The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

One of the anchialine ponds conserved at Kiolaka'a with purchase and transfer of lands to stewardship.
Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association

OWNERSHIP OF KIOLAKA'A, 1,828 ACRES RUNNING MAUKA TO THE KAʻŪ COAST, has been transferred for stewardship to Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Trust for Public Land, which helped to raise the funding and negotiate the purchase of Kiolaka'a with public and private funds, made the announcement this week. The statement said the transfer "maintains miles of open space and public access to coastal lands surrounding Ka'alua'alu Bay and Kapeao fresh water spring, a complex of anchialine ponds, as well as important cultural sites including a section of the Ala Kahakai Trail."
Reyna Ramolete Hayashi, the Aloha ʻĀina project manager for Trust for Public Land, said, "We're celebrating this milestone thanks to the commitment of the Kaʻū community. Their aloha for this special place has ensured it will be protected in perpetuity, and we are humbled to have helped ensure their vision is now reality."

Ka'alu'alu Bay and Kiolaka'a from the air above the Kaʻū Coast.
Photo by Shalan Crysdale, The Nature Conservancy

Kiolakaʻa is home to a treasured natural and cultural landscape, including one of the island's largest cave systems, the ancient Kamakalepo settlement which includes heiau (places of worship) and habitation sites, a native dryland forest, an extensive trail network, native coastal plants, a rich marine ecosystem and two varieties of ʻōpaeʻula – a rare endemic red shrimp. "With 90 percent of Hawaiʻi's native dryland forests lost, the preservation of Kiolakaʻa is critical to the survival of rare and endangered plants," said the TPL statement.
"Protecting ʻāina is key to preserving culture and history," added Ramolete Hayashi. "Efforts like these give us the unique opportunity to partner with communities and honor the values and traditions they hold dear."
The statement also says, "Under the Ala Kahakai Trail Association's thoughtful stewardship, Kiolakaʻa's historic ranch lands will be protected, ensuring Kaʻū's paniolo history is perpetuated. Cattle ranching will continue to fuel the area's economy, supporting local jobs and food security. Community members are welcome to steward precious cultural resources and continue subsistence fishing, gathering and cultural practices in the area."
Keoni Fox, Director of Ala Kahakai Trail Association, said, "ATA looks forward to working closely with the Ka'ū community and the County to create a community management plan that honors the legacy of our kūpuna to mālama these lands for the next generation.

Campers at Ka'alu'alu Bay. Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association

Nohealani Kaawa, of the Ala Kahakai Trail Stewardship Committee, said, "When you connect kanaka maoli to their ʻāina kulāiwi in places like Kiolakaʻa, that foundation has great potential to further strengthen and foundate our Kaʻū community. Strong communities are born out of each of us being our best selves and when given a space to work together, it allows for positive impacts, shaping the future of our keiki with all the resources that Kiolaka'a has to offer and teach."
Funding for the conservation purchase was made possible by the County of Hawai'i Public Access Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Program, the State of Hawai'i Department of Land & Natural Resources Legacy Land Conservation Program, and the Freeman Foundation.
Mayor Mitch Roth said that "Listening to and learning from the community is how we advance positive change. We're grateful for the Kaʻū community's vision and are honored to have worked alongside them to ensure Kiolakaʻa remains a pristine, natural resource for the community for generations to come."
Suzanne Case, Chair of the State of Hawaiʻi's Department of Land and Natural Resources, said, "We're thankful for the commitment of Trust for Public Land and Ala Kahakai Trail Association, who, guided by the community, have ensured another significant acreage of land in our state is preserved."

Cattle at Kiolaka'a. Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association

Ernest Moody, EWM Enterprises, LP, the seller of the land, said, "I am honored to convey this historically important property to Trust for Public Land and Ala Kahakai Trail Association, knowing it will be preserved for future generations."

"We are grateful to all participants who have successfully completed the transaction, so this 'āina will be protected in perpetuity," added Hawaii Pacific Brokers Realtor Charlie Anderson, who represented the seller.
Including Kiolakaʻa, Trust for Public Land's completed and in-progress projects have protected more than 24,000 acres surrounding the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile trail traversing many storied landscapes throughout Hawaiʻi Island. To learn more about Trust for Public Land visit tpl.org/hawaii.

