About The Kaʻū Calendar

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Hawai`i Regional CEO of HHSC Dan Brinkman and board chair Kurt Corbin acknowledge retirees
Harry Yada and Gary Yoshiyama. See more below. Photos from HHSC
A BROAD COALITION OF ENVIRONMENTAL, consumer and business parties praised Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission’s rejection of the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric utilities and NextEra Energy. Groups cited NextEra’s unwillingness to transition to a clean energy utility of the future as a primary reason why they opposed the merger. Hawai`i is leading the national trend toward more clean energy investments, with the goal of getting to 100 percent renewable by 2045. “Instead of envisioning a 21st century grid that enables customer options like rooftop solar, NextEra wanted to double-down on its ‘build more, pay more’ monopoly business,” said Hajime Alabanza, Executive Assistant with Hawaii Solar Energy Association. “The Commission understood this isn’t the right direction for Hawai`i’s customers.”
Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake
      “NextEra made this a no brainer,” said Isaac Moriwake, Staff Attorney with Earthjustice. “Outright rejection of the takeover was the only realistic option. NextEra refused to provide its plans for Hawai`i, other than to give us a ‘bigger HECO.’ Based on its opposition to clean energy in Florida and failure to chart a different path in this state, NextEra is not what Hawai`i wants or needs.”
      “Utility executives need to understand that innovative technologies like rooftop solar, just like cellphones before it, are the wave of the future,” said Robert Harris, spokesperson for the Alliance for Solar Choice. “Simply selling out for a golden parachute is not a viable option for HECO executives, nor is fighting against customers trying to do the right thing for their households and the planet. Utilities need to move toward a 21st century grid that empowers customers to save money and produce cleaner power.”
      “Hawai`i is committed to a 100 percent clean energy future,” said Marti Townsend, Director of the Sierra Club of Hawai`i. “We need partners that will help advance our critical economic and environmental goals, and not businesses focused solely on their short-term gain.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES yesterday withdrew their applications for approval of a liquefied natural gas contract with Fortis Hawai`i Energy Inc. The decision follows termination of HECO’s proposed merger with NextEra Energy.
Sierra Club of Hawai`i director Marti Townsend

      A condition of the LNG contract was approval of the proposed merger with NextEra Energy. On Monday, NextEra Energy announced it would no longer pursue the merger after the application was dismissed by Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission.
      “We’re committed to transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy in the most cost-effective way possible while ensuring reliable service,” said Ron Cox, Hawaiian Electric vice president of power supply. “We’ll continue to evaluate all options to modernize generation using a cleaner fuel to bring price stability and support adding renewable energy for our customers. 
      “Hawaiian Electric remains focused on the path it has continued to pursue throughout the merger process: to stabilize and reduce energy costs while becoming more innovative and taking advantage of new technologies to deliver greater customer value and choice.”
      “We are celebrating HECO’s decision to withdraw its proposal to import fracked gas to the Hawaiian Islands,” said Marti Townsend, director of Sierra Club of Hawai`i. “Importing fracked gas would not save consumers money, reduce environmental impacts or get Hawai`i closer to its 100 percent renewable energy goals. 
      “Overwhelming public opinion and PUC guidance all favor the self-reliance, savings and environmental benefits that come with locally produced, renewable energy. Importing fracked gas is a major distraction from achieving this future for all of us.
      “Gov. Ige gets this. He deserves praise for his early and consistent opposition to the distraction that was HECO’s LNG proposal.
      “The focus now should be on the specific steps we need to take to upgrade our electrical grid to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of our 100 percent renewable energy future. We do not need a white knight to save us. We have everything we need right here to achieve our renewable dreams right now.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Rae Yamanaka
EAST HAWAI`I REGIONAL BOARD of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation, which operates Ka`u Hospital, announced the retirement of two long-serving members. Gary Yoshiyama served for seven years in a variety of committee leadership positions, including a two-year term as Board Chair. “Gary brought to our Board a lifetime of experience and understanding of labor perspectives from his career as Division Chief of the Hawai`i Government Employees Association, Big Island,” said Kurt Corbin, current board chair.
      Also retiring is Harry Yada, who served as secretary/treasurer, among other committee  assignments, and who recently concluded his career at UH-Hilo, where he was director of Real Property. “Harry brought to us a broad expertise in facilities management of state-owned properties – absolutely critical given our sprawling campus and facilities across the East Hawai`i Region,” Corbin said. “The board and our community will sorely miss their contributions and the wisdom that they brought to the discussion on plans to ensure high quality, accessible healthcare for all residents.”
James "Kimo" Lee
      In anticipation of their transitions, the board has been engaged in identifying and recruiting the next generation of leaders. Recognizing the importance of organized labor constituents, the board announced the appointment of Rae Yamanaka, a retired teacher and educator, who has served the past eight years as the Hilo Director for Hawai`i State Teachers Association.
      “Effective relationships are integral to the success of any organization,” Yamanaka said. “I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholder groups to bring high quality healthcare and services to the Big Island community.”
      In recognition of the growing population and healthcare needs of the Puna District, the Board reached out to James “Kimo” Lee, Director of Development for W.H. Shipman. According to Corbin, “The Board and Administration have undertaken a strategic initiative to address the current and future needs for the district in addressing access to emergency services, primary care and other socio-economic issues related to healthcare. Kimo will help us better understand the demographics and planning aspects of that equation.”
Brenda Ho
      The board also welcomed back Brenda Ho, executive director of Hospice of Hilo. “Brenda served on our Board for the maximum of two three-year terms and was required by state statute to sit out for two years,” Corbin said. “We are enormously grateful for her return, for both the knowledge and expertise that she gained during her earlier service, and because she is a recognized leader in healthcare, not just in our community, but across the state.”
      “It was with great humbleness and honor that I had the opportunity to serve on the inaugural East Hawai`i Regional Board from 2007 to 2014,” Ho said. “To be given this opportunity again is even more profound and appreciated.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 11 through July 17, Hawai`i Island police arrested 21 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Three of the drivers were under the age of 21.
      So far this year, there have been 591 DUI arrests compared with 540 during the same period last year, an increase of 9.4 percent.
      There have been 778 major accidents so far this year compared with 829 during the same period last year, a decrease of 6.2 percent.
      So far this year, there have been 11 fatal crashes on Hawai`i Island (one of which had multiple deaths), resulting in 12 fatalities, compared with 10 fatal crashes (two of which had multiple deaths), resulting in 13 fatalities during the same period last year. This represents an increase of 10 percent for fatal crashes, and a decrease of 7.7 percent for fatalities.
      DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.

