Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015

Segmented mirror blanks for the Thirty Meter Telescope are produced in Tokyo. See story below. Photo from TMT

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH is hopeful that the Big Island’s current outbreak of dengue fever will be brought under control. State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park told Colin M. Stewart, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, that if residents work together to clear out mosquito populations, report cases to DOH and take precautions such as using repellent that contains DEET and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, they can help keep the disease from spreading.

Dr. Sarah Park

      Park also asked the public to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding and multiplying. “If you see an abandoned tire on the side of the road, do the Good Samaritan thing and up-end it so you don’t encourage mosquitoes to breed,” she said to Stewart. She also recommended removing water-holding plants such as bromeliads and reporting large areas of standing water.
      DOH has confirmed 10 cases of the disease in areas of East and West Hawai`i.
      “At this point, we’re seeing it particularly in areas south of Kona, in Ho`okena and Honaunau,” Park told Stewart. “But it’s not just at one point or area. … Unfortunately, those are not the only areas. Your entire island is at risk.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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PRODUCTION ON GLASS SEGMENTS that will make up Thirty Meter Telescope’s primary mirror is underway in Japan, as significant progress continues being made on the telescope’s manufacturing work by many participating nations.
 

      Over 100 of the 574 segmented mirror blanks needed for TMT’s primary mirror have already been produced in Japan, with fifty of those transported to a Canon factory in Utsunomiya, about 70 miles outside Tokyo, for surface polishing. Canon, Inc. and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan have established a polishing process for the individual mirrors. Coordinated research and development is underway with China, India and the United States to conduct additional polishing work.

A prototype of 492 individual TMT segmented mirrors. Photo from TMT

      “Japan is proud to be part of this ongoing effort in building TMT,” said Masanori Iye, vice-chair of the TMT International Observatory Governing Board and Professor Emeritus of National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. “This is an example of how people working cooperatively and sharing ideas can create positive results.”
 TMT’s primary mirror will consist of 492 hexagonal segmented mirrors, with an additional 82 spare segments.
      When in operation, TMT’s primary mirror is expected to have 156 times the light-gathering power and 13 times the resolving power of the Hubble Space Telescope.
      TMT is expected to deliver sharper and deeper images than existing telescopes both on the ground and in space. According to TMT, this will allow scientists to find possible habitable planets around other stars and determine how earlier galaxies were formed.

      Hundreds of astronomers, engineers and technicians from around the world continue to design and manufacture telescope parts for TMT.

      “Japan’s mirror segment production is one of many important production assignments taking place,” said Henry Yang, Chair of the TMT International Observatory Board. “With work currently underway in five different regions, the TMT project is truly and literally a global effort.”

The mummy wrap relay was popular at Pahala
Library's Halloween Bash. Photos from
Debbie Wong Yuen

      For more information about the TMT project, see tmt.org or www.facebook.com/TMTHawaii, or follow @TMTHawaii.
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OVER 40 CHILDREN AND ADULTS attended Pahala Public & School Library’s first Halloween Bash on Friday. While Halloween movies were being shown, children participated in activities to win treats and had fun playing the Spider Race. The highlight of the event was making fun Halloween snacks: banana ghosts, mandarin orange pumpkins, bat cupcakes, marshmallow ghosts and more. The kids had a blast with the mummy wrap relay that concluded the fun.

      Lisa Dacalio won the food decorating contest.

Keiki make Halloween snacks.

      “We were happy with the extra helping hands from members of the Friends of the Ka`u Library and Lorilee Lorenzo doing a volunteer service project for school,” manager Debbie Wong Yuen said. “We all had a blast giving the keiki of Ka`u a fun, safe Halloween activity.”
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GOV. DAVID IGE WILL BE TRAVELING to Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan from today through November 12.
      The South Korean government invited Gov. and Dawn Amano-Ige to participate in various informational briefings and events on their first visit to the country. The governor will meet with various Korean ministries and officials to promote Korea-Hawai`i relationships, cooperation and economic development.
      Gov. and Mrs. Ige will visit the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning and the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station to explore potential for renewable energy cooperation. They are also scheduled to visit Seoul National University, Inha University, the Korea Tourism Organization and Incheon International Airport Corp. to explore the potential for exchanges in education, culture and tourism.
      In Japan, the governor will attend the U.S.- Japan Council’s 2015 Annual Conference which convenes each fall to explore cutting-edge topics that provide opportunities for growth and cooperation between the United States and Japan. This year, the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the conference will highlight the importance of the enduring partnership of our two countries.
      The cost of the Korean portion of the trip is $8,286.71. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea is covering the cost of the trip for Gov. Ige, Mrs. Ige and Protocol Officer Rob Lee, who is accompanying the governor on this portion of the trip.
      The governor’s Chief of Staff Mike McCartney will accompany Gov. Ige on the Japan portion of the trip, which will cost approximately $5,000.34 and will be covered by the state. Mrs. Ige will accompany Gov. Ige on this portion of the trip at her own expense.
      Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui will serve as acting governor while Gov. Ige is out of the state.
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Sen. Brian Schatz