Mauka to Makai Trail at Kiolaka'a.
Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association

Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 3 million acres of public land, created more than 5,000 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $84 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected more than 9 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.

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SENSITIVE PLACES WILL BE OFF LIMITS TO FIREARMS, following passage of a bill at the Hawai'i County Council on Wednesday. Bill 220 includes banning licensed firearms from sensitive places and also prohibits anyone from carrying them when intoxicated. Penalty under the new law could be as steep as revoking the license to carry for a year.

The language of the bill states that it aims "to protect sensitive areas that have traditionally been subject to restrictions on carrying or possessing firearms therein; to protect health, life, and property; and to preserve order and security within the County. The Council finds that the public’s expectations have been shaped by legal restrictions on public carry that have been in place in Hawai'i for 170 years, (see 1852 Haw. Sess. Laws Act of May 25, 1852, Section 1 at 19) and within the historical tradition of the United States. Setting restrictions consistent with these public expectations will ease public fear and confusion, avoid individual confrontations, and facilitate private decision-making by property owners."
Maile David, who represents Kaʻū on the County Council, voted for the bill along with four other members. Ashely Kierkiewicz voted against it and Sue Lee Loy and Rebecca Villegas were absent from the nine-member County Council.

The Sensitive Places are listed as: Hospitals, medical facilities, medical offices, and/or medical clinics, except where permission is granted by the administrator of the facility;

Schools, colleges, universities, and/or places where persons are assembled for educational purposes, except where permission is granted by the institution;
Daycare centers, playgrounds, and parks, except where permission is granted by the administrator of the facility;
Churches or religious assemblies, except where permission is granted by the administrator of the church, facility, or congregation;
Voter service centers or places of deposit, and any appurtenances thereto, as defined by section 11-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes;
Government buildings and the accompanying parking lots attached to such buildings, except when the licensed firearm is kept in the vehicle unloaded with an affixed trigger lock or in a locked case;
Private property open to the public where it is conspicuously posted that public carry of firearms is not allowed;
Public transit facilities and any mode of transportation utilized for public transit; and
Bars, restaurants, and establishments that serve alcohol for consumption on its premises.

MACADAMIA CROP INSURANCE DEADLINE IS NOV. 30, according to a statement from University

Crop insurance deadline for macadamia is Nov. 30.

of Hawai'i Ag Extension service. The deadline for coffee tree, coffee fruit, banana tree and papaya tree insurance is Dec. 31.
Extension agent Andrea Kawabata, who specializes in coffee and orchard crops, also recommended that crop insurance be in place before conducting such activities as early pruning and stumping and adding news practices to the farm. She advised contacting the crop insurance agent before proceeding.

She also noted that USDA is preparing to roll out an Emergency Relief Program Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program, two programs to help offset crop and revenue losses for producers. See https://hawaiicoffeeed.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dc446b652099bc74de6d6d59d&id=b559de0870&e=a37a033374.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST CONTINUES SATURDAY, DEC. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The evening features Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones in a concert called

Jean Pierre Thoma

Holiday Spirits, What A wonderful World!
A statement from Volcano Art Center says, "The concert is a holiday celebration of the gifts of life which we enjoy and sometimes forget to appreciate. The blessings of music which express the themes of the holidays are widely spread through the media, and the concert is a reminder of the depth of spirit available to us when we slow down from the busy-ness of the season and give thanks."
The band consists of Jean Pierre Thoma on woodwinds; Alex Czerny on keyboards; and Brian McCree swinging his doghouse bass. "Russell Lundgren moves us along rhythmically, and Leelu Mitchell will provide heavenly vocals for our illumination, inspiration, and pleasure. This concert will be a blend of the old standard holiday melodies, and an up-to-date jazzier expression of our love and unity," says the announcement.
Tickets are $25 for VAC members ($30 non-members). Ticket holders will be able to purchase beer, wine, as well as pupus. Tickets are available for sale online at www.volcanoartcenter.org, or at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village. The last day to purchase tickets online is Friday, Dec. 2. After that, tickets will be sold at the door, if they are not sold out. Tickets will be held at Will Call on the day of the show. Pick them up any day before the show at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

