Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013

The 2013 Volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park were honored at a luncheon this week.
NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

AT A LUNCHEON HONORING HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK volunteers Thursday, park superintendent Cindy Orlando praised the 1,193 people who worked 46,757 hours in fiscal year 2013 – which equals about $1,035,200.00 in donations. Varied duties for the volunteers included working in museum collections and archives, monitoring backcountry, visitor service, native forest restoration, trail maintenance, endangered species projects and much more. 

      “Volunteers not only enrich the visitor experience, but also the lives of our employees,” said Orlando. “They help us with every imaginable task, and we are indebted to their service.”
      Citizens interested in volunteering at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park can see volunteer.gov or contact Kupono McDaniel at 985-6015 or kupono_mcdaniel@nps.gov.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KAU’S U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD HIGHLIGHTED Hawai`i’s unique role in supporting relief and recovery efforts in the Philippines in a speech to the House of Representatives. 

      “In the wake of such a horrible tragedy, the positive that we can find is the outpouring of compassion, support and – most importantly – aloha, from my state toward the people in the Philippines,” Gabbard said. “The Hawai`i Air National Guard is working with the U.S. Pacific Command as we speak, which is based in Hawai`i, as collectively they provide unparalleled air, maritime and ground support to the aid efforts of the Philippines authorities.
      “I continue to pray for all those who have lost homes, family and friends and encourage all who are able to contribute in any way possible in this recovery effort.”
      American Red Cross is accepting donations at redcross.org.
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INTRASTATE CARGO SHIPMENTS INCREASED 5.2 percent from July through September of 2013 when compared to the same period of 2012, announced Young Brothers, Limited. This increase follows a 4.4-percent rise in cargo during the second quarter.
      Young Brothers president Glenn Hong and his lieutenants held their annual corporate planning retreat earlier this year in Pahala.
      “We believe this is another indicator that the broader local economy is continuing to gain strength, and we’re hopeful it’s the beginning of a trend that will sustain itself,” Hong said. “We still have some ground to make up to get back to levels seen six and seven years ago.” When compared to the peak-volume year of 2007, Young Brothers’ 2013 volume is still down approximately 20 percent.
      During the third quarter of 2013, cargo shipments increased on Hawai`i Island. Hilo climbed 4.2 percent and Kawaihae, 6.0 percent.

      Most industry segments finished the quarter with positive comparisons. Increases occurred in shipments of construction materials; renewable energy, including biofuels; automobile rental fleets; beverages and the entertainment industry, which includes tourism-related shippers.
       According to the Young Brothers Quarterly Report, overall volume for the first nine months of the year is up 1.8 percent compared to the first nine months of 2012.
      On Hawai`i Island, Hilo’s increase in volume for the first nine months of the year was 1.7 percent. Volume at Kawaihae, down slightly for the year, fell 3.4 percent.
      In the third quarter of 2013, agricultural cargo volume statewide increased by 5.3 percent over the year-ago quarter, continuing a trend of positive quarterly comparisons. For the first nine months of 2013, agricultural volume rose 5.8 percent.
      Ag exports from Hawai`i Island during the third quarter 2013 were up 11.8 percent at Kawaihae and 7.2 percent at Hilo. During the first nine months, agricultural exports from Hilo rose 6.5 percent. Agricultural cargo from Kawaihae dropped 8.5 percent.
      Agricultural volume includes only cargo that qualifies for the company’s island product discount of 30 to 35 percent, which applies to locally grown agricultural products.
      For more information, visit youngbrothershawaii.com.
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THE KA`U SCENIC BYWAY MANAGEMENT PLAN is now available for public comment at Na`alehu and Pahala libraries and Ocean View Community Association office. “This is an opportunity for residents to read the Byway Committee’s ideas for making our highway a more interesting and pleasant drive,” said committee member Marge Ewell. 

