The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Practitioners of Okinawan Taiko drumming came to Punaluʻu on Saturday for the Floating Lantern Celebration and
lent their bachi - drumsticks - to keiki. See more, below. Photo from Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MAILE DAVID is nominated to continue as Chair of the Hawaiʻi County Council Finance Committee. Reelected in the August primary, David would be assisted by Vice Chair council member Tim Richards, the veterinarian from Waimea.

County Council member
Maile David
Photo by Annie Bosted

The proposed slate of council member assignments, released today, also includes the following: For the Planning Committee, Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz; Vice Chair Sue Lee Loy; for the Parks & Recreation Committee, Chair Valerie Poindexter; Vice Chair Rebecca Villegas; for the Public Works and Mass Transit Committee, Chair Sue Lee Loy; Vice Chair Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder; for the new Environmental Resiliency and Management Committee, Chair Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III, DVM; Vice Chair Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder; for the Public Safety Committee, Chair Rebecca Villegas; Vice Chair Karen Eoff; for the Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee, Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz; Vice Chair Sue Lee Loy; and Council Chair Aaron Chung.
The proposal also suggests that Deputy County Clerk Jon Henricks become County Clerk and that Aaron Brown, Business Manager of the Dept. of Public Works, become Deputy County Clerk. After consultations among council members in recent weeks, Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy introduced the slate saying, it offers "a thoughtful and cohesive blend of talents and skills to structure the County's legislative body."
The full County Council will vote on the slate to make it official.

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THE FALSE INCOMING MISSLE ALERT THAT TERRIFIED KAʻŪ RESIDENTS and people around the state on Jan. 13 of this year is the subject of a just-released report from the Inspector General of the U.S. The false alert, which came across as warning of an inbound nuclear warhead from North Korea, sent people into hiding, fleeing, and telling each other goodbye. It was carried for more than a half an hour before most people found out it was an error.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was one of the first government officials to take to social media to identify the warning as erroneous.
After the false alert, in response to a request by Sen. Mazie Hirono, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General, reviewed Federal Emergency Management Agency's role.

Hawaiʻi News Now and many other news networks received the false
message from Hawaiʻi Civil Defense, which also turned on warning
sirens and sent alerts through cell phones.

The report examined whether FEMA exercises appropriate oversight of the Integrated Public Alert Warning System, the messaging platform through which the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency sent the false missile alert. The report identified concerns, including FEMA not requiring that alert software have the ability to preview or cancel alerts. FEMA only recommends that software include these functions as "best practices." The report also noted software vendors are not required to provide training to authorities on how to use their software.

While the report states that Hawaiʻi's false missile alert did not result from these concerns, the OIG recommended staff training and the inclusion of safeguard capabilities in emergency alert software, as alerting authorities may continue to face challenges without them. FEMA concurred with the recommendations and estimated that both recommendations would be implemented by Oct. 31, 2019.

"I thank the DHS Inspector General for providing much needed answers on FEMA's role in the false missile alert sent to Hawaiʻi residents and the overall management of the alert system it oversees," said Hirono. "The inadequate safeguards found in the report are unacceptable and I will closely monitor FEMA's progress in implementing the Inspector General's recommendations to ensure such an incident never happens again in Hawaiʻi, or in any other state that utilizes an emergency alert system."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was one of the first to send out the fact that
the missile alert was false.

Following January's false missile alert, Hirono, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, secured a commitment from Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen to strengthen federal-state cooperation on emergency alerts, assess potential human and systemic failures, and improve overall readiness in Hawaiʻi and across our country.

Hirono co-sponsored Sen. Brian Schatz's Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats Act, which would give the federal government the primary responsibility of alerting the public of a missile threat, and require FEMA to recommend best practices to local officials on initiating, modifying, and canceling alerts. The ALERT Act unanimously passed the Senate on June 28, and is pending action by the U.S. House of Representatives. Click here to read the full report.

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Woman Okinawan Taiko drummer sounds out her
rhythms on the shores of Punaluʻu. Photo from
Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association

OKINAWAN STYLE TAIKO DRUMMING came to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park on Saturday as part of the eighth annual Floating Lantern Celebration to remember loved ones. Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko from Hilo drew many beach goers as rhythms filled Punaluʻu Bay.
The event was sponsored by Jessie Marques and Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, with funding by County Council member Maile David.
Hui Okinawa players brought with them their Odaiko - big fat drums - on wheels for easy movement given their very heavy weight.
Hui Okinawa and Puna Tako, which often perform in Kaʻū, are expected on stage at the Big Island Taiko Festival next year on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo. For updates and tickets, see artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/big-island-taiko-festival-2019.
Taiko drumming classes are offered at Pāhala Hongwanji, through Puna Taiko, which performed at last month's Veterans Day Celebration in Nāʻālehu, sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou.
All of the Taiko drumming organizations offer classes to people of all ages, religions, cultures, and races.

