Ka`u News Briefs, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016

Night serenade of Pāhala homes this week with caroling from Thy Word Ministry. Photo by Julia Neal

RELEASE THE REPORT ON RUSSIAN INFLUENCE IN THE U.S. ELECTIONS, Sen Mazie Hirono urged yesterday. The Hawaiʻi U.S. Senator stated: “Earlier this year, our country’s intelligence agencies made a unanimous and unprecedented announcement. The Russian government hacked, interfered, and meddled in our elections.”
     Hirono noted that yesterday, President Barack  Obama “announced an investigation into Russia’s interference. This is an important step, but the president has not committed to releasing the report's findings to the public. The American people deserve to know if external forces are tampering with our votes and undermining our democracy,” stated Hirono.
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DEADLINE TO VOTE FOR HŌKŪLEʻA in the National Geographic’s 2017 Adventurer of the Year contest is coming up next Friday, Dec. 16. The Polynesian voyaging canoe, which has stopped numerous times in Kaʻū, is on an international mission, encircling the planet and teaching the skills of Polynesians who sailed to the Hawaiian Islands from the South Pacific and made Hawaiʻi their home as its first human inhabitants.

Nainoa Thompson, of Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Vote for Hōkūleʻa to be National Geographic’s 2017
Adventurer of the Year. Photo by Teresa Tico

     National Geographic writer Aaron Teasdale reported that, “Historians once insisted that Polynesia, the vast sweep of Pacific Ocean and a thousand widely scattered islands from Hawaiʻi to New Zealand, was settled by chance, with early Polynesians in rudimentary rafts blown randomly from island to island. In the mid-1970s, a small group of people in Hawaiʻi set out to prove them wrong. They re-created a classic Polynesian voyaging canoe and named it Hōkūle‘a, after an important star for navigation. Their dream was to sail across the sea to Tahiti and prove their ancestors were purposeful navigators of the Pacific.”
     The Polynesian navigator Piailug guided Hōkūle‘a’s first crew in a 31-day, 2,400-mile open-ocean voyage to Tahiti. “To their surprise, a crowd of 17,000 euphoric Tahitians greeted them on shore. The seafaring culture of Polynesia was reborn,” Teasdale wrote.
     Since then, the Polynesian Voyaging Society, led by Nainoa Thompson, with Hōkūle‘a and her sister canoe, have provided much education to the residents of the Hawaiian Islands and beyond.
     In 2013, Hōkūle‘a and its hui set sail on the round-the-world voyage. This voyage is now on National Geographic’s prestigious short list of outstanding adventures. Perhaps the voters of the world will judge the Hawaiians’ inspiring canoe trip by celestial navigation to have been the ultimate adventure?
     To vote for 2017 Adventurer of the Year, go to National Geographic website: www.nationalgeograhic.com. Voting is allowed daily.
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Jami Beck is up for Miss Photogenic
and the public can vote online this week.

ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAIN TO VOTE ONLINE FOR JAMI BECK for Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi Pageant. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 12. Beck will participate in the statewide pageant on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. Beck is a graduate of Kaʻū High School and attends the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo. She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     Beck told The Kaʻū Calendar, “I am so appreciative of the support I have received from the community. Terry Shibuya mentors me through the pageant process and is instrumental in helping me securing sponsors. It is so heartwarming to receive support from the Kaʻū Coffee Farmers Cooperative, O Kaʻū Kakou, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, Dorvin Leis Mechanical and many other individuals." Vote at Facebook.com.

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TUTU & ME WILL HOST A KEIKI CHRISTMAS FUN DAY and Open House for all keiki birth to five years of age, along with their caregivers on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Pāhala Community Center.

