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Friday, December 20, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Dec. 20, 2013

Little fire ants may have come to Ka`u, and the state Department of Agriculture is trying to bait them with help from The Nature Conservancy. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture
LITTLE FIRE ANTS may have been discovered in Ka`u, according to representatives of the Department of Agriculture and The Nature Conservancy. John Replogle, of TNC, and Michelle Montgomery, of University of Hawai`i's Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and Hawai`i Ant Lab, were putting peanut butter on sticks this morning in Na`alehu in an attempt to find any possible little fire ants in the area for identification. One person on land near Bay Clinic reported her dog being stung, which drew concern, said Replogle. Others in the neighborhood also reported the possibility.
     Montgomery said ant surveys spanned from the  Bay Clinic to the Na`alaheu park and ballfield. 
      Little fire ants can be distributed to new locations through many methods. These include hitching on potted plants and agricultural products, in mulch, construction materials, dirt, cinder and gravel and on vehicles.
     In Ka`u, little fire ants could stunt coffee trees, spoil coffee cherry, cause premature fruiting and become a hindrance to coffee and macadamia pickers. Little fire ants like to live in stands of banana trees, ti plants and palms, particularly if there is consistent moisture.
Little fire ants are much smaller than the tropical fire ant, which is also more red
in color. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture
     Little fire ants were first found in Hawaiian Paradise Park in 1999, and the state Department of Agriculture set up a quarantine to prevent shipment of infested potted plants from the Big Island to the rest of the state. The ants, however, made it to Kaua`i. By 2009, they reached Maui. By 2010, they landed in Kona. In 2012 they were discovered on a coffee farm in Honaunau. Little fire ants have been located from sea level to an altitude of 2,000 feet.
     Fire ants, with the scientific name Wasmannia auropunctata, are only a pin head in size, about one-sixteenth of an inch long and colored pale orange. They are slow moving. In the U.S., they are common in southern Florida. Internationally, they live in many places, including South America, West Indies, Mexico, West Africa, the Galapagos, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands.
      While little fire ants are not aggressive and sting only when disturbed, the sting produces large, painful, raised red welts, followed by more pain and intense itching. Little fire ants sting humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Multiple stings in the eye can cause damage.
      The tropical fire ant is a distinct species from the little fire ant and more than twice as large and brighter red in color.
     Anyone finding little fire ants can call Hawai`i Ant Lab at 315-5656. For more information on little fire ants and how to control them, see. www.littlefireants.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TAX BREAKS FOR CLAIMING agricultural use of property will be reviewed more strictly by the county, but those coming forward and admitting that no ag is taking place will receive amnesty, according to Hawai`i County Finance director Nancy Crawford. Sometimes landowners place a couple of head of cattle, sheep, horses or goats to claim the discount without actually being involved in any ag enterprise. The claim of ag use is also sometimes an effort to keep taxes down while the land is being planned for subdivision and development. 
      For more information, contact the Real Property Tax Office at 961-8201, or see hawaiipropertytax.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Randy Perreira
HAWAI`I PUBLIC SCHOOLTEACHERS AND THE AFL-CIO have forged a partnership which was announced this week. 
      “We will continue to build on the success of this new affiliation by working in unity with the members of the HSTA to ensure the ongoing improvement of education in Hawai`i for all students,” Hawai`i AFL-CIO president Randy Perreira said.
      HSTA president Wil Okabe said, “A partnership with the AFL-CIO will allow our 13,500 members an opportunity to work with other union members in the community to promote a shared goal of transforming education in the state of Hawai`i.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MAYOR BILLY KENOI SIGNED INTO LAW BILL 135 to raise the legal age of sale of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21 in Hawai‘i County. A ceremonial signing of the bill was held yesterday at West Hawai`i Civic Center. 
      The Coalition For A Tobacco-Free Hawai`i West Hawai‘i and East Hawai‘i Coalitions and staff from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids worked closely with West Hawai`i Councilmember Dru Mamo Kanuha and his staff to pass this bill. Hawai‘i County Council unanimously passed the bill on Nov. 20.
      “I signed this bill for the benefit of our community, and most importantly, our kids,” Kenoi said. “Mahalo to Councilman Kanuha for hearing their voices and having the courage to follow through. With all of the known harmful effects of tobacco use, this measure is in the best interest of public health and safety.”
      More than 40 students from Kealakehe High and Konawaena High attended the initial committee hearing on Oct. 15 and the final reading on Nov. 20, wearing T-shirts stating “One Good Reason” with an arrow pointing up toward their faces. Waiakea High students submitted nearly 300 pieces of written testimony. 
Representatives from the Coalition for Tobacco-Free Hawai`i and Kealakehe High School
students who advocated for the measure join Mayor Billy Kenoi and Counciman Dru
Mamo Kanua for a ceremonial signing of Bill 135.
      “My commitment is to help our young people live longer and healthier lives than the generation who came before them, and to improve the overall health of our island,” Kanuha said.
      “We are deeply grateful to Council member Kanuha and his staff for creating a bill that was easy for the other council members to support,” said Sally Ancheta, East Hawai‘i Coalition coordinator for CTFH. “We thank Mayor Kenoi for taking the initiative to protect our youth and supporting the many voices that came to testify.”
      The ordinance takes effect on July 1, 2014 and will exempt people who reach the age of 18 before that date. Any person who distributes tobacco or electronic cigarette products to an underage customer will be subject to a fine of up to $2,000.
      Nearly 1,200 Hawai`i residents die each year from diseases that can be attributed to smoking, according to CTFH. Of those, more than 90 percent of them became daily tobacco users before the age of 18.
      For more information about the 21 reasons campaign, see twentyonereasons.org.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