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, which stewards pristine forests and the hawksbill turtle nesting site of Kamehame in Kaʻū, announced today that Cara Mazzei joined the statewide organization's fundraising team as senior associate Director of Philanthropy. Mazzei comes from Honolulu Museum of Art, where she directed the events team for all fundraising and stewardship events. She has also worked at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation as senior development officer handling the Foundation's prospect management, and at the Pacific Buddhist Academy, where she was director of community relations and development, and a member of the capital campaign and strategic planning team.

Cara Mazzei is the new senior associate Director
of Philanthropy at The Nature Conservancy
in Hawaiʻi. Photo from TNC-H

"Cara has a well-rounded background in fundraising that includes non-profits, government, cultural organizations, and businesses," said Lori Admiral, director of Philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy's Hawaiʻi and Palmyra programs. "She brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our team."
Mazzei will manage a portfolio that includes individual donors, corporations, and foundations. "I was looking for an opportunity to focus on creative strategies in an organization with an inspiring mission," she said. "I think I've come to the right place."
The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi is a private non-profit conservation organization dedicated to preservation of lands and waters upon which all life depends. The non-profit has helped protect more than 200,000 acres of natural lands in Hawaiʻi and Palmyra Atoll. It manages 40,000 acres in 13 nature preserves and works in more than 30 coastal communities to help protect the near-shore reefs, waters, and fisheries of the main Hawaiian Islands. The Nature Conservancy forges partnerships with government, private parties, and communities, to protect forests and coral reefs for their ecological values and the many benefits they provide to people.

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About 125 people received a Thanksgiving Dinner
at St. Jude's in Ocean View. Photo from Talk Story

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH SERVED UP THANKSGIVING for folks who regularly come to the church to shower and enjoy hot soup. Talk Story, St. Jude's monthly newsletter magazine, reports today that lead volunteers Steve Stigall and Dan Garrett shared their community Thanksgiving feast during Shower Saturday with about 150 people. More than 20 volunteers, including the Rev. Constant Garrett and Marie Lewis, helped out.
"The Thanksgiving Feast is a vivid example of how St. Jude's members focus on abundance in the midst of poverty. And how impactful an army of volunteers can be in a community," states Talk Story.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

through end of 2018

Girls Basketball:

Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm

Boys Basketball:

Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:

Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:

Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa

Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:

Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

HOLIDAY POM POM WREATH, AN ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITY for ages 6 to 12 years old, at Kahuku Park on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, is held Friday, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register Dec. 5 to 12. For more, call 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Registration for Christmas Cards & Ornaments open Nov. 27-30, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Program, for ages 5-12, held Dec. 1 and 8. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Nov. 27, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

After Dark in the Park, Return to the Wild, One Year Later: An Update on the Reintroduction Efforts of ‘Alalā, Tue., Nov. 27, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Through intensive conservation efforts, 11 reintroduced ‘Alalā – endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow – have survived in native Hawaiian forest for over a year. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Angel Ornament, Wed., Nov. 28, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 19 to 27. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Nov. 28, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Pū‘ohe - Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 28, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help attendees make their own pū‘ohe. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Nov. 29, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Craft Class, Thu., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Dec. 1, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Net Patrol along Wai‘ōhinu Coastline, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 27, contact for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Limited seats available for all three days. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Spay and Neutering Clinic, Monday, Dec. 3, 7:30-4pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 31, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

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Humpback whales visiting Hawaiʻi in the winter and spring months may be declining in number. A mother

humpback supports her calf in the warm waters of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine

Sanctuary, accompanied by a male escort. Photo from caringforcalves.org

A POSSIBLE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF HUMPBACK WHALES coming to Hawai‘i each winter - to give birth, take care of their calves, and mate before heading back north to feed - is the subject of meetings today and tomorrow. Invited by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, whale experts are convening in Honolulu to discuss the number of humpbacks in Hawaiian waters declining some 50 to 80 percent in the past four years.

Hawai‘i has seen and heard humpbacks in smaller numbers since 2014.
Photo from Ed Lyman/NOAA, under NOAA permit #15240

Whale scientists estimate that about 6,000 to 11,000 humpbacks make the trip to Hawai‘i each year.

The annual humpback whale count - monthly in January, February, March, and April each winter in Ka‘ū and elsewhere - has documented the decline, along with scientists recording fewer whale songs. Crew members on watch from ships coming in and out of Hawaiian waters report fewer sightings.

Humpback whales are no longer on the Endangered Species list but are federally protected as threatened. NOAA comes up with regulations and law enforcement, based on research on the humpback whale status.
Whale watching season, with boats going out of Kona, begins in mid December. Some whales have been reported in nearshore Hawai‘i Island waters since mid November.

Humpback whales come to Hawaiʻi to give birth and raise calves
in the winter and spring. Photo from NOAA

The decline of the number of humpbacks numbers wintering in Hawai‘i was first recorded in 2014, with lower numbers also recorded in their summer home of Alaska. By 2017, humpback numbers in Hawai‘i had decreased by about half, and mother-calf pairs were down an additional 35 percent.

