Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014

Summer Fun kept Ocean View keiki busy with excursions and activities. Photos from Teresa Anderson

GRASSROOTS INSTITUTE OF HAWAI`I is calling for tax reform following a study by the financial site Wallet Hub concluding that Hawai`i has the second most unfair tax system in the country. According to the study, Hawai`i trails only Washington in the gap between what citizens consider a fair tax structure and the reality of the state system. In addition, the Aloha State ranked third among states where the middle class (defined as the 40-60 percent income quintile) is overtaxed and was little better about overtaxing the poor. Hawai`i ranked fourth in states that overtax the lowest 20 percent of income earners.


Wallet Hub ranked Hawai`i's tax system as second least fair in the nation.
 Wallet Hub map from Grassoots Institute of Hawai`i

      The survey found that the majority of Americans, regardless of political outlook, believe that higher income households should be taxed at a higher rate than lower earners. Those states that most conform to this model were rated more fair, while those where the tax burden was heavier on middle and lower income householders were rated as unfair. The Wallet Hub survey also noted that Hawai`i is especially dependent on sales and excise taxes – the state ranked seventh in its reliance on revenues from this source.
      “This survey is only confirming what too many of us realize every day,” said Keli`i Akina, President of the Grassroot Institute of Hawai`i. “Hawai`i’s tax system is badly in need of reform that stimulates the economy and reduces the burden on middle class and working households. This isn’t a question of partisanship or politics – the system is faulty no matter what your perspective. If Hawai`i’s policy makers want to help our working families in a substantial and effective way, they should seek out reforms that provide real, measurable tax relief.”

Sen. Brian Schatz

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, A MEMBER of the Senate Climate Action Task Force, commended President Barack Obama and leaders from around the world on new commitments to combating climate change. President Barack Obama yesterday addressed the United Nations Climate Summit and announced a new executive order that will require federal agencies to consider climate change in the design of all international development programs and investments. 


      “With more than 120 world leaders committing to fighting climate change today, and hundreds of thousands marching for action over the weekend, our calls to act on the global threat of climate change cannot be ignored,” Schatz said, “Today’s commitments from President Obama and leaders from around the world are an important step forward, but more needs to be done. America has a chance to lead the fight against climate change. If we act now, cut carbon pollution and move to a clean energy economy, we can create opportunities for a better world for our families, our children, and future generations.”


      Earlier this year, Schatz led 31 of his Senate colleagues in a rare all-night session of the Senate to urge action on climate change.

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

IN AN EFFORT TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE oversight and accountability of the nation’s intelligence community, Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has joined Sen. Ron Wyden, of Oregon, in spearheading a bipartisan, bicameral effort to strengthen the government’s privacy protection board. The legislation gives the oversight board greater ability to carry out its function of balancing the government’s national security and counterterrorism activities with the need to protect the privacy rights of law-abiding Americans. 

      The Strengthening Privacy, Oversight, and Transparency Act, or SPOT Act, expands the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board’s authority to play a watchdog role over surveillance conducted for purposes beyond counterterrorism. It also allows the PCLOB to issue subpoenas without having to wait for the Justice Department to issue them, and makes the board members full-time positions.


      “The American people should not be forced to choose between safety and security, or freedom, privacy and civil liberties. Recent revelations of actions within the intelligence community show that these basic principles upon which our country was founded have been violated in the name of security. We have a responsibility to the people we serve to make sure that this is not allowed to occur, which is what this legislation seeks to do.
      The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board is an independent body that was expanded in 2007 as part of Congress’ measures to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The commission called for an executive branch board that would ensure that government efforts to protect American security also protect Americans’ privacy and civil liberties. More recently, a number of outside experts, including the President’s own surveillance Review Group, have recommended that the Board’s mandate and authorities be expanded and clarified.