Keiki and their families are raising money to send members of Halau Hula O Leionalani, based at Pāhala Hongwanji,
to perform in Japan next summer with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder. Photo by Julia Neal

HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI HAS LAUNCHED A FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN to take take eight keiki and four ladies to Kawasaki, Japan. They will perform at a concert hall in Kawasaki about 30 miles from Tokyo, along with Japan, Okinawa, Mexico and Virginia sister halau under the tutelage of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder. Halau members leave for Japan next July 6 and return to Ka'u on July 11.

Kehau Tamure, known as the voice of famed Hawaiian
musical group Na Palapalai, volunteered for the Halau
Hula O Leionalani fundraiser, making arrangements
with ferns in banana stumps. She also performed.
Photo by Julia Neal

In addition to performing, they plan to visit the biggest fish market in the world called Tsukigi, located in Tokyo. They will also be in a cultural exchange with Japanese students and study calligraphy and other practices. They will visit ancient castles around Tokyo.
The halau will also meet with halau members from Japan who will attend the concert. Hula as a practice remains very popular in Japan, with more halau than in Hawai'i. It is a tradition for kumu hula from Hawai'i to travel to Japan to teach. With Japan just lifting its covid travel restrictions, kumu from Hawai'i are going back, said Ryder.
A Halau Hula O Leionalani fundraiser lu'au was recently held at Pāhala Hongwanji in the style of the early 60s and 50s in which people were served their Hawaiian meal at the table, rather than standing in line for food. Members of the halau were the servers. Said Ryder, "I want our halau members to take this tradition home with with them to practice in the future. Serve those who you invite for food."
Halau members, including the haumana going to Japan, are are fundraising on their own in the community. Donation checks can be mailed to the non-profit 501C3 Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, in care of Debbie Ryder at P.O. Box 1023, Pāhala, HI 96777.
The recent fundraiser lu'au, sponsored by Uhane was attended by more than 200. It featured Kehau Tamure, known for her hits songs with Na Palapalai, and Lorna Lim who performed, emceed and introduced her daughter Wehilei Lim Ryder with her father Wailau, the son of Debbie Ryder. The performance showcased Wehilei Lim Ryder's recent CD release Music Heals the Soul with her original compositions Kohala Hawai'i, Stolen, and Sunshine.

Halau Hula Leionalani, based at Pāhala Hongwanji, will send some members to Japan next year.
The halau recently performed for its luau to raise money for the trip. Photo by Julia Neal

Also performing were The Homestead Band from Maui, as well as Gene and Demetrius with the halau.
Debbie Ryder said she would like to thank O Ka'u Kakou for donating the tables, Alvin Kailiawa for the big tent, Matt and Nathan Ortega for building the stage, and Pahala Hongwanji for the venue. She also thanked Lauren Wong Yuen 'ohana for the kalolo, Jamie Kailiawa for the cakes, Chelsea Kobzi for haupia, and Kawehi Ryder and volunteers for preparing the imu and all other foods. Flowers and other foliage were donated and arranged by halau and community members.

Weihilei Lim Ryder danced and sang from her new
album Music Heals the Soul. Photo by Julia Neal

THE RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT drew action on Wednesday from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who voted to invoke cloture on the bipartisan, bicameral legislation that she cosponsored to protect interracial and same-sex marriage equality in federal law. The legislation, which passed in the House in July, passed the major procedural cloture vote 62-37 on Wednesday, all but ensuring its final passage in the Senate, said a statement from her office.
Hirono said, "Nearly a decade ago, the Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality as the law of the land. But as the far-right majority on the Court works to eliminate fundamental rights, it is clear we must act to protect same-sex and interracial marriages. The Respect for Marriage Act will give same-sex and interracial couples the certainty that their marriage is, and always will be, legal—and I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation," said Senator Hirono. "I look forward to voting on final Senate passage of this legislation, and I'll continue fighting to ensure that every person in our country is treated with dignity and respect—regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion."

