The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Major in the Hawai`i Army National Guard, says the U.S. should negotiate for peace through ending its policy of regime change to prevent a nuclear attack from North Korea. Above, she talks last year at Kīlauea Military Camp. Photo from Big Island Video News

A WAILING WARNING ATTACK SIREN SOUNDED ACROSS KA‘Ū and the entire state this morning, testing the alert that would be broadcast should a nuclear assault be underway. The test siren will be sounded the first working day of each month in tandem with the tsunami siren. Hawai`i is the first state to install this siren in response to North Korea threatening to attack the U.S. with nuclear weapons.

An intercontinental ballistic missile launched from North Korea could travel the 4,661 miles to reach Hawai`i in about 20 minutes, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Defense. Vern Miyagi, of the state Emergency Management Agency, said it would take about five minutes to confirm the launch and path of the missile, giving Hawai`i people about 15 minutes to find shelter.
Tulsi Gabbard, Ka`u's representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, responded to the siren testing on Friday.

North Korea released this photo of its leader and intercontinental missile.

Kim Jong Un, North Korean leader.
Photo from India Times

"December 1, 2017 will forever mark a dark day for Hawai‘i, for our country, and the world. Today marks the first day of a new era, in which the lives and future of the people of our state have indelibly changed, as they’ll be reminded every month with nuclear warning siren tests that at any moment, we, our children, our families, and our precious ‘āina will be vulnerable to a nuclear attack from North Korea—with mere minutes notice. I’ve been raising the issue of the increasing threat from North Korea ever since I came to Congress because the people of Hawai‘i have long known that North Korea's continued growing capabilities put us squarely within range of their intercontinental ballistic missiles.
"It is a travesty and a total failure of leadership, by both Republican and Democrat administrations, that their short-sighted policies over the last 40 years have left the people of Hawai‘i and this country, our homes and communities, and generations to come, under the dark cloud of a nuclear threat from this point forward.

Gabbard contended that "The only possible option to remove this dark cloud will come through the pursuit of serious diplomacy, and that will only be successful if two things happen. First, we must negotiate directly with North Korea and Kim Jong Un. Second, we have to understand why he is holding on so tightly to their nuclear weapons—it is because he sees them as his only deterrent from the U.S. coming in and trying to topple his regime. Kim Jong Un looks back to the U.S. track record, and how we overthrew Saddam Hussein in Iraq because of false intelligence that he had weapons of mass destruction. He sees how even after Muammar Gaddafi in Libya was promised by the U.S. that if he gave up nuclear weapons we wouldn't go after him; we went after him anyway and took him out. He looks at what we have been and are still doing in Syria, trying to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad. He sees how the Trump administration and some in Congress are increasing their rhetoric to go after Iran and overthrow their government," concluded Gabbard.

"In order for serious negotiations to have a chance, our country must actually end our regime change war policies. This is necessary for North Korea to see that we are serious when we say we are not interested in toppling their regime, and that we are serious about achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in a denuclearized Korean Peninsula."
Gabbard is a Major in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard and has served on two Middle East deployments. She is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The North Korean sites for a possible nuclear missile launch is about 4,100 miles from Hawai`i and it would
take about 20 minutes for a missile to reach here. Image from The Express

THE FEDERAL TAX CUT BILL PASSED THE U.S. SENATE, 51 VOTES TO 49, AND GOES TO CONFERENCE WITH THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to iron out differences. The vote came late Friday night Hawai`i time, Saturday morning in Washington, D.C. Hawai`i Senators voted No.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, had this to say:
“Republicans are living in an alternative universe. There is no other way to explain why they are touting this huge tax bill, which will hurt millions of American families, as the bill to end all bills to benefit the middle class. This is shibai, a sham.
“This bill gives over $1 trillion in tax cuts to the richest one percent of individuals and

Sen. Mazie Hirono said the bill that passed the U.S. Senate, proclaiming
massive tax cuts for the masses, is "setting the stage for massive
cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
Image from Medicare

corporations in our country, while eliminating health insurance coverage for more than 13 million Americans and raising the premiums for everyone else, and setting the stage for massive cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security—all to pay for this huge giveaway for corporations and the mega-rich like Donald Trump. The American people don’t buy this Republican tax scam, and the coming days and months will reveal just how badly they are being hurt.
"Under the Senate’s version of the Republican tax scam, corporations will receive permanent tax cuts while working families and small businesses only see temporary relief. In addition, the relief working families receive is far less than the very wealthy. In Hawai`i, less one percent of taxpayers with incomes over $1 million would see an average tax cut of $59,000 in 2019, while the 60 percent of taxpayers who make under $50,000 would only see an average of $160. Most would see even less under the Republican bill.
"Tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy will cost over $1 trillion in the next 10 years, limiting needed resources to invest in national security, education, transportation, housing, and other critical priorities. In 2018, the bill could lead to an immediate $25 billion cut to Medicare, and $100 billion in cuts to other critical programs. The legislation also includes provisions that allow for oil companies to drill in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge." Hirono opposed these provisions when they were
considered by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

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Hurricane Fernanda diminished to a tropical storm before reaching
waters near Hawai`i. Image from Weather Nation

HURRICANE SEASON IS OVER, ending Nov. 30 as one of the quietist on record, in stark contrast to one of the noisiest in the Atlantic, with devastating Hurricanes Maria, Irma and Harvey.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center, expecting an El Nino season, predicted five to eight storms, but only two emerged. Both were in July. Hurricane Fernanda diminished to a tropical storm before reaching the Central Pacific and Tropical Depression Greg also came through. El Nino failed to materialize. In 2016, six tropical storms passed through the Central Pacific. In 2015, there were 17.

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THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COLORING CONTEST HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED for Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki, grades K-5, until Register Dec. 13. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS BEDECK THE STONE AND WOODEN COTTAGES at Kīlauea Military Camp. They are open for outdoor strolling within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Friday, Jan. 1.Vote on the best decorated cottage. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8371 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Kīlauea Military Camp cottages with holiday decorations. The

public is invited to vote for the best. Photo by Dave Berry

HI‘IAKA & PELE, a free, moderate, one-mile walk through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, takes place Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

VOLCANO FESTIVAL CHORUS hosts its 23rd The Wonder of Christmas concert Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 pm at KMC's Kilauea Theater. The 25-member chorus is under the direction of Roch Jones with accompaniment by Walter Greenwood.
Also joining the chorus will be Cheryl Shine on flute and piccolo, and Gillen Kauakahi on recorder.
The Carols of Gathering by Joseph Martin will open the show and a medley of White Christmas and Happy Holiday by Irving Berlin will close the show. The program is varied and includes a spiritual Have You Heard the News?, an African Alleluia, an Irish Carol, and madrigals, All The Town Be Merry and Throw Open The Shutters. Popular carols Do You Hear What I Hear?, Ring, Christmas Bells and Pie Jesu are also featured.
Admission is free; however, donations will be accepted.

GILLIGANS NIGHT WILL BENEFIT KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. sponsored by The Innovation for Education Foundation. The location is the Charter School campus at the old Discovery Harbour Golf Course Clubhouse.

Joe Iacuzzo, Managing Director of KLA, described it as: “Pizza, Chicken Parmesan and our famous meatballs and pasta (so good the meatballs come first!).” There will be live music. Beer and wine will be served. All proceeds benefit Kaʻū Learning Academy. The Innovation for Education Foundation is a 501c3 public charity. See kaulearning.com and on Facebook.

JOIN RANGERS FOR A GUIDED HIKE, REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the “talk story” segment of this hike.

Exploring the Realms and divisions of Kahuku, this Saturday, Dec. 2.
NPS Photo

TWO EIGHT WEEK SUNDAY CLAY - HIGH FIRE! SESSIONS with Erik Wold at Volcano Art Center start Sunday, Dec.3, and continue through Feb. 4. The morning session takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the afternoon session from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. No class will be held Dec. 24 or 31. The cost per Volcano Art Center member is $185, or $200 for each non-member, plus a $15 materials fee. The course includes six pounds of clay, including glazing and firing, with additional clay available for purchase. For more details, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

HAM RADIO OPERATORS POTLUCK PICNIC is Sunday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Manukā Park. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. For more, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Dec. 23. Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS MONDAY, Dec. 4, for committee meetings and Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 20, for Council meetings. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Monday, Dec. 4, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

CASCADE VOLCANOES BENEATH A SOLAR ECLIPSE is the After Dark in the Park talk that has been announced for Tuesday, Dec. 5, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the volcanoes of the Cascade Range in Washington and Oregon - how often they erupt and why they can be more dangerous that volcanoes in Hawai’i. Park rangers share their stories of their adventures while visiting these majestic mountains during the total solar eclipse. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, UNTIL TUESDAY, DEC. 5, for a Mason Jar Lover Wreath Craft class planned for Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. For more call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

Kumu Hulua Iwalani Kalima will share hula
experiences at Volcano Art Center Gallery
on Thursday, Dec. 7.

OPEN MIC NIGHT is Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. Visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com for more details.

HULA VOICES takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the event, with Kumu hula Iwalani Kalima of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E presenting her hula experiences. Free; park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-703.

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES FALL EDITION OF THEATER NIGHT takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 6 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

FIVE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT events in which volunteers help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park take place this December. The first event is Thursday, Dec. 7, with remaining events taking place Dec. 15, 23, and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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THE ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE is accepting entries. It is scheduled for Sunday,

Pāhala Preschool rides in every Pāhala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Dec. 10, with participants touring the streets of Pāhala and winding up at the Holy Rosary Church on Pikake Street for treats and more entertainment. Produced by Eddie Andrade and family along with Mary Jane Balio for 39 years, the parade features Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus greeting parade goers with a Ho Ho Ho and throwing candies to the keiki. It features community groups, musicians, churches, businesses and schools, along with the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee court, walking and riding on floats, trucks and classic vehicles.
The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the old Pāhala Armory and stops at houses throughout the village, making a stop for the staff and long-term care residents at Ka‘ū Hospital before arriving at the Catholic Church.
Parade participants should start lining up by 12:30 p.m. To be involved - there are no entry fees for participants - call the Andrades at 928-0808.
Sponsors of the parade also include the Edmund C. Olson Trust II.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

Kilauea Military Camp lights up for Christmas with public voting for the best decorations. Kīlauea Military Camp
lights up for Christmas holidays. Photo by David Berry

ADDICTION TO OPIODS IS THE TARGET of a state plan released by Gov. David Ige's office on Friday. The Hawai`i Opioid Initiative action plan notes that drug overdose deaths are higher per year in Hawai`i than deaths from vehicle accidents.The number of active prescriptions of opioids in Hawai`i, about 490,000, would cover about a third of the population.
Nationally with 259 million prescriptions, according to 2012 statistics, enough opioid prescriptions are written to give a bottle each person in the country.
The state Department of Health plans to standardize notice from doctors to patients about the risk of using opioids and combining them with use of other substances. The state plan calls for closer reporting of opioid prescriptions by physicians. It also calls for screening hospital and clinic patients for opioid addiction.
Gov. David Ige said: “Fortunately, Hawai`i has not yet experienced the magnitude of the opioid crisis seen in other parts of the country. While emerging issues and concerns in the state are on the rise, we have been given a relatively unique opportunity to proactively respond, prepare and prevent the crisis from reaching the same magnitude.”

"The plan is designed to sustain a system wide coordinated and proactive response to not only opioids, but also methamphetamine and other prevalent drugs," says a DOH statement.
The collaborative effort is led by the Department of Health, together with the Department of the Attorney General, Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division, Department of Public Safety Narcotics Enforcement Division and a wide range of community groups. Read the plan at http://health.hawaii.gov/substance-abuse/survey/.

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DID AERIAL BOMBING STOP THE 1935 MAUNA LOA LAVA FLOW? That's the question posed in this week's Volcano Watch by USGS scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
A widely-held belief is that Thomas Jaggar, founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, was able to stop a Mauna Loa lava flow in 1935. But is it true?
The eruption in question began on November 21, 1935. Six days later, an unusual breakout at an elevation of 8500 feet on the north flank of Mauna Loa sent ʻaʻā lava to the north. Pāhoehoe lava ponded at the base of Mauna Kea for two weeks before advancing toward Hilo at a rate of about 1.6 km/day (1 mile/day).

Thomas Jaggar

On Dec. 23, fearing that the flow would reach the headwaters of the Wailuku River, which supplied water for the town of Hilo, Jaggar called on the Army Air Service, based on Oʻahu, to bomb the lava flow source. His hope was that the lava tubes or channels could be destroyed, thereby robbing the advancing flow while feeding another flow that would re-cover the same area. The flow was bombed on December 27, and lava stopped flowing during the night or early morning of January 2, 1936.
Jaggar publicly praised the Army for its responsiveness and technical accuracy in delivering the bombs to his selected targets. In turn, Jaggar was praised for his successful experiment and saving Hilo.
What is not widely known is that a USGS geologist, Harold Stearns, was on board the last plane to deliver bombs to Jaggar's targeted areas. Stearns had been mapping the geology and water resources of Maui volcanoes. But when he heard about the plan to bomb the lava flow on Mauna Loa, he traveled to Hilo to see if he could fly with the Army.
Stearns got his chance. At 12:40 p.m. on December 27, his plane dropped two 600-pound bombs (each with 300 pounds of TNT), but they hit a few hundred feet from their target. Jaggar himself watched the bombing through a telescope from the base of Mauna Kea.

Bombing to stop the lava threatening Hilo in 1935. USGS Photo

Assessing Jaggar's bombing goals, Stearns said, "The tube walls look 25 to 50 feet high and deep in the flow so that I think there would be no change of breaking the walls. The lava liquid is low. The damming possibility looks effective but the target is too small."
Following up with a letter to Jaggar in January 1936, Stearns questioned the effectiveness of the bombing.
Jaggar wrote back that later examination of the flow's source showed that "This channel was broken up by the bombing and fresh streams poured over the side of the heap.... I have no question that this robbing of the source tunnel slowed down the movement of the front.... The average actual motion of the extreme front ... for the five days after the bombing was approximately 1000 feet per day. For the seven days preceding the bombing the rate was one mile per day."
Jaggar then asked the rhetorical question, "How long would the flow have lasted without bombing it?" He used the 1919-1920 Kīlauea eruption, which sent lava into the Kaʻū Desert to form Mauna Iki, as an analogue. "If we had bombed Mauna Iki in February 1920, the pahoehoe tunnel system would never have reached the lower Kau desert...."

Aerial view of 1935 lava flow that threatened Hilo.
Photo from Naval Air Service

Stearns remained unconvinced. In his 1983 autobiography, he wrote about bombing the Mauna Loa flow: "I am sure it was a coincidence...."
Jaggar's boss at the time, Hawai`i National Park Superintendent E.G. Wingate, was also skeptical.
The day after the bombing, Wingate wrote to the Army commanders, "Though we are as yet unable to determine what effect the airplane bombardment achieved ... I feel very doubtful that it will succeed in diverting the flow. Therefore, I am ... reconnoitering the flow region and will try to locate a feasible spot on the ground where a land expedition might successfully attack the flow channel by dynamiting or other methods."
In Wingate's December 1935 report, he summarized the effort: "Just what part the bombardment had in stopping the lava flow the superintendent is not qualified to say. Certainly the facts are most interesting and Dr. Jaggar believes the experiment to have played a definite part."
Modern thinking mostly supports Stearns' conclusion. Whether or not the bombing stopped the 1935 Mauna Loa lava flow remains a controversial topic today.

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ONE LANE CLOSURES ALONG HWY 11 between Mile Marker 53 and Mile Maker 57 between Pahala and Volcano are scheduled from Monday, Dec. 4 - Friday, Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m. t o 3 p.m. The state Department of Transportation will work on pavement reconstruction.

KA‘Ū TROJANS PLAYED KEA`AU IN SOCCER ON SATURDAY. In boys division, Kea`au scored 9, Ka`u 0. In girls, Kea`au scored 6, Ka`u 0.

Find The Ka`u Calendar soon in your mailbox, stands
and online at www.kaucalendar.com

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Soccer: Tues, Dec. 5, Ka`u @Konawa`ena

Saturday, Dec. 9, Kakualani @ Ka`u

Boys Basketball: Fri and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, Maui Tournament

Swimming: Sat, Dec. 9 at Konawaena

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

TWO EIGHT WEEK SUNDAY CLAY - HIGH FIRE! SESSIONS with Erik Wold at Volcano Art Center start Sunday, Dec. 3, and continue through Feb. 4. The morning session takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the afternoon session from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. No class will be held Dec. 24 or 31. The cost per Volcano Art Center member is $185, or $200 for each non-member, plus a $15 materials fee. The course includes six pounds of clay, including glazing and firing, with additional clay available for purchase. For more details, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

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

A vintage Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Department Truck.
The organization meets Tuesday.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

CASCADE VOLCANOES BENEATH A SOLAR ECLIPSE is the After Dark in the Park talk that has been announced for Tuesday, Dec. 5, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the volcanoes of the Cascade Range in Washington and Oregon - how often they erupt and why they can be more dangerous that volcanoes in Hawai’i. Park rangers share their stories of their adventures while visiting these majestic mountains during the total solar eclipse. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

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

New Neighborhood Watch signs were put up earlier this year in
Ocean View. the group meets on Thursday.

HULA VOICES takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the event, with Kumu hula Iwalani Kalima of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E presenting her hula experiences. Free; park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-703.

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES FALL EDITION OF THEATER NIGHT takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 6 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

FIVE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT events in which volunteers help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park take place this December. The first event is Thursday, Dec. 7, with remaining events taking place Dec. 15, 23, and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Paul and Jane Field lead Stewardship at the Summit.
Photo from HVNP

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

THE ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE is accepting entries. It is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. with participants touring the streets of Pāhala and winding up at the Holy Rosary Church on Pikake Street for treats and more entertainment.
Parade participants start lining up by 12:30 p.m. To be involved - there are no entry fees - call the Andrades at 928-0808.
Sponsors of the parade also include the Edmund C. Olson Trust II.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

Writers of the draft plan for Pohakuloa Training Area, KMC and other Army Garrison sites in Hawai`i
are accepting comments through Dec. 7. See story below. Photo from U.S. Defense Department

THE LATEST CULTURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN for 132,268 acres at Pohakuloa Training Area, 72 acres at Kīlauea Military Camp, 11 acres at Kawaihae Military Reservation, and other U.S. Army Garrison posts in the state, declares no significant impact. With this finding, the Army is not required to hold public hearings on its future plans for these places.
However, public comments on the draft management plan are being accepted until next Thursday, Dec. 7. Several environmental, peace and cultural organizations held their own "people's public hearing" last week in Hilo and Kona said they plan to submit testimony, particularly concerning Pohakuloa where war games with live fire, tanks, helicopters and planes are conducted.
Projects planned for Pohakuloa through 2021 include construction of Keamuku Range Roads - Garrison MSR-Troop Construction; an Access Control Point and MP Station; an Aviation Gunnery Range; and a qualification Training Range and road paving.
The plan can be read online. It says that that Army provides the expertise of qualified architectural historians toward the management of approximately 400 buildings at Pohakuloa and nearly 100 buildings and structures "contributing to the character of the Kīlauea Military Camp." It also says that a cultural resource specialist with the National Park Service provides professional expertise and is the point-of-contact to the management of Pohakuloa.
Concerning archaeological sites, the Army maintains a staff to protect and interpret them, a small curation facility for artifacts at the Pohakuloa Training Area and a larger one at Schofield Barracks on O`ahu.

According to the plan, the mission for USAG-Pōhakuloa, a military warfare training area, is to “provide support for single service, Joint, and Combined training to afford warfighters the most realistic and flexible training environment available in the Pacific.”
"PTA is the primary tactical training area that provides the United States Pacific Command Commander with joint/multinational training capabilities to support home-station training, joint training, and enables theater regional engagements," says the plan. "As a remote location, PTA is ideally suited for emergency deployment readiness exercises, regional Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration training, and multinational exercises in support of Theater Security Cooperation Programs and Shaping Operations."
The Army Garrsison supports Pōhakuloa staff with technical oversight, as well as continued administrative and logistical support "as USAG-Pōhakuloa grows its capabilities. USAG-Pōhakuloa also has oversight of KMC and Kawaihae Military Reservation and provides cultural resources support for both. The USAG-Pōhakuloa actively supports USAG-HI tenant activities, organizations, and units when they deploy to PTA for training. Tenants are required to notify the CRM of any potential changes to historic properties and to coordinate National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 processes through the USAG-Pōhakuloa Cultural Resources Section," says the plan.
Despite the promise to protect the environment and cultural resources, the plan drew opposition at the "people's public hearings." With a banner saying, "Protect Pohakuloa, Stop the Bombing, "and a sign saying, "Cancel PTA Lease" behind them, citizens testified for hours.

