Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

Maunakea Silversword blossoms. Mauankea silverswords are relatives of the also endangered Kaʻū silversword. Mauna Kea silverswords are sprouting under a University of Hawai'i-Hilo program called Center for Maunakea Stewardship, in
partnership with the state Division of Forestry & Wildlife. See more below. Photo from Center for Maunakea Stewardship

THE PRINCE KUHIO HO'OLAULEA is back in action on Saturday, March 25. This event, organized by local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū, will take place at Nāʻālehu Ball Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hana Laulima members said they are excited to host this community event, which migrated to a virtual celebration in 2020, and then took a hiatus during COVID. The festival will feature music, hula, food, arts and crafts, Hawaiian cultural demos and activities, as well as informational booths and lucky number prizes.

    The call is also out for vendors interested in sharing their food and arts and crafts talents with Kaʻū at the hoʻolauleʻa.

A VENDORS MEETING THIS SATURDAY, FEB. 25 FOR THE PRINCE KUHIO HO'OLAULEA will be held at Nāʻālehu Community Center at 10 a.m. The Ho'olaulea is Saturday, March 25 at Naalehu Ballpark.

    This informational meeting is for all those who would like to be vendors. A statement from sponsoring organization Hana Laulima Lahui O Kaʻū said, "It is highly recommended for potential vendors to attend to receive their checklist of forms that need to be completed. Hoʻolauleʻa representatives will be at the center until 12 p.m. All vendor forms will be due no later than March 18."

     Anyone interested in participating as a vendor can contact Terry Shibuya at (808) 938-3681 or email hanalaulimalahuiokau@gmail.com to reserve a booth space.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

In 1984, silverswords were recognized
as endangered, with high risk of extinction.

THE SILVERSWORD RECOVERY EFFORT IS SPROUTING ON MAUNAKEA. Efforts to re-establish the highly endangered silversword on Maunakea are germinating through a partnership between University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry & Wildlife.
    Silversword seeds, first sown at the Center for Maunakea Stewardship greenhouse at the Halepōhaku mid-level facility in February 2022, sprouted into more than 100 seedlings and have reached 3 inches to 7 inches tall. The staff is preparing to outplant the silverswords in a fenced enclosure within the Maunakea Forest Reserve.
    Justin Yeh, Resource Manager for Maunakea Stewardship, said, “I want this partnership to continue and be an example of what we can do if we work together as conservation agencies. Not only for silverswords but for all the reforestation efforts around the higher elevations of Maunakea, We want to be a hub for restoration, astronomy and education. This partnership is a step in the right direction.”

    Maunakea Silverswords are related to the critically endangered Kaʻū silverswords, which grow on the southern slopes of Mauna Loa in its fogbelt at around 6,000 feet elevation. See more on Kaʻū silversword (Argyroxiphium kauense) at https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1069 and
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/library/reference.php?view=1495.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

AN ANTI-TOBACCO CAMPAIGN called Stronger Together was announced on Wednesday by Gov. Josh Green and the state Department of Health along with the Hawai'i Public Health Institute. It is the second phase of a public service announcement campaign to call attention to strategies used by tobacco companies to target Hawaiʻi's diverse populations.
    A statement from Department of Health says, "In Hawai'i each year, the tobacco industry spends an estimated $26 million on marketing; more than triple the amount the state spends on tobacco prevention and control programs. Marketing tactics have included pricing strategies in certain communities, glamorizing menthol flavors, event sponsorships, and community outreach. In addition, the tobacco

industry has invested in and markets nicotine delivery products, such as e-cigarettes or vaping, as a tactic to target youth. The tobacco industry is focused on specific populations including racial and ethnic minorities, those identifying as LGBTQ, those with lower incomes, and those with mental health or substance abuse conditions."
    The Stronger Together campaign identifies populations targeted by Big Tobacco which has led to higher proportions of tobacco use in these communities. The campaign is slated to run through April and includes TV, radio, digital, social media, and print advertisements.
    According to Lola Irvin, Department of Health, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division Administrator, "Hawaiʻi has made great strides in reducing cigarette smoking overall, however the continual introduction of new products and tailored marketing strategies used by the tobacco industry

