Ka`u News Briefs, Tuesday Nov. 11, 2014

The lava path in red shows Madame Pele's trek toward the ocean with several populated subdivisions in her possible route.
Map from County of Hawai`i.

KILAUEA LAVA, FINGERING OUT as Pele sends her flow toward the ocean, continued to threaten more of Pahoa and communities beyond the village this morning. A Civil Defense map shows the larger context of the flow that burned down a house yesterday. Despite the leading edge of the lava flow cooling down and hardening, fingers and lobes upslope widened the path downhill, one of them taking out a house yesterday on the edge of Pahoa where a family packed up their belongings and their horses and moved in October.
The County Civil Defense briefing this morning stated that the "flow front remains stalled with very little activity and has not advanced. The front remains approximately 480 feet from the Pahoa Village Road."

Photo from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory shows fingers
of lava, one of them destroying a house yesterday.
Photo from HAVO

However, three active breakouts continue to advance and be monitored in the area of the cemetery below Apa’a Street, above Apa’a Street in the area west or upslope of the transfer station, and .4 miles upslope of Apa’a Street.

   Smoke conditions were moderate to heavy with light trade winds blowing in a south southwest direction towards the Leilani and lower Puna areas. "Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and residents down wind that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors," Clvil Defense stated, also noting that the evacuation advisory for residents down slope of the flow will continue and residents will be kept informed of the flow status and advancement. Pahoa Village Road between Apa’a Street and the Post Office Road remains "closed and limited to area residents only."
    However, other roads into Pahoa are open and many restaurants and other businesses are open. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

`AINA KOA PONO, the project that could have built a refinery on the edge of Wood Valley and taken over pasture and farm lands to grow biofuel between Na'alehu,and Pahala, came up in a Pacific Business News story today. The article, by Duane Shimogawa, said the reappointment of Mina Morita, Chair of the state Public Utilities Commission, which twice turned down 'Aina Koa Pono's proposed contract with the electric company to sell biofuel at prices higher than the cost of oil, is unsure. Gov. Neil Abercrombie originally named Morita to the PUC. Whether to reappoint Morita is the decision of governor elect David Ige. PBN wrote: "Many in the energy industry had applauded Abercrombie's appointment of Morita, who is known as a strong advocate and expert on clean energy."

Governor-elect David Ige

PUC Chair Mina Morita

    "But some questioned her leadership in a PUC decision denying the 'Aina Koa Pono project's 20-year Big Island biofuel supply contract with Hawaii Electric Light Co."
   Ige, himself an engineer, said during a general election campaign stop in Pahala that he would study the 'Aina Ko Pono issue. The county opposed the AKP contract based on its increase in the cost of electricity. Mayor Billy Kenoi said he sought less expensive alternative energy solutions.
   According to PBN, "A spokeswoman for Ige told PBN recently that the chair position of the PUC, as well as other appointed positions, will be subject to an application process."
   During the primary election campaign, Ige said he supported Morita. A piece in the Feb. 21 Honolulu Star Advertiser by political columnist Richard Borreca reported that Morita chaired the state House committee on energy for years before giving up her elected position to serve the PUC when she received Abercrombie’s appointment. Borreca recalled the governor's promise to make the PUC an “Hawai`i Energy Authority that is independent from the utility and from political considerations," saying this "is what Hawai`i needs to move us quicker to a clean energy future."
   Borreca's story quoted chair of the state Senate's Consumer Protection Committee, Sen. Roz Baker, describing Morita: "She is collaborative, well grounded in policy and she has the respect of both the energy users and the energy producers; she clearly has the credentials. She was, and is, a good PUC chair and I think she should stay."
   Borreca also gave his opinion on the Morita issue in the context of the gubernatorial election. "Environmental issues and voters attuned to supporting politicians with strong pro-environment records are not a group to be offended. Abercrombie will have to consider all that, because when asked if he would reappoint Morita if he were governor today, state Sen. David Ige, Abercormbie's Demoocratic opponent, said, "'I would reappoint her,'" wrote Borreca. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Friends of Ka`u Libraries will be at Kauaha`au Congregational Church
 Bazaar this Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIENDS OF KA'U LIBRARIES will host its biannual fundraiser this Saturday, Nov. 15 at the annual Kauaha'ao Congregational Church Bazaar in Wai`ohinu. The fundraiser booth will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations of books, CD’s, DVD’s, baked goods, and rummage items are welcomed and can be dropped off that morning from 8 a.m to 8:45 a.m. They can also be dropped off in: Naalehu at Ka`u Realty across from Punalu`u Bake Shop, Wednesday to Friday; at Pahala Hongwanji, Thursday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to help on Saturday at the Bazaar to set up tents andtables at 8 a.m. and sales shifts from 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 3 p.m. (includes cleanup).