Amy Shoremount-Obra
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR Hawai`i International Music Festival. After opening its inaugural season at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Concert Hall in Honolulu, the special concert at Pahala Plantation House on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. honors the 20th anniversary of Ka`u Coffee. The concert will help raise awareness for donations for Hawai`i Public Radio's efforts to bring a stronger and more reliable signal to this community and the entire state. 
      The concert features Amy Shoremount-Obra (soprano and daughter-in-law of Lorie Obra from Rusty’s Hawaiian), Eric Silberger (violin), Daniel Lelchuk (cello), Ian Parker (piano), and Mikayla Sager (soprano). Carlin Ma is artistic program director.
      Tickets for $25 may be purchased at himusicfestival.bpt.me. To make a larger donation to HPR, contact 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

TOMORROW IS FAMILY READING NIGHT at Ocean View Community Center. Participants meet at 5 p.m.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Click on document to enlarge.
See kaucalendar.com/news/news.html.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.



Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, July 19, 2016

As lava continues to flow near the ocean at Kalapana, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution honoring the 100th
anniversaries of Hawai`i Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks. See more below. Photo from NPS
GOV DAVID IGE RESPONDED to the state Public Utilities Commission’s rejection of Hawaiian Electric Company’s and NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion merger. Ige expressed opposition to the deal early in the proceedings.
Gov. David Ige
      “I want to thank the Public Utilities Commission and stakeholders for their participation in this historic process,” Ige said. “This ruling gives us a chance to reset and refocus on our goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. The proceeding helped define the characteristics and parameters of Hawai`i’s preferred energy future. We look forward to creating a process to find the best partner in the world.
      “No matter who owns the company, the energy vision for Hawai`i remains very clear – 100 percent renewable energy with a transformation to a customer-centered utility focusing on smart meters, smart grid, distributed local solutions, and as much consumer choice as possible.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, A MEMBER of the Senate Commerce Committee, has called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the commercial use of the rapidly expanding short-term lodging rental market. His letter urges the FTC to study the commercial manner in which individuals or firms are using online services such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and FlipKey to profit from short-term rentals.
FTC Chair Edith Ramirez
      “We are concerned that short-term rentals may be exacerbating housing shortages and driving up the cost of housing in our communities,” Schatz wrote. “We have also read troubling reports of racial discrimination on some short-term rental platforms.                       “Furthermore, we are concerned that communities and consumers may be put at risk through violations of sensible health, safety, and zoning regulations under state and local law. In order to assess the use and impact of the short-term rental market, we need reliable data on the commercial use of online platforms. We believe the FTC is best positioned to address this data gap in an unbiased manner, and we urge the commission to conduct a review of commercial operators on short-term rental platforms.”
      The letter to FTC Chair Edith Ramirez also raised concerns about recent data which revealed that commercial users in New York made up an outsized share of the revenue from short-term rentals, and a vast majority of units violated state and local laws. According to Schatz, the subpoenaed data along with recent housing disputes with these companies in cities like Honolulu and San Francisco underscore the immediate need for further study of this issue.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THE U.S. SENATE PASSED a resolution authored by Sen. Mazie Hirono honoring the 100th anniversaries of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park. Hirono’s resolution recognizes Aug. 1 as Hawai`i Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks Day.
      “For the last century, residents of Hawai`i, the United States and the world have visited Haleakala National Park and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and gained a greater appreciation for the natural environment, the history of Hawai`i and Native Hawaiian culture,” Hirono said. “I thank my colleagues for joining me in this effort and encourage as many people as possible from across the nation to come to Hawai`i to visit these national treasures.”
      Hirono’s resolution recognizes the economic, scientific and cultural value of Hawai`i’s national parks. In 2015, visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park spent over $151 million in areas around the park and supported nearly 2,000 local jobs.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Flags are at half-staff through sunset on Friday.
AT THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT of the United States, national and state flags are at half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai`i National Guard in the State of Hawai’i as a mark of respect for victims of the attack on police officers on Sunday, July 17 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