have pressured certain groups to use more tobacco than others. This campaign highlights the importance of health equity in the fight to end the tobacco epidemic in our state."
    Joshua Ching, a recent graduate of Kamehameha Schools, was inspired to join the Youth Council of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai'i after he saw first-hand how the tobacco industry targeted his peers. "The tobacco industry has a history of exploiting marginalized communities like Native Hawaiians, widening existing public health disparities that have wounded the lāhui generation after generation. That's why I'm committed to the fight against Big Tobacco and the fight for equal justice – because standing up for the right thing is what it means to be Hawaiian," said Ching.
    Organizers of the campaign encourage the public to visit the website, StrongerTogether.hawaii.gov, for more information about the tobacco industry's targeted marketing tactics and to connect with their local Tobacco-Free coalition to stay informed and get involved.

    For those already addicted to tobacco products, Hawai'i Tobacco Quitline offers free coaching and resources to support the quit journey. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or enroll online at hawaiiquitline.org. My Life, My Quit is a free program with trained coaches to help youth quit smoking or vaping. Teens can sign up by texting "Start my Quit" to 36072 or calling 855-891-9989.

Image from state Department of Health and Hawai'i Health Institute.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

KAʻŪ'S ELECTED MEMBER TO THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE IN VOLCANO ON THURSDAY. Jeanne Kapela will meet and greet at Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 23 and the public is invited to join in following the evening farmers market there.

NEW SEWAGE SYSTEM OPTIONS FOR PĀHALA'S old sugar cane housing area will be discussed at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 23 at Pāhala Community Center. It will be a public information session on the large capacity cesspool closure project, sponsored by the county Department of Environmental Management. Notices were mailed to those who attended earlier meetings and provided contact information. One of the issues is whether the county will be able to provide individual waste water systems for each home or provide a piped sewage treatment system to replace the old gang cesspools, which are illegal across the country, banned by the EPA.

CONGRESSWOMAN JILL TOKUDA invites farmers and ranchers from Kaʻū to head north for a meet and greet her this Friday, Feb. 24 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hawai'i 'Ulu Co-op Hanalo Marshaling Yard off Hwy 19. The location is at 79-1017 E. Honalo Rd., south of Higashihara Park and north of Teshima's.      Kaʻū Farm Bureau President Phil Becker said he encourages attendance and also looks forward to Tokuda visiting Kaʻū in the near future. Tokuda said her aim in visiting with farmers and ranchers is "to learn about your priorities and issues." FREE FOOD St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner Kona Dr. Drive and Hwy 11, near Thai Grindz. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no rez needed. Parking in the upper lot. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

Kaʻū Coffee Mill sells only 100 percent Kaʻū Coffee. The proposed truth in labeling law would would require those brands that blend to clearly label the contents. Photo from Kaʻū Coffee Fest

