Ka`u News Briefs Friday, April 10, 2015

Hula sisters at dawn on Punalu`u Beach today prepare to travel to Hilo to perform at Merrie Monarch festivities this afternoon at Prince Kuhio Plaza and tomorrow at Ah Fook Chinen Civic Center. Halau Hula O Leionalani is comprised of dancers from Japan, Okinawa, O`ahu and Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

GOV. DAVID IGE DISCUSSED HAWAI`I ISLAND ISSUES during a Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday. According to Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today, Ige said he is working on a plan to double local food production, “which would in turn create a local economy of associated services and investments,” instead of sending billions of dollars out of state each year on goods made elsewhere.

Na`alehu residents protested TMT Wednesday
on Hwy 11 at Na`alehu Park.
Photo by Ron Johnson

      In response to questions about construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, Yager reported Ige saying, “You can rest assured that all previous agreements and decisions will be honored.”
      Ige said he has “done a lot of listening to get a 360-degree view of the project,” and will continue to listen during the one-week timeout he called for following continued protests and arrests at TMT’s construction site. “It’s really about listening and finding a way for discovery and sacred sites to coexist on a very important asset,” Ige said.
      Regarding his choice of Suzanne Case to head the Department of Land & Natural Resources, Ige said she has the qualities of leadership that will serve her well. “She’s smart; she’s collaborative; she’s a great listener,” he said.
      According to Yager, Ige said he wants department chiefs who are “great leaders” and responsive to the public. “She believes the community is part of the solution,” Ige said.

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

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED his nominations to lead the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Office of Information Management and Technology. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Linda Chu Takayama

      Linda Chu Takayama has been tapped to lead the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She is currently executive director of Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. She also maintains a law practice specializing in regulator and governmental affairs, health, insurance and corporate business law. She has previously served as deputy director of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and was formerly the Hawai`i insurance commissioner. She also served on the governor’s Subcabinet Task Force on Healthcare Reform to update Hawai`i’s unique Prepaid Health Care Act and to assist President Clinton’s early efforts on health care reform. As chair of Hawai`i Foodbank for the past 20 years, Takayama has worked with DLIR’s Office of Community Services which administers programs providing services to the needy including the distribution of food.
      “Linda has a deep understanding of many of the regulatory matters that are routinely handled by the department,” Ige said. “I am confident that she will support the well-being of our workers and promote good labor-management relations.”

Todd Nacapuy

      Ige chose Todd Nacapuy to be the state’s chief information officer and lead its Office of Information Management and Technology. Nacapuy is currently senior technical account manager responsible for all Premier Commercial services for Microsoft in Hawai`i. Prior to this, he was a senior infrastructure specialist for EDS, where he was responsible for monitoring and optimizing all Web services within the Navy and Marine Corps network for the Pacific. While there, he was responsible for architecture and implementation of a 65,000-user network into the Navy and Marine Corps network.
      “Todd has the right mix of technical and business skills to upgrade the state’s technology infrastructure,” Ige said. “Under his leadership the office will continue to identify modernization projects that are in process across the various state agencies. He will immediately focus on a few that have broad or significant impact. My commitment to an enhanced IT system is based in my strong desire to improve public access to government services that will ultimately result in improved public trust in state governance.”
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THE DRAFT 2015 STATEWIDE Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is available for public review. The plan is updated every five years to assess Hawai`i’s outdoor recreation trends, needs and priorities. It also provides direction for the state’s recreational future and allows Hawai`i to remain eligible to receive funds for outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal grants program administered by the National Park Service.

The draft 2015 statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is available
for public review. Camping is popular at Kawa. Photo by Julia Neal

      Using priorities for outdoor recreation identified in the comprehensive recreation plan, the National Park Service selects projects to receive conservation funding that best meet Hawai`i’s recreational needs and help resolve recreational conflicts.
       A 14-page summary of the SCORP findings and strategic plan, as well as the full draft SCORP document with appendices, can viewed at dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/.
      Public comments are due by April 30 and can be submitted by email or in writing to ccullison@pbrhawaii.com 
or
 PBR Hawai`i & Associates, Inc.
 Attn: Catie Cullison, AICP
1001 Bishop Street, Suite 650
 Honolulu, HI 96813-3484.