St. Marianne Cope
ST. MARIANNE COPE’S REMAINS WILL RETURN to Hawai`i next year, according to a press release from the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in Syracuse, New York, where the saint’s remains have been housed during her canonization process. 
      “Through great deliberation and prayer, the sisters have determined that the remains of St. Marianne Cope will return to Hawai`i,” said Sister Lorraine Wesolowski.
      The Diocese of Honolulu is in the process of renovating Our Lady of Peace Cathedral and will be building a special reliquary chapel to house the relics of both St. Marianne and St. Damien, who dedicated years of ministry in helping people afflicted with Hansen’s disease in Kalaupapa on Moloka`i.
      The relocation was prompted by the congregation’s need move due to their current facility being found to be structurally unsound and too costly to repair. A new shrine and museum will be built at a different location in Syracuse, and a relic of St. Marianne will remain there in her original reliquary.
      The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities is a congregation of more than 460 sisters who serve in 12 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Africa and Peru.
      See sosf.org
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. with performances by Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

VOLCANO ART CENTER HOLDS ITS holiday celebration for keiki Sunday at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities beginning at 3:30 p.m. include a forest music walk with Dina Kageler and friends, yule log hunt, kanikapila `ukulele group, marshmallow roast, games, ornament decorating and lighting of the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Call 967-8222 for more information.

THE 14TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBIT continues at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Gallery artists, working in a wide variety of media, materials, and techniques, present their concepts of “wreath,” from the whimsical to the traditional. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