Steve Hirakami, Principal of the HAAS Charter School, said he is
inspired by students who visited the former military bombing site of
Kaho`olawe and are taking up the issue of military bombing at
Pohakuloa on this island. Photo from Big Island Video News.

Hawai`i Kingdom activist Pua`ena Ahn called Pohakuloa a Hawaiian place and claimed the military is bombing sacred land, grave sites and heiau. One man said the military endangers the people who are employed at Pohakuloa and claimed one of the risks is depleted uranium left there by the military. He said "the military expects respect" and that "we expect the military to respect the land."
He claimed that the military is using a strategy of fear on the population to include the new, monthly nuclear attack warning sirens that began on Dec. 1, as well as the sound of each bomb that is dropped at Pohakuloa.
Donna Grabo urged the military to act as a peacekeeping body with "no more violence" rather than perpetuating war.
Jim Albertini, of Malu `Aina, said the plan is oriented toward dealing with impacts of cultural resources on the military mission rather than the military impact on cultural resources. He claimed that less than one third of the 130,000 acres at Pohakuloa have been surveyed in the 70 years of bombing. He said 1,200 cultural sites have been identified on less than one third of Pohakuloa and estimated that if all was surveyed, thousands of sites would be discovered.
He also claimed that leaving depleted uranium at Pohakuloa violates the state constitution. The Nuclear Regulatory Agency announced last month that it will look into a Kona citizen and scientists' concern about the situation.

HAAS student Christopher Bizenbauer presented a petition asking for
demilitarization of Pohakuloa. Photo from Big Island Video News

Steve Hirakami, principal of the Hawai`i Academy of Arts & Science, brought students to the hearing and he testified. He said ten HAAS students recently traveled to Kaho`olawe, the former military target island, and were so inspired that they have taken up the issue of military bombing at Pohakuloa.
Fifteen year old Christopher Bizenbauer, of the HAAS school, presented a petition calling for the demilitarization of Pohakuloa. He said the school visit to Kaho`olawe showed him how difficult is is for land to recover from bombing and military war games. He said he saw destruction and craters, almost no plants and lots of erosion. He pointed to a military environmental assessment written during the time of the Kaho`olawe bombing, which contended that bombing was beneficial through pulverizing the island's soil to make it amenable to the growth of vegetation. The EA claimed that accumulation of rain runoff in bomb craters was also beneficial. He said that with that kind of thinking, he couldn't trust the military to have Pohakuloa's best interest in mind.
He noted that "Pohakuloa is many times the size of Kaho`olawe. "Kaho`olawe has zero residents and we live here and they are blowing up our island," said the HAAS student.
He presented a petition addressed to Gov. David Ige, Mayor Harry Kim, the County Council, state legislators and courts asking them to revoke the military lease for Pohakuloa.
Bombing of Kaho`olawe ended in 1990 after decades o0f public opposition and legal action.
See films of both the Hilo and Kona People's Hearings at www.bigislandvideonews.com. See the military plan online.

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PĀHALA SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT FLYERS AND MAILERS are circulating in the village. "An Invitation for Pāhala Residents" from the county Department of Environmental Management invites them to come to one of five meetings set for Dec. 12, 13 and 14, "to talk story about a proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pāhala. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that the two County-operated Large Capacity Cesspools that receive wastewater from Pāhala properties previously served by the C. Brewer system must be closed due to environmental concerns," says the flyer.
The county is considering purchasing more than 40 acres at the corner of Hwy 11 and Maile Street, next to the Norfolk pine tree entrance to Pāhala, from Kamehameha Schools for the project.

This location for the new sewage treatment plant would be near

the entrance to Pāhala in what is now a macadamia orchard and

next to the scenic Maile Street pine tree lane.

It currently is home to a macadamia orchard. The purchase is on the County Council agenda for consideration this Monday.
Also possibly up for sale is the nearby 60-acre former Ka`u Sugar Mill site, which goes to a foreclosure auction on Dec. 20 with no upset price. It is listed as No. 10 on the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission for acquisition by the county.
The county flyer says that "throughout the planning and design process for the new Pāhala Wastewater Treatment Plant, our consultant Brown and Caldwell will be reaching out to the community."
The first round of Pāhala informal talk story sessions will be held in mid-December. "We will talk about the Pāhala project and ask you to share your thoughts and ideas," says the flyer. The five identical sessions are set for:
Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka`u District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room;
Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka`u District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room;
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka`u District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room.

The county and consultants are asking for RSVP's, but they not required to attend. For more information, contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan at eplan1@aol.com or Department of Environmental Management at 961-8339 or Iris Cober at the Brown and Caldwell Maui office at 808-442-3300.
The consultants also sent out stamped return post cards to those homeowners currently on the old Brewer sewage system in order for them to RSVP.
Separate meetings will be planned for the Na`alehu Wastewater Treatment Plant plan.

Find The Ka`u Calendar soon in your mailbox, stands
and online at www.kaucalendar.com

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Soccer: Tues, Dec. 5, Ka`u @Konawa`ena

Saturday, Dec. 9, Kakualani @ Ka`u

Boys Basketball: Fri and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, Maui Tournament

Swimming: Sat, Dec. 9 at Konawaena

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HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS MONDAY, Dec. 4, for committee meetings and Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 20, for Council meetings. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Mason Jar wreaths will be made in a

class at Pahala Community Center.

CASCADE VOLCANOES BENEATH A SOLAR ECLIPSE is the After Dark in the Park talk that has been announced for Tuesday, Dec. 5, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the volcanoes of the Cascade Range in Washington and Oregon - how often they erupt and why they can be more dangerous that volcanoes in Hawai’i. Park rangers share their stories of their adventures while visiting these majestic mountains during the total solar eclipse. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

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OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-703.

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES FALL EDITION OF THEATER NIGHT takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 6 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

FIVE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT events in which volunteers help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park take place this December. The first event is Thursday, Dec. 7, with remaining events taking place Dec. 15, 23, and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

ALOHA FRIDAY: LEI MAKING WITH RANDY LEE is Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Volcano Art Center Gallery Porch in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Make lei from a variety of natural materials from the forest. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT will host its Holiday Event to take place Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576, or visit discoveryharbour.net.

Soft pastel class with Patti Pease Johnson is
this Saturday at Volcano Art Center.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE ANNUAL MEETING IS Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Association. For more, call 929-9910.

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW ANNOUNCES A KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY for Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in their lower parking lot. Each child receives two books at Rudolph’s Reading Room, a stocking from Santa, and a cookie and punch from Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. All are welcome. For more, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

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

SOFT PASTEL STILL LIFE WITH PATTI PEASE JOHNSON class, Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon at Volcano Art Center. Instruction and materials provided. Beginners to intermediate artists welcome. $50 per non-member, $45 per VAC member, plus $10 supply fee per person. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org .com.

EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. It will also take place on Dec. 30.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-5, BY Wednesday, Dec. 13, for the Annual Christmas Coloring Contest that takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

Trucks are welcome in the Pāhala Christmas Parade next Sunday.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE is open for participants next Sunday, Dec. 10. The parade travels the streets of Pāhala and winds up at the Holy Rosary Church on Pikake Street for treats and more entertainment. Produced by Eddie Andrade and family along with Mary Jane Balio for 39 years, the parade features Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus greeting parade goers with a Ho Ho Ho and throwing candies to the keiki. It features community groups, musicians, churches, businesses and schools, along with the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee court, walking and riding on floats, trucks and classic vehicles.
The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the old Pāhala Armory and stops at houses throughout the village, making a stop for the staff and long-term care residents at Ka‘ū Hospital before arriving at the Catholic Church. Participants start lining up by 12:30 p.m. To be involved - there are no entry fees - call the Andrades at 928-0808.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

National Marine Monuments like Papahānaumokuākea serve as nurseries and breeding waters for
fish sought for home use and for commercial fishing. Pres Donald Trump plans to open commercial
fishing in several National Marine Monuments. See story below.
Photo from Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument

HAWAI`I OCEAN VIEW ESTATES DEEPWELL REMAINS INOPERABLE. Ocean View residents are urged to conserve their catchment and any water stored through early January. The county Department of Water Supply issued an update Monday afternoon, stating that emergency repair work continues.
"At this time, the Contractor has completed extraction of both pump and motor from well and has confirmed that the motor is inoperable. A spare motor is being transported to the site. Pump has been sent to the manufacturers for refurbishing and is expected to be back on site by early January 2018,

with installation to occur shortly thereafter. Anticipated completion of this emergency repair is in January 2018."
Due to this breakdown, the following remain in effect:
Drinking water spigots remain open for community access. However, users are asked to limit consumption to potable needs only in order to extend water availability in the reservoir.
The standpipe facility for water haulers is closed until repairs can be completed.
The Department of Water statement says that updated information will be forthcoming as it becomes available. "The Department requests your cooperation and thanks you for your patience and understanding during this emergency." For additional information, contact 961- 8790.

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A CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF CHILDCARE is the conclusion of new research from University of Hawai`i and Hawai`i Children's Action Network. The study shows that Ka‘ū and Puna are the least served regions in the state with only one licensed childcare space for every 74 infant-toddlers and only one licensed childcare center space for every six children ages three to five.

See the report online.

The findings, which describe available childcare as high quality but in short supply, are no surprise to the staff of Children's Action Network. The statewide assessment of the learning environment for infants to age-five, find that only one in four have available services.

The services surveyed include family-child interaction learning programs like Tutu & Me, which serves Ka‘ū. It includes family childcare homes, where a licensed family hosts children outside of their own family members. It includes childcare centers and preschools. Statewide, it finds that there is room for only one in every 37 children under age three in a licensed infant-toddler center.

Cost is a deterrent for the opening of new childcare centers and a family's ability to pay for them. “Hawai`i is the most unaffordable state for childcare and preschool. The average cost of childcare for a three-to-four-year-old is $9,000 a year,” said Deborah Zysman, executive director for Hawai`i Children's Network, speaking to Pacific Business News. Affordable childcare for all children in a family, as defined by the federal government, is 7 percent of median family income. In Hawai`i, for only one child, the cost is 13 percent of median family income.

“It’s concerning,” Zysman told Pacific Business News reporter Anna Hrushka. “So many Hawai`i families are in this gap group, living paycheck to paycheck, working, and childcare is very expensive. It’s a significant part of a family’s budget.”
The study calls for workforce development to increase the number of childcare service jobs, as well as providing more childcare subsidized by government and employers.

Ka‘ū and Puna have the fewest opportunities for families needing childcare in the state, according
to a new study from University of Hawai`i and Hawai`i Children's Action Network.
Image from Hawai`i Early Leaning Needs Assessment

Zysman said that Hawai`i “should not have to rely on philanthropy” for childcare. She named Kamehameha Schools, Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation and Mary Castle Foundation for "making philanthropic investments," according to the PBN story.

See the summary report Hawai`i Early Learning Needs Assessment.

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PROTECTION OF MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENTS at Papahānaumokuākea and in waters of American Samoa made national news on Sunday and Monday. Former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell explained in television interviews and newspaper editorials how fishing bans in preserves

Pres. Theodore Roosevelt was the first to take action

to preserve what is now known as Papahānaumokuākea.

In 1902 he outlawed seabird poaching.

Photo from www.theodoreroosevelt.com

allow marine species to thrive and populate fishing waters outside the monuments. Pres. Donald Trump proposes opening up fishing in protected waters. Jewell also advocated for protection of Utah's National Monuments, which Trump reduced on Monday through executive order. He is yet to announce final plans for National Marine Monuments.
Jewell tweeted on Monday, "Pres. Trump’s expected actions today will make him the most anti-conservation, president in our history. He will be challenged by tribes and thoughtful citizens that recognize that some places are too special to develop."
The largest marine preserve on the planet is at Papahānaumokuākea, including Hawaiian waters and the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. For more than a century, Republican and Democrat Presidents have participated in its establishment. Parts of it were first protected in 1903 by Pres. Theodore Roosevelt who forbade seabird poachers. In 1909 he established the Hawaiian Islands Bird Reservation. In 1940 Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt protected all of its wildlife by establishing the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge. In 1967 Pres. Lydon B. Johnson added protections. In 1988 Pres. Ronald Reagan created Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. In 1996 Pres. Bill Clinton transferred Midway from the Navy to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and created the Northwest Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosytem Reserve. In 2006, Pres. George W, Bush created the Marine National Monument. Pres. Barrack Obama expanded it.
The Vision for Papahānaumokuākea, as stated on the Department of Interior website, is: "To forever protect and perpetuate ecosystem health and diversity and Native Hawaiian cultural significance of Papahānaumokuākea."
The Mission for Papahānaumokuākea, as stated on the Department of Interior website, is:

Protecting seabirds was the first preservation effort at
Papahānaumokuākea. Photo by Kaleomanuiwa Wong

"To carry out seamless integrated management to ensure ecological integrity and achieve strong, long-term protection and perpetuation of Northwest Hawaiian Islands ecosystems, Native Hawaiian culture, and heritage resources for current and future
generations."
The Nature Conservancy gave a presentation to the Hawai`i Legislature earlier this year on the value of protecting marine resources. According to the report, almost 50 percent of Hawai`i's coral reefs suffered bleaching between 2014 and 2015. Fisheries have suffered a 90 percent decline in overall catch during the last 100 years, in part from overfishing.
The marine monuments are considered a nursery for the fish that local residents catch for home use and for the commercial fishery.

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THE LATEST TRAVEL BAN from the Trump administration will be allowed by a U.S. Supreme Court decision on Monday as legal challenges proceed. Venezuela, Chad, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Iran and North Korea are on a list that makes it almost impossible for refugees from these countries to enter the U.S.

Hawai`i Attorney General Doug Chin
opposes Travel Ban. Photo from HPR

Since the Trump administration has been fighting to install its travel bans for some 319 days, refugees in the U.S. have been responsible for zero attacks and deaths, while Americans have been responsible for 56,863 shootings leading to 14,335 deaths, 326 mass shootings, and zero gun bans, claims refugee advocate Qasim Rashid, posting on the twitter feeds of news outlets.

The State of Hawai`i has taken on the Travel Bans by filing suits in federal court, proclaiming discrimination. State Attorney General Doug Chin argued on Nov. 28 that the ban causes "prolonged separation of families, the impairment of the State's university and the damage to the public as a whole inflicted by a radical departure form the status quo that had existed for decades."

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A HOLIDAY COLLAGE WREATH CLASS for keiki ages 6-12 has been announced for Friday, Dec. 15, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park (H.O.V.E.). Register until Dec. 13. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

MAKING A HANGING SANTA CRAFT will be the activity on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register keiki, grades K-8, until Dec. 12. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The cooperative's Christmas party is Saturday, Dec. 30 at Pāhala Plantation House.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

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Desiree Moana Cruz moderates Hula Volces on Thursday.
Image from Volcano Art Center

OPEN MIC NIGHT is Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. Visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com for more details.

HULA VOICES takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the event, with Kumu hula Iwalani Kalima of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E presenting her hula experiences. Free; park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-703.

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES FALL EDITION OF THEATER NIGHT takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 6 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

FIVE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT events in which volunteers help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park take place this December. The first event is Thursday, Dec. 7, with remaining events taking place Dec. 15, 23, and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Ocean View Community Center Pancake Breakfast
will be Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

ALOHA FRIDAY: LEI MAKING WITH RANDY LEE is Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Volcano Art Center Gallery Porch in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Make lei from a variety of natural materials from the forest. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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

SOFT PASTEL STILL LIFE WITH PATTI PEASE JOHNSON is the class at Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. Instruction and materials provided. Beginners to intermediate artists welcome. $50 per non-member, $45 per VAC member, plus $10 supply fee per person. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. It will also take place on Dec. 30.

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW ANNOUNCES A KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY for Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in their lower parking lot. Each child receives two books at Rudolph’s Reading Room, a stocking from Santa, and a cookie and punch from Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. All are welcome. For more, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

DISCOVERY HARBOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT will host its Holiday Event t Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576, or visit discoveryharbour.net.

THE PRE CHRISTMAS JAZZ IN THE FOREST FEATURES holiday songs in many musical styles, including Latin, Swing, Bossa, Gospel and Salsa. It stars Jeannine Guillory and The Jazztones with Jean Pierre Thoma, Loren Wilken and Matt Spencer at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center campus in Volcano village. Pupus from Ohelo cafe, Beer and Wine available for purchase. See www.volcanoartcenter.org.

SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK is Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i fhvnp.org. For more, email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.
Volcanoes National Park. All attendees must be current Friends Member, become a new member by registering online at

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Soccer: Tues, Dec. 5, Ka`u @Konawa`ena
Saturday, Dec. 9, Makua Lani @ Ka`u

Boys Basketball: Fri and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, Maui Tournament

Swimming: Sat, Dec. 9 at Konawaena

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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 this free, easy, one-mile walk. The guided hike takes place Sunday, Dec. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.

ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE starts at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Armory and ends at Holy Rosary Church on Sunday, Dec. 10. Contact Andrade family at 928-0808 to participate or for more details, no entry fees.

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

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-5, BY Wednesday, Dec. 13, for the Annual Christmas Coloring Contest that takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

Ka`u Coffee season is coming to completion and University of Hawai`i has some recommendations
for farmers. See story below. Photo from the Tenth Annual Ka`u Coffee Festival, April 21- May 6, 2018

REACTING TO FEDERAL TAX REFORM LEGISLATION that has moved to a conference committee of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate for final deliberations, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released the following on Monday:

“Millions of hardworking American families are struggling just to get by, stretching every dollar to put food on the table and keep the lights on. Both the House and Senate versions of the Republican tax legislation include massive tax breaks to corporations and the top 1percent of America, increasing the national deficit by $1.4 trillion, while providing marginal, temporary tax relief to only some low-income and middle class families, who will ultimately see their tax rates rise in just a few years. The people of this country deserve to be heard, and deserve a real tax reform bill that does right by the American people whom we serve, rather than bowing to the pressures of wealthy donors and corporate lobbyists.”

Sen. Brian Schatz circulated the following: "Senate Republicans voted to pass the most unpopular major tax bill in American history. It was shameful. There was no CBO score, no public hearings, it was written behind closed doors, and lobbyists were allowed to read the amendments before any of my Democratic colleagues.
"The American people deserve a tax code that makes it easier for students to pay off student loan debt, expands opportunities for small businesses, and helps cover expensive, life-saving medical care.
"But instead Senate Republicans voted to transfer trillions of dollars from regular working people with regular jobs to the richest individuals and corporations on the planet, repeal the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, and gut Medicaid and Medicare. At the end of the day, it was the best tax bill lobbyists could buy.
"It’s never been more clear that we need Democrats in elected office fighting for our values. In the political climate we’re in today, winning elections matter."
Schatz suggested supporting campaigns across the country to help Democratic candidates take back Congress "so we can get to work on real tax reform that helps working people, not special interests or mega-donors."
On Tuesday, he tweeted: "You really have to go out of your way to borrow 1.5 trillion dollars and STILL raise taxes on millions of Americans." He also assessed that "The media continues to underestimate the size and ferocity of the resistance on this tax bill. People figured out very quickly that this is an actual ripoff."

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THE NUCLEAR ATTACK WARNING SIRENS, which first sounded on Dec. 1 and will be a monthly test, provided notice but little suggestion on what to do, should there be a real nuclear attack on Hawai`i. Henry Curtis, writing at www.iliani.media.com, quotes from the state Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency:

“Current estimates of human casualties based on the size (yield) of North Korean nuclear weapon technology strongly suggests an explosion less than 6 miles in diameter. More than 90% of the population would survive the direct effects of such an explosion. Planning and preparedness are essential to protect those survivors from delayed residual radiation (fallout) and other effects of the attack such as the loss of utilities and communication systems, structural fires, etc.”

A nuclear explosion, this one a test in the Nevada
desert in 1953. Photo from Iliana Media

The Emergency Management Agency recommends, "“All residents and visitors must immediately seek shelter in a building or other substantial structure. Once the sirens sound, residents and visitors will have less than 12 to 15 minutes before missile impact.”
The Emergency Management Agency also notes: “There are currently no designated shelters in the State of Hawai`i at this time. The short warning time (12 to 15 minutes) would not allow for residents or visitors to locate such a shelter in advance of missile impact.”

