Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Rep. Richard Onishi announced $2 million in funding to promote tourism from the mainland and $1 million to
promote tourism from Japan during a press conference today. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority money aims
at helping Hawaiʻi Island to recover from the downturn in visitor arrivals following the volcanic eruption.
Photo from Hawaiʻi House of Representatives

A $2.5 MILLION BUDGET TO PROMOTE HAWAIʻI ISLAND TOURISM was announced today at a press conference held by east Kaʻū Rep. Richard Onishi, who chairs the Tourism & International Affairs Committee in the state House of Representatives. He and visitor industry representatives  described a program, funded by the Hawaiʻi Legislature and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, to help tourism rebound on this island, following last year's volcano disaster. Also on hand was west Kaʻū Sen. Dru Kanuha and Hilo Sen. Kai Kahele.

Chris Tatum, CEO of Hawaiʻi
Tourism Authority

     Said Onishi, "The Legislature last week approved an additional $60 million in emergency relief funding to repair damaged infrastructure. But money for infrastructure alone will not fix the damaged economy. That is why I was gratified to learn that the HTA is stepping up to the plate to provide funds to help revive Hawai‘i Island's economy."
     Among the $2.5 million in expenditures will be a traveling tour bus. "Wrap it in scenery from Hawaiʻi," said Chris Tatum, CEO and President of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. He said the bus will head out of San Diego and up the West Coast to Seattle with a sales team visiting travel agencies and television stations. It will take about a month. Money will also go for new photography to promote the island. "The skies are clear," said Tatum.
     Onishi said, "We are going to be going back to the major markets the U.S, the West Coast, Japan, and trying to promote Hawaiʻi in a different fashion, besides just the Volcano. There are many, many more things  that can be done on Hawaiʻi island for people to come and see and participate on and that's the key."
     Tatum talked about the challenge of attracting visitors following the eruption. "We see a little drop off in pace on all the islands, but nothing like what we're experiencing on Hawaiʻi Island, especially from what happened last year, with the volcanoes, the storms. And we have an obligation to support their effort to bring that business back. That's what the whole effort is. It's not only to manage tourism on the Hawaiʻi Island but to reposition ourselves, enhance our brand, share with the world all the things that Hawaiʻi Island has to offer other than just the Volcano."
     Tatum said, "We need to focus on driving business." He said there has never been a better time to visit Hawaiʻi Island. He said he is working with Hawaiʻi Tourism United States (with $1.5 million in funding) and Hawaiʻi Tourism Japan (with $1 million in funding). He said they are "our two biggest contractors," and described their efforts as "really focusing in not only on Kīlauea, the volcano, but

Ross Birch, Hawaiʻi Island Visitors
Association

really the incredible experience that happens on Hawaiʻi Island for all our visitors: the culture, the beaches, world class golf, great resorts and natural beauty. But let me throw in on the managing piece. We want to make sure that whatever we promote, we engage the community. We want to make sure we're promoting what they want us to promote."
     Said Tatum, "We want to drive people into Hawaiʻi Island. We got to keep people working, but we also got to keep those panes flying that fly direct from Japan and the U.S. As long as we can keep those load factors up, they'll keep flying," He mentioned that the Japan market responded during the volcanic eruption with a 30 percent drop tourism to Hawaiʻi Island.

     Ross Birch, President of the Island of Hawaiʻi Island Visitors Bureau, said, "It's been a very slow recovery." He called the promotion "a defibulator where we're going to actually jump start and kind of get things rolling again, create the messaging, and give an opportunity for our island to kind of showcase and really rebrand itself to the point where we can get the eyes on our island, get that visitation, and filling those seats that we've accomplished to increase over the last few years.
     Birch pointed out that 2017 "was a phenomenal year for the island. We had a record breaking year of 1.77 million visitors; 2018 was a definitely a roller coaster. We had the highest highs in the first six months of the year and the lowest lows in the second six months.
     He said the goal is to get "ahead of the pace of 2017."
     Tatum and Birch said they look forward to working with local visitor industry businesses on the program to increase tourism. Download the video of the press conference from https://www.dropbox.com/s/e8rqz6yl0tqnxoy/HTA%20VNRv1.mp4?dl=0.
     Contact Onishi at reponishi@capitol.hawaii.gov.

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HAWAIʻI RANKS 42ND IN STRESS LEVELS, compared to the other 49 states, according to a recent WalletHub report. American stress levels have been rising for many demographics since their low point in 2016. Common stressors include the future of America and money, along with health insurance costs, but not all demographics are affected in the same way. Millennials report the highest average stress levels.

