Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Nov. 14, 2014

Christian Ogle is happy with his Aikido certificate, certifying graduation to a higher level. Photo by Julia Neal

“IT COULD GO LEFT, OR RIGHT, OR BOTH WAYS,” USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Steve Brantley said, referring to a map at a lava update meeting in Pahoa last night. County officials hold a meeting each Thursday at Pahoa High School cafeteria to keep residents informed about events related to the June 27 lava flow that continues to threaten the area.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist are unable to predict the direction of a new
lobe of lava upslope of Pahoa. North is to the right in this photo.
Photo from Big Island Video News

      Brantley said because terrain in the area of a breakout above Apa`a Street is gently sloped, it is difficult to predict a path for the flow. The path of steepest descent to the right, or north, passes near the shopping center where Malama Market is located. The flow field is also getting thicker and wider as breakouts form, Brantley said. He reported that geologists exploring the area did not find any features that would block or impede lava if the flow continues.
      Molten lava is no longer continuing to the original flow front, according to Brantley. “That’s why there are no breakouts there,” he said.
      County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said the agency is considering reopening Pahoa Village Road, although it may have to be closed again if lava again moves toward it. However, “It’s difficult to close once it’s reopened,” he said.

      Mayor Billy Kenoi said, “Our goal is to keep Pahoa a vibrant place that we can call home.” He also said he was looking forward to working with state Sen. Russell Ruderman and newly elected Puna Rep. Joy Buenaventura, who were at the meeting, during the upcoming legislative session. “There’s a lot of activity up ahead,” he said. “Thank you all for having an aloha spirit of compassion and caring.”

Sen. Russell Ruderman and newly elected Rep. Joy Buenaventura
talk story at last night's lava update meeting in Pahoa. Ruderman,
owner of Island Naturals markets, offered water and snacks.
Photos by Ron Johnson

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

HAWAI`I NOW CAN QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY TEST for Ebola in-state. Previously, the state Department of Health needed to send patient samples to mainland laboratories to test for the deadly virus. 

      A few weeks ago, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with Ambassador Jimmy Kolker, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Toby Merlin, Director of the Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Bill Gallo, Associate Director for Insular Area Support at the CDC, to discuss global challenges related to Ebola and the necessity for a properly equipped Hawai`i testing facility. They resolved to supply DOH with resources to test for Ebola, supporting DOH and medical personnel with a quicker testing turnaround time.
      DOH’s Laboratories Division has received and validated the U.S. Department of Defense-developed, CDC-deployed real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test for 2014 outbreak-associated Ebola Zaire Virus.

       “The safety and well-being of Hawai`i residents is my highest priority, and it’s important that our state be equipped with the resources needed to quickly and effectively test those who may be suspected Ebola patients,” Gabbard said. “Ensuring our medical professionals are given the tools they need to protect themselves, and to serve the public at large, is of the greatest importance, and I’m glad to see that we were able to bring this testing capability to our islands.”

An animated Mayor Billy Kenoi with Puna residents at
last night's lava update meeting. 

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

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS APPLAUD THE JOINT announcement by President Barack Obama and People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping on the issue of climate change with an agreement to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by each nation.
      “This announcement demonstrates bold leadership from the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies and emitters of carbon emissions, and makes clear that we do not need to choose between the economy and the environment. Climate change is real, and we must address it,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “The opportunity for Hawai`i is that we are a leader in clean energy solutions, and we can share that expertise with others.”
      Sen. Brian Schatz said, “The groundbreaking climate change and clean energy cooperation agreement … demonstrates the necessary leadership from the United States and China to continue addressing the global threat of climate change. The agreement recognizes that as the two leading producers of greenhouse gas emissions, the United States and China, must take short and long term measures to reduce the amount of carbon pollution and to encourage the development of clean energy. By jointly agreeing to specific goals which will reduce carbon emissions by 2030 at the latest, the United States and China are poised to significantly bolster renewable energy research and technology and foster a new industrial revolution fueled by clean energy.”
       Together, the two countries account for more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The commitment will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. President Xi Jinping’s announcement marks the first time China has ever committed to capping their greenhouse gas emissions.
      Additional information on the agreement can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/11/12/us-and-china-just-announced-important-new-actions-reduce-carbon-pollution.

