the "turmoil in the House has abated, and I anticipate if reelected to be able to continue to fight for small farmers as Chair of Agriculture. As a physician I will also continue my fight for a new teaching hospital and medical center in West Hawaiʻi.

     "It would be irresponsible, given the new realities, for me to leave my strong position in the House at this time. Brenda Ford and I hope to gain your support to work as a team to improve our agriculture, our health care, our educational systems, and economic opportunities for House District 5 and Senate District 3."

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Sen. Dan Akaka, who passed away
 today at 93. Photo by Julia Neal

ALOHA IS THE WORD USED MOST TO DESCRIBE SEN. DANIEL KAHIKINA AKAKA as news of his passing rippled through the state today. The 93-year old Democrat, who retired from the U.S. Senate in 2013, was famous for his slogan, "The World Really Needs Aloha." Akaka was the only Native Hawaiian to have served in the U.S. Senate. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools and a World War II veteran, he received a masters degree in education from University of Hawaiʻi. Akaka served as a teacher, principal and Department of Education programs administrator.

     In 1976, he won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 13 years before becoming a U.S. Senator. In Congress, Akaka led a successful campaign which drew an official apology from the U.S. President for the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy by the U.S. government. He was known for the Akaka Bill, which he first introduced in the year 2000, for federal recognition of Native Hawaiians, similar to status given to Indian tribes. He brought the bill back to the Senate time and again. It never passed. He was also known for fighting for more services for veterans.

     After learning of Akaka's death, Gov. David Ige ordered U.S. and Hawaiian flags to fly half-staff immediately at all state facilities until sunset on the day of Akaka's interment. Said Ige, "Our beloved Sen. Akaka lived a life of service and aloha, and each of us in Hawaiʻi has benefited in countless ways. Our state mourns the loss of this man of upright character. While we celebrate his military service and dedication to our nation's veterans, his advocacy of the Hawaiian language and culture, and his work in Congress to recognize Filipino veterans, he was first and foremost a family man. Dawn and I send our condolences to Auntie Millie and the entire Akaka ʻOhana. A hui hou, Sen. Akaka."

     Lt. Gov. Doug Chin wrote: "Akaka epitomized the true meaning of aloha. He treated everyone with genuine kindness, grace and compassion."

Sen. Dan Akaka at a Hilo Bandstand rally for Democrats. Photo by Julia Neal

     Sen. Mazie Hirono wrote that Akaka "embodied the Aloha Spirit. He dedicated his life to serving the people of Hawaiʻi as an educator, and in the U.S. Army, state government, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate. In Congress, Sen. Akaka's care, empathy, and collegiality served as an example for us all. It's an honor to sit at his desk in the Senate chamber, and we continue his work to improve the lives of veterans and the Native Hawaiian community. As he so often said, mahalo nui loa, my friend."

     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released this statement: "My heart is heavy today as we remember my dear friend and mentor, Sen. Daniel K. Akaka. With a servant's heart full of aloha, Sen. Akaka dedicated his life to serving the people and our nation, in the U.S. Army, as a public school teacher, in the U.S. House of Representatives, and in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful to have worked with and known Sen. Akaka over the years, and to have witnessed firsthand how he truly embodied the aloha spirit - treating all with kindness, respect, and love. His legacy of service and aloha will continue to inspire each of us to live aloha every day - serving others, protecting our planet, and fighting for justice, equality, and peace."
     Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted, "Daniel K. Akaka was beloved by everyone in Hawaii, and his colleagues of both parties in Washington DC. A pure heart, a determined warrior for native Hawaiians, and a true public servant. We will miss you, Senator Akaka. Aloha."
     Services are pending.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, who has made a
call to action for the Mueller 
investigation into Pres. Trump's 
campaign. Photo from civil.services 

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CONTINUATION OF SPECIAL COUNSEL ROBERT MUELLER'S INVESTIGATION INTO PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S activities during his presidential campaign is of concern to Sen. Mazie Hirono. In a release, Hirono stated: "Everyone should be alarmed by what Donald Trump is doing to undermine Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
     "Mueller is investigating Russia’s interference in our democracy and the Trump campaign's ties to that effort. Instead of allowing the investigation to proceed without interference, Trump has continued attacking the Special Counsel and his investigation, and many fear he is planning to fire Mueller.
     "The American people deserve the truth, and I will not sit idly by while the Trump administration seeks to silence and distract us. Add your name to send a message to the White House: We must protect Robert Mueller and his investigation.
     "Mahalo for helping hold the Trump administration accountable," stated the Senator.

