Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, September 23, 2019

Christina Rasmussen and Megan Denny, who finished third and first in the Women' 5K, with Kaʻū Coffee Queen 
Helena Sesson, Princess Liliana Marques, and Miss Flower Kysha Manini Kaʻupu. 
Emcee Eddie-O is far right. See more results below. Photo by Julia Neal

WILD BEES ARE RECOVERING ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND after a loss of about 99 percent of them over about eight years, says Allison Yahna. The bee expert said she is inspired by the expected recovery on this island and around the world, as people are becoming aware of the importance of bees in nature and for the survival of food for humans. She said there are many new beekeepers on this island.

     Earlier this month, Yahna, who founded Artimis Smiles Honey Bee Sanctuary in Kaʻū 20 years ago, took her daughter, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences student Manu Yahna, to Montreal for Apimondia 2019, the world's largest conference on bees. They found that people from many countries are dedicated to reviving bee populations. Allison said she was most inspired by the number of folks interested in supporting local bees, adapted to their locale and evolving with genetic diversity to help fight off onslaught of disease.

Honeybees on a removable comb. Photo from Swarm Season

     She said that Hawaiʻi Island, in its isolation from the mainland, is like a laboratory with very little risk to bees until the last decade. "We were able to see, with the sudden onslaught of imported mites, beetles, and disease, that only the strong bees evolved and survived." Even though 99 percent of wild bees and 90 percent of commercial bees perished, "evolution worked," she said. "The weak died off. The strong had traits that allowed them to survive." She said that some bees with hygienic behavior were able to cull out infected brood, groom each other and remove mites, and self-medicate by dining on medicinal plants. Bees adapted by gathering antimicrobial resins and saps from plants to varnish the interiors of their hives, to keep out disease.

     Yahna said there are theories on the origin of the diseases that killed the bees here. Hawaiʻi, with its isolation from disease, became a popular place to mass produce queen bees to create hives that are used in large tracts of agriculture on the mainland. Hundreds of thousand of the queens are shipped to orchards that need pollination for almonds, rapeseed to produce canola, and other monoculture, industrial crops.

A honeybee, alighting on a flower near dawn. Photo from Swarm Season

     She said that mass producing queens, kept in cages without exposure to the elements and preventing their natural behavior of swarming to find a new home, make them weaker. They can lose the ability to resist disease. She said that beetles could have come onto the island through imported, used beekeeping equipment, soil, and imported fruit. The disease nosima C. could have arrived with imported semen to impregnate the queen bees. Mites could have come through shipments of queen bees, en route from New Zealand to the North American mainland, with a stop in Honolulu.

     If there were a wholesale crash of bees – here and on the mainland, there could be food shortage. "The food system in the U.S. needs pollination."

     Yahna said that the conference drew much interest in an approach toward locally sourced bees kept as wild as possible, living in a diversity of wild plants and crops in local, small scale agriculture systems for each community. Beekeepers would raise bees adapted to each community. She said that letting the bees evolve, while minimizing toxins and other threats to them, could be the best solution.

     "Everything the bees do, is the result of 30 million years of evolution." Humans, on the planet for a shorter time than bees, can learn from them, instead of trying adapt bees to a new system that is likely unsustainable," she said. She recommended the book, The Lives of Bees: The Untold Story of the Honeybee in the Wild.

A beekeeper, watching a swarm of honeybees. Photo from Swarm Season

     A keynote speaker at the convention was T.D. Seeley, of the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

     He explained the idea of Darwinian beekeeping, as an evolutionary approach that seeks to provide managed honey bee colonies with living conditions that are as close as possible to those of wild honey bee colonies. "The goal is to harmonize our beekeeping methods with the natural history of Apis mellifera," allowing bees to "make full use of the toolkit of adaptations that they have evolved over the last 30 million years." Seeley explained the pursuit of beekeeping "centered less on treating a bee colony as a honey factory and more on nurturing the lives of honey bees."

