The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Waikapuna, where owner Resource Land Holdings has been cooperating with local conservation groups
and Hawaiian families in their efforts to purchase and preserve the land.
Photo by Andrew Richard Hara, courtesy of Hawai'i Legacy Land Conservation Program

WAIKAPUNA WAS THE DESTINATION of the county Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission today. The committee traveled to the remote Ka'u Coast property to consider the proposed 2,209 acre acquisition of the land located between Honu'apo and Ka Lae - South Point, makai of Na'alehu.
Laura Ka'akua, of Trust for Public Land; Megan Lamson, of Hawai'i Wildlife Fund; and Keoni Fox of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association, were among the community members who also made the trek.
PONC uses two percent of the county's property taxes to purchase, conserve and steward public lands, with approval from the County Council and the mayor. Waikapuna is on its list and is expected to receive a resolution from County Council member Maile David, asking for the county to help fund the purchase of the property, during PONC's meeting at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, at West Hawai'i Civic Center, at the conference room in Building G. The price tag is about $6 million, with state, federal and county money a possibility.

Waikapuna land, extends from points near Hwy 11 on the Hilo side
of Na`alehu to the coast. The state Legacy Land Commission
has approved partial funding and the county Public Access, Open
Space and Natural Resources Commission will consider the
proposal on Sept. 11. Another proposal is for federal funding.
The steward would be Ala Kahakai National Public Trail and
is local Association.

Citizens can weigh in on the matter at the PONC meeting or by sending testimony ahead.
The Waikapuna property is owned by Resource Land Holdings, the company that bought about 5,800 acres in Ka'u from Lehman Brothers, who foreclosed on developers of the property after the financial crash of 2008.
The collection of RLH parcels purchased in Ka'u includes not only Waikapuna but mauka lands, including pastures and most of the famous Ka'u Coffee farms, which RLH is planning for subdivision.
The PONC proposal focuses on Waikapuna and is supported by Trust for Public Land, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, the Legacy Land Fund of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and a proposal for federal funding. The proposed stewards of the property would be the Ala Kahakai Trail Associaiton and the Ala Kahakai Trail National Park, which oversees coastal trail preservation along the west side of the island.

Resource Land Holdings owns Waikapuna, Honu'apo mauka,
and Ka'u Coffee land properties.

Keoni Fox, whose family has ties to Waikapuna was on the trek to the property today. His family released a statement in December saying, “For the Keanu ‘Ohana, we believe that this acquisition will honor our kupuna, their history, their values and their legacy by protecting the entire cultural and natural landscape. There are few opportunities today where such large scale preservation of pristine lands is even possible. The purchase will help to safeguard our family’s many sacred sites including the iwi kupuna.”
Regarding wildlife, the statement said, the “effort will also allow for the protection of Waikapuna’s dryland forest and extensive native coastal plant habitat which includes seabird nesting areas along the sea cliffs. Furthermore, the scenic shores of Waikapuna are known as a place where fish and other marine life spawn and its protected tide pools serve as nature’s nursery.
"Waikapuna presents an opportunity for research and education on many levels. As native descendants, we hope to continue our traditional cultural and educational practices on the land and in its waters. Our family is committed to assisting the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and other community organizations with the stewardship of the property. We are very excited about this opportunity to protect Waikapuna,” the Keanu family statement concluded.
Resource Land Holdings invests in resource rich properties. Other investments include an Alabama sand quarry, a large surface coal mine in the midwest, a Florida citrus operation seeking to diversify, an alliance with a Washington apple fruit packer, and timberland in California.
RLH has been cooperating with the organizations attempting to conserve the Waikapuna property as they go through the process of finding the funding.

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An ancient coastal trail.
Photo from Ala Kahakahi National Historic Trail

ALA KAHAKAI TRAIL SUPERINTENDENT ARIC ARAKAKI will be back in Ka'u this Friday to give the Coffee Talk at the Visitor Contact Station of the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Alakaha Kai Trail Association is also involved in the proposed preservation of Ka'u Coast lands at Waikapuna.

Used and maintained for an estimated 1,000 years, Ala Kahakai trails are still traveled by descendants of the original builders. Designated as a National Historic Trail in the year 2000, the Ala Kahakai protects and assures that access and cultural practices will continue into the future. Learn about the Trail and how NPS is working with descendants and communities to manage one of the oldest trails in the National Trails System.

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Hirono supports minority-owned
small businesses during a Business
Summit Conference in Hawai'i

MINORITY-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES deserve federal partnerships and investments, according to Sen. Mazie Hirono. Today, she highlighted their importance during the third annual Native Hawaiian Organizations Association Business Summit Conference.
“Small businesses have a unique perspective on not only growing their business, but growing our community,” said Hirono. “However, the Trump Administration’s budget proposal threatens the progress we’ve made for all native programs, including minority-owned business. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I will continue to fight to see these programs protected and enacted in a way that supports our local economy,” said the U.S. Senator representing Hawai'i.

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RESPONDING TO PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S THREAT today to shut down the government, if Congress won't approve building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, Hawai'i Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted: "If the wall gets a Senate vote it loses badly. It's an expenseive talking point with federal government condemning and taking private land. I really think September is going to be the month that elected Republicans put their country first."

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KA`U TROJANS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM beat Parker School tonight at home. JV took Parker with 25-14 and 25-8. Varsity won over Parker with 22-25, 25-28, 25-13 and 25-16, reports Athletic Director Kalei Namohala.

REGISTER KEIKI, grades K-8, until August 29, to make a beaded key chain on Wednesday, August 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Call 928-3102 for more.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 101ST ANNIVERSARY on Friday, August 25, and enter Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park fee-free.

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER MIGHTY ‘OHI’A is the title of an art show open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, August 26, through October 8, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with paintings and illustrations by John D. Dawson. The artworks focus on the highly variable display of ‘ohi’a lehua trees found within the park. Gallery viewings are free, though park entrance fees apply.

DISCOVER HAWAIIAN GODDESSES HI’IAKA & PELE and the natural phenomenon they represent on a guided, moderate, one-mile hike through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Saturday, August 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free. Visit ups.gov/havo for more.

FEARLESS ABSTRACT PAINTING, a class in which Samantha DeSilva will share her unique method of painting, takes place Saturday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The fee per person is $90 plus a $15 supply fee. Call 967-8222 for more.

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, a free moderate hike approximately two miles takes place Sunday, August 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

Pick up the August edition of The Ka`u Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka`u, from Miloli`i
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online at www.kaucalendar.com

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

The Hawaiian monk seal is at home in the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument. It is one of the most

critically endangered marine mammals in the United States.

Photo by James Watt/Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument

FISHING COULD BE ALLOWED IN NATIONAL MONUMENT waters off Hawai'i. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke provided a report Wednesday to Pres. Donald Trump, which, according to The Washington Post, calls for the possible overturning of fishing and hunting bans within National Monuments. It also calls for considering reduction in sizes of National Monuments. In April Trump asked Zinke for a report reviewing the status of 27 National Monuments.

Ulua in the National Marine Monument.

Photo by James Watt/Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument

One of them is Hawai'i’s Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which expanded during the presidency of Barack Obama to become the largest marine preserve in the world, covering 582,578 square miles.
The Washington Post story by Juliet Eilperin and Darry Fears quotes Conservation International Center for Oceans. Its senior Vice President Aulani Wilhelm was Papahanaumokuakea's first superintendent. The Washington Post reports Wilhem saying that the 582,578 square miles of land and sea across the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are the world’s largest gathering spot for seabirds and home for a myriad of endangered species that have proven largely resilient despite climate change. "There’s a need to have areas in the ocean not only to understand the changes underway but to protect functioning systems as a hedge against those changes," Wilhelm told The Washington Post.
The Washington Post also reports: "The Hawai'i-based long-line fishery has argued that the expansion of Papahanaumokuakea’s boundaries last year impedes its catch. But the industry has already used up 94 percent of this year’s fishing quota, prompting federal officials to temporarily close the fishery as of Sept. 1."

Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument could be opened to commercial fishing,
according to a recommendations by the Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zenke.
Map from Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument

Referring to Obama's establishment and expansion of National Monuments, including Papahanaumokuakea, under the Antiquities Act, Zinke wrote, “No President should use the authority under the Antiquities Act to restrict public access, prevent hunting and fishing, burden private land, or eliminate traditional land uses, unless such action is needed to protect the object.” He said that the recommendations he sent to Trump will provide "a much needed change for the local communities who border and rely on these lands for hunting and fishing, economic development, traditional uses, and recreation.”
According to The New York Times, "Robert D. Rosenbaum, who serves as counsel to the National Parks Conservation Association, said Wednesday that no president has sought to shrink a monument’s boundaries in the past four decades: 'If the president attempts unilaterally to take adverse action on any of the monuments under review, he would be on very shaky legal ground, and we expect the action would be challenged in federal court.'"
See https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov and visit Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument's Mokupapa Discovery Center in Hilo.

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Infographic from www.bikemaui.com

HUNTING FERAL PIGS ON STATE LAND IN THE KA'U FOREST RESERVE is an issue before the Hawai'i Supreme Court, which is pondering a decision on a suit brought by the Pele Defense Fund.
The Pele Defense Fund, Palikapu Dedman, Terri Napeahi, John Griffiths, Jr. and Tammy Ka'awa sued the state Department of Land & Natural Resources Devision of Forestry & Wildlife over the state's Ka'u Forest Reserve Management Plan for 61,641 acres. The plaintiffs contend that an Environmental Impact Statement, rather than and Environmental Assessment was needed to analyze the plan, which includes fencing of areas to protect native species from feral pigs and other ungulates.
The local circuit court sided with the DLNR and issued a summary judgment. However, Pele Defense Fund took the case to the Hawai'i Supreme Court.
According to Big Island Video News, which reviewed tapes of arguments before the Supreme Court earlier this month, the Pele Defense Fund attorney argued against eliminating feral pigs from portions of the forest reserve. "You're eradicating a Native Hawaiian religious symbol. You're eradicating a religious ceremonial object. The eradication of pigs in Ka'u is to eradicate Article 2 Section 7. It's analogous, as a matter of fact, to desecrating Christian sacraments," said Pele Defense Fund attorney.
Hunters testified at several meetings in Ka'u, when the plan was being developed, that they worried they would be restricted from hunting pigs to feed their families. There was also testimony regarding native gathering rights in the forest.
The DLNR has contended that there are plenty of pigs and hunting grounds outside the areas to be fenced to protect endangered species. Pigs, goats, sheep and wild cattle damage the forest and increase the habitat of mosquitoes which carry a malaria that kills native birds.

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REGISTER KEIKI, grades K-8, until August 29, to make a beaded key chain on Wednesday, August 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Call 928-3102 for more.

TALK STORY AT THE KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Friday, August 25, for Coffee Talk from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and join the informational conversation on the Ala Kahakai Trail with its Superintendent Aric Arakaki. Ka’u coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. Free entry.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 101ST ANNIVERSARY Friday, August 25, and enter Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park fee-free.

PREGNANT WOMEN, YOUNG FAMILIES, THOSE CONSIDERING PREGNANCY AND SUPPORTING ‘OHANA are welcomed by members of Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi to attend their first annual kids health festival for kids in Ka‘u this weekend, formally Malama Na Keiki Festival. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, at the Na'alehu Community Center and baseball field. The festival offers a wide variety of maternity & new family mini-educational classes; clinical health screening for expectant mothers, keiki, & ‘ohana; keiki fun activities; keiki performances; live music; & healthy local-sourced food.
The festival is free and made possible through support of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. "Hui Malama strives to help participants develop a strong network of prenatal and postnatal support, and learn best practices to prevent potential health problems, raise healthy happy children, strengthen family, and fulfill OHA and Hui Malama's shared goal of a strong and healthy Hawaiian nation," says a statement from the organization. For more about the event visit hmono.org.

John D. Dawson
Photo from constant contact.com

DISCOVER HAWAIIAN GODDESSES HI’IAKA & PELE and the natural phenomenon they represent on a guided, moderate, free one-mile hike through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Saturday, August 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Visit ups.gov/havo for more.

FEARLESS ABSTRACT PAINTING, a class in which Samantha DeSilva will share her unique method of painting, takes place Saturday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. The fee per person is $90 plus a $15 supply fee. Call 967-8222 for more.

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, a free moderate hike approximately two miles takes place Sunday, August 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

The bridge entrance to Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is one of the most popular, and most photographed, destinations in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See story below. Photo by Janice Wei, National Park Service

MEDICAID-FOR-ALL is a new bill that Sen. Brian Schatz is preparing to introduce into the U.S. Senate. He trumpeted on Thursday that "Last month, we won a historic victory against the Republicans’ plan to throw millions of people off their health insurance in order to give tax breaks to the wealthiest among us." Schatz also warned, "The Republicans still have a majority in the Senate. If we’re ever going to move forward and make progress on health care, we need to go on the offensive and present ideas now on how to improve Obamacare so we’re ready when that chance comes." Schatz is asking his Hawai'i constituents to add their names to become co-sponsors of his Medicaid-For-All bill.

Sen. Brian Schatz

His proposal has drawn coverage this week in New York Magazine and Slate. Vox wrote that "Sen. Schatz's new health care idea could be the Democratic Party's future."
Said Shatz, the proposal "will allow millions of Americans to get the coverage they need without going broke." He explained that the Medicaid-For-All bill gives states the option to expand their Medicaid programs to uninsured Americans wishing to purchase coverage.
"That means millions of Americans who already rely on Medicaid will get to stay on their insurance and people who are currently making too much to qualify will be able buy in and join the program for the first time. And it would make Medicaid a public option which would put private insurance companies in competition with a much cheaper and effective Medicaid system."
Schatz conceded that "Our goals are ambitious. What we are trying to do is to come up with a plan that will get the most coverage at the lowest price for the most Americans. If we are going to be successful, we will need everyone to stay engaged and demand better health care."

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CLOSING PORTIONS OF THURSTON LAVA TUBE, Nahuku, and its rainforest loop trail will start Tuesday, Sept. 5, for approximately two weeks while Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park maintenance workers replace the electrical conduit and lighting system.
During repairs, the public will be able to explore the open section of the lava tube, which is one of the most popular destinations in the park. Visitors are advised to bring their own light source (cell phone lights are adequate). The nearby restrooms will remain open.

Interior of Nahuku, Thurston Lava Tube, with the lights on.

Photo from National Park Service

The new energy-efficient lighting system will simultaneously increase visitor safety by illuminating the interior, and protect the cultural integrity of the ‘ana (cave) by inhibiting the growth of non-native plant species, says a statement from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
The back portion of Nahuku will be closed first, including the stairs leading out of the lava tube and the north section of rainforest trail. Visitors will be able to access the front section of the lava tube via the bridge entrance, and return the same way. Once work is complete in the back portion, work on the front section will start and visitors can access the rear portion of Nahuku via the north trail and stairs.

The public will be notified of any updates. The park regrets any inconvenience to the public, said the HVNP statement.
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube and its lush rainforest trail are popular features in the park, located near the summit of Kilauea volcano off Crater Rim Drive.
The lava tube was formed by a vigorous stream of magma that erupted from Kilauea and crusted over about 550 years ago. When the magma source was exhausted, a long, hollow tunnel was left behind. The native rainforest surrounding Nahuku is managed by the park as a Special Ecological Area, and is home to endemic plant, bird and insect species. Visitation is heaviest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and parking is limited to 30 minutes.

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THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I RECOMMITTED ITSELF to Mauna Kea telescope park management on Thursday, its Board of Regents directing the university administration to "build a global model of harmonious and inspirational stewardship that is befitting of Mauna Kea."
Other support for continued use of acreage on Mauna Kea for astronomy, education and research has come from Gov. David Ige who issued a statement saying, "I am pleased that the University of Hawai‘i has affirmed its intention to take action to strengthen the collaborative stewardship of Mauna Kea and its resources. I look forward to working with the university and its partners to make meaningful changes that further contribute to the co-existence of culture and science on this special mountain."

Rendering of the Thirty Meter Telescope planned for Mauna Kea.
Image from TMT

Mayor Harry Kim weighed in earlier and proposed "a peace park."
The Regents' resolution comes less than a month before a Hilo public hearing, Sept. 20, before the state Board of Land & Natural Resources to consider a recommendation to provide the Thirty Meter Telescope with a land use permit to build the project.
The resolution approved by the Regents onThursday calls for the university to retain 1,288 acres for the telescopes on the mountain and return 10,000 acres of the 11,288-acre Mauna Kea Science Reserve to the state for management. The resolution also calls for the university to "meaningfully increase the engagement" of local students in celestial navigation and astronomy.
Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope and other elements of the telescope campus testified against the resolution. Kamana Beamer, Univeristy of Hawai'i associate Professor of Hawaiian studies, called the resolution "ingenuous." He said one major aspect of the opposition to the Thirty Meter telescope is "scale of development" and speculated that the Thirty Meter will be the largest telescope only until the next generation telescope is developed. Opponents said that Mauna Kea is a sacred place and should not be furrther developed, even for scientific purposes.
See more on the Thirty Meter Telescope at www.tmt.org.

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REGISTER KEIKI, grades K-8, until August 29, to make a beaded key chain on Wednesday, August 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Call 928-3102 for more.

DISCOVER HAWAIIAN GODDESSES HI'IAKA & PELE and the natural phenomenon they represent on a guided, moderate, one-mile hike through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow, August 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free. Visit ups.gov/havo for more.

FEARLESS ABSTRACT PAINTING, a class in which Samantha DaSilva will share her unique method of painting, takes place tomorrow, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center. $90 plus $15 supply fee per person. Call 967-8222 for more or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Samantha DaSilva in the studio.
Photo from bellevuedanielsmithevents.blogspot.com

Born in Brazil, DaSilva is a professional artist, living and working on the Big Island of Hawai’i, who, according to her website, was “influenced at an early age through her copiously artistic family. Her grandmother, a portrait artist, her aunt, an accomplished jewelry designer, and her mother, a watercolorist, all influenced Samantha to experiment with a variety of mediums.” Her bio reads that, “beneath her amiable personality burns a fervent fire to express life through art and dialogue… Her passion for abstract painting has manifested itself through prolific expressions of art on canvas and varying media. Since ’08, Samantha’s work has been exhibited in over 100 group and solo shows across North America. As an educator, Samantha has instructed at various public & private institutions across North America.” For more about Samantha DaSilva, visit samanthadasilva.com.

FREE FIRST ANNUAL MALAMA NA KEIKI FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY at the Na`alehu Community Center and baseball field from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is organized by Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi. It offers a wide variety of maternity and new family mini-educational classes; clinical health screening for expectant mothers, keiki, and ‘ohana; keiki fun activities; keiki performances; live music; and healthy local-sourced food.
The festival is made possible through support of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. "Hui Malama strives to help participants develop a strong network of prenatal and postnatal support, and learn best practices to prevent potential health problems, raise healthy happy children, strengthen family, and fulfill OHA and Hui Malama's shared goal of a strong and healthy Hawaiian nation," says a statement from the organization. For more details about the event and Hui Malama, visit hmano.org.

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START VIEWING LIVE LONG AND PROSPER MIGHTY ‘OHI’A, daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from tomorrow, August 26, through October 8, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park with paintings and illustrations by John D. Dawson. The artworks focus on the highly variable display of ‘ohi’a lehua trees found within the park. Gallery viewings are free, though park entrance fees apply.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit, 1868 lava flow. Photo from nps.gov/havo

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, a moderate hike approximately 2 miles takes place Sunday, August 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church. For more details call 929-9910.