A possible reason for lower humpback numbers is a smaller food supply, due to warmer ocean waters, which affects krill, the humpback's major food source. Scientists posit the whales have not starved, but have moved to different feeding - and birthing and mating - grounds, possibly in the Bering Sea and in the Gulf of Alaska, where more humpbacks than normal have been reported. There could also be more humbpacks wintering in the northern Hawaiian Islands where there are fewer people to see them.

Learn more from Sept. 6 and Aug. 26 Kaʻū News Briefs.

About 5 percent of Hawaiʻi lands statewide burn each year,
Map from Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization

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GIVING TUESDAY IS TODAY AND LOCAL NONPROFITS ARE REACHING OUT as public officials weigh in.
Given the recent destruction of homes by wildfires in California and the recent wildfires on Maui and Oʻahu that destroyed houses, Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization is asking the community to help protect its villages, farms, ranches, and nature: "It is more important than ever that we work together to make our communities and natural areas more resilient and better prepared in the face of growing wildfire threats. Your support will keep our non-profit's engine running. HWMO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that fills a critical need to serve as a hub of wildfire projects and activities among government agencies, land managers, communities, and other organizations across the state. We are the only 100% wildfire focused organization in Hawaiʻi and our ability to maintain and grow our efforts relies on the generous support of people like you!" See the Facebook page and website.

Keiki celebrates a new home and family
ownership through Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island, which helps families to become homeowners through sweat equity and qualifying for mortgages, noted that Paypal is partnering with Facebook to match up to $7 million in donations.
"You can help Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island receive a portion of these funds by donating to us. Any dollar amount given will help us continue our mission to build more homes for families in need on our island. 100% of the funds raised for us on Facebook will be given to us! Please support our cause!" See Facebook page.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard today recognized #GivingTuesday as part of a global day for giving, volunteerism, and service to others. The lawmakers introduced a bipartisan resolution - H.Res. 633 - last year to recognize the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday as #GivingTuesday, an opportunity to provide charitable giving to those in need.
Gabbard said: "United by a common purpose to be of service to others, #GivingTuesday provides an opportunity for us all to come together and support the causes in our communities that inspire us. Today, as millions around the world donate their time, talents, or a piece of their paychecks – or simply perform an act of kindness – let us be inspired by the spirit of #GivingTuesday and continue to be a force for positive change in our communities."

U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, a Republican, said, "The spirit of giving throughout the holiday season is always an important reminder that much more unites us than divides us. If we focus on these things as Americans, we can continue to be the greatest nation in the world. Giving Tuesday is the perfect example of how we come together to help those in need, and I'm proud to have worked across the aisle with Rep. Gabbard to make the designation of this important day official."
Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, was launched by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in 2012, and has since become a worldwide movement, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change. In its first year, #GivingTuesday brought together more than 2,500 organizations in all 50 States, and it has continued to gain momentum every year since, with more than 35,000 partners in the United States and around the world.

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POHOʻIKI AND ISAAC HALE BEACH PARK WILL REOPEN in lower Puna to everyone Thursday, Dec. 6. The county Department of Parks and Recreation announced today a blessing ceremony to be held at 1 p.m., after the new emergency roadway to Pohoʻiki opens at noon.

The emergency access, a road bulldozed over this year's lava flows, will remain open until further notice, said the statement from the county. "This new park created is dedicated as a safe and

Pohoiki, with a new black sand beach, will open to the public Dec. 6.
Photo from DLNR

peaceful place for our families. Please kōkua to keep it a nice and safe place for the ‘ohana."
The County plans 24-hour security with park hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with no camping, and no showers or drinking water. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water and discouraged from entering four thermal ocean ponds created by the lava flowing across Pohoʻiki bay and preventing access to the boat ramp. The state Department of Health warns of a risk for bacterial infections, and advises to refrain from entering, particularly with wounds.
The shore break on the new black sand beach and ocean currents can be dangerous and cause injury. "Enter the ocean at your own risk," the county advises.
This Thursday, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Agency, will test the Pohoʻiki siren intermittently between noon and 2 p.m.

Kaʻū Girls Soccer Team tried hard against Kamehameha
today. Photo by David Berry

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS AND BOYS KICKED OFF SOCCER SEASON TODAY with hosted games against Kamehameha. During the girls' games, the referee called the game, as Kamehameha had scored 17 and Kaʻū, 0. The boys also faced a loss, with zero points to Kamehameha's 6.

Kaʻū Boys Soccer, using fancy footwork against
Kamehameha today. Photo by David Berry

The next soccer game, boys host MLA and girls host Kealakehe tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 28. The teams will be traveling as far as Honokaʻa and Kohala. See remainder of 2018 sports season schedule, below.

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A GRANT PLANNING WORKSHOP, conducted by The Kohala Center, will be held primarily for coffee farmers on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym's Community Room at 96-3150 Pikake St. in Pāhala. The workshop is to help with planning and preparing to apply for grant programs to support United Ka‘ū Farmers Cooperative. The Kohala Center's agricultural business development specialist, Megan Blazak, will facilitate the session. The workshop is intended for members of the co-op so they can collectively work on project planning for the co-op's initiatives.

