Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in 1934. Photo from HVNP

THE CLINTON'S VISITED HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in February as other U.S. Presidents were remembered. The former U.S. President Bill and former Senator and Secretary of

Bill and Hillary Clinton with ranger staff at Hawai'i
Volcanoes in February. Photo from HVNP

State Hillary toured the park with their daughter Chelsea and her family along with a security team.          According to park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane, "The wet weather did not dampen their enthusiasm for steaming views of Kaluapele, the caldera, or walking through Nāhuku and the rainforest." The former President also shopped the the Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association store at the visitor center and welcomed photos with admiring park visitors.
    The Clinton's visited just after President's Day and the park staff noted other Presidents who toured and helped the park. In 1952, then-California Sen. Richard Nixon and wife Pat explored Hawai'i Volcanoes and were photographed near the lava tube. 

Richard and Pat Nixon visiting the lava tube
at Hawai'i Volcanoes in 1952. Photo from HVNP

    In 1934, Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt draped in lei, and his sons Franklin, Jr. and John, motored around the park with USGS Volcanoes Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas A. Jaggar and Park Superintendent Thomas Wingate. According to the Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Jaggar offered the president ʻōhelo berries picked by park laborer Charles Kauhi so he could make an offering to Pele.
    Pres. Woodrow Wilson never visited the park, but in 1916 signed legislation that established Hawai'i National Park which then encompassed the volcanic summits of Haleakalā National Park and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. "We would stamp his Passport Book today for that noble Act if we could!" said Ferracane.

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.

The proposed Kalae 2 Solar Farm on 16.09 acres at 92-2307 South Point Road.

 See the clearer images for locations of the two proposed solar farms on the applicants' website at https://go.pivotenergy.net/ka-lae2-shared-solar and https://go.pivotenergy.net/ka-lae-shared-solar.

TWO MORE SOLAR FARMS ARE PLANNED NEAR NĀ'ĀLEHU. Hawaiian Electric made the announcement Wednesday along with naming two in Waikoloa and another on O'ahu. The two shared solar projects for Kaʻū are both accessible from South Point Road. Neither are planned to include battery backup. A third solar farm, with batteries, is planned by Nexamp near Kamaoa Road.

    Pivot Energy is sponsor and Arion Energy is owner of the two new projects. 

     A .50MWac Solar PVGeneration Plan covering 15.4 acres would be known as Ka Lae 1 Solar Farm. The address is 93-5570 Kai Makani Place. The TMK is 3-9-3-004-040. See the website at https://go.pivotenergy.net/ka-lae-shared-solar.

    A .50 MWac Solar PV Generation Plant covering 16.09 acres would be known as Ka Lae 2 Solar Farm. The address is 03-2307 South Point Road. The TMK is 3-9-3-004-027. See the website at https://go.pivotenergy.net/ka-lae2-shared-solar.

     Subscribers, including households, local businesses and organizations would save on their Hawaiian Electric bill. The summary says that the project "brings local jobs and economic benefits, and helps the Island of Hawai'i transition to clean renewable energy. Renewable energy can help increase grid reliability, improve air quality and improve public health."

    The online presentations promise more community outreach as final contracts and construction permitting is sought. The expected date of construction to begin is October of 2023 with completion of solar farms January of 2025.

                           The proposed Kalae 1 Solar Farm on 15.04 acres off South Point Road on Kai Makani Place. See the clearer images for locations of the two proposed solar farms on the applicants' website at https://go.pivotenergy.net/ka-lae2-shared-solar and https://go.pivotenergy.net/ka-lae-shared-solar.

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



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

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. 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.