Curtis asks, how likely is it that North Korea would attack Hawai`i? While Hawai`i is second to Alaska in being the closest states to North Korea, these islands present a small target requiring more precision than the North Koreans might risk. The mainland is bigger, requiring less accuracy, writes Curtis. He quotes the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency: “North Korean missile technology may not be adequately advanced to accurately target a specific island or location.” See more at www.iliani.media.com.

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"DON'T LET IT 'RAISIN' YOUR PARADE," says the message from University of Hawai`i Cooperative Extension Service to coffee farmers as the picking season nears completion. Andrea Kawabata, Associate Extension Agent for Coffee and Orchard Crops, gives the following advice:
"When your last harvest is completed, be sure to head back into the field as soon as possible (preferably within three weeks) to strip pick all green, ripe, over-ripe and raisin (dried) berries from the trees.

Suggestions from University of Hawai`i on
managing the end of coffee picking season
are offered.

"Do not wait to remove these straggler berries. If they become over-ripes and raisins, many of these berries will end up falling to the ground. Coffee Berry Borer (the coffee pest beetle) will continue to reproduce and remain in the field from one season to the next. After strip picking the berries, process or destroy them to kill the beetles within. End-of-season strip picking should be done prior to pruning.

"By conducting an end-of-season strip picking and following IPM recommendations, economic models and field research show that growers can maintain lower levels of CBB throughout the season. These activities, when done correctly, can help a grower lower their percentage of CBB-damaged coffee. By comparison, it is extremely difficult and very costly to recover from a high CBB level at the beginning of the season. A YouTube video on end-of-harvest strip picking will be available for viewing soon.
"For farms with an extended coffee season, continue to monitor and/or spray at least monthly to protect young berries on the trees. And while young and mature berries develop on the branches, you must still sanitize the field by harvesting ripe, over-ripe and raisin berries. If at any point, you have an end in your harvest season, use this opportunity to remove all mature green, ripe, over-ripe and raisin berries from the trees. You are trying to create a gap so CBB have no mature berries to move into and so, are sitting in the A/B position where Beauveria (the spray used against CBB) can kill them. Remember that once a berry is about 90-120 days old, CBB can drill into the bean (C/D position) within hours, making spray treatments extremely difficult in mature green and older berries. In summary, control CBB in the A/B alive position with spraying, while using physical removal to control CBB in the C/D position.

"Lastly, keep track of all major flowerings to determine berry age and timing of an early season strip pick," recommends Kawabata. Contact her at andreak@hawaii.edu or 322-4892.

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KA‘Ū AND VOLCANO MUSICIANS will perform at the Chamber Orchestra of Kona's Holiday Favorites concert on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Resort & Spa. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
Tickets are $10 and $20. Children under 18 are free. Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 9, Makua Lani @ Ka`u

Boys Basketball: Fri and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, Maui Tournament

Swimming: Sat, Dec. 9 at Konawaena

FIVE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT events in which volunteers help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park take place this December. The first event is Thursday, Dec. 7, with remaining events taking place Dec. 15, 23, and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

ALOHA FRIDAY: LEI MAKING WITH RANDY LEE is Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Volcano Art Center Gallery Porch in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Make lei from a variety of natural materials from the forest. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE ANNUAL MEETING IS Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Association. For more, call 929-9910.

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW ANNOUNCES A KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY for Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in their lower parking lot. Each child receives two books at Rudolph’s Reading Room, a stocking from Santa, and a cookie and punch from Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. All are welcome. For more, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

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

VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES A SOFT PASTEL STILL LIFE WITH PATTI PEASE JOHNSON class for Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. Instruction and materials provided. Beginners to intermediate artists welcome. $50 per non-member, $45 per VAC member, plus $10 supply fee per person. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. It will also take place on Dec. 30.

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REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, UNTIL TUESDAY, Dec. 12, for a Hanging Santa Craft Class that takes place Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-5, UNTIL WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, for the Annual Christmas Coloring Contest that takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6-12, UNTIL WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, for a Holiday Collage Wreath Class that takes place Friday, Dec. 15, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park (H.O.V.E.). For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

Alapaki Nahele-a, of Kamehameha Schools, asked for deferment of the purchase of 42.2 acres
at the corner of Maile Street and Hwy 11 for a wastewater treatment plant. Public meetings in
Pāhala are set for Dec. 12-14. See story below. Photo from Big Island Video News

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL LANDS, along the Norfolk Pine entrance from Hwy 11 to Pāhala on Maile Street, were deferred from consideration for purchasing for the $9 million Pāhala Wastewater Treatment Plant. The deferment came during County Council Finance Committee proceedings on Monday. The 42.5 acres, which include a macadamia orchard, are the chosen site by the County of Hawai`i, which will operate the facility.

Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David pointed to the site's appropriateness. She said it is "far from the community, it's all downhill and things flow well downhill." She said that other sites were considered that were closer to Pāhala homes. Other sites, however, could be reviewed and the process of choosing explained to the community, she said on Wednesday.

Ka`u's County Council member Maile David suggested that
Kamehamehan and the County continue talks concerning the
wastewater treatment site. Photo from Big Island Video News.

Initial informal talk story sessions for the community will be held by the county and its consultants on:

Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room;
Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room;
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center; and
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room.

During the Finance Committee meeting on Monday, Kamehameha Schools representative Alapaki Nahale-a, Senior Director of Regional Strategies on Hawai`i Island, asked for the deferral “until such time we are able to obtain more information from the County on this action including the reasons for the selection of this property, which is currently leased to a farmer who is growing an orchard of macadamia nut trees.”He noted the Kamehameha Schools is restricted from selling land because of its fiduciary responsibilities. The county plans to use eminent domain to acquire it. “If this action goes through, a viable agricultural operation will be displaced and valuable `aina that currently provides financial support to educational programs will be lost forever,” Nahale-a said.

Bill Kucharski, Director of Environmental Management, said
Kamehameha Schools and the County have talked about
the land being used for the wastewater facility.
Photo from Big Island Video News.

According to a report from Big Island Video News, "Nahale-a noted that Kamehameha Schools and the County are aligned on many issues, including the desire to protect the environment, however he stated the last conversation regarding the lands was back in July when an appraiser called for information. 'The only notice we received about this resolution was Friday when a reporter called us seeking comment,'" Nahale-a said.

Bill Kucharski, Director of the county Department of Environmental Management, said that the county and Kamehameha Schools have been in talks to purchase the property and would resume discussions.

Finance Committee deferred the resolution. The county is required to come up with a location and proceed on building a sewage treatment plant to take the place of the old sugar plantation large capacity, gang cesspools that are now illegal, or face fines from the Environmental Protection Agency. See the film of the proceedings at www.bigislandvideonews.com.

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A TAX-FOCUSED TELEPHONE TOWNHALL on Tuesday drew more than 4,100 Hawaiʻi residents. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard led the event as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives go into conference committee to make final changes on the tax bill.
The Townhall provided local and national nonpartisan specialists, including: Molly Sherlock, Tax Policy Economist at the Congressional Research Service; Gayvial James, Local Taxpayer Advocate at IRS- Hawaiʻi and Pacific US Territories; and David Meisenheimer, Supervisory Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations

Listen to discussion on proposed tax changes from a Telephone
Townhall sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

The event covered federal tax reform, resources for Hawaiʻi residents ahead of tax season, ways Hawaiʻi families can protect themselves against scams, and more. The congresswoman and guests answered questions on: How proposed elimination of the state income tax deduction will impact Hawaiʻi families; how Hawaiʻi families dealing with high cost of living will be impacted by proposed federal tax reforms; timeline for tax reform to take effect if passed; impact of proposed tax reform on Hawaiʻi’s seniors and graduate students; ways Hawaiʻi families can protect themselves from tax scams; resources for Hawaiʻi taxpayers, including contact information for IRS Taxpayer Advocates based in Hawaiʻi; and how constituents can get help from Gabbard’s office in dealing with the IRS and other federal agencies. Listen audio recording.
Gabbard said, “Hawaiʻi families are rightfully concerned about the corporate-giveaway tax bills being rushed through Congress. There is no doubt that our tax code needs reform - but it should be done in a way that is bipartisan, and that strengthens working families. Both the House and Senate have passed tax reform proposals that would provide little to no relief through temporary cuts for some in the middle class, while corporations get huge permanent tax cuts and more handouts. Our telephone townhall was an important opportunity to share the facts about what is at stake for the people of Hawaiʻi under the Republican tax proposals, as well as to share critical information and resources for Hawaiʻi taxpayers ahead of the upcoming tax season. As Congress goes to conference committee on the current tax proposals and moves closer towards a final vote, I will continue to ensure my constituents’ concerns are heard and stand against this wrong-headed legislation.”

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CALLING FOR SEN. AL FRANKEN to resign from his post as U.S. Senator, both Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard came out with statements Wednesday: Said Hirono, “Today, I am calling on my colleague Al Franken to step aside. I’ve struggled with this decision because he’s been a good Senator and I consider him a friend. But that cannot excuse his behavior and his mistreatment of women.

“TIME Magazine, by naming ‘The Silence Breakers’ as their ‘Person of the Year,’ is recognizing what women have always known: there are men among us who use their positions of power and influence to manipulate, harass, and assault women. What is new here is the women. We are, all of us, speaking out, naming names and demanding that the harassers take responsibility for their behavior.

“I am proud of each of the women who has come forward, and heartened by the changing climate that has received their stories with acceptance and compassion.

“My hope is that this moment for a cultural change will result in women no longer being viewed as objects or toys, but recognized for their abilities and achievements. As regular human beings. Women have endured this behavior, which for too long has been ignored and tolerated. But no longer.

“We can only create a culture where women are respected as equals if we all step forward and be part of the change by holding everyone, especially our leaders, accountable.”

Gabbard tweeted: ".@alfranken should resign. As a society, we need to address the core problem of treating people as objects. We need to bring about real change by treating others with aloha - which means respect, care, & kindness no matter their gender, race, religion etc." She also commented on the TIME magazine selection: "Congratulations to the Silence Breakers of the #MeToo movement who TIME Magazine has honored as their Person of the Year. Your courage has inspired the country. #TIMEPOY."

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VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES FALL EDITION OF THEATER NIGHT takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, starting at 6 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

FIVE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT events in which volunteers help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park take place this December. The first event is Thursday, Dec. 7, with remaining events taking place Dec. 15, 23, and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

ALOHA FRIDAY: LEI MAKING WITH RANDY LEE is Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Volcano Art Center Gallery Porch in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Make lei from a variety of natural materials from the forest. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT has announced a Holiday Event to take place Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576, or visit discoveryharbour.net.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 9, Makua Lani @ Ka`u

Boys Basketball: Fri and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, Maui Tournament

Swimming: Sat, Dec. 9 at Konawaena

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE ANNUAL MEETING IS Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Association. For more, call 929-9910.

KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW is Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lower parking lot. Each child receives two books at Rudolph’s Reading Room, a stocking from Santa, and a cookie and punch from Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. All are welcome. For more, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

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

SOFT PASTEL STILL LIFE WITH PATTI PEASE JOHNSON is the class for Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. Instruction and materials provided. Beginners to intermediate artists welcome. $50 per non-member, $45 per VAC member, plus $10 supply fee per person. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. It will also take place on Dec. 30.

ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE starts at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Armory and ends at Holy Rosary Church on Sunday, Dec. 10. Contact Andrade family at 928-0808 to participate or for more details, no entry fees.

SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK is Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. All attendees must be current Friends Member, become a new member by registering online at fhvnp.org. For more, email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.

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 this free, easy, one-mile walk. The guided hike takes place Sunday, Dec. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.

A MĀLAMA MARKET TOWN HALL MEETING is Monday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

PACIFIC ISLANDS AS MODELS FOR CULTURE, AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY is the After Dark in the Park announced for Tuesday, Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how the innovative agricultural systems of pre-contact Hawai‘i connect to Pacific societies in the past, present and future and how Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are used as models for living more sustainably. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

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Tickets are still available for A Gilbert & Sullivan's Christmas Carol, Dec. 14 - 17 at
KMC's Kīlauea Theater. Cast members joined the Hilo Christmas Parade last weekend.
Photo from KDEN

FLAGS ARE HALF STAFF ON THURSDAY, DEC. 7, for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Both the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag are flown half-staff at the State Capitol and at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard throughout the Hawaiian Islands until sunset.

After Pearl Harbor, Iwao Yonemitsu and
Toku Nagano signed up.
Photo by Julia Neal

During the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on O`ahu, 20 Navy Vessels, more than 300 planes and more than 2,400 lives were lost. In Ka‘ū, young men, such as Iwao Yonemitsu and the late Toku Nagano decided to join the U.S. military to show their patriotism as Japanese Americans. Two others signing up from Hawai`i, Daniel Inouye and Dan Akaka, later became U.S. Senators.
Japanese American women also stepped up in community responsibilities when Japanese American men were either interred by the U.S. government or joined the U.S. military. Shigeo Kikuchi, wife of the Rev. Chikyoku Kikuchi, became responsible for the Buddhist Temple in Na`alehu when he was interred. "She often interacted with military authorities and worked to protect the community from harassment. In the absence of a priest, she organized farewell services for Nisei soldiers," reports the book Asian American Religious Cultures. She distributed Nenju (prayer beads) and told the young Japanese Americans going off to fight for the U.S.: "When you are lonely or when you're in trouble, repeat "Nama Amida Butsu.'" She later wrote Memoirs of a Buddhist Woman Missionary in Hawai`i.
In Volcano, Kilaeua Miliary Camp became an internment camp for Japanese Americans and was the site of a recent dedication of a Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park interpretive display and program acknowledging this dark time in history.

On Thursday, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard issued the following statement about Dec. 7: “My heart is in Hawai‘i today as we commemorate the 76th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, a day that forever changed Hawai‘i and our country. We remember those who paid the ultimate price on that fateful day, and the millions of Americans who answered the call to serve in the months and years that followed, including two of our former U.S. Senators, Inouye and Akaka.

“We remember the famed “Go for Broke” 442nd Infantry Regiment and other Nisei-only units, made up of young men, who despite seeing their friends and family members being sent off into internment camps, still stood up and volunteered to serve -- putting their lives on the line for this country. They served bravely, sacrificed greatly, and became the most highly decorated unit in all of the U.S. Army's history. We must never forget what happened at Pearl Harbor, the lessons learned, and the sacrifices of those who served. There is no question that the stories of the greatest generation will live on forever in the hearts of a grateful nation.”

On Dec. 7, Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced the Admiral Lloyd R. “Joe” Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act, which would create a memorial at Pearl Harbor honoring the service of World War II veterans who served in the Pacific Theater. The bill is the Senate companion to legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep.Colleen Hanabusa.

Admiral Joe Vasey has pushed for decades to establish
the memorial for WWII soldiers who served in the Pacific. He
turned 100 years of age this year. Photo from Stars & Stripes

Wrote Hirono, “As we mark the 76^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we honor the brave veterans who defended our country on December 7, 1941 and all who served in World War II. Establishing a memorial to their dedicated service at Pearl Harbor is a fitting tribute to their sacrifice, and I thank Representative Hanabusa for her leadership on this issue.”

The Admiral Lloyd R. “Joe” Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act directs the National Park Service and the non-profit Pacific Historic Parks to create the memorial. For many years, the memorial has been a campaign of Admiral Vasey, a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific Theater and reached his 100th birthday in January. Sen. Brian Schatz is a cosponsor of the Senate bill.

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A LAST PUSH TO SAVE NET NEUTRALITY came from Sen. Mazie Hirono on Thursday, as she and 27 other Senators urged Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to delay the vote to roll back the nation’s net neutrality rules. In a letter, the Senators expressed concerns over reports that bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process, and called for an investigation into the state of the record.

“A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding,” the Senators wrote. “In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.”

“Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public’s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017,” the Senators continued.

“The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding,” the Senators concluded.

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Plants are grown, seeds collected, to fit each environment.

HAWAI`I SEED GROWERS NETWORK, a statewide group of seed producers organized and supported by The Kohala Center’s Hawai‘i Public Seed Initiative program, officially launched its online store this week. Customers can pre-order 2018 seed varieties at hawaiiseedgrowersnetwork.
com/shop.

With orders shipping in late December. HSGN currently offers locally adapted, selectively bred seeds including beans, flowers, fruits, greens, herbs, and peppers. HSGN is comprised of artisanal farmers that have worked together for more than five years to grow, develop, and provide high-quality local seeds to Hawai‘i’s gardeners and market farmers. Members commit to growing seed crops on a small scale to maintain close connections with their products, carefully observing, selecting, and harvesting from only the hardiest plants. Their goal is to contribute to resilient local food systems by offering seeds selectively bred and produced in Hawai‘i for the islands’ diverse soils and microclimates.

“Restarting a local seed industry in Hawai’i is a slow and ongoing process,” said Lyn Howe, director of The Kohala Center’s Hawai‘i Public Seed Initiative. “It takes many generations of growing and selecting varieties to produce quality seed with consistent, desired agricultural and culinary traits. But when you’re 2,300 miles from the nearest seed source, we think it’s a wise idea and worth the effort.”

Prior to the launch of HSGN’s online seed marketplace, the University of Hawai‘i at

The Public Seed Initiative grows seeds adapted for
of the micro climates and conditions on the island.
Photo from Hawai`i Public Seed Initiative

Mānoa’s Seed Lab was the only local seed producer. Hawai‘i’s gardeners have relied heavily on seeds imported from the continental United States, despite the fact that many are not properly adapted to Hawai‘i’s tropical and sub-tropical conditions, soil composition, pests, and plant diseases.

The Kohala Center, a nonprofit organization based on Hawai‘i Island, started the Hawai‘i Public Seed Initiative in 2009 as part of its goal to reduce Hawai‘i’s dependence on imported food. Participants in the Initiative began to grow and share plant varieties that thrived in their own gardens and fields. By saving and sharing the best seeds and re-growing them in other local microclimates, producers were able to evaluate seed performance under various environmental conditions.

The Center secured funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, and Ceres Trust to help train and support HSGN producers, conduct seed trials, selectively breed and produce seeds, and develop the online marketplace. The Hawai‘i Island Seed Bank, the only facility in the Hawaiian Islands that stores native, conservation, and agricultural seeds, provides storage services for seeds sold through the marketplace. Additional seed varieties will be offered in 2018.

See Hawai‘i Public Seed Initiative: kohalacenter.org/hpsi and Hawai‘i Seed Growers Network: hawaiiseedgrowersnetwork.com

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FLIGHTS TO MANAGE NATURAL RESOURCES in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are announced for December:
December 12, between 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., supplies and crews will be flown for petrel monitoring from the Kīlauea helipad at 4,000’ elevation to Mauna Loa at 9,000 feet and back.
December 14, between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., flights will will be for invasive fountain grass surveys and control, from Kīlauea helipad to the southwest boundary and to Keauhou below 2,500’ elevation.
December 19 and 20, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. both days, flights will transport crew from Kīlauea helipad to upper Kahuku Unit at the 8,000-ft. elevation for an anthropological study.

Fountain grass creeps into the largest petroglyph field in Hawai`i
where visitors walk and also remote places where Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park will conduct flights this month.
NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

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

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SUNDAY CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER is a new educational service provided at Ocean View Community Center. The federally funded activity is free from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Sunday and is run by Rodney DuCossin.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 9, Makua Lani @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Fri and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, Maui Tournament.

Swimming: Sat, Dec. 9 @ Konawaena.

Girls Basketball: Monday, Dec. 11, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.

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HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE ANNUAL MEETING IS Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Association. For more, call 929-9910.

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW HOSTS ITS KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in their lower parking lot. Each child receives two books at Rudolph’s Reading Room, a stocking from Santa, and a cookie and punch from Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. All are welcome. For more, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

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

SOFT PASTEL STILL LIFE WITH PATTI PEASE JOHNSON class is the Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. Instruction and materials provided. Beginners to intermediate artists welcome. $50 per non-member, $45 per VAC member, plus $10 supply fee per person. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. It will also take place on Dec. 30.

ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE starts at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Armory and ends at Holy Rosary Church on Sunday, Dec. 10. Contact Andrade family at 928-0808 to participate or for more details, no entry fees.

SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK is Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. All attendees must be current Friends Member, become a new member by registering online at fhvnp.org. For more, email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.

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 this free, easy, one-mile walk. The guided hike takes place Sunday, Dec. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.