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Aikido skills shown by Alan Moores and Fresno Eder at Old Pahala Clubhouse, during graduation. Photo by Julia Neal 

Aikido practitioners graduate under teacher
Alan Moores. Photo by Rich Ogle

AIKIDO STUDENTS GRADUATED to new levels of competence this week under the leadership of Alan Moores, who teaches at the Old Pahala Clubhouse at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
    Danny McMasters earned Fifth Kyu, Seth McMasters Fifth Kyu, Cyrus McMasters Fifth Kyu, Gloria Ornelas Fifth Kyu, Christian Ogle Fifth Kyu, Melinda Eder Fourth Kyu, Ciara Ortega Third Kyu, Kyle Calumpit Third Kyu, Kyle Pitcher Third Kyu and Fresno Eder Second Kyu.
    Aikido is a peaceful marshal art in which students learn to defend themselves by avoiding and disarming the aggressor. It is considered good exercise for all ages and good training for the mind and body.

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TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO PREREGISTER for the Ka‘ū Floating Lantern Ceremony coming up on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association, Inc. sponsors the event that includes taiko drummers, local entertainers and community potluck.  Suggested donation is $15. Call 928-0101.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Rep. Richard Creagan, Vice President, will update members on events at the HFUU Convention that took place at Waikiki Yacht Club on Nov. 6. 

      There will also be an update on the newly adopted state policy.
      Members are encouraged to bring homegrown foods for the potluck dinner.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup tomorrow. 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.

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai`ohinu holds its annual bazaar tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring live entertainment, laulau, kulolo, baked goods, plate lunches, hotdogs and more.

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder participates
in tomorrow's free concert.
Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE IS THE SITE of a free Hawaiian concert for the community, sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainers include Keoki Kahumoku, 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. 

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers free programs this weekend. Tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku.
      On Sunday at 9:30 a.m., a moderately difficult, one-hour, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone Pu`u o Lokuana features its formation and various uses over time, plus a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u.

LEILEHUA YUEN AND MANU JOSIAH offer a Hula Kahiko Informance tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Yuen and Josiah are known for their informances blending storytelling, science, chant an hula to create a journey through Hawaiian history and culture. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in Volcano House’s lobby. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TUTU & ME HOSTS a Keiki Ho`olaule`a next Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. “It’s our way of saying ‘mahalo’ to the community for your support of our program throughout the years,” said site manager Betty Clark.
      The event features games for keiki of all ages, including the Hawaiian game of konani, a photo booth, face painting and much more.
      In the spirit of giving and receiving, guests are invited to bring canned goods to be donated to the Food Basket. 

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL’S SECOND ANNUAL Food Drive & Preseason Basketball Tournament is next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Sponsored by the girls team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. and the last one beginning 4 p.m. Teams participating are Ka`u, Pahoa, Kealakehe and Hana, Maui.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014

Ka`u residents can support Hawai`i Wildlife Fund at a Ka`u Coast Cleanup Saturday and during Subaru's Share the Love campaign by voting at http://www.facebook.com/SubaruHI, as well as purchase vehicles. Photo from HWF

KA`U’S REPRESENTATIVES IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE have received their assignments for the 28th Legislature which convenes Jan. 21, 2015. Rep. Richard Creagan is vice chair of the Housing Committee. Creagan is also on Committees on Health, Human Services, Judiciary and Consumer Protection & Commerce. Rep. Richard Onishi is vice chair of the Agriculture Committee and also serving on Economic Development & Business; Veterans, Military & International Affairs; Tourism & Culture and the Arts; and Finance Committees.

