The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Kaʻū High School's Class of 2019. Photo from Kaʻū High

INSPIRED SPEAKERS SHARED THEIR QUEST FOR HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS with 54 graduates at the Kaʻū High School commencement ceremony Friday night in Kaʻū District Gym. Principal Sharon Beck bragged about the class of 2019, noting their diversity in personalities, interests, and cultural backgrounds.

Co-Valedictorians Brennen Nishimura, who is
headed to Princeton, scholarships in hand, and
David Moskalenko, who will attend University
of Hawaiʻi. Photo by Julia Neal

Beck said their differences taught them how to work as a team and to accomplish in a group. She pointed to the Unity Celebration created and produced by students each year. She pointed to Co-Valedictorian Brennen Nishimura, who will attend PrincetonUniversityon two scholarships. She noted that Ryan Ah Yee will receive a Hawaiʻi Community College Tuition Waiver Scholarship and an ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Scholarship.

Wrapped in gifts of love, a graduate with

Dr. Angie Miyashiro. Photo by Julia Neal

MeLin Galban Kin In is one of three graduates receiving an athletic scholarships and going to Washington state. In has signed on to play basketball for Pierce College. Joining her is Kianie Medeiros-Dancel, also to play basketball. Chaunalisa Velez has signed on to play basketball and volleyball for Everett College.

Jake Villa and Monique Hughes each received a Rotary Club of Volcano scholarship, with Hughes also receiving a Citizen Scholar Award. Terree Oyama and Shanastie Hu-Blanco will go to college on the United States Army GI Bill.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Nihipali-Sesson

graduates. Photo by Julia Neal

The speakers talked about a wrong attitude that people can adopt about Kaʻū, about this district being remote, without opportunities to create a successful future. Co-Valedictorian Nishimura said he emerged from worry about being in Kaʻū, set his goals, and achieved them, with a scholarship to Princeton.

Capt. Melvin Yokoyama gave the Commencement Address. He is Commanding Officer of the NavalInformationWarfareCenter of the Pacific and lives in San Diego, where he leads over 5,000 people. He grew up in Kaʻū and graduated from Kaʻū High School 31 years ago.

Yokoyama talked about the sugar plantation days, smelling the sugar from the school grounds, and playing football. He said he remembers, whenever he faces a big challenge, to think of the believe-in-yourself mantras he learned in Kaʻū. He urged students to find what they love to do, do it well, and make the world a better place. He said that working on something you love brings happiness, no matter how tough the job.

Yokoyama said he learned that money is not everything, and pointed to wealthy princes in the Middle Eastwith whom he interacted when he was stationed there. Despite all their trappings of being rich, he said, they did not have the freedom of choice found in the United States. The money didn't buy them happiness, he reported.

The welcome Oli was conducted by Kumu Aina Akamu, Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Nihipali-Sesson, and Mandy Crabbe-Jones. Masters of Ceremonies were Maliah Ababa and Luke Watson.

Navy Capt. Melvin Yokohama graduated from Kaʻū 31 years ago and manages more than 5,000 service men and

women after becoming a Navy pilot. Photo by Julia Neal

Class Officers are President Lei Chun Galban Kin In, Vice President Karlee Fukunaga-Camba, Treasurer Kanani Petrill-Abrojina, and Secretary Aaron Delos Santos.

Class Advisors are Aaron Aina Akama, Sonja Caldwell, Tolu Rasmussen, Renee Duflaut, and Janice Javar.

At Friday's Kaʻū High School Senior graduation, student speakers talked about the challenges of growing up in a small

community, but also about a strength in character that develops here. Photo by Julia Neal

Class Song is Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror. Class Colors are Silver and Teal. Class Flower is Gardenia. Class Motto is from Napoleon Hill: "Do not wait: The time will never be 'just right.'"

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VOLCANO'S ʻŌHIĀ LEHUA HALF MARATHON IN VOCANO VILLAGE happens Saturday, July 27. The idea for the new race sparked after local runners, Nick and Kelly Muragin, along with Volcano resident, Keely McGhee, heard that the Volcano Rainforest Run was cancelled, said McGhee. She said they "came together to create this new race for a cause that they all strongly believe in."

This race is being directed by Hawai'i Island Racers. The organization's goal is to "bring business to the Volcano area while providing a low cost running event for the community," said McGhee.

In addition, the race will donate a portion of the proceeds to the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation to assist with research on the prevention of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death. The VolcanoSchool of Arts & Sciences will open their campus to runners and spectators to sponsor the inaugural event and aid in the fight against ROD.

The inaugural Volcano's ‘Ōhi’a Lehua Half Marathon includes a 5K and a Keiki Dash. The event happens the same weekend as the new Experience Volcano Festival. The half-marathon begins at 7 a.m. at VolcanoSchool of Arts & Sciences'Haunani Road campus. The 5K starts from the same location at 7:15 a.m. The Keiki Dash takes place in the VSAS field at 10 a.m., and will consist of two a 300 meter run for the 6 and under age group, and a 600 meter for the 7 to 10 year old age group.

Packets can be picked up Friday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., location to be determined, or Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the VSAS race site. Late registration is available at Packet Pick-up on both Friday and Saturday. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. To change to a different distance, pay the difference to upgrade; no refunds for downgrading. There is a four hour cut-off for the half marathoners; the finish line officially closes at 11 a.m. Results will be posted in real-time at Race Results. Half marathoners will receive a finisher's medal. Pre-registered half marathoners and 5Kers will receive a finisher's shirt.

Volcano's ‘Ohi’a Lehua Half Marathon will be run up Wright Roadwith an elevation change of about 500 feet. Runners will turn around at the top and head back down. The 5K features rolling hills. There will be six aid stations for the half marathon and one aid station for the 5K.

Race Day weather can be as low as the mid 50s at the start of the race and can get up to the mid 70s. July is known to have moderate amounts of rain in Volcano, so be prepared for the possibly of a sprinkle.

To register and for more information about this event, visit ohialehuahalf.com. Questions? Email the Race Director at ohialehuahalf@gmail.com.

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HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND ACCESS is headed to Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, reported Sen. Brian Schatz. He is lead Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. The Federal Communications Commission announced that Hawaiian Telcomwill receive $18.1 million over 10 years to "expand high-speed broadband access to 3,936 underserved locations across the most rural areas of Hawai‘i," reported Schatz.

The funding is authorized through the FCC's Connect America Fund Phase II auction, a 10-year program "intended to close the digital divide in rural America."

Said Schatz, "Broadband access opens doors. This investment will help people in Hawai‘i's most rural areas access health care, do their homework, make a living, and more."

Other areas Hawaiian Telcom plans to expand broadband service to on Hawai‘i Island include Hawaiian Acres, Kohala, Laupahoehoe, Orchidland, and Pepeʻekeo. Maui, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, and Kauaʻi will also benefit from the program.

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SPECULATION OVER PUNA GEOTHERMAL'S AFFECT ON THE 2018 KĪLAUEA ERUPTION was brought up by east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman on the PBS program Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi. Episode Puna Geothermal Restart? featured Host Yunji de Nies moderating Ormat's Senior Director Hawaiian Affairs at Puna Geothermal Venture, Mike Kaleikini; Hawaiian Electric Company Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Scott Seu; Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance Vice President, Henry Curtis; and Ruderman.

East Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Ormat's Senior Director Hawaiian
Affairs at PGV, Mike Kaleikini.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Ruderman asked for a "real analysis" of whether or not "there was any relationship between the 30 years of injection of fluid that (PGV has) been doing," and the "location and intensity" of last year's eruptive events in Puna. He referred to a TuftsUniversity study that states "data suggest a new link between subsurface injections and earthquake swarms" published May 2 in ScienceDaily.

Said Ruderman, "It has not been disproven that those two are related. What we saw was an eruption that was unlike any we've seen before: much hotter, much more fluid, much more fast moving, with 24 fissures erupting in an area within about a mile of PGV. There's a 20-mile rift zone. If you just did a probability analysis, what're the chances 24 fissures erupted within a mile of PGV, by coincidence? That probability is one in a million. We have had a lot of research on the effects of fracking, of which fluid reinjection is form of fracking.

A line of fissures along the property line of PGV. Photo from Big Island Video News

"This month, TuftsUniversity came out showing fracking – including fluid injection – causes seismicity, earthquakes, and fractures for miles around it. They've been doing this. And we see a line of fissures, right along their property line. Aren't we going to — are we really going to move forward, before answering the question: did this activity contribute at all to the nature and intensity of last year's eruption? I believe that question needs to be answered before we go forward."

Kalekini responded that the idea is "absurd," and that USGS scientist-in-charge Tina Neal "put out a nice write-up about how the earthquakes travel down from Halemaʻumaʻu, down through Puʻu ʻŌʻō and along the east rift." He said USGS provided "a sound scientific explanation about this 2018 eruption. So I'd be happy to share that report with you." He remarked that PGV wasn't there in 1955 or 1960, or in the 1800s, when there were other eruptions through fissures in the area. "There's going to be more eruptions. Whether PGV is there or not."

Lava coverage after the eruption had quietened. Photo from Big Island Video News

Ruderman said he has seen the report and "was in the room when someone asked USGS this question." He said USGS said "the lava looks for cracks and weak spots," and that the follow-up question, "are you aware of the reinjection going on there?" was not answered. "From that point on, USGS has been silent on this subject. I think it needs to be addressed… I'm not saying you caused the eruption. I'm saying location and intensity could well have been influenced by the reinjection you've been doing. It has not been disproven. It has not been objectively analyzed yet."

Host Yunji de Nies, center, moderating Ruderman, far left, and Kaleikini, far right. Scott Seu, near left, and Henry Curtis, near right, also participate in the discussion. Photo from Big Island Video News

The discussion also ranged from how and when the geothermal facility will again start providing power to Hawaiʻi Island through Hawaiʻi Electric Light and whether a supplemental environmental impact statement should be done, to whether or not Hawaiʻi Island needs a geothermal plant. The facility provided 31 percent of electricity used through HELCo on Hawaiʻi Island in 2017.
Said Ruderman, "As for the need for the power: we, us consumers, don't feel that need. HELCo assured us in the very first week that they could be OK without it." He said two "major utility scale solar plants with battery backup" are "coming on line next year at a much, much lower cost. So if we don't need electricity, if PGV comes back on line, with its current contract, we will be paying more than if they don't come back on line. So we don't feel the need for it, we don't know whether it's wise for the rate payers."

See the program at Big Island Video News. Learn more about PGV's restarting efforts on May 19 Kaʻū News Briefs.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JUST ANNOUNCED

NEW FARMERS MARKET in Ocean View happens every Friday from 9 a.m. until pau at 92-1424 Moana Drive. Expect vendor goods to include local produce, Hawaiian made products, and free visitor info. There is a toilet on site. New vendors welcome. Call 808-989-2026 for more.

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UPCOMING

SUNDAY, MAY 26

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org

MONDAY, MAY 27
Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 3 p.m., Front Lawn, Kīlauea Military Camp. Keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area. Open to public. In case of rain ceremony will be moved indoors. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

After Dark in the Park – Hawai‘i's Landfill Crisis: From Hopeless to Hopeful, Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Special guest speakers Lori Kahikina, P.E. Director, Department of Environmental Services and Jim Howe, Emergency Services Director present sobering look at Hawaiʻi’s future and a call to action that provides hope while separating myth from reality. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, May 29 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 11 a.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

THURSDAY, MAY 30
Summer Keiki Learn-to-Swim Registration, Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Pāhala Swimming Pool, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Campus. $15 per session; cash or check accepted. Payable to County Director of Finance. 928-8177, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, May 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.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, MAY 31
Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Roosevelt's Tree Army: Civilian Conservation Corps in Hawai‘i, Friday, May 31, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Talk story with Dr. Jadelyn Moniz Nakamura. "Bring your own cuppa." Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Edible Wild Plants: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, June 1, 9a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 transportation fee. Class size limited. Register early. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Lā‘au Lapa‘āu Workshop, Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym. Free workshop open to the public from Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi. Hui Mālama Traditional Health team, 969-9220, hmono.org

Andy McKee Plays in Volcano at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater on Saturday, June 1. Tickets are $48. Show begins at 7:45 p.m. A Park entrance fee may apply if arriving before 7:30 p.m. McKee is an acoustic guitar "virtuoso, a master practitioner" of folk, blues, bluegrass, and other musical genres, says the event description. Call (808) 896-4845 for information or to purchase tickets.

ONGOING

Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open.
Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21.

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays in the school cafeteria.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade Sign-Up Open until Thursday, June 20. Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

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

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

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

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Ua Alencastre-Galimba, Valedictorian of Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Island Class of 2019, drew tears, smiles, and laughter from her classmates as she thanked mom for helping her to become ready for her future. Ua attended Volcano School of Arts & Sciences and will attend Harvard University this fall. Image from Kamehameha commencement film

UA ALENCASTRE-GALIMBA,VALEDICTORIAN OF KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS HAWAIʻI ISLAND CLASS OF 2019, drew laughter, smiles, and tears from her classmates as she gave her commencement talk on Saturday. Daughter of Kaʻū rancher Michelle Galimba and the late Timothy Alencastre, Ua grew up on a remote ranch between Nāʻālehu and Pāhala, surrounded by horses, cattle, ranch dogs, and all the work that comes with them. She participated in 4H and the family business of raising grass fed Kuahiwi Ranch Natural Beef cattle.
Throughout her upbringing, Ua was often a partner in Michelle's business and community life, from attending public meetings to cattle roundups, branding, and sales. She studied at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, followed by Kamehameha, both located more than an hour away from the family home. Her next school is an ocean and a continent away at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Ua thanked the Kamehameha faculty, staff, and administrators "for having the passion to teach my class and I the lessons that helped us to grow as learners and as people. You all have helped to instill the drive in my class that will allow us to go far in life." She said mahalo to family and friends for being "a guiding force during this time of great change for all of us."

A younger Ua with her mother Michelle Galimba, representing the

ranching community at Kaʻū Plantation Days at Pāhala Plantation

House. Photo by Julia Neal

She addressed the class as Kamakaokaniuhi - eye of the tiger shark - a name given to the students by their teachers to mean the courage to seek out challenges.
Ua told classmates, "I am so proud of each and every one of you. We made it. In just a few moments we become alumni. Gone are the days of fried rice for breakfast on Wednesdays. Gone are the days of getting to school, moments after the bell," a cup of coffee "in hand and just making it to morning oli. But most importantly, gone are the days of seeing friends that have become family."

Ua urged her fellow graduating seniors to "Let it sink in that this is the end of something important in your life. Whether you look fondly on your experience with school, this is still a significant part of your life that you should be proud of." She said her class was often described as a class that "does not sweat the small stuff, a class that that goes with the flow... We don't respond to being pressured by deadlines or to the idea that we should take something seriously, just because we are told it is important. We are very stubborn in that way, you see. But here's the thing about us, Kamakaokaniuhi, when we decide to do something, when we decide to give something our all, we do so because we believe it is important to us, because we want to. We do not allow anyone to tell us how to think or feel, which I think makes us pretty special. Now my hope is that, as we go out into the world, we do not allow this part of us to fade."

She said senior year has been filled with a series of lasts - "last Founders Day... last Aloha Wear Day, the list goes on and on..." But now "it's time for us to begin a new journey that will be filled with a series of firsts: First time living on your own, first time being the new kids at school, and many other amazing and new experiences. But, you know, don't sweat it. Instead, be excited. This is this time for you to make your mark. If you want to make your millions, do it. If you want to cure cancer, do it; or if you want to make a career of spending every single day at the beach, do that too. Whatever it is, as long as you are determined enough, I believe you can make it happen."

Ua Alencastre-Galimba addresses her Kamehameha School Hawaiʻi Island, Class of 2019. Photo from commencement video

Ua gave credit to her family in a way that appeared to bring out the same feelings from other students as they wiped away tears. "For me I've been able to make things happen because of the support of one special person that I would like to thank tonight. To my mom: Thank you for supporting me through it all. She is the reason I am here. She is the reason that I am headed where I am headed in life. ... I can not take sole credit for my achievement. Even though the late nights of studying were all me, she is the one who got me up at 4:30 the next morning half asleep to catch the bus to school. And during some of the hardest times in my life, my mom has been there for me and gotten me through them. Mom, I will never be able to repay everything you have done for me. Know that you are my inspiration, so thank you." After her speech other students called out "I love you mom."
Other Kamehameha Hawaiʻi Island 2019 graduates from Kaʻū are: Ua's ranching family cousin Gavin Galimba, Kailee Kamalani Kuhaulua-Stacy, and Melia Okimoto.
See the Kamehameha commencement ceremony on YouTube.

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105 feet of tower holds millions of dollars of high-tech sensing equipment.
DLNR photo

A 105-FOOT-HIGH METEOROLOGICAL TOWER IN PUʻU MAKAʻALA Natural Area Reserve, above VolcanoVillage, hosts millions of dollars in high-tech sensing equipment. Towering above the highest trees in the Reserve, the tower is the final component of the National Ecological Observatory Network.

Funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle Memorial Institute, NEON is a system of 81 field sites, spread across the entire country, with the final one in Hawai‘i just recently completed and online, reports the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Each site collects standardized data from automated sensors, airborne remote sensing surveys, and on-the-ground observational sampling by field scientists. The terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric data and samples collected at these sites are available to scientists and anyone else interested, through a single, openly accessible data portal. NEON is expected to generate data for ecological research over the next 30 years.

NEON's Field Operations Manager for Hawaiʻi, Michael Long, said, "The idea of NEON is to create a giant data clearinghouse, where anyone can go to the web and access data from Alaska, Hawai‘i, Puerto Rico, and every state, and see continental-scale changes for the next three decades. It's available to researchers, students, to anybody, and we hope it will get people excited about science as they see the types of measurements and the types of data that we can collect and how it connects to the environmental changes we see around us."

The top platform of the NEON tower sits above the tree tops.
DLNR photo

Senior Field Ecologist for NEON in Hawai‘i, Robert Hamnett, said data collection instrumentation on the observatory includes net radiometer, photoactive radiation sensors, rain samplers, CO2 gas systems, carbon flux sensors, tipping buckets, and more. "A huge benefit of NEON is there are guaranteed, standardized protocols to measure everything here in Hawai‘i, exactly the same way it's being measured across the nation. There's never been anything like it."

Automated sensors on the tower in Pu‘u Maka‘ala collect weather and climate data from above the tree canopy and down to the ground. Additional sensors in the ground collect soil health data. NEON field scientists also collect routine observations of birds, insects, soils, and plants to monitor changes in traits and populations dynamics.

A Senior Ecologist with the NEON project, Shea Uehana, said, "Our field scientists conduct dozens of observational sampling protocols that make up the terrestrial observational system, meaning that the data from the ground can be used to validate and correlate with data you get from the tower. For instance, we look at plant phenology, which is the timing of flowering and leaf bud on native species like the ʻŌhiʻa."

Automatic sensors record things like sunlight and rainfall, among many
other things. DNLR photo

The rich data emanating from NEON will be a boon for land managers and researchers working in the Reserve, reports Steve Bergfeld, Hawai‘i Island Branch Manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. "Pu‘u Maka‘ala is one of the most intact native forests in the entire state. It supports a wide variety of rare and endangered plants and animals. It would be impossible for us to collect environmental data with the scope and sophistication that NEON provides, with the enormous added benefit of being able to detect ecological changes over many decades. The information collected by NEON will help us make better and more informed decisions on behalf of the forest life that we're charged with protecting and preserving. Information is definitely power in this case."

NEON's Hawaiʻi field site offers 13 different data sets for download. That number is "expected to grow exponentially over time. Hawai‘i's NEON site will be the only one here. Other states, like California, have multiple field sites, some of which are relocatable," reports DLNR.

The NEON Data Portal is online here.

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HIGH SURF ADVISORY for Kaʻū shorelines through tomorrow, reports National Weather Service. Strong breaking waves and strong currents making swimming dangerous are expected.

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.

UPCOMING

MONDAY, MAY 27

Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 3 p.m., Front Lawn, Kīlauea Military Camp. Keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area. Open to public. In case of rain ceremony will be moved indoors. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Memorial Day Buffet, Monday, May 27, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. BBQ Pork Ribs, Local Styles Fried Chicken, Smoked Vegetable Kabobs, salads and more. $20.95/Adults, $11.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, MAY 28
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

SATURDAY, JUNE 1
Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories, June 1-July 13, all Hawai‘i Public Libraries including Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala. Starting June 1, sign in and register at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org for free reading rewards, activities, and programs for all ages, and a chance to win a round trip for Four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

Edible Wild Plants: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 transportation fee. Class size limited. Register early. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Lā‘au Lapa‘āu Workshop, Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym. Free workshop open to the public from Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi Traditional Health team. 969-9220, hmono.org

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

Andy McKee Plays in Volcano at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Saturday, June 1. Show begins at 7:45 p.m. A Park entrance fee may apply if arriving before 7:30 p.m. McKee is an acoustic guitar "virtuoso, a master practitioner" of folk, blues, bluegrass, and other musical genres. Information or purchase tickets, $48, at (808) 896-4845, kilaueamilitarycamp.com, or bluesbearhawaii.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, June 2 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, JUNE 3
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Monday, June 3 (Committees), Tuesday, June 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program Applications, Monday, June 3, 10, 17, or 24, Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18 or 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Green Room, Ocean View Community Center. See hceoc.net/programs/energy for full list of requirements and to download forms.