Hoʻaikane is headliner band for the Kaʻū
 Coffee Festival. Photo from Hoʻaikane

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HOʻAIKANE WILL RIDE THE HŌKŪʻLEA FLOAT IN THE MERRIE MONARCH PARADE on Saturday in Hilo. The band will play its music for the crowds and the original crew of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's Hōkūleʻa sailing canoe, which is now in Hilo for community education.
     Hoʻaikane is the headliner band for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolaulea on Saturday, May 5, at Pāhala Community Center. In the Merrie Monarch Parade, the Kaʻū Coffee industry will be represented by the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Scholarship Pageant contenders, who are looking forward to their Saturday, April 21, event at Kaʻū District Gym. Riding for Kaʻū in the parade will be paniolo Kehau Ke and her attendants on horseback.

Kaʻū Hospital clerk Kegan Grace.
Photo from Kaʻū Hospital

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KA‘Ū HOSPITAL SPOTLIGHTS CLERK KEGAN GRACE IN THEIR APRIL NEWSLETTER: "Grace has been employed by the hospital as a clerk in the Nursing Department for many years, and has demonstrated natural skills towards nursing. She is a full-time mother of two girls, is a full-time hospital employee, and attends Hawai‘i Community College in Hilo part-time, completing her pre-requisite courses for her R.N."
     Grace says, "It's been a challenge to juggle work, school, and being a mommy but I know this hard work will be all worth it in the end."

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Attend a Lau Hala Demonstration in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National
 Park on April 11. Photo by Janice Wei, National Park Service

LEARN TO WEAVE LEAVES FROM THE HALA TREE (Pandanus) into many useful and beautiful items on Wednesday, April 11, during a Lau Hala Demonstration, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The event, part of the park's ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops, takes place from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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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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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

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, THROUGH APRIL 10, FOR SILLY SNAKE, an Arts & Crafts activity at Pāhala Community Center. The program takes place Wed, April 11, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM BASKETBALL CLINIC Sat, April 14; register through Friday, April 13. 9 to 11 a.m., registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old and those in high school are welcome. Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

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., through 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

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Ka‘ū News Brief Thursday, April 5, 2018

Endemic and endangered Hawaiian Crow, the ʻAlalā, shown here in the wild at a supplemental food hopper. The scale - facing away from the camera -
 helps Project members monitor the birds' weight, which helps monitor their health. See ʻAlalā stories, below. Photos from San Diego Zoo Global

SPINLAUNCH ISSUED A LETTER TO KA‘Ū this week ahead of its meeting with Ka‘ū residents, set for Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. The California company proposed opening a space launch facility, with Pohu‘e Bay as one of the possible sites. The letter gives an update, saying that Hawai‘i, the state, is "one of six potential launch sites in the United States that SpinLaunch is currently evaluating."
     The letter addresses concerns about SpinLaunch's untested new technology that would spin satellites and other space-bound packages thousands of miles per hour, to fling them beyond the Earth's atmosphere. SpinLaunch states that Hawai‘i "is not under consideration for the prototype development. We have already selected a non-Hawaiian launch site for development of the first launch system, which will identify and mitigate all potential environmental risks."
     The letter also states that SpinLaunch has "been working with each respective community, their leaders, and environmental experts to determine the best fit for the launch sites. We believe we have designed the safest, most environmentally-friendly system that will dramatically lower the cost of access to space, thus enabling many new related businesses and economic growth for each community."

     The letter addresses conservation and preservation concerns: "Like you, we recognize there are many cultural, historical, environmental, societal and economic implications to assess and consider in proposing a possible launch site in a location such as Hawai‘i. In fact, it is FAA/AST and NEPA regulation that these factors be analyzed in any location proposing orbital launch activity. During the next year, we look forward to meeting with and hearing from the local community of Hawai‘i, as this thorough assessment is conducted."

     Signed simply "SpinLaunch," on SpinLaunch letterhead, the letter opens with,"We look forward to meeting many of you at the upcoming gathering," and "we want to sincerely thank you for your comments and legislative testimony regarding SpinLaunch. We are, indeed, listening intently, and look forward to addressing your concerns regarding SpinLaunch in person."

     The letter also addresses state Sen. Glenn Wakai from Honolulu, and Rep. Cindy Evans, who represents North Kona and Kohala. They proposed that the state issue $25 million through a Special Purpose Revenue Bond to help fund SpinLaunch. The SpinLaunch letter states that the bond is "in the interest of bringing an environmentally friendly technology to the Hawaiian people, something they feel is in line with continuing to create a sustainable, healthy Hawaiian future."