Rep. Richard Onishi

Rep. Richard Creagan

      Onishi was Hawai`i Farm Bureau’s 2013 Legislator of the Year. According to Civil Beat, he tied with five other representatives having the most bills passed in 2014 – five of 16, or 31 percent.
      Members of House Leadership are Speaker Joseph Souki, Vice Speaker John Mizuno, Majority Leader Scott Saiki, Majority Floor Leader Cindy Evans, Majority Whip Ken Ito, Asst. Majority Leaders Chris Lee and Roy Takumi, and Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say. House Committee Chairpersons are Clift Tsuji, Agriculture; Derek Kawakami, Economic Development & Business; Romy Cachola, Veterans, Military & International Affairs; Tom Brower, Tourism & Culture and the Arts; Mark Nakashima, Labor & Public Employment; Gregg Takayama, Public Safety; Henry Aquino, Transportation; Della Au Belatti, Health; Mark Hashem, Housing; Mele Carroll, Human Services; Chris Lee, Energy & Environmental Protection; Kaniela Ing, Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs; Ryan Yamane, Water & Land; Roy M. Takumi, Education; Isaac Choy, Higher Education; Sylvia Luke, Finance; Scott Nishimoto, Legislative Management; Angus McKelvey, Consumer Protection & Commerce; and Karl Rhoads, Judiciary.
      “The team that we have formed represents the kind of talents and abilities that will best serve our residents and will address the issues facing our state,” Souki said. “We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Gov.-elect David Ige and his administration to continue to identify ideas and solutions to help Hawaii move forward.”
      For more on the legislative process, biographies of legislators, calendar and to testify on various bills when the 2015 Legislature opens, see www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

The draft Ka`u CDP includes maps of proposed
land use patterns for each Ka`u community.

THE PRELIMINARY COMPREHENSIVE DRAFT of Ka`u’s Community Development Plan lists many of its objectives, including: 

• Protecting coastal areas, agricultural land and mauka forests from development; 
• Protecting open space, areas with natural beauty and scenic view planes; 
• Guiding development of programs to strengthen protections for coastal and agricultural lands as well as open space and view planes; 
• Preserving historic resources; 
• Guiding restoration of historic sites and buildings, retention of village and town character and documentation of oral, written and video histories; 
• Guiding expansion of lands held in public trust; 
• Ensuring appropriate public access to the shoreline and mauka forests; 
• Guiding development of a regional network of trails; 
• Guiding collaborative stewardship and enhancement of coastal and forest ecosystems, cultural resources, agricultural lands, public access and trails; 
• Concentrating future development in existing towns, villages and subdivisions; 
• Identifying specific commercial and industrial areas in Pahala, Na`alehu, and Ocean View; 
• Supporting preservation of village and town character and guiding enhancement of communities’ unique sense of place; 
• Advancing redevelopment and growth management with brownfield assessments, a countywide affordable housing plan and community-based redevelopment strategies for nonconforming subdivisions; 
• Prioritizing improvement of existing potable water systems to support infill growth; and 
• Prioritizing formalizing and improving emergency alternative routes. 

      The steering committee meets Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The public is invited as committee members continue discussing the first comprehensive draft.
      The draft is available at kaucdp.info and at local libraries and community centers.

      See more of the CDP’s goals in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u residents can track vog measurements at http://hiso2index.info/.

CONCERNING RECENT COMPLAINTS OF VOG in Ka`u, smoke from lava and burning trees and structures in Puna could be carried here when wind is blowing from the east. This can give the appearance and feeling of vog, according to Clean Air Branch personnel in the state Department of Health.
      Locally, Ocean View has had more vog days in November than Pahala. The SO2 exceeded the federal clean air standard .075 parts per million for an hour or more on Nov. 2 with .121 ppm, Nov. 3 with .137 ppm, Nov. 4 with .082 ppm and Nov. 9 with .077 ppm.
      Pahala recorded one vog day on the state Department of Health instruments on Pahala’s school campus on Nov. 5 with .149 ppm. In October, there were 11 days in which the standard was exceeded, the highest at .381 ppm on Oct. 29.
      See SO2 readings and warnings at http://hiso2index.info/.

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

A GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT IN LOWER PUNA could shut down if lava causes loss of transmission lines in and out of the area. Tom Callis reported in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald that a Puna Geothermal Venture representative said the 38-megawatt facility planned to stop operating if the two lines that serve lower Puna fail as lava continues moving in the area. One line in Pahoa is currently threatened in the area of Apa`a Street, where county Civil Defense reported this morning that a breakout of lava was .2 miles above the street. A second line running through Hawaiian Beaches could be in jeopardy if lava continues on a path toward the sea.