OCEAN VIEW'S OWN MICHAEL CRIPPS WILL BE THE CONDUCTOR at the Chamber Orchestra of Kona’s Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at the Sheraton ballroom in Keauhou. The Chamber Orchestra of Kona, also called the COOK, is comprised of about 37 musicians, and performs about four concerts per year, all of which draw a large and loyal following of music lovers.
     For the COOK, Cripps as the conductor, is an answer to prayer after the newly appointed conductor had to recently withdraw due to ill health. For Cripps, however, this is the opportunity of a lifetime – the culmination of studying, learning and honing his skills as a musician since he was nine years old when he dreamed of one day being a conductor. Cripps was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of a professional jazz bass player, who took charge of the school band and also taught all the musical instruments to elementary school students. “He was passionate about getting kids started,” recalls Cripps. “He was really good at inspiring kids to play, and taught me in the fifth and sixth grades.”

Michael Cripps  Photo by Peter Bosted

  Cripps began learning the cello when he was nine –  a large instrument for a young boy. But he was helped with private lessons from the cellist who played in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. The lessons lasted through high school. While mastering cello, Cripps was able to learn to play a wide variety of other instruments – like both the violin and viola at age 11, then trombone at 12, and at age 13, tuba and euphonium, which resembles a tenor tuba. At 14 he learned the flute, which came in handy his first year of college at the University of Central Arkansas. There a musician had to withdraw suddenly from the marching band so Cripps was able to take her place playing the piccolo.
     In 2005 Cripps took private lessons in learning to conduct an orchestra, which included practicing on the college orchestra. In 2006, he was included in an exchange of music students with China. Cripps spent a summer playing Chamber music and touring with a Chinese orchestra, and was once allowed to conduct the orchestra for one piece.
     “Chinese musicians are very passionate about music and technically they are very good. This tour helped me set my sights higher and stoked my ambitions,” explained Cripps. In 2007 he returned to China with his cello for more touring. He was shown on Chinese TV making a speech about how music is the common language that binds us all together. He went on to say that music education is important as it opens doors to opportunities one could never have.
      In 2008 he graduated college with a Bachelors degree in Music in Performance. Faced with the need for a job to fund a car and rent, Cripps worked at the Dillards flagship store in Little Rock, while continuing to play professionally around

Ocean View conductor Michael Kripps will lead the Chamber Orchestra of Kona on Dec. 20
Photo from Chamber Orchestra of Kona

the state until 2010, when  Dillards promoted him to manager and relocated him to Dallas, Texas. Not enamored with big cities, Cripps and his partner grabbed a job offer and moved to the Big Island. Cripps is a Sales Manager at Macy’s in Kona.

      Cripps joined COOK as a cello player, and that led to more offers to play with other orchestras around the island, including the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchid Isle Orchestra, and the Kona Choral Society.
      On Sunday, April 10, the COOK performed a very popular concert at the Sheraton Hotel in Keauhou, which called for a tenor solo in a piece named ’O Sole Mio by Capurro. The best candidate for this, was COOK’s conductor at the time, Bernaldo Evangelista. Cripps modestly mentioned his conducting experience and so it was decided that for that piece, Evangelista would sing and Cripps would conduct.
     “I was extremely nervous as the time came for me to stand up and face the orchestra,” Cripps said. “But once the music started my nervousness drained away and I was able to focus and perform. It was the high point of my career – everything I had learned about the theory of music and playing all the instruments came to me and I could see clearly what to do and when to do it and why. I knew what the composer wanted and was able to communicate that to the orchestra and through it, to the audience. It was a very special moment.”
    The piece had the audience on their feet, applauding performances by both Cripps and Evangelista.
    This proved to be a turning point for COOK and Cripps. Whenever Evangelista’s health kept him from attending all the weekly rehearsals of the COOK, Cripps would take up the baton and rehearse the orchestra as the substitute conductor. Then, when Evangelista was forced to quit due to ill health, Cripps was the conductor of choice for both the musicians and the COOK management.
     Cripps exudes enthusiasm for his new position and the orchestra. “COOK is a very special orchestra – anyone can join – and the people who do love being here. When we all play together, it’s like magic.”