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Kahuku Summer Fun participants enjoyed arts and crafts projects and journaling.
Photos from Teresa Anderson 

OCEAN VIEW STUDENTS, NOW BACK IN SCHOOL, kept busy during Kahuku Summer Fun. Participants enjoyed excursions to Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, Kahalu`u Beach and Kona Aquatics Center. During the first trip to Punalu`u, representatives from Three Mountain Alliance, state Division of Forestry & Wildlife and Hawai`i wildlife Fund lead a mauka to makai talk story and mini beach cleanup. Then it was swim time.
      Many visitors gave presentations on important subjects. A Ka`u public health nurse taught proper hand washing and the importance of nutritious foods and proper food portions. A healthy snack of oranges and grapes provided by Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center followed.
      Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai`i taught about dangers of smoking.
      A representative from University of Hawai`i at Hilo discussed STEAM curricula, which includes science, technology, engineering, art and math. Students learned about marine biology, how data is collected, importance of coral reefs and dangers of overfishing.
      Recycle Hawai`i taught about the importance of recycling and how to do backyard composting to feed gardens and plants.
      Kahuku ahupua`a and Hawaiian culture were topics of visiting kupuna.
      Hawai`i Electric Light Co. sent someone to teach about clean energy, including wind, solar, hydro and geothermal. Participants made boats driven by solar power.
      More fun came with soap making, other arts and crafts and journaling. Home Depot donated race car and herb pot craft kits along with aprons, pins and certificates.

      Kahuku Park is looking for coaches for T-ball and Coach Pitch. Call Teresa at 929-9113.

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IN SPORTS, KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS travels to Kamehameha today at 6 p.m. On Friday, they travel to Kohala.
      The Trojans’ eight-man football team hosts Kamehameha Friday at 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY IS THE DEADLINE FOR KA`U fifth-grade girls to register for GEMS – Girls Exploring Math & Science – workshops set for Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou. Registration forms are available at public and private schools.

Drop-off for Ka`u Chamber of Commerce
entries is Friday and Saturday.

      For more information, to sponsor a girl or to request a registration packet, contact Laurel Gregory at 969-8833 or lgregory@hawaii.edu.

PACIFIC ISLANDS ARTS & CRAFTS SALE & yART Sale is Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The fundraiser includes arts, ceramics, new and slightly used tools, household goods and collectables.

OKTOBERFEST AT KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Friday at 4 p.m. features German food, beer and music. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 

      For more information, call 967-8356 or 967-8365.

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY IS SATURDAY. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees to celebrate.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON LEADS an exploration of a pristine, species-rich old-growth rain forest Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meeting point is Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
      Call 967-8222 to sign up.

ARTISTS ENTERING KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S Art Show can register Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at CU Hawai`i Na`alehu Branch. Next week, Ka`u residents vote for art to grace the cover of The Directory 2015.
      For more information, call Dallas at 516-662-8789.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014

Ka`u High Trojans eight-man football team hosts Kamehameha Friday for Senior Night. Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD WILL REOPEN as an emergency route for Puna residents. The National Park Service announced that it will work with the state and county to construct the route to assist residents of lower Puna, whose access to the rest of the island would be cut off if lava covers Hwy 130.

      “For the past several weeks, we have been putting all of our efforts into getting approval for an alternate route that can be used during this devastating emergency,” said Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

Chain of Craters Road will be rebuilt for access by Puna residents threatened with
closure of Hwy 130 by a lava flow. Map from NPS

      Scientists at USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory estimated on Sept. 19 that based on the flow’s location and rate of advancement at that time, lava from Kilauea Volcano’s Pu`u `O`o vent could reach Hwy 130 in 21 days, but noted as of Sept. 22, the lava flow advance rate has slowed.
      The route, mostly within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, would provide emergency access for the community and would not be open for visitor use. Nearly eight miles of the coastal section of Chain of Craters Road is buried beneath rough, hardened lava, and 5.4 miles is within the national park.
      The open section of Chain of Craters Road spans 19 miles from the summit of Kilauea to sea level within the park. Opened in 1965, the road has been blocked by lava for 37 of its 49-year existence.
      To protect park resources, the emergency route will follow the old lava-covered road alignment as much as practicable.
      Questions remain about how to get road-building equipment to the site. The steepness of the grade at Holei Pali inside the park may limit access by trucks carrying heavy equipment. The Kalapana side, which is outside of the park, is presumably more accessible.
      “The NPS is deeply concerned about this potential disaster to our community, our friends, families, employees and volunteers,” Orlando said. “We have been working diligently with our partners to find an acceptable solution in accordance with federal law.”

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

A SUPPLEMENTAL EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION is in effect to include repair, restorations, rebuilding or reestablishment of Chain of Craters Road for use as an alternate emergency route should the June 27th lava flow cross Hwy 130 near Pahoa and isolate communities in lower Puna from the rest of Hawai`i County. Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed the proclamation yesterday.

