Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, December 16, 2018

The lights of Christmas in Nāʻālehu, with Miss Kaʻū Coffee Reishalyn Kekoa-Jara enjoying the sunset and the
holiday cheer from the community on curbside. See story and more photos, below. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

A FEDERAL HOLDING CAMP FOR TEENS SEEKING ASYLUM should be shut down, said Sen. Mazie Hirono on Saturday, standing with Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke and other members of a congressional delegation at Tornillo. They travelled to the Tornillo camp in the west Texas desert for a congressional oversight visit. See Hirono's interview here.
      After the visit, O'Rourke called for shutting down Tornillo. He said that 2,700 kids are kept inside the camp, originally opened for 360. Some have been there since summer. There are 1,300 kids ready to leave to live with sponsors who have already been identified. But these children remain at Tornillo each day because "this administration has deliberately prolonged the process of releasing them."
     He said the federal government spent $144 million to keep the kids housed in tents from June through November. O'Rourke said they are tents used for the aftermath of natural disasters, and owned by contractors. All the water and food are trucked in to the remote desert location. O'Rourke claimed the camp was placed there so the general public would not see it. "People are making a lot of money," he said. He contended that if the young people were placed with their parents or family members in the United states, it would cost the government a fraction of the money or "near zero."

Mazie Hirono, Beto O'Rourke, and other members of a congressional
delegation call for the shutdown of Tornillo camp, where teen 
boys seeking asylum are kept in Texas. Photo by Rudy Gutierrez

     He also reported that some undocumented family members of the young refugees came forward to offer to take care of them. Instead, their own names were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leading to arrest and deportation. See O'Rourke's summary of the visit to Tornillo.
     Hirono said that on Friday, she and other members of congress visited two family detention centers in Texas – Dilley and Karnes. She said that the Department of Human Services "watched us closely throughout our tour, but what we were able to see was disturbing. They are herding families who are fleeing unspeakable violence into these internment camps.
     "At the end of our visit to Dilley, we were able to speak with Patricia, who has been here with her daughter for six months – much longer than DHS is legally allowed to detain minors. They crossed the border fleeing gang violence in Honduras.
     "I asked Patricia what she hoped life in the US would hold for her and her daughter. She just smiled, and that said 'everything.' Remember Patricia and her smile. This administration will continue its cruel and inhumane treatment of these families, and we have to fight back."
     Sen. Jeff Markley Tweeted: "I just left the tent city at Tornillo. It is a child prison camp. They refused our request to speak with the children who are held there."
     Sen. Judy Chu tweeted, "We must #shutdowntornillo – this is a child prison. Children, no matter where they're from, should not be treated this way."

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.

Wikiwiki takes a Christmas ride in a jeep. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

A CHRISTMAS LIGHTING PARADE FOR NĀʻĀLEHU drew community groups and businesses last night to Hwy 11 at sunset. Miss Kaʻū Coffee, WikiWiki, and a group fighting addiction, were all part of the parade. It was organized by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association, which also hosts local rodeos and takes care of Nāʻālehu Rodeo Grounds. Spokesperson Tammy Kaapana said she hopes it will be an annual event and that riders on horseback will also become part of the Christmas parade.
     Participants and fans were treated to chili at Nāʻālehu Ballpark after the parade.
   

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.

B&E Propane sends a character down Hwy 11.
 Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

CONFLICT OVER CONTROL HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. SETTLED on Saturday when more than 300 Ranchos property owners voted in yesterday's election, returning three incumbents to three positions on the board of the non-profit Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corporation. In the past, a little over 200 votes are typically received, but yesterday an unprecedented 309 votes were cast on one issue.
     The three incumbents, whose terms had expired, were re-elected. Sterling Quier, the Vice President, and Board Member, Mike Gerbo, each received 90% of the votes, while the Secretary, Linda Somers, received 87% of the votes cast. A vote to add two new gates to beef up security for the subdivision drew 185 "Yes" votes and 124 "No" votes. The Board's proposed budget and 2019 Road Work Plan were both approved, with 259 votes and 260 votes respectively.
     Also on the ballot were six members who held their own unofficial election in July and proclaimed to be the "new board." They each received less than 12% of the vote. Yesterday's election supersedes the unofficial election.