      Space is available in the documents for comments and suggestions.
      For more information, call Elwell at 929-7236.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I HEALTH CONNECTOR HAS ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT of Tom Matsuda, current Affordable Care Act implementation manager with the governor’s office, as interim executive director. He begins his new role Dec. 9.
      Coral Andrews has resigned as the nonprofit’s executive director, effective Dec. 6.
      A search for a permanent executive director by the board of directors is now under way, and Andrews is assisting the board with the transition to the interim executive director.

Coral Andrews

      “I am honored to have been a part of implementing part of the Affordable Care Act for the people of Hawai`i,” Andrews said. “The Hawai`i Health Connector has some of the most dedicated people I have ever had the honor of working with. Hawai`i is in good hands with this talented group as they continue the mission of delivering access to health care for all Hawai`i residents.”


      “On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank Coral for her service to the Hawai`i Health Connector during a critical time and against a very challenging backdrop,” said board chairwoman Sherry Menor-McNamara. “Coral played a key role in building the Hawai`i Health Connector, securing funding and building a network of public and private stakeholders throughout the state. During all that work, she never lost sight of our vision – the Hawai`i Health Connector is of Hawai`i and for Hawai`i.”
      Hawai`i Health Connector is the state’s online health insurance marketplace.
      For more information, see HawaiiHealthConnector.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

YOUTH BASKETBALL TEAMS FROM KA`U are invited to compete in the 33rd annual Winter Basketball Classic to be held Dec. 26 through Dec. 29 at Hilo-area gymnasiums.
       Each participating team must submit a completed registration packet by Friday, Dec. 6, to the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Recreation Office located at 799 Pi`ilani Street in Hilo. Registration packets are available at the office and online at hawaiicounty.gov/parks-and-recreation.
      Registration fees are $60 per team for those enrolling in the mixed-gender division for players up to 8 years old and $80 per team for the other age-group divisions. Make checks payable to Winter Basketball Classic.
      Co-sponsored by Hawai`i Police Department’s Hawai`i Police Activities League, or HI-PAL and Hawai`i County Department of Parks and Recreation, the basketball tournament is open to boys and girls 5 to 14 years old.
      The Kevin Kai`ea Pavel Skills Challenge and dinner banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Championship games will be played Sunday, Dec. 29, at the auditorium.
      For more information, call Officer Joseph Botelho, Jr. at 961-8121 or Darrell Yamamoto of the Department of Parks and Recreation at 961-8735.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ST. JUDE’S CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW hosts an interfaith service of thanksgiving tomorrow at 2 p.m. with speakers from the Christian Science church, the Tibetan Buddhist Mission, Wood Valley and Shepherds from Ka`u. All are welcome to share in this nondenominational service and bring some food to share.

Karen Kaufman signed up new Volcano Art Center members at the
opening of Christmas in the Country yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY CONTINUES TODAY AND TOMORROW at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

      Volcano Art Center has launched a campaign for membership and funding for new programs at its Ni`aulani Campus after suffering loss of income in the recent federal government shutdown. The goal is to top $100,000. Memberships are available at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village or by calling 967-8222.

      All activities and demonstrations at Christmas in the Country are free of charge; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-7565.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS on Mamalahoa Hwy in Na`alehu hosts a Creche Festival for the entire community a week from today on Saturday, Nov. 30 from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 1 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
      For more information, call 339-7402.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013

Old waterways are being found and restored by the Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District, with help from the state of Hawa`i'i
and local state legislators. Archival photo from Olson Trust Collection.

MAC FARMS OF HAWA`I, with most of its workers coming from Ka`u, is cooperating with the federal government to protect immigrant farm workers from overcrowding in housing and other substandard working conditions. Mac Farms, with its macadamia orchards at Kapua near the Ka`u and Kona District boundary, is expected to file a consent decree in U.S. District Court by Dec. 9 to establish more accountability in following anti-discrimination and other labor laws. During a news conference earlier this week, federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regional attorney Anna Y. Park said that farm owners must be involved in the enforcement of labor laws and cannot leave it up to labor contractors.