Satellite image shows status of lava through threatening Pahoa.
Image from USGS/HVO

      “Even though the lava flow appears to have slowed to a halt for the time being, the state and Hawai`i County are prepared and moving forward together with contingency plans in the event the lava does progress farther,” Abercrombie said.
      The proclamation, supplemental to the emergency proclamation signed on Sept. 5, also extends the disaster emergency relief period through Dec. 1, 2014.
 The original proclamation suspended certain laws as needed for emergency purposes, including state restrictions on reestablishing abandoned roads that may be used should lava cross Hwy 130. It also activated the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the state Legislature for disaster relief and facilitates access to emergency resources at state and federal levels.

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ALTHOUGH THE FRONT OF THE JUNE 27TH lava flow has stalled over the past few days, the flow remains active with surface breakouts immediately behind the front, reported scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. These breakouts have expanded the margin of the flow several hundred yards toward the north. Breakouts are also active closer to Pu`u `O`o, and lava has been filling another ground crack over the past few days.

Jeff Davis

James "Duke" Aiona

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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HAWAI`I’S GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES gave listeners a glimpse of their priorities in their opening remarks at last night’s debate on Hawai`i Public Radio. 

      Democratic candidate David Ige, first to speak, said, “I truly understand the challenge of living and working and raising a family here in Hawai`i. We must create better jobs so that our young people have a future and can choose to live and work in Hawai`i. It all begins with public education. It’s about empowering schools so that our children can have the best opportunities that they deserve.”
      Republican James “Duke” Aiona said the rallying cry he hears from voters is, “It’s time to take Hawai`i in a new direction. I hear from our residents that they’re tired of having the highest cost of living. … I hear from business people that they’re tired of being stifled. … I hear from our students and teachers that they’re frustrated with the way public education is being administered and governed. David Ige, my opponent, has been a part of this system for thirty years.”

Mufi Hannemann

David Ige

      Independent Mufi Hannemann said, “This is all about trying to break through the partisan gridlock that has gripped this country and this state for far too long. … This is all about putting the people first; this is all about putting Hawai`i first. Let party politics and party platforms take secondary precedence, because it’s all about the people. Issues that have continued through the years remain unresolved, and that’s because we haven’t been able to harness the best of both sides. We need business and labor together; a collaborative leadership style that’s been conspicuously missing throughout the state of Hawai`i.
      Libertarian Jeff Davis discussed his reason for running for governor. “I think a lot of it has to do with what my esteemed colleagues have mentioned, that it’s more of the same. … The status quo that we have been up against here for decade after decade, even the folks engaged in it would have to agree that that’s got to change, and I would have to say that I am your best chance for change.

A Puna man lost his life in the waters off Punalu`u Black Sand Beach Sunday.
Photo by Lee Neal

      To hear the entire hour-long debate moderated by HPR political reporter Wayne Yoshioka, go to hpr2.org/post/gubernatorial-debate-sept-22-2014-full-audio.

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A 53-YEAR-OLD PUNA MAN DIED SUNDAY in waters off Punalu`u Black Sand Beach.
      Ka`u patrol officers responded to a 12:08 p.m. call Sunday reporting a possible drowning. When they arrived, they learned that Reginald Awaa, of Mountain View, had been diving with family when he became distressed. He was pulled from the water, and Fire Department took him to Ka`u Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:35 p.m.
      The case has been classified as a coroner’s inquest. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

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TWO INCHES OF RAIN PER HOUR for several hours on Sunday afternoon caused the closure of Hwy 11 at Kawa. The downpour also filled gulches mauka of the highway and caused rushing water to create a river along stretches of Ka`alaiki Road, which connects Na`alehu and Pahala above the highway.

Ka`ala`iki Road became a river during Sunday's downpours.
Video by Ipolani Reyes

PAUL OKUBO, A SEISMOLOGIST WITH USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, presents an overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawai`i, including current theories on where and why they occur and what to do when they happen, today at 7 p.m. at After Dark in the Park.
      The free program takes place at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Donations of $2 support After Dark programs. Park entrance fees apply.

KEIKO MERCADO DEMONSTRATES HOW `OHE (bamboo) are carved into designs and how they are used tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Samples and hands-on opportunities will be available. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THE LOCAL AREA TEAM FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD hosts guest speaker Alex Nsengimana, from Rwanda, at Ocean View Evangelical Community Church Friday at 11:30 a.m. “We will inform local people about how they can participate in helping needy children in other countries with the gift of a simple shoebox filled with gifts, hygiene items, and school supplies,” said OCC area coordinator Cindy Eilerman.