KA'U FOOD PANTRY, a non-profit organization that aims to provide each family in need with three days of food, will be handing out food again on Tuesday, August 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Most of the food comes from Food Basket of Hawai'i, Inc. in Kona. Ka'u Food Basket pays them a small handling fee for the food they provide.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Lowering a borehole tiltmeter into a ten-foot deep hole on Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone.

See Volcano Watch below. Photo from USGS

HARVESTING THE EUCALYPTUS TREE FARM ABOVE PAHALA may experience a delay. Life of the Land has lodged an appeal to the Hawai'i Supreme Court to reverse the Public Utilities Commission ruling in favor of the HELCO-Hū Honua biomass power purchase agreement.

Hū-Honua which plans to generate electricity from a wood burning plant in North Hilo, plans to cut and haul eucalyptus from Pāhala and elsewhere to fuel its operation.

According to Life of the Land, its appeal is the first challenge by a PUC docket participant regarding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in Hawai'i. Life of the Land is represented by Maui attorney Lance D. Collins.

Eucalyptus harvests above Pāhala may be delayed with a
lawsuit over a biofuel electric plant in North Hilo.
Photo by Julia Neal

The PUC granted Life of the Land participant status in this case, citing its extensive research and understanding of energy and environmental issues. “It is critical that state regulatory agencies consider climate change,” asserted Henry Curtis, Executive Director of Life of the Land. “And, the PUC is specifically required by law to do so.”

Curtis asserted that since 2011, the PUC has been expressly mandated by state law (Act 109 SLH 2011) to consider greenhouse gas emissions in their decision-making but has continued to totally disregard its duties under the law.

"Life of the Land believes that the total lack of any analysis let alone any mention of greenhouse gas emissions in the final decision of the Commission was grave error compounded by the PUC's categorical dismissal of Life of the Land's attempts to raise these issues. Life of the Land is asking that the Hawai'i Supreme Court vacate the PUC's decision and direct it to properly consider all issues required by law," said a statement released today by the organization.

"This failure is even more troubling in light of more recent enactment of Act 32 (SLH 2017)," Life of the Land contends. Act 32 states: “The legislature finds that not only is climate change real, but it is the overriding challenge of the 21st century and one of the priority issues of the senate. Climate change poses immediate and long-term threats to the State's economy, sustainability, security, and way of life.”

Life of the Land is "Hawai'iʻs own energy and environmental group working to protect the people and the 'āina since 1970. Our mission is to preserve and protect the life of the land through research, education, advocacy, and when necessary, litigation," says the statement.

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A NATIVE HAWAIIAN BUSINESS SUMMIT featured Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard this week during her trip back to the Island and her recess from Congress. Sponsored by the Hawaiian Organizations Association, the event is in its third year and focuses on legislative, legal and business issues relevant to small businesses in the federal contracting industry. It connects Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), 8(a) certified companies, and other locally-owned businesses with Department of Defense (DoD) contracting officers and government representatives. Emphasizing the conference theme of Kākou, Gabbard reiterated support for Native Hawaiian housing, education, and healthcare programs. She said they help thousands of families in need each year, and discussed opportunities and challenges for the Native Hawaiian community under the changing political climate.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard addressed the Native Hawaiian
Business Summit this week. Photo from Office of Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard also met with Kamehameha Schools’ leadership and the Native Hawaiian Legislative Hui - a group of organizations that includes Department of Native Hawaiian Homelands, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Native Hawaiian Education Council, Papa Ola Lōkahi, and others.

Gabbard said she discussed legislative proposals to empower and support Native Hawaiian communities across the state, and opportunities to support the hui's work at the federal level.

The congresswoman provided updates on key agriculture initiatives in Congress, including the 2018 Farm Bill, said a statement from her office.

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TODAY IS WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY, marking the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment and securing the right to vote for women. U.S. Rep. Colleen Hamabusa issued a statement, saying: "While we honor the generations of advocates who fought tirelessly for a woman’s right to vote, we must recognize that women have a long way to go to reach full equality.

This year, I was honored to be a co-sponsor of the Voter Empowerment Act which would protect voting rights and preserve our electoral system ensuring equal access to the ballot box for all Americans. I know I would not be where I am if it was not for those who came before me, and I will continue to support equal pay, voting rights, and health care."

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USGS HAWAI'I VOLCANO OBSERVATORY "has a long tradition of innovation when it comes to the tools that we use to monitor the status and activity of volcanoes. Since HVO's inception in 1912, observatory staff have developed techniques and manufactured instruments that have been used worldwide for volcano monitoring," reports HVO scientists in this week's Volcano Watch:

The tradition continues to this day, with HVO continually adapting and creating equipment and methods in response to changing conditions and to take advantage of new technologies. For example, a recent equipment installation challenge was met with enthusiasm as an opportunity to design and implement new tools.
The challenge was presented by a malfunctioning tiltmeter in a deep borehole on the west flank of Mauna Loa Volcano. The tiltmeter, which was originally installed 17 years ago, had a long and fruitful career before giving up. But HVO scientists were not ready to let go of the data it provided, especially considering how restless Mauna Loa has been over the last few years.
This particular installation is part of a network of several deep sites on Mauna Loa that include seismometers, tiltmeters and strainmeters. These extremely sensitive instruments are housed in boreholes more than 15 m (50 ft) deep to help isolate them from the effects of temperature, rainfall, and atmospheric pressure fluctuations, all of which can cause spurious signals.

Strainmeter installation on Mauna Kea.
Photo from USGS

The tiltmeter itself is a metal tube, 1 m (3 ft) long and 5 cm (2 in) in diameter, which contains precision electrolytic sensors that detect tiny tilt variations in two perpendicular directions. It can measure tilts smaller than 1 microradian, which is about the same as the slope created by putting a dime under one end of a board that is 1 km (more than half a mile) long.
Now imagine lowering that tube about 15 m (50 ft) into a 10 cm (4 in) diameter hole that also has a bunch of cables (from the strainmeter, seismometer, and old tiltmeter) snaking up through it. The scientists also have to position the tiltmeter so that it stays upright and doesn't rest on any of those cables or the sides of the hole while pouring sand to keep it in place.
But the challenge continues. Now add the requirement to orient the tiltmeter so that its sensors are aligned to north-south and east-west directions, or at least know the exact direction to which those sensors are pointing. This calls for some rather heroic feats of engineering.
The solution by HVO's technical crew was to use computer assisted drawing (CAD) software to design a specialized jig that sits around the tiltmeter and gently channels all the cables out of the way while the instrument is lowered into the borehole. The jig was manufactured using a 3-D printer, which put down layer after layer of thermoplastic to build a solid object with customized specifications.

Water-tube tiltmeter "pot" installed in 1956 in an underground vault near Kīlauea volcano summit. Pots are connected by tubing and filled with water that flows between pots as wall tilts. (Click image to view full size.)

Water-tube tiltmeter installed in 1956 in an
underground vault near Kilauea's summit.
Photo from USGS

Another specially built apparatus holds the jig, the tiltmeter, a light, and a video camera that provides a real-time view of the tiltmeter's descent as it is lowered into the borehole and positioned at the bottom.
The scientists report that the installation was successful, and the new tiltmeter is now faithfully recording ground tilt on the west flank of Mauna Loa. These data are sent back to the observatory via radio links so that HVO receives them in less than a minute.
HVO scientists say they hope that this tiltmeter will help provide the earliest possible warning of rapid magma movement toward the surface, which would signal an impending Mauna Loa eruption.

They also hope that these data will help them understand the processes and conditions that lead to eruptions so that we can continue to advance the field of eruption forecasting. Whatever the outcome, the innovation of HVO's technicians will continue to be valuable well into the future, both in Hawai'i and abroad.

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REGISTER KEIKI, grades K-8, until August 29, to make a beaded key chain on Wednesday, August 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Call 928-3102 for more.

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, a moderate hike approximately 2 miles takes place Sunday, August 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church. For more details call 929-9910.

KA'Ū FOOD PANTRY, a non-profit organization that aims to provide each family in need with three days of food, will be handing out food again on Tuesday, August 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Most of the food comes from Food Basket of Hawai'i, Inc. in Kona. Ka'ū Food Basket pays them a small handling fee for the food they provide.

AN EVENING WITH JOHN DAWSON is free to attend on Thursday, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Volcano Art Center. Donations accepted. For more details call 967-8222.

Live Long and Prosper Mighty 'Ōhi'a a collection of paintings and illustrations that focus on the highly variable display of ‘ōhi’a lehua trees found within the park is currently available for viewing daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 8, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Gallery viewings are free, though park entrance fees apply.

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Creating medical respite clinics, with services to provide housing, mental health care, showers, laundry and other
needs of the homeless, is a passion of west Ka'ū's state Senator. Photo from Sen. Josh Green

SOLUTIONS FOR THE HOMELESS are being promoted and realized by west Ka'ū's state Senator, with programs on O'ahu that could expand to this island. Sen. Josh Green, also a physician, confirmed today that the Honolulu H-4 Project urgent care facility, "a project that I have been championing for over two years, has been green-lighted to move forward in Iwilei to serve our chronically homeless and most struggling population. My team's vision and the vision of the Mayor's team for this project is not just another free clinic, but an overall health and wellness facility providing showers, laundry services, a health clinic, drug treatment, mental health services, extended stay care, and on-site case workers who will assist with efforts to help patients obtain permanent housing."

Sen. Josh Green

Key partners in the initiative include Queen's Hospital and HMSA, Dr. Scott Miscovich, IHS, regional community health centers, EMS and police department leaders, numerous key council members and state legislators, Hawai'i Community Foundation thought leaders, Rick Blangiardi, Dr. Danny Chang, Anthony Aalto, Duane Kuriso, "and many other passionate advocates for Hawai'i's people," said Green.
He said such a respite clinic, in addition to providing a safe, functional environment for those in need to get services and treatment, will "alleviate both the financial and medical strain on our over taxed emergency rooms. I treat homeless individuals every day that I'm in the ER who are not experiencing an actual medical emergency, and the costs are astronomical to our hospitals and society. By creating a place for homeless people to receive medical treatment when their situation is not dire, we will save millions of dollars and keep hospital beds open for those who need them.
"While there is still so much work to be done, this is a big step in the right the direction in our on-going efforts to combat our homelessness crisis, and I am excited about moving forward on this endeavor and many others in the months and years to come," said Green.
Green has made national news advocating for doctors to be able to prescribe, and insurance pay for, housing for the homeless. He contends that having a home cuts medical expenses, largely paid for by government.

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PLANNED PARENTHOOD received support from Sen. Mazie Hirono this week as she toured the Hawaiian Islands, visiting state agencies to receive updates on health care in Hawai'i and meeting with health care leaders and providers on strengthening the ACA and improving the health care system. Hirono released a statement saying that "Unrelenting Republican attacks on Planned Parenthood threaten to turn back the clock on decades of progress we've made on women's health care. By providing access to affordable preventative health services, like cancer screenings, Planned Parenthood has served thousands of Hawai'i residents and families. I will continue to fight to protect women's health and our right to control our bodies."

Sen. Maize Hirono visited health agencies and health leaders during the
congressional break in Hawai'i.

Laurie Field, Hawai'i Public Affairs Manager at Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawai'i, said, "In this political climate, we are incredibly grateful for the support of our patients, supporters, donors, and elected officials, like Senator Mazie Hirono in Hawai'i. People across the country need access to affordable, high-quality health care and Hawai'i recognizes the value Planned Parenthood brings to the state. Congressional Republican leadership is determined to roll back progress, but Hawai'i remains a leader in health care and is making long-term investments in the critical services we provide."
Hirono has led efforts to continue federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides millions of Americans with access to contraceptive services, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and cancer screenings, well-woman visits, and other health services every year. Earlier this year, Hirono opposed Republican efforts to exclude Planned Parenthood from Title X family planning service grants. "Reducing federal funding for Planned Parenthood would threaten access to critical services for hundreds of thousands of low-income women around the country who rely on Planned Parenthood health centers," said Hirono.

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EAST HAWAI'I DEMOCRATIC PARTY invites Ka'ū and Volcano residents to a community clean-up at Coconut Island on Saturday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon - with potluck and talk-story to follow. Shannon Matson, the recently elected Hawai'i County East Hawai'i Vice Chair said the organization wants "to work towards positive change." The event is co-sponsored by State Senator Kai Kahele, State House Representative Chris Todd, and Friends of Heather Kimball with the help of Hawai'i Wildlife Fund and donations from Sustainable Island Products.
It is being organized as part of the National Democratic Party's Resistance Summer. "Come out to show gratitude for our beautiful island and share delicious food and revolutionary ideas," said Matson.

Matson said, "I feel strongly about the future of our economy and environment. I am excited to serve in this position to help hold our currently elected Democratic leaders accountable to our platform as well as the opportunity to support new candidates who will bring positive change to our community. I look forward to hearing about your ideas and concerns about the future of our party and what we can do to work together to unite our party and make the changes we need for Hawai'i."
For those unable to attend but who would like to get more involved in "making a difference," said Matson, "our County Democratic Party has created about a dozen committees to work on specific legislative efforts and more general projects including a 2018 voter guide. Our County Chair will soon be sending out an eblast to explain further and encourage your participation in these committees - so watch for that in mid September." Contact Matson at 937-3037 or hotyogahilo@gmail.com.

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REGISTER KEIKI, grades K-8, until Tuesday, August 29, to make a beaded key chain on Wednesday, August 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Call 928-3102 for more.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church. For more details call 929-9910.

KA'Ū FOOD PANTRY, a non-profit organization that aims to provide each family in need with three days of food, will be handing out food again on Tuesday, August 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Most of the food comes from Food Basket of Hawai'i, Inc. in Kona. Ka'ū Food Basket pays them a small handling fee for the food they provide.

AN EVENING WITH JOHN DAWSON is free to attend on Thursday, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Volcano Art Center. Donations accepted. For more details call 967-8222.

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Keiki sing "Happy Birthday" while learning proper hand washing techniques demonstrated at Mālama Nā Keiki Festival. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

Hula Hālau Lei o Nālani entertain attendees. Photo by Alan Moores

OVER A HUNDRED KEIKI AND THEIR 'OHANA gathered at Nā‘ālehu Park to enjoy the free first annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival organized by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Oiwi on Saturday, August 26. Debbie Ryder’s Hālau Hula Lei o Nālani performed as keiki and ‘ohana explored the many booths available.
Upon arrival, attendees were asked to register and receive a “passport” for each person to present at each booth, a reward was offered to those who were able to verify that they had attended all 25 stations arranged under 12 main tents, with ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou offering shaved ice in the twelfth tent. An obstacle course located in the middle of the courtyard (tents were arranged along the perimeter of a large rectangle) offered keiki a fun way to release extra energy throughout the day.

Hula Hālau Lei o Nālani keiki performers. Photo by Alan Moores

The second tent (registration and raffle tickets occupied the first tent) offered Prenatal Education, information about the importance of immunizations and sign-up opportunities for Healthy Hapai classes.
The third tent offered information about Breast Cancer Awareness while showing both women and men how to do a self-exam and handing out necklaces made with various sized wooden beads (representing tumors) as personal reminders to get checked as well as a specially designed plastic sheet to aid self-examination. Also in the third tent was an exercise for keiki to make photo frames using markers and fruit stickers alongside a display of colorful fruits and vegetables arranged in a rainbow with information about the benefits of “eating the rainbow.”

Display at Mālama Nā Keiki Festival illustrating the benefits of "eat[ing] the rainbow."Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

Willing keiki received free hearing exams.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

The fourth tent offered free hearing screenings for keiki, though no child was forced to participate, as well as a demonstration about the importance of staying active. Height and weight measurements were taken and children were challenged to jump the length of their body.
The fifth tent demonstrated proper hand washing techniques, asking keiki to sing “Happy Birthday” while lathering their hands with soap, before offering an array of fresh fruit, vegetable and sandwiches and wraps for everyone to enjoy. A hydration station of cooled water was also available.
The sixth tent offered a large bag of food to all attendees courtesy of Food Basket, the parent organization of Ka‘ū Food Pantry. Substance abuse information and help pamphlets were also available at the sixth tent, courtesy of Big Island Substance Abuse Council.

NIU Hawai'i LLC founde Ka'anohiokala Pe'a demonstrates
to keiki massage techniques. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

The seventh tent offered representatives from PATCH - Hawai‘i’s only child care resource and referral agency, Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool, where keiki could practice their counting skills using dot art, and PARENTS, Inc. Also present was NIU (Nurturing is Universal) Hawai'i LLC founder Ka‘anohiokala Pe‘a, a licensed massage therapist specializing in pediatric and adult massage therapy who explained how beneficial touch therapy can be to those with autism and those in neonatal care. He taught basic lessons in massage to keiki using play dough and explained to them that when they or a family member is feeling stressed, massage is a great way to relieve that stress. He demonstrated that when massage is not an option, play dough can also offer a way to work that tension or frustration out. Pe‘a is also a certified infant massage teacher and offers classes and workshops around the island.

Keiki were welcomed to plant and take home personalized a pot
with soil and a green bean seed. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

The eighth tent offered keiki the opportunity to immerse their hands in soil and plant a green bean seedling to take home. Older keiki were able to test their diagnostic skills with a list of symptoms and pictures. Representatives were available from KTA Pharmacy, Family Support Hawai'i, West Hawai‘i Early Headstart.
The ninth tent offered representatives from WIC, Bay Clinic, and Bay Clinic Dental.
The Project Vision Hawai‘i Vision Van took place in the tenth tent position with free vision screenings available.

'O Ka'ū Kākou handed out free shaved ice to attendees.
Photo by Alan Moores

Keiki ID’s courtesy of the Hawai'i County Police Department along with representatives of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney were available in the eleventh tent.
To learn more about Hui Mālama, visit hmano.org.

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HELP FOR HARVEY VICTIMS: KA'Ū'S CONGRESSWOMAN Tulsi Gabbard is asking citizens here to assist those in need after category four Hurricane Harvey, followed by torrential rains and extreme flooding, destroyed and drove people from their homes across eastern Texas. Gabbard issued this statement today:
"Our nation's eyes and prayers are with those in Texas as Hurricane Harvey continues to pour down torrential rain across the Gulf Coast. With catastrophic flooding and tens of thousands of people stranded without relief, every bit of help we offer can make a difference.

"The people of Texas are in dire need of diapers, baby formula, hygiene and sanitary items, medical supplies, non-perishable food, clothing, clean water, shelter, and more. Corpus Christi, Beaumont, Galveston, Houston, and surrounding communities have been totally inundated, and local emergency services are operating beyond capacity. More than nine million people in the metro area are affected, many of whom have lost their homes, cars, and possessions to flooding that experts say will continue to get worse before it gets better."
Gabbard recommends making a donation to the "Houston Food Bank, the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, the American Red Cross, or any other local disaster relief organization of your choosing.
"A terrible, tragic event such as this offers little to be optimistic about, but especially during times like this, we find hope in our hands and spirits joining together to help one another. If we act together at this moment, we can not only help Texas heal, but begin to bring together our country. We can rise above the present adversity and prove our resolve to heal the bitter differences that have pulled us apart. We are all Americans, and what affects one of us affects us all.
"This disaster will take years to recover from, but our collective spirit is stronger than the wind or the rain. Let us live aloha and show the people of Texas that they are not alone and not forgotten. We are here for them," said Gabbard.

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REGISTER KEIKI, grades K-8, until tomorrow, August 29, to make a beaded key chain on Wednesday, August 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Call 928-3102 for more.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow, August 29, at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church. For more details call 929-9910.