      The flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, July 22.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

VOLCANIC EFFECTS ON LICHENS are discussed in Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s current issue of Volcano Watch.
      “The saying ‘Annie alga and Freddy fungus took a lichen to each other’ can invoke groans or giggles from students of environmental science,” the article states. “This mnemonic helps us remember that a lichen is formed by two (or sometimes three) organisms from different biological kingdoms living in a mutually beneficial relationship with each other.
      “In the case of lichens, Annie (algae) can photosynthesize and provide nutrients for Freddy (fungi). In turn, Freddy provides shelter so that Annie can survive in harsh conditions in which algae would not otherwise thrive.
      “Lichens are tough organisms adapted to life in extreme environments. They can survive heat, cold, drought, or an abundance of rain. They live on bare soil, tree bark, woody debris, and rocks, as well as on rusty metal, plastic, tombstones, and old abandoned cars.
      “Lichens can create a furry appearance on rock surfaces, look similar to crusty paint chips, or masquerade as plants with leafy or shrubby forms. They frequently grow in habitats not occupied by more dominant seed plants.
      “On the Island of Hawai`i, lichens are important colonists of young lava flows, particularly `a`a lava. Lichens contribute to the accumulation of soil by supplying organic matter, and nitrogen-fixing lichens may add nitrogen to the environment. This helps set the stage for future development of plant communities.
      “Certain types of lichens found in Hawai`i are also important pioneers of young volcanic landscapes in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, the Azores, La Reunion Island, the Canary Islands, and Africa. 
This nitrogen-fixing lichen, Stereocaulon vulcani, is frequently abundant
on `a` lava flows, particularly in wet environments.
Photo from HVO courtesy of Tim Tunison
      “Although able to tolerate environmental extremes, some lichens are quite sensitive to air pollution. Lichens retain the chemicals they absorb from air and water over periods of tens to hundreds of years. Since the mid-19th century, when the industrial revolution began producing increased levels of air pollution, observers have noted the scarcity of lichens growing in urban settings. 
      “Lichen species differ in their sensitivity to air pollution, and the presence or absence of different lichens in an area has been used to map concentrations of pollutants. Hundreds of studies around the world have used lichens to assess air quality.
      “Lichens are particularly sensitive to sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), a pollutant produced by coal- and oil-burning power plants, industrial processes, automobiles, and volcanoes, such as those here in Hawai`i. SO2 dissolved in water is acidic, is readily absorbed by lichens, and damages Annie alga’s chlorophyll and ability to photosynthesize.
      “Without sugar, which is produced through photosynthesis and fuels the lichen’s life, the organism will fail to thrive and may eventually die. For some species, SO2 also inhibits the ability of lichens to reproduce.
      “When Kilauea Volcano’s summit eruption began in 2008, huge amounts of SO2 were released, and lichens in the area suffered. One might expect that the significant decline in emissions measured since 2008 could be reflected in a partial recovery of these lichens. Astute observers may be able to detect positive changes in the lichen population over time.
“Lichens can also accumulate trace elements present in volcanic emissions. Studies at Kilauea, as well as at Mount Etna and Vulcano in Italy, show that in downwind areas heavily impacted by volcanic plumes, lichens contain a higher concentration of volcanic pollutants. These include fluoride, bromide, and metals, such as copper, lead, zinc, gold, mercury, and antimony.
      “Even under especially adverse conditions, lichens can grow in pockets of protected areas. For example, trees, shrubbery, and walls can provide shelter that encourages lichen growth adjacent to these areas.
      “Heavily vegetated areas can intercept SO2, effectively ‘scrubbing’ the air to provide a microclimate that is more hospitable to lichens. Interestingly, some Hawai`i residents have noted that they are less irritated by volcanic pollution, or vog, in heavily forested areas than in adjacent exposed areas.
      “Hardy lichens are ubiquitous in our environment. They play a critical role in populating new lava flows and help pave the way for the development of complex ecosystems. Tough as they are, lichens can be extremely sensitive to contaminants in our environment, and serve as indicators of both anthropogenic and volcanic pollution. 
      “For additional information, see the U.S. Forest Service National Lichens and Air Quality Database and Clearinghouse at http://gis.nacse.org/.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Kanaka Tree performs tomorrow evening. Photo from NPS
KANAKA TREE PERFORMS tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kiliona Moku Young, T.R. Ireland, Kalei Young and the Young `ohana blend the classic sounds of Hawaiian music with fresh rhythms and melodies.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