A MĀLAMA MARKET TOWN HALL MEETING is Monday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

PACIFIC ISLANDS AS MODELS FOR CULTURE, AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY is the After Dark in the Park talk that has been announced for Tuesday, Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how the innovative agricultural systems of pre-contact Hawai‘i connect to Pacific societies in the past, present and future and how Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are used as models for living more sustainably. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR/NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The public is invited to come see what C.E.R.T. is about as well as participate in training scenarios. For more, contact Dina Shisler by emailing dinashisler24@yahoo.com or calling 410-935-8087.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, UNTIL TUESDAY, Dec. 12, for a Hanging Santa Craft Class that takes place Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-5, UNTIL WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, for the Annual Christmas Coloring Contest that takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6-12, UNTIL WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, for a Holiday Collage Wreath Class that takes place Friday, Dec. 15, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park (H.O.V.E.). For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAIIAN HERBAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER KA‘OHU MONFORT demonstrates the power of local plants to nourish and heal on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. The program, Lā‘au Lapa‘au, takes place on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See and touch a variety of traditional medicinal plants. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more visit nps.gov/HAVO.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

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HO‘ŌPŪLOA VILLAGE next to Miloli‘i was wiped out by a Mauna Loa lava flow in 1926. This shows the
village April 16, one day before it was covered. The 'a'ā flow advancing to Ho'ōpūloa is a reminder of why
Island of Hawaiʻi residents should be aware of hazards posed by the volcanoes. This flow was fed by eruptive
vents that opened high on Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zonethree days earlier. It was 1,500 feet wide and about
30 feet high in this aerial photo but the 'a'ā flow continued to widen and thicken as it pushed through the village
to the ocean on the morning of April 18. See story below. Photo courtesy of Army Air Corps, 11th Photo Section

RAPID ‘ŌHI‘A DEATH is one of the main topics of the latest Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Foundation newsletter. The disease is decimating the primary species of trees in the native forests of the islands. The newsletter reports:

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, a natural resource important to

native species and maintaing freshwater sources.

Photo from Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance

▪ There are confirmed cases of ROD in the following locations: east from Kalapana to Hilo, between Hilo and Volcano, south from Volcano to Nāʻālehu and Nāʻālehu to Kona, as far north as Kaloko Mauka.
▪ Humans are thought to be a main vector because we move infected wood, contaminated tools, gear and vehicles from one location to another.
▪ Other potential vectors include feral ungulates and beetles. Recent research has identified a particular species of non-native ambrosia beetle that is especially attracted to infected dead and dying ʻōhiʻa trees.
▪ The primary path for Ceratocystis to enter ʻōhiʻa plants is through a wound.
▪ About 75,000 acres of ʻōhiʻa forest currently show symptoms of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death disease on Hawaiʻi Island.

See more at hawaiiconservtionalliance.org.

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HAWAI‘I YOUTH SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE applications are now open to students from grades six through twelve. They can apply for funding to support innovative and grassroots environmental initiatives that will create new and sustainable solutions for their schools and communities. Applications are available online. The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 15.

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AWARENESS OF LIVING ON ONE OF THE TWO MOST ACTIVE VOLCANOES on the planet is the purpose of Volcano Awareness Month, coming up in January, with a presentation on Jan. 17 at Ocean View Community Center. This week's Volcano Watch by USGS scientists tells the story:
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays upon us, Island of Hawaiʻi residents are likely giving little thought to the volcanic terrain beneath their feet. And that's alright—for now. But with two of the world's most active volcanoes—one erupting nearly non-stop for more than three decades (Kīlauea) and the other stirring for over two years (Mauna Loa)—volcano awareness should never be far from our minds. So, as you ring in the New Year, we hope you'll add "learn more about my volcanic home" to your list of resolutions.

A huge wall of ‘a‘ā crashes into the ocean at Ho‘ōpūloa in 1926.

You can begin fulfilling that resolution in January 2018—Hawaiʻi Island's 9th annual Volcano Awareness Month.
Just as we have since 2010, when Volcano Awareness Month was established by mayoral proclamation, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists will offer a series of programs in January to help keep residents and visitors informed about Hawaiian volcanoes. All programs are open to the public, and no reservations are required.
Four talks will be presented in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with weekly After Dark in the Park programs held at 7:00 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. The first talk, on January 9, provides a brief review of the early history of Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing East Rift Zone eruption followed by an in-depth look at lava flow activity during the past year.
The next After Dark in the Park program, on January 16, features a presentation on Kīlauea Volcano's current summit eruption, including a recently released USGS video that recounts the formation and growth of the summit vent and lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu. The following two programs address the surprising discoveries gleaned from the collection of volcanic ash produced by Kīlauea's summit lava lake and the volcanic geology along Hawaiʻi Island's Saddle Road, on January 23 and January 30, respectively.
1955 lava flow, from film taken by U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Hilo's Lyman Museum will also promote volcano awareness in January. On the evening of January 8, and again on the afternoon of January 9, the museum will host an HVO talk about Kīlauea Volcano's 1955 East Rift Zone eruption. During this 88-day-long eruption, lava from at least 24 different vents buried sections of every public road in the lower Puna district, impacting communities from Kalapana to Kapoho—reminders of why island residents need to understand how Hawaiian volcanoes work and the hazards associated with them.
Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, will also be the topic of conversation during three Volcano Awareness Month programs. But instead of a single speaker talking to a seated audience, the format of these events will be community "open houses."
Promoted as Mauna Loa: Let's Talk Story, these open houses are a collaborative effort of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Staff from each of these agencies will set up informative displays that answer frequently asked questions about Mauna Loa and will be on hand to answer any additional questions from the public.
A cinder cone on Mauna Loa. Photo by Brocken Inaglory

Island residents and visitors are invited to stop by the open houses to learn more about Mauna Loa and 'talk story' with scientists, public safety officials, and park rangers. The events will be held on the UH-Hilo campus on January 13 (12:00 – 3 p.m.), in the Ocean View Community Center on January 17 (6:00 p.m.), and in the Konawa‘ena Elementary School cafeteria on January 27 (12:00 – 3 p.m.).
Details, including the dates, times, location maps, and descriptions of all 2018 Volcano Awareness Month programs are posted on HVO's website (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/). You can also email askHVO@usgs.gov or call (808) 967-8844 for more information.
Whether you're a long-time resident or a recent arrival on the Island of Hawaiʻi, January will be a good time to enhance your knowledge of Hawaiian volcanoes. Understanding the eruptive histories, current status, and associated hazards of our island's active volcanoes, and knowing how to stay safe during an eruption are essential to living in harmony with our volcanic environment.
Please join us in January to learn more about Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and to meet some of the HVO scientists who monitor and study them, as well as our partner agency colleagues. Until then, we wish you safe and happy holidays!

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 9, Makua Lani @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 9, Maui Tournament.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 9 @ Konawaena.

Girls Basketball: Monday, Dec. 11, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.

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A PRE-CHRISTMAS JAZZ IN THE FOREST has been announced. It will come to Volcano Art Center campus on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. New arrangements of traditional carols will be presented in Latin, Swing, Bossa, Gospel, Salsa, along with romantic and operatic versions by Jeannine and The Jazztones. The group consists of Jeannine Guillory, Jean Pierre Thoma on saxes and flute, Loren Wilken on piano, Matt Spencer on bass and Steve Bader on drums.
The dance floor will be open to move and swing. Food and drink will be available.

DISCOVERY HARBOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT has announced a Holiday Event to take place Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576, or visit discoveryharbour.net.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE ANNUAL MEETING IS Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Association. For more, call 929-9910.

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

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW HOSTS ITS KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in their lower parking lot. Each child receives two books at Rudolph’s Reading Room, a stocking from Santa, and a cookie and punch from Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. All are welcome. For more, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

SOFT PASTEL STILL LIFE WITH PATTI PEASE JOHNSON class is Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. Instruction and materials provided. Beginners to intermediate artists welcome. $50 per non-member, $45 per VAC member, plus $10 supply fee per person. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcano artcenter.org.

EXPLORE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying volcano features and formations in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. It will also take place on Dec. 30.

AIKIDO IS OFFERED AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER again Saturday, Dec. 9. Classes are every Saturday at 10 a.m. Sensei Alan Moores launched the Ocean View classes, accompanied by members of Pāhala Dojo. For more information call 808-925-9677.

ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE starts at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Armory and ends at Holy Rosary Church on Sunday, Dec. 10. Contact Andrade family at 928-0808 to participate or for more details, no entry fees.

SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK is Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. All attendees must be current Friends Member, become a new member by registering online at fhvnp.org. For more, email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.

SUNDAY CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER is a new educational service provided at Ocean View Community Center. The federally funded activity is free from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Sunday and is run by Rodney DuCossin.

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 this free, easy, one-mile walk. The guided hike takes place Sunday, Dec. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.

A MĀLAMA MARKET TOWN HALL MEETING is Monday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

PACIFIC ISLANDS AS MODELS FOR CULTURE, AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY is the After Dark in the Park talk that has been announced for Tuesday, Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how the innovative agricultural systems of pre-contact Hawai‘i connect to Pacific societies in the past, present and future and how Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are used as models for living more sustainably. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

Holy Rosary Church participates and hosts the refreshments
after the Pāhala Christmas Parade this Saturday.
Photo by Julia Neal

DISCOVERY HARBOUR/
NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The public is invited to come see what C.E.R.T. is about as well as participate in training scenarios. For more, contact Dina Shisler by emailing dinashisler24@yahoo.com or calling 410-935-8087.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, UNTIL TUESDAY, Dec. 12, for a Hanging Santa Craft Class that takes place Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

PĀHALA SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT PUBLIC MEETINGS will be held by the Department of Environmental Management on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 12, 13 and 14. The county and its consultants are expected to discuss the proposed site, the type of sewage treatment plant, costs to the community and a timeline. The meetings are set for:

Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room;
Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room;
Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Thursday, Dec. 14, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room.
For more information, contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan at eplan1@aol.com, Department of Environmental Management at 961-8339, or Iris Cober at the Brown and Caldwell Maui office at 808-442-3300.
The consultants sent out stamped return post cards to those homeowners currently on the old Brewer sewage system in order for them to R.S.V.P. Separate meetings will be planned for the Nā‘ālehu Wastewater Treatment Plant plan.

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REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-5, UNTIL WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, for the Annual Christmas Coloring Contest that takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAIIAN HERBAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER KA‘OHU MONFORT demonstrates the power of local plants to nourish and heal on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. The program, Lā‘au Lapa‘au, takes place on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See and touch a variety of traditional medicinal plants. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more visit nps.gov/HAVO.

JOIN AUNTIE LINDA OF TŪTŪ & ME FOR STORY TIME at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more details, call 929-857.

THE MEDICAL VAN SERVES THE COMMUNITY at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL, a Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network musical production, is presented Thursday, Dec. 14, through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

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Eddie Andrade and his family and friends have produced the Pāhala Christmas Parade for 39 years. This year's event is
Sunday at 1 p.m. through the town to the hospital and on to the Holy Rosary Church on Pikake Street
for a community celebration. Photo by Julia Neal

THE NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND SELF DETERMINATION ACT was introduced for reauthorization in the U.S. House of Representatives this week and has also been introduced to the U.S. Senate.

The late Tommy Kaniho advocated for decades for
funding for water for Hawaiian Homesteaders at
South Point. Photo from Hawai‘i
Beef Industry Council

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said the measure has empowered more than 1,400 Hawaiian families over the past two decades, along with native communities across the country. “Reauthorizing NAHASDA is critical to fulfill our nation’s trust responsibility to Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Safe, secure, and affordable housing is essential to the wellbeing of our country’s native people which leads to better health, education, and economic outcomes that strengthen native communities," she said.

"In Hawaiʻi, almost 30 percent of the homeless population is comprised of Native Hawaiians—a statistic that is far too high in the most prosperous country in the world."
NAHASDA was first established in 1996, consolidating separate assistance programs provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development into a single block grant program. In 2000, NAHASDA was amended to add Title VIII – Housing Assistance for Native Hawaiians. The amendment adds similar programs for Native Hawaiians who reside on Hawaiian Home Lands to the NAHASDA legislation.
In Hawaiʻi, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is the sole recipient of the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant as provided for by the law. DHHL administers 203,000 acres of trust land; 99 percent of those lands are located in Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District: from the southernmost tip of Hawai‘i Island to Kauaʻi and Niʻihau; it includes every Hawaiian Island, but excludes urban Honolulu.

DHHL is working on a plan to manage its land in South Point, its houselots at Discovery Harbour and other land that could be used for homesteads above Punalu‘u and also in Wai‘ōhinu. DHHL is also planning to improve water delivery to homesteaders as proposed for many years by the late Tommy Kaniho, a native Hawaiian rancher. Read the DHHL Ka‘ū Regional Plan.

Hawaiian Home Lands in Ka‘ū are colored reddish in this map
from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

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THE UNITY REFORM COMMISSION came up with Democratic Party reform proposals this weekend in Washington, D.C. They are aimed at helping revamp Democratic Party procedures for nominating candidates for President of the United States. The 21 member commission was set up last year at the Democratic National Convention. Commissioners were selected by Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Democratic National Committee chair Tom Perez.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said she supports the effort, following her own decision to quit the position of Vice President of the Democratic National Committee during last year's campaign.
On Saturday, the commission voted to recommend that Democratic Party super delegates be cut by 400 - reducing their number of unpledged delegates by 60 percent. Super delegates are those delegates to the Democratic National Convention who are not required to vote for the candidates selected by the community they represent. Not only will the majority of them be eliminated, those remaining would be required to tie their votes to election results. Another suggestion is calling for automatic voter registration and same-day voter registration. The commission also wants caucus states to report raw votes.

The recommendations go to the subcommittee of the Democratic National Committee on rules and bylaws. If approved, it would go to the 447-members voting at the Democratic National Convention late next year and require a vote of two-thirds for adoption.
Gabbard has called for open primaries and caucuses, same-day registration, and elimination of all super delegates. She also called for "DNC leadership that is transparent, fair, and accountable."
She supported Bernie Sander for President and issued a statement this week saying, "The grassroots energy and organizing that fueled Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign started a movement, bringing the American people together around ending our costly failed regime change wars overseas, implementing a $15 minimum wage and Medicare and College for All, protecting our water and environment, and investing in clean, sustainable energy.

"The American people are also in agreement, across party lines and ideologies, that the backroom dealing and pay-to-play politics of our time are simply unacceptable. We must eliminate the undemocratic system of super delegates and commit to open or same-day registration for primaries and caucuses to put our democracy back in the hands of the people."

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ENROLLMENT FOR THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE PLAN ends on Friday, Dec. 15. See healthcare.gov for 2018 plans and prices before renewing or signing up for the first time, says the federal government website.
Under federal law, anyone who doesn’t have coverage through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Plan, or other qualifying coverage must pay a fee. Also called Obamacare, the coverage under the Affordable Health Act is designed to reduce the number of people without health insurance.

The website, operated by the Department of Health and Human Services, offers easy calculators to see what kind of coverage in Hawai‘i is available at what cost and also whether Medicaid, CHIP or Medicare would be the appropriate coverage.

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Escape from a California wildfire is detailed by a supporter of
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's OFF Fossil Fuel Act.
Photo from Food & Water Watch

THE CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES that have destroyed more than 800 structures and caused more than 200,000 residents to evacuate their homes have prompted the Hawai‘i congressional delegation to push the climate change agenda. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard tweeted: "Thinking of everyone affected by the #CaliforniaWildfires. We must move #OffFossilFuels with the OFF Act before climate change becomes any worse." She retweeted the experience of one of the OFF Act supporters who fled from his California home:

Thomas Romales Rebecchi, who works with Food & Water Watch, wrote that he envisions that longer, more aggressive fire seasons, "fueled by climate change, will only worsen as we continue to burn fossil fuels. This is the new normal. This is how I experienced it firsthand:

Thomas Romales Rebecchi gives a blow by blow
account of his family's escape from wildfire and promises
to rededicate himself to climate change issues
with Food & Water Watch.

"8 p.m. - After a long Ventura City Council meeting, where I was urging members to vote to join an important renewable energy program, I left to find that the winter super moon was eerily red. Friends told me a brush fire had started a few hours earlier in Santa Paula, a rural city 20 miles away.
"8:15 p.m. - As I returned home, my wife and I became concerned that the smoke might affect our three-month-old daughter, but were still unaware of the imminent danger that lurked.
"9 p.m. - After a long day, I headed to our local taco shop for a meal. Suddenly, the wind picked up to almost 40 miles per hour and it began to rain ash and smell like fire everywhere. I huddled in the tiny taco shop with five other patrons as the Santa Ana winds overturned tablecloths and umbrellas outside.
"9:30 p.m. - My wife and I decided to head to a hotel to protect the baby from the smoke. Just then, the power went out. We quickly learned that nearby hotels in Carpinteria and Santa Barbara had also lost power.
"9:50 p.m. - We got a hotel room in Solvang, about 70 miles north. As we gathered a few mementos and a day’s worth of clothing, we wondered if, as new parents, we were being overly cautious. Nearby friends were headed to bed. But we decided play it safe and go.
"We could see flames destroying historical landmarks and parks, including the one where we hosted our baby shower just a few months earlier. Flames headed toward homes. Just then it hit us: Would we have a home to return to? Would our neighbors escape unharmed? I realized then that I had everything that was truly important to me in the car at that moment."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard ties increase in wildfire destruction to climate change
and promotes her OFF Fossil Fuels Act. Photo from Food & Water Watch

"10:45 p.m. - As we were trying pack the car in the midst of heavy smoke and ash, a neighbor came by to check on us. He pointed towards the hillside which had suddenly ignited into a roaring fire coming towards our neighborhood. We left immediately, as the dark streets filled with stunned and frantic neighbors. I drove toward the freeway, as my wife began calling friends to alert them to the imminent danger. There were still no official alerts as we entered the freeway.

While their house survived, Rebecchi wrote that he will "redouble efforts to support local and federal bills to transition the country to clean, renewable energy. The OFF Fossil Fuel Act, introduced by Hawai‘i Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, is at once visionary and more urgent than ever. It would halt all new oil and gas projects and set the country on a path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. Some claim those goals are unrealistic. I know that they are achievable —and desperately necessary—if we wish to prevent the loss of countless more homes and lives." See more at foodandwaterwatch.org.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Monday, Dec. 11, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.
Wednesday, Dec. 13, @ Kea‘au.
Saturday, Dec. 16, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Tuesday, Dec. 12, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Dec. 16, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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Thomas A. Jaggar comes to life during A Walk in
the Past on Tuesday.

SUNDAY CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER is a new educational service provided at Ocean View Community Center. The federally funded activity is free from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Sunday and is run by Rodney DuCossin.

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 this free, easy, one-mile walk. The guided hike takes place Sunday, Dec. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.

A MĀLAMA MARKET TOWN HALL MEETING is Monday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

A WALK IN THE PAST on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. begins at Kīlauea Visitor Center. It features a living history presenter, dressed in period costume and bringing back to life Thomas A. Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and a prominent figure in the history of volcanology, the study of volcanoes.

PACIFIC ISLANDS AS MODELS FOR CULTURE, AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY is the After Dark in the Park talk this Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Dr. Peter Vitousek talks about agriculture in pre-contact Hawai‘i and
Pacific Societies at After Dark in the Park on Tuesday.

Dr. Peter Peter Vitousek explains how innovative agricultural systems of pre-contact Hawai‘i connect to Pacific societies in the past, present and future and how Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are used as models for living more sustainably. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR/NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The public is invited to come see what C.E.R.T. is about as well as participate in training scenarios. For more, contact Dina Shisler by emailing dinashisler24@yahoo.com or calling 410-935-8087.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, UNTIL TUESDAY, Dec. 12, for a Hanging Santa Craft Class that takes place Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

Ka‘ohu Monfort will share Lā‘au Lapa‘au at Kīlauea Visitor Center.
NPS photo by Steinkamp

THE DENTAL VAN COMES TO ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH to serve the community on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

HAWAIIAN HERBAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER KA‘OHU MONFORT demonstrates the power of local plants to nourish and heal on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. The program, Lā‘au Lapa‘au, takes place on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See and touch a variety of traditional medicinal plants. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more visit nps.gov/HAVO.

JOIN AUNTIE LINDA OF TŪTŪ & ME FOR STORY TIME at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more details, call 929-857.

THE MEDICAL VAN SERVES THE COMMUNITY at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

"A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL," a Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network musical production, is presented Thursday, Dec. 14, through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE is the feature of Aloha Friday on Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn the basics of hula, Hawaiian language and chant. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU (Experience the Skillful Work), a free Hawaiian cultural demonstration is offered Friday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

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PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE MAKES 39
Eddie Andrade, Mary Jane Balio and Judy Andrade and families have produced the Pāhala Christmas Parade for
39 years. They hosted Sunday's successful parade through the village with candy for kids, and a stop at Ka‘ū Hospital.
See more illustrations below. Photos by Julia Neal

PĀHALA HOMES WILL BE REQUIRED TO HOOK UP TO A NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM if they are on the old plantation wastewater line. Public meetings will be held by the county Department of Environmental Management and its consultants this week.