Mr. Kneel Public Speaker and Professional Beatboxer, Monday, June 3, 2:30 p.m., Pāhala Public and School Library. Features math, reading, Dr. Seuss, and family friendly humor. 928-2015

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, June 3 and July 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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.

Dr. Neal Palafox explains the irony of Micronesians' fame as an ocean going people, who wind up in poverty and

poor health in Hawaiʻi. He spoke at the annual Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association meeting in Pāhala.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE HEALTH AND ECONOMIC WELL BEING OF MICRONESIANS and other South Pacific islanders who have moved to Hawaiʻi was the focus of the 21st annual Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association meeting last Friday at PāhalaCommunity Center.

Keynote speaker was Neal Palafox, MD, MPH, a Professor at University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine's Department of Family Medicine & Community Health. He spent decades studying and working with Pacific Islanders to improve their health and economic situation.
Palafox talked about the strategic importance of numerous South Pacific islands to the U.S.military after World War II, when more than a decade of nuclear bomb testing was conducted in the islands. After the nuclear testing stopped, the U.S.government promised to help with economic development, health, and education for the islanders.
The U.S.maintains large military bases in the Micronesia and views them as important to the future, especially with Chinese government and companies making inroads into the Pacific. In exchange for keeping the bases, and for mitigation for the nuclear testing that made some islands uninhabitable, the U.S.allows residents of many of the islands to come to this country without a passport or visa, to live, work, and gain an education here. At first, the federal government paid for their health care, then the states chipped in as the federal government withdrew some of its support.

Dr. Neal Palafox and Marshallese leader from Ocean View, Johnathan Jackson.

Photo by Julia Neal

Some of the islanders went to places like Arkansas, where they were hired by large companies like Tysons Foods and became factory workers. In Arkansas, the Marshallese, in particular have done well there in terms of being lifted out of poverty, though far away from their island culture of subsistence farming and fishing.

On Hawaiʻi Island, many of the families live remotely. Ocean View is one place where they found affordable land to create housing for extended families. The children go to Schools. Some of the parents and grandparents work picking Kaʻū Coffee.

One problem brought up in the meeting is the assimilation of the children into the education system. With poor English skills upon arrival, they need more support through speakers of their own dialects, several attendees stated. Sometimes they are bullied and feel discrimination from other students and even teachers, Palafox said. He said that throughout Hawaiʻi there are many Micronesian jokes, online insults such as "Micronesian Cockroaches Go Home." People ask "How do we get them to go elsewhere?" and say, "Send these people a message," and "Stop them from coming." These islanders are often blamed for being the biggest cause of homelessness in Hawaiʻi, Palafox said.

Physician Richard Creagan takes about his experience working

with the Marshallese in the Peace Corps. Photo by Julia Neal

He noted that one difference between Micronesians here and other immigrants is that most other immigrants have to apply for a visa and are sponsored by families already here. They often arrive with a job waiting for them. With the Pacific Islanders who have free entry to the U.S., "we are getting the entire demographic," the middle class and the poor, the skilled and unskilled, said Palafox, "with their need for more education, employment training, health care, and assistance with assimilation.

Palafox introduced the idea of Cultural Safety with mediating variables to help the islanders. Among them are self-determination, social and restorative justice, equity, negotiated partnership, transparency, reciprocity, accountability, and resilience.

Johnathan Jackson, one of the leaders of the Marshallese in Ocean View, talked about the attempt to maintain some of the traditional culture while living here. The Micronesians, for example, are well regarded as master navigators in the South Pacific. It is ironic that they would have a hard time being accepted here.

Palafax said that health statistics are bleak among the islanders before and after they come here. He said they are affected by the worst of both worlds: cholera, dengue fever and tuberculosis in their less developed tropical home islands, and the poor diet of modern society with more diabetes, stroke, and cancer.

Jesse Marques, founder of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, and physician Richard Creagan, who represents Ocean View in the state House of Representatives and worked in the Peace Corps in the Marshall Islands, vowed to work more with the Marshallese and other islanders who have moved here.

See more on Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association at krhcai.com.

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Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, as she sends off Hawaiʻi Army National Guard troops to Afghanistan.
She serves in the same unit, deployed twice to the Middle East. Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

MEMORIAL DAY IN KAʻŪ included ceremonies at Kilauea Military Camp and messages from two military reserve public officials, both running for national office. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's campaign team for U.S. president released a statement about her recent farewell to nearly 200 soldiers from the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment. It is the same unit she deployed with to the Middle East. These soldiers headed to Afghanistan, and for many, it is their third or fourth deployment.

As a soldier for over 16 years, Gabbard served in Iraqin 2005 in a medical unit "where she was confronted everyday by the high human cost of war. On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate price in service to their country, and those who continue to put their lives on the line for our country every day. As Tulsi reminds us, it's the little things that don't make the headlines that also take a toll – like missing your child's first steps, seeing them off to school, or teaching them how to drive."

State Sen. Kai Kalele, who serves in the Air National Guard, putting
a flag on the grave of a veteran. Photo from Kai Kahele

The statement says that Gabbard is "running for president to bring an end to more counterproductive regime change wars, the new cold war, and arms race. Our servicemen and women don't need lip service from warmongering politicians and media pundits who feign concern while simultaneously fomenting conflicts around the globe. These conflicts threaten to send our men and women in uniform into harm's way for no other purpose than power and profit. The true way to honor our troops who have and continue to put their lives on the line for our country is to work to prevent unnecessary costly wars and resolve that war should only be waged as a very last resort to keep the American people safe."

State Sen. Kai Kahele, who is running to take Gabbard's place in the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement saying, "This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and our nation. We remember their courage, their strength, and their love of country.

"Just as in years gone past, we decorate each memorial, each gravesite with a flag, flowers, or a lei. We lower our flags to half staff and we pay tribute to those who gave their all in service to a grateful nation. The observance of their names, the acknowledgment of their contribution during their shortened lives, and the recognition of their sacrifice is the highest honor we can give them.

"When we think about them, for a moment they live again, in our memories, in our imagination, and our hearts while stirring up our pride, our patriotism, and maybe a tear. As their extraordinary courage and sacrifice are etched in our memories, they live on forever."

Kīlauea Military Camp held Memorial Day ceremonies followed by a Memorial Day Buffet. The keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., commander of Pōhakuloa Training Area.

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

THE SKY IS FULL OF STORIES with James McCarthy happens Friday, June 28, 1:30 p.m., at Nāʻālehu Public Library, 95-5669 Mamalahoa Hwy. The free, 45 minute program, suitable for all ages, features McCarthy telling "sky stories from myths to science." McCarthy is a founding storyteller of Honolulu Zoo's Moonlight Toursand Snooze in the Zoo, which "bring to life the stories that are found in the skies." Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. Contact 939-2442 for more.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

SUNDAY, MAY 26

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org

Memorial Day Buffet, Monday, May 27, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. BBQ Pork Ribs, Local Styles Fried Chicken, Smoked Vegetable Kabobs, salads and more. $20.95/Adults, $11.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, MAY 28
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

After Dark in the Park – Hawai‘i's Landfill Crisis: From Hopeless to Hopeful, Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Special guest speakers Lori Kahikina, P.E. Director, Department of Environmental Services and Jim Howe, Emergency Services Director present sobering look at Hawaiʻi’s future and a call to action that provides hope while separating myth from reality. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, May 29 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 11 a.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

THURSDAY, MAY 30
Summer Keiki Learn-to-Swim Registration, Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Pāhala Swimming Pool, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Campus. $15 per session; cash or check accepted. Payable to County Director of Finance. 928-8177, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, May 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.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, MAY 31
Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Roosevelt's Tree Army: Civilian Conservation Corps in Hawai‘i, Friday, May 31, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Talk story with Dr. Jadelyn Moniz Nakamura. "Bring your own cuppa." Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, JUNE 1
Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories, June 1-July 13, all Hawai‘i Public Libraries including Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala. Starting June 1, sign-in and register at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org for free reading rewards, activities and programs for all ages and a chance to win a round trip for Four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

Edible Wild Plants: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 transportation fee. Class size limited. Register early. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, June 3 and July 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

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.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for its advisory council.
Photo from NOAA

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK Whale National Marine Sanctuary are sought. The sanctuary will review applications to represent the Native Hawaiian community, Ocean Recreation, Tourism and Commercial Shipping. It also seeks a Molokaʻi Island Representative and an alternative volunteer to represent Ocean Recreation. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice to sanctuary management. The sanctuary conducts the annual whale count in whats off Kaʻū and elsewhere along Hawaiʻi's coasts. with many educational, research, and protection programs.

Nancy Daschbach, sanctuary acting-superintendent, said, "The members of our sanctuary advisory council represent extremely important elements of our community. We rely on their input, experience, and expertise to assist us in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our humpback whales, and important cultural and natural resources."
Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and
management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as primary or alternate members should expect to serve a three-year term.

Applications are due by Friday, June 21. To receive an application kit, or for further information, contact Cindy Among-Serrao at Cindy.Among-Serrao@noaa.gov or 808-725-5923, or visit the sanctuary website at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/
council/council_app_accepting.html.
The sanctuary, administered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters, where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
A statement from NOAA says its mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. See Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels for National Marine Sanctuaries.

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.

"MARSHALLESE FACE DIFFICULTIES obtaining the identification they need to get a job, go to school, or travel," according to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who charged in a letter today that the federal Department of Homeland Security rules "contradict existing law, and must immediately be corrected."
The Marshallese and others migrants covered by the Compact of Freely Associated States face "an urgent situation impacting thousands of people who have legally come to the United States and are suffering the consequences of this bureaucratic mishap," she wrote in a letter co-signed by colleagues in Congress. She said Department of Homeland Security administrative rules place undue constraints of Compact of Freely Associated States migrants seeking to obtain REAL IDs and that agreements the United States made through the Compact of Free Association are being undermined by current Department of Homeland Security rules.

Gabbard pointed to bill, H.R. 3398, which was previously signed into law and designed to correct an "egregious oversight" which prevented citizens of the Freely Associated States from obtaining anything more than a temporary ID or driver's license.
Said Alaska Congressman Don Young, who co-authored the bill with Gabbard, "As a practical matter, this can hurt their ability to maintain long-term employment or engage in other lawful activities where they legally reside." He said that recent guidance put into place by the Department of Homeland Security has imposed additional burdens on these citizens. "Free Associated States citizens who reside here are proud to call the United States and its territories home, and it is my hope that DHS will work with us to find a long-term solution for them in line with the intent of Congress."

Said Congressman Ed Case, "Our Compacts of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands, are of key importance to all of our countries. The Compacts permit citizens of the Freely Associated States to live and work in our country with a valid unexpired passport and documentation that they entered under the Compacts. It is directly contrary to the Compacts to impose onerous additional requirements that make it very difficult for them to access the basics of everyday life like driving and working."

The April 2019 DHS guidance requires COFA migrants to produce documents not required by their migration status in order to obtain their REAL IDs. REAL IDs are necessary for a range of things which have significant impact on the day-to-day lives of individuals, including employment, travel, participation in federal programs, and entry to federal buildings.
For more on the Marshallese, see Monday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

TRAINING TO GROW FOOD SAFELY is a workshop for fruit and vegetable growers on Friday, May 31 from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. at the Komohana Research & Extension Center in Hilo. The full day will cover seven hours of instruction in Produce Safety; Worker Health; Hygiene and Training; Soil Amendments; Wildlife, Domesticated Animals and Land Use; Agricultural Water; Postharvest
Handling and Sanitation; and How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan.
The training helps to meet federal food safety requirements. Cost is $150, with some scholarships available. It is sponsored by the University of Hawaiʻi Cooperative Extension and The Kohala Center, as well as County of Hawaiʻi.

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, May 29 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 11 a.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

THURSDAY, MAY 30
Summer Keiki Learn-to-Swim Registration, Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Pāhala Swimming Pool, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Campus. $15 per session; cash or check accepted. Payable to County Director of Finance. 928-8177, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, May 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.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

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays , June 7 through July 11, except June 11 and July 4, in the school cafeteria.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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

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.

Uhu, the parrot fish, are herbivores who graze on coral and help maintain the health of the coral reefs. Read below
about a new study on herbivores and their role in restoring coral. Photo from TNC

BIG ISLAND HOUSING FOUNDATION CAME TO KAʻŪ on Sunday, May 26 to present a model for senior housing in Nāʻālehu. The presentation to about 30 people focused on the old Nāʻālehu Fruit Stand land along Hwy 11, which is being purchased by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Community organization for the purpose of senior housing.

Susan Kunz, Executive Director of Big Island Housing Foundation, said one example of housing for the site would include 20 units, each 500 square feet, and cost $7 million to $8 million to build. Estimated rent would be $1,000 a month, targeting low income people. Some would receive subsidies to help pay for it.

Foundation representatives said that financing to build the $8 million project could come through the federal Housing and Urban Development agency, and investors who would receive tax credits for participating. The investors would come up with about two-thirds of the budget to build the facility and receive ten years in tax credits.

An important element for moving forward, said Kunz, is a marketing study that would show the need for the senior housing and ability for seniors to pay full rent, or some rent plus a subsidy. The project would need about 20 people who would be ready to move in and another 40 that would be expected to move in later during the next 15 years.

Big Island Housing Foundation operates 40 units at Waimea Elderly Housing. It is working with OKK for a 20 unit complex in Nāʻālehu. Photo from Big Island Housing Foundation

Some people asked whether the senior housing would be for local people, which is a goal of ʻO Kaʻū Kākou President Wayne Kawachi, who has helped to raise over $75,000 for the project. Representatives of Big Island Housing Foundation said they can not exclude seniors from the mainland from applying for the housing. Use of federal money used to build the facility prohibits discrimination.
Some seniors at the meeting discussed among themselves whether they could gift their own homes and other assets to their children to become qualified as lower income, so they wouldn't have to come up with $1,000 a month. They described themselves as owning a home but having little retirement income from the defunct sugar plantation.
Big Island Housing Foundation operates Kamana Elderly Housing, Waimea Elderly Housing, E Komo Mai Apartments, Papa ʻAloa Elderly Housing, Keaʻau Elderly Housing, and Riverside Apartments. See photos and descriptions of these communities at bigislandhousing.com.
To donate to the cause and for more information, call Kawachi at 937-4773.

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.

Manini, convict tangs. Photo from NOAA

RESTORING CORAL REEF HEALTH in Hawaiʻi could be assisted by better managing herbivores, the fish that graze on algae, reports The Nature Conservancy. A study, released today, says, "Without herbivores—such as uhu, manini, palani, kole and kala—algae can outcompete corals, overgrowing the habitat corals need to reproduce, smothering and degrading reefs, and reducing the health of the entire ecosystem. And because reefs with healthy herbivore populations are themselves healthier, they are more resilient to stressors like runoff from land and unsustainable fishing, and better able to resist or recover from the impacts of climate change, like coral bleaching and storm damage."

The paper’s lead author, Dr. Anne Chung, a recent graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa who works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said, "Establishing management areas that restrict herbivore harvest is a common recommendation for protecting coral reefs, but there is limited information on how to do that. Based on the latest science, our team developed design principles for establishing an herbivore management area network that builds reef resilience in Hawai‘i."

Some of the key recommendations include:

• Protecting ecologically important areas, particularly diverse reefs that provide nursery, shelter, feeding, and spawning habitats for herbivores;

• Building connectivity, so fish and their larvae can travel between areas to take advantage of critical food resources and habitat; and

• Protecting reefs that have shown resilience to disturbance in the past while avoiding degraded areas.

Uhu, one of the most important reef dwellers for the

health of coral. Photo by Pauline Fiene

Another key factor in the success of herbivore management areas is community engagement and support, says the TNC statement. "Fishing is an important part of our island culture, so this work was born out of a practical need to protect our reefs while still allowing fishing to occur," Chung said. "Herbivore management areas would not prevent fishing for other kinds of fish, such as ulua, omilu, weke and ‘u‘u."

According to co-author Dr. Alan Friedlander, chief scientist with National Geographic's Pristine Seas program and a University of Hawai‘i researcher, "Less than five percent of the coastline in the Main Hawaiian Islands effectively protects reef fish through managed areas with high levels of protection, and there is only one area specifically designated for herbivore management—the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area offshore of Kāʻanapali on the island of Maui."

Within the Fisheries Management Area, parrot fish populations have recovered by 368 percent, algae have decreased, and coral habitat—which was once being smothered by native and non-native algae—is no longer declining, despite a mass coral bleaching event in 2015. In a 2018 survey led by TNC, that examined 22,000 coral colonies at 51 sites in south and west Maui, Kahekili was ranked as one of leeward Maui's five most resilient reefs.

Co-author Dr. Alison Green, of The Nature Conservancy, said "Herbivore management areas can help build reef resilience to climate change, but they should be used in conjunction with other management strategies, such as reducing sediments coming from land." Such is the case at Kahekili, where watershed management initiatives are reducing the amount of land-based sediment and nutrients that flow to the ocean.

Kim Hum, marine program director for The Nature Conservancy in Hawaiʻi, said, "Practical guidance like these design principles is helping to equip government agencies and community groups with the tools they need to meet the State's goal of effectively managing 30 percent of nearshore waters by 2030. Maintaining healthy coral reefs around the Hawaiian Islands is a tough job. Rising and warming seas make it even tougher. But together, we can build healthier reefs and more abundant fisheries to support local livelihoods and feed our families into the future."

Palani. Photo by Kydd Pollock/TNC

The paper, Building Coral Reef Resilience Through Spatial Herbivore Management, was published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. Authors include Dr. Anne Chung, University of Hawai‘i; Dr. Alan M. Friedlander, Chief Scientist with National Geographic's Pristine Seas program and the University of Hawai‘i; Dr. Alison L. Green of The Nature Conservancy; Dr. Lisa M. Wedding of Stanford University and the University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Grace Goldberg of the University of Calfornia at Santa Barbara; and Amber Meadows and Dr. Mark A. Hixon of the University of Hawaiʻi.

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MEI LIN GALBAN KIN IN WILL SOON HEAD TO COLLEGE ON A BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP. Known to her coaches and teammates as Skittles, she'll play for Pierce College in Puyallup, in Washington state. Her Kaʻū High School Trojans teammate, Kianie Medeiros-Dancel, will play for the same school. Galban Kin In is one of three of Head Coach Cy Lopez Jr.'s players to receive an athletic scholarship and "continue to play the game they love, while furthering their education and pursuing their dreams," said Trojans Girls Basketball Assistant Coach Jennifer Makuakane. Galban Kin In will be studying to become an electrical engineer.

Galban Kin In has developed into an "incredibly skilled ball handler and shooter. Probably one of the best all around guards for Kaʻū Girls Basketball in the 8 years of Coach Cy's career," said Makuakane. "She didn't become the player she is over night. For five years, Skittles' self discipline to work endlessly set her apart from the rest. She has endured grueling hours of ball handling skills drills, shot hundreds of shots per day, five to six days a week, and watched hours worth of film – not because the coaches asked, because she wanted to."

Mei Lin Gablan Kin In, with her ‘ohana and coaches, as she signs with
Pierce College in Washington state. Photo from Ka‘ū High School

According to Lopez, "Skittles' remarkable dedication and commitment from day one will never be forgotten. I hope sharing her story with my future players will inspire them, because she is an amazing role model for others."

Makuakane reported that "while visiting her dad and family in Kona, she would have her dad drive her daily from Kona to Kaʻū so she wouldn't miss practice. If for any reason she was unable to make it back, her dad would take her to the nearest basketball court so she could get her training in for the day. That was the type of player Mei Lin was.

"Mei Lin didn't only focus on herself when it came to basketball. Being a selfless, kind hearted individual, she volunteered her time mentoring and coaching middle school students. Over the years, her love for the sport grew and she didn't realize how much she'd miss it until her final basketball season came to an end."

Galban Kin In's "quiet, shy, and reserved demeanor" didn't stop her coaches from believing she had the capability to play college ball. They were anticipating her signing with a college, any college, said Makuakane. Just hours before her high school commencement ceremony, Gablan Kin In signed her letter of intent surrounded by proud family members, coaches, Athletic Director Kalei Namohala, and Principal Sharon Beck.

Said Makuakane, "We've been blessed to coach over 80 players in the past eight years. A player like Skittles doesn't come around often. Someone who is passionate, dedicated, selfless, genuine, and with a pure soul, is like finding a diamond in the rough. As hard as it is to let her go, sharing someone this special is an honor. Skittles will undoubtedly give all that she has to her new coach and team, as she has done for us.

"It's hard to explain how proud we are of Skittles and the rest of our girls. Our hearts are full and we can't wait to continue this journey alongside of them. These young women will continue to represent Kaʻū well and prove what a special place we come from."

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON MAUNA KEA ADMINISTRATION is sought by University of Hawaiʻiby Friday, June 7. There are public hearings on Hawaiʻi Island on Tuesday, June 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Waiākea Elementary School,

180 W. Puainako Street, Hilo

and Wednesday, June 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School, 68-1730 Hoʻoko Street, Waikoloa.

