Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015

Humpback whales are living along the Ka`u Coast for winter. A whale count is set for Jan. 31.
Photo from NOAA

WARM WINDS FROM THE SOUTHWEST and west whipped through Ka`u last night, damaging some roofs and downing branches and trees, while causing local power outages. The unusually strong gusts with periods of silence between them were predicted to reach more than 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a high wind warning through noon today, with the expectation of constant winds 40 mph and higher. “The strongest winds are likely to occur along exposed coastal areas and where winds accelerate downslope from higher terrain. Strong winds will also be present in scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms,” the weather service warned. The weather service attributed the strong winds to a cold front moving across the Big Island. The winds also whipped up waves that are crashing along the coastline, making swimming and launching boats very dangerous.
     At dawn, Ka`u Coffee farmers and macadamia orchard growers were out assessing damage from the windstorm.
     Overnight Hwy 19 was blocked by fallen trees near Glenwood near the 19 mile marker. While Ka`u was spared from most of the heavy rain from the storm, much of the island experienced downpours and thunderstorms.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.   

The Coast Guard, NOAA and DLNR coordinate enforcement of
whale protection laws, with help from the public.
Photo from NOAA

WHALE SEASON IS BACK IN FULL FIPPER with numerous humpback sightings reported at Punalu`u, Honu`apo and Ka Lae. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has set dates to count the whales along the shoreline for Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28. Both site leaders and general volunteers are needed for the Ka`u Coast.
      This year, 2015, marks the 20th anniversary of the whale count. The sanctuary is raising money for the project by selling Keep Calm and Count the Whales short-sleeve and long-sleeve tees and hooded sweatshirts. To register to volunteer for the whale count, see more at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
     The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Sactuary was created by Congress in 1992. According to its website, “the sanctuary, which lies within the shaller (less than 600 feet deep) waters of the main Hawaiian Islands, constitutes one of the world’s most important humpback whale habitats.
     “Through education, outreach, research and resource protection activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i.” Federal law protects them from harassment and probhibits approaching humbacks by any means to within 100 yards in the water and 1,000 feet via aircraft. Enforcement is coordinated by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard and state Department of Land & Natural Resources. Anyone seeing a boat, helicopter or persons harassing whales can make a report to 800-256-9840.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.   

NOVEMBER WAS A STRONG MONTH FOR TOURISM, according to the Hawai`i Tourism Authority. The tourism count was up in November for the Big Island. The count increased 4.8 percent over last November and tourists spent an extra 6.8 percent. The number of visitors coming here reached 106,800 and they shelled out $141.7 million in just the one month.
     According to HTA, the number of visitors arriving to Hawai`i County during the first 11 months of 2014 topped 1.3 million. Their spending increased by 5.4 percent - unloading $1.7 billion into Hawai`i Island businesses through November, with an average daily expenditure per visitor of $174.
     Airline capacity to the island has increased, providing more seats to get here, particularly to the Kona airport. Through November, there were 619,789 seats available to the west side of the Island. There were 42,000 to Hilo Airport.
     The Japanese tourist count was up 3 percent for November of 2014 over 2013, reported Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

The Kahuku section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is open every Saturday
and Sunday with no entrance fees. Photo from NPS

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

EVENTS AT KAHUKU IN KA`U have been announced by Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park for January through March.  The Kahuku unit of the park is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday and all events are free. Those who travel through the entrance on the mauka side of Hwy 11 between Ocean View and South Point Road near mile marker 70.5 can explore on their own, or join these upcoming programs:
     ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua program is offered Jan. 10, Feb. 15, and March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
     Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, and March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
     People & Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Jan. 17 and Feb. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

     Hi‘iaka & Pele. Discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pele and Hi‘iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors will experience the sisters coming alive through the epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi‘iaka and Pele program is offered Jan. 18, Feb. 21, March 21, and March 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    Pu‘u o Lokuana is a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u o Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike is offered Jan. 31 and March 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

    Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all activities at Kahuku.

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

KONAWAENA COMES TO KA`U HIGH today for boy's soccer, travel permitting. Coach for the Ka`u Trojans is Crystal Mandaquit. Start time is 3 p.m.