KA'Ū FOOD PANTRY, a non-profit organization that aims to provide each family in need with three days of food, will be handing out food again tomorrow, August 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Most of the food comes from Food Basket of Hawai'i, Inc. in Kona. Ka'ū Food Basket pays them a small handling fee for the food they provide.

AN EVENING WITH JOHN DAWSON is free to attend on Thursday, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Volcano Art Center. Donations accepted. For more details call 967-8222.

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View from the Ka'ū Preserve. Photo by John Replogle

THE KA'Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN will go before the County Council's Planning Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 6, the County Planning Department announced on Monday. The meeting is open to the public and will provide opportunities to testify. The meeting will be held at the Hilo County Building, Council Chambers Room 1401, 25 Aupuni Street in Hilo. See the final plan that is up for adoption at www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp

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A PAID YEAR-ROUND INTERNSHIP WITH THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is offered, working on programs at its three preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona and an office at Honu‘apo.

The intern would be hired through Kupu, the non-profit company that aims to “empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage pono (integrity) with Ke Akua (God), self and others.”

According to the Job Description issued by The Nature Conservancy, the intern would have an “essential role in conducting TNC field operations. These operations include assisting surveying, mapping, monitoring, and controlling alien species and their impacts to Hawai‘i forests. The intern must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to five nights at a time and operate in extremely rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a high possibility of injury, including helicopter operations, so a commitment to safety is essential. The intern will assist the TNC team and partners with field operations that may include noxious weed control, feral ungulate control, trail maintenance, vehicle and equipment maintenance, fence construction/maintenance, data entry, and outreach activities.”

A hawikbill turtle with her nest at the Kamehame Preserve.
Photo by Will Olsen/Hawksbill Recovery Project

The intern would be expected to work in all three preserves for a period of 11 months, from October 2017 to August 2018, with a general daily schedule being from 6:30 a.m. on site to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday (occasional weekends and variations to the schedule should be anticipated). In return the intern would earn a $1,440 monthly living allowance (before taxes) in addition to a $5,815 education award towards high education, and health care and childcare benefits (if eligible) while receiving an in-depth entry-level environmental experience.

All viable applicants must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 with a high school diploma) by October 2, 2017, possess/be working towards high school diploma or equivalent, have own housing and transportation and pass a criminal history check. For more details call 443-5401 and to complete an application online, visit kupuhawaii.org, under the Conservation Leaders Program.

The intern would gain experience at all three preserves:

TNC Forest Technician Mel Johansen stands in for scale
in the Kona Hema Preserve. Photo from nature.org

The Ka‘ū Preserve consists of 3,500 acres on Mauna Loa. The preserve consists of four separate parcels of tall wet ‘ōhi‘a and koa forest with a 1,200 acre section of fenced area that has been ungulate free for three years. The forest area begins at 2,000 elevation and in some areas continues to an elevation over 5,000 feet. Work conditions in the area can be wet and cold at times, with frequent rain in the afternoons.

The Kona Hema Preserve consists of over 8,000 acres of dry land forest in South Kona and stretches in elevation from about 3,000 feet to 5,600 feet. Part of an ancient koa-‘ōhi‘a forest, this area is home to the Hawaiian hoary bat, and many native songbirds, despite the effects of more than a century of logging and feral animals. Work conditions in the area can be cold.

The Kamehame Preserve is a small 24 acre parcel on the Ka‘ū coast. It is an important nesting ground for the endangered hawksbill turtle.

The Nature Conservancy is a worldwide non-profit conservation organization.

For more information about TNC, to volunteer or become a donor call 443-5401 or visit nature.org.

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THE BAY CLINIC RECEIVED A VISIT FROM SEN. MAZIE HIRONO on Monday. She and its administrators discussed how the Affordable Care Act has impacted Hawaii'i Island community health centers and patients served through the ACA's expansion of federal funding for CHCs and Medicaid.

"The ACA's Medicaid expansion has covered more than 100,000 Hawai'i residents and continues to help our community health centers provide access to quality, affordable health care," said Hirono. "I remain committed to protecting health care as a right, not a privilege, for individuals and families in Hawai'i, and will continue fighting for critical funding to support our community health centers."

Sen. Mazie Hirono meets with Bay Clinic Women's Health Center.
Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

Hirono toured the Bay Clinic's Women's Health Center, and received an update on the Clinic's efforts to make East Hawai'i healthier by addressing social determinants in the community. These efforts include services provided through Bay Clinic's mobile health unit, which has expanded access to vital health and dental services in rural and underserved neighborhoods to support individuals who may not otherwise be able to access such services.

Harold Wallace, the Bay Clinic's CEO said, "We are pleased that Senator Hirono is a strong advocate for affordable health care for all, which includes the underserved living in the most rural areas of Hawai'i Island. Her ongoing support of the ACA is critical to ensuring the Act stays and any reform focuses on strengthening the Act's provisions, such as the Marketplace Exchanges. We look forward to further partnering with Senator Hirono in her efforts to protect and strengthen certain provisions of the ACA, while also protecting Hawai'i's Prepaid Health Care Act."

A statement from Hirono's office said that she continues to be a strong advocate for federal funding to support CHCs. In 2015, she voted for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, which extended funding for CHCs provided by the ACA. This enhanced funding level will expire on Sept. 30, absent Congressional action to extend it. Hirono also recently met with state health officials, insurance companies, and providers in the state.

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Visitors enjoy a guided hike to Pu'u o Lokuana cindercone,
within Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo by NPS/Janice Wei

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
This event is sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Kona Branch, whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
Some of the workshops this year are: Underwater Adventure, Marine Science, Slime Time, Robotics, Anchialine Pools, Energy, Art and Science of Food, Animal Doctors, Dig into the Past, Hawaiian Monk Seals, Light and Reflection, Creative Computer Programming, How Rainbows Solve Mysteries, Art and Science of Dermatology, Discovering the Isle of Gems, Zumba Breaks the Mold and Body Shop.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: Friday, Sept. 1, Ka'ū vs. Lapahoehoe, away game.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, away meet.

AN EVENING WITH JOHN DAWSON is free to attend on Thursday, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Volcano Art Center. Donations accepted. For more details call 967-8222.

A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is set for Monday, Sept. 4, 4 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

KA'Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Sept. 5, from 6 pm. to 8 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.

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The community volunteers each year to help out with the annual Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run, which draws
runners of all ages from many states, countries and around Hawai'i. The 4th annual event is Sept. 23. See story below.
Photo by Julia Neal

"PRESIDENT TRUMP IS ON BRINK of Ending Program that Protects Immigrants Brought to America as Young Children," headlines a joint statement issued Wednesday by Sen. Mazie Hirono, Hawai'i Attorney General Doug Chin and the Hawai'i Coalition for Civil Rights." If Trump Ends DACA, More than 800,000 Young People Nationwide, Including 2,000 in Hawai'i, Could Be Deported," is their subhead.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, AG Doug Chin and Hawai'i Coalition for
Civil Rights speak out to preserve DACA for immigrants.

Hirono, Chin and representatives of the Hawai'i Coalition for Civil Rights spoke out about the importance of protecting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients "as the President threatens to take action that could end the program. Ten Republican state attorney generals have issued an ultimatum to the President that they will take legal action if the administration does not end the DACA program by September 5."
Says the Hawai'i statement, "Ending DACA is just the latest action the Trump administration would take in their campaign to target immigrant communities and stoke hatred and division."
Hirono continues to advocate for DREAMers and preserving the DACA program. As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, Hirono advocates for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship and is "written with family unity as a guiding principle," she said.

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TWO NEW JUDGES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED for the Big Island by Gov. David Ige. Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation, which allow for public testimony.
Henry Taro Nakamoto, 53, District Family Court Judge, is appointed to the Third Circuit Court in Hilo to fill the vacancy created by the December 2016 retirement of The Honorable Glenn S. Hara.

Judge Henry Taro Nakamoto

Nakamoto served as a Family Court Judge and a District Court Judge beginning June 2014. Prior to his service on the bench, he practiced law at Nakamoto, Okamoto & Yamamoto where he was a partner and director, and Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, where he was an associate. He was born and raised on Hawaiʻi Island and practiced here for 23 years, focusing on family and civil law. Nakamoto completed a B.A. in economics at Cornell University before earning his J.D. at Hastings College of Law.
"I would like to thank Gov. Ige for giving me the opportunity to serve as a circuit court judge. I appreciate all the support I have gotten from friends and family and will strive to continue to serve the community,” said Nakamoto.
Attorney Robert D.S. Kim, 63, is appointed to the Third Circuit Court in Kona to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of The Honorable Judge Ronald Ibarra in June 2017.
Kim, who is in private practice, is a litigator who concentrates in the areas of criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, personal injury litigation, and administrative proceedings. Kim has served as the West Hawai'i Bar President for many years. He has extensive civil, family and criminal trial experience. Kim graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi –Hilo with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and earned his law degree at the William S. Richardson School of Law.

Robert D.S. Kim

“I am honored and humbled to be nominated to fill the position of retired Judge Ronald Ibarra. I am committed to work diligently and respectfully if I am confirmed by the Senate,” said Kim.
“Judge Nakamoto and Mr. Kim both understand the law and the role of a judge in ensuring fair and impartial decisions in our judicial system. They will serve the people of Hawaiʻi well,” said the governor.
The process used to select these appointees is the same process used in prior selections and will be used whenever the governor makes judicial appointments, said Ige. He personally interviewed each candidate, received input from retired Hawai‘i State Supreme Court Associate Justice James Duffy, who reviewed the qualifications of the nominees, solicited feedback on each from the law community, and reviewed testimony submitted by the public. The Senate confirmation also allows opportunities for the general public to weigh in.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seeFacebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA'Ū CHAMBER OF COMMERCE plans its annual art show for Tuesday, Sept. 26 - Friday, Sept. 29 at the Ka'ū Hawai'i Federal Credit Union annex building in Nā'ālehu.

According the posters around the community, art entries will be accepted on Monday, Sept. 25. An artist reception, prizes and art pick up will be in the morning on Saturday, Sept. 30. The show will be open during normal credit union business hours, says the poster. Categories include: Painting, Graphics, Photography, Craft, Lei, Weaving, Jewlery, Quilting, Sculpture, Woodworking. There will be categories for Youth and Keiki. "See your artwork on the cover of The Directory 2018, if you piece wins the popular vote!" says the poster.

This year the art show is promoted as a fundraiser for the annual Ka'ū Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program. The Chamber is under the new leadership of Allen Humble and Allan Stanton. Call 936-5288. See kauchamber.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seeFacebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Wood Valley's Denny family competed in the 2016 Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run,
with mom Megan, taking first place in the 5K women's division.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA'Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, toted as the Southernmost Coffee Trail Run in the USA, returns for its 4th year to the slopes of Wood Valley on Saturday, Sept. 23. The 5K, 10K, and 1/2 marathon races take runners on unpaved trails through the idyllic country hillsides above Pāhala among macadamia nut orchards, coffee fields, eucalyptus & ‘ōhi'a forests, and cattle-grazing pastures.
Staggered gun starts begin at 7 a.m., with all races beginning and ending at the Ka‘ū Coffee Mill located at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road above the town of Pāhala. Runners will receive a race goodies bag, including a T-shirt and more. Each registered participant will also be entered into a door prize drawing valued at $700.

Billy Barnett won the 2014 & 2016
Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run Half Marathons.
Photo by Peter Anderson

Trail terrains vary between races: the 5K is a family-friendly, run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; the 10K is a moderate run through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; and the Half Marathon follows the 5K & 10K course, then continues up to an elevation of 3,100 feet, traverses onto a 4-wheel drive access road, marked trails undulating through grazing pastures.

Deadlines for early registration have passed, however runners can still sign up with regular registration prices until Sept. 11: 5K/$35, 10K/$45, and HM/$55. From Sept. 11 to Sept. 21, late registration prices apply: 5K/$55, 10K/$65, and HM/$75.

Post-race massages will also be available for $1.00/Minute.

Winner of the 2016 Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run
5K was Michael Schueller.
Photo by Julia Neal

Register for the race online at webscorer.com/
register?raceid=94997. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 21, at midnight. Race day registration ends at 6:30 a.m. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org/kau-coffee-trail-run/. All proceeds remain in Ka‘ū to support service projects for keiki & kupuna, schools, community groups, and organizations who look to ‘OKK for assistance.
To view Vernon Harvey’s aerial footage of the event, taken by drone, visit youtube.com/watch?v=9-8FsDDHTFY.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: Friday, Sept. 1, Ka'ū vs. Lapahoehoe, away game.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, away meet.

AN EVENING WITH JOHN DAWSON is free to attend on tomorrow, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Volcano Art Center. Donations accepted. For more details call 967-8222.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, a moderately difficult two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. The hike is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike. For more information, visit n ps.gov/HAVO.

HIKE TO THE TOP OF PU'U O LOKUANA this Sunday, Sept. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top. For more detail, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS INVITES all American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families to attend a potluck picnic on Sunday, Sept. 3, at Manukā Park. For more details, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

HELCO'S envisioned future state for technology supporting the electric grid.
Image from HELCO

THE GRID MODERNIZATION STRATEGY of the Hawaiian Electric Companies was opened for public comments on Wednesday. The document was filed with the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday, "providing a roadmap for building more resilient and renewable-ready island grids," says a statement from the utility company. Public comments are due Sept. 16.

The filing follows the submission of the companies’ draft report in late June. The draft was posted online and presented at four public meetings on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu to review the strategy with customers, answer their questions and receive their comments.

Dozens of written comments and transcripts of the public meetings are included in a separate document that accompanied the filing. The plan, Modernizing Hawaiʻi’s Grid for Our Customers, "outlines near-term initiatives that strengthen the grid through investments in technology to enable more renewable energy resources to be safely and efficiently integrated with the grid, including private rooftop solar. Longer term, the strategy is to continue to evolve the grid as a platform to enable greater customer choice and support statewide economic development and smart communities efforts that rely on robust data and energy management systems," says the statement.

Current state of technology supporting the HELCO grid.
Image from HELCO

The Companies estimate it will cost $205 million to update the energy networks of Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co, Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric over the next six years. The plan aims to help bring on more renewable resources – customer-sited and grid-sourced – increase reliability, and give customers new choices to manage their energy use.

The electric company names highlights of planned near-term work:

Distribution of smart meters strategically rather than system-wide, i.e., to customers with private rooftop solar on saturated circuits and customers interested in demand response programs, variable rates or electricity usage data;

Reliance on advanced inverter technology to enable greater rooftop solar adoption;
Expanded use of voltage management tools, especially on circuits with heavy solar penetration to maximize circuit capacities for private rooftop solar and other customer resources; and
Enhanced outage management and notification technology.

To read the filing, use the following link: www.hawaiielectriclight.com/gridmod.

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COOLING KA'Ū SCHOOLS MADE THE STATE LIST of heat abatement accomplishments announced by the office of Gov. David Ige today. Ka'ū High & Elementary received ceiling fans in seven classrooms. Nā'ālehu Elementary received fans for 21 classrooms. Elsewhere air conditioning was placed in 1,000 classrooms.
The announcement reported on heat abatement across the state, including such innovations as solar-powered ventilators at such schools as Moloka'i High and Hokulani Elementary.
Schools with 100 percent of classrooms with air conditioning include De Silva Elementary and Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate on the Big Island plus 22 schools elsewhere in the state.
The governor reports that 22 schools now have central air conditioning, including Kea'au and Konawaena on the Big Island. The estimated cost of installing AC at all state schools is $1.7 billion. The current annual electric bill for all state schools is $48 million and would increase significantly, according to state school planners.
An additional proposal to keep students cooler is to start school later in the year. "By law (Act 167), the school year must include 180 student instructional days. We will continue to work with unions, the Board of Education and the Legislature on this pressing issue," says the DOE statement.
See the Heat Abatement Program at Public Schools website.

HŪ HONUA, which plans to harvest 3,500 acres of eucalyptus trees on Kamehameha Schools land above Kapāpala and Pāhala, held a celebration on Wednesday to kick off the final construction phase of its $250 million power plant at the defunct Hilo Coast Processing Co. mill near Pepeekeo.
Hawai'i Electric Light Co. has signed a contract for 21.5 megawatts with Hū Honua.
According to a story in Hawai'i Tribune Herald today, Hū Honua envisions 30 permanent employees at the power plant, 130 ongoing forestry jobs plus 250 construction jobs to finish the power plant.
Some 4,500 acres at the Pinnacle eucalyptus forest north of Hilo is also targeted for harvesting and the company plans to replant the tree farms to keep the energy growing. Another 10,000 acres of Kamehameha Schools land may go into production to help keep the power plant running.

Life of the Land has filed suit in the Hawai'i Supreme Court, attempting to reverse the Public Utilities Commission approval of the project. According to Life of the Land, it is the first such suit related to climate change. See a future story on Life of the Land's stand.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA'Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN will be considered for adoption at the Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee's next meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 9:15 a.m. The Planning Committee Agenda can be found at hawaiicounty.granicus.com/viewpublisher.php?view_id=1 and the Ka'ū CDP Steering Committee agenda can be found at: hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/september-6-2017.

Note that although the Ka'ū CDP agenda states that the meeting will convene at 9 a.m., the County Council website has just been updated to reflect a start time of 9:15 a.m. The entire Ka'ū Community Development Plan can be read at www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 1, Ka'ū vs. Lapahoehoe, away game.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, away meet.

AN EVENING WITH JOHN DAWSON is free to attend tonight, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Volcano Art Center. Donations accepted. For more details call 967-8222.
Live Long and Prosper Mighty 'Ōhi'a a collection of paintings and illustrations that focus on the highly variable display of ‘ōhi’a lehua trees found within the park is currently available for viewing daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 8, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Gallery viewings are free, though park entrance fees apply.

For more details, see yesterday's briefs.

SUNFLOWER CRAFT REGISTRATION for keiki ages 6 to 14 opens tomorrow Sept. 1 and continues through Sept. 15. The craft class will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

KA'Ū COMMUNITY FUN DAY & FUN-RAISING EVENT offered by Hope Dia-Mend Ministries is set to take place this Saturday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Nā'ālehu Community Center and field. For more information, call 808-929-8137 or visit hopedia-mendministries.com/jubilee. The event flyer also indicates entertainment, a keiki water slide and bouncy castle, a silent auction, Portuguese horseshoe tournament, classic car displays, vendor booths, carnival games and jail & rail. As part of the fundraising effort, chicken plates will be pre-sold at $10 each or 5 for $45 and chili & rice plates will be pre-sold at $5 each or 5 for $22. Game wristbands will be pre-sold at $10 each and can be purchased for $15 each at the event. Organizers welcome event sponsors and donations.

GREEN MACHINE: A Tiki Mama event sponsoring Hawai'i Island Food Bank takes place Saturday, Sept. 2, at Tiki Mama's, along Hwy. 11, on Road to the Sea. Gates open at 4 p.m. A donation of $10 and a one can of food is suggested.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, a moderately difficult two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. The hike is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike. For more information, visit n ps.gov/HAVO.

A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is set for Monday, Sept. 4, 4 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

KA'Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Sept. 5, from 6 pm. to 8 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Example of the Keanakāko'i Tephra sequence exposed on the southeast side of Kīlauea Volcano's summit caldera showing some of the identified units labeled with the revised nomenclature scheme. See story below. USGS photo by D. Swanson\

LEAVING HIS SENATE POST TO RUN FOR LT. GOVERNOR is Josh Green, the longtime state Senator representing west Ka'ū and Kona. He announced his candidacy this morning.
Said Green," Every day, families across our state tell me we need fresh leadership, not politics as usual. Hawai'i families want government to work for them, to get results that make their lives better, and to reflect our shared values. That's what I believe government should do, and that's why I'm running to serve as Lieutenant Governor."

