Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, Jan. 25, 2016

As part of Volcano Awareness Month in Ka`u, researchers discuss How Communities Protect Themselves from Vog Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. See more below. Photos from USGS/HVO

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN SUBMIT COMMENTS on a Draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed forest stewardship and management plan. The Black Rhinoceros Foundation seeks to turn a 190-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Kama`oa and South Point Roads into a native forest of a variety of species. According to the document, the nonprofit’s goal is to establish a thriving mixed species forest there, maintaining a sustainable yield of valuable forest products, while preserving cultural sites as well as the health and function of Pu`u`eo Ahupua`a and the South Point Watershed. Twenty percent of total plantings would be introduced hardwood timber trees that would “provide wildlife habitat and continued productivity for the project.” Trees would be selectively harvested and regenerated to support the foundations goals and to continue management of the property as a working forest.

A 190-acre parcel in Ka`u could become a native
forest. Map from Draft EA

      The land is currently covered in a mixture of introduced noxious and invasive weeds that would be controlled and replaced with more desirable and productive vegetation throughout the project. The primary species to be established are Hawaiian sandalwood, iliahi and koaia (Acacia koaia) in addition to a variety of other native, Polynesian and non-native, non-invasive species. The site would also serve as a seed bank for these valuable Hawaiian endemics, as well as serve as a demonstration site for a viable and productive investment strategy for formerly forested agricultural lands.

      Two sites that contain burials were found during the archaeological inventory survey of the parcel. One is a small lava tube in the west-central portion of the parcel that contains a Historic Period burial. Another is a lava tube lin the northwestern portion of the parcel that contains two sets of presumably Precontact Period human skeletal remains along with some habitation debris. Four additional archaeological sites were recorded on the parcel during the inventory survey: historic boundary walls enclosing the entire study parcel, two collapsed lava tube depressions with modified edges and the remains of a large platform interpreted as a heiau. With the exception of the boundary walls, all of these sites are slated for preservation.
      The Black Rhinoceros Foundation, based in New Mexico, seeks funds by a cost-share grant through Hawai`i’s Forest Stewardship Program.
      The public can offer comments through Feb. 22. Send comments to DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813. The draft EA is available at http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/default.aspx. Click on EA_and_EIS_Online_Library, Hawai`i and 2010s.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Josh Green listed his legislative priorities.
Photo from Sen. Green

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 2016 Hawai`i Legislature, Ka`u’s Sen. Josh Green shared his top five legislative priorities.

      “The Well Being of the People Comes First. Everyone gets a livable wage of at least $16/hour. We end the homeless crisis by funding Housing First and strategically building homeless shelters. We pass a tax on luxury developments to pay for rental housing initiatives and to build affordable homes.
      “Healthcare for All. We establish a true healthcare safety net in Hawai`i, greatly improve access to mental healthcare and drug and alcohol treatment, and strengthen the state hospital system.
      “Protect our Environment. We ensure pristine air quality in Hawai`i, address the pesticide and GMO concerns many in Hawai`i share through total transparency, guarantee clean water, and fight for 100 percent renewable energy for Hawai`i.
      “Support Public Education. We improve teacher wages to compete with mainland pay, dramatically decrease class sizes, and make community college free for all who choose it.
      “Real Economic Growth. We encourage job creation in emerging fields such as clean energy, healthcare and technology to complement our critical tourism and agriculture base.
      “I will also be spearheading initiatives to lower the legal limit for a DUI from .08 to .06 and to ensure that helmets will be required for all moped riders under the age of 25.”
      Green’s asked constituents to share their thoughts at  facebook.com/senatorjoshgreen, sengreen@capitol.gov or 808-586-9385.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY’S stop on its geologic tour of the Hawaiian Islands in the current issue of Volcano Watch is Maui, as well as the islands of Lanaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe, all of which form Maui County.
      “To imagine the landscape of Maui County as it would have appeared about one million years ago, think of the Island of Hawaiʻi today, with several large, coalesced volcanoes that form a single large island,” the article states. “Such was the heyday of ‘Maui Nui,’ when at least seven volcanoes built an island that was about 50 percent bigger than the Island of Hawaiʻi is today. 

