The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, March 28, 2019

Smoke from a house fire on Tuesday afternoon darkened a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.
Kaʻū Calendar News photo

A HOUSE FIRE IN NĀʻĀLEHU brought many responders, including a helicopter, to fight the flames on Tuesday afternoon. Smoke was seen from far away during the event.

Hawaiʻi Fire Department's Captain K. Brown reported 13 HFD and five volunteer firefighters responded to the fire, in a total of ten vehicles. This included a helicopter, a medical unit, a tanker, and four fire engines.

An HFD helicopter was in on the action Tuesday afternoon.

Kaʻū Calendar News photo

At 2:47 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, a fire was reported at a 1,475 square foot dwelling at 94-5755 Au Moku Place in Nāʻālehu. The first official responder arrived at 2:56 p.m. to find flames visible over half the structure, and the roof caved in that area. No one was in the home. Volunteers from the subdivision were on scene first and confirmed the fire was spreading quickly in the home. Firefighters focused on control of spread of the flames as they were concerned about another home less than 20 feet from the fire.

The fire was under control by 3:13 p.m., and put out in just under two hours. No occupants at were in either house, and no injuries to firefighters were reported.

Owner of record is Mike Brorby. Estimated loss is $221,250.

Said Brown, "Due to the remote location of the subdivision and far distance from any fire stations, the HFD volunteers were key in saving the adjoining home from no more than superficial damage.

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BAY CLINIC CEO HAROLD WALLACE WILL STEP DOWN, effective April 30. Wallace presided over an active phase of growth and development at Bay Clinic, and built a strong team that will continue to drive the business forward, says a statement from Bay Clinic.

Alan Okinaka, Board Chair, said, "The Board thanks Harold for his leadership, service, and commitment to Bay Clinic for almost seven years and wishes him the best in his future endeavors."

Harold Wallace will step down as CEO at the end of April.
Photo from Bay Clinic

Wallace joined Bay Clinic in June, 2012. At the time, Bay Clinic owned one of its clinic facilities, had a total of 18,314 patients, 154 staff, and $13 million in annual operating revenue. Today, the company owns three buildings and a dual-use state-of-the-art Mobile Health Unit, has a total of 21,196 patients, 176 staff, annual operating revenue of $18 million, and will open its first 340B in-house pharmacy on April 3. Wallace led Bay Clinic to become one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in the state, with a strong foundation for future growth, says the statement.

The Board of Directors appointed Youlsau Bells to serve as Interim CEO. Bells, currently Bay Clinic’s Chief Operating Officer, has played a key role in the evolution of the company over the past eight years. Alan Okinaka, Board Chair commented, "The Board has full confidence in Youlsau and the Bay Clinic team to continue to build on the successes of the company. Youlsau joined Bay Clinic in 2011, leading our corporate development team prior to becoming the COO last year. She will provide leadership continuity to our staff, partners and key stakeholders as we continue to execute our strategic initiatives."

As interim CEO, Bells will oversee the company's operations until a new CEO is appointed. As COO, Bells is responsible for day-to-day operations and execution of the company's strategic plans. Prior to this role, Bells was responsible for leading Bay Clinic's philanthropic and marketing campaigns. Bells will retain her responsibilities as COO during the interim period.

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FIRE ANTS AWARENESS COMMUNITY MEETING happens at Discovery Harbour Community Hall Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Big Island Invasive Species Committee, sponsored by Hawaiʻi Tourism and Change Happens Foundation, will cover how to combat LFA, including how biology and behavior affects treatment, how to distinguish between products, how to use products most effectively, and how to work with neighbors for long-term control and prevention. BIISC will also cover how to receive a free demo day with pesticide application for a neighborhood. Franny Kinslow Brewer, 933-3340, biisc@hawaii.edu

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Helena Nihipali Sesson,

Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant.

Photos from Trini Marques

MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE COURT will sport nine contestants during the pageant on Saturday, April 27 at Kaʻū District Gym, beginning at 6 p.m. Meet the candidates on Friday, April 26 at the kickoff open house for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival at Pāhala Plantation House, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainment will include Bolo and hula dancer Sami Fo.