"As a local doctor, I’ve spent my life caring for Hawai'i families. I’ve had the privilege of taking care of our moms and dads, our keiki and kupuna: delivering babies, stitching up wounds, or just being there to hold the hand of a sick child or an elderly grandmother in the hospital."Serving in the State Senate, I’ve worked to pass legislation that strengthens and supports Hawai'i families, including universal healthcare for our keiki, guaranteed insurance coverage for Hawai'i’s autistic children, stronger protections for victims of sexual assault, and new programs to reduce maternal mortality.

Dr. Josh Green is the west Ka'ū and Kona state Senator who
announced today that he is running for Lt. Governor.
With him are his children Maia and Sam and wife Jaime.

"And as a husband and father of two young children, I have the same hopes and concerns as every parent in Hawai'i.
"My wife Jaime and I want our kids, Maia and Sam, to grow up in a Hawai'i where no family has to live in poverty, or has to choose between buying food or buying medicine for a sick child.
"Usually, a campaign at its launch will ask friends and supporters to attend a fundraiser, or do some volunteer work for the campaign. Instead, I’d like to humbly invite anyone who wants to help build a better Hawai'i to join me in A Day of Service.
"Please consider taking a few hours this Labor Day weekend to volunteer your time, attention, and care to someone in the community who really needs it.
"Choose a homeless shelter, a women’s shelter, retirement home, long-term care ward, hospice, or other charitable organization that helps Hawai'i families in need, and offer your service.
Green said that today he would serve as a volunteer doctor for homeless in Honolulu. Tomorrow he volunteers at a local clinin in Kona, providing medical care to families in the Filipino community.
He offered his cell phone number for anyone to contact him regarding serving as a volunteer this weekend and the coming months. It is 937-0991. His email is joshuaboothgreen@yahoo.com and his website is joshgreen.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

RUNNING FOR THE STATE SENATE FOR WEST KA'Ū through Kona in the 2018 elections will be Kona County Councilman Dru Mamo Kanuha. He announced his candidacy for state Senate District 3 today. Current state Senator for the district is Josh Green who announced yesterday that he is running for Lt. Governor (see above story).

“Since the people of Kona gave me the opportunity and privilege to serve on the County Council in 2012, it’s been great to bring people together to get things done for our community. Now I look forward to working for all of the people of Kaʻū and Kona at the state Senate,” Kanuha said.

Dru Kanuha is running for State Senate to
represent west Ka'ū and Kona.

Kanuha was born and raised in Kona, and graduated from Kealakehe High School and the University of San Diego. Kanuha worked at the State Capitol and at Kamehameha Schools’ Land Assets Division before being elected to the County Council in 2012. He is currently in his third term representing Council District 7.

Kanuha said he is proud of improvements in transportation and recreation he advanced in Kona during three terms: building Laʻaloa Avenue as a mauka-makai connector to relieve traffic congestion on both Kuakini Highway above and Aliʻi Drive below, completing the Māmalahoa Bypass Extension from Keauhou to Nāpoʻopoʻo to alleviate congestion in South Kona, and opening the new playground at Kailua Park to families. He said he is especially proud of "welcoming the community to Aliʻi Kai Park – delivering on a promise made by the county over four decades ago."

While on the Council, Kanuha’s colleagues elected him Chair from 2014 to 2016, and he currently serves as chair of the Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee. He was also chosen by his colleagues as president of the Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties, a body that advocates for the counties at the Legislature, and is on the board of directors of the National Association of Counties and its Western Interstate Region.

“I believe my experience working for my constituents at the state and federal levels will make me a more effective state senator, fighting for access to quality education and health care, building a stronger economy, and making more affordable housing available to local families,” Kanuha said.

“Having been blessed to grow up in West Hawaiʻi and raised with the values of compassion, respect, and aloha for the land, water, and people, it would be an honor to bring those values with me to the Hawaiʻi State Senate and work hard to address the needs of our people from Nāʻālehu to Ocean View, South Kona to Kealakekua, Kainaliu to Keauhou, Kailua to Kalaoa.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

ESCALATING FIRE DANGER in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has prompted park officials to close Hilina Pali Road from the Mauna Iki Trailhead and Mauna Loa Road at the gate past Kīpukapuaulu. Non-motorized day use such as hiking and bicycling will be permitted, and backcountry camping on Mauna Loa is allowed with a permit.

In addition, ‘Āinahou Ranch access will be restricted to essential personnel and authorized vehicles only. Campfires are prohibited at Nāmakanipaio Campground and Kīpukapuaulu until further notice. The use of fuel stoves is allowed.

National Park Service and County of Hawai'i firefighters extinguished
woodland fire by 8 a.m., Friday morning. NPS photo

On Thursday afternoon, a fire burned nearly three acres of seasonally dry ‘ōhi‘a woodland and scattered koa trees, forcing park officials to close Mauna Loa Road from Highway 11 and temporarily evacuate Nāmakanipaio Campground. National Park Service and County of Hawai‘i fire crews responded to the blaze, located about one fourth mile west of Kīpukapuaulu. As of 8 a.m., Friday, the fire was 50 percent contained, and its spread had been halted.

No structures or homes were threatened. Park officials report that the fire was started unintentionally, and its cause is under investigation.

“We’ve had an extremely hot and dry summer in the park, and across the island which escalates the risk of fire,” said Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Chief Ranger John Broward. “Hot components on motor vehicles have historically contributed to the increased risk of fire, and by reducing the number of vehicles, we can mitigate the potential for a catastrophic event,” he said.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

NEW NOMENCLATURE FOR TEPHRA DEPOSITS is the subject of this week’s Volcano Watch article, written by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists.

USGS geologist Don Swanson (right) explains Keanakāko'i Tephra

stratigraphy exposed near the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to scientists

who visited Kīlauea during a Geological Society of America field trip in

May 2017. USGS photo by T. Neal

According to the article, after 80 years of using the “wastebasket term” Keanakāko‘i Tephra, to name all the explosive deposits produced by Kīlauea between about 1500 and the early 1800s, University of Hawai‘i and HVO scientists have discovered a need for more specificity. The article states that they have therefore, “developed a new nomenclature that is simple and reflects the various processes that formed the different deposits. They couldn't use geographic names, as is the norm in geology. There simply aren't enough suitable names around the caldera for what ultimately became a 12-unit classification, with some of the units subdivided still more.
“Instead, they opted for a nomenclature that instantly allows a beginner to tell which of two units is the older. The units range from A to L, in order of decreasing age. Unit A was erupted in about 1500 and the four subdivisions of unit L (themselves in temporal order, L1 to L4) in the early 1800s. Letters, rather than numbers, were used to avoid confusion with an earlier numbered nomenclature that never really took off.”
The article states, “We've limped along, using colorful terms for some of these subdivisions of the Keanakāko'i. Names such as ‘mystery unit,’ ‘footprints ash,’ ‘layer 6 scoria,’ ‘basal reticulite,’ ‘golden pumice,’ ‘eastern pumice,’ and ‘unit H’ have become the beloved jargon of the in-group studying the Keanakāko'i. These names may never go away completely, but as more scientists tackle research issues in the Keanakāko'i, a more systematic nomenclature became desirable. Something had to be done to clean up the mess.

USGS graphic explaining tephra deposits.

“…There’s been predictable pushback: the new terms lack color, are too hard to remember and too disruptive to old thinking, are not descriptive (as if 'mystery unit' or 'unit H' is descriptive!). But c'est la vie, that's life. We think that, once the shock is over, the new nomenclature will make things easier for future researchers.
“Eruption style and intensity that produced the Keanakāko'i Tephra are exceptionally diverse for a basaltic shield volcano. The new nomenclature takes this diversity into account. The boundaries between units conform to important changes in eruption style and, commonly, to different directions the explosion debris was dispersed.
“Maps of the different units show that their vents moved around in the caldera, sometimes shifting locations hundreds of meters in only a few years. Varying mixtures of steam from heated groundwater and volcanic gas powered many of the explosions, steam alone powered others, and at least four explosions were probably driven by volcanic gas only.

“The caldera was a dynamic place during the 300-plus years just before written history began at Kīlauea (in 1823), and the newly defined subdivisions of the Keanakāko'i Tephra help us understand this energetic and dangerous time better than did the previous terminology. So, out with the old and in with the new!”

To see the full article, visit http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/.

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KA'Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN will be considered for adoption at the Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee's next meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 9:15 a.m. The Planning Committee Agenda can be found at hawaiicounty.granicus.com/viewpublisher.php?view_id=1 and the Ka'ū CDP Steering Committee agenda can be found at: hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/september-6-2017.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: today, Friday, Sept. 1, Ka'ū vs. Lapahoehoe, away game.

Eight-Man Football: tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.

Cross Country: tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, away meet.

Late registration fees start Sept. 11.
For more details, see the Ka'ū News Briefs from Aug. 30, 2017.

SUNFLOWER CRAFT REGISTRATION for keiki ages 6 to 14 opened today, Sept. 1, and continues through Sept. 15. The craft class will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, a moderately difficult two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. The hike is scheduled for tomorrow, Sept. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike. For more information, visit n ps.gov/HAVO.

KA'Ū COMMUNITY FUN DAY & FUN-RAISING EVENT offered by Hope Dia-Mend Ministries is set to take place tomorrow, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Nā'ālehu Community Center and field. For more information, call 808-929-8137 or visit hopedia-mendministries.com/jubilee. The event flyer also indicates entertainment, a keiki water slide and bouncy castle, a silent auction, Portuguese horseshoe tournament, classic car displays, vendor booths, carnival games and jail & rail. As part of the fundraising effort, chicken plates will be pre-sold at $10 each or 5 for $45 and chili & rice plates will be pre-sold at $5 each or 5 for $22. Game wristbands will be pre-sold at $10 each and can be purchased for $15 each at the event. Organizers welcome event sponsors and donations.

GREEN MACHINE: A Tiki Mama event sponsoring Hawai'i Island Food Bank takes place tomorrow, Sept. 2, at Tiki Mama's, along Hwy. 11, on Road to the Sea. Gates open at 4 p.m. A donation of $10 and a one can of food is suggested.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS INVITES all American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families to attend a potluck picnic on Sunday, Sept. 3, at Manukā Park. For more details, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.

A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is set for Monday, Sept. 4, 4 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

KA'Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Sept. 5, from 6 pm. to 8 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Ta'ape from Tahiti are invasive and have taken over coral reef habitat in most waters of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands,
but are absent from much of the marine preserve at Papahānaumokuākea, report scientists. See story below.

REASONS FOR OBJECTION TO THE HŪ HONUA PROJECT and its plan to harvest eucalyptus from 3,700 acres around Pāhala, to be trucked along Hwy. 11 through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Hilo to burn in a Pepe'ekeo power plant, will be stated in the Hawai'i Supreme Court appeal, filed by Life of the Land this week. Life of the Land and its Executive Director Henry Curtis states that its case is the "first challenge by a Public Utilities Commission docket participant regarding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in Hawai'i." Life of the Land is represented by Maui attorney Lance D. Collins.

Henry Curtis points to the high cost of electricity and

climate change in the Life of the Land Appeal to

reverse the PUC Hū Honua approval.

Photo from Big Island Video News

Life of the Land testified against the Hū Honua proposal in proceedings before the PUC, which approved the project. Life of the Land recommended to the PUC that “this project is not in the public interest and should be rejected.” It brought up cost, environment and pricing concerns.
Life of the Land contends that contracted prices for electricity derived from Hū Honua burning trees would be much higher than other alternative energies such as solar. “In light of steadily-decreasing costs for other energy sources, Hū Honua’s costs are exorbitant and escalating. In the face of dramatically falling prices across the globe, Hū Honua has proposed a 30-year contract, running from 2019 to 2048. Hū Honua is asking to be paid over 20 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2018, which would then rise to over 32 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2048. Unidentified additional costs to cover transmission, distribution, and administration will then be tacked on by HELCO.”
Life of the Land compares the Hū Honua contract with lower priced proposals: The PUC approved one Kaua'i Island Utilities Cooperative solar-based electricity project, at 11.08 cents per kWh, and another SolarCity Corporation solar-plus-battery Power Purchase Agreement at 14.5 cents per kWh.
The PUC also approved a waiver from competitive bidding for the proposed West Loch PV Project on O'ahu, stating, “the Equivalent Levelized Energy Payment for the Project, as well as the PPA equivalent energy price, is estimated by HECO and the Consumer Advocate to be 9.56 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).” Life of the land points out that “With respect to the West Lock Project, the Commission took notice of Tucson Electric Power's solar-plus storage project priced at 4.5 cents per kWh.”

Life of the Land also contends that Hū Honua’s “environmental-impact discussion is incomplete and its claim of ‘carbon-neutrality’ is unsupported. Honua’s proposal fails to fully address issues of Climate Change and the environmental impact of their proposed operations."
Life of the Land points to new legislation that Gov. David Ige signed into law, which includes the statement: “The legislature finds that not only is climate change real, but it is the overriding challenge of the 21st century and one of the priority issues of the senate. Climate change poses immediate and long-term threats to the State’s economy, sustainability, security, and way of life.”
Life of the Land also quotes Hawaiian Electric Industries CEO Constance Lau, who talked about Climate Change at the VERGE Hawai'i 2017 conference. She said, “Everybody is still moving in the same directions, that they were moving in, and particularly for the electric utility industry, that's been towards much more renewables, and it all started with climate change, and it still is about climate change, but frankly, there are so many forces that are actually making it economically right, to have renewables.”
Life of the Land reports that community members asked the Hū Honua team about climate change at a community meeting in Kukuihaele Village, on June 19, 2017. One Hū Honua representative Rob Robinson said, “We are carbon-neutral.” Another Hū Honua backer Kevin ‘K.J.’ Johnson said, “In our case...it ends up being carbon neutral." According to Life of the land, “No details were offered aside from an assertion that they would plant trees that would be harvested and replanted every seven years. No discussion of the carbon costs of transportation or the harvesting operation itself was discussed.”

Life of the Land asked for an analysis of fossil fuels to be used in the mechanization of growing, chopping, chipping, and transport. “Hū Honua alleges that this operation is carbon neutral. In the absence of hard facts, however, the only thing supporting Hū Honua’s analysis is an audacious statement that amounts to, ‘Trust us, we're green,” states Life of the Land.

The Public Utilities Commission assigned Life of the Land to consider two issues in the Hū Honua case. One concern was whether the energy price components of the Hū Honua proposal “property reflect the cost of biomass fuel supply.” States Life of the Land, “The cost of biofuel includes both financial and non-financial components, which Hū Honua has failed to adequately address.”

The other issue is whether HELCO's purchase power arrangements with Hū Honua are prudent and in the public interest. "The issue of climate change is of major public interest to the State and to the world, except, apparently, to Hū Honua.” states Life of the Land.
Life of the Land notes that for other PUC considerations, it has sponsored Dr. Tad Patzek, an expert scientist who questions the role of biofuels. He has been a consultant and expert witness for the California Energy Commission, General Electric, Inc., and has testified before Congress. In testimony before the PUC, he said, "People, especially the so-called pure environmentalists, are loath to accept the fact that what they think religiously -- that is, green is good — is not necessarily so. And they really have a hard time believing or accepting or - thinking that not everything that is green is in fact good."
Patzek listed transportation distance as an important consideration in the cost benefit of a biofuel.
Life of the Land also brought up endangered species, asking whether bats or other endangered species would be impacted by the logging operations.

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Ta'ape were introduced from Tahiti to O'ahu and made their way up the island chain, but are absent
from much of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Map from University of Hawai'i

MUCH OF THE NORTHERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS MARINE PRESERVE has escaped intrusion of invasive ta'ape, a fish introduced in the last century from Tahiti. NOAA and University of Hawai‘i marine scientists just published a study describing a complete absence of the introduced, invasive bluestriped snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) - locally called ta‘ape, across a large region of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Deep coral reefs between 130 and 330 feet in the northwestern half of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (which encompasses the NWHI) were found to be completely devoid of the widespread invasive fish species. In comparison, large schools of ta‘ape are common on shallow and deep reefs across all of the inhabited main Hawaiian Islands, and also in the southern half of Papahānaumokuākea.

Deep coral reefs in the marine preserve show more
diversity and more native species, with fewer
ta'ape, Photo from NOAA

“Ta‘ape are widespread throughout the main Hawaiian Islands, and are considered to be an invasive species with the potential to compete with our native species. This finding indicates that deep coral reefs of Papahānaumokuākea represent a large zone where native species can thrive in the absence of introduced invasive species,” said NOAA Deputy Superintendent of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Randall Kosaki, one of the co-authors of the study.

In 2016, scientists discovered that deep coral reefs between 300 and 330 feet at Kure Atoll, the northernmost of all the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, had fish communities composed exclusively of Hawaiian endemic species, or fishes that are found only in Hawai‘i.

The study further found that schools of ta‘ape were typically found in close association with more desirable food fish such yellowfin goatfish (weke ‘ula, Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) and sleek unicornfish (opelu kala, Naso hexacanthus) on shallow reefs. On deeper reefs below 130 feet, ta‘ape were associated with soldierfish (‘u‘u or menpachi, Myripristis amaena).

“It is possible that ta‘ape may compete with these native species for habitat space. However, dietary overlap between these species is minimal, so they are not direct competitors for food," said Atsuko Fukunaga, Papahānaumokuākea Ecological Research Statistician, first author of the study.

Ta'ape were introduced to Hawai'i from Tahiti
in the late 1950's.

Brian Hauk, PMNM Resource Protection Manager, co-author of the study, explained: “Although research has not conclusively demonstrated any detrimental impacts to more preferred native species of fishes, the ta‘ape is nevertheless considered to be a nuisance species by local fishermen, because they frequently bite on hooks intended for more desirable fishes.”

Using advanced closed-circuit rebreather dive technology, scientists were able to survey reefs at depths of up to 330 feet (100 meters), which is much deeper than any research conducted using conventional scuba gear.

Greatest abundances of ta‘ape, schools of many hundreds of fish, were recorded at French Frigate Shoals in 170 to 200 feet. At all atolls and islands further north, scientists saw zero ta‘ape on deep reefs between 130 and 330 feet.

Ta'ape are widespread in the inhabited Hawaiian
Islands and compete with native fish. NOAA photo

The bluestriped snapper, better known to local fishers by its Tahitian name, ta‘ape, was intentionally introduced to O‘ahu from French Polynesia in the late 1950's. At the time, the Hawai‘i Division of Fish and Game (predecessor to today’s DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources) thought that the introduction would supplement fisheries based on native species. However, recreational or commercial fisheries for ta‘ape failed to develop as the fish spread rapidly across the archipelago. By the 1970's, ta‘ape were found throughout the MHI in large schools from shallow reefs to depths of over 400 feet. By 1981, they had been recorded as far north as Laysan Island in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, 830 miles from their point of introduction on O'ahu. By 1993, they had been recorded at Midway Atoll (1160 miles from O'ahu), and they are now known to occur as far north as Kure Atoll, the northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands.

The NOAA study also noted that the peacock grouper (Cephalopholis argus) or roi, which was also introduced to Hawai‘i from French Polynesia in the 1950's, were found in abundance on shallow reefs of Papahānaumokuākea as far north as French Frigate Shoals, but not beyond. Roi were not noted in deep reef surveys anywhere in Papahānaumokuākea.