      “The oldest of Maui Nui’s volcanoes, Penguin Bank, is now submerged off the west coast of Molokaʻi. From there, successively younger volcanoes are West Molokaʻi and East Molokaʻi. When these three volcanoes began to grow on the seafloor is poorly known, but they probably range from slightly over two million years old (Penguin Bank) to slightly less than two million years old (East Molokaʻi).
      “The sequence of volcanoes then progressed with Lanaʻi, West Maui, Kahoʻolawe, and finally, Haleakalā on East Maui. The formation of these four volcanoes probably occurred between 1.5 and two million years ago.

      “Why so many volcanoes in such a small area? Studies of the entire chain of Hawaiian volcanoes and seamounts suggest that magma supply to the surface began increasing a few million years ago. More magma means more eruptions, which might explain why the Hawaiian hot spot went from forming individual island volcanoes (Niʻihau and Kauaʻi), to an island with two volcanoes (Oʻahu), to islands made up of several volcanoes (Maui Nui and the Island of Hawaiʻi). 

The islands of Maui County were once a land mass 50 percent
larger than Hawai`i Island. Map from USGS/HVO

      “Despite their close proximity, the volcanoes of Maui Nui have quite different eruptive histories. For example, Lanaʻi was short-lived, going extinct after its vigorous shield stage, with no eruptions since about 1.35 million years ago. West Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe were also short-lived, but they experienced minor postshield volcanism before going extinct about one million years ago. East Molokaʻi and West Maui persisted longer and were the sites of rejuvenated eruptions just 300,000 years ago (the most recent such eruption on Molokaʻi formed Kalaupapa Peninsula).
      “Haleakalā, the longest-lived of the Maui Nui volcanoes, is currently waning from a long postshield sequence of volcanism. Eruptions there occur about as frequently as they do on Hualālai volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi. The most recent eruption on Haleakalā took place about 400 years ago, well within the time that Polynesians settled on the Hawaiian Islands. Future eruptions at Haleakalā are likely, which is why the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory maintains a monitoring network there.
      “Because all of the Maui Nui volcanoes are beyond their vigorous shield-building stages, erosion has dominated for the past one million years or so. Water and landslides have helped create dramatic valleys, including the summit ‘crater’ of Haleakalā.
      “The most spectacular of the Maui Nui landslides occurred from East Molokaʻi, where the massive Wailau slide sliced off the volcano’s summit, creating spectacular sea cliffs on the island’s north side. This landslide deposited rocky debris over 160 kilometers (100 miles) across the ocean floor.
      “The islands of Maui Nui have also subsided over time – a normal consequence of the volcanoes’ weight on the sea floor in addition to their motion away from the buoyant hot spot. It was this subsidence, plus rising sea levels, that flooded the land between Maui Nui’s volcanoes, creating the separate islands we see today, probably within the last few hundred thousand years. With continued subsidence at present rates, Haleakalā (East Maui) itself could become isolated from West Maui by a seaway within another 10,000 to 20,000 years.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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FAFSA FILING WORKSHOP is tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Church members help with filing Free Applications for Federal Student Aid that are required for access to federal and state financial aid for college.
      Applicants should bring with them student and parent Social Security numbers, email addresses and adjusted gross incomes for 2014 and 2015.
      See stjudeshawaii.org or email cindycutts00@yahoo.com for more information.

THE LAVA FLOW THAT CAME TO HILO is the topic at After Dark in the Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Jim Kauahikaua and HVO volunteer Ben Gaddis present the story of the 1880 - 81 Mauna Loa eruption using maps, art and photographs.

KUMU HULA PELE KAIO presents Hei: Traditional Hawaiian String Figures Wednesday 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.

HOW COMMUNITIES PROTECT themselves from vog is the topic of a Volcano Awareness Month program Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Tamar Elias provides an update on Kilauea’s gas emissions, and Dr. Claire Horwell shares results of her 2015 study.