Mac Farms grows macadamia on the Ka`u border with Kona
at Kapua. Photo from www.macfarms.com

     Mac Farms hired laborers from Global Horizons, an international labor contractor, between 2003 and 2006. The company, along with Captain Cook Coffee Co. Ltd., Del Monte Fresh Produce, Kaua`i Coffee Co., Kelena Farms and Maui Pineapple Farms are being held accountable for Global Horizons’ treatment of the laborers, most of them from Thailand. Global was charged with overcrowding workers in substandard housing, low pay, insufficient food, deportation threat and other abuses. The EEOC included the farm owners in its complaints.
     While Mac Farms, like Del Monte, is expected to settle the case with the EEOC, Global Horizons and Maui Pineapple are taking the case to trial next year.
     Del Monte came up with its settlement this week and will pay $1.2 million, which will be distributed approximately 150 workers. The federal attorney applauded Del Monte for “being the first to come forward and show leadership in addressing discrimination issued in the agricultural industry, which as a whole, has been slow to enforce anti-discrimination laws. We hope this is a wake-up call for others in the agricultural industry to follow Del Monte Fresh Produce’s lead in recognizing signs of potential abuses by farm labor contractors and taking proactive steps to hold them accountable,” Park said. 

Mac Farms is working with the federal government to protect
farmworkers at its orchards. Photo from www.macfarms.com

    The agreement includes implementing the following: ensure that farm labor contractors provide policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination to the local and guest workforce in languages they understand; notify workers of their rights under the Civil Rights Act of 1964; tell workers how they can summit discrimination complaints; audit the procedures and designate someone to oversee compliance; train managers, supervisors and employees in the civil rights laws for workers; and make reports to the EEOC.

To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT members met yesterday and discussed smaller water management entities each coming up with voting procedures for water users and land owners. John Cross suggested that each group of users from Kapapala, through Wood Valley, Keaiwa, Mountain House, Mo`aula to Ha`o decide whether they want voting to be one vote for each water user, by the amount of water used, or the number of acres owned or used, or some other method.
     Some of the water tunnels have been surveyed and others will be surveyed before the state releases more money to repair the old plantation systems, members of the co-op said.
     The group also talked about the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands discussion on providing farm land to Hawaiians near Ha`ao Springs in Wai`ohinu. To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A PERMIT TO RUN A 3.5 -MILE WATER LINE from Old Plantation Spring to Ka`u ranchers and farmers has been approved by the state Board of Land & Natural Resources. The water source is within The Nature Conservancy’s Kaiholena Unit. The pipeline will travel through the Ka`u Forest Reserve to ranch and farm lands below, according to the application from Michelle Galimba, of Kuahiwi Contractors. The tunnel was built in the late 1920s to provide water to flumes that carried sugar to Honu`apo sugar mill. More recently the water has been used for farming and cattle ranching and the users are expected to be agriculturalists Richard Johansen, Phil and Merle Becker, Kirk Derasin and the Galimba ranching family. To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i County Council joined New York City in banning sales of tobacco products to those under 18 years of age. Image from
 www.tobaccofreekids.org