The study shows that large portions of Papahānaumokuākea serve as a refuge for native species where introduced and invasive ta‘ape and roi have failed to become established.

The article, authored by Atsuko Fukunaga, Randall Kosaki, and Brian Hauk, entitled Distribution and abundance of the introduced snapper Lutjanus kasmira (Forsskål, 1775) on shallow and mesophotic reefs of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands can be viewed online at http://www.reabic.net/journals/bir/2017/3/BIR_2017_Fukunaga_etal.pdf.

For more on Papahānaumokuākea visit www.papahanaumokuakea.gov.

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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 6,
Ka'ū vs. Waiakea, away game.

KA'Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN will be considered for adoption at the Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee's next meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 9:15 a.m. The Planning Committee Agenda can be found at hawaiicounty.granic us.com/viewpublisher.php?view_id=1 and the Ka'ū CDP Steering Committee agenda can be found at: hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/september-6-2017.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

HIKE TO THE TOP OF PU'U O LOKUANA this Sunday, Sept. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top. For more detail, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS INVITES all American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families to attend a potluck picnic on Sunday, Sept. 3, at Manukā Park. For more details, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.

A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is set for Monday, Sept. 4, 4 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

KA'Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Sept. 5, from 6 pm. to 8 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.

HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 7. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Sept. 7, 7 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details call 939-2442 or 928-2015.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Sen. Mazie Hirono, Hawai'i Attorney General Doug Chin and Hawai'i Coalition for Civil Rights last Wednesday
defending DACA, which Pres. Donald Trump plans to end, according to press reports today. See story below and
in the Aug. 30 Ka'u News Briefs. Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

"WE SHOULD NOT LET DACA BECOME A DREAM DEFERRED," Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted today, just before Politico and other news outlets reported that Pres. Donald Trump will announce an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, with a six month delay. That decision would put as many as 2,000 residents of Hawai'i, who were brought here as children without federal permission, in jeopardy of being expelled from the country, even though most grew up, went to school, work and have families here. During Pres. Barack Obama's term, DACA was established to help these immigrants, also called DREAMers, to come out of the shadows and register with the federal government, receiving permission, two years at a time, while they seek legals status in the country.
Before the likely action of Trump came out in the press today, Hirono tweeted, "If @realDonaldTrum ends DACA, we will pursue legislation and other legal avenues to stop this travesty & protect DREAMers." Hirono also tweeted, "Attacking minorities & stoking fear are pillars of @realDonaldTrump's Presidency. Will keep fighting to #SaveDACA and protect #DREAmers."
The Center for American Progress and the lobbying group FWD.us recently announced results of its study that found that ending DACA would cost 700,000 jobs over the next two years nationwide, costing the U.S. $460.3 billion in economic output over ten years.
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Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted photos of flooding in Houston (above) and
around the world to demonstrate climate change events
this past week. Image from Sen. Brian Schatz

RACIST AND MISOGYNISTIC VIEWS are words that Sen. Mazie Hirono used to describe the character of some of Pres. Donald Trump's administration officials. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, she released a statement on Friday regarding William Bradford’s resignation as Director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy after media reports exposed comments Bradford made online:

“I welcome William Bradford’s resignation from his position as the Director of the Office of Indian Energy. His many offensive online statements, including that the internment of 120,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II was ‘necessary’ are truly beyond the pale, especially as he was appointed to lead an office that serves minority communities.

Flooding in Niger, Africa this past week.
Image from Sen. Brian Schatz

“It remains deeply troubling, however, that Bradford is only one of a number of top Trump administration officials with a history of racist and misogynistic views. Secretary Perry has still not provided me with an explanation of how Bradford cleared the Department of Energy’s vetting process despite his repugnant online history. I expect these answers to be forthcoming from the Department.”

In June, Senator Hirono led a letter to Secretary of Energy Rick Perry to fire Bradford based on

his offensive online statements. The Secretary of Energy did not reply, reported Hirono.

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CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOT ONLY AFFECTING HOUSTON IN THE USA. Hawai'i Sen. Brian Schatz recently retweeted photos showing Houston in Texas, Mumbai in India and Niger in Africa, all flooded this past week.

Flooding in Mumbai in India this past week.
Image from Sen. Brian Schatz

"Climate change is real an it is the most urgent challenge of our generation," Schatz insisted. "Extreme weather becoming more frequent and severe. If you don't want to call it 'climate change,' I understand, but we have to deal with it."
Schatz also tweeted, "A tax on carbon pollution would generate enough money for tax reform and fund disaster relief. It is a market oriented climate solution.
Ignoring severe weather isn't cheaper, it costs us more in recovery money than it would cost us to address carbon pollution."

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DECLINING UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I ENROLLMENT is a troubling trend facing the community, according to state Senator Kai Kahele, who gave a town hall meeting last Wednesday in Hilo. See video of the session at bigislandvideonews.com.
To a session packed with students, professors and UH-Hilo administrators, Kahele stated a "major challenge that we face is declining enrollments. And I don’t think using the word hemorrhaging is an exaggeration. I think we are hemorrhaging in enrollment. We need to plug the hole. We’re not plugging the hole.” He cautioned that increasing tuition is no solution.

A Vulcan Village would help draw students to live at the University of
Hawai'i-Hilo campus with a commercial center and housing,
said state Sen. Gil Kahele at a meeting on declining enrollment.

Kahele's own family has seen a lot of educational accomplishment, from his Miloli'i ancestors who fished for a living from a canoe, to his father, the late state Sen. Gil Kahele, to his own education and military and airline pilot training. Kai Kahele said the rationale being given is that Hawai'i is mirroring national trends. “Universities all across the country have declining enrollments. It’s because the economy is doing so great, students are not coming to school, they’d rather go to work. And maybe that might be true. But that’s not an excuse I want to keep hearing for declining enrollments. We need to fix it, and we need to fix it now.”

He pointed to strengthening such programs as a statewide "cradle to career" partnership and putting out more recruiting materials, outreach, summer programs, marketing, branding and outreach strategy, and social media all being in sync. Better financial aid process. Improve the teaching environment and don't devalue positions. Non-traditional and distance learning are other plans to increase enrollment.

He noted that the enrollment decline leads to tuition loss. "It’s a concern for students and the faculties and communities that are intertwined with their institutions. And to me it’s now a matter of statewide concern. The University of Hawai'i has autonomy that’s constitutionally mandated, right? The legislature is not supposed to micromanage a university. I don’t want to micromanage a university. I don’t expect our new regent to micromanage a university, unless it’s a matter of statewide concern."

Kahele noted that the largest enrollment in the last five years at UH-HIlo was at 4,157 students. The number has declined annually to 3,666 students last year. He talked about the $50,000 cost for out of state students, driving them to stay on the mainland. He also noted that tuition keeps going up for in-state students.

Enrollment is going down and tuition going up for locals and out-of state students. Not a good trend,
said Sen. Gil Kahele at a university town hall meeting. Photo from bigislandvideonews.com

Kahele recommended halting plans to increase tuition and to take a look at student life and recommended developing a community on university land. He showed a slide show of a concept called Vulcan Village on 36 acres transferred to the UH-Hilo in 1999. It was to include housing, a retail and commercial center with office space, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and an urgent care center. The site is across from the university's athletic centers. UH put the plan out to developers but no contract was awarded.

“A key component to this that’s already in place: university zoning,” said Kahele. "You know how hard it is to get university zoning? Its either a luxury resort or residential… and we have this special zoning called university zoning. Is that a good thing?” The senator said that in order to make the project happen, "You need to have that business acumen here in Hilo.”

He also talked about making Hawai'i Community College-Hilo the premier vocational education center in the state. See the full talk at bigislandvideonews.com.

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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 6, Ka'ū vs. Waiakea, away game.

Friday, Sept. 8, Ka'ū vs. St. Joseph, away game.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Lana'i, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha, away game.

Bowling: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.

Pick up the September edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online at kaucalendar.com

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is set for tomorrow, Sept. 4, 4 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

KA'Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Sept. 5, from 6 pm. to 8 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.

ATLAS RECYCLING WILL COLLECTING AT SOUTH POINT U-CART on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU a free hike within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more details.

ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT PLAYERS, DRUMMERS, SINGERS AND DANCERS ARE WELCOMED for Kanikapila, on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more call Desmond at 937-6305.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Japanese sugar workers in Ka'ū in the 1890s. See history of labor organizing in story below.
Photo from Hawai'i State Archives Digital Collection

LABOR DAY DREW THE FOLLOWING TWEETS:
Hawai'i's U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted: "The most important institutional counterweight to corporate power on behalf of people is organized labor. Happy Labor Day. I would like to thank the labor movement for weekends. I would like to thank the labor movement for the 40 hour work week. I would like to thank labor for standing with the resistance."
Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted: "This #LaborDay, we thank the generations of workers who laid the foundation for the middle class and basic rights that we all enjoy."

Hutchinson was one of the early sugar companies in Ka'ū to
import contract laborers from China and elsewhere.

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LABORERS IMMIGRATING TO KA'Ū to work in the sugar industry are tied into the multiethnic histories of most longtime Ka'ū families. These immigrants started in sugar, organized labor for better pay and housing, and many went off on their own to create their own enterprises, such as Ka'ū Coffee farms and also to seek higher education for themselves and their
families.
The history of plantation labor organizing throughout the Hawaiian Islands is summarized by University of Hawai'i's online Hawai'i Digital Newspaper Project as the following:

1840s: In the earliest strikes, plantation workers protested the poor pay and living conditions.

Women working at Na`alehu Mill.

Bullocks were an early transportation mode.

June 21, 1850: The Masters and Servants Act was enacted. This new law legalized apprentice-ships, indentured service, the contract-labor system, and large importation of workers. Under this law, a laborer who has absenteeism issues or leaves a position before the contract’s end could be captured by “coercive force” by employers and face strict punishments. They included working extra hours beyond the time specified in the work contract (usually twice the original contract period) and serving a prison sentence and perform hard labor there. Workers could not organize labor unions or go on strike.

Hutchinson helped establish Nā'ālehu.
The metal safe where it stored money
remains in the Ace Hardware
building today.

1851: Sugar plantation laborers organized the Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society and went on strike. However, because the sugar plantation owners could easily hire replacement laborers from the surplus of imported labor, this strike failed.

1852: Workers started immigrating from other countries to work in the plantations, starting with the Chinese.

On January 3, 1852: 175 Chinese workers arrived on the ship Thetis. Eventually, other ethnic groups would work in the plantations, including the Portuguese, Japanese, Koreans, Filipinos, Spaniards, Russians, and Norwegians. This extreme globalization contributed to the multiculturalism of Hawai'i and the Hawai'i Creole English, or “Pidgin.”

1857: Sugar plantation laborers organized the Hawaiian Mechanics Benefit Union. However, they failed because the sugar plantation owners hired replacement laborers.

Trains were one of the many modes of transportation
used to haul sugar in Ka'ū.

June 14, 1900: Under the Organic Act, Hawai'i became an American Territorial government. Citizens of the Republic of Hawai'i automatically became American citizens of the Territory of Hawai'i. Consequently, the contract labor system became illegal. Within a month, 8,000 laborers went on strike for better pay and working conditions and the employment of Japanese luna (supervisors).

Early 1900s: New unions formed, including the Federation of Japanese Labor, Carpenters Local 745, American Association of Masters, Mates and Pilots, the Longshoremen, and the Filipino Labor Union.

The Honu'apo Mill, mauka of the Ka'ū Coast, which is now preserved
as the Honu'apo and Whittington Beach Parks.

1920: In the O'ahu sugar strike of 1920, the Japanese and Filipino laborers went on strike together for six months on four major Hawaiian islands. The first inter-ethnic collaboration in Hawai'i demonstrated the importance of organizing by class-based solidarity rather than by ethnicity. They fought for a pay increase and improvement in the bonus system. One of the largest strikes yet, this strike strengthened the growers association and led to the start of a primitive social welfare program, which mitigated some negative aspects of plantation life.

1924: Around 13,000 Filipino sugar laborers went on strike. During the failed eight-month strike, the picket-line violence killed 16 workers and four police officers in the “Hanapepe massacre.” Afterwards, the Territory of Hawai'i did not have the money needed to prosecute the strikers, so the HSPA gave money to conduct the court cases. Sixty of the sixty-six strikers received prison sentences, many of them for four years. Afterwards, at Washington, D.C., the plantations lobbied for loosening legal restrictions on immigration. Uncomfortable about the developing relationship between the Japanese and Filipino workers, they wanted to import workers from many countries and prevent worker solidarity.

Margaret Ann Cabudol, (left) a labor leader in Ka'ū, and Emia
Peralta on the day the last load of cane was carried to
Ka'ū sugar mill in 1996.
Photo by Dennis Oda, Honolulu Star Bulletin

1946: Before 1946, in Hawai'i, the Big Five, a sugar oligarchy with five companies, controlled the prices of goods and services, politics, social structure, and employment. The 1946 sugar strike challenged this social structure. Laborers realized all ethnicities must collaborate in an organized effort. Thus, labor leaders, mostly from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, coordinated this collaboration, which protested low pay, poor working conditions, and racial
segregation. For 79 days, 21,100 laborers struck at 33 out of the 34 largest plantations, shutting down the sugar industry. Because the sugar cane dried up on O'ahu, the Big Five sugar companies lost about $15 million. The employers had to concede to the laborers’ demands, and the laborers went from the lowest to the highest-paid agricultural laborers in the United States. This victory allowed the laborers to finally exert leverage in negotiation compensation and paved the way
for other laborers to strike, concludes the review by the Hawai'i Digital Newspaper Project.
With high pay for its workers and international competition in the sugar industry, the sugar companies across Hawai'i began shutting down in the 1970s. In 1996, Ka'ū Sugar was the last sugar operation on Hawai'i Island to close its mill and leave its fields. Workers turned to developing the famed Ka'ū Coffee industry and other employment throughout the district. Local people purchased the plantation owned homes and renovated. Home ownership skyrocketed in the neighborhoods in Ka'ū that were formerly owned by sugar plantations.

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Ka'ū Sugar truck joins in parades to honor the history of
labor that built the Ka'ū community. Photo by Julia Neal

LABOR DAY WAS CREATED TO CELEBRATE AMERICAN WORKERS, notes the non-partisan Aspen Institute, the organization that years ago created programs at the A-Frame buildings at Punalu'u, now used by the 'O Ka'ū Kakou community association.
In a statement released today, the Institute, based in Washington, D.C., New York and Aspen, Colorado, states that Labor Day honors "American workers, who have powered our nation's success with their entrepreneurial spirit, ambition, and work ethic. For many families, it is also the mile-marker between summer and the school year."

The Aspen Institute sated this about employment challenges: "When thinking about how to help low- and moderate-income families succeed, many have turned to fixing the education system, aiming to equip workers with skills to get good jobs. Education and skills are important, but we need more to solve the challenges that face today's working families. There are simply not enough good jobs to go around, and no amount of education will fix that systemic problem. Additionally, without good jobs, families lack the income and wealth to support their children's education.
"To support working families, we need to think beyond training and education. We need to advance systemic changes that increase access to and availability of good jobs."

Aspen Institute operates the Economic Opportunities Program to work on job quality on many fronts. It is launching a Job Quality Fellowship, to advance the work of thought and action leaders engaged in efforts to improve job quality in the United States. In collaboration with the New World Foundation and FHLBankSF, Aspen institute is developing and implementing an evaluation and learning program for the Quality Jobs Fund. The organization aims to advance critical conversations, exploring what makes a good job and the challenges workers, at its Aspen Ideas Festival, Working in America events, and the annual Economic Security Summit, part of Reconnecting Work and Wealth, a joint initiative with the Financial Security Program. See more on strategizing for more good jobs at aspeninstitute.org.

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KA'Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN will be considered for adoption at the Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee's next meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 9:15 a.m. The Planning Committee Agenda can be found at hawaiicounty.granic us.com/viewpublisher.php?view_id=1 and the Ka'ū CDP Steering Committee agenda can be found at:hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/september-6-2017.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

UPCOMING EVENTS FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 6, Ka'ū vs. Waiakea, away game.

Friday, Sept. 8, Ka'ū vs. St. Joseph, away game.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Lana'i, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha, away game.

Bowling: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.

HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 7. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details call 939-2442 or 928-2015.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

ATLAS RECYCLING WILL COLLECTING AT SOUTH POINT U-CART on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU a free hike within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more details.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

A Hawai'i County Council Bill 13 seeks to reduce styrofoam use on Hawai'i Island.
See stories below. Image from change.org

HAWAI'I'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY came out strong today against the Pres. Donald Trump Administration's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA, created by President Obama in 2012, protects immigrants who came to this country, without permission, as children.

Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Chair Tim Vandeveer released the following statement:

“Today, the Trump administration turned its back on hard-working immigrant families and students. Donald Trump's actions force thousands of immigrants back into the shadows, tears families and communities apart, and is a devastating blow to the nearly 800,000 young immigrants who only know this country as their home. Trump and his Republicans are choosing to further divide our country, create fear in our communities and hurt our economy. Donald Trump's cruel actions today bend to the wishes of extremists in his own party.

Ka'ū's Raina Whiing (right) nominated Tim Vandeveer to become Chair of
the Democratic Party of Hawai'i, seen above with Sen. Mazie Hirono and
Jana Vandeveer. Today The Party Chair Vandeveer and Hirono
came out strong against the Trump decision to end DACA
for immigrant children. Photo by Bob Martin

“In Hawai‘i, we know better because we are defined by our diversity and guided by Aloha. Democrats proudly stand by the estimated 558 DACA beneficiaries in Hawai‘i and will fight to protect our abiding values of liberty, social justice, economic justice, protection of the environment, and compassion and respect for the dignity and worth of the individual. We will continue to work to fix our broken immigration system and support the DREAMers who are contributing to our economy and society.”

Democratic Party of Hawai'i planned a phone bank call-in to members of Congress and sign-making from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at its headquarters in Honolulu. Following the phone bank, members sign-waving was scheduled in support of DACA recipients and DREAMers at the Federal Building.

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"CRUEL AND TOTALLY UNJUSTIFIABLE" is how U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono described the Pres. Donald Trump administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. She posted on her Facebook page this morning: "Sadly, I am not surprised that the President chose to end #DACA. His continued attacks on minorities and immigrants are unjustifiable. But he continues to do it. Why? To play to his white supremacist base."

Sen. Mazie Hirono speaking from her office today on
Pres. Donald Trump's decision to end protection of
the children of immigrants.
See https://www.facebook.com/senatorhirono/

Hirono also released a statement saying:

“After months of empty rhetoric to the contrary, the President took the cruel and unnecessary step to eliminate DACA – exposing more than 800,000 young people to deportation. They are not criminals. They are inspiring young people aptly called DREAMers because of their dream of making a better life for themselves in the only country they know.

“Ending DACA is the latest step this President has taken to attack minority communities and stoke the fear and divisiveness that served as pillars of his campaign and inform his presidency.

“DACA is clearly constitutional. But by rescinding the program, the President puts the onus on Congress to act. Congress must take appropriate action to provide permanent legal status to DREAMers.

“I want to be clear: I reject any effort to hold these young people hostage for an unnecessary waste of money like Donald Trump’s wall.

Pick up the September edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli`i
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online at kaucalendar.com

“I will continue to stand with these inspiring young people and groups all across the country to fight this latest cruel and totally unjustifiable action by the President.”