Volcano Celebrate Recovery in Nāʻālehu Parade. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     The election was presided over by Nadine Ebert, the secretary of the non-profit volunteer support organization ‘O Kaʻū Kākoa in Pāhala. The ballots were either mailed to Ebert ahead of time, or presented at the meeting. Ebert and Somers together verified the validity of the votes and counted the votes. Ebert read the results.
     The measure to install two new gates drew the closest tally of votes, with about 60% of the voters favoring the addition of two new gates. The board will authorize a gate committee and a feasibility study, the meeting was told.

     President Phillis May, who ran the meeting, told the gathering of an estimated 80 members that the organization "never had such a high turnout."

Lights and people fill the street. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     Owners of 1,200 three-acre lots in Ocean View found themselves without funds when Bank of Hawaiʻi froze their accounts after a group claimed to be the "new board" and demanded to be given control of the funds. See Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, Dec. 15.
     On Dec. 2, a front page account by reporter Max Dible appeared in West Hawaiʻi Today under the headline Rough roads in Ranchos, subtitled Funds frozen as groups grapple for construction control. On Dec. 7, an op-ed piece ran, entitled Frozen bank account unfairly punishes Ranchos residents, by Annie Bosted.
     Many attendees at the meeting added their signatures to a petition to the bank asking for the accounts to be unfrozen. The petition now has 108 signatures, according to Bosted.

A symbolic Cinderella-style pumpkin carriage for Kaʻū Coffee court. 
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

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.

MAKAʻALA, A MALE ʻALALĀ RELEASED IN 2017, WAS FOUND DEAD on Thursday, Dec. 6, announced the ʻAlalā Project to Facebook on Friday. The endemic Hawaiian crow – one of only 21 living in the wild and all raised in captivity – was found in the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve. He was under a tree root covered by vegetation, with severe wounds to his body, according to a preliminary necropsy by San Diego Zoo Global's Disease Investigations Team. The wounds may have been due to a predatory attack, followed by scavenging.

Frosty comes to Nāʻālehu. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     Researchers with The ʻAlalā Project monitor the birds every day and track their location using radio transmitters. Makaʻala was last seen by staff on Dec. 5, and his radio transmitter emitted a weak signal on the morning of Dec. 6. Later that day, at 2:30 p.m., a mortality sensor on the radio transmitter was triggered, allowing staff to track the transmitter signal and find Makaʻala's body.

     Rachel Kingsley, Education and Outreach Specialist for The ʻAlalā Project, said, "There is always uncertainty regarding the outcomes of any reintroduction effort. Having mortalities occur is always a challenging outcome but can be expected and is an opportunity for us to learn some lessons about the threats to these birds. This is especially true for species like ‘Alalā, that have been in captivity for longer periods of time and have no experienced wild ʻAlalā to learn from during their development."

     Bryce Masuda, Program Manager from the San Diego Zoo Global's Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, said, "It's important that we have had such a successful conservation breeding program, because it gives us the flexibility to continue working and adapting our approaches in order to support a successful long-term recovery."

Bright lights adorn this Kaʻū Coffee Princess. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     A full necropsy is being performed to help learn any additional details about the cause of death. It is possible that there will not be a conclusion as to the species responsible for this incident. However, threats to ‘Alalā include introduced mammals like feral cats and mongoose, natural predators such as ‘Io, Hawaiʻi's only endemic Hawaiian hawk, and intra-group conflict with other released ‘Alalā.

     Introduced mammals such as feral cats, mongooses, and rats are known to be direct predators of ʻAlalā, and intensive predator control of introduced predators has been conducted at the release sites and across the landscape of the reserve since 2016. Predation by ʻIo or other native aerial predators is part of the natural life cycle of Hawaiian forest bird communities.

