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Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, November 13, 2018

A perspective view of the new trail to the forested Pit Crater showing the location of the ROD Decon Station.
The map is not to scale. Overview created by Ryan Deacy, NPS
THE FAMED FORESTED PIT CRATER IN KAHUKU is once again accessible to hikers. Formerly an easy hike in Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, it was closed due to fears of spreading Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death disease to native trees.
A view into the Forested Pit Crater. Photo by Annie Bosted
     A new trail has been opened and is described by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park as "arduous" for strong hikers. The new Forested Pit Crater trail is "4.75 miles long and takes roughly 2.5 – 3 hours round trip with significant elevation change" of about 810 feet, says the Park website.
     The crater, estimated to be many hundreds of feet deep, is a natural feature thought to have been created when its base collapsed. It is located at about 5,000 feet altitude, near the eastern side of the Kahuku Unit of the Park. Kahuku Unit, formerly a part of the vast Kahuku Ranch, became part of the National Park in 2003 after much work by Sen. Dan Akaka, congress, the National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy.  
A scale map of the trail system in the Kahuku Unit prior to 2016. At that
time, visitors could drive to the Lower Glover Trailhead and reach the
Forested Pit Crater via a mile-long trail. Now vehicles may not drive
beyond the curve in the road makai of the picnic area. NPS image
     Kahuku Unit encompasses about 116,000 acres and includes the 1868 volcanic flow and other features, such as ranch-era relics, cinder cones, and lava tree molds - created when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest.
     The Park made use of the old ranch roads by converting them to access roads for the public and hiking trails. The trail to the Forested Pit Crater proved to be very popular as – although it was a rough five-mile drive on a steep gravel road – the hike from the trailhead to the crater was considered relatively easy.
     The crater's forbidding vertical walls and its astounding depth ensured that no ranch cattle, goats, mouflon, pigs, or other feral animals could access the pit. Indigenous and endemic plants could thrive in the crater, without risk of being eaten by the ungulates.
     Hikers and nature lovers enjoyed looking down on the pristine vegetation. Biologists viewed it as a valued oasis of undisturbed landscape in a sea of former cattle ranching land.
The middle gate is in line with the rusting wire game fence,
which was originally installed to control ungulates, such as
mouflon, moving from upper Kahuku to lower Kahuku
and back. Photo by Annie Bosted
     In 2016, the Forested Pit Crate trail and access road were all deemed off limits, after Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death disease was found in trees in the area. It was determined to no longer allow vehicles, which could spread ROD on tires and other vehicle parts to other ʻōhiʻa forests on the island. In order to accommodate hikers, the National Park Service decided to build a cleaning station with education on ROD.
     The new trail opened Oct. 23, and the National Park Service web page carried the following announcement: "The Kahuku Unit's Forested Pit Crater and sections of the Glover Trail are now open to foot traffic only. Kahuku Road in the upper paddocks remain closed to vehicle traffic at the cross fence gate to help prevent the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death to upper Kahuku. Hiking to the Forested Pit Crater and open sections of Glover Trail is only allowed via the Pit Crater Trail or Pali O Kaʻeo Trail. Hikers must stay on all designated trails, as well as spray and brush their footwear at the ROD Decontamination Station on the Pit Crater Trail, before proceeding to the Forested Pit Carter. Make sure to close all gates at the ROD Decontamination Station to prevent the spread of invasive ungulates into the upper section of the park. Plan on at least a 2.5 to 3-hour round trip to the Forested Pit Crater and back to the trail heads. Ask onsite rangers for further details and trail descriptions."
A hiker using a chain and carabiner to secure the mauka gate
on the ROD decon station. The triple gates are designed to
allow hikers to pass through, but not ungulates.
Photo by Annie Bosted
     The ROD Decontamination Station consists of two fenced and gated enclosures – one on the mauka side of the game fence, and the other on the makai side. Both enclosures have rubber mats on the ground. Hikers traveling to the Forested Pit Crater enter the makai enclosure by a gate, where they are expected to brush and spray their shoes, before going through a second gate into the mauka enclosure. There again, they must spray and brush shoes, before accessing the trail via a third gate.
     Views from the ROD Decontamination Station are vast and include South Point and several miles of the Kaʻū coast.
     The Park web site describes the hike: "A hike to the forested pit crater is a window into the past and a vision of the future for the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. From the crater's rim visitors can look down into a rare native forest refuge protected within the sheer walls of the pit."
The new triple-gated ROD decon station built on the trail to
the Forested Pit Crater. The gates are secured with chains,
and the floor is covered with rubber mats. The middle gate
is in line with the game fence. Photo by Annie Bosted
     Kahuku is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free of charge.