SMOKING AGE WILL BE 21, if Mayor Billy Kenoi signs the new law passed by the Hawai`i County Council this week. The law would raise the allowable minimum age for buyers of cigarettes from 18 to 21. It would take affect July 1, 2014. The law would apply to electronic smoking devices as well as cigarettes, chewing and pipe tobacco, snuff, and cigars. The vote by the council included support from Ka`u council member Brenda Ford. It was unanimous, 9-0. The bill was initiated by council member Drew Kanuha.
      Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids president Matthew Myers released a statement, saying “Nearly all smokers start as kids or young adults and these age groups are heavily targeted by the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry never lets up in pushing its deadly and addictive products, so policy makers can’t let up in their efforts to reduce smoking and save lives. The Hawai1i County Council has delivered a victory for kids and health.” The statement noted that the vote on the Big Island was only one day after New York’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg signed a new law making the Big Apple the first major U.S. city or state to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Two other U.S. cities, Needham and Canton, Massachusetts have also enforced the tobacco sales age at 18. See more at www.tobaccofreekids.org. To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AIRPLANE MODE is allowed during Hawaiian Airlines domestic flights for passengers’ electronic devices, including during takeoffs and landings, the carrier announced yesterday. Hawaiian also expanded use of personal electronic devices on its international flights. The over-water flights to the mainland are considered domestic.
     The new rules follow the FAA’s decision at the end of October to allow Personal Electronic Devices during all phases of flights. Such devices include smartphones, tablets, e-readers, music players, GPS receivers, electronic/digital watchers, certain medical devices, one-way receiving pagers, digital and video cameras, calculators, electric shavers and handheld computer games.
      However, laptop computers over two pounds, noise reduction headphones, DVD players and other electronic devices over two pounds must be turned off until the plane reaches 10,000 in altitude.
     A PED Aviation Rulemaking Committee of industry and government experts determined that most planes in commercial service can fly safely with radio signals from the personal devices.
     Devices not allowed during any portion of the flight include wireless keyboards and mouses, electronic cigarettes, radio transmitters like ham and CB, batteries or cord operated radios, two way radios like walkie talkies, two –way pagers, remote controlled toys and tv’s.
      Hawaiian Airlines President Mark Dunkerley said in a statement, "We applaud the FAA's new policy and are excited to allow our customers to use their devices throughout their flight when they travel with us. We're committed to improving the travel experience for our customers." For more see www.HawaiianAirlines.com/News/PED.

To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A CRECHE FESTIVAL will be held for the entire community on Saturday, Nov. 30 from noon until 8 p.m. ad Sunday, Dec. 1 from 1 p.. until 7 p.m. at Latter-day Saints Church on Mamalahoa Hwy in Na`alehu. The congregation invites the community of Ka`u to “celebrate the birth of the Christ child with more than 100 nativities from around the works in an artistic setting and with live music.” The celebration will include: “Local crèche artists; gallery of nativities; a children’s room with costumes and fun activities; and wholesome activity for the entire family,” says a statement from the Ka`u Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
     For more information, call 339-7402.

Volcano Art Center is open to new members who can attend Christmas in the
Country this evening at the gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN JOIN VOLCANO ART CENTER and attend Christmas in the Country’s opening event today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The celebration continues tomorrow with Christmas in the Country opening to the public. All activities and demos are free of charge; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-7565.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND SPONSORS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP Saturday. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Kamilo Beach. HWF is looking for people with four-wheel-drive vehicles to transport volunteers. Register with coordinator Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

HAWAI`I HONEY FESTIVAL is tomorrow at Nani Mau Gardens, with free honey tastings, demonstrations and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to cast votes for the People's Choice Honey Tasting Competition.

ST. JUDE’S CHURCH AT PARADISE CIRCLE AND KEAKA in Ocean View hosts events this weekend. Saturday is the church’s annual plant sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will also be baked goods, coffee, books, gourmet mustards and slightly used items for sale.An interfaith service of thanksgiving takes place Sunday at 2 p.m. with speakers from the Christian Science church, the Tibetan Buddhist Mission, Wood Valley and Shepherds from Ka`u. All are welcome to share in this non-denominational service and bring some food to share.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013

A Ka`u Community Floating Lantern Ceremony to honor deceased loved ones will be held Saturday, Nov. 30 at Punalu`u Beach, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo by Julia Neal

QUALITIES OF RURAL COMMUNITIES gain recognition today, Nov. 21, National Rural Health Day. Ka`u Rural Health Community Association is honored for its contributions with a certificate from the Hawai`i State Legislature. The message says that, at their best, “rural communities possess a strong sense of unity where everyone has a voice, people know each other, listen to and respect each other and work together for the greater good. Rural communities are fueled by the creative energy of their community leaders – everyday people willing to step forward, share and implement a vision and drive changes that benefit their neighbors.”