SITE VISITS TO KAʻŪ COFFEE FARMS will be made by appointment on Thursday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., by Maile Woodall. Sponsored by The Kohala Center, the outreach support will be from one to two hours per farm and consist of a needs assessment, program orientation, and site walk-through. Appointments are subject to availability and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Contact mwoodhall@kohalacenter.org.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

through end of 2018

Girls Basketball:

Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:

Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:

Nov. 28, Wed., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa

Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:

Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

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.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Angel Ornament, Wed., Nov. 28, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 19 to 27. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Nov. 28, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Nov. 29, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Craft Class, Thu., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Net Patrol along Wai‘ōhinu Coastline, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 27, contact for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Limited seats available for all three days. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Spay and Neutering Clinic, Monday, Dec. 3, 7:30-4pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 31, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Dec. 3, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Dec. 3, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Health Insurance Sign-up, Tue., Dec. 4, 9-4pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Yoga Class, Tue., Dec. 4, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

A Walk into the Past w/ Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tue, Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Tour Jaggar's tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments with Dick Hershberger as "Dr. Jaggar." Supported by the KDEN. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-6pm, Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park, All About Anchialine Pools, Tue., Dec. 4, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawai‘i State Parks Dena Sedar presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Dec. 5 and 12, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Arts & Craft Activity: Paper Tree Table Top, Wed., Dec. 5, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 5; open to keiki Grades K-8. 928-3102

Open Mic Night, Wed., Dec. 5, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

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.

Santa and his helpers, Mrs. Clause Judy Andrade (left) helper Mary Jane Balio. The annual parade through Pāhala
starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. Marchers, riders, drivers of classic vehicles line up at Pikake and
Pakalana Streets at noon. See more, below. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAIʻI'S U.S. SENATORS and the majority of the U.S. Senate, dominated by Republicans, broke with Pres. Donald Trump today and voted 63-37 to move toward ending U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Tulsi Gabbard, who represents Kaʻū in the U.S. House of Representatives, also called for an end to U.S. participation. The measure in the Senate will go to the floor.
Senators in both parties said they were upset that they were denied a briefing by the C.I.A. director after the agency found that Saudia Arabia likely planned and executed the murder of American resident and Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi.
Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "I remain deeply concerned about the Trump Administration's policy toward Saudi Arabia. The President believes that we should overlook Saudi Arabia's role in causing the world's worst current humanitarian catastrophe, as well as their role in the death of Jamal Khashoggi, because they have 'billions' to buy weapons and will create 'over a million U.S. jobs.' These are not only lies, but represent a truly abhorrent position for a U.S. President to take.

"Congress must act. Earlier this year I supported S.J. Res. 54, Senator Bernie Sanders' resolution to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Yemen, and also voted against approving arms sales to the Saudis. Today I voted again to support the resolution to end our military's involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The President's policy is transactional and, in this case, morally bankrupt. We should instead focus U.S. leadership and resources on diplomacy to achieve a lasting ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the conflict. Following this procedural vote, I look forward to a vote on final passage."

Yemini children face starvation as the war continues, disrupting U.N. food distribution. The U.S. Senate, with support
from Hawai`i, voted today to move toward pulling U.S. involvement with the Saudi Arabia-led war. UNICEF photo

Sen. Brian Schatz retweeted that "85,000 children have died of starvation and disease. U.S. made bombs have hit school buses/hospitals/weddings. Al Qaeda & ISIS are growing. The battle lines haven't moved in 3 years of fighting."

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 HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT was introduced into the U.S. Senate today by Sen. Mazie Hirono. Senate Bill 3660 proposes a roadmap to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ community, as well as rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

"Minority communities and other traditionally underserved populations have faced health care disparities for decades, and we have a long way to go to ensure that these communities have equal, affordable access to culturally competent health care services," said Hirono. "HEAA lays out a bold blueprint to deliver on the idea that quality, affordable health care is truly a right for all and not a privilege reserved for some. I thank my Senate and House colleagues, and the hundreds of advocacy groups who support HEAA, for their work to ensure that all Americans can access and afford the care that may save their lives."

Rep. Barbara Lee, of California, introduced the bill's House counterpart, H.R.5942, in May. It is supported by over 300 advocacy groups.

Kathy Ko Chin, President and CEO of Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, thanked the sponsors "for their leadership and commitment to putting us on a path toward health equity. Now more than ever, HEAA is needed to both build upon the historic reforms achieved by the Affordable Care Act and to look beyond them to truly create a more equitable health system for our nation."

