Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, Feb. 26, 2016

A Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Institute program focuses on current restoration activities at the `Ohi`a Wing of Volcano House. See more below. Photo from FHVNP

THE DIRECTORY 2016 Business & Community Resource Guide, sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, is online and can be read at kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html. It will be circulated free of charge in March and throughout the year. The 80-page guide welcomes local business advertising and membership fees that support Ka`u Chamber’s annual scholarships, annual art show through which the cover is chosen, and production and printing of The Directory.

      Also known as Ka`u’s phone book, The Directory includes listings of community organizations, businesses, parks and community centers, public officials, schools and their schedules, churches and government services. There are calendars for annual, monthly, weekly and daily events. 

      Images of Ka`u from photographers, including Peter Anderson, whose volcano photo graces the cover, illustrate the book along with maps of each community. Features include the winning scholarship essay, Local Lands in Local Hands, and winners of the art show. There are stories on the legacy of the late Gil Kahele; the new tea industry and competition; rumblings of Mauna Loa; preservation of Makahiki Grounds; Kapapala and Paniolo Hall of Fame; wars against dengue fever, rapid `ohi`a death and fire ants; the role of the community in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park; and the nearly completed Ka`u Community Development Plan.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seefacebook.com/kaucalendar.

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO INTRODUCED a resolution marking the anniversary of the issuance of Executive Order 9066 and affirming that America must stand against intolerance. In a show of support, advocates from nearly ten organizations were present in the Senate gallery as Hirono provided remarks from the Senate floor.

Advocates for Asian American, Pacific Islander and Muslim
communities joined Sen. Mazie Hirono for introduction
of a resolution commemorating internment of Japanese
Americans. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

      “Seventy-four years ago, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which led to the mass internment of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II,” Hirono said. “While the internment is now recognized as one of the darkest periods in our nation’s history, we must not forget that Executive Order 9066 had widespread support at the time. Today, we hear echoes of the same sentiments directed toward members of the South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Arab and Middle Eastern communities. Let’s stand together in solidarity in our American values that are rooted in compassion, respect for others, justice and equality.”

      “We thank Sen. Hirono for her leadership in introducing this resolution, especially because our nation must remember its history as we unite against hate, xenophobia and bigotry,” National Council of Asian Pacific Americans Director Christopher Kang said. “We remember the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II – even though none was ever charged with a crime. Today is a time of high anxiety and increased rates of anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions, and NCAPA is more committed than ever to ensuring that policies and political rhetoric do not repeat the mistakes of the past in discriminating against any individual.”
      A broad coalition of advocacy organizations backed the measure, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Japanese American Citizens League, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the National Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans, Muslim Advocates, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Sikh Coalition and South Asian Americans Leading Together.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seefacebook.com/kaucalendar.

Roger Dow Photo from U.S. Travel Associaton

SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ ON WEDNESDAY was named a recipient of a U.S. Travel Association Distinguished Travel Champion Award. The association recognized Schatz for his leadership in advancing policies that strengthen travel to and within America, particularly his role in the bipartisan push to build support for the Jobs Originated Through Launching Travel Act of 2015, and his leadership on the bill reauthorizing Brand USA.

      “Sen. Schatz truly knows the vital role our industry plays in America’s economic health,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said. “He has clearly demonstrated his commitment to keeping travel in our country strong through his leadership on crucial pieces of legislation. We are privileged to honor him and other Distinguished Travel Champions for their work, and hope that other political and government decision-makers will follow his lead in advocating for travel within their own districts, states, chambers and agencies.”
      “I want to thank the U.S. Travel Association for this award and for their dedication to improving travel opportunities to and within our country,” Schatz said. “A strong and dynamic travel industry supports small businesses, creates jobs and helps grow our economy. I look forward to continue working with the U.S. Travel Association to strengthen travel to the United States and promote Hawai`i as a premier visitor destination.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seefacebook.com/kaucalendar.

`IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER is seeking keiki explorers in grades K-3 for winter intersession camp. This series of Camp `Imi-Possible features Constellation Camp: Mapping the Night Time Sky. Camp includes four days of exciting hands-on science experiments and activities exploring the constellations. Keiki explore the four voyaging star lines through storytelling, challenges and problem solving. Reading constellation maps will inspire youth to create their own star and constellation art projects throughout camp. 