Bernadette Ladia,

Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant.

Contenders for Miss Kaʻū Coffee are:

Helena Nihipali Sesson of Pāhala, age 17, daughter of Guy Sesson and Sherriane Nihipali-Sesson. A senior at Kaʻū High, she wants to become a police officer.

Bernadette Ladia of Pāhala, age 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Aurelio. A junior at Kaʻū High, she wants to join the military.

Kaitlyn Alaon,

Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant.

Kaitlyn Alaon of Pāhala, age 15, daughter of Antonia Alaoan. A sophomore at Kaʻū High, she wants to become a neonatal nurse.

Vying for Miss Kaʻū Coffee Peaberry are:

Lilianna Marques,

Peaberry contestant.

Lilianna Marques of Pāhala, age 6, daughter of Shawn Marques and Kuʻulei Marques. In first grade at Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a graphics artist.

Evalyn Bedsaul of Ocean View, age 9, daughter of Robin Maggard and Edward Bedsaul. Attending Nāʻālehu Elementary, she wants to become a pediatrician.

Evalyn Bedsaul,

Peaberry contestant.

Helen Miranda of Kiolokaʻa, age 10, daughter of Roberto and Maria Miranda. Attending Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a lawyer.

Kendall Haddock of Kiolokaʻa, age 9, daughter of James and Erin Haddock. Attending Nāʻālehu Elementary, she wants to become a science teacher.

Helen Miranda,

Peaberry contestant.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower contestants are:

Kysha Kaupu Manini of Pāhala, age 4, daughter of Sasha Kaupu and Kai Manini. Not yet in school, she wants to become a cosmetologist.

Adilyn Aetonu of Pāhala, age 5, daughter of Fresno and Ashley Eder. Pre-K at Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a fashion designer.

There are no Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee contenders this year; Cristina Kawewehi holds crown.

Kendall Haddock,

Peaberry contestant.

Tickets, sold by contestants and their families, are $10 each for anyone from 12 to 55; $5 for children 5-11 and senior citizens 55-older.

Pageant Director Trini Marques promises an evening of beauty, talent, poise, confidence, prizes, food, and entertainment.

Kysha Kaupa Manini,

Flower contestant.

Sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative and Kaʻū Coffee Fest.

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Adilyn Aetonu,

Flower contestant.

TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL hosted the Cowboys in a four-set game Wednesday, March 27. Kaʻū played hard, winning one set 25-19. Kohala won the other three, 25-12, 25-20, and 25-19. Come out to support the Trojans at home games; schedule below.

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

See public 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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Sat., March 30, 1 p.m., @Konawaena

Tue., April 2, 3 p.m., @HPA

Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., April 13, 3 p.m., @Kamehameha

Softball:

Sat., March 30, 11 a.m., @Konawaena

Wed., April 3, host Waiakea

Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe

Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals

Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals

Boys Volleyball:

Fri., March 29, 6 p.m., @HPA

Wed., April 3, 6 p.m., host Ehunui

Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity

Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea

Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., @Keaʻau

Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa

Track:

Sat., March 30, 3 p.m., @Keaʻau

Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 13, 9 a.m., @HPA

JUST ANNOUNCED

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, April 8. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Pāhala Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 5 p.m., activity room at Kaʻū District Gym.

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UPCOMING
FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Final Day to Apply for Preschool Opens Doors, Friday, March 29. For families seeking aid paying for preschool, for preschool participation July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. patchhawaii.org, 800-746-5620

My Hawaiʻi Story Project 2019 submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29. The creative writing contest is open to all Hawaiʻi sixth to eighth grade students. They are invited to submit their best story or poem that addresses the theme He ‘a‘ali‘i kū makani au: Resilience in the Face of Change, which aligns with the theme of the 2019 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference, which will be held in July in Honolulu. Only one entry per student will be accepted. All entries must be submitted electronically. Contact myhawaiistory@gmail.com with questions.