     Yahna said that the owner of Hawaiian Queen, a company on Hawaiʻi Island that produces queens for the mainland, attended the convention and is working with her on new approaches to raising queen bees in more sustainable environments. Contact beeoracal@gmail.com. See the trailer of Yahna's film, Swarm Season.

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REMOTE COUNSELING is available to Kaʻū residents through Root 2 Rise Counseling Center in Hilo. Meeting with a licensed mental health counselor via video or voice calls means there is no need to go to an office for appointments. Patients can work with a counselor in any private place, such as a bedroom, lanai, or someplace in nature. This is suited for those who don't like sitting in traffic, don't drive, or simply prefer the comfort of staying home.

     "This service may work for you in a way previous counseling hasn't, said Kim Pierce, founder of Root 2 Rise. After several years of working with clients on the Big Island, she said, it became clear to her that driving hours to an appointment in town was not ideal for many of her clients.

     "We know that the need for counseling is on the rise, and we are just making it more accessible to all," says Pierce. "According to the 2010 Census, the Hawaiian islands are composed of 93.9 percent rural areas. Root 2 Rise's goal is to make counseling on all of the Hawaiian Islands accessible in a way it hasn't been before, so that no matter how far you live from town, or how busy your schedule is, counseling can work for you.

     "Our brains are one of our most precious organs. It is what makes us, us. Everyone needs a place to rest and reset. Maybe you have never been to counseling and are interested in giving it a try. Mental health counseling is not only for severe mental health disorders. Anyone looking to make adjustments in their life can benefit from speaking with a professional to improve what is no longer working for you, or for your family. 

People providing care in our community such as teachers, nurses, doctors, and health providers will now have the flexibility and privacy of working toward their mental health goals with a counselor via voice or video sessions."

     No physician referral is needed to begin counseling services. To schedule an appointment call 808-765-5080, with insurance card ready. Root 2 Rise accepts both HMSA and HMSA Quest insurance plans. For other insurance carriers, call to talk about out of pocket rates.

     Children and adults have been shown to benefit significantly from participating in mental health services, said Pierce. For those who prefer to meet in person, the counseling center is equipped with two rooms that are set up for kids, and three for adults and families. The counseling center is located in downtown Hilo across from Blane's on Waianuenue Ave.
     Privacy and confidentiality are a key component to successful mental health counseling. The professional will talk about right to privacy and confidentiality during the first visit. "You don't need to be at rock bottom to receive the benefits of counseling," said Pierce.

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Final Half Marathon finisher, 72-year-old Joe Loschiavo, holds up a drink
- NOT water - in celebration of his accomplishment. Photo by Julia Neal

THE SIXTH ANNUAL KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUN on Saturday, Sept. 21 boasted competitors from as far away as Japan. It included international adventurers like Mayumi Takahashi, 51, and Teresa Oniwa, 61, who immigrated to  Brazil decades ago and recently moved back to Japan.
     Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Nihipali Sesson fired the pistol to start all three races. Eddie-O served as Master of Ceremonies.

     The Run saw 226 people of all ages take to the coffee and macadamia nut orchards, and the rainforest above Pāhala, near Kaʻū Coffee Mill, where all three races started and ended. Sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, Edmund C. Olson Trust II, Kaʻū Coffee Mill, County of Hawaiʻi, BioAstin, and Webscorer, the annual event raises money to invest in programs run by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, for the benefit of Kaʻū.

    Prizes for the winners were donated by Atlantis Submarine, Big Island Candies, Body Glove, Capt. Zodiac, Hapuna Beach Resort, Hilo Hawaiian Buffet, King Kamehameha Hotel Buffet, Mizuno Superette, Starbucks, Target-Kona, and WalMart.

     Kaʻū's Denny family ran together in the 5K again this year. Megan Denny, in the age 40-49 group, placed first – she also won it in 2016 and 2018 – 9th overall, at 28:01.3. Justin Denny (40-49) finished 9th for men, 14th overall, and 3rd in his category, at 30:22.3. Justin Denny III, 16 (19 & under), finished 9th for men, 10th overall – right on Megan's heels – and 5th in his category, at 28:45.2. They all improved their times over last year's race.