TRUTH IN LABELING FOR HAWAIIAN COFFEE goes to a Hawai'i Legislature hearing on Thursday. State Senate Bill 746 would beef up labeling and advertising requirements for pure coffee, coffee blends and ready-to-drink beverages.  Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha is an author of the bill for truth in coffee labeling.     Submit and read testimony and learn more about the bill on the Hawai'i Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=746&year=2023&mc_cid=e945308cc2&mc_eid=563999cc96.     The hearing at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will be available to watch on the YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgswcOE5ENs.     Kaʻū's state senator Dru Kanuha is one of the introducers of the bill. Representatives of many agricultural endeavors are supportive, saying it could set the stage for protection of products of Hawai'i origin.        Among those companies is Cyanotech, which grows microalgae for dietary supplements. Also in support are macadamia and tea companies. Supporters also include North Kona County Council member Holeka Goro Inaba and Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce.    Hawai'i Farm Bureau and Hawai'i Farmers Union United sent in supportive testimony. State Department of Agriculture sent in testimony recommending the measure and noted that funding would be needed to enforce the labeling requirements. Kona Coffee Farmers Association President Suzanne Shriner wrote that "The coffee industry does not expect additional enforcement needs from this bill. Labeling laws are generally self-policing through consumer complaints." She also stated, "Our islands’ coffee growers do not earn money from coffee that is improperly labeled."  She said, "consumers now associate Kona or Maui coffees with an off-brand product masquerading under a Hawaiian banner. This damages Hawai'i’s key agricultural brands. Passage of this Bill easily remedies such damage by requiring expanded labeling on coffee."     President Emeritus of Kona Farmers Association Colehour Bondera also sent in supportive testimony.      Owners of pure Kaʻū Coffee brands have said they suspect that with a much reduced harvest in Kona, due to coffee leaf rust, coffee berry borer and other challenges, marketers of Kona coffee, particularly blenders, are buying Kaʻū Coffee and selling it as Kona.    Bonnie Self, whose family lives in Kaʻū and who works in macadamia, which faces similar issues, testified that "Hawai’i’s coffee is well established as being of a high quality and flavor, which is why many of the coffees produced in the state have won multiple coffee cupping competitions around the world. This prestige is what propels the status of known coffee producing regions in Hawai'i. It is also unfortunately what is driving greed of some companies to use the reputation established by these regions and the hard work of Hawai'i’s farmers to sell blends of coffee that contain mostly low-cost/low quality coffee from foreign countries to deceive customers and boost profits.     "The current regulation requiring only ten percent of a product to originate in a specific geographic area within Hawai'i, such as Kona or Ka’u, has directly damaged the reputation and integrity of Hawai'i's specialty coffees and has negatively impacted the economic interests of its farmers." Hawai' Tea Society supports truth in labeling for coffee.   Eva Lee, of Hawai'i Tea Society, stated that truth in labeling for coffee could "set a strong precedent in supporting state agriculture and communities. Not only for our local coffee producers that face numerous challenges in marketing and distribution while competing with companies that show little regard for truth in labeling, this bill would help raise public awareness for Hawaii's unique coffee origin and many of Hawaii's specialty crops furthering statewide economy."      The measure would would expand labeling requirements to include outer and inner packaging and inner wrapping labels. It would require disclosure on the label of coffee blends of the respective geographic and regional origins and percent by weight of the blended coffees. It would prohibit use of the term All Hawaiian in labeling and advertising for roasted coffee and instant coffee not produced entirely from green coffee beans grown and processed in Hawai'i.  State Dept. Agriculture submitted testimony  supporting truth in labeling for ag.         Hawai'i Farmers Union United issued a statement this week saying, "Please consider providing testimony for state Senate Bill 746 for truth in labeling for locally grown coffee. Truth in labeling is a very important issue for farmers in Hawai'i because the Hawai'i brand is so strong and there are not very many laws protecting it from outside sourcing. By marketing something as 'grown in Hawai'i' but in reality only 10 percent is and the rest is grown elsewhere, dilutes the industry bringing margins down for farmers in Hawai'i. Not only does it harm the farmers but it also misleads consumers." Cyanotech, which grows micronutrients near Kona Airport,  supports truth in labeling for coffee and all that is grown and marketed as Hawaiian. Photo from Cyanotech    Hawaiʿi Farm Bureau testimony states, "Hawaiʿi-grown coffee is recognized for its high quality and aromatic flavor. Hawaiʿi-grown coffee is held to a set of quality standards that makes it one of the most expensive coffees in the world. It is one of Hawaiʿi’s signature crops.     "The 2021-2022 USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) of Hawaiʿi Agriculture estimated the value of Hawaiʿi-grown coffee at $61.9 million and ranked as coffee fifth in the top twenty agricultural commodities in the State. We must protect Hawaiʿi’s Geographic Origins in labeling and advertising of Hawaiʿi grown coffee by also including ready-to-drink coffee beverages and inner packages and inner wrapping labels."     Ka Ohana O Na Pua testified that "In order to realize the full economic potential of Hawaiʻis agriculture exports, farmers and producers need to be able to regulate the representation of their product and origin — in the same way that Idaho protects the integrity of Idaho Potatoes, or Georgia protects Vidalia Onions, or Vermont protects Vermont Maple Syrup, or NAPA Valley Wine." To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.  National Agricultural Statistics Service, of the USDA, urges farmers and ranchers in Kaʻū to take the surveys that help determine the federal priorities and commitment to agriculture. Photo by Julia Neal