      Constellation Camp runs from Monday, March 21 through Thursday, March 24. Camp begins each day at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., with early drop-off available at 7:30 a.m. and late pickup by 4:15 p.m. Cost is $175 for members and $200 for non-members.
      Registration forms are available at http://www.imiloahawaii.org/assets/Fallintersession15revised.pdf. Space is limited and will fill fast.
      For more information call us at 808-932-8901.

RESTORATION IS HAPPENING at the `Ohi`a Wing at Volcano House in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Want to learn more about historical buildings, the care and restoration? Join Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Schuster and experts in historical restoration tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a presentation on current restoration activities in the 1932 Administration Building. Participants will be given a tour of the Ohia Wing, followed by a hands-on presentation. Ask questions; learn new skills!

      Light refreshments will be served outside after the presentation.
      This Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Institute program is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required, with fees of $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

      See fhvnp.org.

ZACH MERMEL TEACHES FUNDAMENTAL techniques to create edible landscaping tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Fees are $40, or $35, for VAC members plus $15 supply fee. Register at 967-8222.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers a free hike into a forested pit crater tomorrow at 10 a.m. Botanist Sierra McDaniel and wildlife biologist Jon Faford lead a moderate 2.4-mile roundtrip hike into the crater that naturally protects rare and endangered Hawaiian plant species and other native plants that grow along the trail.

Elizabeth Miller demonstrates metal repousse
tomorrow. Photo from Volcano Village Artists Hui

ELIZABETH MILLER DEMONSTRATES metal repousse techniques tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The demo is in conjunction with Sightlines, the gallery’s current exhibit featuring works by members of Volcano Village Artists Hui. Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts reviewed the exhibit and selected three pieces for consideration in the state’s collection, with one being Miller’s.

      Free; park entrance fees apply.

HO`OMALU KA`U’S SECOND Native Dryland Plants Workshop takes place tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The workshop focuses on propagation techniques and tips on landscaping with native plants.

      Register for the free workshop at 929-8526 or hoomalukau@gmail.com.

SPAGHETTI DINNER, SILENT AUCTION and bake and craft sales raise funds for Ka`u Hospital tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Purchase $10 dinner tickets from Nadine Ebert at 938-5124.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST tomorrow features the guitar artistry of Curt Warren, Jr. Volcano Choy with the Volcano Art Center Jazz Ensemble and a special hana hou appearance by Jeannine Guillory.
      Performances begin at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available today at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village, VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and volcanoartcenterorg. After today, tickets will be sold at the door if still available.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Mongolian BBQ tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. $.85 per ounce includes protein, veggies, noodles and a beverage. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. 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/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016

Ka`u High School students Justin Subica-Kawakami, Brennen Nishimura and Aaron Delos Santos share their Science Fair wins with Principal Sharon Beck and Physical Science teacher Chayanee Brooks. Missing is Randall Patton. See more below. Photo from Chayanee Brooks

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH reported one new case of dengue fever yesterday, but none that are infectious. The cumulative total of confirmed cases now stands at 260.

Teri Tico 

      Former Pahala homeowner Teri Tico compared Hawai`i County’s current outbreak to Maui’s outbreak in 2001-2002. “Having lived on Maui during the dengue outbreak, and having observed the immediate response, I am extremely disappointed in the Big Island response,” Tico said. “On Maui, there were constant public radio announcements, community meetings, door-to-door information sharing (brochures) and relentless educational outreach. But here on the Big Island, there has been little if any public information about how to mitigate the outbreak. No one during the Maui outbreak said we had to spray poisons. What we were told was to eliminate all water-collecting sources on our properties, like old tires, ponds, leaves on the ground, etc. I think the outbreak lasted about nine months, then it was over.”

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

TWO SMALL EARTHQUAKES occurred near Pahala again this morning. A 2.6-magnitude quake occurred at 6:39 a.m., waking residents. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported it as a surface quake one mile east-southeast of Pahala on the makai side of Hwy 11. Almost three hours later at 9:28 a.m., a 2.3 magnitude struck 3.3 miles northwest of Pahala at a depth of 24.4 miles.