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SEWER FEES COULD GO UP ISLAND WIDE. The county Department of Environmental Management is asking the County Council to approve increases from the $30 per every two months, to $42 in March of 2019, $49 in March of 2020 and $55 in March of 2021, for single family homes. Non-residential sewer line customers would be charged more as well.
     "The Department of Environmental Management requests these increases to eliminate the need for the General Fund subsidy and increase funding for facility repairs," says the statement on the County Finance Committee agenda for next Monday, Nov. 19.

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HAWAIIAN AIRLINES INCREASED ITS CHECKED LUGGAGE FEES today, Tuesday, Nov. 13. Checked bags are $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second - an increase of $5 per bag.
     Inter-island checked baggage fees remain the same: $25 first bag, $35 second bag, with $15 first bag and $20 second bag for HawaiianMiles members. International flight checked bags will remain free.
     The change follows the same kind of increase for most other major airlines.
     The increase in fees follows what CEO Peter Ingram calls "an unusual year," according to Pacific Business News. Despite the drop in tourism due to the Kīlauea eruption this year, the airline showed a net income rise of 10.6 percent, according to PBN. This resulted in $37.7 million issued to shareholders.
     The business journal reports the airline is seeking to retire all five of its 767 planes, replacing them with 11 A321neo planes, by the end of the year.

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AN OCEAN USERS WORKSHOP, free and open to the public, will be held in Kona on Monday, Dec. 3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and NOAA Fisheries invite the public to learn and ask questions about safe and lawful wildlife viewing and boating around Hawaiʻi's marine mammals and sea turtles. Whale and dolphin watchers, boat captains, ocean tour operators, and other ocean users are encouraged to attend.
     The Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, and the Lacey Act are not new federal laws. The workshops are an opportunity to hear from federal officials how to legally interact with protected marine mammals and sea turtles.
     The workshop doors open at 6 p.m., and the meeting runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Space is limited to the first 50 people, at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.
     Questions? Contact Allen Tom, Pacific Islands Regional Director, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, (808) 879-2818 X 225, allen.tom@noaa.gov.

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Sen. Russell Ruderman
PUBLIC HEARINGS ABOUT CHANGES TO STATEWIDE IMMUNIZATION REGULATIONS will be held in Hilo and Kona on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Hilo, at Hilo State Office Bldg., 75 Aupuni St., Conference rooms A, B, and C, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kona, at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Mtg. Hale, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg. G, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
     Sen. Russell Ruderman requested public input meetings be held on islands other than Oʻahu. Those unable to attend the hearings can submit testimony to the Hawaiʻi Immunization Program at immunization@doh.hawaii.gov.
     Questions can be directed to Ronald Balajadia, Chief of the Immunization Branch, at 586-8328.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule 
through end of 2018
Girls Basketball:
Nov. 23 and 24, Fri. and Sat., Kaʻū Tourney
Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm

Boys Basketball:
Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Nov. 17, Sat., @Kealakeha, JV
Nov. 24, Sat., @Konawaena
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Nov. 17, Sat., JV @Waiakea
Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōp‘u perform Hula Kahiko Nov. 17 at
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
NEW and UPCOMING
KUMU HA‘AMAULIOLA AIONA WITH KE KULA ‘O NĀWAHĪOKALANI‘ŌPU‘U PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL perform Hula Kahiko on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., on the kahua hula (hula platform) near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The performance is free; however, park entrance fees apply.
     At Nāwahī PCS, Aiona has established a Holistic Hawaiian Language Fine & Performing Arts Program called Māhuʻilani. The focus of this program is sharing the traditional arts of hula instrument creation, ʻohe kāpala, hula, oli and hana keaka or theatre performance. Aiona shares the students' various artistic creations through community classes, demonstrations, exhibitions, and hula dramas all through the Hawaiian Language.
Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     The performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula hālau from across Hawai‘i and beyond are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting. The presentation will be presented authentically, rain or shine, without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. For more, call 967-8222, or email volcanohula@gmail.com. See volcanoartcenter.org.