     Territoriality by other ʻAlalā may also have been a factor, as they have complex social lives. They form close bonds with some birds and defend their territories and resources from others. Alison Greggor, Postdoctoral Associate, San Diego Zoo Global, said "Like many animals, their defensive behavior can be aggressive, and can occasionally turn deadly."

     In 2017, 11 ʻAlalā were reintroduced into Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve, where they have been thriving. In September and October of this year, 10 more birds – split into two smaller groups – were released from a different location within the reserve.

Ka‘ū Valley Farms' lighted tractor. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     An earlier reintroduction attempt was halted in 2016 because of challenges posed by winter storms and predation on ʻAlalā by ʻIo. Since then, concerted reintroduction efforts, funded by the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, San Diego Zoo Global, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have addressed those challenges by revising the release strategy.

     Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, DLNR Wildlife Biologist and ‘Alalā Project Coordinator, said, "These changes have included changing the timing of release to avoid winter storms, changing the release site locations through a site ranking process, releasing a socialized group of both sexes, and enhancing the antipredator training program to teach the released birds how to better respond to predators like ʻIo."

     Although carefully designed measures were implemented to address potential threats to released birds, there are many factors involved that can affect success. Recovering the ʻAlalā in the wild will take many years and the ‘Alalā Project remains committed to a future where ʻAlalā fly freely among the forests of Hawaiʻi Island.
     For more on The ʻAlalā Project visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/alalaproject.

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.

Parade participants lined up their floats and vehicles at Nāʻālehu Community Park to remove lights and join onlookers for chili and rice in the Nāʻālehu Community Center after the parade. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEARS EVE is Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. However, Kīlauea Visitor Center, which opens daily at 9 a.m., will close at 2 p.m. both days.

     The Kahuku Unit will be closed on Thurs., Dec. 20. In addition, it will be closed Tues. Dec. 25, Mon., Dec. 31 and New Year's Day per its normal operating schedule. Kahuku is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

     Other than the Kahuku Unit, the rest of the park will be open for visitors on New Year's Day, according to a statement from the Park today.

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.

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ARTIST IN RESIDENCE program will host celebrated composer, educator, and data scientist Glenn McClure. The artist will present his work during a free lecture and concert at Kīlauea Visitor Center on Friday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m.

     Originally from rural upstate New York, McClure was influenced by a wide array of musical styles, including gospel, merengue, salsa, and choir. He studied music as a child and in college, and traveled the world as a professional composer. He currently teaches Music and Humanities at Paul Smiths College in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

     Speaking of his thirty-day residency, McClure said, "I will work with volcanologists, analyzing current data that describes the volcanoes, and listening to the music that emerges from the sonification process. Hiking through the park and other locations on Hawai‘i Island, and improvisation with local musicians, will generate impressions and sounds that I cannot predict. I look forward to hearing the voices of the island through its volcanoes, scientists, and musicians."

     During the residency, McClure will share his creative process through blogs, videos, and more at artforbrains.com, starting in late December.

Composer Glenn McClure, listening to the song of the ice.
Photo from NPS

     The park's Artist in Residence program is supported by the National Parks Arts Foundation, the National Park Service, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and other generous benefactors.
     McClure's music has enjoyed international acclaim in Germany, Italy, Mexico, Nicaragua, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond. In the U.S., his music has been featured at multiple concerts at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Orchestra Hall. National broadcasts of his music and artistic process include National Public Radio's All Things Considered and the CBS Christmas Special. As a scholar and educator, McClure received the Chancellors Award – the highest award given to adjunct lecturers by the State University of New York.

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.