The bill has been introduced in every Congress since 2007. Its ten policy titles aim at "effectively addressing health disparities and barriers to access that disproportionately affect minority communities," said a statement from Hirono. Here are some of the policy titles:

Title on Data Collection and Reporting says that methods for collecting data should capture experiences of communities of color and other vulnerable populations. Without accurate data, health care policy decisions unintentionally exclude Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, sexual and gender minorities, and rural communities. Title I requires data to address health disparities and participation in health programs, housing, and nutrition. Title I includes a provision to implement national strategy to identify health status and needs of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Title on Mental Health says that mental health services and treatments are still heavily stigmatized in communities of color. To help expand the understanding and participation of mental health services, Title VI seeks to address social barriers by investing in proper provider training, research on mental health disparities, promotion of mental health among minority populations, and by providing mental health services in schools.

Title on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Health and Health Care says that access to quality health care and providers are essential to address health disparities. Communities of color, people with limited English proficiency, and other minorities often experience challenges seeking care with providers that do not share their backgrounds, do not speak their language, or may lack appropriate cultural sensitivity to the experiences of minority patients. Title II proposes enhancing language access services and providing better information and training on cultural competency to providers. "More culturally and linguistically appropriate care will empower patients to access high quality care."

Title on Health Workforce Diversity focuses on improving diversity of the health workforce through grants to train underrepresented minorities and providers that treat under-served populations. Title III establishes scholarship and fellowship programs, including the Patsy Mink Health and Gender Research Fellowship program, which awards research fellowships to post-baccalaureate students to conduct research examining gender and health disparities. This title also provides additional supports for workforce development through loan forgiveness and other training programs.

Title on Improving Health Care Access and Quality says that despite progress made through the Affordable Care Act, health care access for minority communities remains a problem in the U.S. Immigrant communities are particularly disadvantaged because under current law they are excluded from public health care and other social programs. Title IV will expand health care access by allowing immigrant communities to qualify for the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits and cost-sharing reduction payments, as well as allowing lawfully present individuals to qualify for Medicare. It also provides support for the improvement of rural hospitals and health services, for example, through the expansion of telehealth services in Medicare including across state lines. HEAA would also incorporate health equity into quality payment programs in Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that progress being made to improve health quality improves care for everyone.Finally, Title IV would restore access to Medicaid for Compact of Free Association (COFA) communities.

See more on Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2018.

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Kepa Maly. Photo courtesy of Kepa Maly

HE WAHI MO‘OLELO NO KA ‘ĀINA O KA MAKANI PUʻULENA, Stories form the Lands of the Puʻulena Wind, will be told in January by well-known Hawaiian historian and storyteller Kepa Maly. Funds raised through this program and donations will go towards awarding a scholarship to a college-bound Volcano student.

An announcement from Volcano Community Foundation says, "Kīlauea and the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi are richly layered with traditions, mele, hula, practices, beliefs, and history that spans generations. Maly will share traditions and history of Kīlauea, and the lands upon which Pele dances in the Pu‘ulena wind, also linking traditions of old to the recent events that have added new layers of history to this wahi pana – storied and sacred landscape."

Maly, a graduate of Lanaʻi High School, became a student of Hawaiian language, history, and cultural practices at an early age. He studied traditional mele and hula. In 1975, he participated in an ‘uniki, becoming a ho‘opa‘a kumu hula.

Kepa Maly. Photo
courtesy of Kepa Maly

Over the past 40 years, Maly and his wife Onaona conducted detailed research across the Hawaiian islands, translating Hawaiian language accounts and documenting cultural-historic sites, traditions, and oral histories. From 1979 to 1983, he worked for the National Park Service as an interpreter and instructor of Interpretive Skills. More recently, he was the founding Executive Director of the Hoakalei Cultural Foundation and the Lanaʻi Culture and Heritage Center.

The program, slated for Saturday, Jan. 26 at 11 a.m., will be held at Volcano Garden Arts and includes a gourmet lunch with coffee and wine, which follows the presentation. An optional short tour and history of the Volcano Garden Arts property will follow lunch. Cost for the program and lunch is $35. Space is limited, so reserve your seat by contacting VCF at volcanocommunity@gmail.com or calling 895-1011. Reservations will be confirmed via email once payment is received. Checks should be sent to Volcano Community Foundation, P.O. Box 94, Volcano 96785; include email so reservation confirmation can be sent. Pay by credit card by calling 895-1011.

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.

Kaʻū Coffee grower Bong Aquino escorts women of Kaʻū Coffee
Growers Cooperative during last year's Pāhala Christmas Parade.
Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE will mark its 40th year on Sunday, Dec. 9, winding through the village under the direction of Eddie Andrade, family, and friends. It begins at 1 p.m. from the old Pāhala Armory at Pakalana and Pikake Streets, and makes its way through the neighborhoods, where residents gather and accept candy thrown by Santa on his sleigh.
The procession stops in at Ka‘ū Hospital to visit with long term residents and patients, and to hand off a beer in a brown bag to the physician on duty. It ends at Holy Rosary Church on Pikake Street, with food and entertainment. Classic vehicles, walking groups, floats, farm trucks, four wheelers, and tractors are all welcome to join in, lining up beginning at 11 a.m. For more call Andrade at 928-0808.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 3, Mon, @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

Anthony Chrisco, Founding
Member of Fascia Research
Society, comes to Volcano.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

THE FASCIANATION METHOD WITH ANTHONY CHRISCO, Founding Member of Fascia Research Society, is offered at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Chrisco gives a brief introduction of the method and the tool he developed to "bring more healthy awareness to our bodies," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. There will be a guided full body ‘roll’ and Q & A afterwards. The cost for the workshop is $25 per person. Call 969-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org to register. Chrisco will bring rollers for the participants to use and for purchase along with a video presentation.