    Cripps is sure that being able to play so many instruments from such a young age has helped him become a better conductor.
    “I know how long wind instruments musicians can hold a note before they run out of breath – which is not the same as the brass players. I talk a lot to the orchestra when I am conducting at rehearsals. I usually have them run through the entire piece, and then go back and work on parts that were not quite right. I spend a lot of time studying the music at home, and I learn which are the important lines that need to be brought out.
      “COOK musicians have a large range of abilities – some are beginners, other professionals, and its my job to get them to work together. Make no mistake, it is a very good orchestra. These people are inspired and the want to play well together and they do. As a conductor, I have to find the middle ground between being too demanding and letting anything go.
      “I still feel intimidated when I stand up in front of the orchestra,” Cripps confides. “Music is a huge field and I, as the conductor, am expected to know everything. I have to feel that people are confident in my guidance. I have to use my knowledge of music theory to break the music down to different forms and levels so that I can see what the composer was really thinking when he wrote the piece. I have to use the orchestra to interpret the composer for the audience. I owe it to the musicians who trust me, and the audience who support us, to get it exactly right.”
     Kaʻū music lovers can see their Ocean View neighbor conduct the COOK’s program of classic Christmas music at the Sheraton hotel’s large ballroom, adjacent to the main hotel in Keahou.
     The concert is on Tuesday, Dec. 20, starting at 7 p.m. Kids up to age 17 are free. Schools will be closed at this time, presenting an ideal opportunity for young people to experience orchestral music along with Christmas favorites. Older music lovers can enjoy the debut performance of a conductor who is undoubtedly
      Adult tickets can be purchased at the door or on line at www.chamberorchestraofkona.com Preferred seating is the first three rows in the middle.

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THE LIVING MYSTERY SYMPOSIUM is today at Kīlauea Theater, and Sunday at Koa Conference Room.“Is the Supernatural the Super Natural?” asks New York Times best-selling author of Communion, Whitley Strieber. Also speaking is former Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University, Jeffrey Kripal, ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna and author/talk show host Jeremy Vaeni. Kama‘aina pricing. Free park entrance upon emailed request. See www.jaylonproductions.com.

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS TOMORROW, SUNDAY, DEC. 11 at 1 p.m. The annual parade is in its 38th year and travels through the streets, winding up at Holy Rosary Catholic Church for refreshments. Organizer is Eddie Andrade.

INSPIRATION HIKE is today, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Artists are invited to be inspired on a hike at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Artists learn how nature can inspire them to connect with their own creativity on this free, moderately easy, 1.5-mile hike. Register by Dec 6. nps.gov/havo

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament continues today through Sunday at the new Kaʻū District Gym. Public is invited to attend.. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed, as well as adults. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

Kaʻū News Briefs Friday, December 9, 2016

U.S. Geological Service reminds the public that we live with volcanoes. See story below on Volcano Awareness month.
Photo from USGS

THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT passed the U.S. Senate yesterday. According to Sen. Mazie Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, Hawaiʻi priorities in the Fiscal Year 2017 were accomplished. The NDAA bill lays out resource levels and defense policy for the year. Hirono is on the NDAA Conference Committee, which reconciled different versions of the bill passed by the Senate and House earlier this year.

Sen. Mazie Hirono reports on U.S. Department of Defense bill.
Photo from Sen. Hirono