Ladies of Halau Hula O Leionalani. Photo by Julia Neal

Respect for Marriage Act would: Require the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed; guarantee that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple's sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin, but the bill would not require a State to issue a marriage license contrary to state law.
The House companion bill was introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chairman David Cicilline (D-RI) and passed the House on July 19 by a vote of 267 to 157, with 47 Republicans voting in favor.
Hirono has been a consistent champion for LGBTQ+ rights. Earlier this year, she introduced a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and took to the Senate floor to block Senate Republicans' attempt to pass anti-transgender legislation to ban trans women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender. In March, Hirono also introduced a resolution with her Senate colleagues recognizing International Transgender Day of Visibility. She is also a sponsor of the Equality A ct, legislation which would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ individuals.

A SMALL MILOLI'I MEETING ON MAUNA LOA VOLCANIC ACTIVITY will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Miloli'i Beach Park pavilion. Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno and USGS chief scientist Ken Hon will host a talk story about ongoing Mauna Loa seismic activity that may lead up to lava flow somewhere on the volcano.

Civil Defense is focusing the meeting for kupuna and Miloli'i residents on the coastal plane, as well as Miloli'i boaters, fishers, and upslope Miloli'i hillside farmers and residents.
Additional meetings for more area residents are expected in the future. Civil Defense can be reached at 808-935-0031. A Mauna Loa lava flow in 1926 took out the homes of the fishing village Ho'opuloa next to Miloli'i. The steep side of Mauna Loa above Miloli'i means that lava can reach the ocean more quickly than in other places with less of a slope.
Civil Defense is posting daily reports of seismic activity on Mauna Loa. Fifty small earthquakes, under Magnitude 3.0 in 24 hours, were reported by county Civl Defense on Tuesday. On Wednesday Civil Defense reported 40 small quakes in 24 hours.

Lava from Mauna Loa destroying the village of Ho'opuloa next to Miloli'i in 1926. Photo from Kona Historical Society

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022

Surfer and scientist Dr. Cliff Kapono, whose father lives in Waiohinu, is on the MEGA Lab team in Hilo, mapping surf spots
internationally to protect them. He is also an ambassador for surf apparel brand REEF, which helps fund the program.
Photo from REEF

THE MEGA LAB IN HILO IS MAPPING TOP SURF SPOTS IN THE WORLD to help protect them. MEGA stands for Multiscale Environmental Graphical Analysis. A statement from its operatives and University of Hawai'i enlightens: "With more than 80 percent of the world’s oceans left unexplored, untouched and unseen by humans, researchers know more about the surface of Mars than the ocean."

Dr. John H.R. Burns
Image from MEGA Lab

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo professor, Dr. John H.R. Burns, leads the team of scientists to 3D map the planet’s premier surf breaks to help better protect reefs around the world. Burns, along with Dr. Haunani Kane and Dr. Cliff Kapono, both of Arizona State University, recently mapped the reef at Kurukuru Mailani in Fiji, also known as Cloudbreak, which is home to some of the biggest and best waves in the world. The team takes high resolution images of the reef and uses a technique called photogrammetry to create 3D reconstructions that can be studied to help provide a better understanding of reef systems.
“These models will help us to understand the composition, characteristics and ecology of the reef and these waves that will help us to protect them in the face of disturbances such as sea level rise,” said Burns, an associate professor of marine science at UH Hilo.

Dr. Cliff Cliff Kapono
Image from MEGA Lab

According to the UH statement, the researchers are skilled surfers and base their work out of the MEGA lab in Hilo. The MEGA Lab specializes in inventing new methods to study coral health and reef formation that influences the shape and speed of waves across the globe. The non-profit is a global consortium of scientists, athletes and artists working together to create innovative solutions to protect the ocean.
UH students and alumni Kailey Pascoe (MS, UH Hilo, PhD ASU), Crispin Nakoa (MS, UH Hilo, PhD ASU), Atsuko Fukunaga (MS, UH Mānoa) are analyzing data collected in Fiji and constructing high definition 3D reconstructions in the MEGA Lab.
“The 3D maps give us this framework, essentially a basis of the whole system and its structure and then we figure out which specific corals are supporting various types of fish and ultimately we can dissect what elements of the reef give us the food and the resources that we as humans depend on,” said Burns.