UH is asking for comments on the latest draft of the proposed administrative rules to govern public and commercial activities on UH-managed lands on Mauna Kea.

The university has received hundreds of written and oral comments and suggestions during the formal and informal processes to date, and this input "significantly shaped" the latest draft. The public is strongly encouraged to continue to participate in the process.
See hawaii.edu/offices/bor/adminrules/proposed.html, select Proposed for the rules.
Submit data, views, or arguments, orally or in writing by mail to UH System of Government Relations Office, UH_Mānoa, 2442 Campus Rd., Admin. Svcs. Bldg. 1, Rm. 101, Honolulu, HI, 96822; online to uhhar@hawaii.edu; or at a public hearing, dates and times above.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

THURSDAY, MAY 30

Summer Keiki Learn-to-Swim Registration, Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Pāhala Swimming Pool, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Campus. $15 per session; cash or check accepted. Payable to County Director of Finance. 928-8177, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, May 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.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, MAY 31
Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Roosevelt's Tree Army: Civilian Conservation Corps in Hawai‘i, Friday, May 31, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Talk story with Dr. Jadelyn Moniz Nakamura. "Bring your own cuppa." Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories, June 1-July 13, all Hawai‘i Public Libraries including Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala. Starting June 1, sign-in and register at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org for free reading rewards, activities and programs for all ages and a chance to win a round trip for Four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

Edible Wild Plants: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 transportation fee. Class size limited. Register early. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

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

Andy McKee Plays in Volcano at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Saturday, June 1. Show begins at 7:45 p.m. A Park entrance fee may apply if arriving before 7:30 p.m. McKee is an acoustic guitar "virtuoso, a master practitioner" of folk, blues, bluegrass, and other musical genres. Information or purchase tickets, $48, at (808) 896-4845, kilaueamilitarycamp.com, or bluesbearhawaii.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, June 2 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, June 3 and July 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open.

Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21.

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

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Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt talked to reporters outside of Volcano House today. They discussed
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff staying on island and the future of Jaggar Museum and HVO headquarters.
Photo by Julia Neal

U.S. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR DAVID BERNHARDT stood on the edge of Kīlauea Caldera today and said that Hawaiian Volcano Observatory headquarters will remain on Hawaiʻi Island. After putting on a hard hat and visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Jaggar Museum and HVO headquarters, undermined by earthquakes and the collapse of crater walls last year, he talked with reporters. They discussed the impact of the loss of the buildings to scientists, visitors, and the local economy. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think this was going to be a priority and move forward as expeditiously as humanly possible," said Bernhardt.

HVO Chief Scientist Tina Neal and acting Superintendent of Hawaiʻi

Volcanoes National park Rhonda Loh show Secretary of the Interior David

Bernhardt the plaza overlooking Kīlauea Caldera.

Photo by DOI/Tami A. Heilemann

On money that could be used for facility recovery, he said there is a process with Congress. "We are in a process where they have found some money, but I never make a prediction on that until it's presented to the President. But I do think the Senators have been very responsive and I think we'll be in good shape. We already have some resources from federal highways and others that will be coming and doing planning to deal with some subsidence, and things like that."

When asked whether JaggarMuseum could be reopened, he said, "When you stand there, at the caldera, my initial reaction, honestly, was that there needs to be something. It just seems that it would be counter purposes not to have something right near there. At the same time, there's movement on that ground. I mean that's clearly obvious, it's still moving potentially. So we need to think that through because, obviously, safety's very first. I think that's a site to be very thoughtful about." Bernhardt noted that visitation to the park is rebounding.

He also noted that HVO moved to places, in Hilo, to stay fully operational. He said the determination of a fixed plan for a permanent location is at least months away. He did say the headquarters would remain on Hawaiʻi Island, following speculation that scientists and other staff could be distributed to Hilo, Honolulu, and other places.

The Interior Secretary also said he met with HVO and HVNP employees today. "We have some incredible employees here at both the National Park Service and also at the U.S. Geological Survey. I was able to commend the team that had spent so much time and effort up here during the event," the summit collapse and quakes that led them to abandon the buildings and close the park, all the while keeping the community informed.

Secretary of the Interior David Berhhardt tours the HVO building, with its

severe damage from earthquakes and the collapse of the caldera

where it is perched. Photo by DOI/Tami A. Heilemann

Bernhardt toured the off-limits HVO headquarters with Chief Scientist Tina Neal and Acting HVNP Superintendent Rhonda Loh. Neal pointed to large cracks in walls and other structural damage. On the plaza, overlooking the recently created, large collapse feature of the volcano summit, Neal reminded Bernhardt that HVO has been there since the early part of the last century and Jaggar museum since the 1920s.

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USGS WILL KEEP HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY HERE, reported Sen. Mazie Hirono today, after a meeting with Dr. Jim Reilly, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Said Hirono, "The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is an integral part of the Hawaiʻi Island community, as we saw when HVO scientists worked around the clock with first responders to provide critical information during last year's volcanic activity. It just makes sense that this critical agency remains anchored on Hawaiʻi Island, and I want to thank Dr. Reilly for being receptive to community concerns on this matter."

During his confirmation hearing in March, Hirono urged then-Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to incorporate feedback from Hawaiʻi Island residents and Hawaiʻi's Congressional Delegation before deciding whether to move the Observatory to Oʻahu.
Hirono told Bernhardt: "The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory was completely destroyed, as you know, during the eruption. We obviously need to rebuild the facility and there are discussions of building it outside of the island on which actually there are active volcanoes. That doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. I would want to have your commitment that you will listen to the Congressional delegation as well as local stakeholders to put this observatory where the eruptions will likely occur."
Bernhard replied, "I have to say, I will absolutely look into that."

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EXPERIENCE VOLCANO released a statement today, promoting the Experience Volcano Festival, coming up on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash.
Vendors can apply for Experience Volcano. Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering. See ExperienceVolcano.com.

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ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH wraps up tomorrow. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who came here as a child immigrant from Japan, issued a statement saying, "APA Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the cultures, the trailblazers, and stories of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaiʻi and across the country. While we celebrate these contributions, there is still much work to be done to ensure opportunity and equality for AAPI communities, and we must continue fighting for these goals."

Last week, Hirono, along with 22 of her U.S. Senate colleagues, introduced a resolution recognizing the significance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, and the contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Throughout May, Hirono, the first Asian American woman elected to the United States Senate, introduced several pieces of legislation to benefit the AAPI community. Last week, Hirono reintroduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, which she previously introduced in the 113th, 114th, and 115th Congresses. This legislation would expedite the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. She also introduced the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation that would close a loophole in the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 that prevented internationally-adopted children from receiving U.S.citizenship despite being legally adopted by U.S.citizens.
Hirono also introduced a resolution to commemorate the life and legacy of Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink, who, when elected to represent Hawaiʻi in 1964, was the first Asian American woman and woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Roosevelt's Tree Army: Civilian Conservation Corps in Hawai‘i, Friday, May 31, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Talk story with Dr. Jadelyn Moniz Nakamura. "Bring your own cuppa." Free. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, June 3 and July 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 4
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, June 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
Early Head Start, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Master Gardeners: Plant Propagation, Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Sharing techniques to propagate plants. Free seeds and starts give away. 939-2442

All About Buddhism in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition, Wednesday, June 5 and every following Wednesday, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Book study/talk story. Materials and light refreshments provided. Temple president Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Sammi Fo, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, June 6 and 20 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, June 6 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

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.

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal takes shelter in a mass of derelict nets and other fishing gear. Read below how

harmful marine debris are to the ocean and its inhabitants. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

WITH HURRICANE SEASON BEGINNING TOMORROW, THE ELECTRIC COMPANY urges people to be prepared. It also reports that its crew is creating more resilient grids and keeping land cleared around power lines, power poles, and other equipment to gear up for the 2019 Central Pacific Hurricane hurricane season, which begins Saturday, June 1. HECO spent almost $17 million statewide in the last year to update infrastructure so weather causes fewer and briefer outages during storms. HECO "works year-round to strengthen the electric grids so that they are better able to withstand powerful storms. Much of that work centers around upgrading and reinforcing poles, lines, and equipment, and clearing vegetation," says a release from HECO'S local utility, Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co.

Since 2018, HELCO has "continued collaboration with public agencies and community partners to promote emergency preparedness and hasten power restoration efforts following natural disasters." HELCO installed Trip-Savers and similar devices on power lines to help isolate and protect the electrical system during outages. HELCO also installed tie-lines between circuits to provide quicker restoration options during an interruption.

HELCO offers the safety handbook in English for Keiki, and adult
versions in English, Cantonese, Ilocano, Vietnamese, and Korean.

The HELCO statement urges customers to prepare for hurricane season by referring to the Handbook for Emergency Preparedness available at hawaiielectriclight.com/prepare. Printed copies are available at HELCO's business offices in Hilo and Kona, and at Hilo and Kona public libraries. Call 327-0543 to request copies.

Residents are urged to develop their own emergency plans and consider these tips:

- Gather emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns, and batteries. Be prepared to monitor storm-related communications issued over emergency broadcast radio stations.

- Store enough water, non-perishable food, medicine, and personal hygiene supplies for your family members and pets to last at least 14 days.

- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or a power outage. When power comes back and is stable, plug in the equipment one at a time.

- Shut off your electricity at the main breaker or switch if you need to evacuate.

- Consider having a backup generator if you are dependent on an electrically-powered life support system. Or, make plans to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available. Be prepared to take your medical equipment and medications with you.

- If your business or residence is equipped with a backup generator, learn how to properly operate the device to avoid causing damage or injury.

- Prepare a list of emergency contacts that includes phone numbers for insurance agents, vendors, physicians, or any other important individuals.

- See a downed power line? Assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away from downed power lines – at least 30 feet or more.

For power outage updates, follow Hawai‘i Electric Light on Twitter @HIElectricLight.

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.

Endangered Hawaiian monk seals bask in shallow water near a mini breakwater made partly of derelict fishing gear,

as sea birds perch atop the marine debris. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MARINE DEBRIS on ocean and wildlife are covered in a short film released this week by The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The film centers on clean-up efforts in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands.

The film uses underwater and seascape photography "to convey the meaning of the ocean to Native Hawaiian culture," says a release from the foundation. It documents a joint clean-up project of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its Marine Debris program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in Papahānaumokuākea.
Since 1996, the team has removed more than 2 million pounds of marine debris, which continues to accumulate at an estimated rate of 52 metric tons per year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Marine debris includes derelict fishing gear, non-biodegradable household waste, plastics, and other debris.

A sea bird nests in marine debris. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

Filmmaker Steven Gnam, who "specializes in exploring and illuminating our connection to nature and whose work is a celebration of the wild," says the release, created the film. It features music from Jack Johnson, the American singer-songwriter, actor, record producer, documentary filmmaker, and former surfer. Johnson, who was born and raised on the North Shore of Oʻahu and lives there now, is active in environmentalism and sustainability, often with a focus on the ocean.

The film was funded by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in partnership with Sea Salts of Hawaiʻi.

A Hawaiian monk seal swims blithely by a tangle of derelict nets.

Photo from marinesanctuary.org

From mid-September through October of 2018, a team of scientists led by NOAA carried out a 41-day expedition to Papahānaumokuākea, conducting in-water and shoreline marine debris survey, and removal operations at French Frigate Shoals, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Midway Atoll, and Kure Atoll. All 164,906 lbs. of marine debris were transported back to Honolulu for recycling and disposal.

Marine debris is any human-made, solid material that enters waterways directly through littering or indirectly via rivers, streams, and storm drains. Marine debris can discarded soda cans, disposable lighters, toothbrushes, or plastic bags that end up in the ocean. Nearly 80 percent of marine debris originates from land-based sources.

Lost or abandoned commercial and recreational fishing nets, lines, pots, and traps are another form of marine debris, categorized as derelict fishing gear. These items, whether discarded intentionally or lost accidentally, may sit on the seafloor, get caught on rocky or coral reefs, or float on the ocean surface. The majority of this lost gear does not decompose in seawater and can remain in the marine environment for many years.

Marine debris crowds shoreline plant life. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

Marine debris a crisis for the oceans as debris can kill and injure marine wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, disperse invasive species, endanger human health, cause damage to shipping vessels, and hurt businesses and tourism by polluting beaches and coastlines. As debris rolls across shoreline habitats and reefs, derelict fishing nets can entangle wildlife and damage corals. Derelict fishing gear is especially damaging to coral reefs. Derelict fishing nets wear down and break corals or can even grow into the reef structure, smothering living coral.

Derelict fishing gear also poses a serious choking and entanglement hazard to many threatened or endangered marine species and seabirds in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including the Hawaiian monk seal, green sea turtle, humpback whale, and Laysan albatross. If animals get entangled in nets or swallow plastic debris, they can suffocate, starve, or drown. Derelict fishing nets and gear can also constrict an entangled animal's movement, exhausting or injuring the animal.

Plastic debris is especially threatening because of its ability to absorb and concentrate toxic pollutants.

Marine debris gyres in the Pacific are perfectly placed to deposit debris on islands in Papahānaumokuākea Marine

National Monument. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

Ways to help stop marine debris: use reusable cups; avoid products with excess packaging; buy fresh and local; buy from bulk bins and avoid packages with individually wrapped items; avoid single-use plastic household items such as disposable lighters and plastic toothbrushes; invest in a reusable water bottle instead of using single-use plastic bottles; bring a reusable bag not only to the grocery store, but to all stores to reduce use of paper and plastic bags; say no to single-use plastic straws; and take part in beach cleanups.

A Hawaiian monk seal peers out from a tangle of net-based

marine debris. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

The foundation thanks Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaiʻi as a strong champion for the ocean, fighting to preserve and restore Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest marine protected area in the Northern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Papahānaumokuākea protects one of the last pristine ocean environments in the world, preserves Native Hawaiian traditions for future generations and safeguards the remains of those lost during World War II's Battle of Midway. Its extensive coral reefs are home to thousands of marine species, some found nowhere else in the world. Monument residents include endangered Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, 14 million seabirds, sharks, billfish, tuna, and four species of endemic land birds, including the Laysan duck.

A sea bird, perched with its catch atop marine debris.
Photo from marinesanctuary.org

The destination's role in maritime and cultural heritage is equally significant. With the highest density of sacred sites in the archipelago, it is closely tied to the Hawaiian peoples' history. Within the boundaries are more than 60 known shipwreck sites spanning centuries as well as Midway Atoll, where the US forces irreparably damaged the Japanese fleet in the famous WWII battle.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The foundation directly supports America's national marine sanctuaries through our mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve America's maritime heritage. The foundation accomplishes their mission through community stewardship and engagement programs, on-the-water conservation projects, public education and outreach programs, and scientific research, and exploration. The foundation fosters innovative projects that are solution-oriented, scalable and transferable, and develop strategic partnerships that promote the conservation and recovery of species and their habitats. Learn more at marinesanctuary.org.

Learn more about the marine debris problem by viewing the film and web story.

Marine debris, clustered at the high tide mark in Papahānaumokuākea. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

MR. KNEEL VISITS PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY MONDAY, June 3 at 2:30 p.m. Neil McIntyre – stage name Mr. Kneel – is an awarding-winning Hip Hop musician and educator.

During the special library event, Mr. Kneel will demonstrate the art of beatboxing to keiki of all ages and adults, engaging onlookers with animal sounds and guessing games, plays on words, and sounds most people would have trouble making with just their mouths, hands, and a microphone. At a previous event at Nā‘ālehu Public Library, Mr. Kneel performed acoustic beatboxed songs as the children danced, playing freeze dance, Simon Says, and using other interaction techniques. His hip hop performance included songs about math, Dr. Seuss, and Seussian rhymes.

According to his website, mrkneel.com, Mr. Kneel's "work at Warren Village in Denver, Colorado, a very special inner-city school, has led to a new kind of family music: 'Golden Era Hip Hop' music that parents will love as much as their kid, if not more.

"With Beatbox and vocal percussion, Mr. Kneel can make magic and emotion. With words he can create and improvise well enough to be invited recently to perform at the AmericanJazzMuseum!"

He has performed at over 500 schools and venues in 43 of the United Statesand seven provinces abroad.

For more library programs, see librarieshawaii.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Monday, June 3 (Committees), Tuesday, June 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program Applications, Monday, June 3, 10, 17, or 24, Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18 or 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Green Room, Ocean View Community Center. See hceoc.net/programs/energy for full list of requirements and to download forms.

Mr. Kneel Public Speaker and Professional Beatboxer, Monday, June 3, 2:30 p.m., Pāhala Public and School Library. Features math, reading, Dr. Seuss, and family friendly humor. 928-2015

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, June 3 and July 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 7. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Uplink All-Stars: Grades 6-8, Friday, June 7, to Friday, June 28, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Stewardship at the Summit, Fridays, June 7, 15, 22, and 28, 8:45 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays , June 7 through July 11, except June 11 and July 4, in the school cafeteria.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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Families received the message to provide extra support for new police officers in their mission that brings
unexpected burdens of tragic emotional experience and misunderstandings from the public. See story below.
Photo from Big Island Video News

CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS TODAY. The first four tropical cyclone names would be Aikoni, Ema, Hone, and Iona. Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicts a busier than usual storm season, running through Nov. 1.

Hurricane Walaka ripped
across northern Hawaiian
Islands where green sea
turtles from Punaluʻu Black
Sand Beach go to nest.

The regional shelter for Kaʻū is the Kaʻū District Gym, adjacent to the Kaʻū High School campus. The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers. To volunteer for the Red Cross, call 935-8305.
County Civil Defense recommends that every household develop a plan with water and food on hand.
Last year, Hurricane Walaka, the strongest storm of the Pacific season, at 160 mph, tore across the northern Hawaiian Islands. Walaka destroyed nesting sites for the green sea turtles, which swim there every few years to nest, temporarily leaving their Kaʻū homes, like Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. Others, such as Lane, hung off South Point for several days, then passed south, causing damage all over the state. Kaʻū experienced some flooding, with roads temporarily washed out, but damage from winds and surf was minimal. Hurricane Olivia made landfall on Maui and Lanaʻi.
Hawaiʻi Island was threatened by six hurricanes in 2018 – the average is four or five. Other storms not powerful enough to be called hurricanes also caused flooding and wind damage.

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FLAGS WILL FLY HALF STAFF IN HAWAIʻI in memory of the victims of the mass shooting yesterday in Virginia Beach. A message today from Gov. David Ige said the state flag, along with the U.S. flag, "will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard in the State of Hawaiʻi, beginning immediately until sunset, June 4, 2019. This action is taken as a sign of respect for the victims of the mass shooting in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where 11 public servants and one member of the public were killed on Friday, May 31, 2019," wrote the governor.

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THE EIGHTY-NINTH HAWAIʻI COUNTY POLICE RECRUIT CLASS recognition brought families of future police officers to ceremonies on Friday at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, after six months of academic training. Public officials thanked families and asked for much emotional support.

Police Chief Paul Ferreira said the event marks achieving "their first goal in their arduous journey in becoming full fledged solo police officers with the Hawaiʻi Police Department... With the pinning of this badge by those special persons in your lives, you're taking an oath of honor that you'll never betray your integrity, your character, or the public trust. You'll always have the courage to hold yourself and others accountable for your individual actions. You swear that you'll always maintain the highest ethical standards and to uphold these standards and the values of the Hawaiʻi Police Department and the Hawaiʻi island community that you serve."

Hugs abound from loved ones at badge pinning for recruits.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Recruits raised their right hands and said: "I solemnly affirm that I will faithfully support the constitution and laws of the United States of America and the laws of the State of Hawaiʻi, and will conscientiously and impartially discharge my duties as a police officer in the police department in the County of Hawaiʻi, State of Hawaiʻi, and any and other duties devolving upon me in connection with such office."

Ferreira thanked families and friends of the recruits "for sharing your loved ones with us, for allowing them to make the sacrifices, and I want to thank you personally for making the sacrifices that you have until now and you will continue to do so throughout their careers."

Mayor Harry Kim addressed the recruits and families: "From today on, they don't have a first name. From today on, with the public, they don't even have a last name. They are, 'Officer.' And with that comes a tremendous burden... No one out there will ever ask you how long have you been on the force when you're doing your job. They expect you to be letter perfect all the time - all the time," he emphasized. "Even when you are confronted with situations that most everybody in this room will never have that kind of responsibility of that kind of control and confrontation... They will not know that you've been in less than a day, a week, a month, or five years. They see a police officer and we are so unfair to you because we expect you to be letter perfect, every single time."

The 89th Class of Hawaiʻi Police Department recruits to the oath yesterday. Photo from Big Island Video News

The mayor told the families, "You got to know - whether it be your son, your daughter, your husband, or just a friend - that's how the public sees them... But what you have to know, from here on in, they need you more, more than ever, in regards to communication."

Mayor Harry Kim

The mayor asked friends and family to put themselves in the police officer's situation, like a tragic vehicle accident, involving children, innocent people, "and all of the emotions. You don't know that's happening," he told the loved ones. "You're just waiting for him to come home from work, after shift, whether it be on the first, second, or third watch. And because you had the day planned... whether it be a party, a dinner, or even a conversation... and you expect these people... to be the John, or the Joe, or the Jane. How can they switch over so fast to be that... the happy person or whomever they were, before they went to work. And to come home - and you were anxious to go to a birthday party, or shopping, or dinner, or whatever, or to help take care of the daughter or the son - you must open up that line of communication to them, because it's not going to be easy many, many times."