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





 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

Kilauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge continues through New Year's Eve. The public can vote for their favorite decorated cottage
at KMC front desk. Park entrance fees apply. Photo by Dave Berry
A NATIVE HAWAIIAN MAKAHIKI SITE between Na`alehu Police Station and Na`alehu town, along Hwy 11, is the subject of discussion regarding its possible preservation. The county considered using the state land and a smaller adjacent private property for the proposed Na`alehu sewage treatment plant until archaeological surveys revealed the existence of the ancient Hawaiian playing field on both properties.
The property that the Weatherfords want to preserve
as part of a makahiki, Hawaiian games complex,
is to the right of Hwy 11, surrounded by state property
outlined in purple. Map from Pacific Legacy
      Most of the makahiki site is state land. The owners of the smaller 13-acre property, James and Elizabeth Weatherford, said they were considering farming and putting up a produce stand on their portion of the site until they learned of its historic significance. They said this morning that they are hoping that it will be acquired by an agency or organization that will steward the property.
      Pacific Legacy, Inc., which conducted the archaeological survey of the surrounding state land, noted that part of the land on old maps was called Kahua-olohu and was described in the famous book of archaeology and history, Native Planters of Old Hawai`i: “The famous bowling field named Kahua-olohu (maika [bowling] stones were called olohu in Ka`u) was just below the present town of Na`alehu. It is a large level area to seaward of the road which must have been cleared and graded. In old Hawaiian times this broad kahua or plaza was used not just for bowling, but for other sports such as boxing, javelin throwing, and hula dancing during the Makahiki festival.”
      Diana Prentiss, of Lotus Properties, who is helping the Weatherfords with the property, said the land has a 1,625-foot-long frontage along Hwy 11 that would provide a natural parking area for those visiting the makahiki site. Those interested in helping with the project can call her at 989-8777.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is an original co-sponsor of the Military Retirement Restoration Act, a bill that would repeal planned cuts to military retiree cost-of-living adjustments that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act last week. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace the cuts to military retiree benefits by closing loopholes and preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by abusing overseas tax havens.
      “It is unacceptable to backpedal on the commitment we have made to our men and women in uniform who raise their hand to serve and put their lives on the line for us,” said Gabbard. “While it was far from perfect, the Bipartisan Budget Act was a modest step in the right direction to help us avert preventable government crises; however, we cannot pay for the agreement by short-changing our military retirees.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
REP. TULSI GABBARD, WHOSE ELECTION as the first Hindu in the U.S. Congress made headlines in media in India, has released a statement about the treatment of an Indian diplomat recently arrested on charges of submitting false papers relating to domestic help. 
      “Diplomats play a vital role in our ever-shrinking globalized world,” Gabbard said. “Among America’s partnerships, the importance of our alliance with India cannot be overstated. This is why I was disappointed to hear initial reports about the treatment of Devyani Khobragade, India’s deputy consul general in New York. While we must ensure our laws are being followed by all those who reside in or visit our country, it is also essential that foreign diplomats in the U.S. are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity, as we expect the same for our own diplomats abroad.
      “Our relationship with India is deeply valued, and the progress we are making on economic, political and security issues is key in Asia and the Pacific region. I urge the State Department to work with its counterparts in India to ensure our relationship remains strong and to ensure our law enforcement agencies put appropriate protocols in place for these situations.”
      Gabbard, who is currently in Hawai`i on a statewide trip, visits Hilo today to meet with leaders of agencies and organizations that promote social justice and reduce recidivism.

HAWAI`I STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM now offers free new services to library patrons to enhance their computer learning experience, use an app to browse the online catalog, download eMagazines and learn how to speak Hawaiian.
      Na`alehu Public Library is one of 37 libraries statewide offering netbook computers for loan for a three-week period free of charge. Each netbook is equipped with mobile Internet services as well as Microsoft Office 2010 programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Na`alehu Library has netbook computers
for loan to patrons.  
      “We are delighted to offer our HSPLS Mobile program and envision it as an exciting new way to bridge the digital divide in Hawai`i,” state librarian Richard Burns said. “It is a unique opportunity to bring technology to Hawai`i’s people and share our abundant e-resources and free services through our HSPLS website.”
      HSPLS also now offers Zinio for Libraries, the world’s largest newsstand for eMagazines. Patrons have access to more than 120 complete full-color digital magazines easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices through the HSPLS website.
      “Zinio for Libraries is the perfect way for people who love to read magazines to read on the go,” said Ann Fujioka, HSPLS Technical Services Section manager. “Patrons can choose from a wide variety of the latest magazines including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, National Geographic and more, with no waiting and no loan period to worry about.”
      Patrons need to create two accounts, a library Zinio account to view HSPLS’ collection and a free Zinio.com account to read magazines online or via the Zinio Reader app on a mobile device. 
      HSPLS offers patrons the opportunity to learn the Hawaiian language anytime, anywhere, free via Mango Languages and the HSPLS website.
      “The Mango Languages system offers a unique learning environment that allows patrons to take lessons at your own pace, reviewing and perfecting skills as you advance through new lessons,” said Lynne Kobayashi, HSPLS Language, Literature & History Section head.
Patrons can learn to speak Hawaiian at librarieshawaii.org.
      Memory building exercises are embedded into each unit to ensure that patrons retain what they learn. To ensure correct pronunciation, Mango offers an opportunity to record speech and compare it directly to audio from a native speaker. Intuitive pop-ups also help with pronunciation. Mango focuses on quickly getting to a point where users feel comfortable with a new language.
      For more information, select the E-Learning @ Your Library button on the HSPLS website.
      Patrons can easily access HSPLS on the go through a new mobile app called Hawai`i Mobile. In partnership with HSPLS, Chilifresh has created a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices that tie into the library system’s catalog.
      To install HSPLS’ mobile app, scan the QR codes for iOS or Android devices, or search chilifresh hawaii in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on your mobile device.
      In the near future, HSPLS will post library events and programs as well as library locations and hours through this new app.
      For more information, see librarieshawaii.org.
KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert Saturday at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR KEIKI takes place Sunday at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities include a forest music walk with Dina Kageler and friends from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; kanikapila `ukulele group from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., marshmallow roast with Fireman Mike; games with Julie and ornament decoration with Lanaya. Call 967-8222 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