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

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Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016

Keiki and their families lined the Ka`u Coast at Punalu`u yesterday for `O Ka`u Kakou's eighth annual Keiki Fishing Tournament.
Photo by Peter Anderson

RESULTS OF YESTERDAY’S KEIKI Fishing Tournament are in. Ka`u keiki and their families lined the coast at Punalu`u Beach Park for `O Ka`u Kakou’s eighth annual tournament.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda presented award and prizes
to Keenan Toriano, Rylan Equsa and Daystan Resurreccion,
as well as other winners. Photo from Lee McIntosh

      Loea Kaupu won for Most Fish Overall. Zachary Blano-Louis took second place, and Joe Buyuan placed third.
      Largest Po`opa`a was caught by Chelsea Velez. Noa Cambe caught the second largest, and X’avier Alani caught the third largest.
      In the Kupipi category, Keenana Toriano placed first, Rylan Equsa second and Daystan Resurreccion third.
      Lexi Manila-Louis caught the largest Hinale`a, Jyzeiah Garcia hooked the second largest, and Rylan Peralta caught the third largest.
      First place in the Largest Aholehole category went to Harlem Reyes Espejo. Jance Ke took second, and Gabriel Sesson Paaluhi-Young, third.

Ocean View resident Vernon Harvey posted his aerial footage
of the Keiki Fishing Tournament on YouTube.

       After fishing, participants enjoyed free lunch and shaved ice.

       Aerial footage taken by Vernon Harvey, of Ocean View, can be viewed at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xx6CVCPu9Q.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

EAST HAWAI`I REGIONAL BOARD of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation has appointed Marcella Stroh to its 12-member board. The Regional Board is responsible for governing Hilo Medical Center, Hale Ho`ola Hamakua, Ka`u Hospital and the region’s 10 general and specialty clinics.

Marcella Stroh and Wayne Kanemoto Photo from HHSC

      “Our community is indeed fortunate to have the services of Marcella, a talented and experienced leader,” said Kurt Corbin, East Hawai`i Regional Board Chair. “She joins a Board comprised of dedicated physicians, business executives, educators and professionals who are committed to the ideals of providing exceptional health care regardless of ability to pay.”
      “These are very exciting and important times in the healthcare industry in our community, therefore, it is an honor and privilege for me to be nominated to the East Hawai`i Regional Board,” Stroh said. “I look forward to sharing my expertise and long history of collaboration in the business/financial world for the benefit of our community’s healthcare that is very much needed in these crucial times.”

Waiting for a nibble. Photo by Peter Anderson

      Stroh is the Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Senior Manager for Hawai`i Island at Central Pacific Bank. She is actively involved in the American Heart Association, the Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council, the County of Hawai`i’s Salary Commission, the Hilo Medical Center Foundation, the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce and the Japanese Community Association. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Secretarial Science from Hawai`i Community College. She also attended ABA School of Bank Management and Marketing in Boulder, Colorado and AIB School of Executive Management in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born and raised on Hawai`i Island where she raised her two daughters, Kimberly and Kasey. She enjoys spending time with her grandsons, Austin and Asher, and doing outdoor activities.

Chelsea Velez, Noa Cambe and X'avier Alani won in the
Largest Po`opa`a category. Photo from Lee McIntosh

      After a three-year term on the East Hawai`i Regional Board, Wayne Kanemoto has been appointed by Gov. David Ige to HHSC’s Corporate Board to represent the interests of the East Hawai`i Region. He is currently with Kanalani Enterprise, LLC. Previously, Kanemoto served for over 30 years in the United States Army and Army Reserve. His 33-year career in education began as a teacher in Biology Sciences on O`ahu and concluded as principal on Hawai`i Island for 18 years at Laupahoehoe High and Elementary School and the Hilo Community School for Adults. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa State University in Zoology, a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Hawai`i in Curriculum, Administration and was a Colonel, U.S. Army in Infantry & Civil Affairs. He has been a member of Hawai`i County Workforce Investment Board, Hawai`i Family Literacy Consortium, Hawai`i Community School Consortium, Hawai`i Government Employees Association (Unit 6) and Summer Youth Academy.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Largest Aholehole category winners were Harlem Reyes Espejo,
Jance Ke and Gabriel Sesson Paaluhi-Young.
Photo from Lee McIntosh

A BILL TO FUND RESEARCH and mitigation efforts relating to rapid `ohi`a death passed its first reading in the state House of Representatives last week. According to HB 1597, “the `ohi`a makes up about fifty percent of the state's native forest and is a keystone species in native watershed areas.”