KAʻŪ TROJANS HOSTED PĀHOA yesterday for Boys and Girls Basketball games. Girls Varsity wiped their opponents out, scoring 47 to Pāhoa's 15 points. Seven points were scored each by Kianie Mederios and Heidi Vidal.
     Boys Varsity had a close game, scoring 51 to Pāhoa's 55. Shesley Martinez scored 18 points during the game, and Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley scored 15.
     Boys JV was also victorious, taking Pāhoa down 58 to 23. Kealiʻikoa Reyes-Nalu scored 17 points during the game, and 16 points were scored by Keenan Torianio.

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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
     Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

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

NEW and UPCOMING

A COOKIE DECORATING PARTY TAKES PLACE AT NĀ‘ĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY on Thursday, Dec. 20, starting at 3 p.m. The event is free for all ages. For more, call Nā‘ālehu Public Library Branch Manager Sara Kamibayashi at 939-2442.

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.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed., Dec. 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19, 5-6pm, Ocean  View Community Center. Election of 2019 board. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Dec. 20, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Cookie Decorating Party, Thu., Dec. 20, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free for all ages. 939-2442

Family Reading Night, Thu., Dec. 20, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up w/Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Sciences, Fri., Dec. 21, Contact for meet up details. No seats available; BYO-4WD welcome to all current HWF volunteers. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22
Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Dec. 22, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

Kīlauea Crisis Support Group Meeting, Sat., Dec. 22, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Last Saturday, monthly. Sponsored by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Dec. 23, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

     Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
     The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, December 15, 2018

Keiki perform at the Hawaiian Winter Concert at Kaʻū Historic Gym last night. Festive costumes and live music
brightened up the night. See story and pictures, below. Photo by Julia Neal

AN ELECTRIC COMPANY RATE INCREASE of 3.4 percent, to begin late next year, is proposed to the state Public Utilities Commission by Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. The hike would increase the typical residential bill for 500 kilowatt-hours on Hawaiʻi Island by $8.21 per month, according to HELCO. The increase would earn HELCO an extra $13.4 million per year.
     A statement from HELCO released Friday says the extra income is needed to help pay for repairing damages from the Kīlauea eruption this year and to increase operations at power plants to offset loss of electricity generated by the Puna Geothermal Ventures plant that was covered, in part, by lava. PGV officials said they hope to reopen their geothermal plant, which accounted for some 30 percent of the electricity used by HELCO customers.

Lava approaching Puna Geothermal Venture in May. While the facility
escaped being entirely covered by lava, the facility remains closed.
USGS photo 

     According to HELCO, "Until the Kīlauea eruption shut down the Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) facility, Hawai‘i Island led the state in the use of renewable energy, increasing from 35 percent in 2010 to 63 percent in the first quarter of 2018. Even without PGV, Hawai‘i Electric Light continues to be a renewable energy leader, with wind, hydroelectricity and solar generating nearly half the island's electricity."
     HELCO stated, with the rate increase, it would upgrade the power grid to be able to receive more renewable energy, including more rooftop solar from the 12,000 customers that installed it.
     Grid modernization would include installing fault indicators to pinpoint outages faster and detect problems ahead of service interruption. HELCO would also trim and remove more invasive albizia trees. The statement said that recent trimming led to a 50 percent reduction in outages caused by vegetation during the last five years.
     HELCO also seeks to put the Waiau hydroelectric plant back online with repairs and upgrades that would double its capacity. The company would also upgrade, repair, and replace other equipment for more reliability, and would enhance its cybersecurity to keep the grid secure and customer information safe, according to the HELCO proposal.

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.

Ed Nesmith, one of three part-time employees on short hours due to the freezing of the bank accounts, drives the
tractor back to the office after trimming the grass of the sides of the Ranchos roads. Photo by Annie Bosted

