The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Learn the at of making Lei Haku at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See story below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO IS URGING THE VA TO PAY for veteran's emergency medical costs at non-VA hospitals, as ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Hirono said in a statement Tuesday that 46,000 veterans in Hawaiʻi could be affected. She and her colleague Jon Tester, both serving on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, wrote a letter to VA administrator David Shulkin.
On Jan. 9, the VA announced its refusal to retroactively reimburse veterans for emergency treatment - despite the court ruling that the VA is responsible for emergency medical costs at private, non-VA hospitals, when veterans are not otherwise insured.

The senators wrote to the VA saying, "Between 2010 and April 16, 2016, the VA erroneously denied thousands of veterans' claims for emergency treatment. With the VA's recent interpretation of this ruling, veterans who filed claims before April 16, 2016, would see no relief from the VA's wrongful application of the law and would be stuck paying medical bills that Congress intended that the VA pay. We ask that the VA include those veterans whose claims were decided before April 16, 2016, so that all veterans can fully take advantage of a benefit Congress intended they receive."

VA Hospital on Oʻahu. Photo from hawaii.va.gov

The Expansion of Veteran Eligibility for Reimbursement Act, of 2010, directed the VA to pay for veteran's emergency treatment at non-VA facilities, unless the veteran has another form of insurance that entirely covers their medical costs. Since 2010, the VA has denied thousands of claims because a veteran's other insurance partially paid for their treatment, leaving veterans to cover the difference for costly emergency care, said the statement from Hirono.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, on April 16, 2016, ordered the VA to begin paying the claims. "Despite that, the VA has chosen not to pay veterans who filed before the 2016 court ruling," the senators state.

Hirono also worked to lessen red tape for veteran health care, by waiving a requirement that only allowed veterans reimbursement for non-VA emergency care if they had received VA care in the past 24 months.

Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI.), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Steve Daines (R-MT) also signed the letter. Read the full letter here.

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‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU IS ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships are available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 deadline, application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.

Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū Volleyball Tournament saw the 14u first place go to Ho‘opa; 14u second place to Cuzins;
16u first place to Cuzins; 16u second place to Cuzins; 10u first place Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū;
12u first place Cuzins; and 12u second place Nawahi Na‘auao.

Taylor does a jump serve.

THE SECOND ANNUAL MILOLI‘I-KA‘Ū VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT drew 12 teams and local spectators each day to the Ka‘ū District Gym last weekend. They traveled to Pāhala from afar. Teams included Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū, Keaukaha Cuzins, Hoopa, KS Southside, Mauloa, Nawahi Na‘auao, Yosh, Big Island Boys, Nawahi Hanohano, and Hi-Intensity.

Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū, which hosted the tournament, won first place in the 10u.

The big winner was Keaukaha Cuzins club, winning first and second place in the 16u, second place in the 14u, first place in the 12u, and second place in the 10u. Playing together for many years, the team is called Cuzins because all the players are family from Keaukaha.

First place for 14u, long-time team Ho‘opa from Kona, is under the direction of coach Ainsley, who also coaches the girls at Konawaena high school.

Taylor from 16u passes a ball.

Second place 12u was Nawahi from Hilo, coached by Kamalei, with coach Aoloa. The Nawahi team comes from the Hawaiian immersion school Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u, where there are many teams, all coached in the Hawaiian language.

Tournament coaches include Ka‘imi Kaupiko, Auntie Tene Kaupu, Auntie Carol, Auntie Shonda, April Pana, Ainsley, Aoloa, Kamalei, Erica, and Darion.

Kaupiko, who organized the event, wrote: "Mahalo and thank you to all those who came and supported our second annual tournament. The funds will help us as we travel this summer to Kaua‘i and Anaheim, CA." Plans are to have another tournament in April; dates coming soon. Food concessions both days supported the effort.

Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū 10u and Cuzins 10u slap their hands to

begin championship games.

Organizers Yolanda Kuahuia and Kaupiko give the history of the Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū team that, "began five years ago. Our history in volleyball is long and extensive - we all grew up playing on a concrete court in the hot sun, but it has been a favorite pastime throughout the years in Miloli‘i." After making the team official, the team played Parks & Recreation games with Ka‘ū and Pāhala, and through that connection, "we started to practice at the Nā‘ālehu elementary gym. Many of the ‘ohana from Ka‘ū wanted to join our club, as they saw our little village kids play volleyball at a high level. We invited and encouraged them to team up with us.