Representation of Aha Moku, the group that requested the
community meeting with SpinLaunch.

     The letter states that the bond, "was never intended to be site-specific, or to suggest a particular location for the facility on the Big Island, but a proposal for consideration by all the islands of Hawai‘i. There are multiple locations in Hawai‘i where this technology could be established and SpinLaunch would like to meet with each respective community to hear their thoughts on what a business like SpinLaunch could mean for their community."

     The letter concludes with SpinLaunch's gratitude to Wakai and Evans for proposing the Special Purpose Bond bill, saying that would be paid for by private investors, not Hawai‘i taxpayers; the bond would be a "low-interest loan for infrastructure development, and would not, in any way, affect Hawai‘i state credit."
     The meeting in Nā‘ālehu was called for by Aha Moku Advisory Committee to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, including members Darlyne Vierra, Liz Kuluwaimaka, Jefferey Kekoa, and Aloha Beck. The group asked for SpinLaunch representatives to talk to residents who live near proposed SpinLaunch sites, and called for the state Senate to hold the funding bill until they do. The group will oversee the meeting at Nā‘ālehu Community Center.

     Read history of the proposed launch facility and the Special Purpose Bond bill in previous Ka‘ū News Briefs and in the Ka‘ū Calendar.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono filed for reelection,today,  surrounded by her husband, friends, 
and supporters. Photo from Hirono

MAZIE HIRONO FILED FOR REELECTION to the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, with her husband Leighton, friends, and supporters alongside her. She released this statement: "Every day that I have the privilege of serving the people of Hawai‘i, I know who I'm fighting for and why. I'm fighting for families who deserve to have quality, affordable health care that is a right and not a privilege, our kupuna who depend on Social Security and Medicare, families working two and three jobs to make ends meet, working people fighting to organize for better wages and benefits, and immigrants who came here in search of a better life. We are in this fight together."

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THE JAN. 13 FALSE MISSLE ALERT that terrified Ka‘ū and most Hawaiʻi residents brought Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to question state and federal leaders during a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee field hearing today on Oʻahu. Gabbard and the Hawaiʻi congressional delegation questioned leaders from the Federal Communications Commission, United States Pacific Command, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and Hawaiʻi Association of Broadcasters.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard questiond state and federal leaders  today
on Hawaiʻi's false missile alert. Photo from Gabbard

     Gabbard issued a statement: "Nearly three months after Hawaiʻi's false ballistic missile alert, many questions remain unanswered. Today's hearing was an important opportunity to dig deeper into the gaps that still exist across every level of government, and what needs to be done going forward. One takeaway that is abundantly clear is that the status quo is both outdated and inadequate given the serious nuclear threat Hawaiʻi faces from North Korea. We must work to address the problems that have been identified, strengthen our missile defense system, and exhaust all diplomatic means to denuclearize North Korea peacefully and remove this threat."

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ALLAN SIMEON IS THE NOMINEE TO DIRECT THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. Mayor Harry Kim nominated Simeon, who has served as Deputy Director, and more recently as Acting Director since October, following the resignation of Frank DeMarco.
    Simeon has worked with the Department of Public Works since 1997, having joined as a third level civil engineer. He came from Okahara and Associates in Hilo. Simeon graduated from high school in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, and earned a bachelor's in civil engineering from UH-Mānoa.
     The nomination requires confirmation by the County Council. Acting Deputy Director Merrick Nishimoto is also awaiting confirmation to the permanent Deputy Director position. The council meeting to confirm both positions will be held April 11.

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IT'S BREEDING SEASON FOR THE ENDANGERED ‘ALALĀ. The ʻAlalā Project recently announced that the endangered Hawaiian crows released in 2017 in the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve near Volcano Village are just reaching two years of age - old enough to possibly start building nests, finding mates, and laying eggs in the wild.

ʻAlalā egg, chick hatching, newborn chick, and feathered brood.

     Those ʻAlalā living in captivity in the Keauhou conservation breeding facilities near Volcano Village are already building nests "which will lead to the next generation of ʻAlalā," states The ʻAlalā  Project Facebook.

     In Springtime, ʻAlalā start to lay eggs and raise chicks. The female incubates the eggs for between 20-25 days, until they begin to hatch, which can sometimes be a slow process - taking up to a day for the chick to finally emerge from the shell.
     ʻAlalā chicks are altricial, which means that when they hatch, they need their parents to care for them. The young gradually grow until they fledge, leaving the nest at about 45 days old. After the birds fledge, they are mobile and start to feed themselves, but have been known to depend on their parents for up to eight months.