The talk story sessions will feature presentations on the county's preferred site, type of sewage

The Andrade family, with Kelly as Mrs. Santa Claus, carried on
the tradition of throwing candy to the children and stopping
at Ka‘ū Hospital to see long term patients.

treatment plant, costs to homeowners, funding and timeline for constructing the treatment center and the piping along the roads through the town.
The meetings are Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room; Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room; and Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room.

For more, contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan at eplan1@aol.com, Department of Environmental Management at 961-8339, or Iris Cober at the Brown and Caldwell Maui office at 808-442-3300.

Separate meetings will be held for the new wastewater treatment facility in Na`alehu.

During the Christmas Parade, Filipinos promoted their
culture and the upcoming Sakada Day.

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Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trini Marques
carried Jr. Miss Ka‘ū Coffee and a Coffee Flower.

Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry will celebrate her Filipino
heritage at Sakada Day next Sunday.

SAKADA DAY WILL HONOR THE FILIPINO CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY next Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
Sakada Day celebrates the legacy of more than 100,000 skilled laborers in the sugar and pineapple industry who came to Hawai`i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai`i Sugar Planters Association. It honors their work and their economic and cultural contributions to society in Hawai`i.

Ka‘ū Coffee farmer Bong Aquino carries a bevy of
lady farmers of the Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative.
Next Sunday they celebrate the Sakadas.

Hilaria Panglao, President of the Pāhala Filipino Community Association, said the free event will include Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba, whose organization represents many of the famous Filipino Ka‘ū Coffee farmers, said the Sakadas did much to build the community of Ka‘ū.
Formal recognition will be given to Sakadas and their families from Na`alehu and Pāhala.

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The parade traveled past many houses throughout the village.

A BUNCO & POTLUCK event has been announced for Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., in the Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco, also known as Bonko or Bunko, is a popular game played with nine dice. Bring a dish to share. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

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A COMMUNITY BEACH CLEAN-UP AT KAMILO has been announced by Hawaii‘i Wildlife Fund for Saturday, Dec. 16. Megan Lamson, of Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, says that volunteers should email kahakai.cleanups@
gmail.com in advance as space is limited in HWF 4WD vehicles. The volunteer group will meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park, with plans to leave by 8:45 a.m. and return around 4 p.m.

KĪLAEAU MILITARY CAMP'S CRATER RIM CAFÉ HAS ANNOUNCED A MONGOLIAN BBQ for Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The café is located inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Holy Rosary Church played music, fished and invited the public for
refreshments after the Christmas Parade.

A ZENTANGLE INSPIRED ART EXHIBIT & RECEPTION, open to the public, has been announced by Volcano Art Center for Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volcano Art Center says, “Bring your friends, your art and a light holiday pupu to share." Guests will also be encouraged to make and take home a Zentangle inspired ornament, view a slideshow and videos. The event also offers door prizes. Attendance is free, donations are welcome. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.
org or call 967-7565.

A MĀLAMA MARKET TOWN HALL MEETING is Monday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

Phoebe Gomes sang with her family on a float dedicated to her late
husband and retired community police officer Bobby Gomes.
The Gomes are regular participants in the Pāhala Christmas Parade.
Photos by Julia Neal

The late 'Spida' Silva was known for his long career in
the sugar industry and later, his landscaping business.

SIGN-UP KEIKI BY MONDAY, DEC. 11, for a guided hike exploring wind patterns and a Hawaiian kite workshop at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku ‘Ohana Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. The event is geared towards kids 17 years old and under and their families. To participate or for more details, call 808-929-8075 or email Ranger Leilani at leilani_rodrigues@
nps.gov. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, ball cap, long pants, and shoes. Kahuku is located between the 70 and 71 mil markers. The program is co-sponsored by Hawaii‘i Pacific Parks Association. There is no charge to participate.

The late Bull Kailiawa was honored at the
Pāhala Christmas Parade for selflessness and
his famous Ka‘ū Coffee grown at Moa`ula.

PACIFIC ISLANDS AS MODELS FOR CULTURE, AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY is the After Dark in the Park talk this Tuesday, Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how the innovative agricultural systems of pre-contact Hawai‘i connect to Pacific societies in the past, present and future and how Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are used as models for living more sustainably. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR/NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The public is invited to come see what C.E.R.T. is about as well as participate in training scenarios. For more, contact Dina Shisler by emailing dinashisler24@yahoo.com or calling 410-935-8087.

Christmas characters come to all the Pāhala
Christmas Parades.

Hālau Hula O Leionalanioffers free hula classes

every Wednesday at Pāhala Community Center.

HAWAIIAN HERBAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER KA‘OHU MONFORT demonstrates the power of local plants to nourish and heal on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. The program, Lā‘au Lapa‘au will be on Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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Kumu Debbie Ryder, Gene Beck and Demetrius Oliveira brought the live music. Keiki hula dancers
represented Hālau Hula O Leionalani in the Pāhala Christmas Parade. Photos by Julia Neal

JOIN AUNTIE LINDA OF TŪTŪ & ME FOR STORY TIME at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more details, call 929-857.

Cartoon characters and their friends make it into
Pāhala Christmas Parade.

THE MEDICAL VAN SERVES THE COMMUNITY at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL a Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network musical production, runs Thursday, Dec. 14, through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE is the feature of Aloha Friday on Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn the basics of hula, Hawaiian language and chant. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU (Experience the Skillful Work), a free Hawaiian cultural demonstration is offered Friday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Committee begins promoting its Ka‘ū Coffee Festival April 21-May 6
with organizer Chris Manfredi accompanied by canine pal Hobo leading the way. Photo by Julia Neal

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets at the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, call 939-7033.

A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF KUMU HULA SAMMYE KU‘UALOHA YOUNG HULA, Hālau Na Lei Hiwahiwa o Ku’ualoha performs Hula Kahiko on the hula platform Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Following the performance until about 1 p.m., Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani provides a hands on cultural demonstration, Nā Mea Hula. For more and to confirm date, contact Desiree by calling 987-7288 or emailing volcanohula@gmail.com.

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Children of the Sakada was a theme in the Pāhala Christmas Parade on Sunday as the Filipino
community promoted Sakada Day for the public this coming Sunday at Pāhala Community Center.
See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

USE OF THE RECENT AUDIT OF KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY to threaten revocation of the school’s charter and withhold funding has drawn concern from Carbonaro CPAs Management Group. The accounting firm conducted the independent audit of the Charter School in Discovery Harbour.
In a letter on Monday to the Hawai‘i Board of Accountancy and Hawai‘i Society of Certified Public Accountancy, John Carbonaro writes that his company's “CPA audit findings are being used as sufficient legal evidence with no apparent follow-up or due diligence by the State to levy punitive damages” on Ka‘ū Learning Academy.

Carbonero is referring to the state Public Charter School Commission’s recent notice that it is considering revoking KLA’s charter, citing the Carbonero audit findings.
Carbonero questioned when such audits, designed, in part, to help improve business practices, should be used to levy “government consequences rather than client improvement as the perceived outcome?” Carbonaro sates that “In the audit report, management (at Ka‘ū Learning Academy) provided credible corrective actions.” He writes that, ”In our experience over thousands of audits and 30 years, Federal, State and County
governmental agencies viewed the corrective action plans favorably and appreciated a thorough audit."
"Carbonaro states that it is better for clients, like Ka‘ū Learning Academy, to be told about any accounting and compliance issues rather than “not to know. But punitive damages from Government agencies relying on the audit report may prevent that growth from occurring.”

In stating that the Charter School Commission’s threat to hold funding and take away the charter was made without any review by the State, Carbonera says this practice puts the accounting industry at risk, "creates legal exposure for CPA audits; creates an adversarial relationship between CPA auditors and their clients; and creates an environment where minimal auditing and minimal reporting is rewarded instead of discouraged.” He asks the Hawai‘i Board of Accountancy to consider these issues.

In the meantime, Ka‘ū Leaning Academy continues its classes and services to 95 students, grades three-to-seven, and their families. Managing Director Joe Iacuzzo said on Monday that the Ka‘ū Learning Academy board and staff "greatly appreciate the support of the families of students and the community" as it continues to build the programs at the school. He described the parents of the students as pleased with their progress and said, "Our board of directors has expressed their very strong objections to what they believe is an abuse of the authority by the Charter Commission."

During the Charter School Commission meeting in late November, Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Science Principal Steve Hirakami said that his charter school had many more bookkeeping and compliance issues during its startup than those described in the audit of Ka‘ū Learning Academy. He described the errors at KLA as "miniscule."

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Proposed location of new wastewater treatment plant for Pāhala
at the corner of Hwy. 11 and the Norfolk Pine Tree lane
on Maile Street. Public meetings Dec. 12 - 14.

LOCATION, COST, TIMING AND EXPENSE TO RESIDENTS for the proposed Pāhala Wastewater Treatment Plant will be the subject of five talk story meetings Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 12, 13 and 14.
The proposed location is in the macadamia orchard at the corner of Hwy. 11 and Maile Street along the Norfolk Pine tree lane entering Pāhala. The 44 acres are owned by Kamehameha Schools and would be condemned for purchase by the county.
The county and its consultants scheduled the meetings for:

Musician/singer/songwriter Ken Makuakāne will

perform a Nā Leo Manu concert on Dec. 20.

Photo from Makuakāne

The consultants sent out stamped return post cards to those homeowners currently on the old Brewer sewage system in order for them to R.S.V.P. Separate meetings will be planned for the Nā‘ālehu Wastewater Treatment Plant plan.

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A PERFORMANCE BY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL ARTIST KEN MAKUAKĀNE has been announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Free, park entrance fees apply.

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TEE BALL AND COACH PITCH BASEBALL REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED until January for both Nā‘ālehu and Ocean View teams.
The Tee Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball programs are offered by Hawai‘i County Department of Parks & Recreation but require community volunteers to coach each team. Travis Akamu has volunteered to coach the Coach Pitch Baseball team at the Nā‘ālehu Ball Field in front of Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Josh Crook has volunteered to coach the Tee Ball team in Nā‘ālehu and both Tee Ball and Coach Pitch teams at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates.

Volunteer Coach Josh Crook takes a knee with his Tee Ball team.
Register keiki for the current season until January. See story for details.
Photo by Kacey Loman

Tee Ball is open to keiki ages 5 and 6 (4 year olds may join if they will turn 5 years of age by May 1, 2018). Coach Pitch is open to keiki ages 7 and 8. The registration fee due in January is $40.00 per child - all paperwork is required before keiki can join practice.
Practice has begun at both locations. In Nā‘ālehu, practice is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for Tee Ball and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Coach Pitch. In Ocean View, practice is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for Tee Ball and from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Coach Pitch.
For more details, contact Crook at 808-345-0511 or Akamu at 808-339-1165. Visit Ka'u Youth Baseball group on Facebook for updates.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html.
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html.
December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 13, @ Kea‘au.
Saturday, Dec. 16, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Tuesday, Dec. 12, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Dec. 16, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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LEARN HOW THE INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS OF PRE-CONTACT HAWAI‘I connect to Pacific societies in the past, present and future and how Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are used as models for living more sustainably at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's After Dark in the Park talk on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The presentation entitled Pacific Islands As Models For Culture, Agriculture & Sustainability begins at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE VOLUNTEERING will be on display as Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu Community Emergency Response Team invites the public to participate in training scenarios. They will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, contact Dina Shisler by emailing dinashisler24@yahoo.com or calling 410-935-8087.

A HANGING SANTA CRAFT CLASS takes place Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register keiki grades K-8 until Tuesday, Dec. 12. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

Aunty Ka‘ohu Monfort will demonstrate Hawaiian healing plants and

techniques at the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau workshop, Dec. 13. Photo by NPS

DISCOVER THE POWER OF LOCAL PLANTS TO NOURISH AND HEAL on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. Hawaiian Herbal Medicine Practitioner Ka‘ohu Monfort demonstrates and offers visitors the opportunity to touch a variety of traditional medicinal plants. The program, Lā‘au Lapa‘au, takes place on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more visit nps.gov/HAVO.

AN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COLORING CONTEST takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki grades K-5 until Wednesday, Dec. 13. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOSTS THE DENTAL VAN TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

A HOLIDAY COLLAGE WREATH CLASS takes place Friday, Dec. 15, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park (H.O.V.E.). Register Keiki ages 6-12 until Wednesday, Dec. 13. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA OF TŪTŪ & ME is offered at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more details, call 929-857.

KĪLAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK PRESENTS A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol, a musical production, Thursday, Dec. 14, through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

FREE MEDICAL SERVICES FROM THE MEDICAL VAN are offered to the community at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ALOHA FRIDAY PROGRAM offers Hula & Oli with Kaho‘okele Crabbe on Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of hula, Hawaiian language and chant. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

A FREE HAWAIIAN CULTURAL DEMONSTRATION, ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), is offered Friday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

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A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.

HĀLAU HULA NA LEI HIWAHIWA O KU‘UALOHA, under the direction of Kumu Hula Sammye Ku‘ualoha Young, performs Hula Kahiko on the hula platform Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Following the performance until about 1 p.m., Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani provides a hands on cultural demonstration, Nā Mea Hula. For more and to confirm date, contact Desiree by calling 987-7288 or emailing volcanohula@gmail.com.

BRING A DISH TO SHARE AND PLAY BUNCO on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., in the Discovery Harbour Community Hall for Bunco & Potluck. Bunco, also known as Bonko or Bunko, is a popular game played with nine dice. Bring a dish to share. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

See event at right.
Zentangle artwork photo from volcanoartcenter.org

THE ZENTANGLE INSPIRED ART EXHIBIT & RECEPTION at Volcano Art Center invites participants to bring their art and a pupu. It is free from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at VAC (no membership is necessary). The event offers door prizes, a slideshow and videos. Attendance is free, donations are welcome. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S CRATER RIM CAFÉ offers a Mongolian BBQ Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The café is located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM for Ocean View at the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, call 939-7033.

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS A COMMUNITY BEACH CLEAN-UP AT KAMILO on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited in HWF 4WD vehicles. To volunteer, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com in advance to reserve your spot. Meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park.

JOIN RANGERS ON A FREE MODERATELY DIFFICULT GUIDED HIKE, entitled People & Land of Kahuku, on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 2.5 mile hike takes visitors over rugged terrain and focuses on the human history of Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Celebrate the Sakada's cultural contribution to society in
Hawai'i on Dec. 17. See event details at right.
Photo from youtube.com

CELEBRATE THE SAKADA LEGACY in the agricultural development of Ka‘ū. The Sakadas are the workers who came to Hawai‘i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association. The community celebrates Sakada Day on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
Sakada Day honors the Sakada's work, economic and cultural contributions to society in Hawai‘i. The event, including a Filipino lunch, is free and offers Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.
Formal recognition will be given to Sakadas and their families from Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

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A consulting engineer on the project from Brown and Caldwell explains the rationale for shutting
down gang cesspools that can pollute groundwater and the ocean. Photo by Julia Neal

ENTHUSIASTIC INTEREST IN THE LOCATION, COST AND OPERATION OF THE PROPOSED PĀHALA WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT came from a core of a dozen community members at the first talk story session on the project sponsored by the county and consultants on Tuesday. Held at the Ka‘ū District Gym activity room, the meeting introduced the logic of the preliminary siting of the wastewater treatment plant at the corner of Hwy. 11, extending the length of the Norfolk Pine Tree lane on Maile Street to the village. Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan led the meeting, accompanied by an engineer with the company designing the facility.
They explained that providing the community with a wastewater treatment facility is mandated by the federal government to protect water resources. The proposed location is downhill and away from town, in a macadamia orchard, which would provide a buffer around the facility and unlikely to have many archaeological sites.

Berna Cabacungan leads the meeting on the siting and function
of the new Pahala Wastewater Treatment Plant.

An engineer with Brown and Caldwell, who lives in Waimea, is on the team designing the new system. She explained the reasons for changing over from the old plantation sewage lines and the two gang cesspools - one of them in a homeowner's yard on Maile Street - and the other near the old Pāhala Theatre site. She explained that wastewater not only has organisms that can cause disease, it has chemicals used by people in their homes and businesses that can affect groundwater and the ocean. The federal government banned gang cesspools like those in Pāhala in 2000. The Environmental Protection Agency could fine the County of Hawai‘i some $32,500 a day for noncompliance but has given more time and is looking for a plan forward.
Vicki Pa‘aluhi said her family has two properties and is concerned about the cost of hooking up to the new sewage system and also said she that she has problems with sewage from a neighboring property. Helena Hashimoto, Sandy Tomondon and Lilly Ledergerber said they too are worried about cost, with Tomondon saying she is concerned about the expense for the next generation.

The wastewater treatment facility would process the sewage through four lagoons and planting
areas that would use the water and its nutrients to grown native trees. Image from Brown and Caldwell

County Council member Maile David said she would look into possible funding to help pay for the hookup cost for homeowners. She praised the county and consultants for their talk story sessions with residents.
The cost of the new wastewater treatment system was estimated at $9 to $13 million, including putting the sewer pipes in the roads in the town for servicing houses on the old plantation system and building the wastewater plant to scale to serve the larger community in the future.
Gary Tomondon said he is concerned about flooding at the proposed site. The engineer said that she will look into it and that flooding will be carefully considered in the design. Tomondon asked that the head of the county department in charge of the treatment system come to Pāhala for the next round of meetings. The consultants said they would let him know and said the meetings could be as early as January.

The area in green consists of houses that are on the old sewer line and

will be hooked up to the new one. The purple areas would be able

to also hook up to the new sewage treatment lines. The facility

would be able to accommodate the entire community and some

expected growth in the population. Image from Brown and Caldwell

Gwen Sorensen suggested that the county consider land below Hwy 11 for the site, away from the town. Pa‘aluhi said she remembered underground burial sites in a lava tube on the selected property.
A representative from Kamehameha Schools, which owns the selected site, was on hand to listen to the consultants and Pāhala citizens. The consultants pointed out that the process will include not only ponds but also 16 acres of native water-loving trees to absorb the liquids and nutrients from the sewage.
Albert Ledergerber, a retired engineer from Ka‘ū Sugar Co., said the sewage lines worked fine during the plantation days and asked whether there could be a waiver for Pāhala to prevent the expense of the new system. The consultants took down the suggestion.
Michael Worthington said he hopes any additional archaeological studies be done on the chosen site soon, in order to prevent delays, such as those that occurred with the building of the new Ka‘ū District Gym, when a graveyard was found underground in a lava tube.
Four more firest-round public meetings will be held: Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center; Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room; Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center; Thursday, Dec. 14, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room.
For more information, contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan at eplan1@aol.com, Department of Environmental Management at 961-8339, or Iris Cober at the Brown and Caldwell Maui office at 808-442-3300.

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HELP TO FINISH THE OCEAN VIEW DEEP CLEAN is coming to Ocean View Community Association, according to its President, Ron Gall. Gall said on Tuesday that his request to Mayor Harry Kim has been answered. The overwhelmingly successful call to turn in broken appliances, old mattresses and many other discarded and stored items in Ocean View resulted in 110 small pick-up loads of things coming to Ocean View Community Center in late October.

The County will make another round of picking up discarded items stored
at Ocean View Community Center, following the Deep Clean in October.
Matson already sent two containers that were filled

and hauled away. Photo by Ron Gall

Matson supplied, at no charge, two containers, which were filled, leaving some 73 small pick-up loads of items on the grounds of the community center.
Bill Kucharski, Director of the Department of Environmental Management for Hawai‘i County, wrote to Ocean View Community Association, saying: "Mayor Kim asked that I contact you and let you know that the County will supply dumpsters and transportation for the collected waste materials your community has collected. The Mayor can (and did) make this happen."

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OBJECTION TO THE TRUMP FEDERAL JUDGE NOMINATION will come from a group of Senators and advocates who plan to make their case against the federal judge nomination of Don Willett. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced that she, Sen. Jeff Merkely, and National Women’s Law Center President and CEO Fatima Goss Graves will go before the U.S. Senate on Wednesday to highlight Judge Don Willett’s "troubling views on women’s equality, especially in the workplace." The Senate is currently considering Judge Willett’s nomination to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Sen. Mazie Hirono objects to the
nomination of the Texas Supreme
Court Justice Don Willett.
Photo from Wikipedia

Wrote Hirono, "As a member of the Bush administration, Judge Willett made clear his outrageous views on women in the workplace, saying, 'I resist the… talk of ‘glass ceilings,’ pay equity, the need to place kids in the care of rented strangers… I strongly resist anything that shows we believe the hype.'