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THE DACA DECISION "WILL RUIN PEOPLE'S LIVES AND BUSINESSES," said Sen. Brian Schatz. He noted that today, "Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that President Trump is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program, putting young immigrants, Dreamers, at risk of deportation. This decision will ruin people’s lives and businesses, split up families, and divide communities. I will do whatever I can to fight it and I want you to join me: Add your name next to mine and demand that Congress come together to protect Dreamers and immediately act to save DACA."
He noted that "800,000 Dreamers have come forward with the federal government's promise to protect those who are currently in school, on active military duty or in the workforce. These young people work hard, study hard, and are truly the fabric of our nation.
"President Trump’s decision to break America’s promise to Dreamers is an enormous moral and economic mistake. With our values and literal lives at stake, we must do everything humanly possible to keep these Dreamers in our country."

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“WRONG," IS HOW U.S. REP TULSI GABBARD described President Trump’s decision today to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. "It will break up families and punish young people who were brought to this country as minors through no choice or fault of their own. These are people who have grown up in the United States, and who know no other country to be their home. DACA transformed the lives and futures of hundreds of thousands of young people, in Hawai'i and across the country. Because of DACA they've been able to go to college, find a job, support their family, serve their country, and live free from the constant fear of deportation.

“In my home state of Hawai'i, DACA has allowed more than 600 young people to remain legally in our country and contribute to our economy and society, including a member of my staff who came to the United States as a minor from Zimbabwe. Last week on Maui, I had the opportunity to hear from some of Hawai'i’s DREAMers and hear their heart-wrenching stories about living in fear and in the shadows until DACA was put into effect. They cried as they shared their stories of the opportunity and freedom they have experienced because of DACA, and the fear of uncertainty in what lies ahead with the prospects of being forced to leave the only home they've ever known. Congress must act now to enact a permanent solution for these DREAMers and pass the bipartisan DREAM Act now.”

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KA'Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN will be considered for adoption at the Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee's meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 9:15 a.m. The Planning Committee Agenda can be found at hawaiicounty.granic us.com/viewpublisher.php?view_id=1 and the Ka'ū CDP Steering Committee agenda can be found at:hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/september-6-2017. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers in Hilo.

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REDUCING STYROFOAM USE ON HAWAI’I ISLAND via Bill 13, is on the agenda for Hawai’i County Council on Thursday, Sept. 7, starting at 9 a.m. HCC’s agenda describes Bill 13 as follows: “Prohibits food vendors from dispensing prepared food in disposable polystyrene food service ware effective July 1, 2019. Exempts ice chest and coolers; packaging for raw meat, fish, and eggs that have not been further processed; County facility users and food vendors with approval by the Environmental Management Director; and County facility users and food vendors procuring supplies during an event declared as an emergency by the Mayor.”
Emailed testimony will be accepted until noon tomorrow, Wednesday, to
CouncilTestimony@Hawaii County.GOV.

HAWAI’I WILDLIFE FUND ASKS COMMUNITY MEMBERS to send written testimony in support of Hawai'i County Council Bill 13.
A HWF Facebook post made late on Monday night reads “Please join us in urging the Hawai'i County Council to #HOLDTHEFOAM and reduce our polystyrene foam food containers on island after July 2019! The hearing begins at 9AM on Thurs. Sept 7th or you can submit testimony online until Wed at noon to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov. Prevent marine debris & plastic pollution by opting out of a single-use lifestyle. Mahalo for your support and SHARE!”
On September 3, HWF also shared Foam Free Hawaii’s post regarding an online petition letter that seeks to encourage Hawai’i County Council to pass Bill 13 and “Ban Single-Use EPS (Styrofoam) Containers in Hawaii County.”

Hawai'i Wildlife Fund's Megan Rose Lamson shared this
photo taken at Kamilo Beach on August 2 in reference to
#holdthefoam, citing the foam meat tray. "Can you see it?"

Community members can join the 5,845 supporters and sign the petition online at change.org. The petitions accompanying letter, submitted by Sarah Rafferty of Kailua-Kona states, “Hawai‘i Island is home to a countless number of endemic species, breathtaking waterfalls, active volcanoes, and miles of world-class coral reef, making it one of the most unique places on planet earth. It attracts over a million tourists annually, and more than 150,000 people call this place home.
“It is worth protecting; it is worth keeping clean.
“In 2009 the Department of Environmental Management implemented the Zero Waste plan for Hawai‘i County, with the mission of reducing human's environmental impact on this precious island ecosystem. To learn more about the Zero Waste Plan, visit HawaiiZeroWaste.org.
“In line with the Zero Waste Plan, Hawai‘i County gained national attention in January of 2015 when it passed Bill 17, an ordinance banning the disbursement of single-use plastic bags at checkout counters island-wide. This ordinance was undoubtedly a step in the right direction on the path to a cleaner Hawai‘i.

“It is imperative that we continue the progression on this path, and we cannot do so without considering the effects of expanded polystyrene products on our forests, mountains, and beaches. Expanded Polystyrene is most commonly found in takeout cups, clamshell containers, and plates and is more commonly referred to as ‘Styrofoam.’

Image from Foam Free Hawai'i

“EPS breaks up rather easily, increasing the probability for accidental ingestion by birds and marine life when it is improperly disposed of. Consider that even when EPS products are properly disposed of they do not biodegrade and they are currently not accepted as recyclable items.
“They are purely and simply waste.
“In his signing of Bill 17, the Hawai'i County Plastic Bag Ordinance, [former mayor, Billy Kenoi] stated that ‘We are responsible for the decisions we make today for a better tomorrow... we all must be mindful of the responsibilities we have as trustees of the land to do everything we can to protect our island home.’
“We cannot effectively say that we are making responsible decisions for a better tomorrow while simultaneously piling non-composting styrofoam items into our landfills. We cannot honestly claim to be on the path to ‘Zero Waste’ without utilizing the eco-friendly alternatives on the market. We ask that the County Council act in accordance with the Zero Waste Plan; we support an ordinance for a county-wide ban on single-use expanded polystyrene products.”

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Waikapuna is on the PONC acquisition agenda.

WILL PONC FUND WAIKAPUNA PURCHASE? Waikapuna, a coastal property located below Nā'ālehu, is on the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission list. It may receive a resolution from County Council member Maile David, asking for the county to help fund the purchase of the property, during PONC's upcoming meeting. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, at West Hawai‘i Civic Center, at the conference room in Building G. See the full story in the September print issue of The Ka’ū Calendar or read the Ka'ū News Briefs from August 23, 2017.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: tomorrow, Sept. 6, Ka'ū vs. Waiakea, away game.

Friday, Sept. 8, Ka'ū vs. St. Joseph, away game.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Lana'i, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha, away game.

Bowling: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

KA'Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TONIGHT, Sept. 5, from 6 pm. to 8 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.

HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS tomorrow, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 7. Ka‘ū residents can participate via video-conferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

Image from hawaiizerowaste.org

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details call 939-2442 or 928-2015.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

ATLAS RECYCLING WILL COLLECTING AT SOUTH POINT U-CART on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU a free hike within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more details.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Waikapuna, a coastal property makai of Nā'ālehu, could be purchased with PONC funds. See story below.
Aerial photo by Shalan Crysdale

DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILD ARRIVALS got the legal backing of the State of Hawai'i today, when Hawai'i joined a coalition of 16 states in filing suit to protect DACA grantees. The lawsuit, filed this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, contends that Pres. Donald Trump's administration has violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution by discriminating against the 800,000 DACA recipients across the country, violated due process rights, and harmed States’ residents, institutions, and economies.

Hawai'i Attorney General Doug Chin joined 15 other state AG's in
filing suit today to protect immigrant children living under DACA.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, left defends DACA in the U.S. Senate.
Photo from Doug Chin twitter

Gov. David Ige said, “Hawai'i is going to court – again. This time we’re joining 15 other states to fight for the future of our country’s Dreamers. 600 Dreamers currently go to Hawai'i’s schools, work in our businesses, and deserve certainty and stability.”

Attorney General Chin said, “With cruel indifference the President has taken an action that immediately robs hundreds of Hawai'i residents of certainty in their future. Many of these people, who have done nothing wrong, have only known Hawai'i as their home. I am grateful to Governor Ige for his leadership and clear-eyed dedication to supporting the Dreamers and protecting DACA. Following his lead, I have joined this lawsuit not only because it is the right thing to do, but because the way the President has proceeded is illegal.”

Pick up the September edition of The Ka'ū Calendar
delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū,
from Miloli'i through Volcano. Also available on
stands throughout the district.
See it online at kaucalendar.com

According to the statement from the governor's office, Hawai'i is home to nearly 600 DACA grantees. "Hawai'i DACA recipients have had their protection renewed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security more than 1,700 times. According to the Center for American Progress, 97 percent of DACA grantees are employed or go to school. In Hawai'i alone, it is estimated that ending DACA would cost more than $28 million in annual GDP losses. Over the next ten years Hawai'i stands to lose more than $126 million in tax revenues if DACA is rescinded."
The complaint Hawai'i joined today was led by the attorneys general of New York, Massachusetts, and Washington, and joined by the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. Today’s lawsuit also includes declarations from businesses, academic institutions, local governments, DACA grantees, and others impacted by the Trump administration’s decision.
See a copy of the complaint at
ag.ny.gov/.

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A GLOBAL ENTRY PILOT PROGRAM for visitors from Japan was announced today by Sen. Mazie Hirono. The pilot program allows up to 1,500 Japanese citizens as determined by the Government of Japan and CBP, who have received a promotional code to apply for Global Entry. The Global Entry Program allows expedited screening for trusted travelers visiting the United States, including TSA PreCheck privileges.

According to the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, nearly 1.5 million Japanese citizens visited Hawai'i in 2016 - spending over $1 billion in the state’s economy and supporting over 26,000 jobs. The U.S. Commerce Department estimates nearly 3.6 million Japanese citizens visited the United States in 2016 and spent $16 billion, making Japan the fourth largest market for U.S. travel and tourism exports.

Visitors from Japan, like part time Ka'ū resident Minako Yamazaki, right,
often support local events, such as this activity at the annual Ka'ū
Coffee Trail Run, coming up on Sept. 23.
Photo by Pam Taylor

“Japan’s inclusion in the Global Entry Program further strengthens our longstanding alliance and U.S. ties to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Hirono. “Implementing this new pilot program will expedite and simplify the process for Japanese visitor arrivals in Hawai'i and better serve Hawaii’s largest international visitor market.”

Hirono was an early advocate of Japan’s inclusion, leading a bipartisan letter in 2014 to encourage the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to add the country to the Global Entry Program. She has also led similar efforts in support of India and Singapore’s inclusion in the Global Entry Program. Singapore and India’s inclusion was finalized in June 2016 and June 2017.

The U.S. operates full Global Entry partnerships with the following countries: South Korea, the Netherlands, Panama, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Switzerland, Argentina, and India. Canadian citizens are eligible for the Global Entry benefit via membership in the Nexus program.

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HAWAI’I COUNTY COUNCIL BILL 13, a bill meant to reduce styrofoam use on Hawai'i Island, received strongly supportive written testimony from Hawai’i Wildlife Fund’s Megan Lamson today.

Megan Lamson (left), of Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, is regularly involved
in cleaning-up Kamilo Beach (makai of Nā'ālehu) and strongly supports
Hawai'i County Council Bill 13 with her written testimony.
Photo by Kurt Lieber of Ocean Defenders Alliance

Lamson wrote that she was asked by Maui County earlier this year in May to “present scientific information supporting their proposed Bill 127 on polystyrene food containers (which parallels Bill 13).” She stated that, at that time, she “provided clear examples of scientific studies and technical reports outlining the 3 reasons their council members should support this reduction bill. After a special two-day hearing, Maui Council Members voted in unanimous support of this bill.”

Those three reasons being: “negative impact to [Hawai’i’s] marine environment, [the island’s] economy / solid waste management, and common sense.”
She continued that, “Numerous scientific journal articles have reported on studies that found negative interactions between marine wildlife and plastic marine debris. I also shared examples of how polystyrene "PS" microplastic pieces (5mm and smaller) affected the development and behavior of fish in a laboratory study (perch). Another study conducted locally found evidence of polystyrene microscopic plastic particles in beach sand and water samples from the Hawaiʻi Island and O'ahu.

Trash found at HWF Kamilo Beach clean-up.
Photo from Hawai'i Wildlife Fund

“I noted the recent report by the Hawai'i Department of Transportation - Highways Division in O'ahu that included recommendations to support ordinances that reduced plastic bags and foam containers to prevent litter along the highways. I also provided information from a California study prepared by the Natural Resource Defense Council (2013) that estimated the true cost of litter removal along highways and waterways in cities across that coastal state astronomical. Comparing a California city with a population similar to that of Hawai'i Island (population range: 75,000 – 249,000), they estimate an annual cost of debris management at $1,131,156.00 per year.

“In addition, our current recycling system will only take #1, #2, and #5 plastics, and certain #4 if dealt with properly. Polystyrene foam is a #6 plastic and exceedingly difficult to recycle, despite what the opposition may tell you. Even large municipalities in states like California and New York are unable to recycle PS foam, and it becomes even harder to deal with for containers that are food-contaminated. Our 2009 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan clearly shows a pathway for the County of Hawai'i towards zero waste.
“Need I remind you that years ago, COH Council Members passed the plastic bag ban here on island and that program has been nothing but successful, decreasing bag litter and environmental hazards for native wildlife. The passing of Bill 13 is the next logical step in this direction towards counties goal for zero waste. It is the right thing to do.

Hawai'i Wildlife Fund's Megan Lamson carrying marine debris
that washed up on Kamilo Beach (makai of Nā'ālehu).
Photo by Kurt Lieber of Ocean Defenders Alliance

“A vote against this bill is a choice by representatives towards prioritizing corporations, pocketbooks, and businesses that refuse to change over prioritizing our children, our island communities, and our native wildlife. We have identified nearly 150 restaurants and vendors on island who have already committed to using foam alternatives. There are viable options available, and there should be no more excuses.
"Please let me know if you would like any of the references to any of the facts I've provided within this testimony. As a scientist by training, I like to support my statements with documentation.

“Last but not least, I think you reach should consider the scale of the marine debris problem on this island. In 2017 alone, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund and volunteers have removed over 50,875 pounds of marine debris from our shores. Debris that is full of plastic, debris that includes polystyrene foam. Even if foam is a small percentage of this waste (estimated at ~5% for Hawai'i County), it is something that we can do here locally to reduce our input and contribution to this global marine debris problem.”

Marine debris collected by HWF.
Photo by Hawai'i Wildlife Fund

In the final sentence of her testimony, Lamson invited council members to join HWF in future cleanup events to see for themselves what “improper waste management looks like at the end of the line.”
Bill 13 is on the agenda for tomorrow’s HCC meeting beginning at 9 a.m. HCC’s agenda describes Bill 13 as follows: “Prohibits food vendors from dispensing prepared food in disposable polystyrene food service ware effective July 1, 2019. Exempts ice chest and coolers; packaging for raw meat, fish, and eggs that have not been further processed; County facility users and food vendors with approval by the Environmental Management Director; and County facility users and food vendors procuring supplies during an event declared as an emergency by the Mayor.”

Emailed testimony was accepted until noon today. The Planning Committee Agenda can be found at hawaiicounty.granicus.com. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building or by attending the meeting held in the Council Chambers in Hilo. For more about this bill see yesterday's Ka'ū News Briefs.

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Photo from Hawai'i Wildlife Fund

THOSE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING “FOAM FREE” BUSINESSES on the island can look to the "Keeping It Green" Awardees listed below.
Keeping It Green Hawai‘i (KIGH) is a program by Recycle Hawai‘i and Earth-Friendly Schools Hawai‘i to “highlight activities of organizations, businesses, schools and agencies that foster resource awareness and sustainability in Hawai‘i. By recognizing “green projects” taking place in our community, it is hoped that others will be motivated to take action towards caring for our environment and addressing local and global issues. Since 2008, 54 businesses, schools and organizations have received a KIGH award.” Keeping It Green Hawai‘i information, nomination form and past award recipients are available at recyclehawaii.org or call 969-2012.

The "Keeping It Green"Awardees are: Abundant Life Natural Foods & Cafe Bayfront Coffee, Kava & Tea Company, Hilo Coffee Mill, Island Lava Java, Island Naturals Pahoa, Kohala Coffee Mill, Hana Hou Restaurant, Island Naturals Hilo, Island Naturals Kona, Kīlauea Lodge, Annie's Island Fresh Burgers, Natural Pacific Tofu, Volcano Garden Arts – Café Ono, and Kohala Burger & Taco.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

See details below.

KA'Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN was considered for adoption at the Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee's meeting today in Hilo. See tomorrow's Ka'u News Briefs to read about the outcome. The Planning Committee Agenda can be found at: hawaiicounty.granic us.com. The Ka'ū CDP Steering Committee agenda can be found at: hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

WILL PONC FUND WAIKAPUNA PURCHASE? Waikapuna, a coastal property located below Nā'ālehu, is on the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission list. It may receive a resolution from County Council member Maile David, asking for the county to help fund the purchase of the property, during PONC's upcoming meeting. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, at West Hawai‘i Civic Center, at the conference room in Building G. See the full story in the September print issue of The Ka’ū Calendar or read the Ka'ū News Briefs from August 23, 2017.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: Friday, Sept. 8, Ka'ū vs. St. Joseph, away game.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Lana'i, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha, away game.

Bowling: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS tomorrow, Sept. 7, 6 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details call 939-2442 or 928-2015.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

ATLAS RECYCLING WILL COLLECTING AT SOUTH POINT U-CART on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU a free hike within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more details.

ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT PLAYERS, DRUMMERS, SINGERS AND DANCERS ARE WELCOMED for Kanikapila, on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more call Desmond at 937-6305.

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA, in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on a free, easy, one-mile walk within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Sept 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details visit nps.gov/havo.

Ranger Noah Gomes explains the importance of 'ōhi'a lehua in nation forests.
Photo from NPS/Sierra McDaniel

SENIOR I.D.'s for people aged 60 and older will be issued on Monday, Sept. 11, at Pāhala Senior Housing Center, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at Nā‘ālehu Community Center from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call 928-3100.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART CLASSES IN PĀHALA.
Tree of Life Thumbprint Art: register until Sept. 12. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 928-3102.
Tissue Art: register Sept. 11 until Sept. 19. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

The Ka'ū Community Development Plan can be read and downloaded from hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp.
It includes many maps, graphs and images of Ka'ū with history and a community based plan for the future.

KA'Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN unanimously passed the Hawai'i County Council Planning Committee on Wednesday. Before being adopted, it goes to the full County Council and must be signed by the Mayor. See the plan, which provides economic, sociological, geographical, cultural and historical information and illustrations about Ka'ū District and a plan for the future, at hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp.

Counterfeit $100 bill photo provided
by Hawai'i Police Department

AN INCREASE IN COUNTERFEIT BILLS has been publicly noted by Hawai'i Island Police, with Ka'ū police officers "responding to numerous calls about fake $100 bills," according to a media release issued Tuesday, Sept. 5, by Hawai'i Police Department.
The media release describes the counterfeit bills as looking, feeling and appearing to be real, "with the exception of pink Chinese writing characters on the front and back. These are training bills that Chinese banks use to train their tellers in counting foreign currency. The Chinese characters translate to read “For Training Purposes Only.”
The release adds that, "A counterfeit detection pen will leave a mark on these bills."
Police are advising merchants to be cautious, and to use the following methods in detecting counterfeit money:
"Locate and read the plastic embedded security thread. It should say “USA” and the bill’s denomination.