KUMU HULA KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE AND HĀLAUOLAOKALANI DEMONSTRATE NĀ MEA HULA, all things hula, on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Volcano Art Center Gallery's porch, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Held in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance, the hands-on, family-friendly cultural demonstration offers participants the opportunity to learn a hula, use various hula implements and try their hand at lei making. Experience the different aspects that play an integral role in the life of the hula dancer.
     The free program is supported in part by the County of Hawai‘i, Community Enrichment Program. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, email volcanohula@gmail.com, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Nov. 14, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Nov. 29, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. Call 333-3600 to schedule appointment. See Cooper Center June and August newsletters for details. thecoopercenter.org

Lā‘au Lapa‘au - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 14, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Local practitioner Momi Subiono uses herbs to help the Hawaiian community and aims to create renewed awareness, understanding, and use of plants for traditional healing. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Nov. 14 & 28, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wednesday of every month thereafter. Free. Pre-registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Yarn Scarecrow, Arts & Crafts Activity, Wed., Nov. 14, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For ages 5-12. Register through Nov. 7 to 13. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Nov. 15, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Nov. 15, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Family Reading, Thu., Nov. 15, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
PATCH Class #407, Extending Books I, Fri., Nov. 16, 8-11am, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me. Open to all. Childcare not provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #207, Social Guidance: Helping Infants and Toddlers Develop Positive Peer Interactions, Fri., Nov. 16, noon-3pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me. Open to all. Childcare not provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Collecting and Processing Seeds, Fri., Nov. 16, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Nov. 12. fhvnp.org

Exhibit: Christmas in the Country featuring the Annual Wreath Exhibition, daily, Nov. 16-Dec. 31, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Relay Races, Arts & Crafts Activity, Fri., Nov. 16, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, HOVE For ages 6-12. Register Nov. 7-14. Athletic shoes required. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ho‘onoua Anchialine Pond Volunteer Work Day & Marine Debris Survey at Kamilo, Sat., Nov. 17, contact in advance for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Seats full. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Art Affair, Sat., Nov. 17, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Local artists sell and display their creations. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Fundraising Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 17, 9-2pm, Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Wai‘ōhinu. Free entertainment and "flea market" attendance. Church will sell Kalua Pig plate lunch, containers of Kalua Pig, and Smoked Meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Potential vendors submit Vendor Application by Fri., Nov. 2. $10 booth fee suggested donation. Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups invited to vend. Debbie Wong Yuen, dwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com, 928-8039

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Nov. 17, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Inspired Figure Drawing Workshop w/Rose Adare, Sat., Nov. 17, 10-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Out of the box way of drawing a model and connecting. Variety of drawing techniques covered, including The Tornado, Pop & Lock Draw. $60/VAC member, $65/non-member, $10 model fee. See volcanoartcenter.org for supply list and to register. 967-8222

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Nov. 17, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Ha‘amauliola Aiona w/Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Public Charter School, Sat., Nov. 17, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Loke Kamanu and ‘Ohana, Sat., Nov. 17, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Multi-Cultural Demos and Activities: Learn a simple hula, Sat., Nov. 17, 12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian cultural demonstration and hands-on activity. Free, supplies provided. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Bunco & Potluck, Sat., Nov. 17, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18
People & Land of Kahuku, Sun., Nov. 18, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue., Nov. 20, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

After Dark in the Park, Nontuberculou Mycobacteria: A Kīlauea Volcano Study within a Study, Tue., Nov. 20, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Jennifer Honda introduces her on-going research to study the environmental, host, and microbial factors driving Nontuberculou Mycobacteria – bacteria found in soil and water-based biofilms that when inhaled, can cause chronic disease in susceptible individuals – lung disease emergence in Hawai‘i, which has the highest numbers in the U.S. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