      The statement notes that “rural doesn’t necessarily mean ‘remote’ – diverse economic, cultural and recreational opportunities abound in rural communities.” It also states that the main emphasis of rural health care has always been providing affordable, holistic, primary care – a model to follow as health care transitions to a wellness/prevention-based system with rural hospitals, clinics, centers and “healthcare practices that are the economic foundation of their communities and are typically the largest employers that ensure a healthy workforce.”
      The statement says that “rural communities are locations where physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, dental hygienists, licensed social workers and other practitioners have the unique opportunity to establish their own practices and provide quality healthcare services.” It says that “addressing the shortage of healthcare providers is one of the greatest health issues – and one of the greatest economic issues – facing rural communities today.”
      The message from the state Legislature mentions the Affordable Care Act, saying that, though it “may make health care more affordable for rural communities, it doesn’t necessarily make it more accessible – fragile infrastructures and geographic barriers must be addressed in order to ensure that basic healthcare needs are met.”
      The Legislature’s statement says that “healthcare needs of rural residents are as unique as the communities in which they live; those needs cannot be addressed by utilizing a generic ‘one size fits all’ approach – programs and policies must be flexible enough to allow rural communities to identify and address the unique needs of their residents.”

      The legislators applaud Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. and Hawai`i Island Rural Health Community Association in their efforts to “play a critical role by leading efforts to help Hawai`i Island rural communities address their unique healthcare needs.” They congratulate the organizations’ many dedicated community leaders and partners who “continue to volunteer their time, energy, and resources to ensure the health and well-being of Hawai`i Island’s rural communities.”
      For more on National Rural Health Day, see celebratepowerofrural.org.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

State Senate Ag Committee chair
Clarence Nishihara

State House Ag Committee chair
Jessica Wooley

STATE PRE-EMPTION OF COUNTY LAWS is likely to become an issue in the GMO debate, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
      At question is whether recently passed bills in Hawai`i and Kaua`i Counties regarding genetically modified organisms are compatible with existing state and federal laws.
      State Sen. Clarence Nishihara, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said he would likely propose a state pre-emption bill during the next legislative session in January if Gov. Neil Abercrombie does not act before then.
      The Star-Advertiser also reports state Rep. Jessica Wooley, chair of the House Agriculture Committee saying, “I would not support pre-emption unless we had some significant guarantees in place for all the people who have been so concerned about this issue.” 

      In a statement, Christine Hirasa, an Abercrombie spokesperson, said, “The governor recognizes and respects the passionate views expressed on this subject. The administration supports local farmers who are vital to Hawai`i’s long-term sustainability and is working to expand our agriculture industry.
      “Any decisions to impose additional regulations above and beyond those already established by federal regulatory agencies should be based on proven science. The administration will continue to work toward a regulatory structure that protects and balances the needs of farmers, Hawai`i’s agricultural industry and the people of Hawai`i.”
      See staradvertiser.com.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

442nd members from Ka`u, Iwao Yonemitsu (l)
and Toku Nakano. Photo by Julia Neal

NONAGENARIAN IWAO YONEMITSU, A 442ND VET, shared his World War II experience with students at Ka`u High school this week. Yonemitsu, 90, and a resident of Na`alehu, told one of several classes that “war is not something you want to get into. War should be a last resort.” When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Yonemitsu had traveled from his Ka`u home to attend college at University of Hawai`i Manoa. He served in the ROTC. “At U.H., it was required,” he said.
      After the Japanese attacked, his ROTC unit joined the Hawai`i Territorial Guard to protect Honolulu. “After six weeks, however, those of Japanese descent were asked to leave,” Yonemitsu noted.