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CU Hawai`i has a new website.

CU HAWAI`I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION has a new website. Ka`u residents can do their banking online at the website. It also describes types of saving and checking accounts, loans and electronic and other services available to members. The colorful Moola Moola newsletter, of interest to keiki, is also on the website. 

      A new mobile app is also available. Use requires enrollment in CU Hawai`i’s online banking program.
      See cuhawaii.com.

KA`U JUNIOR RANGERS ARE ENCOURAGED to “Find Your Park” as National Park Week begins. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park encourages keiki to connect with their national park and World Heritage Site by becoming a Junior Ranger on Saturday, April 18 – Junior Ranger Day and International Day on Monuments and Sites.
      The fee-free weekend and programs kick off National Park Week, April 18-26. This year’s theme, Find Your Park, celebrates the milestone centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park also celebrates its centennial in 2016.

Junior rangers discover the rain forest in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from NPS

      A Junior Ranger station with handbooks and park information will be set up at Kilauea Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jaggar Museum observation deck. Keiki who complete an interactive junior ranger handbook will earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate and be sworn in as a National Park Junior Ranger.
      Saturday is also International Monuments and Sites Day, which marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and was the first World Heritage Site in Hawai`i. The state’s other World Heritage Site, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, was inscribed in 2010, and representatives from both sites will share information at the Junior Ranger station.
      “Our Junior Ranger programs are a perfect way for families to discover their World Heritage Site and national park together,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “As the park approaches its centennial anniversary in 2016, our most important goal is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates. Every keiki who becomes a junior ranger helps ensure the future of their national parks, which serve as the model for heritage sites worldwide.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U’S DRAFT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN is the topic at two speak-outs tomorrow. Residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP that interest them, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback. Listeners and recorders will be on hand to document comments. There will not be any presentations or formal testimony at the speak-outs, and keiki activities will be available so that parents are free to learn and talk story. 

      The events are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.
      Copies of the draft document are available at local libraries and community centers and at kaucdp.info.

A GUIDED 2.5-MILE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT hike tomorrow over rugged terrain at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit focuses on the area’s human history. People and Land of Kahuku takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dietrich Varez'
Pele & Hi`iaka

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Merrie Monarch with book and print signings this weekend. Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Caren Loebel-Fried and David Kawika Eyre are on hand for signings. On Sunday, Dietrich Varez signs his prints.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK holds its Sunday Walk in the Park April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cheryl Gansecki leads this four-mile hike for exploring Kilauea Iki. Non-members may become members in order to attend. Preregistration required. Call 985-7373.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR Spice up Your Spring, Ho`omalu Ka`u’s dinner dance raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center. Tickets for the event on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. are $20. 

      For more information and to purchase tickets, call 929-8526.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/kaucalendar_April2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, April 9, 2015

Ka`u residents line Hwy 11 at Na`alehu Park in opposition of the Thirty Meter Telescope planned to be built on the
summit of Mauna Kea. Photos by Ron Johnson

A`OLE TMT; ALOHA `AINA was the message sent by about 40 Ka`u residents who gathered along Hwy 11 at Na`alehu Park and waved signs in opposition of the Thirty Meter Telescope planned to be built at the summit of Mauna Kea. 

      “Enough is enough,” was the message of several sign-wavers, referring to the thirteen telescopes in operation on Mauna Kea.

Lehua Lopez

      “We have enough telescopes to find the truth of the cosmos up there,” said Lehua Lopez, “but cosmological truth is also contained in the mountain of Mauna Kea. Destroying portions of the mountain by building another telescope destroys portions of the culture.”
      Mel Davis said Mauna Kea is a temple sacred to the Hawaiian people. He said he hopes officials reconsider building the telescope and “hear people’s voices.” He suggested that funds allocated for construction of the facility instead be used for infrastructure on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary projects.