      Hawai`i Department of Agriculture will submit a report detailing the nature of rapid `ohi`a death, including its cause, vectors, transmission and prospects for preventing the disease; status of developing and implementing plans and strategies to eliminate, control or prevent the disease in the state; and necessary funds and appropriate legislation to eliminate, control or prevent it in the state.

A success story at yesterday's Keiki Fishing Tournament.
Photo by Peter Anderson

      “We’re continuing to do new things, like fungicide testing, U.S. DOA researcher Lisa Keith told Colin M. Stewart, of Hawai`i Tribune Herald. “We’ve got six new potential chemicals we’re looking at, and we understand more about the genetics and biology now. But we’re just scratching the surface. (The appropriation) will allow us to do real detailed studies. I think we’ll make more progress in a lot of areas, producing more knowledge and information to lead to better management and control.”
      University of Hawai`i Extension Agent Forester J.B. Friday told Stewart, “Our task now is to keep the momentum going. … We have funds and are in the process of hiring scientists to look at the disease itself, the molecular biology of the disease, insects that may carry the disease, and technicians and outreach staff. Much of the funding we have is only for the year 2016, though, so we really appreciate the legislators introducing a bill to fund ongoing efforts to understand and manage this disease that affects our forests and all of us.”

Loea Kaupu, Zachary Blanco-Louis and Joe Buyuan placed
first, second and third in Most Overall Fish.
Photo from Lee McIntosh

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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THIRTY METER TELESCOPE OFFICIALS are waiting for the state to tell them how to proceed with plans for the $1.4 billion project planned for the summit of Mauna Kea, Lorin Eleni Gill reported in Pacific Business News.       In December, the Hawai`i Supreme Court invalidated TMT’s conservation use permit, saying the state Board of Land & Natural Resources did not hold a contested case hearing prior to its authorization.
      “We spent eight years now getting the permit, and on Dec. 2 it was invalidated,” TMT International Observatory Executive Director Ed Stone told Gill. “We went through the process, did everything we were asked to do, and it turned out that that was evidently not the right process, so now we’re waiting on what the process needs to be.”

Lexi Manila-Louis, Jyzeiah Garcia and Rylan Peralta caught
the three largest hinale`a. Photo from Lee McIntosh

      Stone said the Land Board has to tell them what they need to do. “It’s their process that had a problem for the court, so the court will instruct them, and they’ll decide what they need to do this time that they didn’t last time. That’s what we need to know before we know we have a way forward,” Stone said.
      “I think all of the partners are concerned because we don’t have a plan right now and we don’t know what it will take to do this job. Only if we have a plan we’ll feel we’re on the right track.”
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SCHOOLS, PUBLIC AGENCIES, AND PRIVATE nonprofit organizations may apply to be U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program sponsors.

`O Ka`u Kakou volunteers organized the eighth annual Keiki
Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u. Photo by Peter Anderson

      Children in low-income communities are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. However, the programs end when school lets out for the summer. The SFSP helps fill the hunger gap.
      During the summer months, SFSP provides nutritious meals that help children to learn, play, and grow.
      Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites to children and teenagers (18 years and younger). Sponsors are encouraged to provide educational or recreational activities.
      For more information about SFSP, contact Jennifer Dang, of Hawai`i Child Nutrition Programs, at 587-3600.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mauna Loa's 1881 eruption is visible in this drawing
by Joseph Nawahi. Image from USGS/HVO

