Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, April 28, 2019

Kehau Ke from Kaʻū is Princess of Kauaʻi in the Merrie Monarch Parade in Hilo yesterday. See more below.
Photo by Kamalani Kualahine-Salmo

THE WATER BILL AT THE LEGISLATURE involving small Kaʻū farms and ranches, and utilities and large landowners on Maui and Kauaʻi, could be brought to the floor of the state House of Representatives for a full vote on Tuesday, April 30. House Bill 1326 HD2 would extend water use permits for up to seven more years. Kaʻū agriculture is involved as, without the bill, state water licenses here could be in jeopardy, ranchers and farmers said. Kaʻū is caught up in the issue as the bill attempts to give large landowners that divert streams more time to put the water back into its natural flow. Kaʻū farmers and ranchers use water from horziontal wells in Mauna Loa rather than diverted streams but are considered under the same umbrella. For more, see Kaʻū News Briefs on April 20, April 7, and March 14.

Kercia Derasin, of Kaʻū, rides as a Panaʻewa Stampede Princess.
Photo by Kamalani Kualahine-Salmo

     The bill drew criticism from former state Sen. Gary Hooser, who directs a statewide organization called HAPA. "In my 20 years of experience in government, politics and policy-making, House Bill 1326 is the most egregious example of special-interest legislation I have ever seen.
     "Alexander & Baldwin (A&B) stands to gain or lose $62 million, depending on the outcome of HB 1326. In essence, it is attempting to sell public trust water rights derived from stream diversions in east Maui. The intended beneficiary of this transaction is Mahi Pono — a California-based LLC, financed by a Canadian pension fund — which recently purchased the majority of A&B lands on Maui.
     Hooser states that "A&B neither owns, nor has long-term control, over this water. In Hawaiʻi, whether beneath the ground or flowing through our rivers and streams, water is a public trust resource. Businesses may use the resource, but must secure a permit that ensures sufficient water remains in the stream to preserve its natural ecosystem and that down-stream users also have access.

Lorilee Lorenzo of Pāhala represents Hawaiʻi Island in the Merrie
 Monarch Parade on Saturday.Photo by Kamalani Kualahine-Salmo

     "Yet this one company, the last remnant of the Big five plantation era, and arguably the most politically powerful private landowner in Hawaiʻi, is attempting, with the Legislature's help, to secure those water rights without securing the proper long-term permits, and then transfer those water rights to Mahi Pono — pocketing a cool $62 million in the process."
     See statements from Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and Earthjustice.

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.

Makana Gravela, of Kaʻū, rides for
 Hawaiʻi Island. Photo by
Kamalani Kualahine-Salmo

 

McKella Akana at Merrie Monarch.
Photo by Kamalani Kualahine-Salmo

KAʻŪ'S PANIOLO COMMUNITY gathered flowers and foliage, made lei, and loaded up horses to head for Hilo on Saturday to ride and walk in the Merrie Monarch Parade.
     Among the paniolo participating from this district were Kehau Ke, who represented Kauaʻi, wearing the purple color of the island, and Lori Lee Lorenzo, wearing the red color of Hawaiʻi Island. 
     Escorts included Makana Gravela, carrying the Hawaiʻi Island banner and Anthony Emmsley, with horse and rider bedecked in lei.
     Also riding were Kaʻū residents Mckella Akana and Kircia Derasin, who rode as a Panaʻewa Stampede Princesses.

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.

Anthony Emmsely riding for Hawaiʻi Island and coming from Kaʻū in yesterday's Merrie Monarch parade.
Photo by Kamalani Kualahine-Salm

MAGNITUDE 4.2 EARTHQUAKE yesterday, Saturday, April 27 at 5:26 p.m., caused no reported damage. The earthquake was located about 12 miles – 20 km – southeast of Volcano at a depth of about 4 miles – 6 km. Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reports the earthquake as one of the continuing adjustments beneath the south flank of Kīlauea following the magnitude-6.9 earthquake on May 4, 2018.

     Weak to light shaking, with a maximum Intensity of IV on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, was reported primarily in East Hawaiʻi, with a few reports from West Hawaiʻi. The USGS "Did you feel it?" service – earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi – received over 100 felt reports within an hour of the 4.2M quake.