THE FEDERAL FARMER AND RANCHER CENSUS deadline is extended and National Agricultural Statistics Service will reach in Kaʻū through personal visits to livestock and crop areas to talk to producers and also to those with inactive agriculture. Outreach will also include mailing and phone calls. Census results can be submitted by mail or online at agcounts.usda.gov.     National Agricultural Statistics Service has extended the deadline to complete census questionnaires through the spring so more farmers and ranchers can be represented, according to a statement from USDA.    "I’d like to thank all who have responded,” said Gary Keough, Director of the NASS Pacific Regional Field Office, which represents Hawai'i, California and Nevada. "I am pleased we are extending the time to report because the more reports, the better results. I encourage others not to miss their chance to be represented.”     Completing the survey is mandated by federal law, even for farmers and ranchers no longer producing food. Individual submissions will be confidential and used only to general statewide reports. The results of this census will be shared in early 2024. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.  CONGRESSWOMAN JILL TOKUDA invites farmers and ranchers from Kaʻū to head north to meet and greet her this Friday, Feb. 24 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hawai'i 'Ulu Co-op Hanalo Marshaling Yard off Hwy 19. The location is at 79-1017 E. Honalo Rd., south of Higashihara Park and north of Teshima's.      Kaʻū Farm Bureau President Phil Becker said he encourages attendance and also looks forward to Tokuda visiting Kaʻū in the near future. Tokuda said her aim in visiting with farmers and ranchers is "to learn about your priorities and issues."       To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.  A BROWN WATER ADVISORY REMAINS FOR THE COAST OF EAST KAʻŪ, from Punalu'u through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, then on through Puna, Hilo and up the Hamakua Coast to Waipio Valley. The state Department of Health's Clean Water Branch, which issues brown water advisories, stated that “Heavy Rain has resulted in stormwater runoff entering into coastal waters." DOH advises the public to "stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris. Not all coastal areas may be impacted by runoff, however, if the water is brown stay out.”                 DOH also advise people exposed to brown water to “Continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow-up with your primary care physician if you have any health concerns." NEW SEWAGE SYSTEM OPTIONS FOR PĀHALA'S old sugar cane housing area will be discussed at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 23 at Pāhala Community Center. It will be a public information session on the large capacity cesspool closure project, sponsored by the county Department of Environmental Management. Notices were mailed to those who attended earlier meetings and provided contact information. One of the issues is whether the county will be able to provide individual waste water systems for each home or provide a piped sewage treatment system to replace the old gang cesspools, which are illegal across the country, banned by the EPA.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at

pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner Kona Dr. Drive and Hwy 11, near Thai Grindz. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no rez needed. Parking in the upper lot. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023

Streams continued to overflow their banks on Monday, intermittently preventing vehicles from driving through rushing waters
in  Wood Valley. The Wood Valley ford was blocked several times by police and other public officials. Hwy 11 opened and
closed during the day with flooding at Kawā Flats. Photo by Rodrigo Medina

HIGHWAY 11 CLOSED AT KAWĀ FLATS AGAIN on Monday afternoon and evening. According to the County of Hawai'i Civil Defense announcement at 7 p.m. the flooding was between mile 59 and 60. This comes after the National Weather Service Flood Advisory was cancelled. "Some heavy showers are still occurring and motorists are asked to drive with caution," warns Civil Defense. The other closure on the island is in North Hilo where Hwy 19 is closed at mile 13 due to a landslide.
    The HPD statement said Highway crews are working at both sites and anticipate opening later tonight. Due to the closure in Kau, shelters will be opened at the Pāhala Gym and the Nā'ālehu Community Center for those unable to make their destination. "You will be informed of any conditions that may affect your safety."
    Wood Valley crossing was also closed intermittently today with intermittent flooding.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

KAʻŪ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE will hold a non-zoom, live meeting this Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Community Center. The agenda includes committee members' reports on the recently held community meeting on updating the county building and zoning codes. It also includes reports from subcommittees on:

    Punalu'u Coastline Access and Resources Investigation; Green Sands Coastline Access and Resources Investigation; Pōhue Bay Coastline Access and Resources Investigation; Kupuna Housing Investigation; Development in Kaʻū Investigation.