     Certain states have contributed more than others to elevating — or decreasing — stress levels in the U.S. WalletHub compared 40 key indicators of stress to determine the places to avoid and achieve a more relaxing life. Data assessed ranges from average hours worked per week to personal bankruptcy rate to share of adults getting adequate sleep.
     Hawaiʻi ranked first in Fewest Average Hours of Sleep per Night and Least Affordable Housing. Hawaiʻi ranked third, as one of the states with the Lowest Job Security.

     The Aloha State ranked 18th in Average Hours Worked per Week, 21st in Work-Related Stress, and 29th in Crime Rate per Capita.

     In Psychologists per Capita, Hawaiʻi ranked 32nd, 38th in Family-Related Stress, and 39th in Money-Related Stress. It ranked 44th in percentage of Adults in Fair to Poor Health.

     In Lowest Percentage of Population Living in Poverty, Lowest Divorce Rate, and Highest Credit Score – in a tie with several other states – Hawaiʻi ranked 46th. The 50th state ranked 49th in Health & Safety-Related Stress.
    Read the report.

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HAWAIʻI SOUTH TŪTŪ & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER features Big Island Candies Crunch bars. The 3 oz. bars sell for $4 each, available while supplies last, at the Nāʻālehu Tūtū & Me office; call 929-8571. Funds raised help support Tūtū & Me's parent organization, Partners in Development Foundation. Copies of the PIDF Annual Report are available for review at the Tūtū & Me office in Nāʻālehu.

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DONATE TO SUPPORT MILOLIʻi-KĀʻŪ VOLLEYBALL CLUB on trips to Oʻahu and California this summer for tournaments. Donations will be applied to 10U travel to Oʻahu for the Aloha Summer Classic as well as 12U and 14U to Anaheim for the Summer Soirée Tournament.
     Chelsea Velez said, "Your help allows us to provide our young ladies with a supportive and competitive club so they can compete to the best of their abilities… help us offer a higher quality experience for all participants. Raising dollars for extra curricular activities is very difficult to do but is vital for our program. If you could please spread the word about our fundraiser by sharing it with your friends via Email, Facebook, and Twitter we would greatly appreciate it. Our young ladies have been training hard to properly represent this great town and club, any support is truly helpful. Here's to another great season of Miloliʻi-Kaʻū Volleyball Club."

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Kaʻū High's culinary class at last year's Hoʻolauleʻa.
Photo by Julia Neal

CULINARY CLASS AT KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL is planning two big events in the next few weeks. The students will compete at the Big Island Chocolate Festival April 26 and 27 in Waikaloa. They will also host a booth at the Hoʻolauleʻa on May 4 at Pāhala Community Center, to raise money for a culinary education trip to Japan in June.

     The Trojans' Culinary Class took first place in Knife Skills in the statewide Hawaiʻi Career and Technical Student Organization Convention competition on Feb. 26 at Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

     To make a donation toward the culinary program, contact instructor Aina Akamu at ainaakamu@gmail.com.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS BASEBALL team fought hard against Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy's Ka Makani at an away game yesterday. HPA took the game, 13 to 6.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., April 13, 3 p.m., @Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 20, BIIF Semi-Finals

Softball:

Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe

Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals

Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals

Sat., April 20, BIIF Finals

Boys Volleyball:

Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity

Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea

Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., @Keaʻau

Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa

Mon. April 22, BIIF First Round

Wed., April 24, BIIF Semi-Finals

Thu., April 25, BIIF Finals

Track:

Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 13, 9 a.m., @HPA

Sat., April 20, 9 a.m., @Kamehameha

JUST ANNOUNCED

BENEFIT CONCERT FOR KAʻŪ LITTLE LEAGUE happens Sunday, May 19 from 4 p.m. to 8p.m. at The Terraces in Ocean View, 92-1885 Princess Kailulani Blvd. Performing at the venue is D-Tech Solutions. Performing live from Kona is Lopaka Rootz. Tickets are $10 advanced or $15 at the door – plus a can of food at entry. Sponsored by Criminal Justice Solutions and Kahuku Community Block Watch, "Helping our youth and community via physical fitness and teamwork." Contact Gabe Morales at gcmorales2020@gmail.com or Kathi Griffeth at kathiegriffeth@gmail.com.