While small earthquakes occur in the Pahala area, Hawaiian
Volcano Observatory reports that seismicity is an normal levels.
Map from USGS/HVO

      HVO also reported that a magnitude-3.6 earthquake struck yesterday at 6 p.m. 2.4 miles west of Kilauea’s summit, while rates of seismicity continue at normal levels.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE STUDENTS received awards for their projects at the 2016 Hawai`i District Science and Engineering Fair held at `Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo on Feb. 13.
      Aaron Delos Santos and Randall Patton won first prize for the most outstanding renewable energy award from Hawai`i Electric Light Company. Their project was Watt’s It All About? They showed the hidden power of microbes and the effect of sodium chloride on mud as a future alternative source of energy.
      Justin Subica-Kawakami won second prize in the same category. His project was Batteries that Makes Cents. He made a battery from pennies, nickels, sodium chloride and acetic acid.
      Brennen Nishimura was recognized as the best project in the robotic and intelligent machine category. His project was What Light is Right? He explained the effect of the reflector on grasshopper robot’s photovoltaic cells.”
      All the students were from Mrs. Chayanee Brooks’ Physical Science classes at Ka`u High.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Water balloon battles are part of BISAC's
Splash Bash next month.
Photo from BISAC

BELIEVE IN OUR COMMUNITY is the theme of Splash Bash, a free family fun day happening Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Sponsored by Big Island Substance Abuse Council, the event features water slides, a water balloon battle, a photo booth, games, music and more. An activity touted as the Bubblicious Family Fun Walk will have participants wading through walls of bubbles and soapy suds. Food such as cotton candy, shave ice, hot dogs and water will be available for just $1 each. A prize giveaway will allow lucky winners to walk away with a new bike, Razors and more. 

      The County of Hawai`i will also provide two buses for transportation throughout the day. The first pick-up will be at 9:30 a.m. from Pahala Community Center and the Park-&-Ride gravel lot across from Ocean View Shopping Center. The last drop-off to both locations leaves Na`alehu at 2:15 p.m. Those leaving their cars in Pahala should note that Pahala Community Center gates will open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. Buses will run continuously throughout the day.
      For more information, contact Pamella Deniz at 969-9994 (ext. 827) or Pamella.Deniz@bisac.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U COMMUNITY HEALTH workshops are set for April, June and August. A four-part free training opportunity for community members, health providers and professionals will continue on Friday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The workshop will be given by Big Island Substance Abuse Council CEO Dr. Hannah Preston Pita, PysD, CSAC and will focus on kupuna, or elder, care.

      The first session was held in February on the subject of mental health. After the April 22 session, subsequent workshops will be on Friday, June 10 on substance abuse and Aug. 12 on compassion fatigue. All sessions are provided by BISAC. Donations are accepted, and coffee and refreshments will be provided.

      “These topics were identified by Imua Ka`u’s coalition as training area priorities for the community,” Pita said. Imua Ka`u is a group dedicated to improving the well being of the Ka`u community and residents. The training will provide information on these issues to include education, application, intervention and resources.
      Kathy Carr, a Mark Twain health professional who attended the first session on mental health, said Pita was “very knowledgeable” and the presentation was very timely and informative. Carr recommended the training to anyone interested in learning more about these topics. Register by emailing Pamella.Deniz@bisac.com with IMUA KA`U in the subject line. For questions, call Elizabeth Murph at 961-7051.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U’S STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN, who holds a talk story in Ka`u next week, encourages his constituents to get involved in the legislative process. Register at capitol.hawaii.gov to track bills, subscribe to hearing notices of interest, and submit testimony online. Testimony can be sent directly to committees hearing bills by using the list of email addresses at capitol.hawaii.gov/submittestimony.aspx.

      In order to submit testimony through the online system, the measure must currently be scheduled for a hearing and formally referred to a committee.
      Ruderman's talk story takes place at Pahala Plantation House on Tuesday, March 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      To sign up for his newsletter and receive updates on issues, email m.greenough@capitol.hawaii.gov with OPT-IN in the subject line. For specific concerns, call 808-586-6890 or email senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE OFFICER WHO HAS BEEN ACTING as Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources' Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, Hawai`i Branch Chief for the past year and a half has been appointed permanently to the position. DOCARE Chief Thomas Friel said, “It is my honor and privilege to announce the selection of Lino Kamakau as DOCARE’s Hawai`i Island Branch Chief, effective immediately.”