Ka`u High's girls basketball team hosts Kealakehe this evening at the Pahala gym.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HIGH HOSTS KEALAKEHE this evening in girls basketball with coach Cy Lopez this evening at the gym in Pahala. Start time is 6 p.m. The next game is Wednesday when the Trojan wahine travel to Kohala. Next Saturday, Hilo High comes to Ka`u.

KA`U HIGH'S WRESTLING TEAM was scheduled to travel to Kamehameha School today for tournament play starting at 10 a.m.

AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS continues tonight at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow with a 2:30 p.m. final performance at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  For tickets, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS HOST A POTLUCK PICNIC tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 4 at Manukā Park just west of Ocean View. All American Radio Emergency Service members and those seeking to operate a Ham radio and families are invited. Ham radio operators coordinate with the county civil defense and medical providers for disaster preparedness. For more information, call Dennis Smith, 989-3028

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S EXHIBIT for Christmas in the Country wraps up tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 4 with wreaths and other art for sale. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply.

WALK INTO THE PAST  this Tuesday, Jan. 6 and again on Jan. 20 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., beginning at Kīlauea Visitor Center and entering the Whitney Vault in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life every other Tuesday.

Lava fingers headed toward Pahoha. Photo from USGS

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK offers Updates on Kilauea’s Two Eruptions, at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick talks about Halema‘uma‘u lava lake and presents a brief overview on the first 30 years of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō’s eruption and the  lava flow that has advanced toward Pāhoa over the past six months. The 32nd anniversary of the beginning of the eruption is today. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TROJAN BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYERS travel to Kealakehe with coach Daryl Shibuya for a 6 p.m. game next Tuesday.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets Thursday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church. Public invited. Contact richmorrow@alohabroadband.net

A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING will be held Thursday, Jan 8 at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. The gathering is for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes, 929-9953.

JOHN DAWSON'S EXHIBIT, entitled Over & Under, will be unveiled on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The tag line is More of His Nature. On display will be fresh observations of the park through the Dawson paintings. The show closes Feb. 15.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 2, 2015

Punalu`u Beach tidepools and shoreline are the site of the annual Keiki Fishing Tournament that draws nearly a thousand people
 each January. Photo by Nalani Parlin

O KA`U KAKOU IS STARTING 2015 with a big mahalo or all whose who volunteered during 2014 and looking ahead to many projects, said Pres. Wayne Kawachi.
      The first endeavor for the New Year is the ‘O Kaʻū Kākou Keiki Fishing Tournament, the largest shoreline annual event in Ka`u, that sometimes brings around 1,000 people to Punalu`u Beach. This year it takes place on Saturday, Jan. 24. The Keiki Fishing Tournament draws families for a day of friendly competition, with every keiki participants up to 14 years of age receiving a prize. The fish and release competition also includes marine education. Participants are urged to pre-register and forms are available from members and at area businesses.

Joe Buyuan caught the most fish in the 2014 Keiki Fishing
Tournament. He also won in 2013, taking over the legacy of his
brother Jamal, who won many times. Photo by June Domondon

     This event is the start of a slew of projects that OKK, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community service organization, plans for the improvement and wellbeing of Kaʻū and its residents, Kawachi noted. Reflecting on 2014, Kawachi said, “It has been a rewarding year for OKK and definitely took help from the community and others for our success. We would like to thank all who helped.”
    Some of those projects included the first annual Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run, which debuted on September 20, drawing competitors from around the world to a half-marathon and shorter races on trails above Ka`u Coffee Mill, followed by entertainment, crafts and food booths and games for everyone.
     Kawachi mentioned OKK’s help with the annual Fourth of July parade down Hwy 11 in Na`alehu and Family Day at Nāʻālehu Park.
     OKK improved and continues to maintain seven cemeteries and provides public toilets at South Point and Punaluʻu. A new project included collaborating with the Edmund C. Olson Trust II, Kaʻū Andrade Contracting, Inc. and members of the Nāʻālehu Catholic Church to erect a stone wall fronting the church property.
     In addition to giving scholarships for individual students and monetary donations to community groups, from athletic teams to other non-profits, OKK provides manpower to numerous community events, including the Ka`u Coffee Festival, Ka`u Coffee Pageant and Ka`u Plantation Days.
     In December, OKK assisted Hana Hou Restaurant in serving the community a free dinner and celebration at the annual Keiki Christmas Party.