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UPCOMING

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Women's Support Group, Thursday, April 4, 1st Thursday monthly, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 5
Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, April 5 and 26, Saturday, April 13 and 20, 8:45 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive plants. Gloves and tools provided. Free; park entrance fees apply. RSVP to Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu. nps.gov/havo

Skateboard Movie Night, Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 6
yART Sale, Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Gigantic rummage sale with proceeds to benefit VAC programs and workshops. Accepting donations of garden, kitchen, art, collectables, tools, appliances, and furniture. All items clean and in working condition. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, April 6, 1st Saturday monthly, 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 7
Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, eight week workshop starts Sunday, April 7. Morning session, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; afternoon session, 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Handmade functional pottery art – max. eight wheel throwers and three hand-builder spots per session. All skill levels. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 supply fee per person. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, April 7, 1st Sunday monthly, noon – 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, APRIL 8

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, April 8. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Free STD Testing, Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

Kickball, Monday, April 8 through 29, 2:30 p.m – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 April 1-5. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Pāhala Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 5 p.m., activity room at Kaʻū District Gym.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9
Free Vision Screenings, Tuesday, April 9, Nāʻālehu Elementary. Students receive free comprehensive eye exam and sunglasses. If given a prescription, keiki will receive free eyeglasses with choice of frames, with parental consent. Mission co-sponsored by Tūtū & Me and Project Vision Hawaiʻi. pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me, projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-430-0388

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, April 9 (Committees), Wednesday, April 10, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tuesday, April 9, 4 p.m – 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

Scholarship Application Deadline for American Association of University Women-Kona, Wednesday, April 10. Two $1,000 awards for two-year vocational program attendees. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.com

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit: Dental, Wednesday, April 10, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Medical, Thursday, April 25, 1 p.m – 5 p.m. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org

Ki‘i, Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Acclaimed artist James Kanani Kaulukukui Jr. shares his expertise and the essential role of ki‘i, statue, in Hawaiian society. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Two $1,000 Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.  Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Makahiki Grounds near Nāʻālehu are PONC acquired lands stewarded by ʻOlu Kohu, which testified in
support of more stewardship funding and PONC management. Photo by Nohea Kaʻawa

LAND PURCHASES FOR PRESERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP RECEIVED UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FROM TESTIFIERS IN KAʻŪ on Friday. All eight Kaʻū residents speaking to the County of Hawaiʻi Charter Commission favored changes to support Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation.
     The Charter Commission met in Nāʻālehu to seek public comment on a variety of proposed amendments to the county's charter. About 20 Kaʻū residents attended. Chairman Doug Adams reported receiving more than 500 comments on 27 proposed Charter Amendments. Those approved by the commission will be placed on the ballot for the November 2020 election.
     All testifiers spoke in favor of Charter Amendment-9 to create a position for one full-time staff member to work for PONC within the county Department of Finance. At present, PONC work is performed by a staff member with other duties. Supporters of CA-9 said a full-time staff person would cost the fund about $100,000 per year. More than one staff person could deplete the fund, which is primarily for land acquisition. John Vose from Ocean View said "a multi-million-dollar program - which PONC is - needs the full and undivided attention of at least one full-time staff person. The duties are far too important to be done in between other Finance Department tasks. The staff person needs to be focused on one very important job in order to do it to a high standard."

John Vose said PONC deserves a
full time staff member.
Photo by Annie Bosted

     Renee Dufault, a teacher at Kaʻū High, testified that the PONC fund should be kept separate from Mayoral and County politics to stop raids on the fund.
     Keoni Fox told the commission that he supports a full-time staff position as the county needs at least one person to carry all the responsibility. He said that the PONC program has huge potential to grow, and he wants to see it succeed.
     Annie Bosted, from Ocean View, pointed out that a full-time employee could save the county millions of dollars by applying for matching funds. She noted that when PONC bought the Kahuku Makai property, the county spent about three quarters of a million dollars to acquire a property worth $2.6 million - the rest was paid with state and federal grants. The price of Kāwā, the coastal property between Nāʻālehu and Punaluʻu, was nearly $4 million, but the county paid less than $2 million, thanks to grants.
     Testifiers also favored CA-18, which would transfer the administration of the PONC maintenance fund from the county's Department of Parks and Recreation to Finance. The fund receives a quarter percent of all property taxes collected, which amounts to about $500,000 per year. At present the balance in the fund is close to three million, which, critics say, points to poor management. Since 2013, only six organizations have received grants, which amounts to nine per cent of all monies deposited in the maintenance fund.