"Throughout the past three years, we have grown and built our club from its humble beginnings. We have participated and won numerous tournaments from the annual Haili tournament in the spring, the Moku o Keawe regionals, and tournaments in Maui and Kaua‘i. Last year we took our girls to play in the Anaheim volleyball tournament in which we placed 10th in the 12U in a tournament with over 400 teams."

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AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL, this Thursday, Feb. 15, will see Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm representing Ka‘ū. Phil and Merle Becker have been showing and serving their Ka‘ū Coffee at the Capitol Since Ag Day began.
The event, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., is cosponsored by west Ka‘ū's state House of Representatives member Dr. Richard Creagan, who chairs the House Ag Committee.

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION'S BEGINNING FARMER INSTITUTE program applications are available, reports Hawai‘i Farmers Union United. Those selected to participate travel to the Mainland three times, to three sessions. One will be in September in Washington, D.C.; another in November in Northern California; and the third in March 2019, outside of Seattle.

Most of the travel, lodging, and meals are covered for those selected.
The Farmers Union expectation is for institute graduates become an inspiration and mentor new farmers at home, and to become candidates for local boards and other community positions. The Farmers Union provides ongoing support to participants after they return to their farms.
"National Farmers Union's ability to reach out to a broad cross section of farmers makes it different than other organizations. They teach at a level that opens eyes to a broader picture of where our farm fits into agriculture," says Erin, an NFU BFI alum, who is quoted on the application available here. "It's the content of their classes, the small group in a close-knit setting, visiting innovative farmers, talking with experts and learning from my peers from a diverse variety of farms across the country that gives me the opportunity to learn different solutions. The NFU Institute makes a person think beyond his or her own farm. The NFU Institute is where 'top down and bottom up' come together. It’s a powerful experience."
The program is sponsored by the National Farmers Union Foundation, Farm Credit, FUI Foundation, CoBank, Farm Aid, and CHS Foundation.

Lei Haku. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

Deadline to apply is April 30. Eligible are: persons age 18 or older, who are currently or plan to start farming within the next year, of any operation size or type - ownership not necessary - who reside in any of the 50 US states, D.C., or Puerto Rico. Classes will be announced by May 31. Application and more info here.

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LEARN LEI HAKU, lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves. The workshop is sponsored by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work." The free demonstration takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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‘ULU MAKUAKANE's HULA WERK! CLASS runs Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. Makuakane employs hula, Tahitian, Samoan, and Hip Hop dance moves for the workout.
Makuakane was the first Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, served as Miss Hawaiian Islands representing Hawai‘i in the Miss South Pacific Pageant, and moved back to Ka‘ū last year.
Makuakane recommends that participants dress comfortably, bring a pareo (sarong), water, and shoes. Participants need to sign a release form before joining the class. Class is free but donations are accepted - 640-9694.

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

AUNTY EDNA BALDAD EXPLAINS ‘AI PONO, how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). Free program offered Wed., Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai - nps.gov/HAVO.

VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, Wed., Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Crater Rim Café. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests - kilaueamilitarycamp.com or 967-8356.

DENNIS & CHRISTY SOARES AT LAVA LOUNGE Wednesday, Feb, 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free. Award-winning singer-songwriters perform contemporary Hawaiian music, folk, and slack-key, on Valentine's evening - kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu applications due by Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer program 2018, June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at ksbe.edu/admissions or call 982-0033 for more info.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Remove invasives; bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes - clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com - nps.gov/HAVO for more.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily,
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME Thurs., Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library - 929-8571.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church, Thurs., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Meetings happen third Thursday each month - West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

PUBLIC HEARING ON HIKING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Thurs., Feb. 15, 6 p.m., at Nāʻālehu Community Hall and Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The hike would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

FAMILY READING hosted at Ocean View Community Center Thurs., Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - 939-7033 or ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thurs., Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu - Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION WITH BIG ISLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE, Volcano Art Center, Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free, suggested donation $5 - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU from master practitioner, Fri., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11 - nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, Fri., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei. The free hike is offered Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH hosted Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family - 939-7555.