Hezekiah Baji, Aleavah Abellera and Janslae Badua won Largest

 Aholehole division in last year's Keiki Fishing Tournament,
sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou. Photo by Nalani Parlin

     OKK members can be seen all over Ka`u lending a hand from highway and Punaluʻu pond cleanups to assisting seniors with home repairs and installing guard rails . OKK Senior Bingo events continue to be a hit, and OKK members have expanded their support to individual seniors including yard work and roofing projects.
      “Senior projects were plentiful throughout the year,” said Kawachi. One story involved the Rev. Lona Lyons, of Ocean View, who broke her ankle in three places, and was trapped in her house due to the steepness and difficulty of the path from the street to her house. Lyons said she had to be carried from her house to the car for doctor appointments. OKK helped Lyons redeem her independence by creating a new path on which she could easily use her walker right to her front door. “Yes, there were tears of joy, but more than anything, I was so touched by the generosity and kindness of your organization. In a world where only ʻbad news’ captures the headlines, it is good to be reminded that there are such beautiful souls who give selflessly of their time and energy to help others,” Lyons told OKK members.
    The work of OKK has inspired many people, living in Kaʻū and away, to donate time, money and supplies to support its projects. Anyone wishing to become a member or to donate can contact the organization by emailing info@OKauKakou.org, visiting www.okaukakou.org, or writing to P.O. Box 365, Pahala, HI 96777.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.   

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is making a last call to all who want to participate in its annual scholarship drive, which is supported by participation in The Directory, the guide to businesses and community organizations for Ka`u. The Ka`u Chamber gives scholarships with funding raised by advertising sales in The Directory to new higher eduction students from Ka`u and also those who are continuing and have received scholarships from the Chamber in the past.  This year, the cover of the Directory will feature a painting of Green Sands Beach by Suzanne D. Kaliko, which was voted most popular at the annual Chamber art show held at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union. The Chamber also plans to put all of The Directory information on an app to make it more available to visitors and residents. To apply for a scholarship, contact Scholarship Chair Lee McIntosh at 929-9872. To support The Directory with a $35 per year Ka`u Chamber of Commerce membership and advertising, contact Elijah Navarro at 928-6471.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.   

AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS continues at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KDEN presents the production this Friday through Sunday, Jan. 4. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS POTLUCK PICNIC is this weekend, Sunday, Jan. 4 at Manukā Park just west of Ocean View. All American Radio Emergency Service members and anyone interested in learning how to operate a Ham radio and families are invited to attend. Ham radio operators coordinate with the county and medical providers for disaster preparedness. For more information, call Dennis Smith, 989-3028

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S EXHIBIT for Christmas in the Country wraps up this Sunday, Jan. 4 with wreaths and other art for sale. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply.

THE FIRST WALK INTO THE PAST  in 2015 takes place next Tuesday, Jan. 6 and again on Jan. 20 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., beginning at Kīlauea Visitor Center and entering the Whitney Vault in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life every other Tuesday.

Lava burns through forests above Pahoa. Photo from HAVO

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK next Tuesday features Updates on Kilauea’s Two Eruptions, at 7 p.m. in Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick presents an update on the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, a brief overview on the first 30 years of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō’s eruption and an in-depth account of the current lava flow that has advanced toward Pāhoa over the past six months. Over the New Years holiday the lava heading toward Pahoa moved very slowly with some fronts stalling and other breakouts above them.  Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets next Thursday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church. Public invited. Contact richmorrow@alohabroadband.net

A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING will be held next Thursday, Jan 8 at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. The gathering is for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes, 929-9953.

JOHN DAWSON'S EXHIBIT, entitled Over & Under,  will be unveiled on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The tag line is More of His Nature. On display will be fresh observations of the park through the Dawson paintings. The show closes Feb. 15.

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

 

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015

Ka`u middle school students will have access to learning instruments as band instruments are restored and Jr. Volcano Choy
offers after school classes, a fundraiser planned for Jan. 31. Photo by Julia Neal

THIS NEW YEAR, THE BRASS BAND IS COMING BACK TO CAMPUS and more music will sound out at school. Funds are being raised to restore instruments at Ka`u High School for a music program for Pahala Middle School students. Toward this goal, Jr. Volcano Choy and Friends will host a fundraising Afternoon Jazz Performance, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Pahala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets.
     The event is sponsored by Volcano Art Center, which has received a grant from Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture & the Arts to bring back band music education to keiki of Ka`u. The afterschool program for beginning brass band will be instructed by Jr. Volcano Choy, the highly experienced performing artist and educator who lives in Volcano, following a professional performing and recording career on the mainland.