Ke Aliʻi Maka ʻĀinana – The Prince of the People – celebrates Prince Kūhiō on Friday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kuhuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Coffee Talk. Find out: What is Kūhiō Day and why is it a state holiday? In respect to his memory and his accomplishments, Auntie Jessie Ke, a revered kupuna of Ka ͑ ū, will talk about the Prince, his legacy, the Hawaiian Civic Club movement, and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka ͑ ū. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. Entrance located just south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11. Free. nps.gov/havo

PONC Fund Public Mtg., Friday, March 29, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Email Charter Commission your thoughts: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov. More about 2% fund at debbiehecht.com/2019/01/15/2-land-fund-program-at-the-charter-commission-as-of-january-142019/ or email Debbie Hecht, hecht.deb@gmail.com

Little Fire Ants Community Mtg., Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community meeting to teach about the ant, how to survey, and if found, how to treat properly to ensure eradication. Franny Kinslow Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, 933-3340, biisc@hawaii.edu

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Count Humpback Whales – Final 2019 Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. to noon, Ka‘ū locations: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document animals' surface behavior during survey, providing valuable data to NOAA. Register at oceancount.org; registration closes one week prior to event. Free.

Landscaping with Native Hawaiian Plants with Zach Mermel, Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Exhibit - Ancient Hula: Through the Lens of Dino Morrow, daily, March 30-May 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Reception on Saturday, March 30, 5p.m. Morrow is a documentary and portrait photographer specializing in imagery of local cultures. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Classic Car and Bike Show, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Fun, food, music, and open house. Pre-registration of vehicles strongly recommended. Sponsored by Ocean View Community Association. Show prizes provided by Dune Buggy Concessions and OVCA. Raffle prizes provided by local merchants and individuals. Dennis, 831-234-7143, or Ron, 217-7982

Beginner and Intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. Learn safe studio practices, encaustic painting basics, step-by-step. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, APRIL 1
Scholarship Application Deadlines for American Association of University Women-Kona, Three $2,000 awards for college-bound high school students: Monday, April 1. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.com

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, April 1, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Finger Puppetry, Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register through April 1. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
Hula Voices with Kumu Kini Ka‘awa, Wednesday, April 3, 1st Wednesday monthly, 5:30 p.m – 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4
Women's Support Group, Thursday, April 4, 1st Thursday monthly, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily, Saturday, March 30 through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10. Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

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Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Speed limits reduce to 25 mph in temporary bridge zones at Hīlea and Nīnole near Punaluʻu. Photo by Julia Neal

TEMPORARY TWO-LANE BYPASS BRIDGES are open along Hwy 11 between Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Kāwā. The two-lane crossings will serve traffic for about eight months until new wider, longer, stronger bridges replace old ones over Nīnole and Hīlea streams.
The state Department of Transportation is funding the construction. Contractor for the new bridges is Hawaiian Dredging, which will also remove the vintage timber bridges, each more than 40 years of age.

Nīnole bridge, near Punaluʻu, will be replaced. DOT photo

The bridge builders warn that speed limits step down as traffic approaches the temporary bridges, dropping to 25 mph through the crossings. They caution drivers to watch for new signs posted with speed limits. Electric signs are staged for night travel. They advise drivers to slow down.
For more detail on the old and new bridges, see Oct 13, 2018 , Kaʻū News Briefs.

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A COUNTY CHARTER PUBLIC MEETING IN KAʻŪ on Friday, March 29, starting at 5 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center will give Kaʻū residents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to publicly voice their opinions on proposed changes to the county's governing document, the County Charter. Members of the public wishing to testify must sign up first. Kaʻū's County Charter commissioner is rancher Michelle Galimba.

The volunteer charter commissioners will hold the meeting to garner public opinion on proposed charter amendments and are open to public suggestions for new amendments.

Perhaps the most hotly contested amendments will be CA-9 and CA-18, which relate to how the two percent land fund is administered and how the county's open space lands are maintained.