Chrisco, BS, is a Continuing Education Provider for the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. He is the developer of TheFascianatorTM Roller and the Fascianation MethodTM, used to find and eliminate stress in the body so the body can heal itself.
"The fascia can exert up to 2000 pounds of pressure per square inch on our bodies and x-rays & MRI’s cannot see these areas of tension; referred to as myofascial adhesions. The FascianationMethodTM involves using a fitness roller to assist in the release of these myofascial adhesions.
volcanoartcenter.org suggests The Fascianation MethodTM can help alleviate the following ailments: Plantar; Fasciitis/Heel Pain; Gout; Diabetic Foot; Shin Splints; Anterior Compartment Syndrome; Creaky Knees; I.T. Band Syndrome; Sciatica; Low Back Pain; Migraine/ Tension Headache; Tennis/Golfer Elbow; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Trigger Finger (When the finger cannot straighten after bending.); Constipation; Hip Pain; Ovarian Cysts; Incontinent Bladder; and Frozen Shoulder Syndrome. See thefascianator.com for more information.

"Rolling out the muscles relax the fascia that surround them causing the release of pressure on the nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels that cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and inflammation," states the event description.
Chrisco lectures and teaches both professionals in health and fitness and other allied health professions about the human body’s fascial system, recently classified as an organ system in 2012. His techniques have helped hundreds of people suffering from numerous chronic pain disorders.

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.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Dec. 1, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or
sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 31, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Dec. 3, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Dec. 3, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Health Insurance Sign-up, Tue., Dec. 4, 9-4pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Yoga Class, Tue., Dec. 4, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

A Walk into the Past w/ Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tue, Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Tour Jaggar's tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments with Dick Hershberger as "Dr. Jaggar." Supported by the KDEN. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-6pm, Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park, All About Anchialine Pools, Tue., Dec. 4, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawai‘i State Parks Dena Sedar presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Dec. 5 and 12, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

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.

Polypropelene is banned from county recycling bins but acceptable at all transfer stations in the general garbage disposal.

Also banned from recycling but not general trash are plastic grocery bags, and clam shell type plastics. Above is

a plastics display created by Green Peace in the Philippinesshowing what plastics making it to the ocean can do.

Photo from Greenpeace

WARMING OCEAN WATERS leading to a change in location of food for humpback whales is likely a reason for the steep drop off in sightings of the whales in Hawaiian and Alaskan waters. This was the theory put forth by scientists from across the globe, wildlife managers, and federal officials, who met Tuesday and Wednesday in Honolulu. Sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the sessions included discussions about the marked decline, since 2014, in humpback sightings and songs.

NOAA officials told Associated Press reporter Caleb Jones this week's meetings "will help them to form a plan and get funding to help ensure the species' continued success."

Marc Lammers, research coordinator for NOAA's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, told Jones, "At least in Alaska, there's something happening with the prey. What we didn't really resolve is whether that applies more broadly to a larger area like across the North Pacific."

Humpback whales, who come to Hawaiʻi to give birth and raise calves in
the winter, are drastically lower in numbers since 2014. Photo from NOAA

It is possible, say officials, that whales are moving to other waters to hunt, and then finding other places to calve and mate.

"There is no question that the world is changing, the oceans are changing," Lammers continued. "The humpback whales are reflecting those changes and we now need to try to understand whether this is something that will eventually correct itself, and time will tell, or whether this is something that points to a more sustained change."

Susan Pultz, NOAA's chief of conservation planning and rulemaking in the Pacific island region, told AP, "I don't think there's necessarily panic, but I think just the fact that we came together today tells you that there is some sense of urgency about the whales. One of the reasons we're all together, and obviously this has not yet gelled into a plan, is to identify where there are data gaps - if there are data gaps - what we need to look at next, and then that will inform our next actions that we take."

A variety of zooplankton, which sustain the humpbacks
during feeding season, are sensitive to warmer ocean
temperatures. Photo from NOAA

Christine Gabriele, a federal wildlife biologist who monitors humpbacks at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, said to Jones, "It was more favorable for the whales when we were in a cold period, and then less favorable when the (Pacific Decadal Oscillation) switches to warm. In Glacier Bay we have definitely seen a much lower calving rate and much lower calf survival as well as juvenile survival. I think there are metabolic issues that are probably related to the production of a calf. We're not clear if it's a lack of pregnancy or lack of ability to carry it to term."