County Firefighters shoot water and foam on a Pahoa power pole to increase its
resistance to heat from the lava flow. Photo from Big Island Video News

      Hawai`i Electric Light Co. is experimenting with methods to try to save utility poles, including insulating them, surrounding them with non-heat-conducting cinder and dousing them with water and foam to increase resistance to 2,000-degree heat which has claimed one pole.
      HELCO has also installed steel poles, which are more heat-resistant and allow for longer spans of wire between them.
      According to the story, HELCO spokesperson Rhea Lee said the utility plans to use diesel generators to supply power to some of its customers in lower Puna if both lines are lost. She also told Callis that HELCO is discussing with PGV the possibility of it serving a micro-grid.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND, WHICH SPONSORS Ka`u Coast Cleanups and other environmental events, is one of five nonprofits selected for Subaru Hawai`i’s fourth community-based Share the Love sales campaign. The company will donate $250 for each new 2014 or 2015 Subaru vehicle sold until Dec. 31, 2014 to a group of local Maui nonprofits. 

      To sweeten the deal for the nonprofit partners, the public is encouraged to vote for favorite participating nonprofit organizations at Subaru Hawai`i’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/SubaruHI. At the end of the campaign, Subaru Hawai`i will award the organization with the most votes an additional $5,000.
      Hawai`i Wildlife Fund hosts a Ka`u Coast Cleanup Saturday. 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.

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

Sonny Lim

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Rep. Richard Creagan, Vice President, will update members on events at the HFUU Convention that took place at Waikiki Yacht Club on Nov. 6. 

      There will also be an update on the newly adopted state policy.
      Members are encouraged to bring homegrown foods for the potluck dinner.

A FREE HAWAIIAN CONCERT FOR THE COMMUNITY, sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House. Entertainers include Keoki Kahumoku, 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. 

KAUAHA`AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai`ohinu holds its annual bazaar Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring live entertainment, laulau, kulolo, baked goods, plate lunches, hotdogs and more.

DURING A PROGRAM CALLED HI`IAKA & PELE on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku.

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 Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014

Braving cold weather and occasional showers, Hawai`i Island veterans, visitors and residents attended Kilauea Military Camp's Veterans Day ceremony yesterday. Photos by Ron Johnson

HAWAI`I ISLAND VETERANS, VISITORS and residents gathered at Kilauea Military Camp yesterday for a Veterans Day ceremony honoring all who serve.

Pahala veterans Fidel Augustin and Leighton Pahukula enjoy the free buffet
at KMC's Crater Rim Cafe following the ceremony.

      “Our men and women in uniform are ambassadors,” said guest speaker MSgt Brian F. Jordan. “Countries where we have fought want to be like us.” Jordan also said veterans are stewards of the U.S. Constitution “and ask for nothing in return. Veterans who died lost two lives, the one they lost in battle and the one they should have had in freedom.”

      Giving the keynote address, BG James Carpenter called every veteran a patriot and a hero. He also emphasized the day’s significance: “Today is a holiday, a time to relax. I don’t think any veterans would begrudge anyone time to relax … and time to gather with families. Veterans Day is the day we remember why we have the freedom to have time off. Respect those who are giving their all for this freedom. … It reminds us that we need to take care of those who take care of us.”
      Carpenter told the audience, “Today I am proud to be an American, and I can tell that you are, too, just by your presence here.” He asked listeners to find out how they could honor veterans.
      Following the ceremony, KMC provided a free dinner buffet for attending veterans at Crater Rim Café.

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

Patsy T. Mink Photo from
Patsy T. Mink Foundation

HAWAI`I CONGRESSWOMAN PATSY T. MINK will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The medal is presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

      Among Mink’s numerous accomplishments during her decades of public service, she is most widely known for being one of the principal authors of Title IX, the federal law that protects students from gender discrimination in federally supported education programs and activities. Signed into law on June 23, 1972, the legislation has since been renamed the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity Education Act.

      “This recognition for my friend, Patsy Mink, is well deserved, and I am proud to have lent my early support to this effort,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “A visionary and a trailblazer, Patsy’s legacy lives on in every female student and athlete in America who’s been given a fair shot to compete in the classroom and on the playing field. We are proud that a keiki o ka `aina, born and raised on Maui, who continues to inspire all of us, has received this high honor.”
      Sen. Brian Schatz applauded President Barack Obama’s action:

 “All of Hawai`i is deeply proud that Patsy Mink has been named to posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a daughter of the islands, she fought every day of her life to make real the possibilities of equal opportunity for all and the rights of minorities and women. Her remarkable achievements were hard-earned – born of her unwavering resolve and the values she learned living in Hawai`i. We know that Patsy would share this award with all of us and especially with the countless women who steadfastly carried on with the legacy and the spirit of Patsy Mink.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said,
 “Congresswoman Mink is deeply deserving of the Presidential Media of Freedom, having demonstrated her selfless commitment to the betterment of our nation and increasing opportunities for all Americans. It is appropriate that this high honor will be given to one of Hawai`i’s great leaders and a true American trailblazer.”
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie said, “As a strong advocate for peace, social justice, public education, transparency in government, energy and environmental policies, Congresswoman Mink is most deserving of this honor.