The mayor said that he told the recruits from the first day, to "help each other, lean on each other." He asked loved ones to "let them lean on you too."

Police Chief Paul Ferreira

President of the 89th Class, Lawrence Davis, said, "Everyone in this class has confronted and overcome a personal weakness, and come out a better and more confident officer. Every one of them has tasted a failure before conquering it. Every one of them passed a breaking point and survived. Every one of them was given every opportunity and reason to say 'I quit,' but didn't. Be proud of them."

He described the recruits to their families as "capable guardians, servants of the peace whose daily goal is to come safely home to you." See the ceremony at Big Island Video News.

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KAʻŪ MUSICIANS HEAD TO KONA TODAY & TOMORROW as Chamber Orchestra of Kona presents over an hour of music at the newly renovated Pirate's OutreachCommunity Center at 7 p.m.,and at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 2. The concerts will help support the 230-plus seat auditorium as a new performance venue in Kona.

Enjoy orchestral music today and tomorrow in Kona, where musicians from
Kaʻū and all over the island will play. Photo from Chamber Orchestra of Kona

Kaʻū's Michael Cripps is the Conductor and plays cello. Peter Bosted plays oboe and Steve Moon plays trumpet. All three live in Ocean View.

The 30-plus-member Orchestra presents classic orchestral music: The Swan from The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns, performed by the Conductor, Charles "Michael" Cripps; The Piano Concerto, Op 16 by Grieg, with pianist Satomi Ebisawa; Spring from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi, highlighting the orchestra's concert master Ursula Vietze; and Andante Cantabile from Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony in E Minor, spotlighting french horn player Jim Stablein.

The concert highlights talented young musicians, as students of Vietze join the orchestra for portions of the program.

Formerly the HualalaiCenter, Pirate's Outreach is located at 75-170 Hualālai Road, the old theater at the corner of the Kuakini Highwayand Hualālai Road. It is also the home of recently refurbished Privateer's Cove restaurant.

General admission $10, students admitted free. Buy tickets at chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html, (808) 494-8784, or at the door.

See chamberorchestraofkona.com. For more info, contact suelou19@gmail.com or (808) 494-8784.

Ranger Dan presents Mayor Harry Kim with the "coveted,"
as Kim puts it, NPS flat hat. NPS photo/Janice Wei

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MAYOR HARRY KIM IS NOW AN HONORARY PARK RANGER. Earlier this week, during After Dark in the Park in HawaiianVolcanoesNational Park, Acting Superintendent Rhonda Loh and Ranger Dean Gallager presented Kim with a certificate proclaiming him an Honorary Ranger, complete with the NPS flat hat.
Kim is recognized for "his tremendous contributions to the Island of Hawaiʻi, the National Park Service, and to the generations who will continue to be inspired by his work to protect, respect, and aloha ‘āina (land). Not only did our mayor look great in his new hat, he said it made him feel great, too," said a statement from the Park.

Ranger Harry Kim. NPS photo/Janice Wei

Kim posted: "We shared memories of last year's Kīlaueaeruption, whose effects ranged from VolcanoVillage to the subdivisions of the Lower East Rift Zone. I felt honored and humbled by the recognition of what our fine County, State, and Federal workers did to keep our community safe."

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USGS PLANS TO SURVEY KĪLAUEA VOLCANO from its summit to Kumukahi, announces this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

Since the end of 2018's volcanic activity, USGS HVO scientists have wanted to resurvey Kīlauea Volcano's ground surface to document changes brought about by the Puna eruption and summit collapse. Doing so would allow us to more accurately answer questions about the total volumes of erupted lava and summit subsidence that occurred last summer.

By detailing these changes, it could also facilitate recovery and long-term risk mitigation projects by local partner agencies. A new survey would also allow comparison to earlier digital elevation data sets acquired by both helicopter lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) and by UAS (unmanned aerial systems) imagery during Kīlauea's 2018 eruption.

Areas on Kīlauea that will be covered by a helicopter lidar survey in June 2019. Red lines enclose areas over which

the survey helicopter will fly at 396 m (1,300 ft) above ground level. Green lines enclose areas over which the

helicopter will fly at 151 m (500 ft) above ground level. USGS map

We are happy to announce that our desire to resurvey Kīlauea will soon become a reality. The precision of this new survey will improve the accuracy of those earlier data sets.

The data will be acquired by a bright yellow helicopter flying over much of Kīlauea's summit and East Rift Zone at an altitude of 396 meters (1,300 feet) above ground level. The aircraft will fly in a lawn-mowing pattern, back and forth in a northeast-southwest direction. A few smaller areas on Kīlauea, namely parts of the East Rift Zone – Leilani Estates, Ala ʻIli Roadd, and Puʻu ʻŌʻō – the upper Southwest Rift Zone, and the summit caldera, will be flown at a lower altitude of 152 m (500 ft) agl.

These helicopter flights are currently planned for the period of June 13 to June 30, weather permitting.

The survey will use lidar technology capable of sending out hundreds of laser pulses per second. This should allow coverage of at least 30 laser pulses per square meter, or about 3 pulses per square foot. The lower elevation flights will allow coverage of at least 100 ppsm, or about 9 pulses per square foot.

Why collect the lidar with such high-resolution? It's the best way to detect and map vertical or near-vertical features, and there are a lot of them, from ground cracks everywhere, to fissures in the lower East Rift Zone and caldera walls at Kīlauea's summit. High-resolution lidar is the best way to document and measure these potentially hazardous features.

This preliminary thickness map of Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 lower East Rift Zone lava flows was calculated by
subtracting pre-eruption ground surface elevations from post-eruption ground surface elevations mapped with
USGS Unmanned Aerial System (drone) flights. The drones acquired 2,800 aerial photos from which 1.5 billion
common points were automatically selected by Surface-from-Motion software. It is still preliminary because
additional ground control points are needed to finalize the map. USGS map

A helicopter, rather than a fixed-wing aircraft, will be used for the survey because it can fly slower and acquire high-resolution lidar. The helicopter can also work even if there is high-altitude cloud cover.

The new lidar surface from this survey can be used to model where new lava flows may travel if renewed volcanic activity occurs in the LERZ. From an emergency management perspective, having these models was important during Kīlauea eruption responses in 2014-2015 and 2018.

The bare-earth elevation model, digitally stripped of all vegetation, is the main interest of geologists because it will reveal geologic features such as faults and cracks that are not yet mapped. However, the lidar point cloud data from which it is derived will also contain other data, such as vegetation type and density. This could be a goldmine for biologists mapping flora on Kīlauea.

To illustrate the power of lidar, in a USGS 8 ppsm lidar survey of Glacier Peak volcano in Washington – eros.usgs.gov/doi-remote-sensing-activities/2015/usgs/lidar-reveals-glacier-peak-volcano – it is possible to differentiate between maple, alder, and fir trees in the vegetation points. Blackberries at the edges of open areas can also be detected. In California, lidar surveys are used to catalog vegetation that could fuel forest fires.

Along with lidar data, the helicopter will simultaneously collect 4-band digital imagery in red-green-blue, or RGB, plus near-infrared. These multispectral images will also be useful to help detect geologic features and classify vegetation.

The final products of this survey, a digital elevation model and detailed imagery covering surveyed areas, will be made public and should be available by late 2019.

During the lidar survey, equipment will be mounted on a bright yellow

Hughes 500 helicopter like the one shown here. The helicopter will

fly in a northeast or southwest direction over the survey areas depicted

on the map. Photo courtesy of Windward Aviation

We understand that helicopter noise can be disruptive, so we will greatly appreciate affected residents' patience and understanding as we collect this extremely important data to help mitigate future lava flow hazards. The survey should take only 8-10 days, weather permitting, to complete.

Volcano Activity Updates

Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL. The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL.

For definitions of USGS Volcano Alert Levels, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html.

Rates of deformation, gas release, and seismicity on Kīlauea have not changed significantly over the past week. Since early March, GPS stations and tiltmeters at Kīlauea's summit have recorded deformation consistent with slow magma accumulation within the shallow portion of the summit magma system. However, gas measurements have not indicated shallowing of large volumes of magma.

On Kīlauea's East Rift Zone, GPS stations and tiltmeters continue to show motions consistent with refilling of the deep magmatic reservoir in the broad region between Puʻu ʻŌʻō and Highway 130. This trend has been observed since the end of the 2018 eruption, although there is an indication that this motion has been slowing down over the past couple weeks.

Sulfur dioxide emission rates on Kīlauea's ERZ and summit remain low, but HVO continues to closely monitor gas emissions in both areas for any changes.

Two earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in the Hawaiian Islands this past week: a magnitude-2.8 quake 7 kilometers (4 miles) southeast of Waimea at 11 km (7 mi) depth on May 25 at 10:35 p.m., and a magnitude-3.4 quake 15 km (9 mi) northeast of Waialua at 25 km (16 mi) depth on May 24 at 3:16 a.m.

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

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.

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JUST ANNOUNCED

A DISASTER PREPARATION FAIR, hosted by Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency, happens Saturday, June 22, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bringing together an array of emergency response agencies to heighten community readiness for disasters, the event at West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 75-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kona, features presentations on the 2018 Lower East Rift Zone eruption and the 2019 hurricane season. More than 30 emergency response agencies will be on hand to answer questions. The event includes kids' activities and giveaways. Parking is free.

For more information, contact Civil Defense at 935-0031.

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UPCOMING

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, June 2 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
Early Head Start, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Master Gardeners: Plant Propagation, Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Sharing techniques to propagate plants. Free seeds and starts give away. 939-2442

All About Buddhism in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition, Wednesday, June 5 and every following Wednesday, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Book study/talk story. Materials and light refreshments provided. Temple president Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Sammi Fo, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, June 6 and 20 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, June 6 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 7. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Uplink All-Stars: Grades 6-8, Friday, June 7, to Friday, June 28, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Stewardship at the Summit, Fridays, June 7, 15, 22, and 28, 8:45 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stained Glass Basics II: Baubles, Bevels and other Embellishments w/Claudia McCall, Saturday and Sunday, June 8, 9, 15 and 16, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Open to those with prior copper foil stained glass experience. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, June 8, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle Ulana, Appreciations of Weaving w/Dina Wood Kageler, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

ONGOING

Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open.
Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays, June 7 through July 11, in the school cafeteria.
No classes or meals Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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Nāʻālehu Elementary School celebrated May Day on Friday, with first grade illustrating paniolo life in Kaʻū.
See story below. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto

THE 2 PERCENT LAND FUND COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENT goes for a final reading before the County Charter Commission this Friday in Hilo before it moves on to the County Council. The amendment is expected to be placed on the 2020 election ballot. Debbie Hecht, Campaign Coordinator for the 2 percent Land Program since 2006, said she hopes for an amendment that would allow non-profits who steward the land to pay workers, using their stewardship funds from county land taxes.
"Show up to testify June 7 in Hilo at 9 a.m.or testify from Kona (even if you have spoken before) or send your testimony to Charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov," urges Hecht.

Nāʻālehu May Day Court. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto

She suggested including testimony to show the need to pay for some of the caretaking responsibilities of land stewardship funded through the 2 Percent Land Fund, rather than relying on volunteers entirely. Kaʻū is the District with the most land under stewardship on Hawaiʻi Island, through the 2 percent Land Fund. Most property protected is along the Kaʻū Coast. Organizations caring for Kaʻū properties include Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo,

Families join the May Day Court members. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto

honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com, with thousands of acres conserved.
Hecht said that "all of the stewardship groups want to be able to pay people to work on the land.
Volunteers are great but inconsistent. The stewardship non-profits have said that they need, volunteer coordinators, workers and organizers."

The amendment would allow officers and board members of the nonprofits receiving funding to receive compensation for their work delineated in the budget approved by the county.

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Nāʻālehu teachers dance for the students and families.
Photo by Sheilah Okimoto

ANOTHER HOUSE FIRE BURNED IN HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES on Friday, May 31. At 7:28 p.m., the single occupant of a two-story house on Bamboo Lane and Mahimahi Drive called to report her house was on fire. Units arrived on scene at 7:37 p.m. to find the house "two-thirds engulfed in flames," states the HFD report. HFD Company 20 fought the fire until it was safe to enter, then extinguished all interior flames.

Nine HFD personnel responded, using two engines, one tanker, one med unit, and two other vehicles. Two Hawaiʻi County Police Department personnel were also on the scene. No injuries were reported. HFD estimates the loss at $101,250 and is investigating the cause of the fire.

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Nāʻālehu Kindergarten classmates dance with handmade headbands.
Photo by Sheilah Okimoto

NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CELEBRATED MAY DAY LAST FRIDAY in its gym, with family members invited to witness the song and dance of the teachers and children, celebrating the multicultural student body. May Day has been Lei Day since 1927 when the tradition was introduced in Hawaiʻi to include lei making competition, exchanging lei and enjoying music and dance with performers and the audience adorned with lei.
In Kaʻū schools, it is often used to show the cultural diversity of the student body, with dances and music from Hawaiʻi, the Philippines, South Pacific Islands, and other homelands of people who moved here. See photos above and below.

Fourth graders dance Tahitian for May Day. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto

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Mrs. Jara and her third grade class. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto

CHAUNALISA VELEZ WILL GO TO COLLEGE ON AN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP to play basketball and volleyball. The 2019 Kaʻū High School graduate will join Everett Community College in Washington state, "where she will forever be a Trojan," said Trojans Girls Basketball Assistant Coach Jennifer Makuakane. Velez also received the Kaʻū High School Female Athlete of the Year Award. Her plan is to become a registered nurse.

Makuakane provided a history of Velez's Kaʻū High sports career. Back in the fall of 2015, Girls Basketball Head Coach Cy Lopez, Jr approached freshman Velez, inquiring about her interest in girls basketball. "She was the perfect candidate to fill the position as a center on his team," said Makunakane. "She looked at him a little shocked that he asked and politely declined, because she never played basketball and was more interested in soccer.

"Three years passed and the question didn't come up until Coach Cy started assisting with girl's volleyball. Watching Chauna on the volleyball court, you could definitely sense she was in her element and how passionate she was for the sport. She was confident in her abilities, a strong and skilled middle, and you could see that she was 'comfortable.'"

Chaunalisa Velez, center, with her ‘ohana and coaches, as she signs with Everett Community College in Washingtonstate.

Photo from Ka‘ū High School

At the end of Velez 's senior year of volleyball, said Makuakane, the coach "attempted to recruit her once again. He knew it was the last chance and thought, 'Why not, the answer can only be yes or no.' To his surprise," Velez stated she would try out.

Said Makuakane, "At the end of each day of tryouts, all of the coaches would gather with their evaluation sheets for each player. When it came to discussing Chauna's abilities, they were impressed. With no more than two hours on her first day, Chauna's athletic ability and capability was impressive, and she was proof that success comes when hard work and effort is applied. She absorbed everything that she was taught like a sponge.

"As the weeks passed and hours of practices added up, Chauna grew in the sport that was initially foreign to her. As the season went on, the coaches asked her what was the reason behind going from three years of soccer to suddenly playing basketball. She stated, 'It's my senior year and I wanted to step out of my comfort zone.'

"Comfort zone or not, you couldn't tell it was her first year playing," said Makuakane. "She excelled very quickly and became a key player throughout the season." The season made history for Kaʻū, as the Girls Basketball team made their first ever appearance at the HHSAA State Tournament. There, her performance caught the eye of Turner Sports Recruiting, LLC.

Makuakane said, "Although we had such little time with Chauna, it was an absolute pleasure coaching her and we're not only proud of what she has accomplished thus far, but all that she has yet to achieve. Chauna is without a doubt a great athlete, but she also has a firm foundation and positive mindset, with the drive to conquer the world.

"Chauna is embarking on an incredible journey with all of the love and support by her Masters and Velez ‘ohana."

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

PROTECTING HAWAIʻI'S NATIVE SPECIES is the subject of this month's Coffee Talk on Friday, June 28, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit.

An announcement from the Park says invasive species "are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in Hawaiʻi. How are gardeners and plant enthusiasts to know if a plant will jump the garden fence and run amok in the landscape? What plants should be left in the landscape, which should be removed, which should be planted? Plant Pono is the easy answer to these questions! From planting a first garden, to landscaping and designing major projects, plantpono.org is intended to guide all who garden to make pono (beneficial) planting choices. Be the solution: do the right thing and learn about pono planting options!"

Molly Murphy is the Plant Pono coordinator at the Big Island Invasive Species Committee. After 10 years as a forester in Hawaiʻi and throughout the Pacific, says the announcement, Molly "became frustrated seeing invasive plants growing in the shade of an (almost) intact native forest. Wanting to help the native forest thrive, she started working for BIISC in 2015. Changing the hearts and minds of the public in regards to pono planting choices is her small part protecting the native forest."

SEE NEW DISPLAYS AT HAWAIʻI PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION'S Kahuku Country Store. HPPA sells Kaʻū coffee on a daily basis as well as at the monthly Coffee Talk.

Kahuku staff also encourages a visit due to a "spectacular" lehua bloom.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

MONDAY, JUNE 3

Mr. Kneel Public Speaker and Professional Beatboxer, Monday, June 3, 2:30 p.m., Pāhala Public and School Library. Features math, reading, Dr. Seuss, and family friendly humor. 928-2015

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, June 3 and July 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 4
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, June 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
Early Head Start, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Master Gardeners: Plant Propagation, Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Sharing techniques to propagate plants. Free seeds and starts give away. 939-2442

All About Buddhism in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition, Wednesday, June 5 and every following Wednesday, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Book study/talk story. Materials and light refreshments provided. Temple president Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 7. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stained Glass Basics II: Baubles, Bevels and other Embellishments w/Claudia McCall, Saturday and Sunday, June 8, 9, 15 and 16, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Open to those with prior copper foil stained glass experience. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, June 8, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle Ulana, Appreciations of Weaving w/Dina Wood Kageler, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest: Binti Bailey & Larry Seyer with the Jazztones, Saturday, June 8, 5:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets available online, $20/VAC Member, $25/non-Member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays, June 7 through July 11, in the school cafeteria.
No classes or meals Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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Kaʻū's Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy, who graduated from Kamehameha Schools in May, is running for Miss Hawaiʻi
Island Teen USA, which would qualify her for the statewide contest that leads to nationals. Supporters can vote for
her, contestant #7, in the Peoples Choice award, by liking her photos on Facebook. Deadline to vote by liking the
contestant photo is June 9 at 7 p.m. See story below. Photos from Miss Teen USA Hawaiʻi

FREE BREAKFASTS AND LUNCHES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN are offered weekdays during summer break, Friday, June 7 through Friday, July 11 at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary Schools. They are among 21 schools on Hawaiʻi Island with summer programs where 50 percent of regular enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Both breakfasts and lunches are free for all people under age 18, no matter their family income.

The Seamless Summer Option program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A statement from the state Department of Education says that summer "is typically a period of time when our most vulnerable students do not have access to services that they normally would during school year." Dann Carlson, assistant superintendent of the Office of School Facilities and Support Services, said, "Our hope is that more students will enjoy a free meal, simply by stopping by one of our participating schools."

Students do not have to be enrolled in a summer program at the school to receive the free food. There will be no food service on the June 11 King Kamehameha Day and July 4 holidays.

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PALMYRA ATOLL, 997 miles south-southwest of Ka Lae - South Point, is the location of the new Climate Adaptation & Resilience Laboratory, operated by The Nature Conservancy. A statement released today from TNC says the program will "focus on advancing an ambitious science agenda with the potential to benefit conservation on a global scale."

Palmyra Atoll is the new Climate Adaptation & Resilience Laboratory
operated by The Nature Conservancy. Photo from the-scientist.com

Located in the equatorial Pacific, Palmyra is co-owned and managed as an international research laboratory and national wildlife refuge by TNC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is also part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, which, at 13 million acres, is one the world's largest marine protected areas.
Chad Wiggins, former Hawaiʻi Island marine program director for TNC, who worked on fish recovery programs in Miloliʻi and beyond, is the new program director for Palmyra Atoll. He will work in tandem with exiting program director Alex Wegmann, who intentionally transitioned to director of science for Palmyra in January.
Ulalia Woodside, executive director of TNC's Hawaiʻi Program, said, "Wiggins has served the Hawaiʻi Island team superbly and is well positioned to lead the Palmyra team, work with Alex to implement globally-important island-based conservation science, and redevelop the Atoll's infrastructure and facilities."