"Use an ultraviolet light to detect the thread glow color. The $5 bill should glow blue, the $10 bill should glow orange, the $20 bill should glow green, and the $50 bill should glow yellow. In older versions, the $100 bill should glow pink, while the current $100 bill has a 3-D ribbon.
"Hold the bill up to the light to check for a watermark.
"Tilt the bill to examine the color-shifting ink.
"With a magnifying glass, locate and examine the micro-printing.
Anyone who comes in contact with these bills should treat them as evidence by placing it into a clean envelope and calling the police immediately.
Call the Police Department's non-emergency line at 935-3311 with any information on individuals involved in the making or circulating of counterfeit bills.
The release says, "Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential."
For full details, view the original message online.

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Photo from okaukakou.org

ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE KA'Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN coming up on Saturday, Sept. 23, has been announced by the sponsoring organization 'O Ka'ū Kākou. Taiko Drummers will start the race. Eddie O. from The Beat Radio Station will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Hannah’s Mahana Ohana Hālau and a hula group from H.O.V.E Evangelical Church will dance. A Southern Gospel group will sing. Other entertainers will soon be announced.
According to organizers, approximately 75 runners have signed up to date from the Big Island, with additional runners representing the other islands. So far, there are two from Canada and approximately 20 from the U.S. Mainland. Many more runners are expected to sign up as the date approaches.
Staggered starts begin at 7 a.m., with all races beginning and ending at the Ka‘ū Coffee Mill located at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road above the town of Pāhala. In addition to receiving goodie bags, each registered participant will also be entered into a door prize drawing valued at $700.

Photo from okaukakou.org

Registration fees until Sept. 11 are: 5K/$35, 10K/$45, and HM/$55. From Sept. 11 to Sept. 21, late registration fees apply: 5K/$55, 10K/$65, and HM/$75.

Register for the race online at webscorer.com. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 21, at midnight. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org. All proceeds remain in Ka‘ū to support service projects for keiki & kupuna, schools, community groups, and organizations who look to ‘OKK for assistance.

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Ocean View Community Center

GENTLY USED DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED at the Ocean View Community Center from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, in preparation for the Ocean View Community Association Yard Sale Fundraiser set for Saturday, Oct. 7. The OVCA Newsletter, Ocean Views And News!, says volunteers are also needed to "clean, sort and price items for sale," and that all proceeds will go to the Roof Fund. For more details, call 939-7033.

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Waikapuna, with 2,200 acres.

Photo by Andrew Hara, courtesy of Ka'ū Mahi

and Department of Land & Natural Resources

Legacy Land Conservation Program

Girls Volleyball: tomorrow, Sept. 8, Ka'ū vs. St. Joseph, away game.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Lana'i, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha, away game.

Bowling: Saturday, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS tonight, Sept. 7, 6 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details call 939-2442 or 928-2015.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Information about Fountain Grass will also be presented by representatives from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. For more details, call 939-7033.

ATLAS RECYCLING WILL COLLECTING AT SOUTH POINT U-CART on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU a free hike within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more details.

'Ōhi'a Lehua. Photo from wildlifeofhawaii.com

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES will be available at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

The Birth of Kahuku, a hike into the geologic history of this Ka'ū unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
is this Sunday. See story below. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS

OVER FIFTEEN BILLION DOLLARS IN FEDERAL AID for victims of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma and other extreme weather events got the yes vote today from Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Funding for FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, which was running out of money, supports immediate emergency response and relief and longer-term recovery efforts. The bill also extends the federal debt limit and ensures that the government remains open and able to deliver services until December 8, she said.

“National tragedies like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma test our country’s resolve. With today’s funding bill, Congress came together, putting the American people before partisanship and politics, to support the emergency response and recovery efforts serving the people most affected by these disasters. Since Hurricane Harvey hit, we have seen the aloha spirit coming from people all across the country who have turned out to support those struggling in the wake of this disaster. We are reminded that when one part of the country faces adversity, our nation comes together and perseveres. In the last week, we have witnessed compassion from neighbors, bravery from first responders, and responsiveness from public institutions. As communities in Texas and Louisiana begin the process of recovery and renewal, the entire country sends its thoughts, prayers, and support
to the people of the Caribbean and Florida who are dealing with Hurricane Irma,” said Gabbard.

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PROTECTING HAWAI'I FROM NORTH KOREA was the aim of Sen. Mazie Hirono, when she met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford to reaffirm his commitment to continuing strong support for Hawai'i’s military resources ahead of his confirmation hearing. She said the General also provided an update on his recent visits to China, Japan, and South Korea.

“Through recent meetings with the leaders of China, Japan, and South Korea, General Dunford has taken an important step to develop a unified diplomatic and economic response, as well as a strong military deterrent, to ongoing challenges in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Hirono. “I look forward to continuing our dialogue as the Senate moves forward to address military priorities for Hawai'i and the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono said that Gen. Joseph Dunford has recommited his
commitment to protect Hawai'i from North Korean threats.
Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

Hirono said that during a personal meeting, she questioned Dunford on efforts to improve military readiness and prevent future incidents such as the recent tragic Naval collisions in the region and the Army Black Hawk helicopter crash off of Keana Point, Hawai'i. They also discussed the administration’s commitment to placing an advanced defense radar in Hawai'i.

Hirono will have further opportunity to question Dunford at his confirmation hearing expected later this month. Dunford was first nominated to the position by President Obama and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in July 2015. If reconfirmed, he would serve a second two-year term.

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Federal District Judge Derrick Kahala Watson and
Hawai'i Attorney General Doug Chin

AFFIRMATION OF THE HAWAI'I DISTRICT COURT'S DECISION in the travel ban case came Thursday from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The July 13, 2017, Hawai'i district court order in Hawai'i v. Trump, allows the entry to the United States of close family members and refugees with formal assurances from a United States resettlement agency.

On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court issued an order in this case that the travel ban could not be enforced against foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States, including those with a “close familial relationship.” The same standard applies with respect to refugee admissions. The federal government subsequently issued guidance that such “close familial relationships” did not include grandparents, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins of people currently living in the United States.

Hawai'i Attorney General Chin said, “Today’s decision by the 9th Circuit keeps families together. It gives vetted refugees a second chance. The Trump administration keeps taking actions with no legal basis. We will keep fighting back.”

Gov. David Ige weighed in today, saying "The 9^th Circuit agreed with our position that kupuna – grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins – are close family and deserve to remain connected with their loved ones. We look forward to presenting our arguments on the merits of this case before the U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 10."

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THE POLYSTYRENE FOAM REDUCTION BILL passed first reading during yesterday's County Council meeting in Hilo. It would limit the use of styrofoam on the island.
Big Island Video News reported that, "The proposed law has been floating around for years but the council has not had the votes to approve it. Puna councilwoman Eileen O’Hara took the lead in recent months to resurrect the bill." Ka`u's County Council member Maile David voted yes along with six other council members. The two Hilo council members, Aaron Chung and Sue Lee Loy, voted against the measure.
The County Council agenda described Bill 13 as follows: “Prohibits food vendors from dispensing prepared food in disposable polystyrene food service ware effective July 1, 2019. Exempts ice chest and coolers; packaging for raw meat, fish, and eggs that have not been further processed; County facility users and food vendors with approval by the Environmental Management Director; and County facility users and food vendors procuring supplies during an event declared as an emergency by the Mayor.”
See the film on the council meeting at Big Island Video News. See testimony supporting the bill from Megan Lamson of Hawai`i Wildlife Fund in yesterday's Ka`u News Briefs.

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'Ōhi'a Lehua Blossom. Photo from TNC

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER DAY at its Kona Hema Preserve in South Kona on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. TNC Hawai'i Island Program Coordinator Linda Schubert says, "We will be spending the day reinforcing a fence to help protect our forest [from potential pig damage], and enjoying the cool mountain air of Kona Hema Preserve. It is a unique opportunity to see a corner of Hawai'i few get to see!"
Participants will need; long pants, protective shoes (boots preferred), lunch and water. Schubert says, "everyone should be ready for a variety of weather conditions, from sun, rain, to cool temperatures."

Volunteers reinforcing TNC preserve fences.
Photo from TNC

Space is limited so those wanting to volunteer must contact Schubert in advance to reserve a spot on one of the trucks. The event is sponsored in part by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. For more, contact Schubert at lschubert@tnc.org or call 443-5401.

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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IS PARTNERING WITH MATSON for an Ocean View Deep Clean Project to remove and haul away "the big stuff"(mattresses, appliances, furniture, etc.) at unofficial dump sites in Ocean View. The OVCA Newsletter, Ocean Views And News!, states, "Matson will bring a dumpster to a location in Ocean View; volunteers will load the big stuff in the dumpster; then follow it to the Hilo Land Fill to empty it. Volunteers who have pickups and will haul the trash will be paid for their gas." Volunteers are needed. A date and time for the event are yet to be announced. For more, call 939-7033.

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WILL PONC FUND WAIKAPUNA PURCHASE? Waikapuna, a coastal property located below Nā'ālehu, is on the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission list. It may receive a resolution from County Council member Maile David, asking for the county to help fund the purchase of the property, during PONC's upcoming meeting. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, at West Hawai‘i Civic Center, at the conference room in Building G. See the full story in the September print issue of The Ka’ū Calendar or read the Ka'ū News Briefs from August 23, 2017.

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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Eight-Man Football: tomorrow, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Lana'i, away game.

Cross Country: tomorrow, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha, away game.

Bowling: tomorrow, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.
Girls Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 13, Kamehameha vs. Ka'ū, home game.
Competitive Cheerleading: Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Hilo.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER is scheduled for tomorrow, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

ATLAS RECYCLING WILL COLLECTING AT SOUTH POINT U-CART tomorrow, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU a free hike within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered tomorrow, Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more details.

ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT PLAYERS, DRUMMERS, SINGERS AND DANCERS ARE WELCOMED for Kanikapila, tomorrow, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more call Desmond at 937-6305.

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA, in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on a free, easy, one-mile walk within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Sept 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details visit nps.gov/havo.

SENIOR I.D.'s for people aged 60 and older will be issued on Monday, Sept. 11, at Pāhala Senior Housing Center, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at Nā‘ālehu Community Center from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call 928-3100.

Example of tree of life thumbprint art from
pinterest.com

IMUA KA'Ū WORKSHOP will be held at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Imua Ka'ū is a group dedicated to improving the well being of the Ka'ū community and residents. For more details, call 939-7033.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART CLASSES IN PĀHALA.
Tree of Life Thumbprint Art: register until Sept. 12. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 928-3102.
Tissue Art: register Sept. 11 until Sept. 19. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES will be available at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEET THURSDAY, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road maintenance Corp. office. The meeting is meant for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory webcam captured spattering on Kīlauea Volcano's summit lava lake on
Sept. 6. With summit inflation, the lake level rose to 54 feet below the vent rim, and into view from Jaggar
Museum Overlook. Webcam images at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html.
Learn more in the weekly Volcano Watch article below.

AT LEAST SEVENTY-FIVE BIG ISLAND RUNNERS HAVE REGISTERED for the Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run events on Saturday, Sept. 23. According to race organizer 'O Ka'ū Kākou, some 20 runners from the mainland, two from Canada and several representing other Hawaiian Islands have entered. Nadine Ebert, of 'O Ka'ū Kākou, said the history of past years shows "the numbers really go up this last month."
Trail terrains vary: The 5K is a family-friendly, run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields. The 10K is a moderate run through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields. The Half Marathon follows the 5K & 10K course, then rises to an elevation of 3,100 feet, traverses onto a 4-wheel drive access road, with marked trails undulating through grazing pasture, and into the rain forest.

Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run image from drone footage taken by Vernon Harvey

Staggered starts begin at 7 a.m., with start and finish at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road above Pāhala. Participants receive goodie bags and entry for a door prize drawing valued at $700.
Taiko Drummers will start the race. Eddie O, from The Beat Radio Station, will be Master of Ceremonies. A hula group from H.O.V.E. Evangelical Church and Hannah’s Makana 'Ohana Hālau will dance. A Southern Gospel group will sing.

Registration fees until this Monday, Sept. 11, are: 5K/$35, 10K/$45, and Half Marathon /$55. From Sept. 11 to Sept. 21, late registration fees apply: 5K/$55, 10K/$65, and Half Marathon/$75.

Register for the race online at webscorer.com. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 21, at midnight. Race day registration ends at 6:30 a.m. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org.
According to 'O Ka'ū Kakou, all proceeds beyond the cost of the race remain in Ka‘ū to support service projects for keiki and kupuna, schools, community groups, and organizations who look to ‘OKK for assistance.

A recent photo of lava entering the ocean at Kama'oa.
See ww.volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/

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ABUNDANT RESOURCES ON HAWAIIAN VOLCANOES are found at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s website volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/. They are the topic of this week's Volcano Watch written by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists:
“The most frequently visited HVO webpages include the daily updates for Kīlauea and weekly updates for Mauna Loa, photos and maps of Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing lava flow, and webcams images, especially those of Kīlauea's summit lava lake. Maps showing recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi, including location, magnitude, and other details, and air quality data are often visited, particularly in the wake of a felt quake or perceptible vog (volcanic air pollution).”
The article continues to explain that there is far more to explore on the website, such as reading “about volcanic and earthquake hazards in Hawaiʻi and learning about the tools and techniques used by USGS scientists to monitor active volcanoes. Geologic histories, monitoring data, and links to publications are provided for Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and other Hawaiian volcanoes.”

Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions about volcanic gas emissions, vog, lava-flow hazard zones, and the current Mauna Loa unrest,” as well as archived photos and Volcano Watch articles, can also be accessed.

Short-lived lava falls on the coastline of Hawai'i Volcanoes National
Park this August. More USGS photos at ww.volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/

The article states that the HVO’s website now has “a new look and expanded offerings—and new features will be added in the months and years ahead.”
As such, many other “numerous and varied” USGS publications are now available online, (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/
hvo_publications.html). Some of those publications about are Hawaiian volcanoes. They are freely downloadable and described below.
“USGS Fact Sheets cover topics clearly and concisely, often in 2-4 pages. The newest Fact Sheet especially relevant to island residents is Volcanic Air Pollution Hazards in Hawai'i (FS2017-3017). Others address Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing East Rift Zone (Pu'u 'Ō'ō) and summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) eruptions, the history and hazards of Mauna Loa, earthquakes in Hawaiʻi, and Kīlauea's explosive past.
“USGS General Interest Products are written specifically to focus on scientific information of public interest. Eruptions of Hawaiian Volcanoes—Past, Present, and Future (GIP117) and The Story of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory—A Remarkable First 100 Years’ (GIP135) are two such publications that have been well-received in Hawaiʻi.
“Since 2004, HVO has used time-lapse cameras and webcams for visual monitoring and research. The USGS Data Series (DS621) publication, Selected Time-Lapse Movies of the East Rift Zone Eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, 2004-2008, showcases 26 time-lapse movies from the collection of images acquired during the camera systems' first four years.
“Another USGS Data Series (DS144) is the digital database for the Geologic Map of the Island of Hawaiʻi.’ This map was published as a USGS Miscellaneous Investigations Series (IMAP 2524-A) in 1996.

A large littoral explosion near the lava delta and the shoreline,
photographed on Aug. 19. USGS Photo

“In 2007, the Geologic Map of the State of Hawaiʻi was published as a USGS Open File Report (OFR 2007-1089). It includes eight plates (PDF files) showing the geology of the main Hawaiian Islands.
“The Geologic Map of the Northeast Flank of Mauna Loa Volcano was recently published as a USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM 2932-A). Four additional maps for this massive volcano are in progress.”
Additionally, for those interested in making maps, “GIS Shapefiles for Kīlauea's Episode 61g Lava flow, Pu'u 'Ō'ō Eruption: May 2016 to May 2017 is now available through a recent USGS data release. This dataset contains shapefiles and associated metadata for the 61g lava flow through May 31.”
The article adds that, “More than 150,000 publications written by USGS scientists on wide-ranging topics of geologic interest can be accessed though the USGS Publications Warehouse (pubs.er.usgs.gov/), including those focused on volcanic and seismic activity in Hawaiʻi.
“A comprehensive bibliography on Hawaii geology, including USGS publications, can also be found at zotero.org/groups/603818/hawaii_bibliography.”

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RAT LUNGWORM DISEASE PREVENTION RESOURCES are available online from Hawai'i Department of Agriculture on The Kohala Center’s website. The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services team says, “To keep you and your customers, students, and families safe from rat lungworm disease, check out these helpful resources: KEEP CALM: Eat, Grow, & Buy Fresh Fruits & Veggies!; and Safe Produce: KEEP IT CLEAN."

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FOOD MANUFACTURERS IN KA'Ū, from coffee, tea and macadamia producers to beekeepers are invited to join the local chapter of the Hawai'i Food Manufactueres Association. The meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be held at Mauna Loa Macadamia processing facility in Hilo. In addition to a tour of the manufacturing plant, KTA's Derek Kurisu will give a talk on the importance of local products and how to attract buyers and HFMA members will describe how the association has helped them grow and develop their businesses.

The membership meeting entry fee is $10 per person for non-HFMA members and complimentary for HFMA members (with one guest). See www.foodsofhawaii.com for more.

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VENDORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER for the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture’s recently launched new product database, according to The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services. It connects local, national, and international buyers with agricultural products grown and made in Hawai'i.
The only active Ka'ū area entities on the database are the Ka'ū Coffee Farmers Cooperative and Mac Farms of Hawai'i.

Additional farmers, ranchers, and value-added food producers may register as vendors and list local products for sale. Visit hawaiiagrproducts.hawaii.gov for more information and to register. Contact Sharon Hurd at 808-973-9465 or Sharon.K.Hurd@hawaii.gov with questions.”

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A CONSERVATION TILLAGE WORKSHOP is available this Tuesday evening, Sept. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Hawai’i Education and Research Center in Honoka’a (45-539 Plumeria St.). The event is sponsored by The Kohala Center and USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program.

Conservation Tillage is a workshop next Tuesday,
Photo from Kohala Center

The Kohala Center’s event description says, “A presentation by Dr. Ted Kornecki, Agricultural Engineer, USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Lab Research Unit and Adjunct Professor of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University. Dr. Kornecki will discuss and answer questions about conservation tillage information, cover crops, roller/crimper technology, and equipment developed for small farms. Dave Elliott from O'ahu Resource Conservation and Development Council will also provide a short presentation about Hawai'i-specific cover crops. The workshop is free and open to the public. Register online at tillage.eventbrite.com or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.”

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Eight-Man Football: today, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Lana'i, away game.

Cross Country: today, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Kamehameha, away game.

Bowling: today, Sept. 9, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.
Girls Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 13, Kamehameha vs. Ka'ū, home game.
Competitive Cheerleading: Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Hilo.

Register by this Monday, Sept. 11, to avoid higher entry fees.
For more details, see the Ka'ū News Briefs from Aug. 30, 2017.

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA, in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on a free, easy, one-mile walk within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow, Sept 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details visit nps.gov/havo.

SENIOR I.D.'s for people aged 60 and older will be issued on Monday, Sept. 11, at Pāhala Senior Housing Center, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at Nā‘ālehu Community Center from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call 928-3100.