    Also up for discussion is restoration of Nā'ālehu Theatre. See more on all of the topics in the meeting packet available at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/121637/2023-02-22%20Ka%CA%BB%C5%AB%20CDP%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf

Miloli'i-Kaʻū Girls take first in 16s Girls at the islandwide tournament in Pāhala over the weekend. Photo by Kaimi Kaupiko

MILOLI'I KAʻŪ GIRLS TOOK FIRST PLACE IN AN ISLANDWIDE VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT in two categories last weekend. The fifth annual Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball Tournament at Robert Herkes Kaʻū Gym in Pāhala, was sponsored by Miloli'i-Kaʻū volleyball Club, organized by Kaimi Kaupiko. 

Keiki in the mix at Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball
 Tournament, Thomas Amu Prieto-Enaena winning
Most Valuable Player. Photo by Kaimi Kaupiko

     Kaupiko said the event helps to fundraise for Miloli'i-Kaʻū 16s Girls to travel to O'ahu, and to the Southern California Volleyball Association Summer Soiree in Anaheim. It also raises money for the 10s, 14s Girls and 14s Boys to travel to the annual Haili Tournament and to O'ahu for the Aloha Summer Classic. 

    During the season, Kaupiko and the Miloli'i youth travel to the Pāhala gym twice a week to practice.
    At last weekend's tournament, Miloli'i-Kaʻū took first in the 16s Girls. Second went to Mau Loa and third to Parker School. In the 14s Boys, Keaukaha won, followed by Pilipa'a taking second, and third won by Miloli'i-Kaʻū. 

    In 14s Girls, first went to Miloli'i-Kaʻū Girls Coed, second was Mau Loa and third was Hi Intensity. 

    In the 12s, first place went to Mau Loa Girls, second to Hi Intensity and third to Miloli'i-Kaʻū Girls. 

    In the 10s, Keaukaha won, followed by Miloli'i-Kaʻū and Mau Loa.

    Most Valuable Player awards went to Precious Mareko Ke, of Miloli-Kaʻū for 16 Girls; Thomas Amu Prieto-Enaena, of Keaukaha for 14 Boys; Kira Kubo, of Mau Loa for 14s Girls, Alessandra Roldan, of Mau Loa for 12s and Siaki Faleta, of Keaukaha for 10s.
    Kaupiko said, "Mahalo to our 29 teams that traveled, our 'Ohana and our community."
    The two days of volleyball were open to keiki and youth from six to 16 years of age. Many of the Miloli'i team members could not make it to the gym until the second day as Hwy 11 was blocked by flooding at Kawā Flats. The volleyball clubs also raised money with food concessions.

A game for all ages, from six to 16 at last weekend's Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball Tournament, drawing
teams from as far away as Waimea. Photo by Kaimi Kaupiko

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries invites the public to its annual
meeting on Tuesday, March 14. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIENDS OF THE KAʻŪ LIBRARIES will hold its annual business meeting, with election of officers for the 2023 term on Tuesday, March 14, starting at 4 p.m. at Pāhala Public & School Library, 96-3150 Pikake St.
    A statement from the non-profit says, "Everyone is encouraged to attend and support our Kaʻū libraries. The whole community benefits from having great libraries, so we welcome everyone who wants to support our local libraries and help promote our motto: Want to Succeed? Read!"

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

FREE FOOD

St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at

pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner Kona Dr. Drive and Hwy 11, near Thai Grindz. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no rez needed. Parking in the upper lot. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.