     “Hawaiʻi’s vital role, especially in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance, continues to be reflected in our national security priorities for the coming year,” said Hirono. Nearly $300 million in military construction funding was secured, including $31 million for the Army National Guard Hilo Combined Support Maintenance Shop to support Pohakuloa Training Area.
    The bill includes Talia’s Law, which improves child abuse reporting requirements. It honors five-year-old Talia Williams, who died after months of abuse by her father and stepmother.
   In education, it supports the STARBASE program with $25 million to provide elementary students with opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The students served under the program are historically underrepresented in STEM fields.
     In health care, Hirono partnered with a Republican Senator, Dan Sullivan, to ensure that Department of Defense takes into consideration unique challenges of providing health care services in rural and remote locations when entering into medical support contracts with local providers.
     In business, the bill includes a provision that Hirono supported that extends the Small Business Innovation Research and the Small Business Technology Transfer programs for five years. Since both programs’ creation, Hawaiʻi businesses have received 593 awards totaling over $161 million, she said.
     In honoring veterans, the bill includes a Hirono-supported provision requiring the Department of Defense to review service records of Asian American and Pacific Islander veterans from Korean and Vietnam wars to determine if the award of the Medal of Honor is appropriate.
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STOP ARMING TERRORIST ACT was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and a group of Republicans and Democrats. The legislation would prohibit the U.S. government from using American taxpayer dollars to provide funding, weapons, training, and intelligence support to groups like the Levant Front, Fursan al Ha and other allies of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, al-Qaeda and ISIS, or to countries who are providing direct or indirect support to those same groups. The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Peter Welch, Barbara Lee , Dana Rohrabacher and Thomas Massie, and is supported by Progressive Democrats of America and the U.S. Peace Council.   

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard testified yesterday for legislation to prohibit taxpayer
dollars from funding weapons and other support that could wind up in
hands of enemies. Image from C-SPAN

     “Under U.S. law it is illegal for any American to provide money or assistance to al-Qaeda, ISIS or other terrorist groups,” testified Gabbard, herself a veteran of Middle East war. “If you or I gave money, weapons or support to al-Qaeda or ISIS, we would be thrown in jail. Yet the U.S. government has been violating this law for years, quietly supporting allies and partners of al-Qaeda, ISIL, Jabhat Fateh al Sham and other terrorist groups with money, weapons, and intelligence support, in their fight to overthrow the Syrian government.”
      Gabbard contended that “the CIA has also been funneling weapons and money through Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and others who provide direct and indirect support to groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. This support has allowed al-Qaeda and their fellow terrorist organizations to establish strongholds throughout Syria, including in Aleppo,” she said.
     She pointed to, “A recent New York Times article, stating that it confirmed that ‘rebel groups’ supported by the U.S. ‘have entered into battlefield alliances with the affiliate of al-Qaeda in Syria, formerly known as al Nusra.’”
     Gabbard also pointed to Stephen Kinzer, a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University, who said, “The proposal to stop sending weapons to insurgents in Syria is based on the principle that pouring arms into a war zone only intensifies suffering and makes peace more difficult to achieve. Congress made a decision like this about the Nicaraguan contras during the 1980s. Aid to the contras was cut off by the Boland Amendment. The result was a peace process that finally brought an end to wars not only in Nicaragua, but also in El Salvador and Guatemala. This is the example we should be following. Cutting off arms shipments forces belligerents to negotiate. That is what we achieved in Nicaragua. It should be our goal in Syria as well.”
        See her testimony at youtube.com .

Pāhala Karate Dojo brought home 14 medals from the Tournament of Champions. Photo from Pāhala Doj

PĀHALA KARATE DOJO BROUGHT HOME 14 MEDALS in the 12th annual Kona Tournament of Champions, recently held at the Kealakehe Gym. Most students in the Pāhala Dojo attended the tournament and either participated or helped with judging and refereeing.      

Ethan Barrios, Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy, Alajshae Barrios, 

Josiah Barrios, Maiki Cofer, Josiah Reddy, 

Jake Villa, Francisco Villa

The Pāhala Dojo is part of the International Karate League and is one of 28 dojos in the organization.

     The tournament included dojos from the Big Island and Oʻahu, with over 100 participants. The founder of IKL, Walter Nishioka, was present at the tournament. IKL is a nonprofit 501c3 organization.

     Individual results for the Pāhala Dojo are:

     Francisco Villa (black belt) placed 2nd in adult men’s open kata and 3rd in adult men’s kobudo (weapons) division.

     Jake Villa (junior black belt) placed 2nd in junior black belt division kata and 2nd in junior advanced kobudo (weapons) division.

     Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy (Junior brown belt) placed 2nd in both advanced junior kumite (sparring) and kata and 3rd in advanced junior kobudo (weapons).