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS PROPERTY OWNERS LOST CONTROL OF $210,000 IN BANK ACCOUNTS after six people, claiming to be the new Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. board, presented paperwork alleging they were duly elected, and asked the bank to turn over access to the money. To the surprise of the board serving since the last election, the bank froze the accounts rather than honoring the authorized signatures on file with the bank.
     Without access to operating funds, the non-profit Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. reduced most of the hours and delayed pay for its three part-time employees, and temporarily shut the office. The security gate sat unrepaired until volunteers stepped up to do the job. Funds are inaccessible until the bank unfreezes the accounts.
     According to Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. President, Phillis May, more than 85 property owners signed a petition to the bank, asking that the accounts be reopened to the signers that have been on record at the bank for terms ranging from one to five years.
     Hawaiian Ranchos is a large subdivision makai of the highway in Ocean View with 1,227 properties. All property owners are automatically members of HRRMC, tasked with maintaining about 50 miles of private paved roads, a security gate, and easements. Members elect a board of volunteers annually to run the corporation. The board appoints officers with signing powers on bank accounts.

Phillis May, President of Ranchos
Road Maintenance Corp.

     In recent years, a group of about a dozen members campaigned against the board by various means, including filing a law suit, circulating petitions, and demanding a special meeting, explained May, who was elected President in October 2017.
     Said May: "According to HRRMC's bylaws, a special meeting can be held if petitioned by 25 or more members in good standing. The board rejected as invalid the petition from this group for two reasons. Firstly, the petition did not meet the requirements of the bylaws, which are very clear. Secondly, by the reckoning of our secretary, Linda Sommers, the number of valid signatures did not amount to 25."
     She said those demanding the board change proceeded on their own and on June 6 announced a special meeting through a mailing to members. They used Ocean View Community Association's mailing address as the return address, and as the address to mail ballots. OVCA officers issued a press release to deny involvement in the notice of the meeting, the ballot, and the meeting site. Any ballots sent to the OVCA would be returned marked as undeliverable, OVCA announced.
     May said that the eight-page mailing, sent on June 6, anonymously asked HRRMC members to vote Yes or No on the question "Should the entire Hawaiian Ranchos Board of Directors be removed immediately?"
     "The HRRMC bylaws and Hawaiian law prescribe that corporate meetings can only be called by the appointed officers and the elected board," said May. "The board is given the authority to designate the date, time, place and the agenda. Our bylaws are very clear on that."
     The group seeking to replace the board met at a private home on July 21 without the approval of the elected board or a majority of the members of the organization, said May. May attended. "I told everyone there that the meeting was illegal. It was not apparent to me how the votes were received, or how they were handled or counted. They claim they got 114 votes to remove the board. I don't know how that number was arrived at."
     She said that during the unsanctioned meeting, the "usurpers" declared six members to be the "new board." They mailed green postcards to HRRMC members demanding that the existing HRRMC board and officers hand over the keys, records, and other assets to the "new board."

The Ranchos security gate remained unrepaired until volunteers stepped
up to fix it. Photo by Annie Bosted

     On Aug. 17, those claiming to be the new board demanded the bank recognize "new" account signers. Bank officials in Honolulu froze both HRRMC accounts, without consulting the board that was elected in October 2017, nor those whose names were on the existing signature cards, said May.
     May said the board first discovered the problem when checks were returned unpaid. She contacted the bank to discover the cause of the bounced checks and said that the bank could not tell her the reason. After persistent questioning, a bank employee admitted that the accounts were frozen.
     A month after the freeze was placed on the account, the bank sent a form letter addressed to four duly elected members of the board and the four who claimed to be the newly elected officers. All eight letters were mailed to HRRMC's mailing address. The letter informed the "individuals" that the bank account had been "frozen."
     The letter stated: "Due to conflicting demands raised, we cannot determine which person(s) are authorized to handle the Account and funds in question. We also do not believe it is appropriate for us to reach any legal conclusions based on the documentation which is being presented."
     May asserts some blame on the bank, saying that since it locked the account with no proof of a change in rightful access, its protocols are faulty.
     "The bank acted without due consideration and prematurely," commented May. "The bank has a signature card on file, and it never asked us to present 'documentation.' We were told it was decided by the Honolulu legal department, but we were given no way to contact anyone in Honolulu.
     "We have had to open another account at a second bank, where we were told that the bank would never have frozen an account under those circumstances. The bank said that they would have checked our listing at the Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
     "We entrusted the bank with our funds five years ago, and it has let us down. The bank is now forcing us to go to court and this could be expensive and time consuming," explained May, adding, "By causing us the cost of a court order, the bank is not recognizing the obvious fact that we are a democratically elected board. We got 94 percent of the vote in the October 2017 annual members' meeting. Only 12 votes were cast against the incumbents, the proposed budget and other board proposed measures."