Three race finishers with Kaʻū Coffee Queen Helena Sesson, Princess Liliana 
Marques, and Miss Flower Kysha Manini Kaʻupu. Photo by Julia Neal

     Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Public Affairs Specialist, Jessica Ferracane, finished the 5K, as did the youngest entrant of all three races, 6-year-old Yuna Liener. The youngest entrant in the 10K, 16-year-old Maia Akao, finished 41st overall in that race. The youngest entrant in the Half Marathon, 11-year-old Nova Stickley, finished 55th overall in that race.
     Winner of the Women's 5K was Megan Denny (40-49) – see above for more. Second place was Carla Lind (30-39), of Kaʻū, at 29:31.3. Christina Rasmussen (40-49) took third, at 31:55.3.

     The Men's 5K was won by Jared Barrett (19 & under) at 21:59.3. Henry Miranda (19 & under) took second, at 22:57.8. Matthew Newton (19 & under) took third, at 25:15.9.

     Winner of the Women's 10K was Lucile Redon (20-29) at 58:03.6. Tonya Rude (50-59) took second, at 59:00.1. Third was Megan Lamson Leatherman (30-39), of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, at 1:03:03.5.

     Winner of the Men's 10K was Jeffrey Iverslie (50-59), at 51:37.0. Second was Adrien Azema (20-29), at 52:46.2. Bryce Harada (20-29) took third, at 53:51.7.

     Amy Young (30-39), of Keaʻau, won the Women's Half Marathon, at 1:48:03.7. Second place was Noe McMahon (20-29) for the second year in a row, at 1:51:39.8. Third place was Bree Brown (30-39), of Kona, last year's first place winner, at 2:00:30.1.

     Winner of the Men's Half Marathon was Zachary Songa (30-39) at 1:28:51.8. Second place was Patrick Stover (30-39), of Kona, who took first last year, at 1:39:34.9. Third place was Mark Larson (30-39) at 1:40:47.4.

Mayumi Takahashi, 51, and Teresa Oniwa, 61, arrived from Japan for the 

race. They immigrated to Brazil decades ago and recently moved 

back to Japan. Photo by Julia Neal

     Other participants from the Kaʻū area, Volcano to Miloliʻi, include:

     Women's 5K: Marie Pearson (20-29) at 35:31.5, who took first in her age group, 13th overall. Sheryl Cobb (40-49) at 53:04.8, who took 10th in her age group, 56th overall. Shirley Saribay (40-49) at 56:02.1, who took 12th in her age group, 60th overall. Kathy Baxter (50-59) at 39:08.3, who took 3rd in her age group, 22nd overall. Lynn Morrison (50-59) at 51:22.2, who took 9th in her age group, 49th overall. Meredith Linden (50-59) at 51:35.7, who took 10th in her age group, 51st overall. Robin Stratton (60-69) at 44:07.9, who took 3rd in her age group, 36th overall.

     Women's 10K: Kimberly Weisenborn (30-39) at 1:20:03.0, who took 7th in her age group, 22nd overall.

     Women's Half Marathon: Sally Marrack (40-49) at 2:16:13.9, who took second in her age group, 7th overall.

Tropical Storm Kiko is expected to die off before
affecting Hawaiʻi. NOAA image

     Men's Half Marathon: Shawn Mishler (50-59) at 2:00:30.5, who took second in his age group, 12th overall.
     See all the results at webscorer.com/race?raceid=196360.

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TROPICAL STORM KIKO was 1,200 miles from South Point, moving at 12 mile per hour with 60 mph winds at 5 p.m. She is forecast to devolve into a tropical depression by Wednesday afternoon. Kiko has been unpredictable, but is expected to die off before affecting Hawaiʻi.