     Maiki Cofer (brown belt) placed 3rd in Kata open brown belt and 2nd in women’s kobudo open brown and black belt division.

     Josiah Barrios (blue belt) placed 3rd in open colored kubudo and 3rd in open blue belt division kata.

     Ethan Biason (junior blue belt) placed 1st in junior blue belt kata division.

     Alajshae Barrios (purple belt) placed 3rd in junior purple belt kata division

     Josiah Reddy (white belt) placed 1st in junior white belt kata division

    The Pāhala dojo trains every Tuesday and Friday at the Pāhala Community Center beginning at 5 p.m. There is a karate conditioning class for new students, a beginner’s class and advanced class. The class open year round to new students.

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MAUNA LOA VOLCANO LAVA BLOCKED THE ROAD AROUND THE ISLAND four times in the last century. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists remind readers of the history of volcanic activity in this week’s Volcano Watch as they prepare for Volcano Awareness Month in January:
     Volcano Awareness Month was established by mayoral proclamation in 2010. Each January since, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists have offered various talks – 68 to date – at venues around the island to keep residents and visitors informed about Hawaiian volcanoes.
     January was selected as the “official” Volcano Awareness Month mainly because Kīlauea’s ongoing East Rift Zone Pu‘u ‘Ō’ō eruption began on January 3, 1983. But with two of the world’s most active volcanoes – one erupting nearly non-stop for over three decades (Kīlauea) and the other stirring for over a year (Mauna Loa) – the need for volcano awareness on Hawaiʻi Island is not limited to only one month. It’s a year-round concern.
     In addition to the 34th anniversary of Kīlauea Volcano’s current East Rift Zone eruption, January 2017 marks the 110th anniversary of a notable Mauna Loa lava flow. The two-week-long eruption began at the summit of Mauna Loa on January 10, 1907, but soon migrated down the volcano’s Southwest Rift Zone. From there, lava advanced downslope and crossed the government road (predecessor of Highway 11) in two places. It was the first of four 20th century

In July 2016, lava erupted from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone
reached the ocean for the first time in almost three years, building the
Kamokuna lava delta, shown here in October 2016. Kīlauea’s ongoing
eruptions, the current status of Mauna Loa, and other topics
related to Hawaiian volcanoes will be addressed in a series of talks
offered by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory during
Volcano Awareness Month in January.
The schedule is posted  at hvo.wr.usgs.gov. 

USGS photo

Mauna Loa Southwest Rift Zone eruptions that sent lava flows across the main circle-island road, blocking traffic and severing communication lines (the others were in 1919, 1926, and 1950).

     These present and past Kīlauea and Mauna Loa eruptions are reminders of why it’s important to understand how Hawaiian volcanoes work and the hazards associated with them. With that in mind, HVO, in cooperation with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, will offer a series of volcano awareness talks in January 2017.
     Details about these presentations, including dates, times, locations, and brief descriptions, are posted on HVO's website (hvo.wr.usgs.gov). Email askHVO@usgs.gov or call (808) 967-8844 for more information.
     Volcano Awareness Month talks are open to the public and no reservations are required.

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ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament starts tonight through the weekend at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

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THE LIVING MYSTERY SYMPOSIUM is tomorrow,  Saturday, Dec. 10,  from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Kīlauea Theater,  with workshops on Sunday, Dec. 11, form 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Koa Conference Room. (Sun). Leading the events with the idea “Is the Supernatural the Super Natural?” will be New York Times best-selling author of Communion, Whitley Strieber. Also speaking is former Chair of the Department  of Religious Studies at Rice University, Jeffrey Kripal, legendary ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna and author/talk show host Jeremy Vaeni. They will give talks about the nature of the supernatural. Kama‘aina pricing. Free park entrance upon emailed request. 

See www.jaylonproductions.com

INSPIRATION HIKE is Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.,Artists are invited to be inspired on a hike at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Artists learn how nature can inspire them to connect with their own creativity on this free, moderately easy, 1.5-mile hike. Register by Dec 6. nps.gov/havo

Pāhala Christmas Parade is Sunda at 1 p.m., winding throughout the town and
ending at Holy Rosary Church. Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 11. The parade is in its 38th year and travels through the streets, winding up at Holy Rosary Catholic Church for refreshments. Organizer is Eddie Andrade.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.