Volunteers work on Ranchos gate,
as money for the work is frozen.
Photo by Matts Fokelvik

     May went on to point out, "It is ironic that although the usurpers claim to be the new board, six of them are on the ballot for our official upcoming election at the annual members' meeting. I see this as legitimizing our current board."
     Ranchos resident Annie Bosted told The Kaʻū Calendar that she, and other HRRMC members, were concerned that by requiring a court order, the bank was submitting the volunteer board to unnecessary stress and the organization to unnecessary expense.
     "We held an informal meeting of HRRMC members," explained Bosted. "We decided to directly request the bank to unfreeze the accounts with a petition stating the names of the duly elected officers that have signing powers. The petition was e-mailed to seven senior managers of the bank. They have refused to discuss the case, but at least we found out the names of those behind the decision, which the board was unable to do.
     "The bank's attitude is playing right into the hands of the would be usurpers," continued Bosted. "Per our bylaws and Hawaiʻi law, a duly elected board has control over a non-profit corporation's funds. We live in a democracy, but our bank is using its position as keeper of the funds to bully us into getting a court order, which is sure to be a stressful, drawn-out process for our volunteer board. We have liability insurance, but that won't cover this situation because the board has not been sued. The board has not been sued because it has done nothing wrong. So members pay.
     "Why is democracy not good enough? Banks should be on the side of law and order, not hell raisers," she added.
   

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.

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WILL BE UNDER A NEW SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. Ryan Zinke resigned yesterday. Sen. Mazie Hirono sent out this message: "During his tenure as Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke continuously demonstrated blatant disregard for science, conservation, and the federal workforce—all critical components of the Department. Like too many members of President Trump's cabinet who have faced numerous ethics scandals, I welcome Mr. Zinke's long-overdue resignation. 

When Rep. Colleen Hanabusa asked Zinke about funding for historic
preservation of Japanese American internment sites from WWII,
he replied, "Oh, Konichiwa." Photo from Resonate

     "I'm not holding my breath, but it is my hope that the President's nominee to replace Mr. Zinke will recognize the importance of protecting and conserving our public lands and act immediately to mitigate climate change for the benefit of the country instead of benefiting industry by extracting as much fossil fuel as possible."

     Zinke was also known for answering questions about preserving historical World War II Japanese internment sites. When Hawaiʻi's U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, of Japanese heritage, asked whether funding would continue to preserve the sites, he answered, "Oh, Konichiwa," (Good morning). The remark was considered an attempt to separate Hanabusa from other Americans. Hanabusa fired back: "Ohayo gozaimasu," (the polite form of Good morning) and Hirono called the Zinke remark "flippant and juvenile."

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.

VETERANS WILL TRAVEL THROUGH HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK TO KMC AT NO COST. Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald published a story last Sunday, reporting on veterans' concerns about new requirements to purchase passes to go through the park to Kīlauea Military Camp facilities. A story in this morning's Tribune Herald says the policy is rescinded and vets can reach KMC without park permits.

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.

JANUARY 2019 MARKS THE 10TH ANNUAL VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Read this week's Volcano Watch by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

     Launched in 2010 and held every year since, Volcano Awareness Month is one way that the USGS HVO promotes the importance of understanding the volcanoes on which we live. This past summer's volcanic activity on Kīlauea—collapses within the summit caldera and a destructive lava flow on the lower East Rift Zone—certainly underscore the need for that understanding. 

Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 summit collapse, shown here on July 28 (left), and the lower East Rift Zone fissure 8 lava flow,
shown here on July 2 (right), will be the focus of Volcano Awareness Month talks offered in January 2019. USGS photos

     Neither Kīlauea nor Mauna Loa is currently erupting, but we must not become complacent during periods of relative quiet. Both are active volcanoes, and both will erupt again—although exactly when and where are unknowns at this point.

     HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and will inform emergency managers and the public if any significant change is detected. 

     HVO also encourages island residents to do their part by learning all they can about the volcanoes in their "backyards" and staying informed about each volcano's status through HVO's website, volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo. There, you can find weekly updates, monitoring data, and geologic histories for Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, as well as photos, frequently asked questions, and more.

     As we have each year since 2010, HVO scientists and our colleagues at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will help the learning process by offering a series of informative and engaging volcano presentations during the month of January. The complete Volcano Awareness Month schedule, including the date, time, location, and brief description for each talk, is posted on HVO's website in the "HVO News" corner of the homepage.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist monitors Kīlauea 

Volcano's Lower East Rift Zone lava flow on June 25. USGS Photo

     For now, here's a quick rundown of the January 2019 schedule:

     The month begins with an After Dark in the Park program in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Tuesday, January 8. That evening, an HVO geologist will recount the progression of Kīlauea Volcano's dramatic lower East Rift Zone eruption this summer.

     Additional After Dark in the Park programs will be offered by USGS scientists the following two weeks: on Tuesday, January 15, a discussion of new insights gained from Kīlauea's 2018 eruption, and on Tuesday, January 22, a description of the collapse events within Kīlauea Volcano's summit caldera. Each of these Park programs starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. National Park entrance fees may apply.

     Given Kīlauea's unprecedented activity in May‒August 2018, HVO scientists will also present overviews of what happened this summer, both on the lower East Rift Zone and at the summit of the volcano. These presentations, each covering the same information, will be offered on three different dates at various locations around the island.

     On Thursday, January 10, the first overview will be held on the UH-Hilo main campus in the University Classroom Building Room 100 at 7:00 p.m. The next will be on Wednesday, January 16 in the Gates Performing Arts Center on the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy campus in Waimea, starting at 6:30 p.m. The third overview will be held on Thursday, January 17, in the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria in Kailua-Kona, also at 6:30 p.m. Details about these three overviews are provided in the information posted on HVO's website.

     Hilo's Lyman Museum will also host a volcano program in which a UHH/USGS geologist who helped monitor Kīlauea this summer will share his reflections and perspectives on the unfolding crises. His talk will be presented twice: on Monday, January 28, at 7 p.m., and on Tuesday, January 29, at 3 p.m. Admission is free to museum members; nonmembers pay a small fee. Details will soon be posted on the Lyman Museum website at lymanmuseum.org.

     The final 2019 Volcano Awareness Month presentation will be held on Thursday, January 31, in UCB Room 100 on the UH-Hilo main campus at 7 p.m. The director of UH-Hilo's Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Laboratory will describe the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) to monitor Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone lava flow and will share imagery that his team collected this summer.

     With two of the world's most active volcanoes on the Island of Hawaiʻi, volcano awareness shouldn’t be limited to a single month. But January 2019 will be a good time to start or continue your quest to better understand Hawaiian volcanoes. Hope to see you at our talks!

Aerial view of Kīlauea's summit on July 13, 2018; HVO and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Jaggar Museum are
visible on the caldera rim in foreground. Will be used with the January 22, 2019, After Dark in the Park program, 
What Happened at the Summit of Kīlauea, for Volcano Awareness Month. USGS Photo

Volcano Activity Updates

     Kīlauea is not erupting. Low rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas release have not changed significantly over the past week. Earthquakes continue to occur primarily at Kīlauea's summit area and south flank, with continued small aftershocks of the May 4, magnitude-6.9, quake. Seismicity remains low in the lower East Rift Zone.