     The other storms and weather disturbances in the region have dissipated. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, September is the peak month for hurricane and tropical storm activity in the Pacific and Atlantic.

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.

2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū

Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals

Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū

Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui

Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū

Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau

Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau

Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24

H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Operatic Theater with Artist-in-Residence, Alan Olejniczak, Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., KīlaueaVisitor Center Auditorium. Olenjniczak, playwright and librettist, presents excerpts from the first draft of an audio drama about the natural history and future of Hawai‘i Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 965-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, Sept. 25 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626, for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Pū‘ohe Demonstration, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Make a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26

Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday, Sept. 26, 11a.m.-noon, multipurpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala.

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, Sept. 26, 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues to benefit students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Sept. 26, 4-6p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 28. Park entrance is free. neefusa.org

National Public Lands Day Volunteering, Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:45a.m.-noon, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. No advance registration required. Volunteers receive pass to return and enjoy park fee-free another day. No entrance fees. nps.gov/havo

Nature & Culture, Saturday, Sept. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

SUNDAY, SEPT. 29

Realms and Divisions, Sunday, Sept. 29, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.

     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Tutoring for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.

     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, September 22, 2019

Former Miss Kaʻū Coffee Amey Silva and her keiki at the inaugural Fall Family Funday Rodeo. Photo by Julia Neal

THE INAUGURAL FALL FAMILY RODEO on Saturday showed off paniolo skills of keiki and youth. Organized by Tammy Kaʻapana Kaʻū Roping and Riding Association and co-sponsored by Nancy Cabral and Day-Lum Properties, the rodeo at Naalehu Arena saw competitors up to age 17. The youngest, one-year-old Kauwanaokalani Kaluna-Yurong, refused to let go of the tail when pulling off the ribbon in the Goat Undecorating event.

Winners of Barrel Racing, ages 9-13, No Help.
Photo by Julia Neal

    In Dummy Roping, 4 and under, McKenzy DeMattos took first, Kuʻulei Serrao took second, and Kalauʻili Cardoza took third. For ages 5-8, Colt Mandaloniz took first, Kysen Rapoza took third, and Jaycee Amaral took third.

    In Goat Undecorating, 4 and under, Kuʻulei Serrao took first, Janiese Amaral took second, and McKenzy DeMattos took third. For ages 5-8, Hilai Karatti took first, Hilinai Karatti took second, and Jaycee Amaral took third.
          In Barrel Racing, 4 and under, with help, Devyn Akana took first, Marina Sakata took second, and Kalauʻili Cardoza took third. For ages 5-8, with help, Keanna took first, Quentin Lorenzo took second, and Kysen Rapoza took third.

Winners of Goat Undecorating, ages 4 & under. 

Photo by Julia Neal

        In Barrel Racing, for ages 5-8, without help, Hilai Karatti took first, Caya Wong took second.

Winners of Dummy, ages 5-8. Photo by Julia Neal

     For ages 9-13, the first go saw Kryslynn Nabarra at 17.87, Teani Souza at 18.64, and Blayne DeMattos at 20.43. The second go saw Nabarra at 18.41, Moana Mortensen at 19.75, and DeMattos at 20.80. Nabarra took first, with an average time of 18.14. Mortensen took second, with an average time of 20.095. Souza took third, with an average time of 20.225.

    In Barrel Racing, for ages 14-17, McKella Akana was the only competitor.

Winners of Pole Bending, ages 5-8, with Help. 

Photo by Julia Neal

    In Pole Bending, for 4 and under, with help, Kalauʻili Cardoza took first, McKenzy DeMattos took third, and Aurora Serrao took third. For ages 5-8, with help, Keanna Macanas took first, Quentin Lorenzo took second, and Kysen Ropoza took third. For ages 9-13, the first go saw Blayne DeMattos at 31.22, Kryslynn Nabarra at 32.77, and Hayzen at 39.12. The second go saw Nabarra at 29.24, DeMattos at 33.70, and Moana Mortensen at 36.04. Nabarra took first, with an average time of 36.005. DeMattos took second, with an average time of 32.46. Mortensen took third, with an average time of 39.545. For ages 14-17, McKella Akana was the only competitor, with no time recorded.