MAKE PAPER MASKS TOMORROW from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. VAC’s and the `Alala Project’s event is open to all ages; keiki must be accompanied by an adult.
      Free; park entrance fees may apply.

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

Click document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/news/news.html.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.



Monday, July 18, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, July 18, 2016

A Science Camps of America participant zoomed in for a close-up shot of activity at Kilauea's summit
on the last night of camp. See more below. Photo from SCA
NEXTERA ENERGY, INC. and Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. today announced termination of their plans to merge, effective immediately. The decision was driven by the Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission’s order to dismiss the companies’ merger application. In its decision, the PUC emphasized that it is not precluding HEI from renewing discussions with NextEra.
Connie Lau and Jim Robo Photo from NextEra Energy
      “As a result of the PUC’s order, we have terminated our merger agreement,” said Jim Robo, chairman and chief executive officer, NextEra Energy. “We wish Hawaiian Electric the best as it serves the current and future energy needs of Hawai`i, including helping the state meet its goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Looking forward, NextEra Energy remains extremely well-positioned to execute on our strategy and deliver exceptional results for our customers and shareholders.”
      “We appreciate NextEra Energy’s interest in Hawai`i and in our company,” said Connie Lau, HEI’s president and chief executive officer and chairman of the boards of Hawaiian Electric and American Savings Bank. “All of us at HEI, Hawaiian Electric and American Savings Bank remain committed to serving our customers, and we look forward to working together with communities across our state to realize the clean energy future we all want for Hawai`i and to ensure a vibrant local economy.”
      Under terms of the merger agreement, NextEra Energy will pay Hawaiian Electric Industries a $90 million break-up fee and up to $5 million for reimbursement of expenses associated with the transaction.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Storms in the Pacific include remnants of Celia, north of Hawai`i;
Hurricane Darby, heading toward Hawai`i; and Tropical Storm
Estelle, west of Mexico. Image from University of Hawai`i
HURRICANE DARBY WAS LOCATED about 1,540 miles east of South Point, the National Hurricane Center reported at 7:40 a.m. Darby is forecast to gradually weaken over the next couple of days and is expected to cross longitude 140W into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s area of responsibility late tomorrow night as a tropical storm. A generally westward to west-northwestward motion is expected, with a brief turn slightly to the south of west around Wednesday.
      NHC forecast calls for Estelle, which is behind Darby, to become a hurricane during the next 12 to 24 hours. After 36 hours, less favorable conditions should cause weakening. A faster rate of reduction in wind speed should occur later, and Estelle is predicted to become post-tropical on Thursday.
      A surface low, the remnant of ex-Tropical Cyclone Celia, was centered about 220 miles northeast of Honolulu and moving west at 10 mph. Atmospheric conditions are not conducive for tropical cyclone redevelopment.  
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Land & Sea campers learned about marine debris, cleaning up the Ka`u Coast. Photos from Science Camps of America
Air & Space campers tested their skills
at rocket science.