Kāwā is one of the PONC properties with stewardship by a nonprofit organization. Photo by Julia Neal

     Tomislav Gracanin of Ocean View, Chairman of the Cave Conservancy of Hawaiʻi, testified that "these resources right now are maintained by enthusiastic volunteers at no cost to the County. They do it at their own expense, and spend enormous amounts of time on important projects. These include invasive plant removal, garbage cleanup, resource evaluation (including plants, animals, cultural features, underground resources). This is a great deal for the County! So I do support the use of funds as proposed in CA-18 for controlled reimbursement for managers of 501(c)3 organizations that spend lots of time and money planning and organizing projects."
     John Replogle, of Ocean View, a Windward Planning Commission member who formerly worked for The Nature Conservancy, testified that the issue of building or providing toilet facilities on PONC lands needs to be addressed.
     Dennis Riordan, a County Park Maintenance Supervisor for Kaʻū, pointed out that PONC controls a lot of land. He said that we need to take care of it and make sure it is being protected, by keeping the PONC fund going. He advocated hiring a second full-time employee to inspect the properties.

Keoni Fox, seen here with petroglyphs on PONC's
Kahuku Makai property, testified in support of
PONC stewardship funding and management
Photo by Annie Bosted

     Aina Akamu, a Kaʻū High teacher and volunteer for Kahua ‘Olohu, who cares for the Makahiki Grounds PONC property on the eastern edge of Nāʻālehu, advocated keeping all PONC management and administration in the same county department. He explained that voluntary stewardship is a big commitment involving hard work, such as mowing, fencing and a "robust application for stewardship." It takes about two years for a stewardship grant to be awarded.
     Dufault advocated "giving power to the people at the community level," saying that they are the best ones to protect important cultural resources.
     Vose told the commission he favors the maintenance fund being administered by the County Department of Finance rather than Parks and Recreation. He said, "Parks and Recreation's track record is not up to standard. The department appears to lack the expertise to manage the maintenance grants." He also talked about timing of releasing money for stewardship. Submitting the budget to the County is based on a calendar year. "When they get their money in September, as happens, that only leaves four months which is definitely not enough time to accomplish a year's worth of tasks. These delays have caused frustration among groups of volunteers."
     Bosted agreed, adding, "I understand that there is $3 million in the stewardship fund, yet money is not being awarded to all the non-profit groups that steward the lands. Many applicants are turned down, and others must wait 'till September or so for the grants that they were awarded."
     Fox testified that Open Space lands are not parks, but natural resources, and so should not be managed as parks.
     Charter commissioners who attended the meeting were Doug Adams (Chair), Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter (Vice Chair), Billy Bergin, Paul K. Hamano, Kevin D. Hopkins, Michelle Galimba (who represents Kaʻū), Sally Rice, and Bobby Jean Leithead Todd. Three commissioners did not attend.
     Two Charter Commission public hearings remain, tomorrow, Wednesday, April 3 at Kona Council Chambers at 5 p.m. and Thursday, Hilo Council Chambers at 5 p.m.

Keoni Fox, who helps steward PONC lands in Kaʻū, gave testimony to the County Charter Commission.
    Photo by Julia Neal

EXTENDING COUNTY COUNCIL TERMS TO FOUR YEARS got the cold shoulder at last Friday's County Charter hearing in Nāʻālehu. Testifiers supported keeping the two-year terms.
     Aina Akamu told the commission that council members need to be more involved in their constituencies, adding, "Kaʻū is used to being forgotten."
     John Vose said, "I am firmly convinced that a council member that faces re-election every two years is far more likely to stay in touch with the needs of his or her constituents, than one who faces re-election only once in an eight-year term."
     Tomislav Gracanin agreed, saying, "I do not support increasing the term from two to four years. The shorter term makes Council members more responsive to voters."

     Two Charter Commission public hearings remain, tomorrow, Wednesday, April 3 at Kona Council Chambers at 5 p.m. and Thursday, Hilo Council Chambers at 5 p.m.

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HELICOPTER NOISE CANCELLING TECHNOLOGY could help reduce noise along aerial tour routes over residential areas, according to Senate Bill 1069 SD1 HD1. The bill would establish a tax credit for a helicopter with any modification or equipment installed to reduce noise.
     The tax credit would be available 2020 and 2021. The bill would also establish "a tour helicopter surcharge," and "a helicopter noise-canceling technology system special fund."
     If the bill passes the third reading in the state House of Representatives, it will go to the governor's desk for approval.
     The House Finance Committee passed the measure on Friday, March 29. The House Judiciary Committee removed a proposed prohibition of "commercial flights of tour helicopters within one mile of residential neighborhoods" between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Sundays and holidays.