Band instruments awaiting restoration at Ka`u High School.
Photo by Julia Neal

     A Hawai`i native, Choy noted that Ka`u High school’s music building is filled with all the instruments that are part of a full band program. Due to lack of a program, scores of instruments are rusting and non-functional. A statement from Volcano Art Center says, “These instruments need to come alive again. They are trumpets, trombones and more which all need TLC. The Afternoon Jazz Performance is an event to raise funds for repair and revitalization of these instruments.”
   Those attending are urged to bring a garden chair and the $15 suggested donation.
     For a weekend of Jazz with Jr. Volcano Choy and overnight accommodations, call Pahala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.   

A DEATH DISCOVERED AT A HOUSE FIRE LAST NIGHT in Hawai'i Ocean View Estates is under investigation. Company 20 arrived on scene where the 30 feet by 50 feet single story house with fire involved in the bedrooms and hallway of the mauka side of the residence. According to the Hawai'i Fire Department report, two people lived in the house and one was away at the store at time of the start of the fire. "The second occupant was found to be DOA after search by HFD personnel during initial fire attack," the report states. No other occupants were living in the dwelling. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.   

KA`U'S HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED FOUNDING PRESIDENT and member Malian Lahey, who owns and operates a farm in Wood Valley,  has released a New Years message about agriculture in Ka`u, her views on farming and the purpose of Hawai`i Farmers Union United and the new Ka`u chapter. It is entitled  Hawaii Farmers’ Union United Ka`u Chapter Unites Organic and Conventional Farmers:

Malian Lahey

     As an organic farmer in Hawai`i, I am surely one of the rarer ones whose mentors are all conventional farmers. I can’t help it. In Pahala, where I live, most of the old timers use some kind of pesticide or chemical fertilizer. They have succeeded in their type of agriculture for more years than I have been alive.

     They have also taken me under their wing, protected me, cooked fried eggs with smoke meat and rice for me. Their kind, open hearts opened mine. I still have a lot to learn from these farmers. They taught me which properties on the market were good for farming, what equipment to buy, how to space coffee trees, and the nutrient demands of coffee on the soil.

     They introduced me to the NRCS, FSA, and USDA programs and coached me on how to navigate the incredible amount of beauracracy involved in farming.

     I’m not complacent. I have a lot to talk to them about. We’ve discussed the negative effects of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers on human health, the soil, and the water. I’ve shared information about herbicide resistant superweeds and the way GM foods contribute to antibiotic resistant diseases.

     Here’s where it gets real: everyone is surviving in their own way. I don’t have a right to tell other farmers how to work their own farm.  I can farm my way on my farm. 

    In order to reasonably expect other people to change, I have to not only show that organic farming is better and that they can make a living at it, but I have to create a path forward for that to happen with some economic security.  If I’m going to ask another farmer to change their ways, I have some responsibilities to them. 

     First off, I have to respect their free will and choice. That means giving people the information and letting them make their own decision.  I have to educate and build trusting relationships with farmers, so that I can share what I have learned about organic farming and how it works. It wouldn’t hurt if they could see some models of successful organic farming to boot. If I’m so convinced that I am right, then I shouldn’t be afraid of an honest discussion of the facts among friends.

     Second, I have to work with them, the government, and nonprofit sector to help them build their path to a different way of farming. They will need new equipment and infrastructure as well as education. They need money to buy materials and support from their extension agents. That means change in all of those agencies, as well.

Earth Matters, which provides a Community Assisted Agricultural program through which residents can pick up produce weekly
 at the farm near the corner of South Point and Kama`oa Roads, is a member of the Ka`u chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United.

     Most of the conventional farmers I know are solving problems with conventional methods that they don’t know how to solve otherwise.  Even if I blame corporate agriculture for spreading misinformation, it’s not fair to ask regular people to change unless we have an effective alternative to solve that problem. 