ONGOING
Registration for Track & Field Practice open through Wed., Nov. 21, Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in H.O.V.E. Program for ages 6-14 to be held Dec. 3-Feb. 8. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

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Monday, November 12, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, November 12, 2018

Kaʻū's Lori-Lee Lorenzo, left, with the Hawaiʻi Horse Owners Association in the Veterans Day Parade over
the weekend in Hilo. Photo from Big Island Video News
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP yesterday offered a history lesson from Col. Thomas Barrett, Commander of the U.S. Army Garrison - Hawaiʻi.
     Barrett reminded the attendees that yesterday was the centennial anniversary of the end of World War I. "It was exactly 100 years ago today that the guns of war fell silent for the first time in over four years. World War I came to an end on the 11th hour, of 11th day, of the 11th month, in 1918. This ended the bloodiest conflict that the world had ever seen. It was a scale and type of war that had never been seen before. When it ended, it was the costliest war to date - over 20 million were killed, with over 21 million wounded throughout the world. In 1926, the American Congress officially recognized the American observance of Armistice Day. In 1938, it became a national holiday. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day.
Five men from Hawaiʻi and 23 other Americans died when
 a German U-Boat torpedoed the American steamer Aztec on
 April 1, 1917. Photo from theworldwar.org
     The Garrison Commander said, "The focus of this day is to pay tribute to all veterans, living and dead, who served their country honorably in times of war and peace." He noted that "in the United States, there are over 16.1 million living veterans who have served in at least one war; 5.2 million veterans have served in peace. Over 4 million Americans served in World War I. Over 16 million veterans served in World War II. There are over 7 million Vietnam veterans. Two million of these veterans are women."
     Barrett listed many places where veterans served in war - far from home "in environments that were hot, humid, cold, muddy, wet, windy, insect infested. Our veterans bled and died not only for freedom, but for each other.
     "In these places and around the world it is our veterans, who by the way, represent the very best of America. These men and women stood up, served, fought and held sometimes a very tough line for
The Garrison Commander quoted Albert
Einstein in his Veterans Day address.
Photo from Wikipedia
all of us. Many still do today, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without fail. There are soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Marines standing watch. It is their actions, their courage and sacrifice, which preserve liberties and opportunities we have today, which by the way, most in the world do not enjoy, and some in the world would deny us, if they could.
     Barrett quoted from Albert Einstein who said: "The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do about it." Said Barrett, "Our veterans did something and many continue to do something."
     He also quoted Pres. John F. Kennedy who said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." Barrett said, "We all owe you, our veterans, our best efforts to live up to the service, citizenship and self sacrifice you've demonstrated."
     Barrett urged everyone to support all those "Still standing watch on freedoms edge."

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"A LIVING EMBODIMENT OF THE SOLUTION TO OUR DIVIDED COUNTRY," are the words describing veterans that came from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard yesterday at ceremonies on Hawaiʻi Island. The Veterans Day service was held at West Hawaiʻi Veterans Cemetery, hosted by American Legion Post 20 and other Hawaiʻi Island veteran organizations.
     The member of the state House of Representatives serves as a Major in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, and deployed twice to the Middle East.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Major in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, met vets
keiki and their families at yesterday's Veterans Day service.
Image from Tulsi Gabbard
     Gabbard told the crowd of about 200: "For our nation to understand how we can heal the divisive wounds that are tearing our country apart, and truly come together as one, we need look no further than to our veterans, who - motivated by love and aloha - are willing to sacrifice all for our country. Veterans are the perfect example of individuals who are motivated out of love and aloha, willing to sacrifice themselves, their time, their interests, in service to our country and the American people."
     Elected to the US House of Representatives in 2012, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard makes it a point that she champions for veterans and service members. The first piece of legislation she introduced and passed in the U.S. House in 2013 was the Helping Heroes Fly Act, which improved airport security screening processes for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans. The Congresswoman has also introduced and passed legislation to address healthcare for veterans, honoring Filipino veterans who served in World War II, and provide for veterans exposed to open
burn pits in combat zones.