    The primary purpose of Friends of the Ka`u Libraries is to financially support the district's two public libraries and to provide volunteers as needed. Call President Ann Fontes at 987-7448 to donate, volunteer or findmout more. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S fee-free Veterans Day, park visitors are invited to experience how Kilauea Military Camp supports America’s troops by utilizing any of KMC’s facilities and services.

KMC’S VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY begins at 3 p.m. today on the front lawn. Keynote Speaker is BG James Carpenter, of Hilo. Guest speaker is Master Sgt. Brian Jordan, also of Hilo. Refreshments follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information, call 967-8371.

A VETERAN’S DAY BUFFET FOLLOWS the ceremony at 4 p.m. today at KMC’s Crater Rim Café with prime rib, baked ono, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms, French onion soup, tossed salad and more. Cost for adults is $25.95 and for children 6 to 11 years old, $12.50. For more information, call 967-8356.

The Genoa Keawe style vocals of the Abrigo `Ohana comes to the stage
this Saturday at the finale concert for the Kahumoku music workshop.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U RESIDENTS WANTING TO PARTICIPATE in Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Forest Restoration Project on Friday Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. should register by today. Volunteers clear invasive weeds around native seedlings on the Mauna Loa Strip. Register at 985-7373 or forest@fhvnp.org.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup Saturday, Nov. 15. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool and caravan to the site. Sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
HWF is one of five nonprofit organizations chosen by Subaru for their annual Share the Love campaign. Facebook users are asked to go to the Subaru Hawai`i page daily and vote for HWF.
“We will use funds to protect native wildlife,” Lamson said.

AFTERNOON HAWAIIAN CONCERT, sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House. Entertainers will include Keoki Kahumoku, Jr., Sonny Lim, James Hill, Ben Ka`ili, Peter deAquino, Brad Bordessa, Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt, Andy Andrews, Debbie Ryder and more. Donations accepted.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Nov. 10, 2014

Kumu Jessie Ke mentors students at Keoki Kahumku's 'ukulele build this past weekend with Ko Aloha `Ukulele.
Photo by Julia Neal

LAVA  REACHED AND BURNED A HOME IN PAHOA this morning. Civil Defense reported that at about 11:55 a.m. a house off Apa`a Street/Cemetery Road ignited after coming into direct contact with molten rock that flowed beneath the dwelling. It was the first home burned by Pele since the house of Jack Thompson, which was taken in March of 2012 in Royal Gardens.

First home was taken this morning by the lava flow that started June 27.
Photo by Mike Kalban, courtesy of Big Island Video News

      “We’ve been very open and clear that once the lava touches a home there is not to be any type of fire fighting activity because that wouldn’t be effective and it would put fire fighting personnel at risk,” Civil Defense Chief Darryl Oliveira told Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter Tom Callis.

      According to Callis, the house was on a 45-acre agriculture lot that was partially covered by lava when the flow first passed through the area late last month.
      The property’s most recent tenant told the Tribune-Herald last month that he had relocated his family and livestock prior to the flow’s arrival.
      Civil Defense warned that smoke conditions may increase in some areas because of the fire and suggested that residents downwind who are sensitive or have respiratory problems should take necessary precautions and remain indoors.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com and www.bigislandvideonews.com

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

After crossing the same road as before, lava, here shown approaching a
utility pole, reached a home in Pahoa. Photo from USGS/HVO

COMPARING KILAUEA’S CURRENT LAVA FLOW to those that destroyed Kalapana beginning in 1986 is the subject of a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Both flows behaved similarly, starting, stopping, inflating then breaking out at margins, according to geologists. Such actions, they said, allow originally narrow flows to spread out and threaten more areas.
      Timothy Hurley reported that the current 13.5-mile-long flow is the longest flow since Kilauea began erupting in 1983.
      The amount of lava coming from the Pu`u O`o vent is about 100,000 cubic meters per day. The Kalapana flow consisted of more than 350,000 cubic meters per day. In both flows, however, fluctuations in output of lava and blockages in lava tubes interrupted amounts of lava reaching flow fronts.
      “It’s not over,” Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Frank Trusdell told Hurley. “The volcano is still supplying lava to the tubes, and people should remain vigilant.”
      See staradvertiser.com.