O 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. 28, 2023

 Kaʻū Coffee Mill submitted testimony to the Hawai'i Legislature this session urging truth in labeling to protect 100 percent
  Kaʻū Coffee from branders who mislead buyers. Photo from Kaʻū Coffee Mill

TESTIMONY SUPPORTING TRUTH IN LABELING OF COFFEE in Hawai'i has been pouring into the state House of Representatives after pouring into the state Senate. In House testimony submitted to the Consumer Protection Committee for its Thursday public hearing, Louis Daniele, General Manager of Kaʻū Coffee Mill wrote: "As a grower, processor, roaster and retailer of 100% Kau Coffee, I find it deplorable that the State of Hawaii has time and time again bowed down to the Hotel and Hospitality industries in regards to this issue.
    "As the signature agricultural product produced in this state, why don’t the coffee farmers and our product have the same protection from the State of Hawaii as Idaho potatoes, Vermont Maple Syrup, California Almonds? I don’t think I could taste 10% of Vermont Maple Syrup and I certainly would not buy a watered down version of any product. If I was duped into buying such a product under false labeling practices I would never buy or trust any product coming out of that geographical region again.
    "At the end of the day, it is the blood, sweat and tears of the coffee farmer that has built the Hawai'i coffee industry, not the blender or the hotels that push 10% blends on unsuspecting visitors. Who is reaping the economic benefit of such practices? I assure you it is not the hard-working farmers who produce some of the world’s finest coffee." 

    See more testimony on honest coffee labeling that went to House and Senate in the Feb. 21  Kaʻū News Briefs at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2023_02_21_archive.html.
     Kaʻū's representative in the House, Jeanné Kapela, was an author of the bill. Kaʻū's Sen. Dru Kanuha was an author of the bill in the Senate.

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'S U.S. SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO ISSUED SUPPORT FOR JULIE SU, Pres. Joe Biden's nomination for U.S. Secretary of Labor. In a statement released Thursday, Hirono said, "Throughout her career, Deputy Secretary Su has been a strong and effective champion for working people, fighting to

Julie Su receives support from Sen.
Mazie Hirono to be confirmed
as U.S. Secretary of Labor.

combat wage theft, create jobs and ensure workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. For the past two years, Deputy Secretary Su has played a critical role at DOL, working closely with Secretary Walsh to build a more inclusive economy that provides every American with the opportunity to succeed."  

   With confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Su will be the first American Asian Pacific Islander Cabinet-level Secretary in the Biden Administration, "bringing critical diversity and lived experience to DOL and this Administration. President Biden has shown his continued confidence in Deputy Secretary Su and I look forward to voting to confirm her as quickly as possible so she can continue building on this Administration’s record of standing with working people and ensuring no community is left behind,” said Hirono. 

    Before joining U.S. Department of Labor, Su was Labor Secretary for California. She has a degree from Stanford University and a law degree from Harvard. She is known for leading the El Monte Garment Slavery Case, which led to the T-Visa for victims of human trafficking. Like Hirono, she is from an immigrant family.

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 HIGH WIND ADVISORY AND HIGH SURF WARNING FOR KAʻŪ are in effect. Civil Defense reports that high winds could be here through Wednesday and high surf through Thursday. The National Weather Service issued the High Surf warning down east facing shores of Hawai'i Island to South Point. Civil Defense warns: "Very strong breaking waves and powerful currents will make swimming dangerous and life-threatening. Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials; when in doubt, don't go out. Be aware that beaches may close without notice."

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.

SCIENCE CAMPS OF AMERICA HAS ANNOUNCED SCHOLARSHIP OPENINGS for its Pāhala program this July. Two full scholarships are available exclusively for Kaʻū students: One is provided by Edmund C. Olson Trust and one is courtesy of Gary and Apolonia Stice ʻOhana. "Their generous gifts will pay the full registration fee for a student from Kaʻū who will be entering grades 8-12 in the fall. Additional partial scholarships are also available," said Science Camps of America founder Mike Richards. "Hawaiʻi Island is the classroom, with exploration spanning the magnificent forests, shores, and mountains.

.    Land & Sea Camp from July 1 to 10 is one of two science camps held in Pāhala each year by Science Camps of America. The other is Air & Space from July 11 through 20. Teens can attend one or both of the sleepaway camp sessions. This summer, Science Camp for Teens is celebrating its 10th year in Pāhala.
    Students can get hands-on with geology, forestry, marine biology, environmental engineering, and ecosystems during Land & Sea Camp. They can investigate the atmosphere, climate, astronomy, planetary science, aerospace engineering, and space exploration during Air & Space Camp. "Either way, teens will make lifelong connections with campers from around the globe as science becomes an adventure," said Richards.
    Apply online by visiting 

https://scicamp.org/scholarship.

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.