"Judge Willett is just the latest in a series of Trump judicial nominees to espouse views against the LGBT community, minority rights, abortion rights, and other critical issues," said Hirono.
Willett is a Supreme Court Justice for the state of Texas.

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KA‘Ū HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL hosted Kamehameha School Monday at the Ka‘ū District Gym. In the Junior Varsity matchup, Kaohinani Grace scored 19 points for Ka‘ū. She was the highest scoring J.V. player of the night from either team. Kamehameha won, 54-25. In Varsity play, Kiana Mederios-Dancel made 8 points and Mei Lin Galban Kin In made 6. The final was Kamehameha 58 and Ka‘ū 17.

THE TROJANS PLAYED KOHALA AND HILO in soccer on Tuesday. The scores for the boys were Kohala 5 and Ka‘ū 0. For the girls, dcores were Hilo 9 and Ka‘ū 0.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 13, @ Kea‘au.
Saturday, Dec. 16, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 16, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13, IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-5, for the Annual Christmas Coloring Contest that takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13, IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6-12, for a Holiday Collage Wreath Class that takes place Friday, Dec. 15, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park (H.O.V.E.). For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

FREE DENTAL CARE IS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY in Ocean View at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

SEE AND TOUCH A VARIETY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE as Hawaiian herbal medicine practitioner Ka‘ohu Montfort demonstrates the power of local plants to nourish and heal on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. The program, Lā‘au Lapa‘au, takes place on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more visit nps.gov/HAVO.

NĀ‘ĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO join Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me for Story Time, followed by crafts, on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more details, call 929-857.

THE MEDICAL VAN SERVES THE COMMUNITY at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL PRODUCTION titled A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol is presented by Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network Thursday, Dec. 14, through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU (Experience the Skillful Work), a free Hawaiian cultural demonstration is offered Friday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ASKS VOLUNTEERS to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in at three remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Friday, Dec. 15, with the event also taking place Dec. 23 and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe teaches the
basics of hula, Hawaiian language and
chant at Volcano Art Center on Dec. 15.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

LEARN THE BASICS OF HULA, HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AND CHANT with Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe for Volcano Art Center's Aloha Friday: Hula & Oli on Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets at the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, call 939-7033.

A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF KUMU HULA SAMMYE KU‘UALOHA YOUNG HULA, Hālau Na Lei Hiwahiwa o Ku’ualoha performs Hula Kahiko on the hula platform Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Following the performance until about 1 p.m., Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani provides a hands on cultural demonstration, Nā Mea Hula. For more and to confirm date, contact Desiree by calling 987-7288 or emailing volcanohula@gmail.com.

JOIN DISCOVERY HARBOUR RESIDENTS FOR BUNCO & POTLUCK on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., in the Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco, also known as Bonko or Bunko, is a popular game played with nine dice. Bring a dish to share. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Volunteer for a beach clean-up at Kamilo with Hawai‘i
Wildlife Fund on Dec. 16. Photo from HWF

DOOR PRIZES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT Volcano Art Center's Zentagle Inspired Art Exhibit & Reception from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Volcano Art Center says, “Bring your friends, your art and a light holiday pupu to share." The event is open to the public and offers a slideshow and videos, in addition to inviting attendees to make a Zentangle inspired ornament to take home. Attendance is free, donations are welcome. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

VOLUNTEER WITH HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND TO CLEAN-UP THE BEACH AT KAMILO on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited in HWF 4WD vehicles. To volunteer, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com in advance to reserve your spot. Meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park.

DISCOVER THE HUMAN HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a free moderately difficult ranger guided hike entitled People & Land of Kahuku, on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 2.5 mile hike takes visitors over rugged terrain through Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

FORMAL RECOGNITION WILL BE GIVEN TO SAKADAS and their families from Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala at Sakada Day on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The Sakadas are the workers who came to Hawai‘i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association.
Sakada Day celebrates the Sakada legacy in the agricultural development of Ka‘ū and honors the Sakada's work, economic and cultural contributions to society in Hawai‘i. The event, including a Filipino lunch, is free and offers Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

Positions are being offered at CU Hawai‘i's Nā‘ālehu location. Photo from cuhawaii.com

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Wild turkeys live in the macadamia trees next to the proposed Pāhala sewage treatment site.
Photo by Julia Neal

INTEREST IN PROTECTING THE PINE TREE AND MACADAMIA ENTRANCE TO PĀHALA came up Wednesday morning and evening at talk story meetings on the proposed site and operation of the new Pāhala wastewater treatment facility. The tentative site, 42.5 acres owned by Kamehameha Schools, runs from the corner of Lower Moa‘ula Road and Maile Street, out to Hwy. 11 on the Hilo side of the Norfolk pine lane.
The perimeter of the existing macadamia orchard and Norfolk Pines would screen the wastewater treatment site. The preliminary design calls for aerated lagoons and native tree plantings to filter and treat the effluent and protect the groundwater and ocean. The concept minimizes mechanical and repair costs and uses the environment to help filter and dispose of the effluent.
Michelle Sorensen, a consulting engineer on the project, explained that the buffering by the Norfolk Pines and macadamia trees would be substantial with the current design.

Maile Street, the Norfolk pine tree lane to Pāhala from Hwy. 11.
Photo by Julia Neal

The facility would process wastewater from homes along the old plantation sewer lines. The engineer said that the site could accommodate the entire community, by later expanding the treatment facility on the 42.5 acres. Additional macadamia would be removed and a new landscape design, preserving the Norfolk pines and adding other plantings to buffer the site, would occur should expansion be needed, possibly decades from now.
Several mentioned the beauty of the pine tree lane coming into town. Colleen Milligan noted that wild turkeys and pheasants live in the macadamia orchard. Kama Dancel, representing Kamehameha Schools, noted that locals hunt pigs in the macadamia orchards. He also said that taking down macadamia trees could mean reducing employment and income from the nuts. The engineer said that economic impacts will be studied.
Several Pāhala residents attending, including Les Iverson and Jean Hanoa, recommended that the county revisit site possibilities below Hwy. 11. Iverson said he didn't believe the selected property above Hwy. 11 is large enough to include the needs of the entire village and for future growth.
The engineer said that the county has been looking at alternate sites and could possibly review them and others and explain in more detail why the targeted site was chosen. Kamehameha Schools owns other land below the highway, below macadamia orchards.
Jan Kaleohana talked about growing up with old plantation treatment system in Portuguese Camp, without thinking about it until the sugar company that operated it closed in 1996. She asked that the community be involved in site selection and making sure the cost is not too much of a burden on local residents.
Atta Kaleohana and Gilbert and Cecilia Ito also brought up the cost of hooking up to the system and the bills that will come from the county for the ongoing service. The consultants explained that the treatment system is being paid for in part by grants and county funding spread across the island and that the burden of cost will not be on Pāhala residents.

Preliminary site chosen for the Pāhala wastewater treatment facility would use aerated lagoons and
planting areas to use nature to help clean wastewater.

Alfred Ibarra, who is not on the old sewage system, asked if he will be required to hook up to the system when it goes by his house on Pikake Street. County regulations do require everyone to hook up when the line goes by their houses. Council member Maile David, who attended last night's meeting, said she would look for funding to help with the hookup costs.
The preliminary cost estimate for the project is $20 to $21 million. The timeline is to acquire the property for the wastewater facility and finish environmental studies by the end of 2018, complete construction of the facility and the piping in the streets in the middle of 2021 and hook up the system by the end of 2021.
Two more meetings will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14, the first from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room, and the last from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
The consultants explained again that the county is under order by the EPA to secure a site and begin construction or face fines for operating the old plantation system which takes the effluent into two large gang cesspools, where there is no treatment.
For more information, contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan at eplan1@aol.com, Department of Environmental Management at 961-8339, or Iris Cober at the Brown and Caldwell Maui office at 808-442-3300.

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A MUSICIAN AND TEXTILE ARTISTS will be the January 2018 Artists-in -Residence at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Musician Will Oldham – who performs under the name Bonnie Prince Billy – and his wife, textile artist Elsa Hansen Oldham were selected by the non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation, Hawai‘i Friends of Volcanoes National Park and Friends of Volcanoes National Park.

Elsa and Will Oldham will be Artists-in-Residents at Hawai‘i
Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Christian Hansen

Singer/songwriter Oldham's music is described as an alternative blend of country, folk and punk. His wife's quilting and cross stitch work puts a folksy pop-art spin on history and modern culture.

The pair will present a dual multimedia performance on Jan. 26 in the Kīlauea Visitor Center at 6 p.m. Will Oldham will sing and play music while Elsa Hansen Oldham stitches on stage as her handiwork is projected on the auditorium’s movie screen.

“As the park enters our fourth year of the Artist-in-Residence Program, we look forward to our second musician and first textile artist,” said Laura Carter Schuster, Chief of Cultural Resources at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. “Hawai‘i has such a long tradition of both music and quilting, this pair seems like a match for our location. And the park will inspire both the musician and the fabric artist alike,” she said.

The couple lives in Louisville, KY, and will reside in the park for a month. Oldham has performed since 1998 as Bonnie Prince Billy, and prior to that as Palace Brothers and Palace Music. His songs have been performed by Johnny Cash, Marianne Faithful and others. His new record, Best Troubadour, is a collection of Merle Haggard songs.

Hansen Oldham’s textile art is displayed at the Dickinson Roundell Gallery in New York, and she was recently profiled in the New York Times.
The project is supported by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and other benefactors. The NPAF is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the national parks through creating dynamic opportunities for artwork based in the natural and historic heritage of America. All NPAF programs are made possible through the philanthropic support of donors. Visit nationalparksartsfoundation.org for details.

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GIRLS BASKETBALL SAW KA‘Ū AT KEA‘AU on Wednesday, Dec. 13. The final for Jayvee was Kea‘au 32, Ka‘ū 13. In Varsity play, Ka‘ū scored 34, with Kianie Mederios Dancel scoring 16 points. However, Kea‘au scored 69.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 16, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 16, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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

BRING YOUR KEIKI FOR A FREE STORYBOOK READING AND CRAFT ACTIVITY with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me on Thursday, Dec. 14, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more details, call 929-857.

FREE MEDICAL SERVICES ARE OFFERED TO THE COMMUNITY by The Medical Van at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Call 939-7000 or visit St. Jude's at 92-8606 Paradise Circle, Ocean View.

OPENING NIGHT IS THURSDAY, DEC. 14, for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's musical production A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol. The show is presented Thursday, Dec. 14, through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

EXPERIENCE THE SKILLFUL WORK, ‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU, a free Hawaiian cultural demonstration, is offered Friday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

HELP REMOVE INVASIVE NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at three remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Friday, Dec. 15, with the event also taking place Dec. 23 and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

BRING A DISH TO SHARE AND PLAY A GAME CALLED BUNCO on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., in the Discovery Harbour Community Hall for Bunco & Potluck. Bunco, also known as Bonko or Bunko, is a popular game played with nine dice. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets at the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, call 939-7033.

JOIN VOLUNTEERS FOR A COMMUNITY BEACH CLEAN-UP AT KAMILO hosted by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited in HWF 4WD vehicles. To volunteer, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com in advance to reserve your spot. Meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park.

Hālau Hula Na Lei Hiwahiwa o Ku‘ualoha performs Hula Kahiko Dec. 16.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

USE OF CLEAN TOWELS, SHAMPOO, SOAP AND A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER are offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF KUMU HULA SAMMYE KU‘UALOHA YOUNG, Hālau Hula Na Lei Hiwahiwa o Ku’ualoha performs Hula Kahiko on the hula platform Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16.
Following the performance until about 1 p.m., Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani provides a hands on cultural demonstration, Nā Mea Hula. For more and to confirm date, contact Desiree by calling 987-7288 or emailing volcanohula@gmail.com.

MAKE AND TAKE HOME A ZENTAGLE INSPIRED ORNAMENT at the Volcano Art Center's Zentagle Inspired Art Exhibit & Reception from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Volcano Art Center says, “Bring your friends, your art and a light holiday pupu to share." The event is open to the public and offers door prizes, a slideshow and videos. Attendance is free, donations are welcome. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

MADE TO ORDER MONGOLIAN BBQ DISHES are offered during Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café's Mongolian BBQ event on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The café is located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

HONOR THE SAKADA'S WORK AND ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY IN HAWAI‘I and join community members in celebrating the Sakada legacy in the agricultural development of Ka‘ū on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The Sakadas are the workers who came to Hawai‘i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association.
The event, including a Filipino lunch, is free and offers Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.
Formal recognition will be given to Sakadas and their families from Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala at Sakada Day.

JOIN RANGERS ON A FREE MODERATELY DIFFICULT GUIDED HIKE, entitled People & Land of Kahuku, on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 2.5 mile hike takes visitors over rugged terrain and focuses on the human history of Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Register keiki aged 5-6 for Tee Ball and aged 7-8 for Coach
Pitch Baseball in Nā‘ālehu and Ocean View until January.
See Dec. 11 Briefs for more details. Photo by Elizabeth Crook

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

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The Honoka‘a wastewater treatment facility while it was under construction. A similar aerated
lagoon system is being considered for Pāhala. In addition, Pāhala would have acres of trees for screening
and also trees planted to absorb water and nutrients. The county is offering to organize a field trip for Pāhala
residents to see the finished and operating Honoka‘a system. Photo from Goodfellowbros.com

NARROWING DOWN AN AVAILABLE AND APPROPRIATE SITE AND SYSTEM for the Pāhala Wastewater Treatment Plant drew more people to talk story at the Ka‘ū District Gym on Thursday morning. They discussed not only waste disposal, but their appreciation for life in the village.

As with all of the talk story meetings about the future sewage system, county consultant Berna Cabacungan, of Earthplan, began with questions regarding the community's concept about the village itself. When asked what people like about Pāhala, they responded. Ka‘ū Coffee farmer Milton DaCalio said, "Everything is slower here." A woman named Trinidad said, "It's my home." Dexter Lee said, "The lifestyle, no hustle and bustle, slow and easy."

Ed Olson's house across the street from the proposed Pāhala
Wastewater Treatment Plant site. Photo by Julia Neal

Ed Olson said, "Real nice community" and mentioned recent economic development, including his construction of Ka‘ū Coffee Mill with employment and leasing land to more than 30 farmers with irrigation. He also brought up his current work on a hydroelectric plant up Wood Valley Road. He said there is nothing better than employment to give people hope.
Sammie Stanbro, with Olson Trust, called Pāhala, "a hidden jewel."
When asked about challenges for the community, Trinidad said, "More jobs for children so they don't go away." Lee said during old days people used to be able to go up to the mountains and down to the ocean at any time, without restrictions. New landowners have restricted some access. DaCalio said, "Same thing."

Regarding the planned location for the treatment facility, Olson noted that he is the only one whose house is across the street. He owns his house and the Old Pahala Clubhouse mauka of the proposed site at the corner of Lower Moa‘ula and Maile Streets.
Stanbro recommended researching the possible siting of the wastewater treatment plant on the Nā‘ālehu side of the Norfolk pine lane along Maile Street to put it a bit farther from the town. Like the current preferred site, some 42.5 acres, the land across Maile Street is owned by Kamehameha Schools. It is about the same size and also has a macadamia orchard that could serve as an immediate buffer, she noted.

Old Pāhala Clubhouse across the street from the proposed Pāhala Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Photo by Julia Neal

A preferred location would be downhill - downgradient - from the village for gravity flow to and through the site. Enough space for the proposed treatment plant and an area to expand in the future would be ideal. Easy access, electricity, a source of water, and land without archaeological sites and environmentally sensitive places such as gulches and stream beds would also be top qualities for the most appropriate site. The soil composition and other qualities will be considered.

Michelle Sorenson, a wastewater engineer working on the project for Brown and Caldwell, a firm contracted by the county, said it is difficult to find an available site with all the boxes checked off. She said that the county is talking with Kamehameha Schools about the preliminary site but that other possibilities could be considered.
When asked for a main point to take back to the county about the wastewater treatment plan, most attending the meeting named the cost to the people living in Pāhala.
Read about the Thursday night meeting in the Friday Ka‘ū Calendar News Briefs.

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A FIELD TRIP TO THE HONOKA‘A WASTEWATER TREATMENT SITE is being offered by Hawai‘i County. The Honoka‘a plant has aerated lagoons, like those in the concept for Pāhala. Those interested may call Department of Environmental Management at 961-8339, or Iris Cober at the Brown and Caldwell Maui office at 808-442-3300.

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KEIKI CHRISTMAS AT KAHUKU PARK, a new event organized by Ocean View community members Ian and Kathie. The free event is scheduled to take place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kahuku Park, which is located on Paradise Circle, four blocks mauka of hwy. 11 and Ocean View Town Center in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Food, activities, games and exhibits will be open to all and santa gifts and photos will be available to keiki, from newborn to age 14. An all day long gift raffle will be available to kūpuna. It is a drug and alcohol free event. For more information or to participate or make a donation, call Ian at 758-6351 or Kathie at 937-5865.

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

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL, a Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network musical production, premiers Thursday, Dec. 14, with performances continuing through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

A FREE HAWAIIAN CULTURAL DEMONSTRATION, ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), is offered Friday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

HELP NATIVE PLANTS GROW IN THE HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK by volunteering to remove invasive non-native plant species at three remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Friday, Dec. 15, with the event also taking place Dec. 23 and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

JOIN DISCOVERY HARBOUR RESIDENTS FOR BUNCO & POTLUCK on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., in the Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco, also known as Bonko or Bunko, is a popular game played with nine dice. Bring a dish to share. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE & NĀ MEA HULA DEMONSTRATION are offered on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at on Saturday, Dec. 16. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Sammye Ku‘ualoha Young, Hālau Hula Na Lei Hiwahiwa o Ku’ualoha performs Hula Kahiko at 10:30 a.m.
Following the performance until about 1 p.m., Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani provides a hands on cultural demonstration, Nā Mea Hula. For more and to confirm date, contact Desiree by calling 987-7288 or emailing volcanohula@gmail.com.

Help clean-up old nets and trash that has washed up onto the shore at
Kamilo, below Nā‘ālehu. See event at right.
Photo from Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund

HELP IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SEA TURTLES AND OTHER MARINE ANIMALS BY volunteering to remove plastic debris, trash and old nets from Kamilo during a community beach clean-up organized by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited in HWF 4WD vehicles. To volunteer, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com in advance to reserve your spot. Meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets at the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, call 939-7033.

A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.

ATTEND A FREE ZENTANGLE INSPIRED ART EXHIBIT & RECEPTION at the Volcano Art Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Volcano Art Center says, “Bring your friends, your art and a light holiday pupu to share." The event is open to the public and offers door prizes, a slideshow and videos. Guests are encouraged to create and take home a Zentangle inspired ornament. Donations are welcome. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

ENJOY A FILIPINO LUNCH, MUSIC AND DANCE AND VIEW DISPLAYS OF FILIPINO ITEMS from the plantation days at Sakada Day on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The Sakadas are the workers who came to Hawai‘i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association.
Sakada Day celebrates the Sakada legacy in the agricultural development of Ka‘ū and honors the Sakada's work, economic and cultural contributions to society in Hawai‘i. The event, including a Filipino lunch, is free and offers Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.
Formal recognition will be given to Sakadas and their families from Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala at Sakada Day.

JOIN RANGERS ON A FREE MODERATELY DIFFICULT GUIDED HIKE, entitled People & Land of Kahuku, on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 2.5 mile hike takes visitors over rugged terrain and focuses on the human history of Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū AND VOLCANO MUSICIANS will perform at the Chamber Orchestra of Kona's Holiday Favorites concert on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Resort & Spa. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
Tickets are $10 and $20. Children under 18 are free. Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL ARTIST KEN MAKUAKĀNE PERFORMS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Free, park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

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The second $20 million capital improvement investment in Pāhala , following the recent completion
of the Ka‘ū District Gym, will be the town's wastewater treatment facility. Five small gatherings
for talk story sessions on the design and location were held this week in the village.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE LAST PRELIMINARY PĀHALA SEWAGE TREATMENT MEETING wrapped up Thursday night, drawing the most people of any of the five talks story sessions this week. The $20 to $21 million project, more costly than the new Ka`u District Gym, could be completed by the end of 2021. It will be the most expensive capital improvement in Pāhala's history.

Sophie Hanoa said that wastewater affects all of the Ka`u District and the ahupua`a from the mountain to the ocean and urged the entire community to become involved in the decision making on protecting the water resources. She said the project will affect generations to come and also suggested that the ideas be taken to the students at Ka‘ū High School, which is one of the places that will hook up to the sewer. She thanked the outreach consultant and wastewater engineer for coming to the community on behalf of the county. In the past, she said, the community has experienced that sometimes people with plans for the area come to Ka‘ū with some arrogance.