Ka`u residents used signs and flags to voice their opposition
to the Thirty Meter Telescope.

      Pu`u Davis said the project was like “the Tower of Babel coming out of Mauna Kea.”
      Ku`uipo Dacalio asked, “Why build telescopes to look into space? Use the money to fix what’s in front of our face.”
      Gov. David Ige yesterday put the project on a one-week time-out following a week of protests and 31 arrests on the mountain. “My active engagement at this point is understanding and having dialogue with many stakeholders and organizations that care about Mauna Kea from all perspectives,” he told Timothy Hurley, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
      Kaho`okahi Kanuha, one of those arrested, told Hurley, “I am not quite sure our people have seen a movement like this in their lifetime, and I think it’s a testament to the fact that our people have been ignited and are ready to move forward and resolidify ourselves throughout the world as a people and a country.”
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A Na Hoku Hanohano finalist this year, Bolo performs
at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a Saturday, May 2.

HAWAIIAN MUSICIANS WHO teach and perform at Keoki Kahumoku's Hawaiian Music & Lifestyle workshops at Pahala Plantation House are finalists in the 38th annual Na Hoku Hanohano awards. 

      Albums by Bolo, Ledward Ka`apana, and Jeff Peterson are three of five finalists in the Instrumental Album of the Year category. Bolo was nominated for his album `ekahi, Ka`apana for Jus’ Cruzin’ and Peterson, along with Riley Lee and Kenny Endo, for Island Breeze. 

      Ka`apana is also a finalist Favorite Artist of the Year.
      George Kahumoku, Jr. is a finalist for Slack Key Album of the Year, with his Seeds of Aloha.

      Bolo returns to Ka`u to perform at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a Saturday, May 2.

      Na Hoku Hanohono awards are presented on Saturday, May 23.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u companies can apply for booth space at Japan's largest
international trade show. Photo from Hawai`i Food
Manufacturers' Association

KA`U COMPANIES INTERESTED IN MARKETING their Hawai`i-made products can apply for booth space in the Hawai`i Pavilion at the 80th Tokyo International Gift Show. The show Sept. 2 – 4 is the largest international trade show in Japan with over 2,500 companies marketing gifts, consumer goods and accessories to over 200,000 domestic and international buyers. 

      Exhibitor space, offered by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, is limited, and a participation fee will be charged. Final acceptance for participation is subject to DBEDT approval.
      The deadline to submit all required items is Thursday, April 30. See http://invest.hawaii.gov/exporting/80th-tokyo-international-gift-show/.

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

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO AND DEPUTY SECRETARY of Agriculture Krysta Harden traveled to Hawai`i Island yesterday to visit with the agricultural community including floriculture, papaya and macadamia nut representatives and PBARC on the future of agriculture in Hawai`i. They also met in the Puna community to discuss the importance of infrastructure and the impact of invasive species. Hirono and Harden also received a briefing on the lava flow. 

      Tomorrow, Hirono and Harden return to Hawai`i Island to hear from Kona coffee producers and meet with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at Kona International Airport.

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

The 2014-2015 Miss Ka`u Coffee Peaberry Court and Miss Ka`u Coffee
Amery Silva (back center) will ride through Hilo in the Merrie
Monarch Parade Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

MISS KA`U COFFEE CONTENDERS will ride in the Merrie Monarch Parade this Saturday throughout Hilo. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. The Miss Ka`u Coffee court will be carried in two coffee farmer trucks provided by Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee and Ka`u Royal Coffee. One will carry Miss Ka`u Coffee princesses along with reigning Ka`u Coffee Queen Amery Silva. The other will carry the reigning Miss Peaberry Madison Okimoto and princesses Calaysa Koi and Shanialee Silva. 