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HŪ HONUA BIOENERGY – which plans to burn eucalyptus from tree farms being harvested above Pāhala - is nearing completion of its bioenergy facility on the coast of Pepeʻekeo.
     Permitting for disposal of its wastewater and ash north of Hilo remains and a public hearing is planned by the state Department of Health this Wednesday, Nov, 14, at 10 a.m., at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. The session will also include a public information meeting.
Bioenergy site that requires wastewater and ash permits. A public
hearing will be held by the Department of Health this Wednesday.
Photo from Claudia Rohr
     Hū Honua filed a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System application and seeks a permit to discharge storm water associated with industrial activities into state waters. It also seeks an Underground Injection Control Permit, and a Solid Waste Permit for the recycling of ash.
     One organization that opposes the permits, according to Big Island Video News, is the Pepeʻekeo Shoreline Fishing Committee, which is is asking for a contested case hearing. Big Island Video News reports fisherman Jaerick Medeiros-Garcia saying the contested case hearing request has been submitted in writing and that fishermen will ask for it verbally at Wednesday's meeting.
     Speaking from outside the Hū Honua facility gates last week, BIVN filmed Medeiros-Garcia saying, "We're facing some bad things for our environment, for our people of our community, and the ocean. We want to know, how did this business here get this far without our community knowing anything about it?
Gates to Hū Honua construction site on the coast
north of Hilo. Photo from Big Island Video News
     "There's a lot of people in our community that still uses the ocean as our resource, to put food on a table to feed their families. Their food to raise a family comes from this shoreline right here. My job as the chairman of the particular shoreline fishing committee is to make sure that this right here never gets taken away from our community."
     Big Island Video News also reported area-resident Blake McNaughton saying, "This aquifer leaches out freshwater that's important for the ecosystem, especially right here in the bay. They haven't had to do an Environmental Impact Statement, so if those injections or the storm water runoff does impact the environment, then they're not going to be able to tell, because they haven't done the pre-studies. And frankly, they're lying about what they're doing."
     The local chapter of the Sierra Club is also requesting a contested case hearing.
     The eucalyptus trees growing above Pāhala were planted to be harvested for energy or making products from the wood. They are considered a potential fire hazard, if left unharvested.

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PUBLIC STATE BOARD APPLICANTS are wanted by the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. Qualified and dedicated volunteers are needed to fill current and upcoming vacancies on boards, commissions, and committees across the state.
     The governor makes appointments and nominations to more than 185 boards and commissions established by the State of Hawai‘i Constitution, state statutes, and executive orders. Boards and commissions provide Hawaiʻi's citizens with an opportunity to have a voice in their government and to influence decisions that shape the quality of life for Hawaiʻi residents.
     Existing and anticipated vacancies must be filled on a wide range of DCCA boards and commissions, including the Hawaiʻi Medical Board; Board of Nursing; Board of Veterinary Medicine; Real Estate Commission; Board of Electricians and Plumbers; and Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects. The DCCA, through its Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, is responsible for a total of 25 professional boards and commissions including the following, which may have existing or anticipated vacancies, are: Board of Public Accountancy, Board of Acupuncture, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Boxing Commission, Hawaiʻi Board of Chiropractic, Contractors License Board, Board of Dentistry, Board of Electricians & Plumbers, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects,
Board of Massage Therapy, Hawaiʻi Medical Board, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, Board of Nursing, Hawaiʻi Board of Optometry, Pest Control Board, Board of Pharmacy, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Private Detectives & Guards, Board of Psychology, Hawaiʻi Real Estate Commission, Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology, and Hawaiʻi Board of Veterinary Medicine.
     Applicants are also being sought for positions which are administered by DCCA's Insurance Division and Cable Television Division: Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund Board and Cable Advisory Committee.
     Those interested in becoming a member of a board, commission, or committee can apply for an appointment through the governor’s office. Volunteers may serve on one state board, commission, or committee at a time, and will require nomination by the governor and approval by the senate. Board member composition is statutorily mandated to include licensee members and public members who are private citizens not connected with the licensed industry.
     For a complete list of vacancies and information on boards, commissions and committees across the state, see boards.hawaii.gov. Questions? Contact Boards.Commissions@hawaii.gov.