Residents testify helicopter flight noise disrupts 
their lives. Photo from Big Island Video News

     Residents of Hawaiʻi Island, especially those in flight paths near Kīlauea, have spent years protesting helicopter noise, stating their quality of life is negatively impacted. Residents of other islands also complain to the state regarding helicopter noise.
     Helicopter companies contend the Federal Aviation Administration is the only entity with authority to govern U.S. airspace.
     Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim testified "noise canceling technology… might be welcome news, if it makes a meaningful difference." He "regrets" prohibitions on flight times were removed, and asked the Committee on Finance "be as stringent as reasonably possible. To qualify for the benefit of a tax credit, the helicopter industry must become a responsible and considerate corporate member of our community, and it is not there yet."

Mayor Harry Kim submitted testimony, asking for 

stringency in rules about helicopter noise. 

Photo from Big Island Video News

     Paradise Helicopters testified that "helicopter noise canceling technology currently does not exist," that the bill does not provide "the necessary guidelines to help reduce or mitigate noise, instead it penalizes both businesses and the consumer by placing a surcharge per seat that will make an already large expense even more expensive."
     Safari Aviation of Hilo and Lihue, Kauaʻi, testified that early morning complaints will continue as "the offenders are often self-labeled 'media flights' that both the National Parks and the FAA fail to properly regulate," and that "the State of Hawaiʻi seems intent on challenging the federal preemption of all aviation activities, as it seeks ways to discriminate between and among operators."
     Jeannine Johnson testified as an individual: "My neighborhood experiences loud invasions of helicopter noise on a daily, even hourly, basis. It is more than just a nuisance. It negatively impacts our quality of life, afflicting our health with undue stress, disrupting our sleep, and depriving us the right to the quiet enjoyment of our homes. If I had neighbors as noisy as the helicopters who fly incessantly overhead, I could ask HPD for help. I've called the FAA to report noisy helicopters at 11 p.m., 4 a.m., and many times in-between without relief. Is it fair that residents have to suffer endlessly while the helicopter industry suffers no consequences? So although I support Senate Bill 1069, all commercial flights of tour helicopters within one mile of a residential neighborhood should be prohibited, period."

Calvin Dorn, owner and pilot of Paradise Helicopters. 

Photo from Big Island Video News

     Michael Schabel testified as an individual: "I oppose this bill because it is a bill that is being pushed with no real substance to it and no research that went into it. Decibel levels are never mentioned and it is clearly a viewpoint of some people that have a bias against an industry that employs many people."
     Michelle Matson testified as an individual: "Commercial tour helicopter operators repeatedly fly as low as 300 feet over residential areas, constituting helicopter harassment that causes unbearable living conditions for thousands of Island residents and places the health and well-being of entire communities at stake… Flight altitudes must be increased significantly and flight patterns must be controlled. Flight distance from residential communities and natural land forms must be increased... The FAA Flight Standards District Office, state Airports Division, and state Health Department need to work collectively to remedy helicopter tour noise impacts on Hawai‘i's communities… The affected residents, schools and businesses in Hawai‘i's impacted communities cannot wait another year for this to happen."
     Read the bill and testimony. Read more in Aug. 17, 2018, Kaʻū News Briefs.

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A SURVEY ON COMMUNITY SATISFACTION WITH SAFETY in Hawaiʻi County is open through Tuesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. Every three years, Hawaiʻi Police Department asks the public questions on how safe Hawaiʻi Island is, if or how residents have had contact with police, and their characterization of the interaction.

     HPD Chief Paul Ferreira said, "In keeping with our department's Vision Statement that 'The Hawaiʻi Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality of police service and forming partnerships with the community to achieve public satisfaction making the Big Island a safe place to live, visit, and conduct business,' we are again asking members of the public to participate in an anonymous Community Satisfaction Survey.
     "Knowing that our department's effectiveness is ultimately determined by the confidence and cooperation of the community we serve, the survey includes both multiple-choice questions and an opportunity to make individual comments that will aid us in determining the Police Department's strengths and weaknesses.
     "By comparing the results of this year's survey with the results of past surveys, the department can gauge where it has improved and where it needs further improvement."
     Take the 2019 Community Satisfaction Survey. The survey takes about six-minutes.