      Miss Ka`u Coffee pageant is Sunday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, and the new Miss Ka`u Coffee will reign over a week of Ka`u Coffee Festival events and other community and Ka`u Coffee promotional programs throughout the year.

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

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR DENISHA NAVARRO signed a letter of intent yesterday for an athletic scholarship to play basketball for Pierce College Raiders in Tacoma, WA.

      Serving as student body president, being a member of the National Honor Society and playing multiple sports, Navarro knows what hard work and dedication is. After nine years of training and practicing, she said she is thrilled to receive the scholarship.

Surrounded by supporters, Denisha Navarro, in Raider Basketball T-shirt, signs
her letter of intent for an athletic scholarship from Pierce College.
Photo from Jennifer Makuakane

      Immediately after her final basketball season, Head Coach Cy Lopez, Jr. received a phone call from Pierce’s recruiting coach asking about Navarro. He had many great things to share after coaching her at varsity level for the past three years. Days later, they reviewed a video of Navarro and requested a visit from her. This past spring break, Navarro went to the campus to show her skills, see if this is what she wants and where she wants to live for the next four years. At the end of her trip, the coaches decided they’d like to offer her a scholarship. Navarro said the hospitality of the coaches and players she met, the facility, the campus and the education the college had to offer helped with her decision.
      “I intended to move to Washington after high school with or without an athletic scholarship so I could make a better life for myself and to get a good education,” Navarro said. “Getting to play college ball at the same time is a privilege and bonus. On my trip, I loved the city life and how different it was compared to Hawai`i.”
      Navarro is planning on getting her associates degree in diagnostics and health. She plans on transferring to Seattle University to get her bachelor’s degree in athletic training.
      “My passion has always been sports, and I’ve been inspired by our school’s athletic director, Kalei Namohala. After shadowing and learning from her this past year, she has become one of my role models and someone I look up too.”
      Navarro also said that her basketball coaches, Cy Lopez, Jr., Jennifer Makuakane and April Jara, have made a big impact in her basketball career and life.
      “My coaches have helped me out a lot throughout the past three years, especially this year,” Navarro said. “Not only with basketball but helping me prepare for my future and life after high school. My cousin Staysha has also been a big inspiration in my life. She has helped motivate me to be a better player and is probably the toughest on me and keeps me going.”
      Navarro leaves for Washington in July to start her journey. She hopes to come back to Hawai`i and be an athletic trainer for one of the high schools in the state.

      Jennifer Makuakane contributed to this story.

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

Lei styles on display at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
NPS photo by Jay Robinson

LEI MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS take place tomorrow in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Master lei maker Randy Lee celebrates Merrie Monarch with lei making at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

      From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai, Patti Kaula demonstrates a variety of traditional techniques including haku, kui, hipu`u and hilo styles.

      Free; park entrance fees apply.

TWO OF FOUR SPEAK-OUTS on the recently released Ka`u Community Development Plan take place Saturday. The events are organized as open houses where residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP that interest them, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback. Listeners and recorders will be on hand to document comments. There will not be any presentations or formal testimony at the speak-outs. Keiki activities will be available so that parents are free to learn and talk story. 

      This Saturday’s events are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.
      On Sunday, April 19, two more are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
      A video at youtube.com/watch?v=AaPrTuIELD8&feature=youtu.be provides a short orientation about the draft CDP. Additional information is available at kaucdp.info.