Chad Wiggins worked on Miloliʻi and
other Hawaiʻi Island fish conservation
projects. Photo from TNC

Wiggins said he is "eager to share how the lessons we can learn from resilient atoll ecosystems like Palmyra will benefit Hawaiʻi, other island people and places, and the rest of the planet. I'm starting by listening to the smartest voice of all—the voice of Palmyra."
Wiggins started working with TNC Hawai‘i in 2008 as the lone marine staff on Hawai‘i Island. He grew the program through a focus on community-based marine management and diverse conservation partnerships. Under his leadership, TNC has supported site-based coastal conservation initiatives spanning the west coast of Hawai‘i Island, from Kohala to Miloli‘i, including helping the Ka‘ūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee establish their 10-year Try Wait rest area along 3.6 miles of coastline. Recent surveys there showed that after just two years, fish populations inside the preserve are recovering, with 60 percent more wrasses, 30 percent more parrot fish, and 46 percent more kole - surgeon fish. There is also evidence of spillover, or fish populations increasing, just outside the rest area.
Other projects have included establishing the Conservancy's loko i‘a - fish pond, Kīholo, or Kīholo Preserve; communicating sea level rise impacts on coastal ecosystems; hosting invasive fish removal events; and expanding community networks focused on caring for fishponds and estuaries, anchialine pools, and nearshore marine resources. Today, the west Hawaiʻi coastal zone is one of NOAA's Ten Habitat Blueprint Focus Areas, selected to highlight ways to address the growing challenge of coastal and marine habitat loss and degradation.

Palmyra is 997 miles from South Point and will host a new laboratory to study resilience and climate adaptation under
management of The Nature Conservancy. USGS map

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HAWAIʻI RANKS 26TH NATIONWIDE in annual medium household income. However, other rankings by WalletHub, to determine the Best & Worst State Economies, placed Hawaiʻi as the fourth worst economy in the country. Among the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Hawaiʻi ranked 51st in exports per capita; 50th in jobs in-tech industries; 44th in Gross Domestic Product growth; 44th in change in nonfarm payrolls and, 41st in startup activity.

The top economy is Washington, followed by Utah, Massachusetts, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. The worst, according to WalletHub, is Alaska, followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, Hawaiʻi and West Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Wyoming, Rhode Island, and Maine.

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OVERFLIGHTS OF KAʻŪ AND SURROUNDING AREAS were announced for June today by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park:

June 4, between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., to transport fence material and field equipment and supplies to the Ka‘ū desert boundary between sea level and 1,500-ft. elevation.

June 11, between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku Unit, between 4,000- and 6,500-ft. elevation.

June 25, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., for invasive faya tree surveys on Mauna Loa between Nāmakanipaio and Kīpukapuaulu.

June 26, between 8 a.m. and noon, for invasive Guinea grass surveys and control along Keauhou Trail, from the coast to 2,000-ft. elevation.

Mouflon sheep are ungulates targeted for removal from areas of the
Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation. HVO plans for a bright yellow helicopter fly over much of Kīlauea's summit and East Rift Zone at an altitude of 396 meters (1,300 feet) above ground level between Thursday, June 13 and Sunday, June 30. The aircraft will fly in a lawn-mowing pattern, back and forth in a northeast-southwest direction. A few smaller areas on Kīlauea, namely parts of the East Rift Zone – Leilani Estates, Ala ʻIli Roadd, and Puʻu ʻŌʻō – the upper Southwest Rift Zone, and the summit caldera, will be flown at a lower altitude of 152 m (500 ft) agl. The purpose is to use LIDAR to map the features and flows from last year's eruption. Learn more from last week's Volcano Watch on Saturday, June 1 Kaʻū News Briefs.

"The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather," says a statement from the Park.

"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."

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KAILEE "KAMALANI" KUHAULUA-STACY IS A CANDIDATE FOR MISS HAWAIʻI ISLAND TEEN USA. The pageant is June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. Winning would qualify her for the statewide contest that leads to nationals.

Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy playing music
at a Kaʻū Coffee Fest event.
Photo by Julia Neal

The Pāhala resident graduated last month from Kamehameha School-Hawaiʻi and plans to attend college in Salt Lake City, Utah. She recently served as a photographer and social media contributor for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival and played music for one of its events. She is contracted to work with the Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative this summer to help individual farmers with direct sales of their Kaʻū Coffee on their own web sites. During high school, she served as a sports photographer for Kamehameha School and volunteered to photograph sporting events in her home town at Kaʻū High School.

Supporters can vote for the candidate called Kamalani, contestant #7, for the People's Choice award, by liking her photos on the pageant Facebook. Deadline to vote by liking the contestant photo is this Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m.

Pageant tickets for Saturday, June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo are $25 and sold by contestants. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

Contestants for Miss Teen are judged in the categories of Interview, Active Wear, and Evening Gown. Miss Hawaiʻi Island, USA includes a Swimsuit category.
See misshawaiiisland.com.

Kailee Kuhaulua-Stacy, at right, volunteering as a photographer at Kaʻū High School sports. She also served as a
photographer for sports at Kamehameha School, where she graduated in May. She competes for Miss Hawaiʻi
Island Teen USA on Saturday, June 15. Photo by Julia Neal

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

CULTURAL FESTIVAL at Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park happens July 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.This year's festival theme is E Ho‘omau: To Continue. Last year's festival was canceled due to the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. The event offers visitors to "Come learn about Hawaiian culture and enjoy the music of these islands. Experience traditional ‘oli (chant) and hula (dance) while learning a traditional craft. It will be a fun-filled, family-friendly day that shares the connection of Hawaiian people to this storied place on Mauna Loa volcano."

Performers and crafts will be announced next month. The Volcano House will sell food and refreshments, or bring a picnic lunch. Visitors can learn more about conservation through fun, interactive exhibits sponsored by leading conservation organizations on the festival grounds, located on the southwestern slopes of Mauna Loa.

Sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Bring water, rain jacket, and ground mat or chair. A drug- and alcohol-free event. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park, the Friends of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park, and the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association.
Entrance into Kahuku and all events are free. Kahuku is on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, June 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
Early Head Start, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Master Gardeners: Plant Propagation, Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Sharing techniques to propagate plants. Free seeds and starts give away. 939-2442

All About Buddhism in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition, Wednesday, June 5 and every following Wednesday, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Book study/talk story. Materials and light refreshments provided. Temple president Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Sammi Fo, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, June 6 and 20 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, June 6 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Stewardship at the Summit, Fridays, June 7, 15, 22, and 28, 8:45 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, June 8, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle Ulana, Appreciations of Weaving w/Dina Wood Kageler, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest: Binti Bailey & Larry Seyer with the Jazztones, Saturday, June 8, 5:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets available online, $20/VAC Member, $25/non-Member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

MONDAY, JUNE 10
Summer Algebra Camp: Grades 6-8, Monday, June 10, to Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Supplies provided, free. Registration required, 313-4913, dexsilyn.navarro@k12.hi.us

Early College: High School Students, Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 11, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, June 10, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

ONGOING

Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

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Dead ʻōhiʻa in the Kapāpala Forest Reserve between Pāhala and Volcano. Scientists, land managers,
and cultural experts met last week for a conference on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, which devastates the
native forests. Photo from University of Hawaiʻi Spatial Data Analysis & Visualization Lab

RENEWABLE ENERGY PLUS STORAGE FACILITIES bring Hawaiʻi to the "leading edge" of leaving fossil fuel behind, according to Sen. Mazie Hirono. She touted Hawaiʻi's progress during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on energy storage today.
She talked about projects that could be replicated around the state, including the Lawai Solar Energy Plus Storage Facility on Kauaʻi. She said it is the largest solar generation plus storage project in the world, generates 11 percent of Kauaʻi's power, and can serve as much as 40 percent of Kauaʻi's evening peak power demand.
Hirono said, "Hawaiʻi is on the leading edge of incorporating renewable power and energy storage. Of course, Hawaiʻi is not connected to any other state's grid, we're kind of on our own."
The Senator noted that "Hawaiian Electric... recently received approval for six new solar and storage projects to provide 247 megawatts of solar energy with almost 800 megawatt hours of storage – enough to power 105,000 homes per year while eliminating the use of more than 48 million gallons of imported fossil fuel. Hawaiʻi was the most imported fossil fuel dependent state in the country, and we had probably the highest electricity rates in the country, possibly with the exception of Alaska.

Sheep graze at the largest solar with storage facility in the world. It's on Kauaʻi and more are planned for
the rest of Hawaiʻi. Photo from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative

"The company is preparing a second round of bids for even more solar and storage to replace fossil fuel plants. There will be even more innovation in the future to meet Hawaiʻi's goal of 100 percent renewable power by 2045."
Hirono is a co-sponsor of S. 1593, the Promoting Grid Storage Act of 2019, to research, develop, and deploy energy storage systems, including assistance to local organizations identify and design energy storage systems. She is also a co-sponsor of S. 1142, the Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2019, which would provide a 30 percent credit for the purchase of energy storage systems. In May, Hirono joined her colleagues in introducing S.1288, the Clean Energy for America Act, which would reform the federal tax code as part of a plan to support a low-carbon economy by consolidating the current 44 energy incentives into three technology-neutral provisions that encourage clean electricity, clean transportation, and energy efficiency while repealing tax incentives for fossil fuel companies.

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Supporters of immigration reform toward paths to green cards and
citizenship for immigrants. Photo from Voice of America

THE AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT received the support of Rep. Tuslsi Gabbard as the measure passed the U.S. House of Representatives 237-187 today. It would provide a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and individuals with temporary protected status or deferred enforcement departure. Gabbard is an original cosponsor of the bill.
"More than 2.5 million DREAMers in Hawaiʻi and across the country have faced uncertainty and fear of deportation for far too long. Their lives and futures hang in the balance as they dread the possibility that at any moment they could be deported from the only home many have ever known, and sent to a foreign land. This legislation finally provides a pathway to certainty and citizenship that will allow them to come out from the shadows and pursue their goals and dreams," said Gabbard.

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A BILL REQUIRING APPLIANCES sold or installed in Hawaiʻi to meet minimum energy efficiency standards is before Gov. David Ige. House Bill 556 would follow standards similar to those adopted by the federal government.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy study found that Hawaiʻi households could save more than $215 annually per household. The bill states HB556 would "provide consumer protection," so that appliance manufacturers could not "unload less efficient appliances in Hawaiʻi that they cannot sell in other states with heightened standards." The bill states that, without these standards, "Hawaiʻi residents risk losing as much as $1 million in unnecessary energy waste due to inefficient appliances."

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HAWAIʻI HAS THE HIGHEST GASOLINE PRICES IN THE COUNTRY, according to a report just released by the U.S Energy Information Administration. Following Hawaiʻi were the West Coast and Alaska. The combined average price of the western states is $3.60 per gallon of regular gasoline.

The survey taken May 27 showed the lowest prices on the Gulf Coast, averaging $2.42 per gallon. The national average retail price for regular gasoline was $2.82 per gallon.
Twenty years ago the average price of regular gasoline in the western states, including Hawaiʻi averaged $1.38 per gallon.

The price of gasoline is highest in Hawaiʻi and the other westernmost states.
Map from the U.S. Energy Information Administration

THE FIGHT AGAINST RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH was the focus of a symposium last week at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i on the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo campus. More than 90 top researchers and land managers "engaged in the fight against ROD shared knowledge, their latest research findings, and discussed next steps in battling the fungal disease that has killed millions of ʻōhiʻa trees, primarily on Hawai‘i Island, but also on a much more limited scale on Kaua‘i," reports Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Two days of scientific presentations were followed by a half-day workshop, with the "goal of identifying the next research questions to hopefully and ultimately identify treatments for the two strains of the disease. So far extensive aerial and ground surveys have not shown it spreading beyond Kaua‘i or Hawai‘i Island," reports DLNR.

Map from University of Hawaiʻi shows progress of ROD since 2013.

Intensive research into exactly how Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death spreads and potential treatments has been underway, nearly since the fungus was first detected as a previously un-described disease in 2014.

Scientists have determined that the fungus enters ʻōhiʻa trees and interrupts their vascular systems, which means water can't move from the roots and into higher reaches of the trees. The disease enters individual trees through wounds that can be caused by wind or hurricane events, by animals, weed-eaters, heavy equipment, pruning, and trimming.

What's less clear – and is the subject of continuing research – is how the fungus spreads from tree to tree, and what are the best methods for treating infected trees? states DLNR.

While scientific research being conducted by numerous federal agencies and academic institutions, coupled with management protocols established by state and county agencies, has led to "an enormous body of knowledge about these emerging diseases, Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death continues to be shrouded in mystery," reports DLNR. The release about the symposium poses questions: Where did it first come from? Why does it infect some trees and not others? Does the wind carry fungal spores – and if so, why did it skip over Maui Nui and O‘ahu before being first detected on Kaua‘i a year ago?

Dead ʻōhiʻa trees in the native forest. Photo from University of Hawaiʻi

The group also looked at the efficacy of current methods to try and stem the spread of ROD: Do boot cleaning stations at trailheads work? Does felling, tarping, and fungicide application to dead trees stop the fungus? Are additional quarantine measures needed to strengthen those already in place? What additional outreach and education needs to happen to best inform everyone about ROD, and how it is devastating hundreds of thousands of acres of ʻōhiʻa forest? DLNR reports that ʻōhiʻa is considered Hawaiʻi's "most important native tree species because of its watershed protecting abilities and cultural significance."

Kekuhi Keali’ikanaka’olelohaililani
of Hālau ʻŌhiʻa. DLNR photo

DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, in a keynote speech, "Thank you all for the incredibly hard work you've been doing these last few years on all fronts; from identifying the causes of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, to mapping its distribution and learning about how it spreads. Experimenting with ways to contain it and all the outreach and education so everyone in Hawai‘i can know how not to spread it further. Your work is necessarily innovative and often ingenious because we’ve never encountered these pathogens, nor their effect on our beloved ʻōhiʻa forest."

Kumu Kekuhi Keali’ikanaka’olelohaililani of Hālau ʻŌhiʻa implored the scientists, managers, and everyone who cares for Hawaiʻi, to "embrace the ʻōhiʻa lehua as a vital component of our natural landscape and cultural heritage." She told the group, "You've done your job to create this collaborative, this collective movement. Ritual practices taught me that your imaginings are the experimentation, is the meetings, is the movement, the working together and the innovative approaches."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A NEW SURCHARGE for parking violations on state highways is on Gov. David Ige's desk for review. House Bill 333 would establish the state Highway Enforcement Program, which "adds a surcharge for illegal parking to existing penalties for violations of the statewide traffic code that involve stopping, standing, or parking on state highways." Half of the surcharge would be deposited into the state highway fund. The other half would be distributed to the respective police departments where the violation was made, and used to further enforce laws about illegal parking on state highways.

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.

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

MOBILE SPAY AND NEUTER WAGGIN', from the Hawaiian Humane Society, is next at St. Jude's on Tuesday, June 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.The Humane Society offers spay and neuter services. Low-income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for their free spay and neuter service.

The Waggin' also provides nail trim for an additional $5 per animal with spay/neuter surgery, microchiping for an additional $10 per animal with spay/neuter surgery, Hawaiʻi County dog licensing for an additional $10 per animal with spay/neuter surgery.

Surgery is by appointment only. Go to hihs.org or call 808-796-0107.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

Early Head Start, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Master Gardeners: Plant Propagation, Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Sharing techniques to propagate plants. Free seeds and starts give away. 939-2442

All About Buddhism in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition, Wednesday, June 5 and every following Wednesday, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Book study/talk story. Materials and light refreshments provided. Temple president Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Sammi Fo, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Zentangle Ulana, Appreciations of Weaving w/Dina Wood Kageler, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest: Binti Bailey & Larry Seyer with the Jazztones, Saturday, June 8, 5:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets available online, $20/VAC Member, $25/non-Member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

MONDAY, JUNE 10
Summer Algebra Camp: Grades 6-8, Monday, June 10, to Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Supplies provided, free. Registration required, 313-4913, dexsilyn.navarro@k12.hi.us

Early College: High School Students, Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 11, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, June 10, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and MissHawaiʻiIsland, Sunday, June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 14 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and MissHawaiʻiIsland, for contestants 18 to 28.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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.

Author and former Mauna Kea telescope visitor center guide presented his historical view of Mauna Kea
management and opposed pending rules on the operation of the campus that hosts international telescopes.
Photo from Big Island Video News. See the video.

TOM PEEK, OF VOLCANO, OPPOSED RULES FOR MAUNA KEA developed by University of Hawaiʻi. Yesterday's public hearing in Hilo was on administrative rules for leases for some of the world's best telescopes on land many Hawaiians deem sacred. Peek, the author of Daughters of Fire, a writing teacher, and former Mauna Kea visitor center astronomy guide, said management of Mauna Kea had an "unsavory history." He reviewed his experience involving the state owned top of Mauna Kea, managed by the Department of Land & Natural Resources and leased out to University of Hawaiʻi, Office of Mauna Kea Management. The land is leased by UH to telescope operators. See the proposed rules. Peek presented the following written testimony:
"I'm Tom Peek, long ago an astronomy guide for the observatories and an eyewitness to 30 years of UH and DLNR malfeasance — malfeasance driven by a combination of ethnocentric prejudice and unrelenting pressure from Hawai‘i's construction and tourism industries. Given that unsavory history, I challenge the legitimacy of these rules and the Office of Mauna Kea Management that created them.

Office of Mauna Kea Management held a hearing Tuesday in Hilo on its new rules.
See the propose rules. Photo from Office of Mauna Kea Management

"The seeds of these rules were planted in a notorious time, when a blistering 1998 legislative audit finally exposed decades of UH and DLNR malfeasance (which by then some of us insiders already knew).
"Ten years earlier (1988), when I was beefing up our fledgling Visitor Information Station program, restricting islanders' access was definitely not supported by the mountain's astronomy staff. We knew islanders had long feared that astronomy would take over the mountaintop, and we all understood that Mauna Kea belonged to them long before we showed up.

Some of the world's top scientific telescopes fall under the
Mauna Kea Management Plan. Photo from OMKM

"That understanding was upturned by UH President Kenneth Mortimer and Institute for Astronomy Acting Director Bob McLaren in their defensive — even vindictive — response to the audit.
"Mortimer and McLaren — and the Board of Land & Natural Resources Chair — denied most of the auditor's conclusions, blaming the public for whatever problems existed. And they proposed the first public access limits — similar to those in these 'administrative rules.'
"Sierra Club's Nelson Ho called that 'scapegoating the public' rather than dealing with the 'industrialization and commercialization of the summit.'
"But even more disturbing, UH proposed creating their own management agency — an entity they could control — OMKM. OMKM was never intended to restore balance on the mountain but instead to use sham planning and carefully contrived cultural consultation as political cover for building more telescopes and to begin limiting noncommercial access to the summit.
"Sierra Club, Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, the Royal Order of Kamehameha, Ka Lahui Hawai‘i, and others opposed OMKM's creation because of its obvious conflict of interest — 'a fox guarding the henhouse.' Instead, they proposed a wholly new management agency in which statutory 'rightholders' of this ceded land would manage the mountain on behalf of the public and Native Hawaiians, rather than for astronomers, tour companies, and the construction industry.

A lele, place of spiritual offerings, at the summit of
Mauna Kea. Photo from OMKM

"But 'old boy politics' prevailed.
"These rules are part of that unsavory history of malfeasance — tools to completely take over the mountaintop, as Big Islanders feared in the 1980s, and to further empower an illegitimate OMKM.
"If enacted, the rules will almost certainly end up in court — as they should. And you Regents will be tainted — as you should.
"Instead, please reject this rulemaking charade and embrace Hawaiian proposals for a new management agency that has no conflict of interest — and distance yourselves from this OMKM mess."
Read the proposed rules and see more testimony at bigislandvideonews.com. Peek's Daughters of Fire is a novel, enriched with Hawaiʻi Island history and the interaction of science and culture.

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A pair of mated ʻAlalā. Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

ʻALALĀ COMPLETED A NEST in the forest where these endangered native Hawaiian crows were released, after growing up in captivity. The ʻAlalā Project recently posted to Facebook: "This nest is a species recovery milestone and a good indicator that the birds are establishing in this forest, regardless of the outcome of this particular nesting attempt. Since this is the first breeding attempt, they are learning and trialing many behaviors: how to build the nest platform, form and line a nest, incubate, and feed themselves and one another during the tireless process of nesting."

The nest was built by Manaʻolana and Manaiakalani, two birds released in 2017. The monitoring crew noted signs that two other pairs released in 2017 – Kiaʻikūmokuhāliʻi and Ola, and Hoʻoikaika and Liliʻuwelo – are also nest building.

The ʻAlalā Project posted: "It is inspiring to see the progress these released birds have made as they navigate nesting and breeding in their new forest home. They are really beginning to thrive and we are hopeful that they will continue to progress in fulfilling their cultural and ecological roles!"

ʻAlalā, building a nest in the wild.
Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

See the May 9, Kaʻū News Briefs report on two pairs of endangered Hawaiian Crow showing mating behavior and preparing nests in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve. The Reserve is home to 21 ʻAlalā, who were released into the wild in several cohorts since 2017. This was the first mating and nesting behavior seen in the wild in almost 20 years.

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BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN workshop comes to Hawaiʻi Island for the first time Friday, Sept. 6 through Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, formerly Mauna KeaPark. The nationally acclaimed program "teaches women a wide variety of outdoor skills," says a release from Department of Land and Natural Resources. The DLNR Hunter Education Program and the Safari Club International-Hawai‘i Chapter will host the inaugural Hawaiʻi workshop.

BOW is a non-profit, educational program offering hands-on outdoor skills workshops, which focus on introductory level hunting, fishing, and non-harvest activities for adult women. With Hawai‘i added, 39 states and six Canadian provinces offer workshops each year, attended by tens of thousands of women.