CONSCIOUS COMMERCE is the topic on Thursday and Friday, March 9 and 10 for the in-person Teamwork, Leadership and Preparing for the New Economy Training Serices. It runs for two days at University of Hawai'i at Hilo, UCB 127 at 200 W. Kawilli St. It is free and sponsored by Ku'ikahi Mediation Center.

    Leader of the two-day workshop is Sylvia Dolena, who said, "In today's world, entrepreneurs need to be aware of local and global environmental issues. "How can you retool or re-envision a business in our post-pandemic world? Learn a process to go from idea to business plan for small business startups or businesses that must reinvent themselves for a new economy."
    Entrepreneurs can learn how to: Align passion and purpose to livelihood; identify and overcome obstacles to success; create vision and mission; create a sustainable business plan; envision a small carbon footprint; build a success and support team; and propose and sell ideas.
    Dolena worked for Hewlett-Packard (HP) for 18 years, as a Global Programs and Operations Manager and Strategic Change Project Manager. She has worked as an external business consultant with HP and other high-tech and retail companies like AMD and Best Buy. Recently, Dolena was a Project Manager for one Fortune 100 Company's new Leadership Certification Program. She delivers workshops and leadership development programs in Hawai'i and nationally. She holds an MBA in Organizational Effectiveness from University of Southern California and an MS in Strategic Management of Technology Organizations from Stanford and IESE, the European School of Business in Barcelona.
    To register for this free in-person training, visit https://consciouscommerce.eventbrite.com or contact Ku'ikahi Mediation Center at (808) 935-7844 or info@hawaiimediation.org
    This Training Series is made possible thanks in part to funding from the Atherton Family Foundation, County of Hawaiʻi, and Hawai'i Island United Way, and in partnership with University of Hawai'i at Hilo.

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.

REMEMBERING OUR HANABATA DAYS is the theme of the 2023 reunion for graduates and friends of alumni of  Kaʻū schools. The event dates are Oct. 27 and 28 in Las Vegas at the California Hotel, where special rates for rooms and food have been arranged for four nights within the Oct. 25-31 window, with the opportunity to reserve additional nights.  Reserve rooms no later than Sept. 25 by calling 888-715-0711.

    One of the organizers, Joe Tateyama, said that ahead of the trip, alumni are invited to send in photos "that will stir up memories" of the schools in Pāhala and Nā'ālehu to kayyonemori@yahoo.com. For more contact Sharon (Yoshimura) Okino at shsokino@yahoo.com or Joe Tateyama at joetat@hotmail.com.

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.

Traditional weaving is one of the cultural learning experiences
at the public grand opening of Ke Ola Pu'uhonua this Saturday.
Photo by Julia Neal

PUBLIC GRAND OPENING OF KE OLA PU'UHONUA adjacent to Punalu'u Bakeshop in Na'alehu is this Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public and 'ohana are invited for a cultural experience featuring a hula performance by Halau Hula O Leionalani at noon, music, hands on teachings by such living treasures as Uncle Chucky Leslie with his fisheries; Kupuna Linda Saffery with her lauhala and makaloa weaving; Kupuna Bully Davies with coconut weaving; and Uncle Waltah Wong with his traditional hale and more. 

    Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc. will serve free hot dogs and juice from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all guests. The organization is headed by Kawehi Ryder and Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder. 

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

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

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.                                                                                                                                  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.

O 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. 27, 2023

Coffee berry borer, which can devastate coffee production on this island, will be subject to a
predator wasp, with recent approval from USDA and the state.  Photo from U.H.

A WASP WILL BE INTRODUCED TO HELP KILL OFF COFFEE BERRY BORERS that can devastate the local coffee industry. The state and federal government recently gave permission to release the wasp as a biological control by approving the Final Environmental Assessment for the project with a Finding of No Significant Impact. The report noted that testing showed the wasp would not kill native beetles in Hawai'i.

     The first release is expected to be in South Kona, where there has been heavy damage by the borer. The location is near the USDA ARS laboratory and University of Hawai'i experiment station to facilitate monitoring. Ka'u Coffee farmers too have been affected with farms spending many thousands of dollars each year on protecting their coffee beans from the borer, which lives inside the coffee bean and hollows it out.