A guided hike Saturday focuses on Kahuku's human history.
Photo from NPS

A GUIDED 2.5-MILE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT hike Saturday over rugged terrain at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit focuses on the area’s human history. People and Land of Kahuku takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates Merrie Monarch with book signings Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring Caren Loebel-Fried and David Kawika Eyre.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, April 8, 2015

An endemic nene feeds on indigenous naupaka kahakai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Public registration is now open for the two-day BioBlitz species count in the park next month. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

WHETHER TAX BREAKS WOULD BE for any Ka`u residents is unclear under a bill in the state Legislature that seeks to reduce the financial burden to homeowners who are hooking up to sewage treatment systems. Homes in Pahala and Na`alehu that are served by old plantation gang cesspools are in neighborhoods where owners will be required to pay to hook up to new county sewage systems once they are built. However, the bill as written gives priority for tax credits to owners of houses whose cesspools affect public drinking water wells or are within 200 feet of shorelines, streams and wetlands. Both Na`alehu and Pahala are far way from the ocean and Pahala`s well and drinking water tank are above the town.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

      The Senate Ways & Means Committee approved HB 1140 yesterday. According to Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today, Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman, a member of the committee, said he supports the tax credit being given in cases where the state mandates conversion. However, Ruderman expressed concern about placing the burden to upgrade sewage treatment on his Puna constituents right now. “The fact it affects Puna so much and it’s been such a difficult year, I have real concerns,” he said. “Long range, it’s the right thing.” The EPA requires many cesspools to be switched to expensive septic systems or sewer systems.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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

DEPARTMENT OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES chair nominee Suzanne Case gave an idea of what it could mean to have the DLNR run by someone who comes to the job with a strong conservation ethic. In an interview with Pacific Business News reporter Duane Shimogawa, published this morning, Case, nominated yesterday by Gov. David Ige to oversee state lands, told PBN, “I view DLNR work as important to the state to protect our natural and historical resources.”

The Nature Conservancy Executive Director Suzanne Case, at right
is Gov. David Ige's nominee to head DLNR. Photo from TNC

     She also told Shimogawa, “I think, generally, the important areas of focus are stewardship of our natural and historical resources... . We need to make sure that our public and conservation lands and waters are properly set for success for future generations.”
      Case has worked with The Nature Conservancy for 28 years. The organization has its Big Island offices in Ka`u and manages the Kamehame hawksbill turtle nesting area, Kaiholena and other preserves in this and other districts. TNC has worked closely with DLNR on various endangered species, resource protection and invasive species projects in Ka`u.
      A hearing on her confirmation before the Senate Water and Land Committee is expected next week.
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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

THIRTY METER TELESCOPE OFFICIALS have addressed what they call inaccurate claims that have been made recently. Construction at the summit of Mauna Kea is on hold while Gov. David Ige discusses the situation with officials from University of Hawai`i and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Protesters have been blocking access by construction workers, and 31 of them were recently arrested. 

A group of sign wavers opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea
interacted with motorists along Hwy 11 below Pahala yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal

      “The most common (inaccurate claim) is that TMT is a danger to the Maunakea aquifer and drinking water on Hawai`i Island,” TMT officials stated. “Comprehensive research by expert hydrologists confirms that TMT and the existing 13 telescopes pose no such danger.   Furthermore, TMT is designed to be a zero waste discharge facility with all waste securely transported off the summit. There is also very little precipitation above 8,000 feet, and the observatories are located well above that at the top of Maunakea at 14,000 feet. 

      “Another claim is that TMT did not meet the eight criteria for a conservation district use permit issued by the Hawai`i Board of Land & Natural Resources in 2011. The Third Circuit Court ruled that TMT did meet the criteria by being consistent with state laws governing the districts, not causing substantial adverse impact to existing natural resources, being compatible with the surrounding area, preserving the existing physical and environmental aspects, not subdividing or increasing the intensity of the land use and not being materially detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. State regulations specifically identify astronomy as a permitted use in the Maunakea Science Reserve.”
      See tmt.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PUBLIC REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the National Park Service’s and National Geographic’s two-day BioBlitz species count, part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Biodiversity & Cultural Festival on Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16. 

      To be part of a scientist-led inventory team, participants must register online at nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz. Participation on inventory teams is limited, and spots will be filled on a first-come basis. Children ages eight and older, accompanied by adults, may participate in the free inventory opportunities.