      Kamakau has 17 years of law enforcement experience on Hawai`i Island, with a sharp focus on enforcement of natural resources laws. He began his enforcement career as a Hawai`i County police officer, where he served for a decade. At DOCARE, Kamakau served nine years as a Conservation Resource Officer III and then six years as a DOCARE Field Supervisor. He has served as acting Branch Chief on Hawai`i Island since September 2014.
      DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “Lino has been deeply engaged in protecting Hawai`i literally from mauka to makai. We are fortunate to have him as a core leader of our DOCARE team.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HO`OMALU KA`U’S SECOND Native Dryland Plants Workshop takes place Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The workshop focuses on propagation techniques and tips on landscaping with native plants.

      Register for the free workshop at 929-8526 or hoomalukau@gmail.com.

SPAGHETTI DINNER, SILENT AUCTION and bake and craft sales raise funds for Ka`u Hospital Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Purchase $10 dinner tickets from Nadine Ebert at 938-5124.

ZACH MERMEL TEACHES FUNDAMENTAL techniques to create edible landscaping for backyards and beyond Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Fees are $40, or $35, for VAC members plus $15 supply fee. Register at 967-8222.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST 2016 continues with two performances, 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 pm. on Saturday, featuring the Jazz Guitar artistry of Curt Warren, Jr. Volcano Choy with the Volcano Art Center Jazz Ensemble and a special Hana Hou appearance by Jeannine Guillory.

Jazz in the Forest continues Saturday. Photo from VAC

      Warren for years was the featured guitarist with the U.S. Navy’s official Jazz Ensemble, the Commodores, based in Washington. DC. He recently completed 31 years as professor of guitar at University of Texas in El Paso. Through the years, he has toured the world and recorded with various jazz greats such as Billy Eckstein, Monty Budwig and Della Reese along with being a featured artist at the Newport Jazz Festival.
      Tickets are available through tomorrow at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village, VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and volcanoartcenterorg. After tomorrow, tickets will be sold at the door if they not sold out.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016

A workshop Saturday focuses on edible landscaping. See more below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

A STATE INVESTMENT PROGRAM has successfully jumpstarted Hawai`i’s business startup environment. According to a new report by the Economic Research Organization at University of Hawai`i, the HI Growth Initiative is creating jobs and leveraging state dollars to encourage private investment. Hawai`i Strategic Development Corporation, an agency of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, runs the state equity investment program created to promote Hawai`i’s innovation sector and mobilize private capital for local entrepreneurs running high growth businesses.

      UHERO economists surveyed nearly 50 businesses and found that the HI Growth Initiative is leading to nearly $12 in private investment for each dollar invested by the state. The companies surveyed also reported total in-state expenditures of approximately $10.8 million and generated more than 150 Hawai`i-based jobs.

      “We need to continue to support innovation to create an environment for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed,” DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria said. “The state’s overall growth strategy focuses on investing in infrastructure, attracting capital and developing talent, which will position Hawai`i to become an innovation and knowledge-based economy.”
      From its start four years ago, Hawai`i’s innovation environment today includes six startup accelerators, six Hawai`i-based venture capital funds, gigabit-enabled co-working spaces, business incubators, research commercialization programs and events year-round aimed at developing entrepreneurs.
      Entrepreneurial programs have been launched across multiple platforms: software/tech, film/creative media, clean energy, value-added agriculture and university research. The innovation sector makes up about seven percent of total jobs in Hawai`i, according to a 2014 report from Hawai`i Business Roundtable.
      Launched by HSDC in 2011 with a $13 million grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative, the HI Growth Initiative currently provides $20 million investment capital, which has in turn generated more than $60 million in additional funding.
      The report may be viewed at hsdc.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Evolution_HIGrowth_Initiative.pdf.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mark Glick Photo from DBEDT

HAWAI`I ENERGY OFFICE IS AGAINST the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and Florida-based NextEra Energy, Duane Shimogawa reported in Pacific Business News.