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.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., April 13, 3 p.m., @Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals

Softball:

Wed., April 3, host Waiakea

Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe

Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals

Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals

Boys Volleyball:

Wed., April 3, 6 p.m., host Ehunui

Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity

Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea

Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., @Keaʻau

Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa

Track:

Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 13, 9 a.m., @HPA

Sat., April 20, 9 a.m., @Kamehameha

JUST ANNOUNCED

FREE VISION SCREENINGS happen Tuesday, April 9 at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Thursday, April 11 at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. Students receive free comprehensive eye exam and sunglasses. If given a prescription, keiki will receive free eyeglasses with choice of frames, with parental consent. Mission co-sponsored by Tūtū & Me and Project Vision Hawaiʻi. pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me, projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-430-0388

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.

UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

Arts and Crafts Activity: Plastic Spoon Flowers, Wednesday, April 3, 3:30-5p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki grades K-6 March 25-April 2. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Hula Voices with Kumu Kini Ka‘awa, Wednesday, April 3, 1st Wednesday monthly, 5:30 p.m – 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4
Women's Support Group, Thursday, April 4, 1st Thursday monthly, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 5
Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, April 5 and 26, Saturday, April 13 and 20, 8:45 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive plants. Gloves and tools provided. Free; park entrance fees apply. RSVP to Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu. nps.gov/havo

Skateboard Movie Night, Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 6
yART Sale, Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Gigantic rummage sale with proceeds to benefit VAC programs and workshops. Accepting donations of garden, kitchen, art, collectables, tools, appliances, and furniture. All items clean and in working condition. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, April 6, 1st Saturday monthly, 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 7
Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, eight week workshop starts Sunday, April 7. Morning session, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; afternoon session, 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Handmade functional pottery art – max. eight wheel throwers and three hand-builder spots per session. All skill levels. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 supply fee per person. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, April 7, 1st Sunday monthly, noon – 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, APRIL 8
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, April 8. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Free STD Testing, Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

Kickball, Monday, April 8 through 29, 2:30 p.m – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 April 1-5. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Pāhala Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 5 p.m., activity room at Kaʻū District Gym.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9
Free Vision Screenings, Tuesday, April 9, Nāʻālehu Elementary. Students receive free comprehensive eye exam and sunglasses. If given a prescription, keiki will receive free eyeglasses with choice of frames, with parental consent. Mission co-sponsored by Tūtū & Me and Project Vision Hawaiʻi. pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me, projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-430-0388

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, April 9 (Committees), Wednesday, April 10, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tuesday, April 9, 4 p.m – 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

ONGOING

Two $1,000 Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.  Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, April 1, 2019

Cattle pasture in Kaʻū, where ranchers and farmers are concerned over water use permits. 
Photo by Julia Neal

THE USE OF WATER FROM OLD PLANTATION TUNNELS is wrapped up in an issue going to a public hearing at the Hawaiʻi Legislature tomorrow. House Bill 1326 would extend state water use permits to farmers and ranchers in one-year segments for seven more years. The bill would supersede a deadline at the end of this year to convert state water permits into long-term leases or risk losing access to water. The conversion could require environmental assessments and possibly putting the water permits out to the general public to bid on them.

An old Kaʻū sugar plantation waterway.
Photo by Lee Neal

     The Sierra Club and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United and several other groups oppose the extension of permits for existing water users, focusing on large tracts of former sugar land on Maui, where courts ordered the return of water to their natural flows, away from the old plantation irrigation systems. The water would go back to the streams where it nourished wildlife and plantings along the natural waterways, including taro and other food crops centuries ago.

     Swept up in the issue are the small ranchers and farmers in Kaʻū who say they fear they will lose access to water for livestock, orchards and food crops. Most of their water comes from manmade horizontal wells, dug into the side of Mauna Loa more than a century ago by the sugar companies. The development of agricultural water in Kaʻū was far different from the diversion of streams on Maui.

     However, afraid of losing ag water, supporters of the extension of existing water permits include John Cross of Kaʻū Soil & Water Conservation District, who submitted testimony saying that revocable permit holders in the Kaʻū Agricultural Water Cooperative District have worked toward long term water leases since 2007. They have "invested vast amounts of money to improve the systems and tunnels" built by the old sugar companies. "The water from these sources support macadamia nut orchards, cattle ranching, coffee cultivation, and a growing expansion of vegetables and produce… food for the community and state of Hawaiʻi. The lands of the Kaʻū District are bountiful, but only so with water." He asked for more time to work out the long term leases.