Keiki examine insects with an entomologist in Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NPS

      Themed I ka nana no a `ike (By observing, one learns), the BioBlitz is part scientific endeavor, part outdoor classroom excursion and part celebration of biodiversity and culture. It will bring together more than 150 leading scientists and traditional Hawaiian cultural practitioners, more than 750 students and thousands from the general public. Together, they will be dispatched across the park’s 333,086 acres to explore and document the biodiversity that thrives in recent lava flows and native rain forests of Kilauea volcano.
      “We are honored to host BioBlitz 2015,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “BioBlitz provides an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and cultural practitioners to discover, count and add to the park’s species list; to explore the interconnectedness of plants, animals, Hawaiian people and our daily lives; and to protect this amazing biodiversity and rich culture in our park.”
      In connection with the BioBlitz opportunity, the park is moving its 35th annual Cultural Festival from July to May this year and expanding it to include biodiversity. At the two-day festival, visitors will discover how native Hawaiians lived closely to the land as its stewards, embodying I ka nana no a `ike principles that continue today. The Biodiversity & Cultural Festival will offer hands-on science and cultural exhibits, food, art and entertainment, plus the opportunity to meet individuals and organizations at the forefront of conservation, science and traditional Hawaiian culture — and to learn how to join their efforts. The festival is free and open to the public.

      The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park BioBlitz is the ninth in a series of 10 BioBlitzes co-hosted by National Geographic and the National Park Service at different national parks across the country, leading up the National Park Service centennial in 2016.
“Each year, the BioBlitz evolves,” said John Francis, National Geographic’s vice president of Research, Conservation and Exploration. “Last year we moved away from paper data sheets and used smartphones and the iNaturalist app to photograph, identify and map species finds, adding more detailed information to both Park Service and international species databases. This year, we are going to build on that and blend technology with Hawaiian culture. This exciting, holistic approach will enhance our appreciation for the amazing resources in this breathtaking park and establish a more complete model for scientific exploration in Hawai`i and around the globe.”

      A longtime partner of the National Park Service, the National Geographic Society helped draft legislation to establish the Service in 1916. It has given many grants to create and sustain national parks across the United States and has extensively covered the parks in its media for nearly a century.

      The BioBlitz program is the latest successful collaboration between the two partners. The first BioBlitz took place in 2007 at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Smaller-scale events take place throughout the year at various national parks across the country. For more information, see nature.nps.gov/biology/biodiversity/.
      To learn more about BioBlitz and the festival, see nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz or call 800-638-6400, ext. 6186. For more information about the park, see nps.gov/havo.

Halau Hula O Leonalani, with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, dances at Punalu`u Beach
and will perform twice this week at Merrie Monarch. Photo by Julia Neal

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

PAHALA HALAU AND MUSICIANS are headed for performances at Merrie Monarch Festival this week. Halau Hula O Leonalani, with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, perform at Prince Kuhio Plaza during Merrie Monarch Festivities at 12:30 p.m. on Friday and again at Hilo Civic Auditorium on Saturday at noon. Pahala hula dancers are joined by their hula sisters from Okinawa, Otsu, Shiga, Japan and O`ahu. They are accompanied by Demetrius Oliveira and friends. Halau Hula O Leonalani will also perform Saturday, May 2 at the annual Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. Agenda items include an update on the Na`alehu Park kiosk, communications from the state Scenic Byway Committee, location of proposed lava flow signs and concrete at overlook signs.
      For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

Keiki learn how to make `ohe kapala, Hawaiian bamboo stamps, with Park
Ranger Rebecca Carvalho. NPS Photo by Jay Robinso

STAFF FROM HAWAI`I PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION share the traditional art of bamboo stamping tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

LEI MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS take place Friday in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai, Patti Kaula demonstrates a variety of traditional techniques including haku, kui, hipu`u and hilo styles.
      Master lei maker Randy Lee celebrates Merrie Monarch with lei making at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
      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/Directory2015.pdf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.