        The parasitoid wasp chosen to control CBB is  Phymastichus coffea. USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Hilo and Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture Plant Plant Quarantine Branch approved the application.

A predatory wasp attacks a coffee berry borer in a coffee
bean. Photo from Environmental Assessment

    The final EA says that Coffee Berry Borer "is the most destructive insect pest of coffee globally. Though endemic to Central Africa, CBB is now found in almost every coffee-producing country in the world. In 2010, it first invaded the island of Hawai’i where high quality coffee is the second largest cash crop, valued at more than $55 million during the 2020-21 season. Coffee berry borer has since invaded coffee on the islands of O'ahu, Maui and Kau'i. Coffee crop loss due to CBB is estimated at $7.7 million. CBB has had the effect of making coffee farming more intensive and less profitable: damage causes significant losses in yield and alters the flavor profile of salvageable coffee beans. If left unmanaged, CBB can damage ˃90% of the crop.

    "The primary means of control in Hawaii is using the microbial insecticide Beauveria bassiana and sanitation (removal of all coffee berries after harvest). Biological control of CBB using parasitoids has been conducted in many countries around the world, especially in Latin America (Mexico south to Brazil) and has potential for Hawaii. One of the most promising agents is a parasitoid wasp, Phymastichus coffea LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Phymastichus coffea is a primary, gregarious, idiobiont endoparasitoid of CBB adult females. After being parasitized by P. coffea, females stop oviposition and usually die after 4-12 days. Therefore, P. coffea was chosen as a potential biological control agent and was brought from Colombia into a quarantine containment facility in Volcano, Hawai'i for host range testing to determine whether the parasitoid might attack non-target species and thereby pose a risk to the environment."

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.

MAKING SURE THAT COFFEE TREES RESISTANT TO COFFEE LEAF RUST can produce high quality beans for the market was the aim of a recent coffee tasting.
    A report from University of Hawai'i College of Agriculture & Human Resources says three coffees were grown at the Kona Research Station in Kainaliu and cultivated similarly with the same fertilizer and CLR spray program. All coffee used for this tasting were harvested in the 2022-2023 season, medium roasted on 2/20/23, finely ground, and served as a pour-over. The coffee to water ratio used was 1:17 and the

U.H. and famers are testing hybrid coffee trees that are resistant
to coffee leaf rust, above. Photo from U.H.

water was from the purified water station at the Captain Cook Choicemart. 

    Coffee A was a Kona Typica variety grafted onto Coffee liberia rootstock. These trees are CLR-susceptible. Only ripe cherry were pulped, fermented overnight, washed, dried, and hulled. Once hulled, the green beans were hand-sorted with a size 16 screen and physical defects such as CBB-damaged, shriveled, cracked, shells, and discolored beans were removed.
    Coffee B was a mix of color break to ripe cherry from a mix of 15+ Catimor hybrid trees. These trees are CLR-resistant. The cherry were pulped and honey dried. They were not fermented or washed. Once dried, the parchment was hulled and the green beans were hand-sorted with a size 16 screen. Physical defects such as CBB-damaged, shriveled, cracked, shells, and discolored beans were removed.
    Coffee C was a mix of ripe cherry only from two specific Catimor hybrid trees that were previously cupped in March 2022. One tree cupped at an 81.58 and the other at an 84, indicating a level of specialty grade coffee. These trees are CLR-resistant. The cherry were pulped, fermented overnight, washed, dried, and hulled. Once hulled, the green beans were hand-sorted with a size 16 screen and physical defects such as CBB-damaged, shriveled, cracked, shells, and discolored beans were removed.
    There were 62 participants in the blind tasting with these results: 42.7% selected Coffee C (Catimor hybrids), which are CLR resistant, while 29.8% people selected Coffee A (Kona Typica) as their favorite and 27.4% selected Coffee B (honeyed mix of Catimor hybrids) as their favorite.

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.

Sanya Cowal, of U.C. Santa Cruz, would
like to interview coffee farmers.