      He left O`ahu for Hawai`i Island and landed a job at the sugar company. Just six months later, volunteers for World War II were called, and he and other Japanese Americans signed up to show their loyalty to the U.S. and their personal identity as Americans. During the war he served in Europe and became a Buck Sergeant with three stripes. The 442nd, comprised of Japanese Americans, was the most decorated during the war, and Yonemitsu has received numerous honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011. He said war was much different then. “We didn’t have to contend with IEDs and enemy behind our backs,” like in the more recent Middle East wars. 

      Yonemitsu told the students that he learned a lot about the world and America when traveling in the military. In southern states like Mississippi, he witnessed racial discrimination and learned about the practice of sharecropping and restrooms with signs White and Colored. During the war, 45 of the 250 members of his company in the 442nd were killed. He said he knew 25 of them. “Negotiate before you go into battle,” he advised the young people.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN JOIN VOLCANO ART CENTER and attend Christmas in the Country’s opening event tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Events for members also take place earlier in the day tomorrow at VAC’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The VAC Programs Sneak Preview exhibit showcases artists who will teach workshops and classes in the upcoming year. Also, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., adults and children can take in free art activities, including Make Your Own Holiday Card and Paint the Volcano, in Hale Ho`omana Education Building.
      The celebration continues on Saturday at VAC Gallery beginning at 9 a.m. with the annual wreath exhibit, unique handmade ornaments for sale, demonstrations by well known local artists, book and print signings and a visit by Santa Claus.

      Volcano artist Dietrich Varez and author David Eyre sign their books and prints on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nancee Cline joins them from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to signing her book, Queen Emma’s Church in Kealakekua, Crossroads of Culture.
      Caren Loebel-Fried demonstrates block carving and printing on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. She will also sign and personalize her books and prints.
      In advance of Volcano Art Center’s 40th anniversary in 2014, a limited edition poster has been created that features a dramatic photo of the active Halema`ma`u crater by architect and photographer Boone Morrison. Morrison signs posters at VAC Gallery on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Posters are available for purchase.
      All activities and demos are free of charge; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-7565.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office today at 4 p.m. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND SPONSORS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP Saturday. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Kamilo Beach. HWF is looking for people with four-wheel-drive vehicles to transport volunteers. Register with coordinator Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

The first 100 to sign up will receive lanterns to
decorate with the names of loved ones.
Photo by Julia Neal

ST. JUDE’S CHURCH AT PARADISE CIRCLE AND KEAKA in Ocean View hosts events this weekend. Saturday is the church’s annual plant sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will also be baked goods, coffee, books, gourmet mustards and slightly used items for sale.
      An interfaith service of thanksgiving takes place Sunday at 2 p.m. with speakers from the Christian Science church, the Tibetan Buddhist Mission, Wood Valley and Shepherds from Ka`u. All are welcome to share in this non-denominational service and bring some food to share.

A FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY in waters off Punalu`u Beach Park will light up the tidepools on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. has announced. The ceremony is called the Ka`u Community Floating Lantern Ceremony, Honoring Past, Present and Future Generations. The ceremony will be accompanied by a Community Thanksgiving Potluck, Taiko drummers, music and cultural dance, followed by the lantern release. Floating lanterns for inscribing messages and decorating will be provided to the first 100 registrants. Pre-registrations are being taken. Call Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc., which is co-sponsoring the Floating Lantern Ceremony with health insurer HMSA, at 928-0101. Sign up at the Ka`u Resource & Distance Learning Center. The first Floating Lantern Ceremony in recent years, sponsored by the same organizations, was held on Nov. 26, 2011.

HAWAI`I HONEY FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring the fourth annual statewide Hawai`i Natural Honey Challenge, beekeeping demonstrations, music and food. See hawaiihoneyfestival.com.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.