Earthquakes yesterday, one a 4.2 in the continuing readjustment after
last year's 6.9 M quake on May 4. Map from USGS

     Neither quake caused any detectable changes in activity at either Kīlauea or Mauna Loa volcanoes. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami generated by the earthquake.

     Twenty seconds before the magnitude-4.2 earthquake, a magnitude-1.6 quake occurred deep beneath Kīlauea Volcano's Southwest Rift Zone, causing some initial confusion about the larger earthquake's location, reports HVO.

     See more details at earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv70927626 and volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo.

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PĀHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DANCERS headed to Merrie Monarch on Friday to perform for the public. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, both boys and girls traveled to Hilo to perform. They take hula at school and participate in many community activities, including the recent Unity Fair. Ryder also teaches her halau members, from keiki to kupuna, after school hours.

Pāhala Elementary School students, under the direction of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, performed on Friday 
in the Merrie Monarch Festival. Photo by David Berry

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COMPLETE RESULTS OF THE MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE PAGEANT ARE IN. Miss Popularity, across all candidates from ages 4 to 17, went to five-year old Adilyn Aetonu, of Pāhala, with a $200 scholarship and the title based on support she received from the community.

     In the Miss Kaʻū Coffee category, Kaʻū High School Sophomore Bernadette Ladia won Swimsuit

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Sesson won the talent,
photogenic, career outfit, and interview categories.
Photo by Kamalani Kaluahine-Salmo

and Gown. Graduating Senior Helena Sesson took Interview, Career Outfit, Photogenic, and Talent to become Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2019. She takes home a $1500 scholarship from Edmund C. Olson and $400 for winning four categories in the competition, with scholarships provided by Pacific Quest, County Council member Maile David, state House of Representatives members Richard Onishi and Richard Creagan, and state Senator Russell Ruderman. First Miss Kaʻū Coffee takes home a $1000 scholarship from Kaʻū Mahi and $200 in scholarships from Rep. Richard Onishi.

Five year old Adilyn Aetonu is
Miss Popularity in the entire Miss Kaʻū
Coffee Courts, ages four -17.
Photo by Julia Neal

     In the Miss Peaberry category, Helen Miranda took the Gown and became Second Miss Peaberry, with a $350 scholarship from Pacific Quest and a $90 scholarship from Rep. Richard Creagan. Kendall Haddock took Talent and became First Miss

 Helen Miranda won the Miss Peaberry Gown
 category. Photo by Kamalani Kaluahine-Salmo

Peaberry, with $650 scholarship from CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union and donors, and a $90 scholarship from Rep. Richard Onishi. Lilianna Marques won the Miss Peaberry title, taking Character Outfit and Photogenic. She takes home an $850 scholarship from Punaluʻu Bakeshop and Rep. Richard Onishi, as well as two $90 scholarships from County Council member Maile David and Sen. Russell Ruderman and donors.
     In the Miss Flower category, Kysha Manini Kaʻupu took home a $500 scholarship from Kaʻū Valley Farms, an $80 scholarship from Sen. Russell Ruderman for Miss Photogenic, plus an $80 scholarship for Character Outfit. First Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower Adilyn Aetonu won a $350 scholarship from Big Island Toyota and an $80 scholarship for Evening Gown from Rep. Richard Onishi
      See more in yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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:

Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA

Softball:

Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA

Boys Volleyball:

Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA

Track:

Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

JUST ANNOUNCED

MONDAY-THURSDAY, MAY 6-9
Summer Fun Registration, Monday-Thursday, May 6-9, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center and at Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Program, for keiki completing grade K-6, runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 12-July 19. $40 fee. $50 portion of registration fee funded by Councilwoman Maile David. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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 30
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Hike & Lunch, Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., meet at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Wood Valley. $45; includes lunch. Reservations required. Limited to 30 people. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Early Head Start, Wednesday, May 1 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

May Day is Lei Day, May 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hands-on lei making demonstrations, live music and hula. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hula Voices with Musician Christy Leina‘ala Lassiter, Wednesday, May 1 – 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, May 1, 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+. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, MAY 2
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Thursday, May 2. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. – noon, Ka‘alaiki Rd., Nā‘ālehu. $40; includes lunch and transportation from meeting site. Reservations required. 987-4229/731-5409, kauvalley.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, May 2 and 16 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 17 – 3rd Friday monthly – 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, May 2 – 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