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






Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 18, 2013

Mrs. Claus comes to Island Market in Na`alehu every year and gives out free Christmas goodies recipes and samples. Photo from Island Market
KA`U LANDOWNER ED OLSON is a major investor in the Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, partnering with Waikiki hotel and Aloha Tower developer Ed Bushor and artist Wyland. The hotel, on Banyan Drive, is owned by the state, and the partnership won the bidding war for the property. The deal closed yesterday.
            Olson owns 8,000 acres in Ka`u and is the major owner in Ka`u Coffee Mill and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co. Over the weekend, he opened Big Island Trading Co. in Hilo to sell Hawai`i Island-made products.
Ed Olson says his partnership in Naniloa Hotel in Hilo will help Ka`u by providing a good
hotel for people who will travel to Volcano and the south end of the island.
Photo from Olson Trust
      Olson said this morning that “the Naniloa is terribly rundown and a disgrace to Hilo, but it’s got good bones.” He said he looks forward to restoration of the hotel. He assessed the structure as basically sound and noted that it has numerous meeting rooms and venues to help make it a world-class destination on Hilo Bay. He pointed to a separate, South Pacific-style building used for Polynesian shows on the property that is “classic and in pretty good shape.” 
      Olson said that “the time is right for Hilo to have a good hotel, particularly with the ever-increasing interest in tourism to Volcano and with the growing market for ecotourism.” He said his investment in the hotel will also help Ka`u, as it will bring more visitors to Hilo and out to Volcano and down to the southern end of the island. He said the hotel will send people to Ka`u Coffee Mill and other Ka`u destinations.
      Olson said that the Olson Trust archives will be able to provide historic maps, documents and photos to help bring a sense of Hawai`i’s history to the hotel.
      The influence of Wyland, the artist famous for painting whales on buildings and owning galleries of art with sea life, is expected to result in a three-story-tall whale statue in the entrance and water features on the property.
      The hotel has 383 rooms and was formerly operated by Ken Fujiyama of Hawai`i Outdoor Tours, who also ran Volcano House. The new operator is expected to be Aqua Resorts, which also runs Volcano House.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sources for geothermal energy production may be available in areas beyond those
outlined in red on this map, even on other islands.
SOURCES OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY may be available under Hawai`i’s dormant and extinct volcanoes, according to Donald Thomas, director of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo’s Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes. Thomas told Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune Herald, that a potential source is along rift zones where magma may still be hot enough to create geothermal energy. Thomas is conducting research using low-frequency radio waves to detect magma that scientists think may stay hot for at least 500,000 years after being disconnected from its source. 
      After collecting data on Kilauea Volcano, Thomas plans to compare it with data on Hualalai, Mauna Kea and other islands.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE ABERCROMBIE ADMINISTRATION HAS SUBMITTED its Executive Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Biennium 2013-2015 and updated Program and Financial Plan for 2013-2019 to the state Legislature.
      “The supplemental budget and plan continue responsible management of state fiscal affairs in order to build upon the $1.1 billion turnaround our state has achieved,” Abercrombie said. “At the same time, we recognize that Hawai`i’s improved fiscal position allows us to better address important issues such as early learning and development, support for our seniors, environmental protection, and homelessness. The supplemental budget provides an opportunity to navigate our economic environment for the maximum benefit of the people of Hawai`i.”
      The administration further committed to building the financial strength of the state by outlining in the plan a strategy to recapitalize state reserves to higher than pre-recession levels.
      “We have set a targeted objective to build state reserves to 10 percent of general fund revenues,” said Kalbert Young, state finance director. “These reserves will allow the state to weather future economic downturns and mitigate against cyclical public service cutbacks.”
Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state finance director Kalbert Young.
Photo from Office of the Governor
      According to a statement from the administration, the supplemental budget continues to provide stimulus to the economy while still adhering to the optimized debt profile that has been achieved through proper management of the state’s long-term debt.
      The budget includes support for a variety of initiatives:
  • early learning and development initiatives 
  • prekindergarten classes, 
  • Family-Child Interaction Learning (FCIL)
  • Preschool Open Doors 
  • Kupuna Care
  • Adult Disability Resource Centers 
  • environmental preservation 
  • Housing First 
  • ten positions to expand Healthcare Transformation initiatives 
  • restoration of eight positions in Hawai`i Department of Agriculture’s pesticides program 
  • R.E.A.C.H. Initiative for middle and intermediate afterschool programs 
  • University of Hawai`i repair and maintenance projects. 
      “Although there are many priority needs that must be addressed, fiscal sustainability is essential,” Young added. “This plan will allow the state to address its priority needs while positioning itself to best handle uncertainties, such as economic slowdowns or the recent federal government shutdown, by building up our reserves and exercising continued fiscal prudence.”
      Sen. David Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, who is challenging Abercrombie in next year’s election, said, “Our first priority is to maintain the state’s fiscal health and budget reserves. We understand that the governor’s proposed budget substantially increases general fund appropriations; moving forward we must be cognizant of and monitor general fund tax collections.”
      The budget is available at budget.hawaii.gov/budget.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar

This manele in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is a
nationally crowned champion. Photo from DLNR
THE PROPOSED SEWAGE treatment and disposal facility in Na`alehu is receiving calls for relocation from some members of the community. Plans call for the facility to be built makai of Hwy 11 on six acres of land that the state Department of Land & Natural Resources is turning over to the county for the project.
      “Ka`u is known for the wind; we call Hilo wind, said lifetime resident Darlyne Vierra. “We don’t need that bad smell coming direct to Na`alehu town.” She compared the project to other similar ones. In Keaukaha, she said a facility was moved “after so many, many years the people had complained.” At Kealakekua McDonald’s and Malama Market in Ocean View, “Tell us what you smell, is this clean air?” Vierra asked. She urged officials to seek input from the local community: “We want a voice on issues concerning Ka`u,” she said. She also wants them to consider “our historical sites, mauka-makai, ahupua`a system. What is up mauka does effect makai. Where does all that wastewater flow? Underground, and it will and can reach the ocean. Our food from the shoreline, fresh water, our historical caves, lava tubes, burials can and will be contaminated.”
      Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka brought up disruption of the view. “Who would want to look at a wastewater collection system? It will be an eyesore,” she said. “Why even have it close to the highway? Tourists go through the town daily. Is this the kind of scenery to share?
      “Come on Ka`u, you fought for no prison, no spaceport, now fight” to relocate the wastewater collection system, Kuluwaimaka said.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.   

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN NOMINATE SPECIMENS for Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Big Tree Competition through Dec. 31 for the 2014 National Register of Big Trees.
      This year, six new champions in Hawai`i joined more than 40 new champions that were crowned across 50 states and the District of Columbia.
      A manele (soapberry wingleaf) in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is one of the ten nationally crowned champions from Hawai`i.
      To learn more about Hawai`i’s Big Tree Competition or how to nominate a potential champion tree, contact Nicholas Joly at 808-586-0915 with tree’s height, circumference and crown spread measurements.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.


HA`AO SPRINGS & MOUNTAIN HOUSE Water Co-op meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Wai`ohinu Park. Agenda items include the business plan and election of board members. Email katywhite@hawaiiantel.net

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert Saturday at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

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