      Nsengimana’s main purpose will be to help generate more shoeboxes to further the mission to help children around the world.
      A luncheon will follow, along with distribution of materials and OCC logo shoeboxes.
      To register or reserve shoeboxes, call Eilerman at 301-707-2328.
      More information about Nsengimana can be found at samaritanspurse.org/Alex.

SENIOR NIGHT IS FRIDAY AT KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S eight-man football home game against Kamehameha. The team is on the road the next two weekends, traveling to Pahoa Saturday, Oct. 4 and Kohala Saturday, Oct 11.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Sept. 22, 2014

Runners head for the trail at the first Ka`u Coffee Trail Run Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN organizers have released the first official results from Saturday’s Half Marathon. Winner Billy Barnett, of Volcano, conquered the tough and hilly course in one hour, 45 minutes and 13.1 seconds to take the men’s title. Caitlyn Tateishi, of Pahoa, won the women’s Half Marathon in two hours, 21 minutes and 30.73 seconds.

Runners of all ages joined the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run events with a 5K, 10K and
Half Marathon Saturday on the edge of Wood Valley.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

      Second in the men’s race was international competitor in long distance trail runs Kenichi Yamamoto, of Yamanashi Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, Japan. His time was one hour, 52 minutes and 33.77 seconds. Second in the women’s race was Stephanie Fleegle, of Greensboro, Maryland. Her time was two hours, 22 minutes and 47.63 seconds. 

      Third is the men’s race was Mike Sullivan, of Hilo. His time was one hour, 53 minutes and 19.36 seconds. Third in the women’s race was Vicki Daniel, of Honolulu. Her time was two hours, 23 minutes and 21.31 seconds. The inagural event was sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, Edmund C. Olson Trust II, County of Hawai`i and many others. It was held on the grounds of Ka`u Coffee Mill and surrounding orchards, farms and rainforest. Race director was Raylene Moses.

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

CY TAMURA AND ANTHONY EMMSLEY, both from Na`alehu, won the first Portuguese Horseshoe contest as part of `Ohana Day, in connection with the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run events on Saturday. Kai Enriques, of Pahala, and Emmette Enriques, of Punalu`u, took second. Pono Palakiko, of Ocean View, and Isaiah Naboa, of Na`alehu, took third.

      Portuguese Horseshoes are played by tossing large metal washers used in machinery across an open space aiming for a hole on the top of a wooden box. More points are scored by landing the washer in the hole and fewer by landing on the box. The game was invented in Hawai`i.

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Andre Carvalho, Kameron Moses and Jensen Navarro-Villa, from left in front,
receive congratulations from Nui Wong and Minako Yamazaki.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

ANDRE CARVALHO, KAMERON MOSES AND JENSEN NAVARRO-VILLA were winners at the Kendama tournament held Saturday during `O Ka`u Kakou’s `Ohana Day & Ka`u Coffee Trail Run at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
      Nui Wong, with the company Sweets Kendamas, came to Ka`u Coffee Mill to lead a group of ten local enthusiasts to show off Kendama skills. It was a last man standing event as the skills became more and more difficult and participants were eliminated. Sweets Kendamas sponsored special kendamas to Minako Yamazaki, from Tokyo and Pahala, who presented large Kendama trophies and certificates from Ms. Tsutsumi, Executive Director of Japan Kendama Association.

      See http://kendama.or.jp and www.sweetsKendamas.com.

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TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE HAS OVERTAKEN Hawaiian Electric Co.’s assumption that customers will stay connected to the grid, according to Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis.
      “It can be cost effective to leave the grid, Curtis said on his blog at ililanimedia.blogspot.com. “The trend is for this ability to leave to become increasingly cost effective.”

      Curtis’ statements followed Friday’s briefing at the state Legislature when members of several committees sought to get an update on the impacts of Hawaiian Electric Co.’s Sept. 2013 policy changes on solar interconnection, to learn more about the utility’s future plans for distributed generation and to hear alternative perspectives.

      During the briefing, Representative Chris Lee asked, “What is the benefit of a privately owned utility?  

      “Would Hawai`i’s ratepayers in this context be better served by a public utility that only looks out for the public interest and cleaner energy and lower prices rather that a utility also trying to take a significant profit off of those captive ratepayers?”

      According to Curtis, Jim Alberts, HECO’s Senior Vice President of Customer Service, responded, “From our perspective at Hawaiian Electric, we are very community focused, we are out in the community, and we want our community to be successful.”