Berna Cabacungan collected input from Pahala residents.
Photo by Julia Neal

Engineer Michelle Sorensen said that the county wanted to come in early to receive local knowledge and questions from the community. When asked by consultant Berna Cabacungan what people like about Pahala, Keoni Grace said everyone knows each other, from the folks at work to neighbors, friends and family.

Gay Polido said that people care about each other here. She also said she appreciates the open attitude of the consultants in getting to know the community.

Residents like Leonard Villa talked about the quiet nature of Pāhala , friendliness and the close knit families.
When asked about challenges, people talked about keeping the rural lifestyle and balancing economic opportunity with the easygoing life in a town without a stoplight.
Concerning the proposed sewage treatment plant, Liz Polido said she would like to see printed preliminary plans and explanations about the treatment plant in order to take them home and study them.

Mary Ibarra asked whether those who live next to the planned sewer line be required to hook up, even if they have already paid for their own cesspool. Could they be compensated?

Mary Ibarra asked whether homeowners who already
paid for cesspools will have to pay to change over
to the new sewer system. Photo by Julia Neal

A man named Alan asked whether the proposed system that uses aerated lagoons and growing trees to clean the water will be able to handle metals. The engineer said that there are very few metals in residential wastewater and most metal pieces ending up in the sewage, would be largely removed by a filtering system.

May Galacio and Francis Delos Santos said they were concerned about the cost to homeowners. Lois Camba asked what responsibilities will fall on the homeowner?

The consultants said they will attempt to bring some preliminary cost estimates for hooking up and the regular sewer bill cost to the community during a second round of meetings early next year. Then noted that the design is in its beginning stages and land for the project must be acquired.
They reiterated that the cost of construction will not be born solely by Pāhala residents and that government officials have vowed to look for funding to help hook up. The regular sewer bills are the same around the island so that no one on a county system pays a higher rate than others on a county system.
More meetings will take place and information exchanged as the project moves along. Its estimated completion date is December of 2021. The federal government has ordered the construction of a sewage treatment system so that old large capacity cesspools that have no treatment ability can be abandoned. They were made illegal in the year 2000 to protect drinking water and other natural resources and for public health.

For more information, contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan at eplan1@aol.com or the Department of Environmental Management at 961-8339.

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THE KUPUNA CAREGIVERS PROGRAM began this week statewide and applications are open. Full-time caregivers of kupuna are eligible for financial assistance of up to $70 per day to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for senior citizens. When Gov. David Ige signed the bill, AARP Hawai`i called it "a major win."

This week applications opened up to be paid for
taking care of kupuna.

"Full-time caregivers often have additional full-time jobs, and this recent triumph allows them to provide care for their loved ones while being gainfully employed, said a statement from Team David Ige. "From the beginning, the people of Hawai'i are taught to treat our kupuna with the utmost respect, and part of the respect we show is taking accountability and responsibility for their care. Governor Ige has fought for shared responsibility when advocating for our kupuna.
"Our kupuna caregivers deserve our full support so Hawai'i can continue to honor the wishes of our seniors, improve their health outcomes, and help ease the cost of long-term care for both family caregivers and the state," said the Team David Ige Statement.

It noted that the number of kupuna is growing more rapidly in Hawai`i than across the nation and that longevity is longer here. To enroll to be paid to take care of kupuna, see http://www.care4kupuna.com.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 16, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 16, Kamehameha @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL, a Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network musical production, is presented daily through Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

JOIN VOLUNTEERS FOR A COMMUNITY BEACH CLEAN-UP AT KAMILO hosted by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited in HWF 4WD vehicles. To volunteer, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com in advance to reserve your spot. Meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park.

A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.

JOIN DISCOVERY HARBOUR RESIDENTS FOR BUNCO & POTLUCK on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., in the Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco, also known as Bonko or Bunko, is a popular game played with nine dice. Bring a dish to share. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF KUMU HULA SAMMYE KU‘UALOHA YOUNG, Hālau Hula Na Lei Hiwahiwa o Ku’ualoha performs Hula Kahiko on the hula platform Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16.
Following the performance until about 1 p.m., Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani provides a hands on cultural demonstration, Nā Mea Hula. For more and to confirm date, contact Desiree by calling 987-7288 or emailing volcanohula@gmail.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets at the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, call 939-7033.

MAKE AND TAKE HOME A ZENTAGLE INSPIRED ORNAMENT at the Volcano Art Center's Zentagle Inspired Art Exhibit & Reception from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Volcano Art Center says, “Bring your friends, your art and a light holiday pupu to share." The event is open to the public and offers door prizes, a slideshow and videos. Attendance is free, donations are welcome. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

FORMAL RECOGNITION WILL BE GIVEN TO SAKADAS and their families from Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala at Sakada Day on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The Sakadas are the workers who came to Hawai‘i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association.
Sakada Day celebrates the Sakada legacy in the agricultural development of Ka‘ū and honors the Sakada's work, economic and cultural contributions to society in Hawai‘i. The event, including a Filipino lunch, is free and offers Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.

JOIN RANGERS ON A FREE MODERATELY DIFFICULT GUIDED HIKE, entitled People & Land of Kahuku, on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 2.5 mile hike takes visitors over rugged terrain and focuses on the human history of Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United

Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

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Geologist examines spatter and ash deposits within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park along Kīlauea's southwest
rift zone. New understanding of the age of the ash deposits, based on years of careful research, has prompted
revision of ages of these surface lava flows. See story below. USGS photograph by Tim Orr, Nov. 6, 2015

FUNDING FOR THE BAY CLINIC is one of the year end goals taken to the U.S. Senate floor this week by Sen. Mazie Hirono. She named protecting DREAMers, reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program and funding Community Health Centers.
Regarding the Children's Health Insurance Program, Hirono said that 6,000 children in Hawai‘i depend on CHIP for care they receive for complex medical conditions. Some 30,000 children in Hawai‘i are at risk of losing health care access through CHIP. Hawai‘i's federal funding for CHIP will run out as early as February, she said. The state would have to help out, putting funding for other critical programs at risk, said Hirono.

Bay Clinic's Ka‘ū Family Health Center, which opened in 2013, is at risk
without federal Community Health Center funding. Photo by Joe Febo

Hirono said Community Health Centers could be forced to shut their doors. She said they are the only health care provided in much of rural Hawai‘i. She named Bay Clinic, with its Nā‘ālehu venue, as among Community Health Centers at risk. If not funded, she said, the clinics across Hawai‘i would have to lay off staff and dramatically cut services. She noted that recent improvements in clinics include services that help save the cost and time of patients traveling long distances, in particular, to Honolulu. She said thousands of Hawai‘i families and more than 20 million people across the country would be at risk without Community Health Centers.
Hirono also called for parity in funding between defense and non-defense spending in the federal budget. She said the current plan is for a $54 billion increase in defense spending and $34 billion increase in all non-defense spending. Hirono said that as a member of the Armed Services Committee, she understands the need for more resources for defense, but "not at the expense of funding critical domestic programs." She said that the military also sees the need to fund the domestic programs.

Sen. Mazie Hirono listed the Dream Act, funding Childrens Health
Insurance and Community Health Centers like the Bay Clinic as year
end goals. Image from Sen. Mazie Hirono

Regarding those young people who grew up in the U.S. after being brought here by relatives without permission from the government, Hirono said she wants to help those who are good citizens to stay under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, with a legal path to citizenship.
"Every day that we don't pass the Dream Act, 122 Dreamers ....are losing their DACA status (exposing them to deportation). These are extraordinary young people with aspirations most of us take for granted. They just want to live, work, study and give back to the only country they know as home. We need to keep the promises that our government made to them by passing the DREAM Act by the end of this year."
View the presentation by Hirono and other members of Congress on year end legislation.

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PROGRESS IN UNDERSTANDING VOLCANOES CAN BE SLOW BUT ADDS UP, say U.S.G.S. scientists writing this week's Volcano Watch at Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory:

Thomas and Isabel Jaggar. Thomas Jaggar once thought Kīlauea was
an older Volcano than Mauna Loa.

It's good to stand back, take a deep breath, and examine what has been learned during decades of study of Hawaiian volcanoes. From such perspective, astounding progress has been made, and those who work at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have been privileged to be part of the story.

Unlike sausage making, the scientific learning process is open to observation, warts and all. Blunders, some rather embarrassing, will be caught, even if made by luminaries. For example, Thomas Jaggar, founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, once thought that Kīlauea was older than Mauna Loa, a conclusion quite opposite to what is known today.
Generally, though, it is not blunders but small errors that are corrected. Even more often, new data or changes in interpretation drive the process forward. Progress is incremental, sometimes two steps forward and one step back or, momentarily, even the reverse. Grand breakthroughs are unusual, plate tectonics being an example. With that said, what is the big-picture knowledge of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa acquired in the past few decades?
Hawaiian volcanoes seem to remain active for several hundred thousand, perhaps a million, years. Mauna Loa is well into its life span and will, eventually, be replaced by Lōʻihi, now a large and growing seamount south of the island. Kīlauea probably has more years ahead of it than behind, starting perhaps 300,000 years ago.

Lōʻihi, the underwater volcano off the Ka‘ū Coast, is
expected to eventually replace Mauna Loa. It sits some
3,000 meters above the ocean floor.
Image from Hawai‘i Center for Volcanology

The two volcanoes formed along different curving but parallel lines, the Loa and Kea trends, that erupt chemically different magma. This was recognized in the 19th century as a geometric pattern but was not identified chemically until the last half of the 20th century.

Giant submarine landslides, first recognized in the early 1960s, have peeled away from the west side of Mauna Loa, most recently about 105,000 years ago. No such giant slides are known at Kīlauea. The south or southeast flanks of both volcanoes are continuously moving southeastward a few centimeters a year owing to volcano spreading. Gravity is the principal cause, aided by intrusion of magma into rift zones.

The summit of each volcano sits atop a poorly understood pathway that transports magma upward from a melting site 100 km (62 miles) deep in the Earth's mantle. A shallow reservoir system 2-5 km (1-3 miles) deep caps this pathway, and magma moves from there upward to the surface or into the rift zones that sprout laterally from the reservoir.
Most eruptions produce lava flows, a fact long known, but each volcano has violent explosive eruptions triggered by pent-up magmatic gas or steam from heated groundwater. Explosive eruptions are not unusual over a time horizon of centuries and need consideration in long-term planning.
These findings, far from exhaustive, are awfully impressive. All were acquired since the late 1950s and took major effort to amass the necessary evidence.

Predicting the next Mauna Loa flow, like this one from 1984, as well as
the next landslide and explosion from Mauna Loa is an ongoing
effort of scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

They result from research. Whether at a university or a volcano observatory, research is needed to better understand volcanism. The science can't stand pat, arrogantly assuming that it already knows enough to suit society's needs. To improve, we must always learn more.
Here are some important questions about Mauna Loa and Kīlauea that we can't yet answer.
What are the details of melting in the mantle, and why does the supply rate of magma from the mantle to the shallow plumbing system change over time?
What will cause the next giant landslide from Mauna Loa and, perhaps, the first from Kīlauea?
Can we develop a way to determine how long an eruption, once underway, will last?
Can the next explosive eruption be predicted? How large will it be?
A new concept for Kīlauea is that periods dominated by explosive activity last centuries and alternate with periods of similar length dominated by lava flows. If so, when will the next explosive period start at Kīlauea? What clues might foretell it? When will it end?
Such questions drive research—with progress inevitable, if at times frustratingly slow.

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VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES: This past week, Kīlauea Volcano's summit lava lake level generally rose in concert with summit inflation, ranging from about 50 to 30 m (98–162 ft) below the vent rim. On the East Rift Zone, the 61g lava flow remained active downslope of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, with scattered breakouts on the pali and coastal plain. The ocean entry remained inactive. The 61g flows do not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Lava flows remain active on the East Rift Zone this week.
USGS Photo

Mauna Loa is not erupting. Small-magnitude earthquakes continue to occur beneath the summit caldera and upper Southwest Rift Zone at depths less than 5 km (3 mi). A few deeper earthquakes were scattered beneath the volcano's southeast and west flanks at depths of 5–13 km (3–8 mi). GPS and InSAR measurements continue to show slow deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone. Overall, rates of seismicity and deformation have decreased. No significant changes in volcanic gas emissions were measured.
There were three events with three or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. On Dec. 13 at 7:09 a.m. HST, a magnitude-2.8 earthquake occurred 3 km (2 mi) NW of Honaunau-Napo‘opo‘o at 13 km (8 mi) depth. On Dec. 11 at 6:39 a.m. HST, a magnitude-2.7 earthquake occurred 9 km (6 mi) SSE of Volcano at 8 km (5 mi) depth. On Dec. 10 at 02:13 p.m. HST, a magnitude-2.5 earthquake occurred 3 km (2 mi) ESE of Leilani Estates at 2 km (1 mi) depth.
Visit the HVO website (hvo.wr.usgs.gov) for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates and other volcano status reports, current volcano photos, recent earthquakes, and more; call (808) 967-8862 for a Kīlauea summary update; email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Monday, Dec. 18, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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THE FINAL PERFORMANCE OF A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL takes place Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 per senior/student, and $12 per child. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees apply.

A FILIPINO FASHION SHOW AND FILIPINO ENTERTAINMENT FROM AROUND THE ISLAND is on the agenda for Sakada Day on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The Sakadas are the workers who came to Hawai‘i from the Philippines between 1906 and 1946, recruited by the Hawai‘i Sugar Planters Association.
Sakada Day celebrates the Sakada legacy in the agricultural development of Ka‘ū and honors the Sakada's work, economic and cultural contributions to society in Hawai‘i. The event, including a Filipino lunch, is free and offers Filipino dance and music, displays of Filipino artifacts, tools, housewares, apparel and items from plantation days. A Filipino fashion show is also on the agenda, along with Filipino entertainment from around the island.
Formal recognition will be given to Sakadas and their families from Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala at Sakada Day.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

RESIDENTS OF KA‘Ū WILL PERFORM IN THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF KONA's Holiday Favorites on Tuesday, Dec. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
The orchestra, under the direction of Bernaldo Evangalista, will present Christmas at the Movies, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, Santa at the Symphony, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many more. Ursula Vietze is the orchestras concert master. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
Tickets are $10/$20. Free entry is given to those under 18 years old. Purchase tickets at the door starting at 6 p.m. or visit chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html.
Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

15 TIME NĀ HOKU HANOHANO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD and six time Big Island Music award-winner musical artist Ken Makuakāne performs Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Free, park entrance fees apply.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LEI MAKING WITH KAIPO AHCHONG is featured at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. Make lei with tropical ag farmer AhChong, whose experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

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The Camba Filipino Dance Troupe performed a variety of ethnic numbers. Joan Obra was the Emcee at
Sakada Day in Pāhala on Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

FILIPINO CONTRIBUTIONS TO KA‘Ū were on full display as Sakada Day 2017 landed in Pāhala on Sunday. Filipino families and many others fascinated by the culture witnessed dances embellished by twirling candles, the clicking of bamboo sticks, the flashing of red scarves and the variety of traditional dress.

The bamboo stick dance requires careful hopping.
Photo by Julia Neal

Dignitaries praised two Sakadas - Leovegildo Mercado and Prudencio Tayamen - who came to Hawai‘i in 1946. They are among the many Filipino immigrants who helped build agriculture, from pineapple and sugar to Ka‘ū Coffee.

Mercado, now 90 years of age, sailed from Salomague Port in Cabugao, Illocos Sur. He worked with pineapple on Lana‘i before transferring to Ka‘ū where he started in the fire room, became a fuel driver and later a cane drier. Retired, he “can be seen driving around Pāhala, frequenting cock fights, hunting, and growing vegetables, which he generously shares with his neighbors,” notes the event program.

Filipino fashion styles through history were on full display.
Photo by Julia Neal

Tayamen, now 95 years of age, came from Laoag, Illocos Norte. He worked at Halakalu Plantation north of Hilo and moved to O‘ahu to become a stevedore. In Ka‘ū he was a seedcutter at Hutchinson and Ka‘ū Sugar where he retired. He has four sons, four daughters, 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

During Sakada Day, an outpouring of emotion came through a song, “Okradek ti pakasaritaa. Daguiti Pilipino iti Haai‘i, Tapno maamuan tay it gapwanan. Daguiti ammatay a namauangayan.” The Pāhala Filipino Club sang in the Ilocano dialect, “Let me present the story of the Fiipinos in Hawai‘i so we shall know the sacrifices and accomplishments of our fathers who came to Hawai‘i before us.”

The Sakada song urges all Filipinos to understand their history and asks, “Do you recognize and appreciate your roots? If your life is better and more prosperous now, you have to realize that you owe this to the Sakadas!”

County Council member Maile Medeiros David, herself of Filipino, Hawaiian, and Portuguese heritage, presented certificates and co-sponsored the event.

Gloria Camba presents a formal Filipino Dance with Fans.
Photo by Julia Neal

Praise came from public officials. The Counsel General of the Republic of the Philippines wrote, “Filipinos now comprise the largest ethnic group in the State, many of whom hold esteemed positions in government, businesses, academic institutions... We would not be where we are today if it weren’t for the Sakadas who traveled thousands of miles and bravely crossed the waters to start a new life and put their own mark in Hawai‘i’s society.”

Gov. David Ige noted that during the 1930’s, Filipinos were 70 percent of the plantation labor force. By 1946, 100,000 Sakadas had reached Hawai‘i's shores.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz pointed to the “vibrant Filipino community.” A Mabuhay message from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said Filipino Americans “are pillars in communities across our state.” She quoted Sir Isaac Newton, who said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Hirono called Newton’s quote “an accurate description of the Sakadas and their impact on generations of Filipinos in Hawai‘i. We owe much gratitude to all Sakadas.”

Mrs. Hawai‘i Filipina Marites Domingo Kano
and Miss Hawai‘i Filipina Kyla Raza with
Sakada Prudencio Tayamen.
Photo by Al Sebastian

Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry
Jasmine Navarro
presents a Noel hula.
Photo by Julia Neal

In her message, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard pointed out that earlier this year, the United States Congress “finally presented our Filipino Veterans of World War II the congressional Gold Medal – our nation’s highest civilian honor.”

Mayor Harry Kim urged “all citizens to learn more about the vibrant culture of the Philippines and our Filipino neightbors and friends, and its unique place in our Hawai‘i Island Community.”

Council member Dru Kanuha noted the “backbreaking work under very strenuous conditions for meager pay” endured by the Sakadas.

Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry danced a Noel hula with the Ali‘i Hawaiian Hula Hands Dance Troupe. Camba’s Filipino Dance Troupe performed with candles and presented the bamboo stick dance as well as a classical routine. Kūpuna O Pāhala danced hula. The Visayan Club of Hilo Dance Troupe performed. The Pāhala Karate Dojo presented a demonstration. The Hands of Time Band and Chase Cabudol Band backed up the entertainment. Everyone dined on traditional Filipino food.

Major sponsors included Ka‘ū Andrade Contracting and County Council members Dru Kanuha and Maile David.

Twirling a candle in a glass in traditional
Filipino folk dress. Photo by Julia Neal

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REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM which begins Saturday, Jan. 23, and continues for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.

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

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at

kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html.

December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is

free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i

through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout

the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Monday, Dec. 18, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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

HOLIDAY FAVORITES IS PERFORMED BY THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF KONA, on Tuesday, Dec. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
The orchestra, under the direction of Bernaldo Evangalista, will present Christmas at the Movies, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, Santa at the Symphony, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many more. Ursula Vietze is the orchestras concert master. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
Tickets are $10/$20. Free entry is given to those under 18 years old. Purchase tickets at the door starting at 6 p.m. or visit chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html.
Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HOST A FREE CONCERT featuring award-winning musical artist Ken Makuakāne on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Park entrance fees apply.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

MAKE LEI WITH TROPICAL AG FARMER KAIPO AHCHONG at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. AhChong's experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.

VOLUNTEER WITH HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in at two remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Saturday, Dec. 23, with the event also taking place Dec. 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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

Humpback whale season in Hawai‘i has begun. The public is invited to sign up for upcoming whale count events at sanctuaryoceancount.org after the majority of humpback whales are expected to arrive in January.
Photo from N.O.A.A.