     The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM we will be at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona. A statement from his offices says that in his new chairmanship, he “is excited to help the Big Island and all of Hawaiʻi increase agriculture for all farmers across the State.”

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is ongoing through the holidays at Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND       KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL\.

See www.kaucalendar.com

                         

Kaʻū News Briefs , Thursday, December 8, 2016

Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea Volcano is helping to drive the draw of visitors to Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the most visited destination in the Islands.
See video of lava upwelling and moving at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
Image and video from USGS

TOURISM IN HAWAIʻI is continuing its five-year growth, according to figures recently released by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. October 2016 proved to be one for the tourist record books – visitor spending in Hawaiʻi increased for fifth consecutive month and more visitors arrived in the state than in any other October on record.

     In October 2016, visitor arrivals to Hawaiʻi Island increased by 5.4 per cent year-over-year, with the most visited place in all of the state being in Kaʻū and Puna – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     A shorter length of stay on this island resulted in no growth in visitor days. However, visitor spending on Hawaiʻi Island rose by a significant 11.7 per cent to $152.5 million, driven by the increase in average daily spending of 11.2 per cent to $176 per person compared to October last year. However, spending per visitor per day is still the lowest in the state. On Oʻahu it is $206, on Maui $201, and on Kauaʻi it is $193 per day.

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, a popular visitor destination. Photo by Julia Neal

     Visitors to the islands spent a total of $1.2 billion in October 2016, a 6.8 per cent increase compared to last October and the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year growth, according to preliminary statistics released by HTA.

     Statewide, total visitor arrivals increased 4.3 percent to set a new record of 717,486 visitors for the month of October.

    This means that Hawaiian Islands have had five years of steady, continual growth in tourism for the first time since the eighties, according to HTA.

    A total of 20,673 visitors arrived by cruise ship, an increase of nearly 17 per cent, while 696,812 arrived by air, a more modest 4 percent increase for October 2016 over October 2015. In October, ten out-of-state cruise ships brought 20,673 visitors to Hawai‘i compared to the eight ships that came in October 2015 with 17,701 visitors. Total cruise visitors (arrivals by cruise ships and by air to board the Hawai‘i home-ported cruise ship) increased by 10.4 percent (compared to October 2015) and numbered 31,937.

     The total number of seats available on flights to the islands during October 2016 was about equal to the number available in October 2015 – just 931,243, indicating that the planes to the state generally flew more full this year.

      HTA statistics on visitor accommodations indicate that the vast majority of visitors to the state stay in hotels, condos or timeshares. However, there was a six per cent increase among those who stayed with friends or relatives, an eight per cent drop in staying at Bed & Breakfasts, and a small increase in those who rent houses. HTA does not have statistics for the number of people who stayed in private homes in October 2015, but lists over 10,000 visitors using them, statewide, in October 2016. This indicates that HTA is now tracking visitors who book accommodations through on-line vacation rental companies, like Airbnb and VRBO.

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THE 21st CENTURY CURES ACT, a comprehensive bill to accelerate medical research, passed the U.S. Senate yesterday. Sen. Mazie Hirono said she gave it her support. “This bill directs additional resources to Hawaiʻi researchers on the cutting edge of uncovering new cancer treatments and strengthens seniors’ access to essential durable medical equipment under Medicare’s new reimbursement system.”
      Dr. Randall Holcombe, Director of University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Centers, said, “I am grateful for Senator Hirono’s support. This legislation will accelerate the pace of cancer research at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and provide direct benefit for the people of Hawaiʻi.”