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

Ariana and Ocean build `ukelele. Photo by Julia Neal

PARTICIPANTS BUILT 20 `UKULELE at Pahala Plantation House Saturday through  program brought to Ka`u by Keoki Kahumoku. New builders joined others who constructed `ukulele over the years through the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies programs in conjunction with Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center, Ko Aloha `Ukulele and Pahala Plantation Cottages. Alumni brought their `ukulele for tune-ups, repairs and restringing.

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

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN’s first comprehensive draft discusses goals found to be important to the community. Separate sections identify the following goals and discuss how to achieve them: 

• Advance preferred conservation and settlement patterns; 
• Protect and enhance natural and cultural resources; 
• Strengthen infrastructure, facilities and services; 
• Build a resilient, sustainable local economy; and 
• Pursue potential synergistic projects. 

      The draft and other materials are available online at kaucdp.info. Hard copies are at local libraries and community centers.
      The public is invited to Ka`u CDP Steering Committee’s meeting Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Members will cover concerns, suggestions for improvement, areas for discussion and requests for additional information or stakeholder input indentified previously.

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

HAWAI`I STATE SENATE IS ACCEPTING job applications for the upcoming legislative session. Working at the Senate offers individuals an opportunity to experience firsthand what it’s like to work in a dynamic public service organization, work closely with elected officials and the public and learn more about the legislative process. 

      Session jobs require a four- to six-month commitment, depending on the position. Most begin on Jan. 2 and end on the last day of the legislative session.
      Senate employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for health insurance through the Hawai`i Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Found.
      More information about employment opportunities can be found online at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sjobs.aspx.
      To apply, send a cover letter and resume to sclerk2@capitol.hawaii.gov.

ASTRONOMER LEW COOK, who has a home in Pahala and writes a monthly article for The Ka`u Calendar, discusses three women pioneers in astronomy in the November issue.

Dr. Pamela Gay dedicates the BCL T27 iTelescope in honor of three women
pioneers in astronomy.

      “Annie Jump Cannon developed the stellar classification scheme that led greatly to our understanding of the atmospheres of stars starting in 1896. Her colleague, Henrietta Swan Leavitt, discovered a fundamental property of Cepheid variable stars: that their periods – measured from one maximum brightness to the next – depend on their luminosities. A star’s luminosity is a measurement of how much light it produces. She found that the brighter stars had longer periods. Cannon and Leavitt worked for E. C. Pickering at Harvard College Observatory.
      “An Irish astronomer, Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell, PhD, discovered pulsars in July of 1967. Pulsars are highly magnetized stars that spin – fast. They are composed of neutrons and are the remnants of supernovae explosions. We see them only when the beam of light they emit shines toward earth much like an airport beacon. They were first called Little Green Men, until their true nature was discovered. Her professor got the Nobel Prize in physics, while she got ignored at the time. Later, that oversight was partly corrected, as indicated by the many awards and honors she has received.

Sherrie Freitas and Cherish Kailiawa learn from Bruce, of Ko Aloha `Ukulele.
Photo by Julia Neal

      “Dr. Pamela Gay visited Australia and took an active part in the dedication of iTelescope.net’s largest telescope: the Burnell, Cannon, Leavitt 27-inch Telescope, during the Siding Spring StarFest. Gay is a high-energy person with an emphasis on educating people in astronomy. iTelescope.Net is the world’s premier network of Internet-connected telescopes, allowing members to take astronomical images of the night sky for the purposes of education, scientific research and astrophotography. They have telescopes in Spain, New Mexico, California, and the largest number of instruments in Australia, where the BCL telescope resides on Siding Spring Mountain near Coonabarabran, New South Wales. Their telescopes are available to the public, including the BCL telescope. The name recognizes the role that women astronomers make to astronomy and astrophysics.
      “There is a pulsar at the heart of the Crab Nebula. It spins at an astounding rate of 30.2 times per second! The view through optical telescopes does not at all match the view that was seen by X-ray satellites, however, a hint of the synchrotron-type radiation resulting from the magnetic field of the pulsar whipping around can be seen in the optical images in the center of the Crab nebula.
      “Ms. Leavitt’s work led to the first accurate estimate of the distance to the Andromeda Galaxy. It is high up in our November sky and can be seen with the naked eye on a good, dark night. Edwin Hubble found there are Cepheid-type variables in it, so he was ready to get an initial measure of its distance when he used the 100-inch Hooker telescope just north of Los Angeles.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger portrays Thomas Jaggar
tomorrow and every other Tuesday.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life tomorrow during A Walk into the Past at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kilauea Visitor Center and then visit the Whitney Vault near Volcano House.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S fee-free day tomorrow for Veterans Day, park visitors are invited to experience how Kilauea Military Camp supports America’s troops by utilizing any of KMC’s facilities and services.