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, MAY 3
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day, Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. $25; includes BBQ buffet and hayrides. Reservations required. 927-2252, aikaneplantation.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser, Friday, May 3, doors open 5:30 p.m., dinner served 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Enchiladas, Tamales, Charro Borracho Beans (Mexican Cowboy Drunken Beans), Drinks and Dessert. $8/person, $15 for two, $20/family. stjudeshawaii.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Star Gazing, Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Makanau summit. $45, includes refreshments and shuttle ride. Reservation required. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

KDENte Fundraising Dinner for Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network, Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant, Hilo. Italian food buffet, $20 cash or check at door. 984-7344

The Great Kīlauea Eruption of 2018 and What May Soon Follow, Friday, May 3, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Presented by Geologist Dr. Richard "Rick" Hazlett, Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, MAY 4
Parenting Class & Saturday School, May 4 and 18, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center, Downstairs. Sponsored by Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stewardship at the Summit, May 4, 9, 17, 25, and 31, 8:45 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ho‘olaule‘a, Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Music and hula, coffee tastings (Ka‘ū Coffee Experience, 9:30 a.m. – noon, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., free). Talk story with coffee growers and industry professionals. Food, craft and information booths. Free entry. Coffee farm and mill tours, $20, offered 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. kaucoffeefestival.com

Abstract Painting Workshop with Darcy Gray, Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Basic painting backgroup suggested. Tools provided, can bring own supplies. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 8 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, May 4 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Fiesta in the Forest, May 4, bar opens 4 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Food, margaritas, beer, wine and live music. Bring Cooper Center mug for $1 off beer – purchase one for $10 – can be used at all Cooper Center events. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SUNDAY, MAY 5
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee College, Sunday, May 5, 9 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Community Center. Coffee industry professionals come to Ka‘ū to share their knowledge with coffee growers and enthusiasts. Free; donations welcome. kaucoffeefestival.com

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, May 5 – 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

ONGOING

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

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.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST

Kaʻū Coffee Festival Events run through Sunday, May 5. All events are open to the public; some require reservations. Celebrate Kaʻū Coffee at:

     Kaʻū Mountain Hike and Lunch, Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting at Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Ride through the coffee plantation, up the mountains, and into the rainforest to walk along waterways from sugar days of old. Reservations required; $45 per person. Call 928-0550.

     Kaʻū Valley Farms Tour and Lunch, Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon. Above Nāʻālehu, visit a plant nursery, food farm, coffee and tea plantings, native forest, and hidden valley. $40 per person, reservations required. Call 987-4229 or 731-5409.

     Kaʻū Coffee and Cattle Day, Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. Includes farm tours, BBQ buffet, and hayride. Visit this historic Ka‘ū Coffee farm and ranch. $25, reservations required. Call 927-2252.

     Kaʻū Stargazing on Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., takes guests to the top of sacred Makanau during a new-moon. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian temple and see the Hawaiian night sky and stars. Reservations required; $45 per person, includes refreshments. Call 938-0550.
     Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa, Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Full day of music, dance, coffee tasting, demonstrations, food, snacks, educational booths, and games. Free entry. KauCoffeeFest.com.

     Closing out the Kaʻū Coffee Festival, Kaʻū Coffee College is held at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 5. Get served education and see demonstrations for coffee farmers and Kaʻū Coffee enthusiasts.

     See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

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, Saturday, April 27, 2019

Helena Sesson, who says she wants to become a police officer to help keep her community safe, won the Miss
Kaʻū Coffee title tonight at Kaʻū District Gym. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

A WOMAN WAS MURDERED yesterday afternoon at Whittington Beach Park. The Hawaiʻi Police Department reported that on Friday, April 26 at about 3:40 p.m., Kaʻū patrol officers responded to a reported stabbing. Officers discovered two victims, a 36-year-old male and a 35-year-old female, both with multiple stab wounds. The female victim died at the scene; official cause of death is pending. The male victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center in serious condition. The park was closed while officers investigated.

     Two suspects in the stabbings are identified by police as Kaleianuenue Borero-Kaluna, a 19-year-old female, and Robert Hayes, a 69-year-old male, both of Nāʻāehu. Both suspects were arrested at 5:05 p.m. yesterday on suspicion of First Degree Murder. They are currently being held pending investigation.