     To me, it seems obvious that a large-scale transition to organic farming will require an enormous amount of dedication, focus and energy, not to mention money. The biologically beneficial systems like organic, biodynamic, Korean Natural Farming, and permaculture are based upon entirely different foundations and an entirely different attitude. That means that building bridges is the biggest part of the work. 

     The Hawai`i Farmers’ Union United Ka`u chapter is dedicated to the success of small farmers. We have about 50 percent organic farmers and 50 percent conventional farmers in the Ka`u chapter right now.  All of us share certain problems that the HFUU is committed to solve. HFUU priorities include:

     * Creating legal protection for Hawaii origin products and place names, so that small farmers can earn a better profit for specialty products that are unique to their region.

    * Simplifying Food Safety certification and making it more efficient and cheaper for the small farmer.

     *  Legalizing industrial hemp to be grown for fiber, fuel and food.

     *  Affordable Farming Land Trusts, in which the land can never be sold, and that will give long-term leases to farmers and allow them to live on their farm.

    All of this serves the small family farmer. And rightly so. Small family farms are better for local economies, because they spend more money at other local businesses instead of sending all the money to the top dogs of some big company. Small family farms are also more efficient in their use of resources, such as water and fuel. Small farms that grow food tend to let the vegetables ripen naturally, which makes them more nutritious, and they get to market using less fuel and labor. This means that they are better for human health, the environment, and the economy.

Hawai`i Farmers Union United Ka`u chapter with its vice president and member
of the state House of Representatives Richard Creagan. Photo by Julia Neal

     Not only that, but Ka`u’s conventional farmers are, by en large, Hawaiian or Filipino. They are frugal, hard-working and self-sufficient.  It doesn’t seem right to have an organic revolution that displaces these dedicated, skilled people out of agriculture altogether, which would only perpetuate a history of colonial oppression.  These farmers hold a body of knowledge that can serve agriculture as a whole.  The word “culture” is an important part of “agriculture.” Culture often comes down from generations of inventive methods honed by experience - long before the debate about what products we use or don’t use. It’s about a way of life and finding a way to honor the best in each other. 

     It’s time for us to think about what it would mean for Ka`u to have a vibrant, healthy local economy where more families can run their own businesses and keep the benefits for themselves. We can continue to improve the situation for those who are already successful, while building partnerships to bring the others along.

    What would it mean if more people here could succeed as their own bosses and become healthier, happier, and more prosperous?  What would it take to achieve that vision?  All these questions can only be answered if we all put our heads together and cooperate.  That’s the purpose of the HFUU Ka`u Chapter.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.   

AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS continues at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KDEN presents the production this Friday through Sunday, Jan. 4. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

Paul and Jane Field remove invasive Himalayan ginger at the park.
Photo by Jessica Ferracane/NPS

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT will draw volunteers tomorrow, Friday,  Jan,  2  and next Friday, Jan 9 as well as Thursday, Jan. 15; Saturday, Jan 24 and Sa†urday, Jan.  31. Volunteer days are from  9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS POTLUCK PICNIC is this Sunday, Jan. 4 at Manukā Park just west of Ocean View. All American Radio Emergency Service members and anyone interested in learning how to operate a Ham radio and families are invited to attend. Ham radio operators coordinate with the county and medical providers for disaster preparedness. For more information, call Dennis Smith, 989-3028

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S EXHIBIT for Christmas in the Country continues through Sunday, Jan. 4 with wreaths and other art for sale. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply.

THE FIRST WALK INTO THE PAST FOR 2015 takes place next  Tuesday, Jan. 6 and again on Jan. 20 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., beginning at Kīlauea Visitor Center and entering the Whitney Vault in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life every other Tuesday.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK next Tuesday features  Updates on Kilauea’s Two Eruptions, at 7 p.m. in Kīiauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick presents an update on the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, a brief overview on the first 30 years of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō’s eruption and an in-depth account of the current lava flow that has advanced toward Pāhoa over the past six months. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE  meets next Thursday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church. Public invited. Contact richmorrow@alohabroadband.net

A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING will be held next Thursday, Jan 8 at  7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. The gathering is for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes, 929-9953.

JOHN DAWSON'S EXHIBIT, entitled Over & Under, will be unveiled on Sat. Jan. 10 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The tag line is More of His Nature. On display will be fresh observations of the park through the Dawson paintings. The show is through Feb. 15.

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