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FRIENDS OF THE KAʻŪ LIBRARIES will be taking part in the Kauahaʻao Church Bazaar in Waiohinu on Saturday, Nov. 17, as a vendor. They will be selling books and rummage. Donations are welcome; call Sandy at 929-9244 and drop off at either Nāʻālehu Library or Pāhala Library. Volunteers at the bazaar booth are needed throughout the day; call Sandy to sign up. Set-up starts at 7 a.m., bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with cleanup to follow.
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HOLIDAYS AT KAHUKU, sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, is a craft fair at the Kahuku Unit of the Park on December 16, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Crafts, music, and hula will be featured.
     To qualify for a craft booth, all work should be handcrafted and made in Hawaiʻi. Vendors will provide their own 10'x10' tarp, tables, and chairs, and will be responsible for the cleanliness of their vendor area. Those interested in having a craft booth, contact Wendy Vance at 937-4506.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule through 2018
Girls Basketball:
Nov. 23 and 24, Fri. and Sat., Kaʻū Tourney
Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm

Boys Basketball:
Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Nov. 17, Sat., @Kealakeha, JV
Nov. 24, Sat., @Konawaena
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Nov. 17, Sat., JV @Waiakea
Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
VOLCANO FESTIVAL CHORUS will present its 25th annual Christmas concert A Gift of Love on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m., at KMC's Kīlauea Theater. The 25-member chorus is under the direction of Roch Jones, with accompaniment by Laura Kahale.  Also joining the chorus will be Cheryl Shine on flute.
     The chorus, started 1994 by renowned music director Camille Almy, is now sponsored by the Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. This the 25th concert that is presented as a gift to the Volcano community as a mahalo for all their support.
     This year's concert features both sacred and secular music. Many of the chorus' favorites are being performed. The Carols of Gathering by Joseph Martin will open the show and Christmas goes Baroque will close the show. The program includes a number of tunes with classical music themes and lots of variations on familiar Christmas carols. Popular carols O Holy Night, I Wonder as I Wander and a medley of In the Bleak Midwinter and Lo, How A Rose 'ere Blooming are also featured. There is a wide variety of music to enjoy, and an audience sing-along.
     "Please join us for an evening of holiday music in the cool air of Volcano," says the announcement. Admission is free; however, donations will be gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees may apply.

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KĪLAUEA DRAMA AND ENTERTAINMENT actors and their support team are excited be back in their Kīlauea Theater, home to present a "new" spin on an old classic A Christmas Carol Dec. 14 through 23.
     Combining the music of Gilbert & Sullivan and the classic Charles Dickens tale, the show features all the characters one usually meets in A Christmas Carol, with songs taken from all the various Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. With lyrics by Gayden Wren (inspired by W.S. Gilbert), familiar tunes such as Three Little Maids from School from The Mikado becomes Three Little Ghosts for ScroogeI am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General, from Pirates of Penzance becomes I am the Very Model of a Mystic Supernatural.  The finale is Hooray for Mr. Scrooge sung to HMS Pinafore's He is an Englishman. The rest of the show features at least one tune from each of The Gilbert & Sullivan operettas.
     Starring as Scrooge is Joel Kelley, who appeared in KDEN's MusicManKīlauea 1916Finian's Rainbow, and as Fagin in 2018's Oliver! Stephen Bond portrays Marley and Bob Cratchit. The Ghosts of Past, Present, and Future are played by Terry Sever, Joy Sever, and Arlene Araki, respectively. Travis Wood is Tiny Tim. Others in the ensemble portraying multiple roles are Murphy Bierman, Rayanna Fabiani, Karl and Mars Halemano, Dick Hershberger, Ariana Kelley, Jessica Owen Lawrence, Tom Meranda, and Mike Meyer. Ray Ryan is the Narrator. The cast is under the direction of Suzi Bond, with music direction by Armando Mendoza. Kanako Okita is the company's rehearsal accompanist.
     Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30pm. Tickets are $20 general, $15 seniors and students, and $12 for children under 12. Tickets go on sale December 1st at Kīlauea General Store, Keaʻau Natural Foods, Basically Books, and The Most Irresistible Shop in downtown Hilo. For more information or to make reservations call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees may apply.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
How to Grow Culinary Herbs, Tue., Nov. 13, 1pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Master Gardeners explain which herbs to buy, which to propagate, and how. Free seedlings provided while supplies last. Recommended for ages 10 and up. 939-2442