About half of Northern Pacific humpbacks, a number estimated at 11,000, are expected to make the trip to Hawaiian waters each winter. Since 2014, those numbers have declined 50 to 80 percent. Humpbacks are no longer considered endangered, but are still federally protected.

Learn more from Nov. 27, Sept. 6, and Aug. 26 Kaʻū News Briefs.

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

SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT DATES for 2019 are the last Saturday of January, the 26th, February, the 23rd, and March, the 30th. Sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, volunteers count sightings of humpback whales - from spouting to breaching - in NOAA's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Kaʻena Point, located at the end of Chain
of Craters Road, is one of the closest of 21 places Kaʻū residents can sign
up for to participate in the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count
of humpback whales. Photo from wayfaring.info

Locations in Kaʻū include Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Volunteer shifts normally last from 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., orientation included.

Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. The sanctuary holds Ocean Count three times each year during peak whale season. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.
Ocean Count, the yearly volunteer-dependent sighting for humpback whales in Hawaiian waters, takes place on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu. A new website with important information and resources, and where volunteers can register, is oceancount.org. The site will be up and ready for the December 15 registration launch date. A similar effort, the Great Whale Count by Pacific Whale Foundation, takes place on Maui on February 23.

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.

Kalo-taro-became an official menu item for the first

time in memory at a Hawaiʻi public school today.

Photo from ʻEleʻeleSchool

KALO - TARO - WAS OFFICIALLY SERVED FOR THE FIRST TIME in recent memory at a public school in Hawaiʻi today. The ‘Āina Pono Hawai‘i State Farm to School Program celebrated the milestone today on Kaua‘i with ‘Ele‘ele Elementary School becoming the first Hawai‘i Department of Education school to put kalo on its food service menu. Kalo was used in a Poi Breakfast Parfait, made with poi, plain yogurt, pineapple chunks and granola.

"It's very gratifying to see how much the ‘Āina Pono Hawai‘i State Farm to School Program has revolutionized school meals," said Lt. Governor Doug Chin. "So many students, farmers and state legislators have already praised the program for providing healthy meals made with locally produced ingredients."
Everyone wants the program to succeed and grow, which has been the goal for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor since it launched the program in 2015 and began working with public and private sectors.

Kalo growing on the public school campus at

ʻEleʻele. Photo from Doug Chin

Kaina Makua, of the Aloha ‘Āina Poi Company, emphasized the importance of sustaining local farmers and producers so they can continue to supply public schools with fresh, local ingredients. One example was in the taro field right there on the ‘Ele‘ele school campus, where a Kumu Sabra Kauka and Kumu Chad Shimmelfennig's fifth grade class presented a cultural program to celebrate the land and the coming together to be able to feed keiki healthy food while they’re in school.
The Lt. Governor, state Department of Education and state Department of Agriculture have been working together with private stakeholders to transform HIDOE's School Food Services Branch. "The work in progress is making a difference that public school students will be able to taste and enjoy for years to come," said a statement from Chin's office.
For more on public schools participating in the program see ltgov.hawaii.gov/farm-to-school-initiative.

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SOME PLASTICS ARE BANNED FROM COUNTY RECYCLING BINS at Volcano, Pāhala, Waiʻōhinu, Ocean View, and other transfer stations, beginning Dec. 1.
The new rules are due "to changes in global recycling markets," according to a statement from County of Hawai‘i. No longer acceptable in the mixed recyclable bins at the Recycling & Transfer Stations countywide are: #5 plastics, plastic grocery bags, nor any clam shell-type plastic (salad, bentos, fruit, and similar containers). All of these should go in the general garbage chute at the transfer stations for landfill disposal. There is no need to keep them at home or dump them elsewhere where they could make their way into gulches and the ocean.
Examples of the #5 (polypropylene) plastics which will no longer be accepted: yogurt and hummus containers, syrup bottles, margarine tubs, prescription bottles and bottle caps along with #5 food containers that can be purchased for home use.

Without a recycling market, these kinds of containers

and plastic grocery bags must go into general trash,

not recycling at county transfer and recycling stations,

starting Saturday, Dec. 1. Image from Ziploc

The plastics the county will continue to accept in mixed recyclable bins are clean #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) plastic bottles, plastic jars, and jugs such as milk, jam, mayonnaise, juice, detergent containers, and household cleaner containers, etc.
The following clean materials are also accepted in the mixed recycling bins: aluminum and steel cans (non-HI-5); newspapers and magazines; corrugated cardboard boxboard/paperboard (like cracker, cereal and cake mix boxes); and mail and office type paper (no shredded paper)
Visit hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle /2-bin/ for a full list of recyclables which are accepted at the County of Hawai‘i Recycling & Transfer Stations.
The county statement says: "The intent of the County of Hawai‘i Recycling program is to collect materials that can be diverted from the landfill by reusing the products or transporting the materials to market to be remanufactured into new products. Currently, markets for certain types of plastics are being saturated and the markets are demanding higher quality recyclables.
"When incorrect or contaminated materials are thrown into the recycling bins, it can cause the entire bin to become contaminated and turns what could have been recycled into trash. Please only recycle what is now being accepted to avoid contamination.
"The County of Hawai‘i community can be proud of how much is diverted from the landfill, however we can do better by placing the correct materials in the recycling bins.
For further information, visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/2-bin/ or call 961-8942.