HAWAI‘I’S HUMPBACK SEASON IS UNDERWAY. N.O.A.A.'s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reminds the public that athough the number may vary from year to year, scientists estimate that as many as 12,000 humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds off Alaska to breed, calve and nurse their young in Hawai‘i's warm waters. While some whales have already arrived, the majority will be in Hawai‘i between January and March.

According to N.O.A.A. as many as 12,000 humpback whales migrate from
Alaska to Hawai‘i. Photo from N.O.A.A.

Hawai‘i's iconic humpback whales are protected by state and federal agencies. Approaching humpback whales when on or in the water within 100 yards or within 1,000 feet by air is illegal.
"Collisions between whales and vessels occur annually, presenting serious risks to boaters as well as the whales," said Edward Lyman, large whale entanglement response coordinator for the sanctuary. "Whale calves are particularly vulnerable because they are difficult to see and surface more often."
Humpbacks can also get entangled in fishing gear, which can result in starvation, physical trauma and infections, and may contribute to vessel strikes since the animals are less mobile.

A humpback whale entangled in a discarded fishing net swims near the
surface, making it more vulnerable to vessel strikes. Photo from N.O.A.A.

The Hawaiian Islands Large Whale Entanglement Response Network, a community-based effort led by the sanctuary, supports large whale response efforts statewide. The network involves many state and federal agencies, including Hawai‘i's Department of Land and Natural Resources, N.O.A.A. Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as private non-governmental organizations, fishermen, researchers and other individuals.
Those who see an injured or entangled marine mammal are urged to keep a safe and legal distance and call N.O.A.A.'s Marine Mammal Stranding and Entanglement Hotline at 888-256-9840 or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 immediately. Those reporting a vessel coming too close to a whale, call the N.O.A.A. Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964 or email respectwildlife@noaa.gov. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at: hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/res/ocean_etiquette.html.

Humpback whales are known to feed in Alaska and then migrate to
Hawaiian waters to breed, calve and nurse their young.
Photo by N.O.A.A.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is administered by a partnership of N.O.A.A.'s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales and their habitat through research, education, conservation and stewardship. Those interested can join on Facebook.
N.O.A.A.'s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. N.O.A.A. offers Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels.

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MONEY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING AND EDUCATION are in Monday's request by Gov. David Ige who unveiled his Supplemental Budget proposal, which will be taken up by the 2018 session of the Hawai‘i Legislature beginning in January. His statement asks "the State Legislature to continue supporting programs that tackle many of the challenges our communities face."

When viewing humpback whales, unless in possession of a special
government issued permit, everyone is required to keep a distance of at
least 100 yards when on or in the water.
Photo from N.O.A.A.

Said Ige, “Last year’s biennium budget invested in programs that have helped us address our state’s biggest problems. Evidence shows that we've made progress in many of our high priority areas, while being smart about managing taxpayer dollars.”
The governor reported that housing production is up. Homelessness is down nearly 9 percent across the state. "Our classrooms are cooler. Hawai‘i is a recognized national and international leader in sustainability and clean energy. And Moody’s Analytics reports that Hawai‘i is one of only 16 states with enough cash reserves to weather the 'stress test' of another recession."
The governor's Fiscal 2019 amendments total $85.5 million – an increase of 0.6 percent over F.Y. 19 operating appropriations in the biennium budget (all revenue sources).
He said that the state’s improved G.O. bond ratings and lower interest rates make it a favorable time to invest in the state’s infrastructure. "These capital projects have broad economic impact, supporting about 14,000 jobs of which 5,520 will be in the construction industry," said Ige.

Those who see an injured or entangled marine mammal are urged to keep a
safe distance and call N.O.A.A.'s Marine Mammal Stranding and
Entanglement Hotline or U.S. Coast Guard immediately.
Photo from N.O.A.A.

EDUCATION: "The future begins with investing in education and improving school facilities to make a difference for generations of students," said the governor, who listed budget highlights for schools and colleges: $2.8 million for the Hawai‘i Keiki program that provides school-based health services; $1 million for the Early College High School initiative; $700,000 for the Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship Program; $15 million for full-time positions and $1.2 million to support underserved regions and populations at U.H. Mānoa and the community colleges; $150 million in capital improvement projects to improve public school facilities; and $120 million in total CIP for the University of Hawai‘i.

HOUSING: "We are asking for a cash infusion of more than $100 million," announced Ige. This includes a $25 million C.I.P. for the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund statewide and $50 million C.I.P. for the Rental Housing Revolving Fund statewide. Ige said that the Department of Hawaiian Homelands is helping in the effort to produce more housing. The governor is also asking for a $10 million C.I.P. for repairs and maintenance of existing infrastructure and a $15 million C.I.P. for lot development.
“Our efforts are paying off. Since I’ve been in office, 5,300 units have been completed, 40 percent of them affordable. There are another 1,400 under construction and 4,500 units in the planning stages. Let’s build on our momentum,” Ige said.

Humpback whale calves are particularly vulnerable to vessel strikes because
they are difficult to see and surface more often than adults.
Photo from N.O.A.A.

HOMELESSNESS: The governor is asking for $15 million for Housing First, Rapid Re-Housing, housing subsidies, homeless outreach services, and other homeless initiatives (this includes $5 million for property storage and trash/debris removal) $800,000 for homeless outreach and counseling services for chronically homeless persons experiencing severe substance use disorders.

To maintain safety in public areas, Ige is asking for eight full time equivalent permanent positions and $419,302 for deputy sheriffs positions to support homeless and illegal camping operations. He is also requesting $300,000 for staff time and equipment to support homelessness policy reinforcement statewide for the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

“For the first time in eight years, there are fewer homeless people across the state – a decline of nearly nine percent. We hope the State Legislature continues to support our efforts to put more families in homes and drastically reduce our homeless population,” Ige said.

FOR A SUSTAINABLE HAWAI‘I: the governor is asking for $5 million for cash infusion for the Agricultural Loan Revolving Fund; $2.8 million for agricultural infrastructure improvements; $8.3 million for watershed protection; $7 million for land acquisition for forest reserve expansion on O‘ahu and Maui; $8.7 million for state parks infrastructure and improvements.

“We are asking for this funding to continue support of the initiatives announced at last year’s I.U.C.N. World Conservation Congress – protecting our natural resources, doubling local food production, and growing our economy,” said Ige.

Humpback whales are protected by state and federal agencies. Photo from N.O.A.A.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS include $4.5 million for Kūpuna Care and Caregivers programs; $69 million in revenue bonds for Kona International Airport permanent federal inspection station; and $16.5 million C.I.P. for the Tax System Modernization project.

“We see progress on complex issues, and this budget aligns our values and programs with those actions we know will make a difference. My administration remains focused on doing things the right way to achieve the best outcomes for the State of Hawai‘i,” said the governor.

See his supplemental budget request at budget.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Budget-in-Brief-FY-19-BIB.2eM.pdf.

When approaching humpback whales, unless in possession of a special
government issued permit, everyone is required to keep a distance of at
least 1,000 feet while in the air.
Photo from N.O.A.A.

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CATHERINE CRUZ will soon be on the radio waves in Ka‘ū on H.P.R.1 at 89.1FM. The veteran newswoman is Hawai‘i Public Radio's newest staff member. Cruz will be co-host of H.P.R.'s statewide weekday talk program The Conversation at 11 a.m. along with Chris Vandercook. She makes her first appearance on the show this Tuesday, Dec. 19. Cruz will also do some reporting for H.P.R. News.
"We are delighted to welcome one of the strongest journalists in the state to our growing newsroom," said H.P.R. News Director Bill Dorman. "We look forward to Catherine's continuing contributions to the community."
Cruz has been a television reporter in Hawai‘i since 1983 and has won a number of awards and respect from a statewide audience. She spent more than 30 years at K.I.T.V., covering beats from government to education and health.

Catherine Cruz will be on 89.1FM in Ka‘ū, Hawai‘i Public
Radio at 11 a.m. daily, starting Tuesday. The show is
called The Conversation. Photo from H.P.R.

Originally from Guam, Cruz is also a co-founder and former Board member and programming chair of Pacific Islanders in Communication. The Hawaiʻi-based organization is primarily funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, with a mission to bring stories "to support, advance, and develop Pacific Island media content and talent that results in a deeper understanding of Pacific Island history, culture, and contemporary challenges." Since its founding in 1991, P.I.C. has grown a significant pool of video producers from Hawai‘i, Guam and Samoa, many who have provided culturally-diverse programs to P.B.S.
Cruz is a graduate of San Francisco State University. She holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
H.P.R. currently has a news and talk staff of 12, plus three contributing reporters from the Neighbor Islands.

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A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be Friday, Dec. 22, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A young Spanish choir form San Carlos, California will perform. Also on the program are popular Christmas carols, a skit and hula, followed by refreshments. Santa Claus will appear. Call Ron Gall at Ocean View Community Association, 939-7033, or email ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

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ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE for all on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. The schedule includes carols and bells at 5 p.m., main service at 6:15 p.m., with a potluck after. For more details, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Dec. 19, Hilo @ Ka‘ū.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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HOLIDAY FAVORITES IS PERFORMED BY THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF KONA on Tuesday, Dec. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
The orchestra, under the direction of Bernaldo Evangalista, will present Christmas at the Movies, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, Santa at the Symphony, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many more. Ursula Vietze is the orchestras concert master. Among those performing are Susan McGovern from Volcano on viola and Ocean View residents Arlene Arai on trumpet, Steve Moon on trumpet, Michael Cripps on cello and Peter Bosted on oboe.
Tickets are $10/$20. Free entry is given to those under 18 years old. Purchase tickets at the door starting at 6 p.m. or visit chamberorchestraofkona.com/concerts.html.
Beer, wine and champagne are served before the concert and during the break. Validated parking on the Sheraton's grounds.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM which begins Saturday, Jan. 23, and continues for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the U.H. Cooperative Extension Office.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.

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The Old Office of Economic Opportunity Building, in front of the mango trees and old plantation camp housing,
is on the 60 acres where the foreclosure auction scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled. Photo by Julia Neal

THE OLD KA‘Ū SUGAR MILL SITE foreclosure auction on Wednesday has been cancelled. Attorney Louis P. Mendona, commissioner for the court, wrote that the "auction has been cancelled since the defendants paid the amount due to the Plaintiff and the foreclosure case will be dismissed."

The defendants planned to put a water bottling plant and retail center on the 60 acres with parking for tourist vehicles. They received a preliminary approval from the former county planning director. The owner of the mortgage on the property foreclosed on them but the matter has apparently been resolved.

Ka‘ū sugar mill site where owners have planned a water bottling
plant sourcing the water from a tunnel there. Photo by Julia Neal

The site is also on the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission top ten list for acquisition. The land includes the Old Pāhala Bank Building, Old Office of Economic Opportunity Building, Old Mill Warehouse, Old Mill Carpentry Building, the remains of the sugar mill stacks, walls, waterways and other plantation remnants, and stoops of a plantation village, now populated with mango trees. It also includes the old mill water tunnel and open views of the coast and mountains.

Surfriders Foundation, the Sierra Club, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund and others opposed the idea of taking water from Ka‘ū to bottle and export it. Whether owners plan to proceed with the bottling plant remains unclear.
The site is next to the proposed Pāhala wastewater treatment plant.

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MAJOR TAX GIVEAWAYS to corporations and the top one percent "on the backs of lower-income and middle-class Americans" is how Rep. Tulsi Gabbard described the tax bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. She said that it would add $1.4 trillion to the nation's debt.
After resolving the differences between the House and Senate versions of the tax reform legislation in a conference committee, H.R. 1 was passed by the House by a vote of 227-203 Tuesday, but will require a re-vote Wednesday due to technical change requirements recently discovered by the Senate. The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 51 to 48 after midnight in Washington, D.C.

Gabbard, who voted "No," said, “There's no doubt the American people need and want real tax reform. But rather than passing a strong, inclusive, and bipartisan bill focused on helping hardworking middle-class families, today Republicans passed a bill filled with massive corporate giveaways and loopholes for the ultra-wealthy. For example, the top one percent in our country will receive over 82 percent of the entire tax benefit in the bill they passed today.
“As long as Congress continues to pass legislation for partisan, political reasons that serve special corporate interests instead of the families that are struggling just to get by every day, where lobbyists have more input in the writing of this legislation than many Members of Congress, the American people lose. I oppose this legislation today. It's a disappointment and a huge lost opportunity to actually help so many struggling families all across the country.” See the Video of Gabbard’s Speech on the House floor on Tuesday.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard speaks against the tax bill making
its way through congress. See her speech.

Gabbard objected to the following provisions in the tax bill:

· Dismantling the State and Local Tax Deduction, which will effectively raise taxes on those who will no longer benefit from the deduction. Under current law, the SALT deduction is unlimited, but this legislation limits the deductions of both individuals and couples up to only $10,000, while allowing corporations and pass-through entities to continue claiming the unlimited deduction.
· Making billions of dollars in environmentally harmful fossil fuel subsidies permanent while putting incentives for clean energy in jeopardy.
· Permanently lowering corporate taxes rates to 21 percent-- the largest one-time corporate tax cut in U.S. history--while making tax cuts for some middle class families temporary. By 2026, over 86 million low and middle class families will pay higher taxes than they do today.
· Cutting taxes for America’s top wage earners by nearly three percent and raising the threshold at which that tax rate kicks in to $500,000 for individuals and $600,000 for married couples.
· Laying the foundation for a $136 billion cut to mandatory programs in FY2018 alone—including a mandatory $25 billion cut to Medicare—to cover the offset of the $1.46 trillion dollar increase to our national deficit. In Hawai‘i, 245,000 people receive healthcare through Medicare.
· Reducing the limit on the mortgage interest deduction, further exacerbating the affordable housing crisis in Hawai‘i.
Gabbard said that she has fought to protect the hard-earned paychecks of low and middle income Americans and against corporate tax breaks throughout her time in Congress. She said she voted against the "Republicans’ corporate giveaway tax bill" in the House and called on the conference committee "to serve and protect hardworking American families."

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Hear Brian Schatz comment on tax bill.

"THE TAX CODE IS AN EXPRESSION OF WHAT AMERICA CARES ABOUT and what America Values," Sen. Brian Schatz said on Tuesday. "In this bill we are telling people that we value work less than we value already being rich. There's nothing with somebody who has been successful but to the extent that passive income now is taxed at a lower rate than people who actually earn their money the old fashioned way by working it, that's a reflection of values and I think that's why people are so concerned about us entering into a new gilded age."

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"#GOPTAXSCAM-DONALD TR4UMP'S BIG, FAT LIE" is what Sen. Mazie Hirono called the tax bill that is making its way through Congress on Tuesday and Wednesday. She recommended remembering when Pres. Trump said, "This tax bill is not going to help me and my rich friends are kind of upset with me." She called it the biggest lie from a President who has a hard time telling the truth. She pointed to Forbes magazine estimating that the tax bill could save Donald Trump $11 million a year.

Sen. Maize Hirono points to a Forbes magazine article on Monday that
estimated that Pres. Donald Trump will save $11 million a year
through the the tax bill making its way through Congress.
See her talk about it.

"The rest of us, the people who actually have to work for a living, get hardly anything."
She said that what little the middle class will get is "written in invisible ink," and will expire, while "85 percent of the goodies, those cuts to the richest 1 percent and the biggest corporations - those cuts will go on forever, written in indelible ink."
She predicted that the addition of over a trillion dollars in debt will lead to mandatory cuts to Medicare to the tune of $25 million. Some 13 million people will no longer have health care and that premiums for others will see premiums rise by at least 10 percent, said Hirono. She predicted that the jobs that will be created will be for lawyers and accountants who will figure out the loopholes for the wealthy and the corporations too keep their tax payments lower than the the amount the new tax bill requires. She called the bill "a fraud on the American people."

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A BELL CHOIR, MUSIC AND SINGING WITH GUITARS are a highlight of the Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24, at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on Hwy. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S CRATER RIM CAFÉ ANNOUNCES A CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET for Monday, Dec. 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The café is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu includes Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Holiday Lamb Stew and much more. Entry fees are $27.95 per adult, and $14.50 per child (age 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.

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HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.

MAKE LEI WITH TROPICAL AG FARMER KAIPO AHCHONG at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. AhChong's experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE IS OFFERED TO ALL on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. The schedule includes carols and bells at 5 p.m., main service at 6:15 p.m., with a potluck after. For more details, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.

REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continued for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the U.H. Cooperative Extension Office.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.

C.U. HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. C.U. Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. C.U. Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.

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Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church invites the public to a musical Christmas Eve with a bell choir, singing
and many musical instruments at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

THE WALK FOR SENIOR HOUSING IN NĀ‘ĀLEHU IS GETTING LEGS. Community non-profit ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou president, Wayne Kawachi, is backing it with an outreach to raise $250,000 to purchase 1.9 acres at the location of the old Nā‘ālehu Fruit Stand and Santangelo store on Hwy. 11. Kawachi wrote in a recent letter to the community, "To kick off this vision for seniors in our community, as president of ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, I will actually kick off my shoes and walk 100 miles in my slippahs from Honoka‘a to Nā‘ālehu from Jan. 2-5, 2018. I plan to sleep under the Big Island skies or find shelter in communities along the long journey. I invite you to join me in taking some steps for this cause!" Kawachi said he is available to talk about it at 937-4773.

Nā‘ālehu Fruit Stand in 2001. The building, now abandoned, is the
proposed site for senior housing, a campaign led by
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou community organization.

The land is owned by real estate investor Asha Mallick who listed it for $599,000, but has offered to sell at the lower price for senior housing. The store, long abandoned, would be demolished to make room for 25 to 30 senior housing units.
The letter to the community on Dec. 6 from Kawachi says, "So many of you have been a vital part of our Ka‘ū for a long time now and we thank you! Your donations helped to fund a handi-van which has transported extended care patients to Hilo for medical care. You've brought over 750 children, their family, and friends together for fishing and fun at our most recent Ka‘ū Fishing Derby in January. Because of your generosity, Ka‘ū students have benefitted from school supplies and scholarships over so many years in the past.
"Today, we are asking you to make another positive change in our community: Build Senior Housing in Nā‘ālehu.
"I am sure that you know of an elder close to you who has needed the safety and comfort of a senior-friendly place to call home. Nā‘ālehu is experiencing this need for senior housing units as the town's senior population and rent prices steadily increase.
"As a first step toward this goal, we plan to raise $250,000 toward purchase of 1.9 acres across Nā‘ālehu Elementary School to build 25-30 housing units," he wrote.
Donations can be sent to the 501C3 nonprofit ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, P. O. Box 365, Pāhala, HI 96777.

Sen. Mazie Hirono asks for constituents to petition
to pass the DREAM Act.

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NEARLY 700,000 DREAMers "are living in fear of deportation, of being separated from their families because of Donald Trump," declared Sen. Mazie Hirono in a message sent out today asking for her constituents to sign a petition. "These DREAMers are our friends, our neighbors, and our co-workers. They aren’t asking for much. They simply want to live, work, and study in the only country many of them have ever known as home," wrote the Senator.
"The Trump administration’s decision to end the DACA program threatens the lives and livelihoods of so many DREAMers. Donald Trump will continue stoking fear and hatred of immigrants, but it’s up to us to do whatever we can to protect them," said the senator, referring to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that allows those who grew up in the U.S. but were brought here illegally by their parents, to stay, work, pay taxes and hope for a path to citizenship.
"Right now, Congress can pass the DREAM Act and create a pathway to citizenship for these DREAMers. I will continue to stand up and demand we take action, but I can’t do it alone: Add your name to tell Republicans to pass the DREAM Act," urged Hirono.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Dec. 30, @ Kamehameha.
Saturday, Jan. 6, @Kamehameha.

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 27, @ Pāhoa.
Friday, Jan. 5, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.
Tuesday, Jan. 2, @ Kea‘au.
Saturday, Jan. 6, Laupahoehoe @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 6, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 6, @ Kea‘au.

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

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be Friday, Dec. 22, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A young Spanish choir form San Carlos, California will perform. Also on the program are popular Christmas carols, a skit and hula, followed by refreshments. Santa Claus will appear. Call Ron Gall at Ocean View Community Association, 939-7033, or email ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

MAKE LEI WITH TROPICAL AG FARMER KAIPO AHCHONG at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. AhChong's experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A BELL CHOIR, MUSIC AND SINGING WITH GUITARS, ‘Ukulele other instruments are a highlight of the Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24, at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on Hwy. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY offers free food to those in need on Tuesday, Dec. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, FEATURING THE ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBITION, BEGINS continues through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Christmas in the Country features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.
The concurrent Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional. “Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community, ” states gallery manager Emily C. Weiss. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565.
REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continued for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.

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