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour / Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Nov. 13, 4-6pm, 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

The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tue., Nov. 13, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic painting techniques. Enjoy sampling of several wines. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park, Buffalo Soldiers: Trailblazers of the National Parks, Tue., Nov. 13, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Rangers Elaine Boddie and Julieanne Fontana tell the story of the African American Soldiers who were instrumental in building and protecting many National Parks, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes in it's infancy. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Nov. 14, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Nov. 29, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. Call 333-3600 to schedule appointment. See Cooper Center June and August newsletters for details. thecoopercenter.org

Lā‘au Lapa‘au - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 14, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Local practitioner Momi Subiono uses herbs to help the Hawaiian community and aims to create renewed awareness, understanding, and use of plants for traditional healing. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Nov. 14 & 28, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wednesday of every month thereafter. Free. Pre-registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Yarn Scarecrow, Arts & Crafts Activity, Wed., Nov. 14, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For ages 5-12. Register through Nov. 7 to 13. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Nov. 15, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Nov. 15, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Family Reading, Thu., Nov. 15, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
PATCH Class #407, Extending Books I, Fri., Nov. 16, 8-11am, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me. Open to all. Childcare not provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #207, Social Guidance: Helping Infants and Toddlers Develop Positive Peer Interactions, Fri., Nov. 16, noon-3pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me. Open to all. Childcare not provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Collecting and Processing Seeds, Fri., Nov. 16, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Nov. 12. fhvnp.org

Exhibit: Christmas in the Country featuring the Annual Wreath Exhibition, daily, Nov. 16-Dec. 31, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Relay Races, Arts & Crafts Activity, Fri., Nov. 16, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, HOVE For ages 6-12. Register Nov. 7-14. Athletic shoes required. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ho‘onoua Anchialine Pond Volunteer Work Day & Marine Debris Survey at Kamilo, Sat., Nov. 17, contact in advance for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Seats full. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Art Affair, Sat., Nov. 17, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Local artists sell and display their creations. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Fundraising Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 17, 9-2pm, Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Wai‘ōhinu. Free entertainment and "flea market" attendance. Church will sell Kalua Pig plate lunch, containers of Kalua Pig, and Smoked Meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Potential vendors submit Vendor Application by Fri., Nov. 2. $10 booth fee suggested donation. Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups invited to vend. Debbie Wong Yuen, dwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com, 928-8039

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Nov. 17, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Inspired Figure Drawing Workshop w/Rose Adare, Sat., Nov. 17, 10-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Out of the box way of drawing a model and connecting. Variety of drawing techniques covered, including The Tornado, Pop & Lock Draw. $60/VAC member, $65/non-member, $10 model fee. See volcanoartcenter.org for supply list and to register. 967-8222

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Nov. 17, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Ha‘amauliola Aiona w/Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Public Charter School, Sat., Nov. 17, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcano
artcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Loke Kamanu and ‘Ohana, Sat., Nov. 17, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcano
artcenter.org

Multi-Cultural Demos and Activities: Learn a simple hula, Sat., Nov. 17, 12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian cultural demonstration and hands-on activity. Free, supplies provided. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Bunco & Potluck, Sat., Nov. 17, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18
People & Land of Kahuku, Sun., Nov. 18, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

ONGOING
Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Registration for Track & Field Practice open through Wed., Nov. 21, Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in H.O.V.E. Program for ages 6-14 to be held Dec. 3-Feb. 8. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

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