     Anyone with information about this incident, call Detective Dominic Uyetake Jr. at (808) 326-4646 ext. 228, email dominic.uyetake@hawaiicounty.gov, or call the HPD non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

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.

Major scholarship sponsor Ed Olson with the 2019 Miss Kaʻū Coffee Court, with Kaʻū Coffee Growers

Cooperative Pres. Gloria Camba, far right, and former Miss Kaʻū Coffee queens Jami Beck and

Maria Miranda, to her left. See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

RENTAL HOSTING WEB SITES WILL NOT SUPPLANT HOME OWNERS TO COLLECT VACATION RENTAL TAXES. Senate Bill 1292 would have required transient accommodation and general excise taxes be paid to the state through hosting platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, Expedia, and others. The last draft allows the online marketing firms hosting rentals to keep information collected about home-rental operations confidential. This was one sticking point of the bill, as opponents said publishing the information would be illegal.

     State senators voted 12 to 12 to kill SB1292; Hilo Sen. Kai Kahele voted "no," west Kaʻū Sen. Dru Kanuha voted "yes." Thirteen votes were needed to pass the bill on to Ige for consideration.

    

Lilianna Marques during the talent contest, with her song
about picking coffee. She won Miss Peaberry.
See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

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.

A BILL TO LEVY 6.2 PERCENT CORPORATE INCOME TAX ON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS, Senate Bill 301, goes to both state legislative houses for consideration. If it passes both houses, and Gov. David Ige approves it, Hawaiʻi would be the first state in 50 years to impose such a tax.

     REITs distribute at least 90 percent of taxable income to shareholders, who pay taxes on that income wherever they reside – not necessarily Hawaiʻi, giving that tax on revenue to other states or countries. Those dividends can be deducted from the REIT's taxable income, legally avoiding federal taxes. Hawaiʻi has over $18 billion in REITs.

The bill includes a four-year sunset, so review and repeal options are not far in future, if opponents fears that the tax will squelch investment prove correct.

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.

DECRIMINALIZING UP TO THREE GRAMS OF MARIJUANA goes before both state houses, with a proposed possession fine of $130. House Bill 1383 is one of few marijuana-related measures that Gov. David Ige may see cross his desk. A bill for complete legalization was killed earlier in this session. If HB1383 passes, Hawaiʻi will become one of 23 U.S. states and the District of Columbia to remove criminal penalties for small amounts of the drug.

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.

Miss Flower Kysha Manini Kaupu and First Princess Adilyn
Aetonu, along with sponsor Kaʻū Valley Farms
representative Lloyd Nakano. Photo by Julia Neal

REMOVAL OF THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON CHILD SEX ABUSE FAILED in the state legislature this week, even though no one voted against it in any previous review of hearing. House Bill 18 would have removed the statute of limitations on prosecuting sexual abuse of children, giving victims more time to report abuse.

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.

HELENA SESSON TOOK THE MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE TITLE TONIGHT AT KAʻŪ DISTRICT GYM. The senior at Kaʻū High School says she plans to become a police officer "to keep my community safe." She sang in Spanish, accompanied by her own ʻukulele stylings. Lilianna Marques took the Kaʻū Peaberry title, winning the talent with an original song about coffee picking. Kysha Manini Kaupu took the Miss Coffee Flower title.
     Pageant Director Trini Marques thanked the many sponsors giving the scholarships. They are Edmund C. Olson, Rep. Richard Ohnishi, Kaʻū Mahi, CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union, Kaʻū Valley Farms, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, Pacific Quest, and Big Island Toyota. See more in the Monday Kaʻū News Briefs.

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:

Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA

Softball:

Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA

Boys Volleyball:

Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA

Track:

Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest,, originally scheduled for Sunday, April 28 is being rescheduled to a later date – to be announced – when more community chefs and student chefs are available for the annual event.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Hike & Lunch, Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., meet at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Wood Valley. $45; includes lunch. Reservations required. Limited to 30 people. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Early Head Start, Wednesday, May 1 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

May Day is Lei Day, May 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hands-on lei making demonstrations, live music and hula. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hula Voices with Musician Christy Leina‘ala Lassiter, Wednesday, May 1 – 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, May 1, 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+. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, MAY 2
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Thursday, May 2. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. – noon, Ka‘alaiki Rd., Nā‘ālehu. $40; includes lunch and transportation from meeting site. Reservations required. 987-4229/731-5409, kauvalley.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, May 2 and 16 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 17 – 3rd Friday monthly – 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, May 2 – 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