PUBLIC HEARING ON RAISING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The increase would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

Henry ʻOpukahaʻia

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public Sat., Feb. 17 to Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū HEAD TO PANA‘EWA for annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain - HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult, hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY AT PUNALU‘U. The Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at the tiny Hokuloa chapel above the sea. The service will replace the regular worship service in the Wai‘ohinu church. An additional commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a free, Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUESDAY, FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū; residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

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Monday, February 12, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, February 12, 2018

Learn about the human history of Kahuku on a 2.5-mile moderately-difficult hike over rugged terrain on Saturday.
See event details below. Photo by Janice Wei of National Park Service

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HIKING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT WILL BE IN VOLCANO AND NĀʻĀLEHU THIS WEEK. The hearings are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in Nāʻālehu Community Hall and Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in Volcano Cooper Center. The half percent hike in general excise tax, now 4 percent, would generate funds to revamp the county's transportation system, including the Hele -On Bus fleet. The county predicts extra income of $25 million per year. The hike would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030. The additional sales tax would be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi, to be used for transportation only.

Hele On Buses would be upgraded and repaired
through a sales tax increase to support transportation.

The Hawaiʻi Legislature passed an act allowing the counties to add onto the sales tax for their local expenditures, but gave a deadline of March 31 to approve the measure. Mayor Harry Kim, a supporter of expanding public transportation, is campaigning for it.

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NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, are due Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Applications for suggestions for new properties to be purchased by the County of Hawaiʻi can be found online and emailed to the Commission Secretary Maxine Cutler at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.

Suggestions can be made for properties to be acquired for preservation. The Commission prioritizes the suggestions and those that make the list are put before the County Council. Properties must have a willing seller and price can be no higher than determined by an independent valuation.
Money to buy PONC properties is raised through 2 percent of collected county property taxes and funding from federal and private partners. See the application here.
Stewardship grants are also available to help the county take care of PONC properties. See the application here.
One such stewardship grant was recently provided to Mā Mamo o Kāwā for care of Kāwā, the local surf spot with many archaeological sites, an estuary, and a pond. See the county's Kāwā Resources Management Plan here. Volunteer to help care for Kāwā the second Saturday of each month. Contact James Akau at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.
PONC welcomes a new Chair for 2018, Kekaulike Tomich, and Vice Chair, René Siracusa. All commissioners are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the County Council. They are: Timothy DeLozier, Kaʻena Bisha II, Dr. Wayne Frank, Rick Warshauer, Cynthia Nazara, and Susan Wells Fischer. The next meeting is on Monday, March 12, at 10 a.m., at 25 Aupuni St, Hilo Council Chambers, Suite 140.

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KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL WELCOMES ALL INTERESTED to monthly meetings. The next is at Punalu‘u Bake Shop on Thursday, Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m.
The local Council serves Ka‘ū High, Pāhala Elementary, Nā‘ālehu Elementary, and Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences. The parent co-chair is currently vacant; the Professional co-chair is Zoe Shih. Staff contact Chad Domingocan be reached at 305-0697 or chad_domingo@hawaiidoe.org.
There are 17 Community Children's Councils statewide, with a mission to "provide local forums statewide for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families and communities." Working together with the State departments and service providers, the CCCs collaborate to improve system delivery at school and complex levels.
An informational flyer states that the CCC's duties and responsibilities include: "the identification, recruitment and retention of broad-based group of community opportunities; to link with family support groups and parent training opportunities; to inform community members and parents about State policy and support community feedback on such policy; to identify specific needs, gaps in services and barriers that have not been met through the local system of care by providing data to the State policy makers; to develop strategies to assure quality of services; and to separate and support systemic concerns from individual concerns."

In addition, it suggests that the benefits of the CCCs provide an: "opportunity to share information and learn about community resources; opportunity to represent the family and community perspective regarding services delivered in your community; and opportunity for parents to gain support from other parents." The flyer also states that the CCC's link with: schools through their Quality Assurance Meetings; family-based organizations; private child-serving agencies; and military networks and support services.
The Ka‘ū council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The following meeting will take place on Mar. 22. For more, visit ccco.k12.hi.us.