Former PONC Property Management Technician, Alexandra Kelepolo,

observes one of the many pictographs preserved for posterity when PONC

acquired 3,200 acres of coastal lands in Kaʻū. Kelepolo resigned her position

at the County Dept. of Finance in January of 2017. Since then, the acquisition

of lands for conservation by PONC has slowed. PONC supporters propose

funding a position for a full-time employee. Photo by Annie Bosted

The two percent land fund has been supported by county voters three times, in 2006, 2010, and 2012. By order of the majority of voters, two percent of all property taxes collected by the county are allocated to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission for buying land that should be preserved as a public resource.

In Kaʻū, PONC has a 2,200-acre property in Waikapuna, south of Nāʻālehu, in escrow. When that closes, this strategic stretch of coastline and related archaeology will be preserved as open space in perpetuity.

Since Harry Kim became mayor, the county acquisition of properties has slowed significantly. As a result, monies have been accumulating in the fund, which the Mayor proposed to appropriate to cover other expenses.

Supporters of PONC want to strengthen and streamline the land acquisition process. They are advocating that a member of the Finance Department staff should be assigned to work full-time on PONC projects, and that his or her salary should be paid from the two percent land fund.

Debbie Ward, chair of Sierra Club's Hawaiʻi Island group, and a PONC supporter, told The Kaʻū Calendar that "a dedicated staff person can apply to other state and federal agencies for grants and bring money into the county.

A view of some of the coast preserved for public use by PONC in 2016. The

3,200-acre property is located makai of Ocean View, and can be accessed by

the notorious Road to the Sea. The beaches are used for nests by the

endangered Hawksbill turtles. The numerous archaeological features include

a plethora of pictographs, shell middens, grinding rocks, and countless

signs of pre-contact habitation. In the distance, white county

vehicles can be seen. Photo by Annie Bosted

"For example, in 2016 the county acquired a stretch of coastal land in Kaʻū that was worth $2.6 million by spending only $764,745. How did they do it? By securing matching funds. The Department of Fish and Wildlife kicked in $1,214,000 and the state's Legacy Land Grant program gave us 621,245. Buying land is all about opportunities.

"When a highly desirable property comes up for sale, we need somebody to jump on it, apply for the grants and close the deal. If the post is unmanned, we are all losing out on matching grants, prime real estate and conservation opportunities.

"The high balance in the account proves that it is not being managed. PONC has a wish list of about 180 properties to save for public access, of which 27 are in Kaʻū. We must have a full-time property management staff member in this job to make it work to the advantage of the public," said Ward.

CA-18 was proposed by Commissioner Sally Rice as another way to improve the maintenance of the county's public lands – a task mostly covered by volunteers and members of non-profit organizations who donate their time, but need funds for materials and supplies.

"The fund already buys tools," explained Ward, "but CA-18 expands the kinds of things that the land fund will pay for, such as portable or composting toilets, walkways, handicap access, outbuildings, storage sheds and such. The non-profits need to have full support of the county to be effective.

Debbie Ward, a staunch supporter of PONC.

Photo by Annie Bosted

"For example, some volunteers in Waipio Valley needed to use a chipper that the land fund purchased, but the county said they could not use it as it was being saved for another project. We need to improve the way the land fund is run. Ideally, the Finance Department staff member could manage the distribution of PONC maintenance funds," she added.

Aside from PONC issues, the public can testify on other amendments.

CA-17 would create a fund for disasters and emergencies. If approved by voters, it would mandate that one percent of the county's property taxes goes into an emergency fund so that the county has funds on hand and can respond to a disaster.

CA-8 would give elected County Council members longer, four-year terms, avoiding elections every two years. Former Kaʻū Council member Brenda Ford testified before the Charter Commission that she is opposed to CA-8. She told the commission that when she was on the council she worked with good and hard-working council members, and also lazy ones. She said that voters need to be able to get rid of the lazy ones promptly. Constituents know when their representatives are doing a good job and when not, she pointed out. CA-8 calls for council members to serve up to two four-year terms instead of four two-year terms.