      Administrator Mark Glick told Shimogawa that his office, part of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, expressed many concerns that have not been addressed. “We think they are important,” Glick said. “There needs to be symmetry of timing of benefits that would come to ratepayers, energy consumers and shareholders whose benefits would be upfront and substantial.”
      NextEra spokesman Rob Gould told Shimogawa, “Hawai`i has set aggressive energy goals that are globally unprecedented, and as recent events have shown, achieving them will not be easy. Mr. Glick himself has acknowledged in his testimony before the Public Utilities Commission that NextEra Energy is a clean energy leader with a lot to offer Hawai`i. Moreover, through our 95 commitments, we have made a good faith effort to meet all the reasonable concerns of interested parties, including those of DBEDT and other state agencies.”
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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

A small earthquake, shown in red, struck
Ka`u this morning. Map from USGS/HVO

AN EARTHQUAKE OCCURRED in the mountains 4.2 miles northwest of Pahala this morning. The magnitude-2.5 micro-quake shook buildings in Pahala at 9:28 a.m. It struck at depth of 24.5 miles, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO denounced Republican plans to keep the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat vacant until after a new president is elected.
      “I am appalled that Republicans have politicized the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and the process to confirm his replacement,” Hirono said. “The fact of the matter is that the Supreme Court cannot go with a vacancy for nearly a year. A number of consequential rulings, covering topics such as marriage equality, health care reform and campaign finance were recently decided 5-4. And this year, the Court is grappling with cases that impact the future of America’s labor unions, our immigration system, women’s reproductive rights and more is not the time to leave the Court in a position to be gridlocked.
      “The Constitution is clear on what must be done. The President will nominate a qualified candidate, and the Senate must go forward and fulfill our Constitutional duty to advise and consent on the President’s nominee. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that a justice cannot be nominated and confirmed in an election year. The Majority Leader has said time and time again that his goal is to restore regular order in the Senate, which in this case, would mean the swift consideration of a Supreme Court nominee. The Republican vow to block any Supreme Court nominee has once again proven that they are obstructionists and the party of ‘no.’”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
Image from C-Span

IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL Invasive Species Awareness Week, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard spoke on the House Floor today to highlight the harmful impacts of invasive species, including coffee berry borers and macadamia felted coccids that are damaging Ka`u crops. Gabbard encouraged lawmakers to co-sponsor and pass the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act, legislation that she introduced in November 2015 to support long-term and sustainable solutions to fight invasive species. 

      “In my home state of Hawai`i, the coffee berry borer, coconut rhinoceros beetle, macadamia nut felted coccid and others have cost our local economy millions and threaten our unique ecosystem, our agriculture and waterways, as well as our food supply and public health,” Gabbard said. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to combat the more than 4,300 invasive species that are present in Hawai`i and across the country. That’s why I introduced the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act, which would bring local stakeholders together with researchers and other key players in order to find sustainable, cost effective and comprehensive solutions that will better help all of us to manage and prevent the spread of these harmful pests and invasive species.”
      The AIPM Program Act of 2015 maximizes efficient use of resources on AIPM projects when addressing pest management; protects health and safety of humans and the environment through biocontrol applications; ensures AIPM projects are largely influenced by farmers, ranchers and pest management experts most familiar with local needs with the assistance of federal agencies, universities, and private individuals important for specific projects; and ensures ongoing positive AIPM project outcomes by requiring a comprehensive business plan showing how the project will continue once federal funding ends.
      The legislation is endorsed by the Entomological Society of America, National Farmers Union, Hawai`i Farmers Union United and the Weed Science Society of America.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Workshop participants receive a free
copy of Ho`omalu Ka`u's new booklet.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY HALL hosts a Native Dryland Plants Workshop Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ho`omalu Ka`u’s second workshop focuses on propagation techniques and tips on landscaping with native plants.

      Register for the free workshop at 929-8526 or hoomalukau@gmail.com.

POTTERY THROWING IS ON DISPLAY tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Erik Wold and Emily Herb center and throw ceramic vessels on a ceramics wheel.

      The demonstration is in conjunction with Sightlines, the gallery’s current exhibition of works by members of Volcano Village Artists Hui.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES are still available for Saturday’s Ocean Sanctuary Count of humpback whales, but registration closes soon. From 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at various locations, viewers count whale adults and calves and record their behavior. This is the second of three monthly humpback whale counts on last Saturdays through March. 

      See hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING FOR BACKYARDS & Beyond is the topic Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Zach Mermel teaches fundamental techniques. Fees are $40, or $35, for VAC members plus $15 supply fee. Register at 967-8222.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.