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Duke Aiona

David Ige

DAVID IGE IS LEADING IN THE RACE FOR GOVERNOR, according to the latest Civil Beat poll. On Hawai`i Island, the Democrat leads Republican Duke Aiona by nine percent, 44 percent to 35 percent. Statewide, Ige has a four percent lead, 43 percent to 39 percent. 

      The poll also shows little support for the other candidates. Independent Mufi Hannemann garnered 11 percent on Hawai`i Island and eight percent statewide. Libertarian Jeff Davis got one percent on this island and two percent statewide. Nine percent of those surveyed on the Big island were undecided, and statewide eight percent were undecided.
      Reporter Chad Blair said Matt Fitch, executive director of Merriman River Group, concluded that the race is now between two parties and that it favors Ige. “Among people who voted in the Democratic primary, Ige does as well among Abercrombie voters as he does with those who voted for him. … Abercrombie voters are loyal Democrats that are not going to vote for Aiona.”

      Another factor cited by Fitch was the significant number of Republicans who crossed over and voted Democratic in the primary.
      See civilbeat.com.

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Triangle on map shows where lava headed toward Pahoa has come to a stop.
Map from Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency

RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAIN ON THE UPPER SLOPES in Ka`u closed Hwy 11 at Kawa last night due to flooding. Hawai`i Police Department reported the closure just after 9 p.m. 

      Thunderstorms began in east Ka`u around 3 p.m., dropping two inches of rain per hour in Wood Valley that continued into the evening, according to the National Weather Service.

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

THE FRONT OF THE JUNE 27TH LAVA FLOW HEADING toward Pahoa has slowed to a stop, but the flow remains active farther upslope within Kaohe Homesteads and is moving northeast, reported Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists. Surface breakouts are also present closer to Pu`u `O`o, roughly midway along the length of the June 27th flow. While none of the breakouts have been very vigorous, together they compose a significant portion of the total flow volume which was previously making its way to the flow front. Some of these breakouts are also producing smoke plumes as they creep into the adjacent forest.

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Ka`u residents Joe Iacuzzo and Kathryn Tydlacka with
Dreadnaughtus fossils.

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY CO-FOUNDERS Kathryn Tydlacka and Joe Iacuzzo recently visited the laboratory of Dr. Ken Lacovara at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Lacovara discovered the remains of Dreadnaughtus, the world’s largest dinosaur, in the Patagonia region of Argentina over a period of several years. This giant was 130 feet long and weighed as much as 60 tons.
      Lacovara shared a number of his discoveries with Iacuzzo and Tydlacka and provided them with a back-room tour of the Academy of Science in Philadelphia, the oldest natural history museum in the U.S. Iacuzzo worked with Lacovara when Iacuzzo was a director of the Jurassic Park Institute at Universal Pictures, an educational outreach program used by over 20 million children and educators.
      Iacuzzo is also the official Hawai`i representative for National Fossil Day, a series of events sponsored by the National Park Service. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, he will give a talk about the history of fossil collecting in the United States, beginning with Thomas Jefferson’s collection, at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s After Dark in the Park.

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

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS hosted Honoka`a Friday. Junior Varsity won 25 – 11, 25 – 16, with several hits by Tristan Davis and good defense by Poai Emmsley.
      With Honoka`a ahead two sets to one, varsity forced the match into a fifth set, with final scores of 25 – 16, 19 – 25, 23 – 25, 25 – 18, 11 – 15. Sky Kanakaole-Esperon contributed in serving and spikes. Denisha Navarro had good hits, and Kerrilynn Domondon excelled in defense.
      The teams host Kamehameha Wednesday at 6 p.m.
      This story was written with reports from Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.

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A KA`U PLANTATION DAYS MEETING takes place today at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

Residential damage from a magnitude-6.1 earthquake in 1989 was mainly in Puna,
including this house in Kalapana. Photo from USGS

PAUL OKUBO, A SEISMOLOGIST WITH USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, presents an overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawai`i, including current theories on where and why they occur and what to do when they happen, tomorrow at 7 p.m. at After Dark in the Park.
      The free program takes place at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Donations of $2 support After Dark programs. Park entrance fees apply.

KEIKO MERCADO DEMONSTRATES HOW `OHE (bamboo) are carved into designs and how they are used Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Samples and hands-on opportunities will be available. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kacalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.