PARTICIPANTS AT SCIENCE CAMPS of America spent their final evening at Kilauea volcano last night to see the glow from the lava lake and stargaze on a perfectly clear night. Campers stayed at Pahala Plantation Cottages while visiting many locations.
      Land & Sea Campers from June 29 to July 8 explored Hawai`i Island, focusing on geology and oceanography in what founder Michael Richards considers the world’s greatest laboratory for Earth Science.
      From July 9-18, Air & Space Campers learned about atmosphere, climate, weather, astronomy, space and alternative energy.
      For more information, see sciencecampsamerica.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

RECYCLE HAWAI`I AND EARTH-FRIENDLY Schools Hawai‘i have selected Ocean View’s South Point U-Cart for one of its Keeping It Green Hawai`i Awards. South Point U-Cart participates in the Used Motor Oil program, a cooperative project by Recycle Hawai`i, County of Hawai`i Department of Environmental Management and private businesses on Hawai`i Island. Project businesses have served on a voluntary basis as permanent collection sites for resident do-it-yourself users to take their used motor oil for proper disposal.
      Used motor oil picked up from collection sites by Hawai`i Petroleum is temporarily stored in a sealed container in Hilo. From there, it is recycled to produce electricity at various local businesses.
      “We mahalo these businesses for their years of community service, commitment and comprehensive support for reducing significant amounts of hazardous materials into our environment through responsible waste management,” said Recycle Hawai`i executive director Paul Buklarewicz.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A new commission seeks nominations for members to represent
interests of local hunters. Photo from Royden Okinishi
THE NEWLY FORMED STATE Game Management Advisory Commission seeks nominations for members. Individuals who would like to represent interests of local hunters and actively participating in Hawai`i’s game resource management are welcome and encouraged to apply to serve. Gov. David Ige signed House Bill 1041, Act 210, establishing the commission, on July 5.
      The commission will serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Land and Natural Resources and may recommend policies and criteria regarding the management, protection and promotion of public hunting in Hawai`i. Additionally, the commission may recommend amendments to existing department policies.
      In order to be eligible to serve on the commission, one member must be a hunter licensed in the state under this chapter and with leadership experience in working directly with local hunter or shooting organizations. At least one member is also required to have knowledge, experience and expertise in the area of native Hawaiian cultural practices.
      Applications may be made online at http://boards.hawaii.gov/apply/apply-for-a-board/. Select DLNR – Game Management Advisory Commission.
Dr. Claire Horwell
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

DR. CLAIRE HORWELL, FROM DURHAM University, presents results and outcomes of her vog study at Pahala Library on Aug. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm. Horwell conducted several focus groups in Ka`u in January 2015 on vog and then conducted surveys to assess how residents are protecting themselves from vog and how they would like to receive information on vog.
      USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory personnel will provide background information at on the volcano and its current eruptive and degassing status during the presentation.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Coffee quality grader Sunalini Menon
Photo from Ka`u Specialty Coffee
QUALITY GRADER AND LIFETIME COFFEE professional Sunalini Menon will offer a coffee quality workshop for Ka`u farmers on Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. She will be holding a Q&A session after the workshop for any farmers who have questions. On Sept. 27, Menon will visit farms of workshop participants in the Ka`u area.
      Menon has worked with farmers all over the world who depend on coffee for a living, including in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia and India. Her particular joy is to make improving quality easy to understand and fun.
      The workshop includes a presentation on interconnection between post-harvest processing and quality in the cup, followed by practical exercises, which would include visual evaluation and cupping.
      This event is free to current members of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative or Palehua `Ohana Cooperative. All other attendees are requested to make a $200 donation to support Menon’s travel fees. Make checks payable to Malian Lahey and send to PO Box 192, Pahala, HI 96777.
      Space is limited, so reserve in advance by emailing malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com or calling 503-575-9098.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

`Alala Sketch by John Dawson Image from VAC
VOLCANO ART CENTER INVITES all ages to a mask-making event Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Held on the porch of the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, this is a free activity, although park entrance fees apply. Keiki must be accompanied by an adult.
      This hands-on activity results in a mask depicting the endangered `Alala. Supplies are provided, although participants are welcome to bring their own materials to add to the fun.
      The activity is part of a series of programs and events benefiting San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai`i’s Endangered Bird Recovery Program. Participants learn more about the `alala and its reintroduction into Hawai`i’s forests scheduled for November of this year.
      For more information, call 967-7565.

KANAKA TREE PERFORMS Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kiliona Moku Young, T.R. Ireland, Kalei Young and the Young ‘ohana blend the classic sounds of Hawaiian music with fresh rhythms and melodies.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Click document to enlarge.