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, MAY 3
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day, Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. $25; includes BBQ buffet and hayrides. Reservations required. 927-2252, aikaneplantation.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser, Friday, May 3, doors open 5:30 p.m., dinner served 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Enchiladas, Tamales, Charro Borracho Beans (Mexican Cowboy Drunken Beans), Drinks and Dessert. $8/person, $15 for two, $20/family. stjudeshawaii.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Star Gazing, Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Makanau summit. $45, includes refreshments and shuttle ride. Reservation required. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

KDENte Fundraising Dinner for Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network, Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant, Hilo. Italian food buffet, $20 cash or check at door. 984-7344

The Great Kīlauea Eruption of 2018 and What May Soon Follow, Friday, May 3, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Presented by Geologist Dr. Richard "Rick" Hazlett, Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, MAY 4
Parenting Class & Saturday School, May 4 and 18, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center, Downstairs. Sponsored by Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stewardship at the Summit, May 4, 9, 17, 25, and 31, 8:45 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ho‘olaule‘a, Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Music and hula, coffee tastings (Ka‘ū Coffee Experience, 9:30 a.m. – noon, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., free). Talk story with coffee growers and industry professionals. Food, craft and information booths. Free entry. Coffee farm and mill tours, $20, offered 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. kaucoffeefestival.com

Abstract Painting Workshop with Darcy Gray, Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Basic painting backgroup suggested. Tools provided, can bring own supplies. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 8 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, May 4 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Fiesta in the Forest, May 4, bar opens 4 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Food, margaritas, beer, wine and live music. Bring Cooper Center mug for $1 off beer – purchase one for $10 – can be used at all Cooper Center events. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

ONGOING

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

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.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST

Kaʻū Coffee Festival Events start runs through Sunday, May 5. All events are open to the public; some require reservations. Celebrate Kaʻū Coffee at:

     Kaʻū Mountain Hike and Lunch, Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting at Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Ride through the coffee plantation, up the mountains, and into the rainforest to walk along waterways from sugar days of old. Reservations required; $45 per person. Call 928-0550.

     Kaʻū Valley Farms Tour and Lunch, Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon. Above Nāʻālehu, visit a plant nursery, food farm, coffee and tea plantings, native forest, and hidden valley. $40 per person, reservations required. Call 987-4229 or 731-5409.

     Kaʻū Coffee and Cattle Day, Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. Includes farm tours, BBQ buffet, and hayride. Visit this historic Ka‘ū Coffee farm and ranch. $25, reservations required. Call 927-2252.

     Kaʻū Stargazing on Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., takes guests to the top of sacred Makanau during a new-moon. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian temple and see the Hawaiian night sky and stars. Reservations required; $45 per person, includes refreshments. Call 938-0550.
     Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa, Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Full day of music, dance, coffee tasting, demonstrations, food, snacks, educational booths, and games. Free entry. KauCoffeeFest.com.

     Closing out the Kaʻū Coffee Festival, Kaʻū Coffee College is held at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 5. Get served education and see demonstrations for coffee farmers and Kaʻū Coffee enthusiasts.

     See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, April 26, 2019

Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2018 Reishalyn Kekoa Jara will hand over her crown at the 2019 pageant tomorrow at Kaʻū District
Gym, See more below. Photo from OKK

THE BILL TO HELP PREVENT AG THEFT passed the Hawaiʻi Legislature, Rep. Richard Creagan, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, reported today. He said an enforcement officer will be assigned to Hawaiʻi Island. Kaʻū Coffee farmers and ranchers have reported thefts of crops and animals over the years.

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INCREASING THE MINIMUM WAGE FAILED at the state legislature. Rep. Richard Creagan said today. The problem arose when the most successful proposal called for a lower minimum wage for those receiving health insurance than those employees not receiving health insurance. He said it became a legal discussion and the entire minimum wage campaign was shelved until next session.

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Infographic from stanthorpeborderpost.com.au

THE HEMP BILL PASSED THE HAWAIʻI LEGISLATURE TODAY. SB1353 SD3 HD3, co-sponsored by east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman, almost died due to disagreements in amendments in both the state House and Senate, but passed both today with all 'ayes,' including from west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan. The bill goes to Gov. David Ige to sign. If he does, the bill would: require the Department of Agriculture to establish an industrial hemp program that reflects federal law; authorize cultivation of hemp; and define hemp separately from marijuana.