A GROUP OF U.S. SENATORS including Sen. Brian Schatz today released a report from the Government Accountability Office evaluating the ability of federal agencies to address public health risks of climate change. The report found that while federal agencies are planning for and taking steps to address the risks, more work must be done to communicate them to communities across the nation and to bolster research to further understand how climate change will impact health.

 

      “The effects of climate change are already being felt in Hawai`i and across the country,” Schatz said. “Extreme weather not only threatens the health of our environment, it threatens the health of every American. This new report underscores the challenges federal agencies face when combating the growing public health risks posed by climate change. While the GAO report makes recommendations on how we can prepare for current and anticipated health effects caused by climate change, we must also do more to mitigate its impacts and lead the world in helping solve this great challenge.”

THE BEAUTY OF KA`U continues at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours for public viewing and voting at the art show are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday. See ad below for more information.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY Association holds a Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser this Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Table rent is $10 per day or $15 for both in advance. Set up at 8 a.m. inside or out on first come, first to choose basis.

Jane Pettigrew Photo from VA

      Pit ham and beef sandwiches will be on sale Saturday.
      To sign up for a table and for more information, call Dina Shisler at 410-935-8087.

THE WORLD’S LESS WELL-KNOWN Tea Growing Regions is the topic of tea expert Jane Pettigrew’s talk during this Saturday’s Community Tea-in, when worldwide tea professionals gather with enthusiasts at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. 

      As the passion for nurturing baby tea plants and producing all the different categories of tea increases around the world, this talk takes participants on a journey from the new Scottish growers in the northernmost parts of the United Kingdom to the French tea club in Nantes, the Japanese-style tea garden on Monte Verita in the Swiss Alps, into Bhutan in the Himalayas and on to South America, Australia and New Zealand and a few unusual African tea estates.
      Preregistration fee before 12 p.m. on Friday is $20 per person and $18 for VAC and Hawai`i Tea Society members. Tickets may also be purchased at the door at $25 per person, $20 for active VAC and Hawai`i Tea Society Members.
      See volcanoartcenter.org.

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

FOR AFFORDABLE COMPUTER HELP, call John Derry at 936-1872.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for Retail Sales Associate: Full-Time, Competitive Wages, Medical & Dental Plans. Apply at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Call 928-0550 for an appointment.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_November2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Nov. 2, 2015

Ka`u families must sign up by Friday to be included in the free lunch count for Kahuku `Ohana Day on Saturday, Nov. 21. See more below. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING originally to be held on Wednesday has been rescheduled to tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
      On the agenda is Ka`u Council member Maile David’s resolution authorizing the county to negotiate the purchase of Kahua `Olohu Makahiki Grounds in Na`alehu. During the Council’s last meeting, David postponed the resolution after Council member Aaron Chung asked her to investigate property owner James Weatherford’s interests in the property.