     In Calf Riding, Hayzeh took first, Chaz took second, and Austin took third.

     In Sheep Riding, Kyson Rapoza took first, Kamakoa took second, and Quentin Lorenzo took third.
     In Calf Riding, Hayzeh took first, Chaz took second, and Austin took third.

A winner of Barrel Racing,
ages 5-8, No Help.
Photo by Julia Neal

     In Sheep Riding, Kyson Rapoza took first, Kamakoa took second, and Quentin Lorenzo took third.

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ar.com.

A SCAM ATTEMPT WARNING comes from the Department of Water Supply, County of Hawaiʻi. The utility wants to remind its customers and the public to be wary of fraudulent telephone calls asking for personal information or visits from people claiming to represent DWS.

     DWS does not ask for Social Security numbers.

Winners of Barrel Racing, ages 4 & under,
with Help. Photo by Julia Neal

     It's acceptable for customers to ask to see an employee's official identification if they are unsure if he or she is from DWS. DWS personnel carry official photo badge identification and drive marked vehicles displaying the DWS name and logo on the doors.
     People who receive suspicious phone calls or visits from someone claiming to represent DWS should not provide any personal information that's requested. Instead, they should call DWS at (808) 961-8060 and the Hawaiʻi Police Department's non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311 to file a report. Also, be aware that some telephone scammers are now disguising their fraudulent attempts by having local or legitimate phone numbers appear on the recipient's Caller ID feature.

A family of paniolo at the inaugural Fall Family 

Funday 2019 Rodeo. Photo by Julia Neal

     Customers and members of the general public may email any concerns to dws@hawaiidws.org or call (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies.

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LEARN WHY HVO STAFF IS LENDING A HELPING HAND to Alaska colleagues. Read this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

Winners of Sheep. Photo by Julia Neal

     Volcano observatories across the United States work together to ensure efficient and thorough monitoring of the nation's active volcanoes. This collaboration is particularly evident during a crisis, like the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano.

     In 2018, scientists, field engineers, and administrative professionals from across the USGS Volcano Science Center came to the Island of Hawaiʻi to assist HVO in monitoring Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone lava flows and summit collapses. Their assistance was critical to maintaining HVO's 24/7 response capability.

One-year-old Kauwanaokalani Kaluna-Yurong, 

nibbling on her participation ribbon for 

Goat Undecorating. Photo by Julia Neal

     Collaboration between volcano observatories also occurs in non-crisis times – for example, helping with regularly scheduled field operations. Some volcano observatories, such as the one in Alaska, must accomplish all field work in the summer because other times of the year can bring harsh weather and dangerous working conditions. Since the summer field season in Alaska is short, it is important to use temporary help from other states.

     The field season for the Alaska Volcano Observatory staff is intense. The sun is almost always up, and the daylight hours are fully used when weather permits. Help from other volcano observatories allows field teams to be rotated every month to avoid burn-out.

Winners of Pole Bending, ages 4 & under, with Help. 

Photo by Julia Neal

     This summer, several HVO staff traveled to Alaska to help build new, and upgrade old, seismic monitoring sites on western Aleutian volcanoes. This is part of a big step that AVO is taking to convert their entire seismic network from an analog to an all-digital network. This is important because digital instruments can detect a wider range of earthquake signals, which, in turn, helps scientists "see" more types of processes happening beneath the ground surface. HVO made the transition to a digital network in 2014‒2017.

Winners of Pole Bending, ages 9-13, No Help. 

Photo by Julia Neal

     Our work began on Adak, an island about 1770 km (1100 mi) southwest from Anchorage, Alaska. The island, home to a military base from 1942 to 1997, is eerily peaceful now that most of the facilities have been abandoned. It was our base of operations – the hub, where more-remote field stations tie into the Alaska volcano monitoring network.