A COFFEE LEAF RUST RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT UPDATE happens Teusday, Feb. 28 by zoom at 9:30 a.m.
    Dr. Lisa Keith of USDA PBARC will present "Managing CLR: A Research Update", Dr. Zhiang Cheng and Lilly Buchholz of UH-CTAHR will present "Brief Update on Field Trials of Systemic and Biological Fungicides for the Management of Coffee Leaf Rust", and Julie Coughlin of UH-CTAHR will present on an "IR-4 Pesticide Registration Program Update on CLR"​.
    All recorded presentations are available for viewing at the Kona Extension YouTube Coffee Leaf Rust playlist. The event is free and open to all. Register at www.HawaiiCoffeeEd.com/clrwebinars to receive the Zoom link.

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.

KA'U COFFEE FARMERS ARE INVITED TO BE INTERVIEWED by Sanya Cowal, a Ph.D. student at University of California Santa Cruz. She studies  study the ecological and social dynamics of coffee production and is looking for coffee producers who might be willing to chat with her for about an hour regarding farming practices for a study about coffee farming knowledge systems. She plans to conduct interviews in person in June and July. She said, "I would like to share the results in an article made available to all who are interested as well as publish a paper in an academic journal." Those interested in participating, can reach out to her at scowal@ucsc.edu or 503-867-9901.

ENOKI MUSHROOMS ARE RECALLED AND STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS ISSUED AN ALERT. The voluntary recall is for enoki mushrooms sold in Hawai‘i, produced by Taiwan-based Changhua County Mushrooms Productions Cooperative and distributed by Jan Fruits Inc. According to DOH, these mushrooms have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
    The recall is the result of a routine sampling program by DOH’s Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch which revealed that the enoki mushrooms contained Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the enoki mushrooms.

    The enoki mushrooms are sold in a 7.05oz (200g) clear plastic package with a green-lettered

“Premium,” printed with two QR scan codes and UPC 8 51084 00835 8 on the back side of a package. The package has no lot code or dates.
    DOH recommends for anyone who has purchased this product to "throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. If you have consumed this product, watch for symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or fever. If symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider.
    In addition, DOH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  recommend the following for all other enoki mushrooms:

    Thoroughly cook enoki mushrooms before serving or consuming them, do not serve or consume them raw.
    Do not use raw enoki mushrooms as garnish.
    Do not add raw enoki mushrooms on top of soup dishes right before serving. The enoki mushrooms will not get hot enough to kill Listeria.
    Keep raw enoki mushrooms separate from foods that won’t be cooked.
    Wash hands after handling raw enoki mushrooms.
    DOH notes that listeriosis is a life-threatening, invasive infection caused by eating Listeria–contaminated food. The disease primarily affects pregnant individuals and their newborns, older adults, and persons with immune systems weakened by cancer, cancer treatments, or other serious conditions (like diabetes, kidney failure, liver disease, and HIV/AIDS). A person with listeriosis generally has fever and muscle aches and can have a bloodstream infection or meningitis. Although people can sometimes develop listeriosis up to two months after eating contaminated food, symptoms usually start within several days, often with diarrhea. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.
    Anyone suspecting listeriosis should contact a healthcare provider. Listeria is a bacterium that can be found in dust, soil, water, sewage and in the environment, where produce can become contaminated.

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.

Banana poka, also called banana lilikoi is
invasive between 3,800 ft. and 6,800 ft. elevation
 on MaunaLoa and is targeted for removal
this month for survey and control by HVNP.
Photo from state Dept. Land & Natural Resources

FLIGHT OPERATIONS TO SERVICE REMOTE PLACES in March are announced by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park:
    March 2 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for crew support sling loads in ʻŌlaʻa between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.

March 8 between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. for survey and control of invasive banana poka at the 3,800-ft. to the 6,800-ft. elevation on Mauna Loa. In addition, flights are planned for crew support at the Great Crack boundary fence line between 1,000- and 2,500-ft. elevation.
    March 14 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. for survey and control of invasive guinea grass along Keauhou Trail from sea level to the 2,400-ft. elevation.

     March 22 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. multiple flights are planned to service the park's radio repeater on Mauna Loa. A second mission to survey segments of Mauna Loa Trail impacted by the eruption and to post signs at backcountry cabins is also planned.

    
    In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
    The park statement says that it "regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
    Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

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

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

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.                                                                                                                                                        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.

O 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.