Maile David

      According to the resolution, the property is listed as a key priority for purchase in Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Committee’s 2014 Annual Report for its historical significance and cultural importance.
      Also meeting tomorrow are Public Works & Parks & Recreation Committee at 1 p.m. and Planning Committee at 1:15 p.m.
      Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are also streamed live, and agendas are available, at hawaiicounty.gov.
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WITH AN INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS from Micronesia to Hawai`i, Civil Beat’s editorial board is calling for amendments to the Compact of Free Association treaty, which ends in 2023. The treaty provides aid to countries such as the Marshall Islands that suffered damage during nuclear weapons tests. Ka`u has a large population of Marshallese who left their homes due to inadequate health, education and infrastructure and a dire economic situation.
      “Hawai`i continues to be ill-prepared to welcome our newest immigrants, even though the consequences of that lack of preparation have become more troubling and obvious in recent years,” the board stated. “But it is both naive and dangerous for Hawai`i to sit on its hands, waiting for a knight in federal armor to alleviate the financial burden associated with Micronesian immigration. ...
      “A more urgent conversation needs to begin, and it must include all stakeholders — state and federal policymakers and the leadership of Micronesia as well. ...
      “While Gov. David Ige says that his administration has stepped up outreach to Micronesian organizations in Hawai`i, he also admitted that the state does not have a plan to deal with increasing COFA costs and immigration.
      “His recent homelessness declaration includes an all-hands-on-deck effort to deal with the particular problem of homeless Micronesians — and there are hundreds in Hawai`i — but his administration must be more pro-active in addressing COFA immigrants needs before they fall into homelessness.
      See civilbeat.com.
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AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES, Hawai`i Island police advise the public to take precautions against car theft, identity theft and theft of items from within vehicles.
      This time of year, more cars are parked at shopping areas or at home while their owners are out shopping or attending parties, offering criminals more opportunity to break the law. To help prevent vehicle thefts and thefts of items in vehicles, remove your keys from the ignition and take them with you. Lock your vehicle. Never hide a second set of keys in your vehicle. Park in attended lots. Park in well lit areas. Never leave your vehicle running, even if you will be gone for only a minute. Completely close all windows of parked vehicles. Do not leave valuables or paperwork in plain sight. To eliminate drawing unwanted attention to contents in your vehicle, place packages or bags and other tempting items – especially cell phones and other electronic equipment – out of sight. At home, park your vehicle in a locked garage, if you have one. Back a rear-wheel-drive vehicle into your driveway to make it more difficult to tow. When parking on the street, turn your wheels toward the curb to make your vehicle more difficult to tow. Set the emergency brake to make a parked car more difficult to tow.
      To reduce the threat of theft or identity theft when shopping, do not leave purses or bags unattended in shopping carts. All it takes is a split second for a thief to walk by, remove your bag and flee undetected. Shoppers should keep their bags or purses on their person and zipped or snapped shut.
      When paying for merchandise, be wary of openly displaying checkbooks or credit cards, as they contain vital financial information that identity thieves can write down or photograph with smart phones. If paying with cash, avoid openly displaying contents of your wallet.
      When approaching your vehicle to load your purchases, keep at least one hand free to open your trunk or doors. While loading your packages, don’t leave your handbag or purse unattended.

Hana Hou Restaurant and the Kava Bar co-hosted Bottle of Blue's album release.
Photo by Babette Morrow

      Do not leave any papers with personal information in your car. Even blank papers might tempt a thief to break into your car in an attempt to steal your identity.
      Police ask the public to report any suspicious activities by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.
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RESTAURANTS IN NA`ALEHU celebrated Halloween over the weekend.
      Hana Hou Restaurant and the Kava Bar held a Bottle of Blue album release party on Saturday night.

      Shaka’s Restaurant held a costume party, with keiki and adults putting their imaginations to work and becoming princesses, superheroes, skeletons and more.
      With Halloween over, Shaka’s is preparing for Thanksgiving Day. The special for lunch starts at 11 a.m. with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, cranberries and pie for $16.95.
      Dinner for $19.95 starts at 5 p.m. and adds soup or tossed green salad.

Superheroes, princesses, ghouls and others participated in Shaka Restaurant's
Halloween costume contest. Photo from Shaka's

      For more information or reservations, call 929-7404.

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THE BEAUTY OF KA`U opens today at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours for public viewing and voting are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday. Each day, the public may sign in and receive a ballot for their favorite entry. Each ballot, a numbered ticket, will also be entered into a drawing for door prizes to be held each hour, and the winner does not need to be present. Prizes are being donated by various Ka`u merchants.
      The overall winner, chosen by judges, will be featured on the cover of The Directory 2016 and receive $100 and an article inside The Directory.

IMPROVEMENT OF COFFEE FARM and Mill Efficiency is the topic at Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative’s meeting tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. UH-CTAHR’s Cooperative Extension Service, in cooperation with USDA and the Hawai`i Coffee Growers Association, is bringing Fernando Augusto Vicentini, a mechanical engineer from Brazil, to provide information for better efficiency of coffee cultural control and production.
      Vicentini has expertise in field and mill equipment modifications that potentially reduce costs, improve efficiency and assist with CBB control and management of other coffee pests and diseases. All growers and processors are welcome.
      Seating is limited. Call 808-322-4892 to RSVP or email ginab@hawaii.edu today.

SIGN UP BY FRIDAY TO BE INCLUDED in the free lunch count for Kahuku `Ohana Day, a day of botanical discovery on Saturday, Nov. 21. Plants growing all around us can be used for all kinds of amazing things that can help us in our lives. On this `Ohana Day, participants learn a few of the many ways to use Hawaiian plants. Call 985-6019 to register kids up to age 17 and their families.