IMUA KA'Ū WORKSHOP will be held at Ocean View Community Center on Monday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Imua Ka'ū is a group dedicated to improving the well being of the Ka'ū community and residents. For more details, call 939-7033.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES will be available at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART CLASSES IN PĀHALA.
Tree of Life Thumbprint Art: register until Sept. 12. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 928-3102.
Tissue Art: register Sept. 11 until Sept. 19. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEET THURSDAY, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road maintenance Corp. office. The meeting is meant for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Dr. Robert Richmond, Narrissa P. Spies, Cheryl Ka'uhane Lupenui, Lelemia Irvine, Dr. Albert S. Kim.
See story below. Photo from The Kohala Center

PONC FUNDING TO HELP PURCHASE WAIKAPUNA, the coastal property located below Nā'ālehu, is on the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission agenda for tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 11. Waikapuna may receive a resolution from County Council member Maile David, asking for the county to help buy the property, with additional funding coming from the state. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. at West Hawai‘i Civic Center, conference room in Building G. See the full story in the September print issue of The Ka’ū Calendar or read the Ka'ū News Briefs from August 23, 2017.

Waikapuna, in orange is on the PONC agenda for purchase
on Monday.

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TWO NATIVE HAWAIIAN SCHOLARS have been awarded doctoral fellowships by The Kohala Center's Hawaiian Scholars Doctoral Fellowship Program. The program has come to Ka'ū many times to kick off its doctoral program with a weekend retreat and to take the new and veteran scholars and mentors to Kīlauea Volcano at dawn for inspirational ceremonies.

The awardees are Narrissa P. Spies, who is pursuing a doctorate in zoology, and Lelemia Irvine, a doctoral candidate in civil and environmental engineering. They each receive $45,000 and mentorship through the fellowship program to enable them to focus on completing and defending their dissertations during the 2017–2018 academic year.
The Kohala Center's Hawaiian Scholars Doctoral Fellowship Program supports the work of emerging Native Hawaiian scholars who advance knowledge of Hawai'i's natural and cultural landscape and Hawaiian history, politics, and society. The one-year fellowships are funded with support from Kamehameha Schools, the Deviants from the Norm Fund, and Dr. Paul and Elizabeth Nakayama.
According its statement, "'The Kohala Center is committed to cultivating indigenous leadership and increasing the representation and visibility of Kānaka 'Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) scholars in academia, research institutions, and publications,' said Cheryl Ka'uhane Lupenui, president and chief executive officer of The Kohala Center. 'We are excited to welcome Narrissa and Lelemia to a larger cohort of 35 distinguished alumni who are advancing 'ike Hawai'i (Hawaiian knowledge) for generations to follow.'"

Dr. Robert Richmond with Doctoral Fellowship awardee Narrissa P. Spies.

Photo from The Kohala Center

The organization also explains the research of each scholar, as follows.
"In the face of declining coral health in Hawai'i and beyond due to rising ocean temperatures, pollutants, and sediment runoff, Spies' research investigates, at a molecular level, how certain species of coral are thriving despite stress. After decades of ecosystem degradation in Honolulu Harbor, compounded by a massive molasses spill in 2013, Spies observed two resilient coral species that continue to thrive in the harbor. Her efforts focus on understanding the conditions under which these corals continue to adapt to stress and regenerate, in hopes of unlocking clues that could benefit corals struggling to survive in other parts of Hawai'i and the world.
"'While corals continue to face stress as a result of climate change, these two coral species serve as excellent models for studying the resilience of corals to stress, and may provide insights that can help resource managers in other parts of the world,' Spies said. "My work lays the foundation for understanding resilient coral species, which can hopefully give us clues as to why they're so well adapted to inhospitable habitats such as harbors. If there are still healthy corals in Hawai'i in 50 years, I hope it will be because we've been able to build off the work I've done throughout my Ph.D. and applied this to other corals on our reefs.'"
Spies was born and raised on Hawai'i Island and received her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Her mentor for the fellowship year is Dr. Robert Richmond, professor and director of the Kewalo Marine Laboratory, which is part of the Pacific Biosciences Research Center at UH Mānoa.
Regarding the scholarship for Irvine, Kohala Center states, "The aim of Irvine's dissertation is to develop a better understanding of low-impact development and green infrastructure approaches. He uses computational fluid dynamics and 3-D modeling techniques to solve engineering challenges to predict process performance of these engineered systems. Irvine's research will help find new ways to increase sustainable landscapes, communities, villages, and cities. One particular area of focus examines bio-swales technology as a means to improve stormwater management, protect Hawai'i's terrestrial and marine ecosystems from non-point source pollutants, and reduce the potential for urban flooding."

Dr. Albert S. Kim, with Doctoral Fellowship awardee Lelemia Irvine.
Photo from The Kohala Center

Irvine said, "'My life's research work in water has taken me to more than 20 countries to learn how to solve challenges in transforming rain's tears to clean water,' Irvine said. 'My work in sustainability merges engineering and culture in an effort to solve some of the daunting problems Hawai'i faces. Through the mo'olelo (written and oral narratives) and active mentorship of my 'ohana (family) and kumu (teachers), I learned that I am descended from great engineers, and I strive to channel their wisdom from within to help bring long life to my 'ohana, our island communities, and Hōnua (Earth) itself.'"
Irvine is from Wai'anae, O'ahu, and received his bachelor's and two master's degrees from UH Mānoa. He is being mentored by Dr. Albert S. Kim, an associate professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering at UH Mānoa.
Since 2008, Kohala Center's doctoral and postdoctoral fellowship programs have awarded $1.57 million in support to 37 Native Hawaiian scholars, many of whom kicked off their year in Pahala and have since received tenure in academic institutions and published original research. Kohala Center is seeking new partners "so that it may continue to offer fellowships to advance intellectual leadership rooted in Hawai'i," according to a news release from the organization.
The Kohala Center is a Hawai'i Island-based nonprofit focused on research, conservation, and education.

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A VETERANS ADMINISTRATION TELEHEALTH KIOSK SYSTEM is coming to Ocean View, according to the Ocean View Community Association's Newsletter, Ocean Views and News!
The system, donated to OCVA by Iron Bow Healthcare Solutions and Global Med, is planned to be installed and tested at the Ocean View Community Center, along with volunteer training, the week of Sept. 18-22.
The newsletter says, "The state-of-the-art system is expected to give veterans in rural communities access to VA medical services. This pilot clinic is designed to reach the Veterans in the Ocean View Community and surrounding area. The capabilities of the Telehealth system are extensive, enabling medical testing, diagnosis and treatment services remotely. A VA doctor will be able to help veterans in Ocean View using this kiosk."
A special Open House at OVCC is planned for Veterans to preview the Telehealth Medical Equipment from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Sept. 28. For more information, call 939-7033.

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PRAISE FOR NATIONAL GUARD SOLIDERS AND AIRMEN for their help with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma came from Ka'ū's Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Friday as she received an award from the National Guard Association of the United States. The Charles Dick Medal of Merit was presented at the 139th General Conference & Exhibition in Louisville, KY, in recognition of her distinguished legislative contributions to the National Guard.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard priased the National Guard for its help with Hurricanes
Harvey and Irma during the National Guard Association of the
United States meeting Friday, where she received an award.

“I’m truly grateful for the privilege of serving in the Hawai'i Army National Guard, and in Congress, where in both capacities, I am focused on the safety and security of the people of Hawai'i and our country," said Gabbard.

“As we are witnessing the devastation being left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and now Hurricane Irma, thousands of National Guard soldiers and airmen from across the country are responding to the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. These are every day Americans who have civilian jobs, are going to school, raising families, yet who maintain constant readiness and willingness to stand up at a moment’s notice to respond to disasters here at home, and to protect the nation when duty calls. I'm humbled to receive this award and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, will continue to do my best every day to honor those who serve our country and make sure they have what they need to continue serving the American people,” said Gabbard.

Hawai'i's State Adjutant General Arthur "Joe" Logan said, “Congresswoman Gabbard joins the ranks of exceptional Hawai'i elected officials, like U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, who've worked diligently for the National Guard not just within their state but throughout the nation. Congresswoman Gabbard is the quintessential Soldier-Statesperson who ensures the National Guard continues to be Ready and Relevant within our States and the Nation," he said.

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A BIODIGESTER WORKSHOP presented by Hawai’i Organic Farming Association takes place Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. at the Kealekekua Ranch Center in Captain Cook (82-6066 Māmalahoa Hwy).

South Kona farmer Doug Pittman will show participants how to make a biodigester to create fuel from green waste. Workshop will include a demonstration of how to feed the biodigester and use the resulting methane gas and fertilizer. The cost is $25 per person ($20 for HOFA members). To register, contact Una Greenaway at 808-328-8888 or visit hawaiiorganic.org.

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Pāhala Plantation House hosts three Ka'ū annual meetings this month,
Friends of Ka'ū Libraries, Wood Valley Water Cooperative and
Hawai'i Farmers Union United. Photo by William Neal

FRIENDS OF KA'Ū LIBRARIES will hold its annual meeting at Pāhala Plantation House on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 96-3209 Maile Street beginning at 6 p.m. Interested persons are invited to attend.

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WOOD VALLEY WATER COOPERATIVE will hold its annual meeting at Pāhala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile St., on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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HAWAI'I FARMERS UNION United has announced its annual Ka'ū chapter meeting, to be held at Pāhala Plantation House, at 96-3209 Maile St., on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Members and friends are invited to participate in the Ka'ū Chapter business and Convention discussion, election of board members and a potluck dinner.

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A GOFARM HAWAI'I AGCURIOUS INFORMATION SESSION, presented by the Kohala Center and the GoFarm Hawai'i Farmer Training Program, takes place Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the North Hawai'i Education and Research Center in Honoka'a (45-539 Plumeria St.)
The Kohala Center explains that the event includes an overview of Hawai'i's agricultural industry. "Learn about what's involved in farming—both as a farmer and farm worker—including how to get started, challenges and opportunities, and lifestyle."
Prospective students wishing to enroll in the full GoFarm Hawai'i program must attend this session. Contact Derrick Kiyabu at derrick@gofarmhawaii.org or 808-220-2312 to register.

A MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND POTLUCK, open to members and the public, will be hosted by Hawai'i Farmers Union United East Hawai'i Chapter on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a private farm in Onomea. "Activities will include hands-on farm work, chapter updates, potluck lunch, and a special presentation from Hawai'i Island Swine Producers Cooperative about no smell piggeries using localized feed. There is no cost to attend. Please contact Drake Weinert at drakew@gmail.com to register and receive directions to the farm."

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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 13, Kamehameha vs. Ka'ū, home game.
Competitive Cheerleading: Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Hilo.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept.16, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away game.

Bowling: Saturday, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.

Register by tomorrow, Sept. 11, to avoid higher entry fees.
For more details, see the Ka'ū News Briefs from Aug. 30, 2017.

KA'Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN OFFERS AN EARLY ENTRY FEE through tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 11. The 'O Ka'ū Kākou sponsored race takes place Saturday, Sept. 23.
Staggered starts begin at 7 a.m., with all races beginning and ending at the Ka‘ū Coffee Mill at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road. In addition to goodie bags, each registered participant will receive entry into a door prize drawing valued at $700.

Trail terrains vary: 5K is a family-friendly, run/walk through macadamia groves and coffee fields; 10K is a moderate run through macadamia groves and coffee fields; Half Marathon follows the 5K and 10K course, continuing to an elevation of 3,100 feet.

Registration fees until Sept. 11: 5K/$35, 10K/$45, and HM/$55. From Sept. 11 to Sept. 21, later registration fees: 5K/$55, 10K/$65, and HM/$75.

Register at webscorer.com. until Thursday, September 21, at midnight. Race day registration ends at 6:30 a.m. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org.
O Ka'ū Kākou stated that all proceeds, beyond the cost of the race, remain in Ka‘ū to support service projects for keiki and kupuna, schools, community groups, and organizations who look to ‘OKK for assistance.

SENIOR I.D.'s for people aged 60 and older will be issued on tomorrow, Sept. 11, at Pāhala Senior Housing Center, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at Nā‘ālehu Community Center from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call 928-3100.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf

Locally grown breadfruit are sought by the 'Ulu Cooperative. According to a Hawai'i Public Radio story
that calls breadfruit a Tropical Superfood, breadfruit is high in protein and suitable
for feeding populations in the tropics. See story below and The Salt.
Photo from Hawai'i Public Radio

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, the terrorist attack that took down commercial airliners and the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon, has drawn statements from Ka'ū's elected officials.

Gov. David Ige: "It's been 16 years since our nation was changed by the events of Sept. 11. Often, we see man’s inhumanity to man, but I’ve witnessed compassion and aloha in times of need. Our nation has demonstrated its strength, courage and will as a result of this tragedy. Of the nearly 3,000 people who perished, at least nine had ties to Hawai'i. To the families and loved ones of Georgine Rose Corrigan, Richard Keane, Maile Hale, Michael Collins, Rich Y.C. Lee, Patricia “Patti” Pitchford Colodner, David Laychak, Christine Snyder, and Heather Ho, we will never forget."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard attended the 9/11 ceremonies in New York today.
Photo from Office of Tulsi Gabbard

Sen. Mazie Hirono: "Each Sept. 11, we come together in remembrance of the thousands who were killed, and the first responders and ordinary men and women who came to the aid of their fellow Americans. We continue to honor those who defend our country in Hawai'i and around the world and their families."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: "During times like this, remembering 9/11 and devastation from hurricanes, we are reminded what's most important: life, love, family, friends."
Gabbard visited the National September 11th Memorial and Museum to honor not only the "3,000 innocent men, women, children, and first responders killed on 9/11," but also "the more than one million men and women who have served in the U.S. military since 9/11, including thousands who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

911 victims from Hawai'i were honored with lei during ceremonies
Sunday at Honolulu Hale. Photo from Office of the Mayor

She said, “That fateful day changed everything for our country and still weighs heavily upon my heart. We must never forget the memory of those who lost their lives on that day, and those who continue to serve the American people and our country, at home and abroad."

A lei ceremony was held on Sunday at Honolulu Hale to remember the Hawai'i victims and to honor first responders and agencies dedicated to keeping the community safe.

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HAWAI'I IS THE THIRD HAPPIEST STATE IN AMERICA, according to the ratings released today by WalletHub.com. According to WalletHub, Hawai'i has the fewest depressed adults of any state. The separation and divorce rates is fifth lowest in the country. It is tenth in safety. The suicide rate is sixteenth lowest in the country. Income growth ranks as number 28. The Happiest State, according to WalletHub, is Minnesota, followed by Utah. After Hawai'i are California, Nebraska, New Jersey, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and New Hampshire. For the full report, see
https://wallethub.com/edu/happiest-states/6959/

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Sen. Mazie Hirono joins Stand Up for Cancer, and advocates
for health care for everyone.

TO STAND UP TO CANCER means "we have to have health care," said Sen. Mazie Hirono last Friday during Stand Up for Cancer Day. She is fighting kidney cancer that spread to a rib and has undergone surgeries and other treatments.

Hirono said, "There are lots of people who come up to me and say, 'I have cancer, I'm a cancer survivor.' Yes, as am I. That's Standing Up to Cancer, which means that in order to Stand Up for Cancer we actually have to have the where with all to treat our cancers and that means that we have to have health insurance. It defies everything that is human why everybody can't figure that out - that these serious illnesses - we have to have treatments for, we have to have health coverage for. That's what I'm standing up for."

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EQUIFAX SHOULD END FORCED ARBITRATION, says U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono, Al Franken and Catherine Cortez Masto. Equifax—the credit bureau that recently made public a data breach affecting 143 million Americans—used forced arbitration agreements, "which limit the ability of consumers to pursue actions in public courts in response to corporate wrongdoing," the Senators said in a statement today.

Image from cnet.com

In a letter sent today, Hirono and 19 Senate Democrats pressured Equifax CEO Richard Smith to drop support for and the use of forced arbitration clauses in consumer agreements. “Forced arbitration provisions in consumer contracts erode Americans’ ability to seek justice in the courts by forcing them into a privatized system that is inherently rigged against consumers and which offers virtually no way to challenge a biased outcome. Forced arbitration clauses, like the one that appeared in the TrustedID Terms of Use, require consumers to sign away their constitutional right to seek accountability in a court of law," wrote the Senators. “Although Equifax has since removed the clause from the TrustedID Terms of Use – a move we applaud – we are concerned that the company may still support the use of forced arbitration more broadly.”

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HAWAI’I ‘ULU COOPERATIVE SEEKS TO AQUIRE LOCALLY GROWN BREADFRUIT, according to The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services.
Hawai'i 'Ulu Cooperative's west side aggregation and processing facility is now open for business in Honalō. Members and non-member farmers are welcome to drop off fruit. Co-op members receive $1/lb and non-members $0.75/lb. The co-op only accepts semi-ripe or fully mature fruit at this time.

Breadfruit trees have been bred for hardier, more productive trees.
Photo from National Tropical Botanical Gardens

Fruit must be unbruised and not visibly lacerated.
View the Harvesting Guide at eatbreadfruit.com, email info@eatbreadfruit.com, or call 808-238-8869 for more information about membership, quality standards, and drop-off locations.
Hawai'i Public Radio's story called Productive, Protein-Rioch Breadfruit Could Help The World's Hungry Tropics talks about breadfruit being edible at any stage or its ripening, its traditional role in Hawaiian diet and its nickname, the tree potato. It is high in vitamins and minerals and requires less labor, fertilizer and pesticides than wheat and rice. See The Salt.

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Loren Opsteldhal, the sheep shearing champion
hosts a clinic this Saturday, Sept. 16.

A SHEEP SHEARING CLINIC with National Champion Shearer Loren Opsteldahl, is being offered by the Hawai’i Sheep and Goat Association, on Saturday, Sept. 16, starting at 9 a.m., at Ahualoa Hog Farm.
HSGA says, “This is a once in a life time event to see a Master Shearer at work and learn the art of sheep shearing!” General sheep care will also be discussed.
The workshop is open to all those interested, from beginners to experiences sheep handlers. The event fee is $25 for members, $40 for non-members, with lunch included. Register hsga.net/events.

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HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENROLL NOW in the The Kohala Center’s High School Sustainable Agriculture Program.
The next session is at TKC's Demonstration Farm in Honoka’a, Oct. 9 to 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services says, “The weeklong program features hands-on training in sustainable agriculture practices and visits to important traditional Hawaiian agricultural sites and farms. Students will also learn about opportunities in farming and supporting Hawai'i's food security. Contact Dave Sansone at 808-887-6411 or dsansone@kohalacenter.org for more information.”

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BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS can look to a newly launched USDA website, farmanswers.org, for resources, says The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services.
Newfarmers.usda.gov is a USDA website with resources targeting new farmers, women, veterans, and young people engaged in agriculture. Farmanswers.org
is USDA-NIFA's beginning farmer and rancher clearinghouse, providing resources to help farmers get started and more seasoned producers succeed.

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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 13, Kamehameha vs. Ka'ū, home game.
Competitive Cheerleading: Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Hilo.

Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.

Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away game.

Bowling: Saturday, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART CLASSES IN PĀHALA.
Tree of Life Thumbprint Art: Register until tomorrow, Sept. 12. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 928-3102.
Tissue Art: Register until Sept. 19. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.

FRIENDS OF THE KA'Ū LIBRARIES will hold its annual meeting at Pāhala Plantation House on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 96-3209 Maile Street beginning at 6 p.m. Interested persons are invited to attend.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES will be available at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more details, call 939-7033.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEET THURSDAY, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road maintenance Corp. office. The meeting is meant for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.

REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.

WOOD VALLEY WATER COOPERATIVE will hold its annual meeting at Pahala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile St. on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

REDEEM HI-5 RECYCLABLES AT NĀ'ĀLEHU SCHOOL GYM on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and receive 5 cents per container (sorted by type) and an additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. For more details, call 939-2413, ext. 230.

DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN GODDESSES HI'IAKA & PELE and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk this Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU is a free, guided, 2.5 mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park that focuses on the area’s human history from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17.

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