Macadamia nut orchards rely on irrigation.
Photo from Hawaiʻi Islands Land Trust

     Michelle Galimba, member of the state Board of Agriculture and Mountain House Agricultural Water Cooperative, supports the bill to extend the permits. She noted that Mountain House Agricultural Water Co-op is comprised of water users of the Mountain House overflow system in Kaʻū. They include Kuahiwi Ranch, MJ/Andrade Ranch, Nāʻālehu Ranch, Aikane Coffee Plantation, the Hanoa ranch, and the Johannsen ranch. "These ranchers and farmers depend on the Mountain House Overflow agricultural water systems for their livelihoods, to support their families, to provide food for local markets and to continue to create employment in our rural community," wrote Galimba.

     "This is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences, not just for water permits but for Department of Land & Natural Resources permits as well. Coming up with a good solution may well take time… I would ask that each of the stakeholders in this discussion take the time to understand the other stakeholders in depth, rather than to harden into factions and sides. This will be good practice for a future in which water becomes an increasingly limited resource. I sincerely hope that we can all work together to develop an appropriate policies as quickly as possible."

Water from old sugar plantation sources has served Kaʻū
for many generations. Photo from state Dept. of Ag

     The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, and several groups and individuals testified that large water user Alexander & Baldwin and subsidiary East Maui Irrigation Company are unfairly benefiting from a public resource. They contended that smaller water users will not be negatively impacted.

     Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi testified that ranchers of Kaʻū and other small farmers with revocable permits "should return to the permitting process they followed in 2015." They would apply every year for month-to-month permits, "receiving a categorical exemption from state environmental reviews, and paying a small fee. Because these water users have not been sued for abusing water permits like A&B was, they have no court-imposed prohibition on their water use." Sierra Club also contended that the extension "does not protect public trust resources from exploitation."

     OHA testified that the smaller ranchers and farmers' concerns "are based on a purely speculative extension of a circuit court order specific only to A&B, and there is no clear legal barrier to preventing the issuance of annual revocable permits to any other entity." OHA stated that the extension would reward A&B and the Board of Land & Natural Resources "for their failure to conduct an environmental review of A&B's continuous and ongoing diversion of over 100 streams and tributaries on 17,000 acres of public watershed lands in East Maui, 12 years after one had been first ordered by the Circuit Court."

Tunnels to move water are maintained by
Kaʻū farmers and ranchers.
Photo from state Dept. of Ag

     Department of Hawaiian Home Lands testified with "serious concerns" over the extension, stating that the agency should receive 30 percent of revenue generated by long-term water leases. 

     Susan Campbell of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United and Food Security Hawaiʻi testified against the bill: "If water rights are not held up for the public domain, then our Senators are corrupt. This is actually outrageous."

     HB 1326 HD2 goes before the Senate Committees on Water & Land and Ways & Means at 10:35 a.m. tomorrow morning. Read the bill and testimony, and submit testimony. Testimony submitted less than 24 hours before the hearing will be marked late but may be considered by committee members.

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.

SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ WILL CHAIR DEMOCRATIC SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE. He calls climate change the "crisis of our generation." He said the purpose of the committee is to have in place "a predicate for action if and when" Democrats regain control of the Senate. Its formation comes a week after Republican Sen. Mike Lee took the Senate floor and used placards to promote his claim that the Green New Deal would end air travel. He showed a cartoon seahorse, Ronald Reagan using a machine gun to take on a velociraptor, and Luke Skywalker riding a tauntaun. He proclaimed the way to solve climate change was to let the next generation solve it.

Sen. Brian Schatz.
Photo from Schatz's Facebook

     Schatz took to the Senate floor in response: "I get that we want to make jokes and we want to be clever and we want to get clips to put on Facebook or Instagram or whatever, but that was appalling. This is the crisis of our generation and it is not a joke."

     The Green New Deal – which makes no mention of air travel – was voted down in the Senate last week. During an interview with MSNBC, Schatz said Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and other Republicans "are literally making fun of climate action" which is problematic in light of recent flooding in the Midwest, California wildfires increasing in severity, and increasing floods and storms in costal regions. "This is serious business," and only one party is taking it seriously, he said. "They are sort of outsmarting themselves. They are very impressed with their own cleverness… But the truth is, we are right on climate change."

     Schatz said people from all political backgrounds "want climate action," and that "young people are decisively in favor of doing something about this planetary crisis." He referred to "tens of thousands" of "young people" who marched about climate change in the Capitol a few weeks ago. "We in the Congress have to follow their lead, and take care of the future."

Paʻaʻau Gulch during a 2018 storm.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Schatz also sent a message to his supporters: "For the past two years, Mitch McConnell and Congressional Republicans have dragged our country from crisis to crisis. They have championed the priorities of the richest people in this country and stood in the way of policies that would help all of us.