Bruce Richardson Photo from VAC

BRUCE RICHARDSON SPEAKS about The Book of Tea’s influence on western art during this Saturday’s Community Tea-In at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village VAC presents a day of enlightening talks and presentations by professionals in the arts and science of tea worldwide from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

      More than a historical talk, Richardson focuses on how teaists today can be aware of the tea spirit as they live each day. American artist Georgia O’Keeffe owned two copies of The Book of Tea by Okakura Kakuzo. As her eyesight failed in her last years in New Mexico, O’Keeffe asked for chapters from the 1906 book be read aloud to her nightly. This classic introduction to the Japanese tea spirit was revered by others in the art world as well, including Frank Lloyd Wright and Isabella Stewart Gardner.
      In 2011, Richardson edited a new edition for Benjamin Press. He will recreate for attendees a lecture delivered recently at the O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe.
      Preregistration fee before 12 p.m. on Friday is $20 per person and $18 for VAC and Hawai`i Tea Society members. Tickets may also be purchased at the door at $25 per person, $20 for active VAC and Hawai`i Tea Society Members.

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

FOR AFFORDABLE COMPUTER HELP, call John Derry at 936-1872.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for Retail Sales Associate: Full-Time, Competitive Wages, Medical & Dental Plans. Apply at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Call 928-0550 for an appointment.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_November2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015

Ka`u `Ohana Band is preparing for a holiday concert at Ocean View Swap Meet on Saturday, Nov. 28. See more below.
Photo from Lisa Archuletta

KA`U STUDENTS ARE TAKING fewer tests this year. The state is ahead of President Obama’s call to reduce testing in schools. Last school year, Hawai`i Department of Education performed a review of all assessments required by the state. Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi and Deputy Superintendent Stephen Schatz listened to concerns from the field, including administrators and teachers, and held discussions with Hawai`i State Teachers Association. As a result, HIDOE streamlined state requirements for testing students for this school year.

Kathryn Matayoshi

      “Teaching and learning is the primary mission of our schools and our work,” Matayoshi said. “Tests play a role in supporting teaching and learning, but that role must be balanced with the critical importance of instruction and student supports.” 

      HIDOE eliminated the requirement for five tests and has proposed eliminating an additional required test. Actions to reduce testing for this school year include:
      Ended mandatory statewide requirement for three End-of-Course exams. The state no longer requires that high school students take a 60- to 90-minute test at the end of their Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and U.S. History courses;
      Ended mandatory statewide requirement for ACT exams in grades 9 and 10. This reduced testing for high school freshman and sophomores by four hours per student in each grade; and
      Proposed to U.S. Department of Education to eliminate statewide requirement for grade 8 ACT test, which is a readiness measure in the Strive HI Performance System for middle schools. This would reduce testing of eighth-graders by 3.5 hours/student.
      In July 2015, Matayoshi sent a letter to the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium expressing concern about the “burden of test administration during the spring testing window and the time required for testing.” She will be reiterating the call for more streamlined Smarter Balanced testing at a meeting of all state superintendents this month.
      The Smarter Balanced Assessments in mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy are aligned to the Hawai`i Common Core Standards and designed to measure whether students are “on track” for readiness in college and/or career. These are mandatory assessments given to students in grades 3-8 and 11. On average, tested students in Hawai`i took seven hours to complete the tests. The test is not timed; students are given appropriate time to answer all questions.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KA`U NEWS BRIEFS are five years old today, a daily Internet extension of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper, which is mailed to 5,500 postal addresses at the south end of the Big Island, with an additional 2,000 in stands. Ka`u News Briefs are at kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com and on Facebook and Twitter. These outreach sites were designed by Geneveve Fyvie, and the Facebook page is managed by intern William Neal. Editor for all three is Ron Johnson. Publisher is Julia Neal.

      The Ka`u Calendar was founded by Neal in November 2002, 13 years ago, with Associate Editor Nalani Parlin. Art director is Tanya Ibarra.
      The Ka`u Calendar and Ka`u News Briefs are supported by volunteer photographers and news gatherers from throughout Ka`u. Send news and images to ron@kaucalendar.com. The print version is supported by volunteers who meet each month to assemble the paper, including a contingent from Na`alehu Hongwanji.

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO EXPRESSED CONCERN about the Obama Administration’s announcement of additional military commitments in the Middle East. 