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NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY happens tomorrow, Saturday, April 27. Sen. Mazie Hirono joined federal and state officials John Callery, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Honolulu District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Jared Redulla, Administrator of the Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety's Narcotics Enforcement Division, to promote the 17th national event.
     Hirono encourages Hawaiʻi residents to join national efforts to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by turning in potentially dangerous, expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locations on Hawaiʻi Island are in Kona in the police station parking lot, and in Hilo at Ka Waena Lapaʻau Mecidal Complex's upper parking lot.

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Eggs, pancake's great companion, were made for those who joined Amazing
Grace Baptist Church fellowship on Easter morning. Photo by Lee McIntosh

A PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOR ALL was hosted at Amazing Grace Baptist Church on Easter Sunday morning. Starting at 10 a.m., the public was welcomed at  Discovery Harbour Community Center in Nāʻālehu. Pancakes, eggs, breakfast meats, fruit, and Miranda coffee were all on the menu.

     A special Easter service followed the breakfast, with worship and special activities and lessons provided for the keiki. For more on upcoming events, contact John Glenn at 970-623-1081.

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.

Part of the 2018 Miss Kaʻū Coffee Court.
Photo by Denise Laitenen/Kaʻū Coffee Fest

MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE PAGEANT happens tomorrow, Saturday, April 27 at Kaʻū District Gym, beginning at 6 p.m. – doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets at the door are $10 each for anyone from 12 to 55, $5 for children 5-11 and senior citizens 55-older.

     The 2018 court will be in attendance, with 2018 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Reishlyn Kekoa Jara crowning the next Miss Ka‘ū Coffee.

     The pageant is under the directorship of Trinidad Marques, herself a Ka‘ū Coffee producer and marketer. She promises an evening of beauty, talent, poise, confidence, prizes, food, and entertainment. Pageant winners will receive scholarships and trophies.

     Meet the seven candidates tonight, Friday, April 26 at the kickoff open house Paʻina and potluck for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival at Pāhala Plantation House, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainment will include Bolo and hula dancer Sammi Fo.
     Contenders for Miss Kaʻū Coffee are:
     Helena Nihipali Sesson of Pāhala, age 17, who wants to become a police officer.
     Bernadette Ladia of Pāhala, age 16, who wants to join the military.

Bernadette Ladia, 

Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant.

Helena Nihipali Sesson, 

Miss Kaʻū Coffee contestant. 

     Vying for Miss Kaʻū Coffee Peaberry are:

     Lilianna Marques of Pāhala, age 6, who wants to become a graphics artist.

     Helen Miranda of Kiolokaʻa, age 10, who wants to become a lawyer.

     Kendall Haddock of Kiolokaʻa, age 9, who wants to become a science teacher.

     Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower contestants are:

     Kysha Kaupu Manini of Pāhala, age 4, who wants to become a cosmetologist.

     Adilyn Aetonu of Pāhala, age 5, who wants to become a fashion designer.

     There are no Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee contenders this year; Cristina Kawewehi holds her crown.

Kendall Haddock, 

Peaberry contestant.

     The pageant is sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative and Kaʻū Coffee Fest, and the support of the Kaʻū community.

     Next in the ten days of activities, make reservations for Kaʻū Mountain Hike and Lunch on Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Starting at Kaʻū Coffee Mill, ride through the coffee plantation, up the mountains, and into the rainforest to walk along waterways from sugar days of old. $45 per person. Call 928-0550.

Helen Miranda, 

Peaberry contestant.

     Kaʻū Valley Farms Tour and Lunch happens Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit a plant nursery, food farm, coffee and tea plantings, native forest, and hidden valley, all above Nāʻālehu. $40 per person, reservations required. Call 987-4229 or 731-5409.

     Friday, May 3 offers two events: enjoy BBQ buffet and hayrides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at historic Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm during Kaʻū Coffee and Cattle Day. $25 per person, reservations required. Call 927-2252.

Lilianna Marques, 

Peaberry contestant.