Andrew Choy, the coordinator of hunter education through the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement said, "We want to promote a supportive environment conducive to learning, making friends, and having fun. No experience is necessary, and the program is designed for women of all fitness levels. BOW is for you if you've never tried these fun and educational activities or if you want to improve some of your existing outdoor skills."

Participants can choose which activities they like for morning and afternoon sessions. This year's class options include: Firearms Safety and Handling, Fishing, Backpacking Basics and Outdoor Survival, Outdoor Photography, Archery, Knife Making, Outdoor First Aid, Kayaking, Beginning, Rifle and Handgun, Hiking in Hawaiʻi, Horseback Riding and ATV, Beginner Shotgun and Sporting Clays, and Native Plants and Lei Making.

The three-day workshop begins in the afternoon on Friday and ends early afternoon on Sunday. Many of the daytime activities will occur off-site at various locations on the island. Lodging, meals, and nighttime activities will occur within the bunkhouse, dining room, and cabins at the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area.

The $250 registration fee includes two nights lodging, all meals, transportation to activities, equipment, and materials. Shuttle service from and to Kona International Airport is available. There are only 45 spaces available for women, 18 years or older, so early registration is encouraged.
Contact the Hunter Education Program at (808) 587-0200 or hawaiihuntered@hawaii.gov for more information and to request a registration packet.

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.

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

GIVING TREE at St. Jude's happens Saturday, July 20. On Saturday, May 18, reports St. Jude's, the Giving Tree set up tents and tables in the lower parking lot and "gave out lots of clothing and various other items like toothbrushes and razors. This time they had a lot of new clothing to give away, as well as some used. They also had some shoes and coats. Many of the people visiting them came on up to the church to have a bowl of soup and some took showers." The event brought in people normally not seen at the church outreach. St. Jude's offers: "Come on by to see what they have and while you are there, come on up to the church building to share a bowl of soup, take a free hot shower, and use our community computer lab."

Free haircuts will also be on offer July 20, courtesy of Kady and Drew Foster. The service integrates with the Free Hot Shower and soup kitchen programs, offering a trim after a shower.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, June 6 and 20 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, June 6 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 14 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.
The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required.
To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org

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

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DDay air troopers, at right, on their way to dropping into France on June 6, 1944. At left are the same men,
75 years later as WWII veterans in the same plane. DDay led the way for Japanese Americans of the 442nd from
Hawaiʻi to head for Europe on June 26, 1944, as loyal U.S citizens supporting the Allies.
Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono's Twitter

THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF DDAY, with World War II ceremonies this week in France and Britain, drew the following from Sen. Mazie Hirono: "We remember those in our military who served and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country on the beaches of Normandy. Today, we honor the legacy of the greatest generation and salute you."

DDay on June 6, 1944, made way for Japanese American soldiers like Iwao
Yonemitsu and Tokoichi Nakano to fight for the U.S. in Europe.
Photo by Julia Neal

Hirono shared a photo of veterans in a plane that dropped them into France on DDay, their images then - and now - in their tenth decade of life.
DDay, June 6, 1944, saw 57,500 U.S. troops land in France by sea and 15,500 from the sky. On the beaches of Normandy, it was the largest seaborne landing in military history.
The DDAY landing on June 6 led the way to the deployment June 26 of the U.S. Army's 442nd unit of Japanese Americans to fight in Europe. Some came from from Kaʻū, including Iwao Yonemitsu and the late Tokoichi Nakano.
Along with the Allied Forces, they defeated the Nazis who were taking over Europe.

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AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAIʻI COUNTY STYROFOAM-POLYSTYRENE BAN is before the County Council. Proposed by councilmember Tim Richards, who introduced the ban, it would allow use of containers widely considered recyclable but not currently accepted in Hawaiʻi County's recycling system. Plastic clamshell containers are examples.

Example of a recyclable plastic clamshell container, which
would be allowed with the new amendment.
Photo from webstaurant.com

A problem developed with the styrofoam-polystyrene ban that goes into effect July 1, with few alternatives for packaging. While the new law allows recyclable plastic and compostable containers, Hawaiʻi County stopped accepting "No. 5 plastic 'clamshell'" containers – the recyclable alternative many food vendors would use as a replacement for the styrofoam plate lunch container. This leaves the more expensive compostable containers as the only option.
The proposed amendment would allow use of packaging currently unacceptable for recycling by Hawaiʻi County, but potentially acceptable in the future.
The ban prohibits sale and use of any styrofoam-polystyrene containers by restaurants, food vendors, and on county property. This includes banning the public from using them at county-supervised pavilions, parks, cabins, and other facilities. The polystyrene ban doesn't affect packaging for raw meat or eggs, coolers or ice chests intended for reuse, or containers from out of state.

Local food services and restaurant association executives testified before the council on Monday, June 3.

Examples of Styrofoam containers, banned as of July 1.
Photo from homeforfoam.com

Lauren Zirbel of Hawaiʻi Food Industry Association said the amendment is needed, as "what the County is recycling or not recycling at the time could lead to an almost immediate shift in what is allowable for products." She said that would put local businesses, that employ locals and make items locally, at a disadvantage, and not affect imported goods.

Richard Kobayashi of Café 100 said "We are willing to adapt and change, and I think it is important to the community that the changes we make will have an effect on the price we charge. Our goal is always to provide value… our concern is to find a suitable alternative (to Styrofoam) that is also cost effective." He said the options for alternatives aren't "comparable" to polystyrene, and that time is needed to find the right products.

Jason Higa, CEO of Zippy's, said his company supports Bill 74. He said the legislation that was meant to ban Styrofoam ended up as a "broad mandate" for only compostable containers, which would put companies like Big Island Candies and Mauna Loa Mac Nut "out of business… It's going to be a challenge as it is. We are doing our best to adapt to, not just legislation, but the desires of our customer base, who have been telling us that they would like to see change."

Example of a compostable clamshell container, usually
made from fiber. Photo from gppro.com

Sheri Holi of Big Island Candies said that, being "in the gift giving business," appealing packaging is important. She said she doesn't think "technology is advanced enough" to provide visually appealing containment, recyclability, and food safety and freshness all in one. She said that the ban being enforced as it is now would put Big Island Candies "at a huge disadvantage" because imported items are not under the same restrictions. She said Big Island Candies does support the polystyrene ban.

Derek Kurisu, executive vice president of KTA Super Stores, said, "As we find a suitable alternative, we would definitely change, but as for now, we support only the ban on polystyrene – that's the only alternative."

Kaʻū's Councilmember, Maile David, praised Richards for responding to public concern and proposing the amendments to his own bill.

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Map showing LFA treatment closure. NPS Graphic

STEAM VENTS PARKING LOT in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is closed Monday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to noon, as park staff continue efforts to eradicate little fire ants from the area.

Only the Steam Vents parking lot and the trail from the parking lot to Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff) will be closed; Wahinekapu and Crater Rim Trail will remain open. Park pest control workers will treat Steam Vents every four to six weeks and will announce closures in news releases, the park website, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, and via social media. The goal is to completely exterminate the ants from the area.

A National Park Service ecologist applies granular bait to

treat invasive little fire ants at Steam Vents, Hawai‘i

VolcanoesNational Park. NPS photo/Janice Wei

For more information on LFA, how to control them and how to prevent spreading them, visit littlefireants.com.

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KAʻŪ RANCHERS AND FARMERS are invited to register for the annual conference of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaiʻi. Called AG2019, it will be on Oʻahu Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 15 and 16 at Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

Taylor Kellerman, President of Agricultural Leadership Foundation Hawaiʻi, said "AG2019 will be one of our most innovative conferences ever in terms of content and education. The theme is AGdaptation: Hawaiʻi's Growing Opportunity. In addition to keynote speakers, the conference offers networking among growers and buyers, and exhibits and presentations of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits."

Kellerman said the intent is to "share and develop ideas and strategies to help Hawaiʻi agriculture become a viable, sustainable resource that provides rewarding careers, enriches lifestyles, and stewards our ʻāina for future generations."
Early-bird registration is through Aug. 31 at $300. It costs $350 after August. For more, and to register, visit hi iagconference.org.

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

MONDAY, JUNE 10
Summer Algebra Camp: Grades 6-8, Monday, June 10, to Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Supplies provided, free. Registration required, 313-4913, dexsilyn.navarro@k12.hi.us

Early College: High School Students, Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 11, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, June 10, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Kapa Kuiki w/Cultural Practitioner Cyndy Martinez, Wednesday, June 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian traditional quilting methods demonstration and discussion. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, June 13, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, June 14, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Father's Day Card, Friday, June 14, 1:30-2:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, June 10-13. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Community Dance, Friday, June 14, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Lorna Lim w/Hālau Kawehileimamoikawekiu‘okohala, Saturday, June 15, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Kumu Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert w/D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

ONGOING

Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 14 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.
The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required.
To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org
Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

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.

Mohouli Heights is a senior housing community with a style that could be appropriate for Nāʻālehu,
says OKK President Wayne Kawachi. Photo from Big Island Video News

PROPOSED NĀʻĀLEHU SENIOR HOUSING WILL OFFER MUCH MORE than 20 apartments, each 500 square feet, says Wayne Kawachi, President of ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. The community group is raising funds and organizing financing. Kawachi told The Kaʻū Calendar this week that, in addition to the 20 housing units, there will be a community center for the seniors. The large grounds could provide room for a senior garden and other activities. To fit in with the character of Nāʻālehu, the 20 units are planned in duplexes, rather than one large building. He said there is much space on the property to add more units, if needed in the future.

Kawachi said that one proposal, presented last Sunday at a community meeting, is for Big Island Housing Foundation to manage the senior housing. Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corp. would manage the financing and interaction with the federal Housing & Urban Development agency and investors who would receive tax credits for 15 years. After the 15 years, OKK, would remain owner of the facilities and hire management as needed.

Wayne Kawacchi works on moving senior housing forward
in Nāʻālehu. Photo from OKK

Kawachi said that OKK is spending $3,000 on a marketing study this summer to analyze the need for the senior housing, which is required to move forward with investors and government funding. Rent would be about $1,000 per unit and many of the residents are expected to receive subsidies as lower income residents.
OKK's webstie explains the spirit and intent of the senior housing proposal as having to do with "Dignity, Safety, & Community." It says, "The good news is, seniors are living longer, especially in Hawaiʻi. But many are already finding that housing is becoming unaffordable as rents rise far above their incomes. Unless their children can take them in, options are limited and involve moving away from the community they've lived in most of their lives.
"OKK seeks to stem the tide by eventually building a senior housing complex in Nāʻālehu. No such facility exists for kupuna to live on their own in their community with dignity, safety, and prevent institutionalization. Our largest fundraising goal ever is currently underway. In 2019-2021, we're fundraising $250,000 towards a mortgage of a multi-family/commercially zoned building lot in Nāʻālehu. The lot is located in downtown along highway 11 and is known to locals as the 'old fruit stand property.' And thanks to an anonymous benefactor, we closed on this a property through a private loan. We have two years to pay off the mortgage or it defaults to our benefactor in April of 2021. If we reach this goal, we would then work toward building a complex for qualified, low-income seniors.
"You may recall news reports in January of 2018 when OKK President Wayne Kawachi raised $75,000 towards this project by walking 100 miles from Paʻauilo to Nāʻālehu. He came to be known statewide as the 'Rubbah Slippah Guy.' Thirty thousand of that was spent on the demolition of multiple structures on the fruit stand property. Closing costs and property taxes were also additional expenses."

Wayne Kawachi walked 100 miles in rubber slippers as the Taikodrums beat for senior housing to be built in Nāʻālehu.
Photo from OKK

OKK reports that Kawachi toured Mohouli Heights Senior Housing in Hilo "and envisions something like this for our project."

See the donation link on the OKK website. The organization is raising $250,000 with a promise of returning money to donors should campaign fall short of its goal.

The location is on the mauka side of Hwy 11 at the old site of Nāʻālehu Fruit Stand. For more information, or to donate, call Kawachi at 808-937-4773.

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.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY IS GETTING DRONES. This week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates, is New eyes in the sky for monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes:

HVO is no rookie when it comes to using flight to assist with monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have transported HVO volcanologists for decades, giving them access for visual and thermal observations, equipment maintenance, and other geophysical and geochemical measurements. But the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano presented an opportunity for HVO to adopt a new airborne technology – Unmanned Aircraft Systems; UAS or 'drones'– to better monitor the eruption than with manned flight alone.

Two USGS UAS pilots perform a routine inspection of a UAS system prior to a flight at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano

in June 2018. The UAS for this particular flight was outfitted with a multi-gas sensor to identify any new degassing

sources within the collapsing summit caldera. All UAS flights inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park were conducted

with explicit permission of the National Park Service. USGS photo by P. Nadeau

Previously, the University of Hawaiʻiat Hilo used UAS to map the 2014 Pāhoa lava flow. Other external collaborators have also previously flown short campaigns at Kīlauea's summit and at Puʻu ʻŌʻō with permission of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. But before the 2018 eruption, the USGS itself had not employed UAS to monitor an eruption in Hawaiʻi.

In 2018, however, UAS teams from across the USGS, as well as other agencies within the U.S. Department of the Interior, were mobilized for the Kīlaueaeruption response. Through most of the activity, UAS crews worked 24/7, sometimes splitting into multiple teams so that measurements could be made at both the summit and lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea simultaneously.

The most basic capability of the UAS during the 2018 eruption was simple video imaging and streaming. This allowed for documentation of eruptive features that would not otherwise have been accessible for study due to hazardous conditions.

Images like this one of HVO and Jaggar museum, taken after
last year's eruption, are made possible by UASs. HVO photo

In a more practical sense, UAS imaging also offered enhanced situational awareness for the eruption response. UAS images helped identify where new lava breakouts were happening or were likely to occur. In one instance, a USGS UAS helped with the evacuation of a Puna resident as a lava flow quickly approached.

Some of the UAS were outfitted with thermal cameras, which provided images that were used to create detailed maps of the lava flows. Thermal imagery was also used to identify the hottest, most active portions of the flow field, which was particularly useful when visible images were not able to differentiate between slightly older and slightly newer flows.

More technical applications of UAS-based imaging included the creation of digital elevation models (DEMs) and measurements of lava flow speeds within channels. By using imagery to determine the height of newly emplaced lava, the new DEMs could be compared to pre-eruption DEMs to calculate the volume of lava erupted.

At Kīlauea's summit, DEMs helped HVO assess the new landscape of the collapsing caldera and determine just how much collapse was occurring. Along the rift zone, videos taken above fast-flowing lava channels helped with calculations of how much and how quickly lava was erupting from the fissures.

Beyond the UAS imaging opportunities, the 2018 eruption was the first time that the USGS mounted gas sensors on UAS in Hawaiʻi. The fissures were too dangerous to approach on foot to measure the gas chemistry, but a multi-gas sensor mounted on a UAS helped determine the chemistry of the eruptive plumes.

Likewise, at the summit, with collapse events and potential explosion hazards, ground-based gas measurements within Kīlauea caldera were not possible. UAS-based measurements were the only safe method for measuring the location, chemistry, and amount of volcanic gas released at the summit.

Having UAS capabilities for the 2018 eruption enabled HVO to obtain crucial data that would otherwise have been difficult or impossible to obtain. However, you may have noticed that while this article refers to UAS teams from across the USGS traveling to Hawaiʻi for the eruption response, it makes no mention of in-house HVO pilots. That's because, in 2018, HVO didn't have any certified UAS pilots with the skills required for flying in hazardous areas. But that will change in the coming months.

A USGS pilot and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory gas geochemist prepare to conduct a test flight of an unmanned aerial system on Kīlauea Volcano in November, 2018. The UAS was outfitted with a prototype miniaturized multi-gas sensor for the detection of volcanic gases emitted by Kīlauea, including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. USGS photo/Patricia Nadeau

Several HVO staff members will become licensed UAS operators later this year, allowing HVO to add UAS capabilities to our monitoring repertoire. We will then be able to use UAS to aid in our mission-critical monitoring work and will be poised to deploy UAS at a moment's notice to collect important datasets the next time a Hawaiian volcano acts up.

Volcano Activity Updates

Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL. The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL.

For definitions of USGS Volcano Alert Levels, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html.

Rates of deformation, gas release, and seismicity on Kīlauea have not changed significantly over the past week.

Since early March, GPS stations and tiltmeters at Kīlauea's summit have recorded deformation consistent with slow magma accumulation within the shallow portion of the summit magma system. However, gas measurements have not indicated shallowing of large volumes of magma.

Sulfur dioxide emission rates on Kīlauea's ERZ and summit remain low, but HVO continues to closely monitor gas emissions in both areas for any changes.

Two earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.8 quake 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Volcano Village at -0.2 km (-0.1 mi) depth on June 6 at 3:01 a.m., and a magnitude-2.8 quake 18 km (11.2 mi) east of Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo at 8 km (5 mi) depth on June 2 at 11:32 p.m.

HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.

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

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Early College: High School Students, Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 11, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, June 14, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Father's Day Card, Friday, June 14, 1:30-2:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, June 10-13. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Community Dance, Friday, June 14, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Lorna Lim w/Hālau Kawehileimamoikawekiu‘okohala, Saturday, June 15, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Kumu Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert w/D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Father's Day Buffet, Sunday, June 16, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Moonset over Mauna Loaand Kīlauea. NPS Photo/Janice Wei

HAWAIʻI FILED TWO SUITS AGAINST MAKERS OF OXYCONTIN and other opioid manufacturers, distributors, and key executives this week, joining more than 40 other states and Washington, D.C.
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Clare Connors said, "The opioid epidemic is a national tragedy, and those who cause this problem should be held accountable. We will aggressively litigate this case to ensure that Hawaiʻi's taxpayers are not alone in shouldering this burden." She noted that cases of opioid deaths, overdoses, and related sicknesses increased in Hawaiʻi during recent years.
Defendants include Purdue Pharma, which manufactures Oxycontin; Malinkrodt PLC, Endo Health Solutions, Inc., Actavis PLC, McKesson Corp., Amerisource Bergen Drug Corp., and related marketing and distribution entities.
The heart of the case for the Hawaiʻi AG is the state' s Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Law. Violators are subject to damages and penalties. Both suits contend that manufacturers and distributors aimed to create an opioid market through exaggerating the drugs' benefits and minimizing their risks of creating abuse, dependence, and addiction.

Hawaiʻi law allows for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. The state is seeking penalties and punitive damages, noting the burden placed on the health care system.
Honolulu law firm Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina, & Fairbanks represents State of Hawaiʻi, with Dallas law firm of Baron & Budd retained as special deputy attorneys general.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE HIRING ONE FULL TIME COUNTY EMPLOYEE, FUNDED BY THE 2 PERCENT LAND FUND, to work solely on the Land Fund program, failed to pass the Hawaiʻi County Charter Commission on Friday. The proposal could come up again in July when the County Council reviews Charter Commission recommendations. If approved by the Charter Commission and County Council it would be decided by Hawai`i County voters on the 2020 ballot.
Currently, county employees, not funded by the 2 Percent Land Fund, work on the program part time. The proposal from Save Our Lands Citizen's Committee for the 2 Percent Land Fund, is for the county to hire one full time employee, with salary coming from the Land Fund. The Land Fund is acquired from 2 percent of county property taxes and is used to purchase and steward special properties around the island that are recommended by PONC, the Public Access, Open Spaces and Natural Resources Commission. Much of the land purchased to date is located in Ka‘ū.
The new fulltime county employee would work solely on the many requests from the public for acquisition of special properties, help to find partners to assist in purchasing land, help with the purchase and closing on the properties, and help with stewardship of properties acquired.
In July, when the County Council reviews proposed Hawaiʻi County Charter amendments, the council can recommend that the Charter Commission reconsider the wording proposed by Save Our Lands.
The Charter Commission did approve a similar amendment on Friday. It would require the 2 Percent Land Fund to “Pay for the salary, wages and benefits of staff dedicated to advancing the Activities contained within this section and Section 10-16 of this charter.”

PONC funding contributed to the purchase of 786 acres at Kāwā, which is stewarded, in part, by Nā Mamo O Kāwā.

Photo by Julia Neal

Debbie Hecht, Campaign Coordinator for Save Our Lands, said the wording is important and should be specific. The group proposed the amendment for the 2 Percent Land Fund, to “Pay for the salary, wages and benefits of one full-time staff member, employed by the Department of Finance dedicated only to advancing administering the activities contained within this section and Section 10-16 of this charter. This is in addition to a staff person provided for in the Hawaii County Code to assist the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission.”
She explained: "Real estate deals are time sensitive, they are deadlines for appraisals, endangered species studies, historical research, title searches and land surveys. It takes time to research available matching funds and write the grants to gain these funds.

"Conservation land deals require willing sellers. Willing sellers want to be paid as soon as possible because the taxes keep accruing and they may have a use for the money.

"A full time staff person can assist the non-profits with getting the funding they need to care for the 2% Lands. The Maintenance Fund grants have been granted to only 6 organizations in the 6-year existence of the fund. The stewardship non-profit groups have received only 9% of all the money deposited in the Maintenance Fund from 2013. Stewardship groups say the process has been very difficult and they have had to apply several times before receiving funding."