       “Throughout her years in public service, she was a tenacious advocate for the disenfranchised and minorities, which led to a number of noteworthy accomplishments. …

      “Her work ethic was unmatched; her commitment to justice for all deep and abiding. There was simply no one like her – ever. Caring and compassionate, insightful and inspiring – she will always be in our memories as the gold standard of public service.

Lava lobe that destroyed house but spared the garage is inflating, with
USGS geoligist taking measurements. Photo from HVO

      “Those of us who supported the request for Patsy to be considered for the Presidential Medal of Freedom are deeply appreciative of President Obama’s recognition of her. Admired and respected personally, she will now take her rightful place in the history of our nation as one of the greatest legislators.”

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

MORE HOMES IN PAHOA ARE NOT IN IMMEDIATE danger of being overtaking by lava following the first home being destroyed Monday, reported Hawai`i County Civil Defense this morning. Other lobes of lava have entered the transfer station and are burning asphalt as it covers pavement. 

      While the flow front closest to Pahoa Village Road remains stalled, breakouts continue upslope, and inflation of the front continues.

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

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES is one of 13 schools across the state taking part in the fourth annual Recycle-Bowl Competition. This nationwide recycling incentive, open to all elementary, middle and high schools, is sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading recycling and litter prevention nonprofit organization. The objectives of RBC are to establish new recycling programs within schools, increase recycling rates in schools that currently recycle and provide teacher/student educational opportunities about recycling and waste reduction.

Ocean View veteran Mike Last, enjoying the free buffet at KMC,
ran for state Senate as a Libertarian.

      From Oct. 15 through Nov. 15, students, faculty and staff work together to recycle as much as possible on campus, which may include paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, HI-5 beverage containers and food waste. The Recycle-Bowl Competition is a measurable success that reduces the amount of discards to the landfill.

      The competition culminates on Nov. 15, which is America Recycles Day and Hawai`i Recycles Day. Schools submit a final report of how much they recycled by volume or weight. Once reports are received and verified, KAB announces the top school winner for each state in early 2015.
      Four winning schools receive cash prizes donated by local sponsors Lex Brodie’s Tire Foundation, Goodfellow Bros, Inc. and Island Naturals Market and Deli.
      In Hawai`i, the Recycle-Bowl Competition is coordinated by Recycle Hawai`i and Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful.
      For more information about America Recycles Day and Recycle-Bowl Competition, see www.americarecyclesday.org. For more information on recycling events in Hawai`i, contact Marsha Hee, Education Director of Recycle Hawai`i, at hiartrecycle@gmail.com.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets tomorrow 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

Posting and Retiring of Colors was Hilo Civil Air Patrol's duty at KMC's Veterans Day ceremony.

ZACH MERMEL HOLDS A WORKSHOP on Mushroom Cultivation Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Mermel teaches the basics of fungal biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials, particularly wood logs and straw. He also covers the health benefits of different edible and medicinal fungi in Hawai`i. Attendees will gain hands-on experience inoculating their own mushroom kits as well as logs that they can take home at the end of the day.
      Fees are $40 for VAC members and $50 for non-members plus a $25 supply fee. Register at 967-8222.

James Hill returns to Pahala for Saturday's concert.

A FREE HAWAIIAN CONCERT FOR THE COMMUNITY, sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House. Entertainers include Keoki Kahumoku, 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.

TEAMS FROM AS FAR AWAY AS HANA, MAUI will converge on Ka`u High School Gym Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22 for the second annual Food Drive & Preseason Tournament. Sponsored by the Trojan Girls Basketball team under Head Coach Cy Lopez, the Friday food drive will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tournament will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the food drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. Teams participating are Laupahoehoe, Kealakehe, Hana and Ka`u.
      “Please support the Ka`u concession stand on both Friday and Saturday,” said Lopez.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Direectory2014.swf.