     That evening, learn about ancient Hawaiian culture and see the Hawaiian night sky and stars during Kaʻū Stargazing. Meet at 5:30 p.m. to travel to the top of sacred Makanau during a new moon. Ends at 10 p.m. Reservations required; $45 per person, includes refreshments. Call 938-0550.

     The Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa happens Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Enjoy a full day of music, dance, coffee tasting, demonstrations, food, snacks, educational booths, and games at the entry-fee free event.

Kysha Kaupa Manini, 

Flower contestant.

     Kaʻū Coffee Festival winds to a close with Kaʻū Coffee College, held at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 5. Slurp up some coffee education aimed at coffee farmers and Kaʻū Coffee enthusiasts. Free.

Adilyn Aetonu, 

Flower contestant.

     See KauCoffeeFestival.com for more details.

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.

WHAT WE'VE LEARNED FROM KĪLAUEA'S 2018 LOWER EAST RIFT ZONE ERUPTION is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
     May 3, 2019, marks the one-year anniversary of the start of Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption. Over the past year, USGS HVO geologists and collaborators have been closely studying the vast amount of data collected during the summer eruption. Now is a good time to explore what's been learned, and what's still unfolding.

     The LERZ eruption, as well as the 2018 summit collapses, are providing many new insights on Kīlauea. This week's Volcano Watch focuses on a few aspects of the LERZ eruption that are helping us better understand volcanic hazards in Hawaiʻi.

     First, ongoing work is telling us how the changing chemical composition of the magma erupted in 2018 controlled the lava-flow hazard. The first two weeks of the eruption – May 3-18 – produced low eruption rates and relatively small flows. Chemical analyses indicated that the lava originated from pockets of older magma stored underground in the LERZ. This cooler and less fluid magma was probably residue from earlier eruptions. 

     This stored magma was presumably forced out by the intruding dike of magma that originated from Puʻu ʻŌʻō. University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo researcher Cheryl Gansecki says that chemical analyses indicate that the dike may have intersected two, or even three, separate stored magma bodies. 

     Around May 18-19, the eruption vigor changed as hotter and more fluid magma was erupted. This magma was presumably draining from the summit magma reservoir. The eruption rate increased roughly 10-20 times, and the flows became larger, faster-moving, and much more hazardous.  

During the first two weeks of Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 LERZ eruption, fissures were characterized by low eruption rates 

and small flows. This was because the erupted lava originated from pockets of cooler, less fluid magma stored in the rift

 zone. Later fissures erupted hotter, more fluid magma, resulting in higher eruption rates and large, fast-moving lava 

flows, like that erupted from the fissure 8 cone (lower right), shown here on July 29, 2018. USGS photo by M. Patrick

     A similar—although less dramatic—chemical change occurred during the 1955 LERZ eruption, but it was not recognized until long after that eruption ended. Daily tracking of lava composition during the 2018 eruption was important because it allowed us to identify the chemical change in early May, and to correctly anticipate that hotter, more fluid magma—and more hazardous lava flows—might be around the corner. 

     Taken together, the 2018 and 1955 eruptions point to the possibility that future rift zone eruptions can start deceptively small in the opening days as older, stored magma is erupted. But once the magma "spigot" is opened, and fresher, hotter magma arrives, rift zone eruptions can switch to large, fast-moving, and hazardous lava flows. 

     Magma composition also helped explain another hazard of the 2018 eruption. In mid-May, brief explosions occurred frequently from fissure 17, throwing lava bombs several hundred meters (a few hundred yards). An initial explanation was that they were driven by groundwater seeping into the fissures, causing steam blasts. 

     However, chemical analyses revealed that fissure 17 erupted lava with an unusual composition. Nearly all lava erupted on Kīlauea is basalt, but fissure 17 erupted Kīlauea's first documented andesite. Andesite is higher in silica than basalt, and is, therefore, less fluid. The more viscous consistency of andesitic lava makes it easier for large gas bubbles to coalesce and burst with high pressure, which provides a likely explanation for the explosive activity at fissure 17. 

Fissures and fountains near Pohoiki Road in 1955. HVNP/George Ruhle photo

     The eruption also highlighted the close connection between Kīlauea's East Rift Zone and the volcano's summit magma reservoir. In June and July 2018, there were near-daily summit collapse events, each with the equivalent of a magnitude-5.3 earthquake. 