     Hazardous conditions still exist at both the lower ERZ and summit. Residents in the lower Puna District and Kīlauea summit areas on the Island of Hawaiʻi should stay informed and heed Hawai‘i County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages.
     The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL. 

Kumu Debbie Ryder, Emcee Makana Kamahele,
Demetrius Oliviera, and Gene Beck back up the keiki
Christmas entertainment. Photo by Julia Neal

     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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

KAʻŪ HIGH AND PĀHALA ELEMENTARY'S HAWAIIAN WINTER CONCERT last night welcomed ʻohana to enjoy performances by keiki dressed in costumes both merry and bright. Emcee Makana Kamahele guided the evening's entertainment at Kaʻū Historic Gym. Kumu Debbie Ryder, Demetrius Oliviera, and Gene Beck backed up the keiki with live music.

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.

A CHRISTMAS LIGHTING PARADE in Nā‘ālehu takes place this evening, sponsored by Kaʻū Roping and Riding, starting at 6 p.m. The nighttime parade, with marching units, floats, trucks and ATVs, begins at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, travels along Highway 11, and ends at Nā‘ālehu Community Ball Park where chili and rice will be offered for free to all. Parade line-up starts at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to sign a waiver and meet at the school by 5 p.m. For more info or to sign-up, contact Tammy Ka‘apana at 929-8079.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:

Dec. 17, Mon., host PA, 6pm

Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm

Dec. 22, Sat., host JV Christian Liberty, 2pm

Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo, 6pm

Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm

Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau

Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals

Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Div. II Finals

Feb. 6-9, Wed.-Sat., HHSAA

Boys Basketball:

Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau

Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker

Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm

Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm

Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm

Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm

Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo, 6pm

Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm, Varisty

Jan. 28, Mon. host Kanu, 6pm, Varsity

Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals

Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals

Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA

Three little Santas at last night's Hawaiian Winter Concert.
Photo by Julia Neal

Wrestling:

Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha

Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau

Jan. 26, Sat., @HPA

Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo

Feb. 5, Sat., @BIIF @Keaʻau

Feb. 20-21, Thu.-Fri., HHSAA

Soccer:

Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea

Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA

Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe

Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo

Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau

Jan. 12, host Honokaʻa

Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani

Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona

Jan. 18, Fri., Boys host Pāhoa

Jan. 21, Mon., Girls BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals

Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala

Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals

Jan. 28, Mon., Boys BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals

Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals

Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA

Feb. 7-9, Thu.-Sat., Boys HHSAA

Swimming:

Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm

Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Finals @KCAC, 1pm

Feb. 8-9, Sat.-Sun., HHSAA

Feb. 9, Sat., Oʻahu

NEW and UPCOMING

VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS NEW STAINED GLASS OPEN STUDIO SESSIONS on Monday evenings, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at their Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

New Stained Glass Open Studio Sessions on Monday
evenings available at Volcano Art Center.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     Studio drop-ins are available for artists with some experience in Copper Foil Stained Glass who wish to use the equipment, hand tools and facilities independently. There will be a resource person for project help and questions. Fees are $10 per session or $40 for four sessions which includes a grinder bit. All other materials and supplies are not included in the fee.
     If special project help is required, notify Volcano Art Center prior to Open Studio. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Holidays @ Kahuku, Sun., Dec.16, 12-3pm, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Music and hula by Russell Mauga, Kīpapa, Lori Lei Shirakawa's Hula Studio. Crafts, food booths, shave ice, coffee truck. Free. Sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed., Dec. 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19, 5-6pm, Ocean  View Community Center. Election of 2019 board. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Dec. 20, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Cookie Decorating Party, Thu., Dec. 20, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free for all ages. 939-2442

Family Reading Night, Thu., Dec. 20, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up w/Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Sciences, Fri., Dec. 21, Contact for meet up details. No seats available; BYO-4WD welcome to all current HWF volunteers. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Dec. 22, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

Kīlauea Crisis Support Group Meeting, Sat., Dec. 22, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Last Saturday, monthly. Sponsored by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 
     Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
     The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

     Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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.