THE LAVA FLOW THAT CAME TO HILO is the topic at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Within the last 160 years, five eruptions sent lava flows to within 10 miles of Hilo Bay. The 1880-1881 Mauna Loa eruption came the closest, with a flow that posed an immediate threat to Hilo and its bay. During the eruption, Princess Regent Lili`uokalani and Princess Ruth Ke`elikolani led efforts to save Hilo town. As residents offered both Christian prayers and appeals to Pele, preparations were also made to dig ditches, construct rock barriers and blast dynamite in attempts to divert advancing lava streams. After more than nine months, the lava flow stopped, but less than a mile from the bayfront.
      USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Jim Kauahikaua and HVO volunteer Ben Gaddis present the story of this Mauna Loa eruption using maps, art and photographs of the lava flow that came to Hilo.

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

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Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island members and representatives yesterday. Zavi Brees-Saunders, the club's chief professional officer, is third from left. See more below. Photos from Office of Rep. Gabbard

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN has introduced legislation that would appropriate $500,000 for additional response capacity against dengue fever on Hawai`i Island to provide traps, vector control and support. SB2465 would also fund a management audit to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of Department of Health’s response during the outbreak.

Sen. Josh Green, M.D.

      “We deserve more answers than we have been given as a community,” Green said. “The reports released to date tell a very incomplete story.”
      Green said he also will fight for full restoration of public health positions on Hawai`i Island that went away over the years.
      “This work, in addition to getting DOH more concerned about rat-lungworm disease on Big Island, is a top priority,” Green said. “We need to have a success because future outbreaks of equally devastating infection diseases could potentially come to Hawai`i.
      Track progress of this and other legislation at capitol.hawaii.gov.
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SINCE ITS PREVIOUS UPDATE on Wednesday, Hawai`i Department of Health yesterday identified three new cases of dengue fever. Currently, as many as three of the confirmed cases to date are potentially infectious to mosquitoes. All others are no longer infectious.
      As of yesterday, a total of 977 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria.

      Hawai`i Civil defense reminds residents that to be successful in controlling and ending this outbreak, everyone’s help is needed to Fight The Bite. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing light-colored clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellent, and avoid activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest. Those who suspect they may have dengue should contact their health care providers and remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes.
      Help reduce potential mosquito breeding areas around homes and businesses by:

• removing or eliminating standing water that provides sources for mosquito breeding such as buckets or puddles;
• fixing leaky faucets and outdoor hoses that are dripping water;
• treating bromeliads and other plants that hold water with a larvacide or chlorine bleach solution;
• cleaning gutters to allow water to drain freely;
• repairing screens and windows to help keep mosquitoes out; and
• disposing of old tires at no charge at county transfer stations islandwide.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dengue fever was the topic of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's meeting
with county officials yesterday.

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD met with Hawai`i Island residents, business owners, kupuna, county officials and the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island yesterday.

      Gabbard met with Mayor Billy Kenoi and Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira to discuss the dengue fever situation, what actions are currently being taken and what more must be done with short-term and long-term mosquito abatement efforts to stop the spread of the disease.

      Boys & Girls Club members took Gabbard on a tour of their Hilo Clubhouse, which includes a brand new certified kitchen that will provide meals to hungry keiki members. The congresswoman also met with the club’s staff and board members to hear about programs offered, federal community development block grants and how they are serving the needs of children on Hawai`i Island at all of their clubs, including Pahala.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS addresses its concern over stewardship of Mauna Kea in bills submitted to the state Legislature, which reconvened this week. The bills seek to ensure transparency, consistency and accountability in the disposition of Mauna Kea lands leased to the University of Hawai`i.