KMC’S VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY begins at 3 p.m. tomorrow on the front lawn. Keynote Speaker is BG James Carpenter, of Hilo. Guest speaker is Master Sgt. Brian Jordan, also of Hilo. Refreshments follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information, call 967-8371.

A VETERAN’S DAY BUFFET FOLLOWS the ceremony at 4 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café with prime rib, baked ono, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms, French onion soup, tossed salad and more. Cost for adults is $25.95 and for children 6 to 11 years old, $12.50. For more information, call 967-8356.

KU‘ULEIMOMI MAKUAKANE-SALAVE‘A demonstrates kapa making Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 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 kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014

Uncle Richard Ho`opi'i brought his famous falsetto and vocal range from bass to high tenor to the stage last night in Pahala, playing with Peter D`Aqino, Keoki Kahumoku, Guy Sesson and Carl Halemano. Another concert will be this Saturday, with Sonny Lim, James Hill and many more to wrap up the annual Kahumoku workshop.  Photo by Julia Neal

David Kamakahi plays his father's compositions, honoring the late Dennis Kamakahi,
who taught at the annual workshop for many years. Photo by Julia Neal

OPENING CONCERT FOR THE KAHUMOKU MUSIC WORKSHOP last night drew Hawaiian music greats, including Martin Pahinui, Diana Aki, John Keawe,
Richard Ho`opi'i  and David Kamakahi, honoring his late father Dennis Kamakahi. Performers, including Keoki Kahumoku, talked about working on the road and recording with Dennis Kamakahi and about his work with youth, his many original
 songs and his uplifting inspiration to everyone. Keawe performed a new song in memory of Dennis Kamakahi. Also honored was the late Auntie Kaiwi Perkins, who taught lauhala weaving at workshops.

      The workshop, in its ninth year in Pahala and sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies and Keoki Kahumoku, continues all week with a Veterans Day gathering on Tuesday at Punalu`u Beach, beginning with an E Ala E chant at dawn, followed by music. Throughout the week, there are classes in `ukulele, slack key guitar, composition, hula and cultural practices.

      A free concert will be held this coming Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House with Sonny Lim, James Hill, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Debbie Ryder, Keoki Kahumoku and many more.

Lifetime partner is Richard Ho`opi`i's wife who danced
hula last night. Photo by Pam Taylor

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

OCEAN VIEW AND OTHER KA`U RESIDENTS interested in expanding education on the Kona side of the island can attend a community forum on higher education in West Hawai`i on Tuesday, Nov.11 at 6 p.m. at Old Kona Airport Park, Maka`eo Pavilion. The forum will discuss post-high school educational opportunities in West Hawai`i with a particular focus on the role of the facilities at Palamanui. A brief report on Hawai`i County Council activities will be made by Council member Dru Kanuha prior to forum presentations.
      The forum consists of four presentations, a panel discussion and a question and answer period. Sherry Bracken serves as moderator. Dr. Sandra Scarr delivers a power point presentation on the need for post-high school educational opportunities for residents of West Hawai`i.

      Dr. Walter Kunitake, first director of the West Hawai`i Center in Kealakekua, describes the early years and the community’s hopes and dreams for a University of Hawai`i facility in West Hawai`i.
      Dr. Marty Fletcher, current director of the West Hawai`i facilities, explains the current status of the West Hawai`i center and his understanding of future plans for higher education at Palamanui.
      Former Hawai`i County Council member Pete Hoffmann, who was recently appointed to represent West Hawai`i on the UH Board of Regents, provides an update to the community on current UH plans to improve access to higher education for the residents of West Hawai`i.
      The panel discussion following the presentations will last approximately 45 minutes and will include questions from the audience. Questions must be submitted in writing either before or during the program.

Kris Fujigami stunned musicians and audience with his lightning-fast `ukulele,
accompanied by his mother Keiko on keyboard. Photo by Julia Neal

      Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and pupus and beverages will be served.
      For more information, contact John Buckstead at 326-9779 or jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV.-ELECT DAVID IGE HAS ENLISTED Mike McCartney, president and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority, as his chief of staff. McCartney was a state senator in the 1990s. He was previously also executive director and Hawai`i State Teachers Association and chair of HTA’s board of directors.