     Time-lapse cameras monitoring the fissure 8 lava channel observed that the eruption rate began to increase within minutes after a summit collapse, eventually peaking 2‒4 hours later. At least once, the increased eruption rates produced overflows from the lava channel that could have threatened adjacent residential areas. 

     The short delay before LERZ eruption rates increased indicates that the "surge" in eruption vigor was driven by a pressure pulse originating from the summit collapse and transmitted down the 40-km- (25-mi-) long magma conduit to the LERZ—akin to a hydraulic press. The 2‒4-hour delay in peak eruption rates allowed HVO and emergency managers, in at least one instance, to anticipate and prepare for the overflow hazard. 

     These are just a few of the new insights gained from Kīlauea's 2018 LERZ eruption. They show how unraveling each volcanic process helps us better understand the hazard, and, in turn, to forecast and prepare for hazards in future eruptions.    

Volcano Activity Updates

     Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL.

     Two earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.9 quake 4 km (2 mi) southwest of Volcano at 0 km (0 mi) depth on April 20 at 3:58 p.m. HST, and a magnitude-3.4 quake 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Waikoloa Village at 16 km (10 mi) depth on April 18 at 2:27 p.m. HST.  

    The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL, which means that the volcano is in typical background or noneruptive state.

     Visit https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.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.

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:

Sat., April 27, BIIF Finals

Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA

Softball:

Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA

Boys Volleyball:

Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA

Track:

Sat., April 27, 3 p.m., BIIF Finals

Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

JUST ANNOUNCED

SUMMER KEIKI LEARN-TO-SWIM REGISTRATION open Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Pāhala Swimming Pool, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Campus. $15 per session per child; cash or check accepted, payable to County Director of Finance. No refunds. 928-8177, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics

     Each session is two weeks long, Monday through Friday. Check with lifeguard in advance for requirements. Learn-to-Swim sessions led by Kayla Nishimura, Pāhala Swimming Pool Lifeguard.

     Session A, June 3 through 14: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Level 4, highest skill level offered. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Level 3, moderate to high skill level.

     Session B, June 17 through 28: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Level 3, moderate to high skill level. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Level 2, moderate skill level.

     Session C, July 1 through 12: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Level 2, low to moderate to high skill level. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Level 1, low skill level. suggested for five years old and up. 

     Session D, July 15 through 26: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., Level 2, low to moderate to high skill level. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Parent and child class - little to no skill level. One child per parent, six months old and up. Swim diapers required for children not yet potty trained.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Healing Through Words with Dr. Heather Rivera, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Volcano Art Center. Creative writing workshop. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Sauerkraut and Kombucha with Jasmine Silverstein, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m., doors open 5:30 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets: $10 donation. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques. kaucoffeefestival.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
TO BE RESCHEDULED: Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, originally scheduled for Sunday, April 28 is being rescheduled to a later date – to be announced – when more community chefs and student chefs are available for the annual event.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Hike & Lunch, Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., meet at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Wood Valley. $45; includes lunch. Reservations required. Limited to 30 people. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Early Head Start, Wednesday, May 1 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

May Day is Lei Day, May 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hands-on lei making demonstrations, live music and hula. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hula Voices with Musician Christy Leina‘ala Lassiter, Wednesday, May 1 – 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, May 1, 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+. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, MAY 2
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Thursday, May 2. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. – noon, Ka‘alaiki Rd., Nā‘ālehu. $40; includes lunch and transportation from meeting site. Reservations required. 987-4229/731-5409, kauvalley.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, May 2 and 16 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 17 – 3rd Friday monthly – 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, May 2 – 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

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, MAY 3
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day, Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. $25; includes BBQ buffet and hayrides. Reservations required. 927-2252, aikaneplantation.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser, Friday, May 3, doors open 5:30 p.m., dinner served 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Enchiladas, Tamales, Charro Borracho Beans (Mexican Cowboy Drunken Beans), Drinks and Dessert. $8/person, $15 for two, $20/family. stjudeshawaii.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Star Gazing, Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Makanau summit. $45, includes refreshments and shuttle ride. Reservation required. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

KDENte Fundraising Dinner for Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network, Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant, Hilo. Italian food buffet, $20 cash or check at door. 984-7344

The Great Kīlauea Eruption of 2018 and What May Soon Follow, Friday, May 3, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Presented by Geologist Dr. Richard "Rick" Hazlett, Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches.

     Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

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.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

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