      “As one of our state’s most sacred sites, Mauna Kea should be managed in a way that respects its value and significance, and in a manner that instills public confidence,” OHA said. “Over the years, observatory subleases presented the university with numerous opportunities to charge sufficient rent to care for Mauna Kea. However, even the most recently approved sublease for the $1.3 billion Thirty Meter Telescope – the only sublease to charge more than a nominal $1 rent – would provide just a portion of the funds needed for management activities. Accordingly, the university uses an unknown amount of taxpayer funds, research dollars and grant funds to supplement operations and stewardship of Mauna Kea.
      “While not taking a position for or against future subleases, this bill would require a ‘fair rate of return’ for any subleases, observatory and otherwise, taking into account the costs of management and mitigation actions, through an open public process established through administrative rules.”
      Full content of companion bills SB2127 and HB1658 is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
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Keli`i Akina

THE U.S. SUPREME COURT LAST WEEK denied a motion for civil contempt filed by Grassroot Institute of Hawai`i when Na`i Aupuni chose to seat all Native Hawaiian convention delegates in their disputed election. The case is currently before the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
      “The Supreme Court has only denied a temporary remedy related to our case,” said Keli`i Akina, President of the Grassroot Institute and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. “We remain confident that when the full case is argued before the Ninth Circuit Court or Supreme Court, it will prevail on its merits. In the end, we expect the U.S. Constitution to be upheld for the benefit of Native Hawaiians and all people of Hawai`i.”
      For background documents, see new.grassrootinstitute.org/2015/10/akina-v-hawaii-the-documents.
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COLLEGE STUDENTS JOINED U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz as he addressed the increasing cost of higher education yesterday.
      “The cost of college is spiraling out of control, and it’s really one of the biggest issues that confront families today,” Schatz said. According to Schatz, the cost of college is growing faster than the cost of all consumer goods and twice as fast as health care costs. College debt has surpassed credit card debt and is second only to mortgage debt across the country. Over a third of borrowers are delinquent on their loans by 90 days or more, Schatz said.

Sen. Brian Schatz supports reducing the cost of higher education.
Image from Office of Sen. Schatz

      “We have decided as a country that higher education is a national goal, but we’re leaving students in the red by the time that they graduate,” Schatz said. “We need to give students a path to graduate debt-free. This is a key middle-class issue, and it doesn’t just affect the students. It affects their parents, and it affects their grandparents. And it affects some of us on both ends – those of us who are planning for our children’s education and still paying off our own education.”
      Schatz said the federal government spends more than $140 billion in grants and financial aid on higher education, “but we’re not doing enough to hold colleges and universities accountable” to making college more affordable.
      “And so we’re here today as part of a campaign. … This is a movement, a long-term effort on behalf of students, to get us on the right path and hold colleges accountable for the cost of college. We need to reduce the student debt burden.”
      Schatz said he wants the federal government to boost Pell Grants and provide two years of free community college as part of the path to debt-free higher education.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Best of Show went to Wai`ohinu resident Marcus
Castaing's Cruisin' in Style.

TWO KA`U RESIDENTS RECEIVED awards at the 30th Hawai`i Wood Guild annual show. Marcus Castaing, a resident of Wai`ohinu who is the guild president, won Best of Show for his chair Cruisin’ in Style. Mats Fogelvik, a resident of Ocean View and vice president, won Honorary Mention in Joinery for Demi Lune table. He collaborated with Henry Pomfret, an ironworker, who made the legs.
      The show continues through Friday, Feb. 26 at Isaacs Art Center in Waimea, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

IN KA`U HIGH SPORTS, girls basketball teams finished regular-season play at Kamehameha on Thursday. Both Ka`u teams fell to Kamehameha by 20 points, with JV’s score 15-35 and Varsity’s 34-54.
      Yesterday, Trojan boys played St. Joseph. Junior Varsity racked up an impressive 52 points and kept St. Joseph’s team to 17.

      Ka`u Varsity was not able to withstand St. Joseph’s push and ended the game 43-64. The boys are at Wai`akea today for games beginning at 12 p.m.
      Hawai`i Prep’s soccer team travels to Ka`u today for a match beginning at 3:30 p.m. instead of 3 p.m., as originally scheduled.
      Ka`u’s wrestlers and swimmers are on the road today. Coach Greg Rush took the wrestling team to Hilo, and Coach Bruce Simmerman traveled to Kamehameha with his swim team.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers a free guided hike tomorrow. People and Lands of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour hike beginning at 9:30 a.m. The trail loops through varied landscapes to explore the area's human history. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land.
      See nps.gov/havo.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
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See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_January2016.pdf.