In an email to supporters, Hecht pointed to success this year. Two Percent Land Fund advocates prevented a proposed County Charter Amendment to reduce the Land Fund from 2 percent to .75 percent. They also successfully advocated against a proposal that would omit a clauses that preserves the 2 Percent Land Fund properties in perpetuity.
See another proposal involving the 2 Percent Land Fund in the Sunday, June 9, Ka`u News Briefs.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

This graph from HVO shows deformation of Mauna Loa over the past month.

A SLIGHT INCREASE in the number of detected earthquakes at Mauna Loa was noted by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory over the past month. Small earthquakes, mostly less than 2 magnitude, continued under the summit caldera at depths around 1-4 kilometers (0.6-2.5 miles) below ground level. Seismicity was low in other areas of the volcano. The largest earthquake for Mauna Loa over the past month was a M2.8 event on May 15, which occurred under the summit caldera at a depth of approximately 3.5 km (2.2 mi) below ground level.
Global Positioning System instruments indicate slow inflation of the summit magma reservoir system. The rates of deformation are lower than during the period of more intense unrest from 2014-2017. Gas and temperature data from stations on the Southwest Rift Zone and within the summit caldera showed no significant changes over the past month.

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.

STORM SEASON SAFETY TIPS from Hawaiian Electric Light Company are consolidated in the Handbook for Emergency Preparedness and this safety planning video. HELCO encourages the public to prepare for hurricanes and other extreme weather:

Prepare an emergency kit with a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and personal hygiene supplies;
Use high-quality surge protectors to protect appliances and electronics;
Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or power outage;
Use high-quality surge protectors to protect appliances and electronics;

Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or power outage;
Gather all necessary medications and make sure there is an ample supply on hand;
Know where to go, or the location of the nearest shelter, if ordered to evacuate;
If a downed power line is near, always assume it's live. Do not go near it, and never drive over the electrical line.

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, June 10, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Kapa Kuiki w/Cultural Practitioner Cyndy Martinez, Wednesday, June 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian traditional quilting methods demonstration and discussion. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, June 13, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, June 14, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Father's Day Card, Friday, June 14, 1:30-2:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, June 10-13. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Community Dance, Friday, June 14, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Lorna Lim w/Hālau Kawehileimamoikawekiu‘okohala, Saturday, June 15, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Kumu Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

ONGOING

Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

King Kamehameha's statue in Emancipation Hall drew Sen. Mazie Hirono to talk about the preservation
of Hawaiian language today in the U.S. Capitol. Photo from Hirono's Facebook

THE 50TH ANNUAL KING KAMEHAMEHA LEI DRAPING CEREMONY at the U.S. Capitol's Emancipation Hall today drew leimakers, singers, hula dancers, the Hawaiʻi State Society, and Senators Mazie Hirono and Ed Case.

Hirono said, "Every day, and in very concrete ways, including confirmation of Trump appointed judges, we must fight to ensure respect for the Native Hawaiian community and indigenous communities everywhere.

Hula, song and lei embellished the King Kamehameha Day
ceremony in Washington, D.C. today. Photo from Hirono's Facebook

"That is why I am encouraged and proud of the next generation of Hawaiian language speakers who understand what it means to ensure the survival of the language, and indeed, the culture. Language tells the story of who we are, where we come from, what we value, and how we view the world. When we lose the language, we lose the history and knowledge of the people passed down over generations. Without the language, we can not preserve the culture. In Hawaiʻi, we weave Hawaiian words in an out of our everyday vernacular. By doing so, we recognize and honor native Hawaiians, and demonstrate our cohesion as a community. And as part of that community, we have a responsibility to care for one another and we strive to treat each other with aloha, with care, mālama – care for each other."

Kamehemahema Day, a state public holiday this Tuesday, June 11, celebrates the life of the king who unified all the Hawaiian Islands– from the BigIsland to Niʻihau – in the decades just before the arrival of missionaries. Kamehameha I formally established the HawaiianKingdom as an internationally recognized government in 1810.

Congressman Ed Case joined in the ceremonies. Photo from Case's Facebook

During King Kamehameha's reign, from 1795 to 1818, merchant ships picked up Hawaiian sandalwood to market in China. Cattle and goats roamed the islands and locals began to plant such foreign crops as pineapple. A new economy emerged.
Kamehameha's great-grandson, Kamehameha V, established the holiday in 1871, and Kamehameha Day quickly grew to include carnivals, horse and foot races, and parades featuring paʻu riders – the flower-bedecked horses and riders representing each island. Celebrations grew to include hula competitions and hoʻolauleʻa.
Kamehameha Day was one of the first holidays to be written into law when Hawaiʻi became a state in 1959.

There are three other statues of Kamehameha, two on this island – in Hilo and Kapaʻau – and a third in Honolulu at ʻIolani Palace. All are the sites of lei ceremonies each year around Kamehameha Day.

The Hawaiʻi State Society helped to organize the 50th annual event. Photo from Hirono's Facebook

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ADVOCATES FOR STEWARDSHIP of special lands acquired through Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission process made some headway when the County Charter Commission approved it on Friday. The Charter Amendment, with approval of the County Council, would go on the 2020 ballot for a decision by Hawaiʻi County voters.

Makahiki Grounds near Nāʻālehu are PONC acquired lands stewarded by
a nonprofit organization, with volunteer Aina Akamu at right.
Photo by Nohea Kaʻawa

It would allow nonprofit organizations stewarding special lands purchased by the county through the PONC process, to build toilet facilities, shelters, paths and trails. The stewardship grant process would be clarified and streamlined and PONC would provide citizen oversight. The Maintenance Fund administration would be transferred to the county Department of Finance.

A measure to allow payment of board members of nonprofits, for specific work budgeted, was turned away, but could be revived when the County Council reviews proposed Charter in July.
Sammie Stanbro, a long time advocate of the 2 Percent Land Fund and preservation of the Ka`u Coast, encouraged adoption of proposals for more stewardship projects and to use 2 Percent Land Funds to hire a full time county employee to work exclusively on the Land Fund program and land stewardship.

Sammie Stanbro testifies in support of 2 Percent Land
Fund proposals. Photo from Big Island Video News

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THE APPEARANCE OF A "BLACK STREAK" ON THE WALL OF KĪLAUEA CALDERA sparked a response from U.S. Geological Survey, after the National Park Service posted to Facebook, "Something new has appeared on the southwest side of Kīlauea caldera resembling a large crack. What is going on?"

USGS Research Geologist Don Swanson replied, "What I have dubbed a 'black streak' on the caldera wall is flowing water. The water comes from a shallow perched aquifer impounded by dikes in the southwest rift zone. Water flows southward along and in the sand flat below Crater Rim Drivebut is stopped by the dikes, which form a dam. For one of several reasons – increasing water pressure, failure of wet sand, small rock fall – water breaks out of the aquifer and pours into the caldera. This phenomenon was first noted on July 4, 2018, and has been observed repeatedly since then. There are at least two different sites for such water flow, both just north of the southwest rift zone. The flowing water has eroded ravines or gullies that resemble cracks. Water flow generally lasts several hours and then stops as water in the aquifer is depleted. But, days to weeks later, water reappears."

A "black streak" on the side of Kīlauea Caldera is caused by water seeping from the aquifer. NPS photo

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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

For more information, contact Civil Defense at 935-0031.

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UPCOMING

MONDAY, JUNE 10

Summer Algebra Camp: Grades 6-8, Monday, June 10, to Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Supplies provided, free. Registration required, 313-4913, dexsilyn.navarro@k12.hi.us

Early College: High School Students, Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 11, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required. 313-4100

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, June 10, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Kapa Kuiki with Cultural Practitioner Cyndy Martinez, Wednesday, June 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian traditional quilting methods demonstration and discussion. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, June 13, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, June 14, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Father's Day Card, Friday, June 14, 1:30-2:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, June 10-13. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Community Dance, Friday, June 14, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Lorna Lim with Hālau Kawehileimamoikawekiu‘okohala, Saturday, June 15, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert w/D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Father's Day Buffet, Sunday, June 16, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Early College Summer Program at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open for high school students. Program runs Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program requires registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 14 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org

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

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

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

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

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Kaʻū Gym hosts members of USA Volleyball teams from Kamehameha School and Miloliʻi- Kaʻū as they prepare to
play in Honolulu, Anaheim, and the nationals in Indiana. See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

GOV. DAVID IGE PRESENTED THE BIOSECURITY AND INVASIVE SPECIES REPORT for the Western Governors's Annual Meeting today in Colorado. Ige co-chairs the Western Governors Association, comprised of Hawaiʻi, Guam, American Samoa, the Marianas, Alaska, and the western states as far east as Texas. Hawaiʻi's governor initiated the Special Report that calls biosecurity and invasive species "one of the most pressing natural resource issues in the West."

Read the 2027 Hawaiʻi Interagency Biosecurity Plan here.

It says, "The spread of invasive and non-native species affects nearly every aspect of life in the West. As invading species replace native plants and wildlife, the ecosystems, economies, and communities that depend on the West's natural resources are damaged and diminished, sometimes permanently. Improving biosecurity and invasive species management practices is essential to protecting the West from new invading species, reducing the effects of established species, and restoring the region's working lands and native ecosystems."
The report points to $1.4 trillion in "global economic losses caused by biological invaders" since 2002, the U.S. losing $120 billion annually from damages and losses from "nearly 50,000 foreign species." The estimates do not include control costs or public health impacts. "As much as one-fourth of the U.S. agricultural gross national product is lost due to foreign pests and as much as 42 percent of the species on threatened or endangered species lists are at risk primarily because of alien invasive species."

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, invasive to Hawaiʻi and

Guam, threatens the coconut palm. Photo from WGA

The report mentions invasive fungal pathogens that result in Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, causing a "vast die-off of endemic ʻŌhiʻa trees that are crucial to Hawaiʻi's ecosystems and culture."

In Guam, the coconut rhinoceros beetle caused the native fadang tree, once the most abundant tree in Guam's forest, to be placed on the endangered species list in 2015. The beetle was detected in Hawaiʻi in 2013 in the area around Pearl Harbor. While contained to that area, the beetle threatens the coconut palm, central to the environment, economy, and culture of Hawaiʻi, Guam, and other Pacific Islands.

Hawaiʻi is often called "the invasive species capital of the world," says the report, "not only because of the threats that invasive species pose to its native ecosystems, but also due to the groundbreaking and innovative work the state is undertaking to confront these threats. With the Initiative, WGA has drawn on Hawaiʻi's experience and harnessed Western Governors' unique ability to assemble state and federal experts and a broad group of stakeholders to foster a bipartisan dialogue to improve regional coordination and collaboration to protect the West from invasive species.

Western Governors, from left: WGA Vice Chair Doug Burgum (North Dakota), Laura Kelly (Kansas), Kristi Noem (South Dakota), WGA Chair David Ige (Hawaiʻi), Brad Little (Idaho), Lourdes Leon Guerrero (Guam), Jared Polis (Colorado), Gary Herbert (Utah), Steve Sisolak (Nevada), Kate Brown (Oregon), and Mark Gordon (Wyoming). Attending but not pictured: Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico).
Photo from westgov.org

"In the West, biosecurity and invasive species management are the responsibility of a large network of state and federal agencies, as well as stakeholders that include industry, nonprofit organizations and conservation groups, private landowners and private citizens. Each of these entities operates under a different set of laws, regulations, and authorities. Their capacities vary, as do their incentives, interests and objectives. Such a diverse network offers opportunities to implement creative and flexible biosecurity and invasive species management practices, but its decentralized nature creates challenges in developing and implementing sophisticated regional management strategies. It is with these challenges in mind that WGA Chairman Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige launched the Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative." See more in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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Jerry Nelson, with a model of one of the Keck telescopes.
Photo from W.M. Keck

THE IMPOSSIBLE TELESCOPE, a short documentary film about Jerry Neslon, who designed Keck I & II telescopes on Mauna Kea, streams free on Vimeo. Known as "Father of the Keck Observatory Telescopes," Nelson passed away June 10, 2017.
Produced by ʻŌiwi TV, the film journeys back through time honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.
Learn about Nelson, and how Keck Observatory came to be – the vision, mission, and evolution of the most scientifically impactful optical/infrared twin telescopes on Earth, as told through the lenses of the people who are part of the observatory's history and experienced the trials, tribulations, and successes of building what was once called The Impossible Telescope. See the film here.

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A NIGHT AT THE OPERA with operatic vocalist D'Andrea Pelletier happens Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., at VolcanoArtCenter's Niaulani Campus in VolcanoVillage. Doors open at 5 p.m. Pelletier performs a set of works ranging from Puccini and Verdi to Strauss and Queen. Some highlights of the evening include ParigioCara from La Traviata with special guest Ian Mcmillan and Casta Diva from the opera Norma.

D'Andrea Pelletier. VAC photo

Recognized for her "diverse vocal talent and universal image," says the announcement from VAC, Pelletier is a classically trained soprano "with the agility of a coloratura, the timbre of a lyric to the dramatic flair of a spinto." Pelletier's diverse range allows her to perform works made famous by Maria Callas and Luciano Pavorotti.

Pelletier's performance history includes appearances with Michael Bublé, District Rotary of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi's KDEN Theatre, and various live performances as a soloist. As the newest member of the Mae Orvis Studio, Pelletier will perform in the 2019/2020 season with Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre "as she expands her reach as the Queen of Opera."
Wine, beer and pupu will be available for purchase for attendees to enjoy before, during, and after the evening's concert. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member, available at volcanoartcenter.org, at VAC's Administration Office in Volcano Village, and VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and by calling VAC's office at (808) 967-8222. Tickets are held at will call on the day of the show or may be picked up any day before the show at the VAC Niʻaulani Campus Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program Concert Repertoire: O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicci by Giacomo Puccini (1858 - 1924); Ou Ya la Jeune Indoue (Bell Song) from Lakme by Leo Delibes (1815–1910); Voi Lo Sapete from Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni (1863 - 1945); Morgen! by Richard Strauss (1864 - 1949), with Violinist Glenda Johnson; Paris O Cara from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi (1813 - 1901), with Tenor Ian McMillan; Intermission; Lord Listen! From Turandot by Giacomo Puccini (1858 - 1924); Píseň Rusalky na Měsícku from Song to the Moon from Rusalka by Antonin Dvorak (1841 - 1904); And Lucevan le Stelle from Tosca by Giacomo Puccini (1858 - 1924); and Casta Diva from Norma by Vincenzo Bellini (1801 - 1835).

Girls volleyball in Kaʻū Gym tonight and for the next three
days, as local players prepare to travel interisland and to
the mainland to compete. Photo by Julia Neal

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KAʻŪ GYM HOSTS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS HEADED FOR NATIONALS. The four day warm up began today for girls 14 and under who will play at the USA Volleyball competition in Anaheim and Indiana. The girls just finished sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, attend KamehamehaSchool and are coached by Punaluʻu resident and Kamehameha girls volleyball coach Guy Enriques.

Also headed for competition is the Miloliʻi-Kaʻū team coached by Yolanda Kauhuia. The MK team of girls 14 years and under will head to Honoluluthis weekend and on to Anaheim for USA Volleyball play this month.

The old Kaʻū Gym is hosting the volleyball coaching session to make ready for the off-island play and Pāhala Plantation House is providing housing for the girls as they get ready to head out for national competition.

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 Ka'ū, from Miloli'i through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Kapa Kuiki with Cultural Practitioner Cyndy Martinez, Wednesday, June 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian traditional quilting methods demonstration and discussion. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, June 13, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Dance - Kumu Hula Lorna Lim / Exercise Kawehileimamoikawekiu'okohala , Saturday, June 15, 10: 30-11: 30 pm, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Kumu Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert with D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Father's Day Buffet, Sunday, June 16, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawai'i Island, Sunday, June 16 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 15 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawai'i Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and National Park Service Jaggar Museum on Kīlauea's caldera

rim were vacated in mid-May 2018 due to earthquake damage associated with summit collapse events. As of June 2019,

HVO staff are in temporary office space in Hilo. JaggarMuseumremains closed. See story on the timeline of

the eruption's events, below. Image from HVO/Big Island Video News

HAWAIʻI RANKS THIRD IN THE COUNTRY FOR PEOPLE ENJOYING OUTDOOR PARKS AND RECREATION. The recent WalletHub report on the Most Fun states puts Hawaiʻi overall in the middle of the pack, at 25th, when it comes to offering "a jolly good time that won't break the bank."
The financial website compared the 50 states across 26 criteria, including "ideal" weather, accessibility of national parks, casinos per capita, and how many amusement parks, restaurants, movie theaters – and other arts, entertainment, recreation establishments, and attractions – are in each state. Focus was laid on the states that offer "the greatest variety and most cost-effective options for enjoyment."

The Aloha State ranked 3rd in State and Local Expenditures on Parks and Recreation per Capita, 19th in overall Entertainment and Recreation, 38th in overall Nightlife, 46th in Number of Golf Courses and Country Clubs perCapita, 47th in Number of Movie Theaters per Capita, and 50th in Fitness Centers per Capita.
View the full report at wallethub.com/edu/most-fun-states/34665.

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The volume of Halemaʻumaʻu was around 54-60 million cubic meters (70-78 million cubic yards) prior to the 2018 events.

The volume of the inner collapse crater is now about 885 million cubic meters (1.2 billion cubic yards). Subsidence of

the adjacent caldera floor created the new scarp (arrow, right). HVO image

AN OVERVIEW OF LAST YEAR'S KĪLAUEA ERUPTION was published by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory this week. The document provides a timeline of the eruptive events, and a selection of finer details.

The 2018 Kīlaueasummit collapse and lower East Rift Zone eruption were the largest in at least 200 years, according to a sciencemag.orgarticle, reports HVO. Lava covered 13.7 square miles of land, with a maximum thickness of 180 feet on land and about 920 feet in the lava delta. Ocean entries created 875 acres of new land. Lava destroyed 716 dwellings and covered about 30 miles of roads. The amount of lava that erupted from the fissures in Puna, about 1 billion cubic yards, was "enough to cover two lanes of I-90 from Boston, MA, to Seattle, WA – around 3,020 miles – with lava about 70 feet deep, or enough to fill at least 320,000 Olympic-size swimming pools." The magnitude 6.9 south flank earthquake on May 4 was the largest in Hawaiʻi since 1975. The 62 summit collapse events, May 16 to August 2, "each released energy equivalent to a M5.2–M5.4 earthquake." A dozen ash-producing explosions between May 16 and 26 threw ash as high as 30,000 feet above sea level.

Lava fountains at fissure 8 vent (top right) fed a vigorous,

channelized lava flow on July 2. HVO photo

The timeline from the 2018 eruption is:

April 30: Long-term Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruptive vent collapses; magma begins moving downrift toward Puna.

May 1: HVO issues notice of potential eruption on Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone. Deflation of Kīlauea's summit begins and Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake starts to drop.

May 3: Onset of fissure eruptions on lower East Rift Zone; Kīlauea Volcano Alert Level raised to WARNING.

May 4: Magnitude 6.9 earthquake on south flank of Kīlauea.

May 9: HVO issues notice of potential summit explosions; lull in lower East Rift Zone fissures May 9 through 12.

May 10: Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake disappears from view.

May 11: Hawaiʻi VolcanoesNational Park closes to the public; Kahuku Unit remains open.

May 15: Aviation Color Code elevated to RED in anticipation of summit explosive events.

May 16: Onset of Kīlauea summit explosive events; HVO building evacuated.

Areas covered by lava flows in 2018 in red; lava flows erupted in

1840, 1955, and 1960 in purple. Black numerals indicate

locations of the 24 fissures that erupted in 2018. HVO image

May 19: Lava enters ocean near Mackenzie State Recreation Area – lasts about 10 days.

May 25: Fissure 8 reactivates; new pit opens on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu.

May 29: Caldera downdrop accelerates; onset of near-daily summit collapse events, with each releasing energy equivalent to a magnitude-5+ earthquake.

June 3: Lava erupted from fissure 8 reaches ocean at KapohoBay.

June 24: Collapse events no longer producing ash; Aviation Color Code lowered to ORANGE.

Aug. 2: Summitcollapse events end.

Aug. 4: Fissure 8 activity significantly decreases; summit deflation stops.

Aug. 17: Eruptive pause at fissure 8; Volcano Alert Level lowered to WATCH.

Aug. 21: Ocean entry no longer active.

Sept. 1 through 5: Sporadic glow/weak lava activity within fissure 8 cone; no active lava observed after Sept. 5.

Sept. 22: Hawaiʻi VolcanoesNational Park reopens (details at nps.gov/havo)

Oct. 5: KīlaueaVolcano Alert Level lowered to ADVISORY.

March 26: KīlaueaVolcano Alert Level loweredto NORMAL.
See the document at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vsc/file_mngr/file-224/OVERVIEW_Kil2018_LERZ-Summit_June%202019.pdf.

HVO image

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BIOSECURITY REMAINS A MAJOR FOCUS AT THE WESTERN GOVERNOR'S ASSOCIATION'S annual meeting in Colorado. Co-chaired by Gov. David Ige, the Governor's Association held workshops over the last year with biosecurity and invasive species management leaders to discuss invasive species' effect on life in the region, better management, and improving biosecurity to limit new introductions of invasives.
The report, an initiative of Ige's, was released at the conference. (See yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs).

Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige described his Hawaiʻi's battle against invasive

species as not only the "right thing" to do but as

work that makes "economic sense." Photo from WGA

Entitled Western Governors' Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative, it focuses on nuisance species, pests, and pathogens. It analyzes their effects on ecosystems and infrastructure. It plans for biosecurity measures to manage risks from invasive species to economies, environments, health, and lifestyles.
Webinars from the conference examine invasives' effects on fisheries, the role of conservation districts to manage them, and impacts of invasives on Pacific Islands forests and ecosystems.

The report recommends goals and actions for governors, from Guam and other Pacific Islands, to Hawaiʻi, and across the mainland to Texas. They include:

Protect the West from the introduction of new invasive species through biosecurity practices, preparedness, and planning, by developing state and regional plans, coordinating state and federal agencies, and using emerging technologies. The report recommends a regional biocontrol research center with interagency collaboration on biocontrol research and permitting.

Improve cross-boundary management of established and emerging invasive species. The report recommends establishing a Western Invasive Species Council to work with state, federal, and local agencies; enhancing rapid response practices by expanding use of the Incident Command System; conducting regular practice exercises; and establishing a federal center dedicated to biosecurity and invasive species management.

Seen all over Kaʻū, fountain grass, a "priority invasive" weed species, is a fuel

for wildfires. Fountain grass also relies on fire to regenerate, and becomes the

first to establish and spread after a wildfire occurs. Photo from hawp.org

Empower state and federal agencies to manage invasive species by aligning federal laws, regulations, and funding mechanisms with states' needs. The report says state and federal agencies need funding and authority to manage invasives. It recommends that statutes and regulations provide states more flexibility in invasive species management funding, permitting, and rapid response. It also asks for federal rules to reflect the broad diversity of habitat types and uses; federal law should protect states, whether habitats include arctic tundra, rangeland, or tropical forests.
Support and utilize biosecurity research, technology, and planning tools. The report recommends state and federal agencies "identify and seize" opportunities to pool research funds, coordinate new technology, and develop new monitoring, analytical, and decision-making tools. Enhanced use of electronic manifesting for commodity shipments, detector dogs, in-water vessel cleaning, and other tools "can increase effectiveness in mitigating invasive species impacts."

Standardize and mobilize invasive species data. The report says invasive species managers "need access to accurate regional invasive species occurrence data to address invasive species at a landscape scale. However, technological barriers often prevent large amounts of useful invasive species occurrence data from being shared. As part of the Initiative, Western Governors will lead an effort to improve the mechanisms by which interagency invasive species data are standardized, stored and exchanged in the West."

A beautiful morning glory blossom belies the invasive species' negative
effect on endemic understory plants in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
NPS photo

The Western Governors Association is led by 12 governors appointed by the President. It represents Hawaiʻi, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Read the whole report here. See video and synopses of the workshops and webinars. See more on yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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DISASTER EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR THE HOMELESS is extended by Gov. David Ige through Aug. 7. The declaration has been in effect since Dec. 14. It accelerates the completion of housing projects for individuals and families who are transitioning out of homelessness, and expands shelter capacity and access to services.

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.

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UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Kapa Kuiki w/Cultural Practitioner Cyndy Martinez, Wednesday, June 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian traditional quilting methods demonstration and discussion. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, June 13, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert w/D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Father's Day Buffet, Sunday, June 16, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 18
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, June 18 (Committees), Wednesday, June 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

After Dark in the Park - Surviving Against the Odds: The Story of the Hawai‘i ‘Amakihi, Tuesday, June 18, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Gabrielle Names, UC Davis PhD student, studying the mystery of how this unique little bird appears to be beating avian malaria, a deadly disease, on Hawaiʻi Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, June 19, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

ONGOING

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through July 11; no meals Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

Early College Summer Program at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open for high school students. Program runs Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program requires registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 16 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 15 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

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

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

Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

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An online campaign for senior housing in Na`alehu has been launched by Hunnay Demello, the award winning,
seven-year old hula dancer from Ocean View. Through her family she is ambassador for O Ka`u Kakou to perpetuate
the senior housing project. See story below.

Taro Brand took its Hawai'i products

to Capitol Hill today for a tasting that drew

2,000. Photo from Taro Brand

TASTE OF HAWAI`I ON CAPITOL HILL drew 2,000 attendees and more than 60 Hawai`i businesses today. The event is the highlight of the two-day Hawai`i on the Hill in Washington, D.C. , which brings together legislators, federal administrators, business leaders and the makers of Hawai`i products and services.
“The Taste of Hawai`i on Capitol Hill is the most popular state showcase on Capitol Hill, and every year we are privileged to host so many people interested in experiencing the rich diversity of our state,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono who founded Hawai`i on the Hill six years ago.
She credits Sherry Menor-McNamara, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President & CEO who said Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill "demonstrated that Hawaii's business community will continue to make our voices heard on a national stage."
Hirono said that Hawai`i on the Hill gives Hawai'i businesses the opportunity to meet directly with news and policymakers while also showcasing Hawai'i businesses and products to Members of Congress and the Washington, D.C. community.
Farmers and ranchers attended, with foods ranging from Hawaiian grass feed beef from Kunoa Ranch to Hawai`i grown cassava, and Taro Brand products.

Kunoa Ramch promoted Hawai`i grass fed beef at

Taste of Hawai`i on Capitol Hill today in

Washington, D.C. Photo from Kunoa Ranch

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SEA GRANT AND NATIONAL COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS IN HAWAIʻI are funded again, with over $3.8 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced the funding this week for projects that "support ongoing coastal and marine research, extension, and educational outreach in Hawaiʻi."

Said Hirono, "As an island state, Hawaiʻi's livelihood is reliant on the health and resilience of our coastal and marine ecosystems. As we continue to face the serious threat of climate change, we need to rely on new, innovative research and technologies to mitigate the harmful effects a warming planet has on our environment and our communities, while also providing education on the importance of responsibly managing our coastal resources." The federal mine "provides critical resources for managing and preserving coastal areas in Hawaiʻi now and for generations to come."

Hawaiʻi Sea Grant received $1,363,782 to address ecological needs in upland watersheds to waters and reefs offshore. The program "integrates innovative social research" to help Hawaiʻi "more sustainably" support tourism. Nationwide, the Sea Grant College Program operates through partnerships between NOAA and university-based systems in 33 coastal states.

Hawaiʻi's National Coastal Zone Management Program received $2,459,651 for the voluntary federal-state partnership that "protects, restores, and responsibly develops coastal communities and resources by balancing economic development, coastal uses, and natural resource protection." The funds will support jobs and programs that address coastal hazards, climate change, and natural resource management. The award also supports new initiatives in the Ocean Resources Management Plan.

In March 2017, "upon hearing that the Trump Administration was contemplating zeroing out the Sea Grant Program," Hirono sent a letter to then-Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney, urging him to reconsider. She emphasized that cuts to the program would "disproportionately hurt" Hawaiʻi and other coastal states, and that cuts to NOAA's satellite program would affect "critical imagery and forecasting information for U.S. military navigation as well as community disaster preparedness, response, and recovery." In February 2018, she sent a letter to President Donald Trump that urged him to maintain funding levels for the Sea Grant Program for fiscal year 2019 at no less than FY 2018 levels.

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THE NA`ALEHU SENIOR HOUSING CAMPAIGN HAS A NEW AMBASSADOR. According to OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi, the family of celebrity keiki hula dancer Hunnay Demello has agreed for Hunnay to represent the cause.

An ambassador for senior housing in
Na`alehu, Hunnay Demello, dances at the
Ka`u Coffee Fest in May.her kumu
Akamu behind her. Photo by Julia Neal

The young Demello's online message says: "Aloha, my name is Hunnay. I am 7 years old and live in Ka`u, on the Big Island of Hawai`i. I started dancing Tahitian when I was 2 years old and then started dancing hula when i was 5 years old.
"Someone shared a video of one of my dances on YouTube that went viral with over 2 million hits. And, when I saw uncle Wayme walk 100 miles to raise money for building houses for our kupuna (elders), I decided I can help too. Please help me raise money to building housing for our Kupuna."
See Gofundme:Hunaay's Campaign for Community.

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FREE CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS are offered by Hawaiʻi Police Department and Hawaiʻi Fire Department. Both agencies have trained technicians "willing to set up a free seat inspection," says a statement from HDP:

"Car seats and boosters provide protection for infants and children in a crash, yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. In Hawaiʻi County we are focused on protecting our keiki. That's why it's so important to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time your children are in the car. You will want to know the age, height, and weight of the child using the safety seat. Proper fit of the seat will provide the greatest safety while traveling in a vehicle.

"Properly position the harness on your child: Rear-facing harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and be placed through the slot that is at or below your child's shoulders; Forward-facing harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and be placed through the slot that is at or above your child's shoulders. Buckle the harness and the chest clip, and tighten. The harness is snug enough when extra material cannot be pinched at the shoulder. Make sure the chest clip is at armpit level."

Keiki in a forward-facing car seat, left, and a booster, right. HPD photo

When traveling in a motor vehicle, Hawaiʻi law requires children under the age of four to ride in a child safety seat and children ages of four through seven ride in a child safety seat or booster seat. Violating drivers are required to attend a 4-hour class and may be assessed a fine of $100-$500, depending upon the number of offenses. A Hawaiʻi state tax credit of $25 per year applies to the purchase of a booster or child safety seat.

According to hidot.org, children should be buckled up in the back seat "since it has been proven to be the safest location in the vehicle. Never put a rear-facing seat in the front seat of a vehicle with active front-passenger airbags. Children should be kept rear-facing until the height or weight maximum of a rear-facing seat is reached. The American Academy of Pediatrics changed its rear-facing recommendation to the age of two; previously, the recommendation was one year of age.

Booster seats, according to hidot.org, should be used until the lap and shoulder belts fit correctly. The lap belt should fit low and snug on the hips, and the shoulder strap should not cross over the face or neck. Never place the shoulder belt behind the child's back or under the arm. A child that cannot sit with his or her back against the seat back cushion with knees bent over the vehicle's seat edge without slouching should continue to use a booster seat regardless of age, weight or height.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a web based tool to help choose the right seat at nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#find-compare-seats. Call the HPD Traffic Services Section at 961-2305 with questions.

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp) lesions on young verticals (left)

may progress to browning of the stems (right). Photo from CTAHR

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BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR EARLY SIGNS OF DISEASE in coffee, fruit, and mac nut tree, warns Andrea Kawabata, Associate Extension Agent for Coffee and Orchard Crops at Collegeof Tropical Agriculture and Human Resource. She and Dr. Stuart T. Nakamoto host a workshop, Desuckering: Comparison of Coffee Pruning Strategies Field Day, on Thursday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kona Research Station in Kainaliu. Register at hawaiicoffeeed.com/desucker.html or by contacting Gina at 808-322‐4892 at least two days prior to the event.

In wet and humid conditions, said Kawabata, diseases such as cercospora on coffee, raceme blight (botrytis sp.) and quick decline on macadamia, as well as anthracnose (coffee, mango, etc.) and root-rots on various fruit (avocado) and nut crops can be common. Controling pests and diseases early and quickly can help avoid devastating consequences to crops, yields, and farm profit, said Kawabata. In addition, said Kawabata, "dry weather followed by heavy rainfall, fruit cracking may be observed.

     "Bearing coffee and fruit trees require adequate nutrients and water from flowering and young fruit development to harvest. To avoid losses and leaching of fertilizers into our ground water and ocean systems during rainy years, fertilizers can be spread at lower quantities and more frequently than during drier years. Find adequate levels of nutrients of various soils and crop plant tissues here.
     "Desuckering of coffee trees should be done a few months after pruning to allow the strongest and best placed verticals to remain on stumps. Removal of water shoots on verticals is also necessary to reduce sunlight and nutrient competition between laterals and verticals. Desuckering and the removal of water shoots can take place 2-3 times a season.
     The workshop will show on Kona-style/selective pruning, stumping with a nurse vertical, and hedging with one or two verticals. The objective of the pruning trial is to compare the above methods for yield, labor requirements, harvesting considerations, and impact on Coffee Bearer Borer management. During the field day workshop, attendees will learn and participate in desuckering coffee trees pruned in Jan. 2019, then will be able to tour and walk through the pruning trial. Trees in the trial plot were originally pruned on Feb. 13, 2017. The first comparative harvest took place in the 2018-2019 season. Future field days will look at harvest.

Contact Kawabata at andreak@hawaii.edu or 808-322-4892 with questions.

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FLOWER DRUM SONG comes to Volcano July 12 through 28. Shows in the Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network presents their 18th summer musical, based on a novel by C.Y. Lee with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joseph Fields. Songs include A Hundred Million Miracles, I Enjoy Being a Girl, Love Look Away, and Chop Suey.

Flower Drum Song is set in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1958 The plot revolves around contract marriages, immigration, unrequited love, a night club and the changing times. Sammy Fong's family has ordered him a picture bride from Chinain hopes he will settle down and forget about the dancer Linda Low. The shy Mei Li arrives and it is clear that she is the wrong girl for Sammy. But, she might be suitable for Sammy's pal, Wang Ta, whose father is fighting a losing battle against the trappings of modern American life-style. In the end, the dilemma of matching the young people while holding on to traditions is resolved.

Playing the innocent picture bride, Mei Li, is KDEN newcomer Olivia Halemano. Stephen Bond is Sammy Fong, the nightclub owner. Samantha Shea is Linda Low, the entertainer at Sammy's nightclub. Wang Chi-Yang is played by Karl Halemano, with Murphy Bierman as his son Wang Ta. Roni Koscik is Madame Liang, with D'Andrea Pelletier as Helen Chao. Others in the ensemble are Arlene Araki, Mia Boyer, Debbie Campbell, Bill Chikasuye, Rayanna Fafiani, Selah Fisher, Lichen Forster, Susie Halemano, Sam Hall, Ariana Kelley, Joel Kelley, Jessica Lawrence, Judy leary, Sean MacDonald, Travis Wood, and Dawn, Eva, Keoni, and Drew Pelletier. The show is directed by Suzi Bond, with Melanie Oldfather as the music director and Armando Mendoza as the conductor. Susie Halemano, who has appeared in a number of KDEN shows, makes her debut as the choreographer

Tickets go on sale July 1 and are available at Kīlauea General Store, Keaʻau Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at the door. Ticket are $20 general, $15 for seniors 60 plus and students, and $12 children 12 and under. For more information and to make reservations, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, June 13, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, June 14, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Father's Day Card, Friday, June 14, 1:30-2:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, June 10-13. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert w/D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Father's Day Buffet, Sunday, June 16, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 18
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, June 18 (Committees), Wednesday, June 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

After Dark in the Park - Surviving Against the Odds: The Story of the Hawai‘i ‘Amakihi, Tuesday, June 18, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Gabrielle Names, UC Davis PhD student, studying the mystery of how this unique little bird appears to be beating avian malaria, a deadly disease, on Hawaiʻi Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 16 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 15 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

See misshawaiiisland.com.

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

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.

Volcano House has chosen OLS Hotels & Resorts for marketing and management. Photo from Volcano House

VOLCANO HOUSE WELCOMED A NEW MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT PARTNER this week: OLS Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.
OLS operates the historic Harbor Court on the Embarcadero waterfront in San Francisco, Jackson Hole Lodge and Sedona Rouge, as well as Ainamalu at Waikoloa Beach Resort; Plantation Hale Suites and Banyan Harbor on Kauaʻi: and two locations on Oʻahu. OLS is responsible for 24 properties around the country.

On June 10, OLS replaced Aqua Resorts to manage Volcano House, with its hotel, shops, restaurants and bar, and its cabins and campsites, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The concessionaire for Volcano House remains Ortega National Parks, LLC. The Ortega family company signed a 15 year lease with the National Parks Service in 2012 and completed massive renovations in cooperation with the Park.

Volcano House bar in the historic hotel overlooking Halemaʻumaʻu
Crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Photo from Volcano House

Volcano House manager Orin McCann said, the partnership with OLS "is a significant part of our hotel's rebirth following the recent eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, and we're ecstatic to have the OLS team on board to assist in creating memorable stays for our guests who seek once-in-a-lifetime experiences while discovering the wonder of Volcanoes National Park."
According to a statement from OLS, the company will provide sales, marketing, and revenue optimization services to Volcano House. Chief Executive Officer Ben Rafter said OLS is "proud to add the iconic Volcano House to our expanding portfolio of Hawaiʻi properties, as the hotel is truly a one-of-a-kind asset with deep historical and cultural importance to residents and visitors of the Islands. With our outstanding sales, marketing, and revenue management capabilities, along with our commitment to enhancing Hawaiʻi tourism from a local's perspective, we look forward to working with Volcano House to provide guests with a renewed look at the celebrated hotel."
See hawaiivolcanohouse.com.

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A SMALL NUCLEAR CONFLICT WOULD CREATE WORLDWIDE NUCLEAR WINTER, declares a campaign announcement from Kaʻū's fourth-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, who is running for U.S. President. "While Trump stokes tensions with Russia, China, and North Korea, Tulsi is the only Presidential candidate calling attention to this existential threat," says the email blast.
The message sent to prospective supporters calls for "advocating for our people and our planet." It predicts that when Gabbard "gets on the debate stage in a few weeks, she's going to talk about an issue that no other candidate wants to touch: the very real possibility of nuclear war.
"The stakes really are this high. Military and political leaders who have carried the heavy responsibility of the nuclear football are outspoken about how immediate the threat of nuclear war really is. And every day, President Trump, national security advisor John Bolton, and the State Department push us close to a war with other nuclear powers like Russia, China, or North Korea, that would have catastrophic consequences."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Photo from Gabbard's Twitter

The message calls Gabbard "the lone voice of clarity, reason, and urgency about this immediate and existential threat not only to our country, but to all of humanity and our planet." It asks for donors of three dollars or more to take her past the first televised debate of 2020 candidates for U.S. President, for which she has qualified. It airs on Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on MSNBC, NBC, and Telemundo. The second debate on Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31 will be on CNN, CNN International, and CNN Espanol, with times to be announced. The rules for the second debate require that each candidate registers at least 1 percent in three Democratic National Committee Polls or raise money from at least 65,000 unique donors with a minimum of 200 contributors from each of a minimum of 20 states.
In a Washington Post interview today, Gabbard spoke out against Pres. Donald Trump's statement this week that he would "consider accepting foreign opposition research" during his presidential campaign. His statement to ABC News also drew criticism from numerous Republicans and Democrats who said it is illegal to take information from foreign operatives as a campaign contribution. Most said they would have reported it to the FBI and gave examples of past candidates reporting to the FBI when foreign agents attempted to provide information on their opponents.
This week, The Hill also ran an analysis of the Gabbard campaign.

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GOV. DAVID IGE WENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE TO MEET PRES. DONALD TRUMP today, along with seven delegates from the Western Governors Association. They dined in the White House and discussed workforce development with Trump and Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta. Ige said the conversation focused on how states can prepare communities for emerging requirements of jobs of the future, including partnering with states on occupation licensing reform, child care, paid family leave, and vocational skills training.

Gov. David Ige, second from left, sits two persons from Pres. Donald Trump at a White House luncheon and
meeting on preparing states for jobs of the future and other issues of the Western Governors Association
meeting held this week in Colorado. Photo from the White House

"For the first time in our country, we have more job vacancies than we have qualified people to fill them. Hawai‘i is among the states that are working to prepare the workforce for those jobs – expanding paid internships and apprenticeship programs in construction, cybersecurity, IT, healthcare," said the governor.
The bi-partisan group included Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia, Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee and Gov. Mark Gordon of Wyoming.
The governor also met with Rear Admiral Doug Fears on hurricane disaster preparedness and resiliency. Fears serves as a deputy assistant to the president and is Homeland Security and Counterterrorism advisor on the National Security Council staff. Ige updated Fears on Hawai‘i's recovery progress in the wake of Hurricane Lane and other natural disasters of 2018.
Earlier in the day, the governor attended a Pentagon meeting with Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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FLOWER DRUM SONG comes to Volcano July 12 through 28. Shows in the Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Flower Drum Song is set in San Francisco's
Chinatown in the 1958 The plot revolves around contract marriages, immigration, unrequited love, a night club and the changing times. Sammy Fong's family has ordered him a picture bride from China in hopes he will settle down and forget about the dancer Linda Low. The shy Mei Li arrives and it is clear that she is the wrong girl for Sammy. But, she might be suitable for Sammy's pal, Wang Ta, whose father is fighting a losing battle against the trappings of modern American life-style. In the end, the dilemma of matching the young people while holding on to traditions is resolved.

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.

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UPCOMING

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, June 14, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Father's Day Card, Friday, June 14, 1:30-2:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, June 10-13. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Community Dance, Friday, June 14, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert w/D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, June 19, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, June 19, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 20
SIGN UP for Nā‘ālehu July 4th Parade, open until Thursday, June 20. Parade and Keiki Fun Day held June 29, 10a.m.-1:30p.m. - see separate event listing. Sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872. okaukakou.org

ONGOING

See misshawaiiisland.com.

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

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

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