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FORMER HAWAI‘I ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK BENNETT is nominated to serve in the open Hawai‘i seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz support the nomination.

Said Hirono, "Attorney General Bennett has extensive experience practicing law in the public and private sectors in Hawai‘i and at the federal level. Mark is a well-qualified nominee to serve on the Ninth Circuit."

Former Hawai‘i Attorney General Mark Bennett is
nominated to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Said Schatz, "Mark Bennett has a long and distinguished career as a lawyer and public servant in Hawaii that makes him well-qualified to serve as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. With more than two decades of public service, Mark has a reputation as a highly competent, principled attorney – something I saw first-hand when he served as Attorney General. I am confident that he will be a fair, dispassionate jurist who will carefully follow the rule of law while reflecting Hawai‘i's values."

Bennett has been a director at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, where he has specialized in civil and appellate litigation, and government relations, since 2011. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Bennett served for nearly eight years as Hawai‘i's Attorney General under Republican Gov. Linda Lingle from 2003-2011.

Prior to his service as Attorney General, Bennett was a partner at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP, and an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

TUESDAY, FEB. 13

February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6-12 YEARS, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class Wed., Feb. 14, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Free; Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT Wed., Feb. 14, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). The free hike is offered Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR - NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM Tues., Feb. 13, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what C.E.R.T. is about, and participate in training scenarios; Dina Shisler at dinashisler24@yahoo.com or 410-935-8087.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GEOCHEMICAL TOOL TO PREDICT VOLCANIC UNREST AND EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY at After Dark in the Park Tues., Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, suggested donation $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

AUNTY EDNA BALDAD EXPLAINS ‘AI PONO, how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). Free program offered Wed., Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai - nps.gov/HAVO.

VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, Wed., Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Crater Rim Café. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests - kilaueamilitarycamp.com or 967-8356.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS' SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu applications due by Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer program 2018, June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at www.ksbe.edu/admissions or call 982-0033 for more info.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Remove invasives; bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes - clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com - nps.gov/HAVO for more.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME Thurs., Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library - 929-8571.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church, Thurs., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fishery Council meetings happen third Thursday of each month - West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

FAMILY READING is hosted at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - 939-7033 or ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu - Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION WITH BIG ISLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE at Volcano Art Center on Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free, suggested donation $5 - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, Fri., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH hosted Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family - 939-7555.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea. On Sunday, the service at Punalu‘u will replace the regular worship service in Wai‘ohinu. A commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

UPCOMING

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Sunday, February 11, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, February 11, 2018

Participate in training scenarios and learn what Community Emergency Response Team is all about in Discovery Harbour
on Tuesday. Event details below. Photo from discoveryharbour.net

TESTIMONY FOR A BILL THAT WOULD REGULATE HOME SCHOOLING is due on Wednesday, Feb. 14. The Coalition for Responsible Home Education, which supports the measure, says Bill 2323 "would create a screening process designed to ensure that children with elevated risk factors are not removed from school to be homeschooled." Sen. Kai Kahele introduced the bill in response to the 2016 starvation death of nine-year-old Shaelynn Lehano, who was homeschooled in Hilo. Kahele's aim is to protect those children with abusive parents who want to keep them home from school.

Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaiʻi advocate Lora Burbage takes a different view. She recently told Hawaiʻi News Now, the "proposal is flawed and unfairly singles out home-schooling families without including all parents of school-age children. If you begin to allow the government to begin policing - and they're not looking at the net of the biggest group of child abusers - then we're being targeted, we're being discriminated against."
Attorney Peter Kamakawiwoole, representing the Home School Legal Defense Association, said the bill "would radically alter Hawai‘i's homeschool statute by requiring all homeschool families to submit to an annual social services check and background check before they can receive 'approval' from their public school superintendent to homeschool." He plans to attend the joint hearing before the state Senate Education Committee and Senate Human Services Committees.
Interested persons can send in testimony by regular mail, online, or attend the hearing on Feb. 14 at 2:55 p.m., in conference room 229, at the Capitol Building on O‘ahu. Read Senate Bill 2323.
Kamakawiwoole said he is interested in those who want to testify. To reach him, click here. For more from HSLDA, click here. To read more from CRHE, click here.

Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Xochitl Amador Aznar, of San Juan, Puerto Rico,
treated dental patients in Pāhala at no charge as a team member of Tropic Care.
Photo by Julia Neal

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TROPIC CARE IS RETURNING TO HAWAIʻI ISLAND. Tropic Care 2018 is an 11-day event providing medical, dental, and eye care for any community member, free of charge. Held in 2013 and 2016 in Pāhala and Ocean View, this year's event lasts Mondays through Fridays, June 18 to 28, at Kea‘au High School.
Kalei Namohala, Athletic Director for Kaʻū High School, which housed and fed Tropic Care health providers in the past, recommends that Kaʻū families make the drive this year to Keaʻau. Less than an hour from Pāhala, and half hour from Volcano, Tropic Care will offer free health care to anyone, with or without insurance.

Army Reserve Innovative Readiness Training, in cooperation with Hawaiʻi state Dept. of Health and County of Hawai‘i, organizes Tropic Care to provide medical services to underserved communities. Health care providers - optometrists, dentists, hearing specialists, family physicians, and more - from military reserve units around the country travel to Hawaiʻi to practice field medicine with the local Army Reserve. They set up camp and hone their skills for working in remote places, not only during wartime, but also in natural disasters.

During Tropic Care, health experts see members of the public on a first come-first served basis. They ask that people bring with them any current prescriptions or eye glasses, and a list of any current medications being taken.
As long waits are expected, they recommend bringing water and snacks. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided to those age 3 to 18. Food carts may be on site for purchases throughout the event.
Adria Medeiros, Vice Principal of Kea‘au High School, asks for community members to spread the word, and offers to schedule blocks of time for larger groups coming in from communities outside Kea‘au. "For example, if your school were to arrange a bus to bring in a large group, I would assist by setting aside blocks of time for services with the medical professionals to ensure they could be seen," she stated. "It really is a great opportunity to receive free services, and I'd like to make it even more successful this year than it has been in the past."

Questions can be directed to Medeiros at 313-3333.

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THE PENDING MERGER OF THE MONSANTO AND BAYER COMPANIES is the subject of a survey recommended for farmers by Hawai‘i Farmers Union United. Participation is available until midnight, Feb. 12. It is open to farmers of all types of crops, all sizes of operation, and all areas of the U.S.

The survey is organized by Friends of Earth and the Organic Seed Growers Association, who say the results "will be used to inform policymakers and law enforcement officials in D.C. and in state capitols, about the impact of corporate power on farming." Changes in the farming community in the last year, specifically the merger of Dow and DuPont, and Syngenta and ChemChina, have an effect on those who depend on larger corporations for chemicals and seeds, says the message about the survey.

Survey sponsors promise that survey participation is confidential and that results will be shared with the U.S. Department of Justice and state Attorneys General, who are reviewing the merger. Per the Hawai‘i Farmers Union United message: "The survey will take about 12 minutes to complete, and was designed to help DOJ and agriculture policy makers understand the structure of the market and how farmers make some key decisions." Link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZHXFB8B.

Take part in a lomilomi demonstration in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit.
Photo from National Park Service

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LOMILOMI AT KAHUKU, a free demonstration of Hawaiian massage and discussion of the important spiritual and physical components of lomilomi, will be on Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The lomilomi style of massage incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha, which means to love, unify, and breathe; to promote personal harmony.
The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance, near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11. The program is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

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PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is offered on Monday, Feb. 12, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. The class is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels and is offered again on Feb. 26. Class fess are $15 per VAC member and $20 per non-member per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

VOLUNTEER TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROTECTING vital and threatened native ecosystems by signing up by Monday, February 12, for Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Forest Restoration Project, held Friday, Feb. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Mauna Loa strip. Pre-registration required, space is limited. To volunteer, contact Linda Schubert at forest@fhvnp.org or 756-3694. Volunteers should be at least 12 years old, and be able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain - through brush - in an area with a moderate slope. www.fhvnp.org

CHINESE NEW YEAR GUIDED HIKES - IN MANDARIN - to celebrate the Year of the Dog, are offered in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free hike is offered Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon. Those interested should meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. This easy, two-mile round trip hike, guided by Volunteer Janice Wei, goes through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). People with respiratory or heart issues, infants, young children, and pregnant women, should avoid Sulphur Banks due to high levels of naturally occurring volcanic gas. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR - NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public is invited to come see what C.E.R.T. is about, as well as participate in training scenarios. For more, contact Dina Shisler at dinashisler24@yahoo.com or 410-935-8087.