CA-12 would allow the County Council to suspend a member who behaves in a "disorderly or contemptuous manner."

Other amendments relate to the fire department, council meetings, name changes and other "housekeeping" items.

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.

KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S STATUS HAS BEEN LOWERED as of Tuesday, March 26 reports U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory. Kīlauea is at NORMAL level for ground-based hazards and Aviation Code GREEN. This means the volcano is at a non-eruptive, background state. Kīlauea had been at ADVISORY level for ground-based hazards and Aviation Code YELLOW since October, 2018. For definitions of USGS Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html
Reports HVO: Kīlauea Volcano is quiet. Monitoring data over the past eight months have shown relatively low rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas emission at the summit and East Rift Zone, including the area of the 2018 eruption. Despite this change, some hazardous conditions remain and are described below. Kīlauea remains an active volcano, and it will erupt again. Although we expect clear signs prior to a return to eruption, the time frame of warning may be short. Island of Hawaiʻi residents should be familiar with the long-term hazard map for Kīlauea Volcano and how to stay informed about Kīlauea activity.

HVO map

     No significant change in monitoring data or volcanic activity occurred at Kīlauea this week. Low rates of seismicity continue across the volcano, with earthquakes occurring primarily in the summit and south flank regions. GPS stations and tiltmeters continue to show motions consistent with refilling of the deep East Rift Zone magma reservoir. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the summit and from Puʻu ʻŌʻō remain low. These rates have been steady over the past several weeks.
     A GPS station on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō shows steady slumping of the craters edge. This motion is not directly related to magmatic activity, but is interpreted to be sliding of the unstable edge of Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone. Small collapses at Puʻu ʻŌʻō have occurred since the eruption due to instability.
     Hazards remain in the lower East Rift Zone eruption area and at Kīlauea summit. Residents and visitors near the 2018 fissures, lava flows, and summit collapse area should heed Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and National Park warnings. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense advises that lava flows and features created by the 2018 eruption are primarily on private property and persons are asked to be respectful and not enter or park on private property.
     The HVO continues to closely monitor seismicity, deformation, and gas emissions for any sign of increased activity. HVO maintains visual surveillance of the volcano with web cameras and occasional field visits. HVO will continue to issue a weekly update every Tuesday until further notice, and will issue additional messages as warranted by changing activity.

See the lava flow hazard map for Hawaiʻi Island at pubs.usgs.gov/mf/1992/2193/.

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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Thu., March 28, 3 p.m., @Kohala

Sat., March 30, 1 p.m., @Konawaena

Tue., April 2, 3 p.m., @HPA

Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., April 13, 3 p.m., @ Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals

Softball:

Sat., March 30, 11 a.m., @Konawaena

Wed., April 3, host Waiakea

Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe

Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals

Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals

Boys Volleyball:

Fri., March 29, 6 p.m., @HPA

Wed., April 3, 6 p.m., host Ehunui

Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity

Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea

Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., @Keaʻau

Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa

Track:

Sat., March 30, 3 p.m., @Keaʻau

Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 13, 9 a.m., @HPA

JUST ANNOUNCED

Skateboard Movie Night, Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, April 6, 1st Saturday monthly, 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, April 7, 1st Sunday monthly, noon – 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

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UPCOMING
THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Thursday, March 28, Council, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, March 28, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, March 28, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Hawaiian Language Classes with Kaliko Trapp, starting Thursday, March 28, Level 1: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Level 2: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Level 3: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. 8-week sessions. Level 1 - focus on simple vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and sentence structure. Level 2 - expand these. Level 3 - Some Hawaiian language experience preferred. $80/VAC member, $90/non-member. Workbook required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

PONC Fund Public Mtg., Friday, March 29, 6 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Email Charter Commission your thoughts: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov. More about 2% fund at debbiehecht.com/2019/01/15/2-land-fund-program-at-the-charter-commission-as-of-january-142019/ or email Debbie Hecht, hecht.deb@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, April 1, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

ONGOING

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10. Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

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About The Kaʻū Calendar

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, March 28, 2019

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, March 27, 2019