     "The only way to change this is to win the Senate. That means we have to be ready to mobilize across the country to make sure great Democrats win. We have to spread our message of progress, and fight for the things that matter to us like affordable health care, climate change, and education."

     Schatz specified in a Tweet: "Doing nothing about climate change is expensive and dangerous."

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.

HAWAIʻI RANKS NINTH FOR RETURN OF TAX INVESTMENT in Health, a recent WalletHub report states. Overall, return on tax investment in Hawaiʻi ranked as the worst of all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Analysis of the quality and efficiency of state and federal government services in Hawaiʻi takes into account the very different rates at which citizens are taxed in each state and D.C. The study also noted that, unlike state taxes, federal income-tax rates are uniform across the nation. However, some states receive more federal funding than others.

     WalletHub's Taxpayer Survey reports 55 percent of U.S. adults feel they pay too much in taxes and 90 percent don't think that the government uses tax revenue wisely. Different states have dramatically different tax burdens. This report seeks to find out if people in high-tax states receive superior government services, and if low-tax states are more efficient or do they receive low-quality services?

     Percentage of Residents in Poverty was where Hawaiʻi ranked the best, at 5th. The Aloha State ranked 14th in Economy, 20th in Safety, 22nd in Overall Government Services. Hawaiʻi ranked 37th in both Education and Infrastructure & Pollution.

     Hawaiʻi ranked last in both Total Taxes per Capita for those 18 and older, and Overall Return on Investment.

     For the full report, visit wallethub.com/edu/state-taxpayer-roi-report/3283/.

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.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Tue., April 2, 3 p.m., @HPA

Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe

Sat., April 13, 3 p.m., @Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 20, BIIF Semi-Finals

Softball:

Wed., April 3, host Waiakea

Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe

Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals

Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals

Sat., April 20, BIIF Finals

Boys Volleyball:

Wed., April 3, 6 p.m., host Ehunui

Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity

Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea

Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., @Keaʻau

Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa

Mon. April 22, BIIF First Round

Wed., April 24, BIIF Semi-Finals

Thu., April 25, BIIF Finals

Track:

Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

Sat., April 13, 9 a.m., @HPA

Sat., April 20, 9 a.m., @Kamehameha

JUST ANNOUNCED

GAME OF EXTREMES workshop happens Wednesday, April 3, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Hilo Municipal Golf Course Multipurpose Room, 340 Haihai Street. The workshop is "a fun way to learn about climate change, its impacts, and how we can adapt. Faced with climate impacts on a fictional community, participants will decide how to make community assets most resilient."

     Free. Seating is limited. Register online at gameofextremes.eventbrite.com. Kristin Baja, the Climate Resilience Officer for the Urban Sustainability Director's Network, facilitates the workshop.  Baja helps local governments identify strategic ways to advance climate resilience planning and implementation.

     For questions or more information, contact Michelle Agbigay at 961-8375 or Michelle.Agbigay@hawaiicounty.gov.

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.

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Finger Puppetry, Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register through April 1. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

Arts and Crafts Activity: Plastic Spoon Flowers, Wednesday, April 3, 3:30-5p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki grades K-6 March 25-April 2. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Hula Voices with Kumu Kini Ka‘awa, Wednesday, April 3, 1st Wednesday monthly, 5:30 p.m – 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 4
Women's Support Group, Thursday, April 4, 1st Thursday monthly, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 5
Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, April 5 and 26, Saturday, April 13 and 20, 8:45 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive plants. Gloves and tools provided. Free; park entrance fees apply. RSVP to Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu. nps.gov/havo

Skateboard Movie Night, Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 6
yART Sale, Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Gigantic rummage sale with proceeds to benefit VAC programs and workshops. Accepting donations of garden, kitchen, art, collectables, tools, appliances, and furniture. All items clean and in working condition. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, April 6, 1st Saturday monthly, 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 7
Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, eight week workshop starts Sunday, April 7. Morning session, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; afternoon session, 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Handmade functional pottery art – max. eight wheel throwers and three hand-builder spots per session. All skill levels. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 supply fee per person. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, April 7, 1st Sunday monthly, noon – 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, APRIL 8
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, April 8. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Free STD Testing, Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

Kickball, Monday, April 8 through 29, 2:30 p.m – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 April 1-5. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Pāhala Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 5 p.m., activity room at Kaʻū District Gym.

ONGOING

Two $1,000 Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.  Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and portrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

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.