Dr. Haunani Kane
Image from MEGA Lab

The 3D reef mapping project born out of the MEGA Lab is a collaboration between the Hawaiʻi Island-based lab, surf apparel brand REEF and Surfline, a surf forecast and news website. The project first launched in 2021 at the legendary surf break Banzai Pipeline on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The surfing scientists conducted multiple trips to the North Shore to image the famous surfing spot known for its jagged, sharp reef.
“Many funding agencies may see this type of trip as strictly play, but we are doing real science down here,” said Kapono, who is the son of the Cliff Kapono who lives in Waiohinu.
The team has not disclosed where their next reef research will take place however they do mention looking for possible spots in the South Pacific and aim to include local communities into the research.
“It’s important to remember that we are visitors in these places and learn from the Indigenous peoples before we impose our tools on the community,” said Kane.
More on the MEGA Lab: This fall, MEGA Lab celebrated the grand opening of its new outreach location at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo. The lab is open to the public and provides a space for visitors of all ages to learn and participate in branches of research connected to marine science.

Research technician Kailey Pascoe mapping Cloudbreak reef in Fiji, one of the best surfing spots on the planet.

Photo by Todd Glaser

“We really want to create an engaging place for people to feel like they can be a part of science. For a while, science hasn’t been the most welcoming environment. It can be somewhat rigid and sterile. We just wanted to flip that script and show students that you can have fun. You can chase your passions. You can be yourself,” said Burns.

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Children with disabilities are invited to Surfers Healing Camp on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Photo from Surfers Healing

A SURFERS HEALING CAMP IS OPEN TO CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES islandwide. Hawai'i County Department of Parks & Recreation made the announcement Tuesday that the Surfers Healing Camp will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo. Experienced surfing instructors, surfboards, and life vests will be provided. This event is free for all participants.

Surfers Healing is a national organization whose goal is to share the joy of surfing with those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to surf. Surfers Healing Camps are held worldwide, providing more than 6,000 children the opportunity to experience surfing annually. For the past 13 years, Surfers Healing Hawai'i Chapter has offered children with disabilities and their families the unique experience of surfing with professionals under supervised conditions. This free event is offered through a partnership between the county, Surfers Healing Hawai'i Chapter, the Eddie Aikau Foundation, Vans International, and Double Good.
To register a child and learn more about the camp, visit www.surfershealing.org. Space is limited. For additional information, call the Recreation Division office at 808-961-8740.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at w wwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

FARMERS AND RANCHERS ARE ALERTED THAT CROP INSURANCE deadlines are looming. The application period closes Dec. 31 for coffee trees, coffee fruit, banana trees, macadamia nut trees, macadamia nuts, and papaya trees.

Crop insurance agent Bonnie Lind is on island to meet farmers and ranchers in-person to teach them about coffee crop insurance and the federal Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program. She met with Ka'u Coffee farmers on Monday and is available again on Thursday at the CTAHR Kona Extension Service Conference Rom at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Hwy in Kealakekua from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Phone 888-276-7728 or email agsecure@sbcglobal.net.

University of Hawai'i staff will host a live Q&A panel discussion on ag insurance this Thursday, Nov. 17 and again Thursday, Dec. 1, both at 9:30 a.m. Register at www.HawaiiCoffeeEd.com/coffeeinsur or call 808-3220164.
USDA Risk Management Agency is hosting a roadshow event on the Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program and Micro Farm insurance programs for specialty crop and organic producers. Its next webinar is on Tues., Dec. 13 at 6 a.m. HST.

See https://rma.usda.gov/en/Policy-and-Procedure/Insurance-Plans/Whole-Farm-Revenue-Protection.

Also see https://rma.usda.gov/en/Fact-Sheets/National-Fact-Sheets/Micro-Farm-Program.