      “Congress and the American people need to hear more details from the Administration about how the deployment of a team of approximately 50 Special Operations Forces to Syria and other additional resources being provided to our regional partners fit into a broader strategy to defeat ISIL and stabilize Syria, Hirono said.
      “The President’s latest decision, which follows a number of other instances where Special Operations Forces have been on the ground in Syria, raises the question of whether a prolonged military campaign against ISIL requires the need for specific Congressional authority.
      “The civil war in Syria and our coalition fight against ISIL there add layers of complexity in a country and region where there are no easy answers. These two complicating factors in Syria require a multi-pronged approach. I support Secretary Kerry’s efforts to bring parties, including Russia and Iran, to the table to begin to find a diplomatic path forward to end the Syrian civil war.
      “In our effort to degrade and destroy ISIL, the President has reiterated that it is not in our national interest to send U.S. combat troops into yet another ground war in the Middle East. I agree, and as a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, I will hold the Administration to that commitment.”
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has announced flight plans for November 2015:
      Nov. 2, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and Nov. 6, between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., flying camp supplies and equipment from lower `Ainahou fuel break to Keauhou campsite for guinea grass control;
      Nov. 4, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., for training and short-haul recertification at Kilauea summit;
      Nov. 4, 10 and 19, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., to transport fencing material and equipment to Kahuku-Kapapala boundary between 7,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation;
      Nov. 10, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 3,000- and 7,000-ft. elevation; and
      Nov. 12, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., to transport fencing material to `Ola`a approximately 4,000-ft. elevation.
      Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources and to maintain backcountry facilities.

      In a statement, the park said it regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.

Interested Ka`u residents can learn all aspects of the farming business.
Photo from The Kohala Center

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE by this Wednesday, Nov. 4 from Ka`u residents for The Kohala Center’s Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program. Since 2012, the program has taught 78 aspiring farmers and ranchers on Hawai`i Island the knowledge and skills essential to running an agricultural business. Instructors include researchers and extension agents from the University of Hawai`i, agricultural experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, successful farmers and food producers and professionals providing support services to ag businesses.
      The 14-session course begins this Saturday, Nov. 7 in Honoka`a and meets every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Subjects covered include production planning, farm design, soil management, composting and vermicomposting, cover cropping, pest management, business planning, marketing, sales and accounting. See koha.la/farmer for more information and to apply or call 887-6411.
       Although no previous farming experience is required, preference is given to applicants who have taken steps to become agricultural producers but would benefit from a comprehensive curriculum. The course includes classroom training, hands-on field days at The Kohala Center’s Demonstration Farm, visits to local farms and farm apprenticeship opportunities. Students who successfully complete the course and create viable farm and business plans may receive one-on-one technical assistance from the center’s Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services team to access start-up capital and/or leasable land.

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Yoga practitioners line up for class at Na`alehu Hongwanji.
Photo from Stephanie Pepper

NA`ALEHU HONGWANGI OFFERS YOGA tomorrow. Stephanie Pepper teaches classes in the Iyengar tradition on Mondays as well as Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. She uses props to help students achieve proper alignment safely, avoiding injury. All props are provided, and the first class is free. 

      Donations afterward are $10 for 10 classes for participants over 65 and $5 per class for those 65 and under.

      For more information, call 937-7940.

THE BEAUTY OF KA`U opens tomorrow at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours for public viewing and voting are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday, Nov. 5. Each day, the public may sign in and receive a ballot for their favorite entry. Each ballot, a numbered ticket, will also be entered into a drawing for door prizes to be held each hour, and the winner does not need to be present. Prizes are being donated by various Ka`u merchants.

      The overall winner, chosen by judges, will be featured on the cover of The Directory 2016 and receive $100 and an article inside The Directory.

Ka`u growers can learn about Korean Natural Farming Saturday.

KOREAN NATURAL FARMING comes to Ka`u this Saturday, Nov 14, rather than Nov. 7 as originally announced. Drake Weinert shares his knowledge during a free workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to Weinert, the method improves soil quality and boosts nutrients using non-toxic materials farmers can find in their own homes. It can also help reduce costs while increasing long-term health of farms. 

      Sponsored by Ka`u Specialty Coffee, the event takes place at 96-2384 Wood Valley Road above Pahala. Go past Ka`u Coffee Mill. About five minutes later on the left there is a small gravel road. Go past the gravel road until on the left appear a big pasture with some little green and grey buildings at the bottom and a small blue house with white roof at the top of the hill.

      For more information, email malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

KA`U `OHANA BAND PERFORMS at Ocean View Swap meet at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28. Holiday music selections feature something for everyone with beautiful, moving songs as well as fun and lighthearted tunes. The concert is free.

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

FOR AFFORDABLE COMPUTER HELP, call John Derry at 936-1872.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for Retail Sales Associate: Full-Time, Competitive Wages, Medical & Dental Plans. Apply at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Call 928-0550 for an appointment.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_Nov2015.pdf.

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