     From Adak, we boarded the research vessel Steadfast, which took us across the Bering Sea anywhere from 35 to 750 km (22 to 466 mi) to different volcanoes. The RV Steadfast was our home away from home, until the boat returned to Adak to rotate in a new field crew, refuel, and restock supplies.

     Once we reached the targeted volcano, the captain dropped anchor in a harbor that would be mostly protected from potentially fierce, incoming Aleutian storms. From there, we flew in the onboard helicopter to go back and forth from the ship to the different field sites.

Winners of Goat Undecorating, ages 5-8. Photo by Julia Neal

     The weather was always a factor in our work. We were shrouded in fog nearly every morning, but we had to be ready to fly to a field site at the drop of a hat. Whenever the helicopter pilot deemed that a safe window of opportunity had arrived, we loaded up and took off.

     Once we landed on the volcano, the real work began. We dug a foundation for the equipment hut and a 2-meter- (about 6-ft-) deep hole, where the seismometer would reside and "listen" for ground motions (earthquakes). Solar panels were mounted on the hut, which housed 15 deep-cycle 12-volt batteries to power the electronics that digitizes signals from the seismometer and sends data back to Adak via radio.

Winners of Dummy, ages 4 & under. Photo by Julia Neal

     Once in a while, when looking up to catch our breath, we would notice the majestic snow-capped peaks surrounding us. But those times were brief. We were in a race against the sun, while battling the ever-changing weather conditions.

     The work was difficult but rewarding. Living in close quarters, continuously strategizing to overcome the elements, and working as a team on a remote volcano, led to a bond with our AVO colleagues that will last beyond the Aleutian field work.

     HVO is always busy with Hawaiian volcanoes but assisting our sister observatories is also part of what we do. No matter where a volcano is located, our mission is always the same – to enhance public safety through information and science.

Winners of Calf Riding. Photo by Julia Neal

    Volcano Activity Updates

     Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL. Kīlauea deformation and seismicity showed no notable changes over the past week. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are low at the summit and below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the LERZ. The water pond at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen.

     At or near the 2018 LERZ eruptive fissures, elevated ground temperatures and minor releases of gas – steam, tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide – persist. These are typical post-eruption conditions and are expected to be long-term. Hazards remain at the LERZ and summit of Kīlauea. Closures and warnings in these areas should be heeded. The 2018 lava flows are primarily on private property; please be respectful and do not enter or park on private property.
     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption is certain.

At the inaugural Fall Family Funday Rodeo, well-known Kaʻū paniolo Lorilee Lorenzo runs after 6 yr old Quentin Lorenzo during Barrel Racing, ages 5-8, with help. Dad Frank Lorenzo Jr. leads. Photo from Lorenzo family

     One earthquake with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.5 quake 12 km (7 mi) southwest of Leilani Estates at 4 km (2 mi) depth on Sept. 11 at 4:47 p.m.

     Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. 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.

2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū

Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals

Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū

Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui

Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū

Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau

Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau

Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24

H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Operatic Theater with Artist-in-Residence, Alan Olejniczak, Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., KīlaueaVisitor Center Auditorium. Olenjniczak, playwright and librettist, presents excerpts from the first draft of an audio drama about the natural history and future of Hawai‘i Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 965-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, Sept. 25 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626, for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Pū‘ohe Demonstration, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Make a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26

Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday, Sept. 26, 11a.m.-noon, multipurpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala.

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, Sept. 26, 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues to benefit students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Sept. 26, 4-6p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 28. Park entrance is free. neefusa.org

National Public Lands Day Volunteering, Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:45a.m.-noon, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. No advance registration required. Volunteers receive pass to return and enjoy park fee-free another day. No entrance fees. nps.gov/havo

Nature & Culture, Saturday, Sept. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

SUNDAY, SEPT. 29

Realms and Divisions, Sunday, Sept. 29, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.

     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Tutoring for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.

     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

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.