LEARN ABOUT A BRAND NEW MEANS OF SAMPLING IN THE FIELD. Learn how dissolved gasses in groundwater can sometimes precede volcanic unrest and earthquake activity. The presentation at After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, Feb. 13 is called Development of a New Geochemical Tool to Predict Volcanic Unrest and Earthquake Activity. It begins at 7 p.m., in Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Speaker is Dr. Gary McMurtry of SOEST, University of Hawai‘i.
Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6-12, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Free. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT class on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Free. For more, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

‘AI PONO EXPLAINED BY AUNTY EDNA BALDAD; how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). The free program is offered Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is hosted by Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, located in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The main entrees will be Prime Rib au Jus, Lemon Butter Fish with Tropical Salsa, and Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com or call 967-8356.

DENNIS & CHRISTY SOARES AT LAVA LOUNGE Wednesday, Feb, 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Award-winning singer-songwriters will perform contemporary Hawaiian music, folk, and slack-key, on Valentine's evening, with no cover charge. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

KAMEHAMEHASCHOOLS' SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu in Keaʻau, for students entering grades K–12, is accepting applications until Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer 2018. The program will run from June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at www.ksbe.edu/admissions, or call 982-0033 for more information.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU, a Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park volunteer program, will be on Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Help remove invasives from an area famous for its diversity of native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes. Note that clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteers should contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME takes place on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

Join Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me for Story Time.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church Hall near Capt. Cook - across from Fujihara store - on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn about managing the near-shore environment. Share opinions and concerns. Ask questions. New membership encouraged - especially recreational, commercial and regional fishers, who can provide feedback for the council on a regular basis. Fishery Council meetings happen on the third Thursday of each month. For more, visit West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

FAMILY READING is hosted at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO CONTROL LITTLE FIRE ANT, which has recently been found in Volcano, at a free presentation at Volcano Art Center on Thursday, Feb. 15. Little Fire Ant Presentation with Big Island Invasive Species Committee takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free; suggested donation of $5. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU is offered on Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. A master practitioner demonstrates Hawaiian massage, and discusses the important spiritual and physical components of lomilomi. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE is hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, located within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, on Friday, Feb. 16. Kumu hula of Hālau Ke Ola o Ka Lani, Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe shares his extensive knowledge to teach the basics of hula, language, and chant from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH is hosted Friday, Feb. 16, with dinner taking place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Dinner includes Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Cornbread, Drink and Dessert. Tickets are available at the door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family. Pre-purchase during Aloha potluck after Sunday services or from Thom White, Beverly Nelson, or Cordelia Burt. For more, call 939-7555.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM on Saturday, Feb. 17, and help native plants grow by removing non-native plant species from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will be offered again on Feb. 19.

WELL-KNOWN BONSAI SENSEI BILL NEWTON, with over 30 years experience, teaches a course, All You Ever Wanted to Know About Bonsai and How to Grow Them, at Volcano Garden Arts on Saturday, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited. For more, call 985-8979 or visit volcanogardenarts.com.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, A BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, meets twice more this month in Pāhala at Ka‘ū District Gym. Class is held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 17 and 24. Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi leads and shares traditional health at this free class. To register, or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health Team. Visit hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

The chapel on the hill at Punalu'u Beach where youth have volunteered
to repair the rock walls, will be the site of two services to honor the life of
Henry 'Opukaha'ia Feb. 17 and 18. Photo by Myra Sumida

TĪ AND SEAS, A NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 17. The exhibit will be available daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Sunday, Mar. 25.
Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U with a bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea. On Sunday, the service at Punalu‘u will replace the regular worship service in Wai‘ohinu. A commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

PANIOLO FROM KA`U HEAD TO PANA'EWA for the annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain. See www.HawaiiRodeoStampede.com

A MONGOLIAN BBQ is offered at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, a popular game played with nine dice, is hosted Saturday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

TAKE A FREE, RANGER-GUIDED HIKE, PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU, on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain, focuses on the area's human history. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Monday, February 12, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, February 12, 2018

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, February 11, 2018