     In other news, The ʻAlalā  Project has announced one way the team monitors health of ʻAlalā released into the forest. "When the bird comes down to get some of the supplemental food, they land on a perch that is connected to a scale. We have also incorporated a motion-sensor camera into the feeding stations, which help the monitoring team collect information such as weights when they might not be able to take these observations themselves. The weights that are taken are compared to the same birds' weight before release so we can track the change in body weight over time and throughout the release process. This is great information about the birds' health!"

     For more on ʻAlalā, and updates on breeding season, see The ʻAlalā Project Facebook and DLNR page.

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PAST AND UPCOMING ‘ALALĀ REINTRODUCTION EFFORTS will be covered in a Coffee Talk, Friday, April 27, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park near Ocean View.
     Rachel Kingsley, education and outreach associate for The ʻAlalā Project, will talk about the most recent efforts to reestablish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. Until recent releases of young ʻAlalā, who were bred in captivity, the species has been extinct in the wild. The ʻAlalā is an integral part of Hawaiian ecosystems and culture.

     Kingsley's update will cover the 2017 release and status of the ʻAlalā in the wild, and what that release has taught the Project members to help in planning future releases.

Endemic and endangered Hawaiian Crow, theʻAlalā, shown here as nestling
 (first photo), juvenile (second and third photos), and fully adult
(final photo). Photos from San Diego Zoo Global

     The first release of the Alala into Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve was made in winter of 2016, but the surviving birds were recovered and returned to captivity after an attack from an ʻio (hawk). ʻAlalā were again released in September and October 2017, bringing the total in the wild to seven male and four females - all hatched in 2016.
     The Reserve, on land owned by Kamehameha Schools, is located near Keauhou Forest, near Volcano Village. The Kūlani-Keauhou area has been managed for many years to promote native forests, is fenced and free of ungulates, including cows, pigs, and sheep. It offers a dense understory, with many ʻAlalā food plants.

     Alalā, Corvus hawaiiensis, in the wild, were known to eat over 30 species of native fruits. Having fruit as a main part of its diet sets the ʻAlalā apart from other crows and ravens, as most eat an omnivoruous diet tending toward animal proteins. By consuming these fruits, ʻAlalā play an important role in Hawaiian forests as a seed disperser. ʻAlalā will also eat insects, eggs and nestlings of other birds, nectar, flowers, and other parts of plants.
     ʻAlalā released in 2017 have been observed spending quite a bit of time foraging through different native plants, searching for insects, and consuming different parts of the plants.

     The difference between adult male and female ʻAlalā cannot be seen just by looking at them, but differences between juveniles and adults can: Juveniles have pink mouths, both inside and on the gape (small outside area at the corner of their beak), and their eyes are blue. As the bird ages, the gape and inside of the mouth will turn black, and their eyes will turn brown. These changes typically occur along with the birds reaching an age when they can start breeding. The field monitoring crew has started to notice some of these changes occurring in the birds that were released in 2017.

     Find out more at The ʻAlalā Project Facebook and DLNR page.

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The Miss Ka‘ū Coffee contenders recently visited Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and its manager, Louis Daniele.
 Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and its founder Edmund C. Olson are major sponsors of the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee 
Scholarship Pageant, Ka‘ū Stargazing, \the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, Ka‘ū Mountain 
WaterSystem Hike, and the  entertainment for the Ho‘olaulea on Saturday, May 5. 
Photo from Trinidad Marques

MISS KA‘Ū COFFEE CANDIDATES are heading to the 55^th annual Merrie Monarch Parade in Hilo this Saturday, May 7, to represent Ka‘ū.
    The Miss Ka‘ū Coffee pageant takes place on Saturday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m., in the Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets and sponsorships are being sold throughout the community. The pageant is under the directorship of Trinidad Marques, herself a Ka‘ū Coffee producer and marketer. The winners will receive scholarships and trophies.

     Candidates for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee are: Reishalyn Kekoa Jara, 16, Karlee Fukunaga-Camba, 16, Helena Nihipali-Sesson, 16, and Sheri Lynn Freitas, 18. Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Junior Miss candidates are Jacie Umemoto, 12, and Cristina Kawewehi, 12. Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry candidates are Jadelyn Kekoa Jara, 10, and Tenielle Blanco, 8. Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Candidates are Kysha Manini-Kaupu, 3, Telia Espejo-Navarro, 5, and Lilianna Marques, 5.

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

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.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

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., through 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

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