University of Hawaiʻi’s School of Medicine and Hawaiʻi Cancer Center

        George Greene, Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi President and CEO, said, “We are grateful that Congress included relief for Hawaiʻi residents living in rural areas in this important legislation.We also reiterate our thanks to Senator Hirono for her tireless work on this issue. This legislation will open the door to further actions that could address the access issues our providers have faced since cuts started almost four years ago. We look forward to continuing our work with Senator Hirono and our government officials in making sure that Hawaiʻi’s seniors have access to the medical equipment and supplies they need.”

     The bill includes $4.8 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health for research, including nearly $2 billion for Vice President Joe Biden’s moonshot initiative to accelerate finding cures for cancer. As one of only 69 National Cancer Center-designated centers in the nation, the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center is eligible for funding to advance research on the genetic diversity of tumors and the mechanisms of cancer development. The 21st Century CURES Act also includes language Hirono fought for to help Hawaiʻi seniors access essential medical equipment. Because of changes in Medicare reimbursement rates, Hirono said, Hawaiʻi Medicare beneficiaries have been at a disadvantage in procuring medical equipment such as oxygen tanks and wheelchairs. The legislation passed yesterday eases these cuts, as well as calling for the long-term evaluation of the detrimental effects the rate changes have on rural communities like those in Hawaiʻi.

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NASA’s Juno Spacecraft. Image from NASA

JUPITER, JUNO AND THE NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE are the focus on Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.  The stream of recent exoplanet discoveries – planets circling other stars will be discussed. Dr. John Rayner, Director of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, will explain the extensive research and development that is underway in order to better understand how these planets are formed, as well as discovering the formation of planets within the Earth’s solar system.
     Rayner will also discuss how the NASA IRTF provides supporting observations for NASA’s own Juno spacecraft, which is orbiting Jupiter with the goal of measuring the planet’s overall structure and composition and increasing understanding of how it was formed. Jupiter is by far the largest planet in the solar system, and knowledge of its properties is key to understanding the formation of the solar system and possibly other planetary systems.
     Rayner will describe the Juno mission and the role of this spacecraft in this epic quest for knowledge.
     Rayner obtained his education in the United Kingdom with a degree in Physics from Kings College, University of London, and a PhD in astronomical instrumentation from the University of Edinburgh. He has been building infrared instruments at IRTF for the past 27 years and is commissioning a high-resolution infrared spectrograph, optimized for observing star and planet-forming disks, planetary atmospheres and comets.

Dr. John Rayner

    Hosted by Planetarium Technician Emily Peavy, ‘Imiloa’s monthly Mauna Kea Skies program includes observational highlights of the current night sky over Hawai‘i, with the audience able to view prominent constellations and stars visible during this time of year. Mauna Kea Skies planetarium presentations are held on the third Friday of each month. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for members (member level discounts apply). Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 932-8901.

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ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament will be held starting tomorrow through Sunday at the new Kaʻū District Gym. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

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THE LIVING MYSTERY SYMPOSIUM is this Saturday, Dec. 10,  from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Kīlauea Theater,  with workshops on Sunday, Dec. 11, form 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Koa Conference Room. (Sun). Leading the events with the idea “Is the Supernatural the Super Natural?” will be New York Times best-selling author of Communion, Whitley Strieber. Also speaking is former Chair of the Department  of Religious Studies at Rice University,  Jeffrey Kripal, legendary ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna and author/talk show host Jeremy Vaeni. They will give talks about the nature of the supernatural. Kama‘aina pricing. Free park entrance upon emailed request. 

See www.jaylonproductions.com

INSPIRATION HIKE, Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Artists are invited to be inspired on a hike at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Artists learn how nature can inspire them to connect with their own creativity on this free, moderately easy, 1.5-mile hike. Register by Dec 6. nps.gov/havo

Rudolph meets one of the Pāhala Christmas Parade's sponsors,
Ed Olson and Sami Stanbro. Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 11. The parade is in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the Pāhala Armory at 11:30 a.m. 

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.

     The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN’S OCEAN VIEW FORUM we will be at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to  Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and part of Kailua-Kona. A statement from his offices says

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY features lei, art, festivities at Volcano Art Center though Jan. 2. Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND       KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL\.

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