Songbird of Miloli`i, Auntie Diana Aki, shared her famous falsetto.
Photo by Julia Neal

      “Since 2009, I have had the honor and privilege to serve as the president and CEO of the Hawai`i Tourism Authority," McCartney said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership, collaboration and friendship over the years. All of you play an integral role in supporting Hawai`i’s tourism economy, one of the state’s largest industries and economic drivers.” HTA board chair Aaron Sala said McCartney’s leadership of HTA “has contributed to record levels of growth for tourism, and he has created a solid foundation for continued success. Moreover, his tireless work across the diverse populations of our community, and in both public and private sectors, is a testament to his commitment to Hawai`i — our land, our people, and our culture. We wish him the very best and look forward to working with him in his new capacity in the years to come.” 

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

A RECORD NUMBER OF SHARK AND RAY SPECIES, some which inhabit Hawaiian waters, have been proposed for listing under the Appendices of the United Nations Environmental Programme Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. Sharks, rays and sawfish make up 21 of the 32 proposals for new listings. A landmark decision might well be about to be taken at the 11th Meeting of the Conference of Parties in Quito, Ecuador.

Famed singer Martin Pahinui plays with Guy Sesson, of Pahala, last night
at the open-air concert. Photo by Julia Neal

      CMS Executive Secretary Bradnee Chambers said, “The CMS Conference of the Parties offers an important opportunity to boost the global conservation of some highly threatened sharks and rays. The proposals to list 21 additional sharks and rays species on the Convention reflect the interest of a growing number of countries to promote recovery of these biologically vulnerable and ecologically important fish. These proposals, if accepted by CMS Parties, can pave the way for more effective shark and ray conservation action by the international community in the years to come.”
      According to an analysis by the IUCN Shark Specialist Group published in January, an estimated quarter of the world’s more than 1,000 shark and ray species are threatened.
      The SSG highlighted overfishing as the main threat to sharks and rays. The species have long been sought for their meat and fins, and in some cases their unique gills and snouts, and are also taken in substantial numbers by fisheries targeting other species. The SSG has stressed that rays are generally more threatened and less protected than sharks.
      Most shark and ray species are exceptionally vulnerable to overexploitation because they grow slowly, mature late and have few young compared with other fish species. Manta rays, for example, give birth to only one pup every two years.

Some hammerhead shark species are proposed for global conservation.
Photo from wikipedia

      A growing number of countries are acknowledging the importance of sharks and rays and the urgent need to stop declines, and yet most shark and ray fishing nations lack effective safeguards for the species.
      At the CMS COP, governments will consider internationally coordinated conservation measures for migratory species over the next three years and decide which of the species put forward should be listed under its two Appendices.

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

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday during A Walk into the Past at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kilauea Visitor Center and then visit the Whitney Vault near Volcano House.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK waives entry fees on Veterans Day this Tuesday.

      In conjunction with HVNP’s Fee-Free Day, all park visitors are invited to experience how Kilauea Military Camp supports America’s troops by utilizing any of KMC’s facilities and services. 

      KMC’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony begins at 3 p.m. on the front lawn. Keynote Speaker is BG James Carpenter, of Hilo. Guest speaker is Master Sgt. Brian Jordan, also of Hilo. Refreshments follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information about the ceremony, call 967-8371.

Caring for seedlings planted at Mauna Loa strip continues
Friday. Photo from FHVNP

      A Veteran’s Day Buffet follows at 4 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café with prime rib, baked ono, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms, French onion soup, tossed salad and more. Cost for adults is $25.95 and for children 6 to 11 years old, $12.50. For more information about the buffet, call 967-8356.

KA`U RESIDENTS WANTING TO PARTICIPATE in Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Forest Restoration Project on Friday Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. should register before Tuesday, Nov. 11. Volunteers clear invasive weeds around native seedlings on the Mauna Loa Strip. Register at 985-7373 or forest@fhvnp.org.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup Saturday, Nov. 15. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool and caravan to the site. Sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
      HWF is one of five nonprofit organizations chosen by Subaru for their annual Share the Love campaign. Facebook users are asked to go to the Subaru Hawai`i page daily and vote for HWF. 

      “We will use funds to protect native wildlife,” Lamson said.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.