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THE PROPOSED SEWER FEE HIKE gained traction at the County Council yesterday. Sewer fee charges in Kaʻū are limited to the old plantation housing camps in Nāʻālehu and Pāhala where those hooked up are paying $30 every two months for the county to maintain the sewage lines and gang cesspools until they are replaced, as required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. They would go up to match the county wide fees when the new treatment plants are completed.

Others hooked up around the island pay $54 every two months. The proposal islandwide is to hike the fee to $42 per month next March, followed by incremental increases until the fee reaches $55 per month in March of 2021. The increased feed would bring some $17 million over three years to the county, making it less dependent on outside funding.

The proposal faces two additional readings and votes by the County Council before it would become law.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

TEE BALL AND COACH PITCH BASEBALL SIGN-UPS TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK for Nā‘ālehu and Ocean View teams with practices starting immediately afterwards.

Keiki ages 5 and 6 years old interested in joining the Nā‘ālehu Tee Ball team are encouraged to meet at Nā‘ālehu Ball Park (across the parking lot from the Nā‘ālehu Community Center) on Monday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. Practice takes place after registration that Monday, and continues the following Mondays and Wednesdays, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Coach Josh Crook with previous Nā‘ālehu

Tee Ball team. Photo by Kacey Loman

The Ocean View Tee Ball team is also open to keiki ages 5 and 6 years old, with sign-ups taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 4, starting at 3 p.m., at KahukuParkin Hawaiian Ocean View Estates (92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka). Practice takes place after registration that Tuesday, and continues the following Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ocean View Coach Pitch Baseball is open to keiki ages 7 and 8 years old, with sign-ups taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 4, starting at 4 p.m. - also at KahukuPark. Practice t takes place after registration that Tuesday, and continues the following Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participation costs are to be announced; games snacks provided by team parents. Keiki encouraged to wear closed toe shoe and clothes they can easily move in. Gloves and bats available for loan, however, keiki encouraged to bring their own if possible.

Those interested are welcome to contact Josh and Elizabeth Crook at 345-0511.

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.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Dec. 1, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

A Walk into the Past w/ Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tue, Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Tour Jaggar's tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments with Dick Hershberger as "Dr. Jaggar." Supported by the KDEN. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-6pm, Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park, All About Anchialine Pools, Tue., Dec. 4, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawai‘i State Parks Dena Sedar presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Thu., Dec. 6 and 13, 9:30-10:30am, Pāhala Senior Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Women's Support Group, Thu., Dec. 6 and 20, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thu., Dec. 6, 6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade each perform a one-act play: The Invisible Man by Tim Kelly, Last Stop Till Christmas by Pat Cook, and The Quest: A Fairy Take with Attitude by Eddie McPherson. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

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.

Hurricane Lane raged through Paʻaʻau Gulch, as seen from the bridge on Hwy 11 near Pāhala on Aug. 24.
Six hurricanes came through the Central Pacific during the 2018 hurricane season that ended today.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE DESTRUCTIVE 2018 HURRICANE SEASON ENDED TODAY, following threats from six hurricanes in the Central Pacific, some of them causing harm to the islands.
The number of hurricanes in the area was higher than usual - the average is four to five. The last four years varied wildly with 16 cyclones in 2015, seven in 2016, two in 2017, and six this year.
Here are the hurricanes that traveled by in 2018: Hurricane Hector, Aug. 6 - 15, passed south of Hawaiʻi Island. Hurricane Lane, Aug. 18 - 28, threatened Hawaiʻi Island as a major hurricane, hung off South Point for several days, and passed south. Meriam, Aug. 29 - Sept. 3, turned north before reaching the Islands. Norman, Sept. 4 - 8, also turned north before reaching Hawaiʻi. Olivia, Sept. 7 - 12, was a weak hurricane but made landfall on Maui and Lanaʻi.

Hurricane Lane seen from space. Photo from NASA

Walaka, Sept. 29 - Oct. 6, came near as a Category 5, made a sharp turn. Walaka tore through the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, drowning French Frigate Shoals, and eliminating East Island, a major birthing place for endangered Hawaiian monk seals, threatened green sea turtles, and endangered and threatened seabirds.
Bob Ballard, of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said the 2018 hurricane season brought many violent island threats. He noted that Lane and Walaka were difficult to forecast, just like Hurricane Iniki. All were recurving systems. Forecasters knew they would make a turn, but found it hard to predict the timing.

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A 7.0 EARTHQUAKE JUST NORTH OF ANCHORAGE, Alaska, at 7:39 a.m. today, Friday, prompted a tsunami alert for Cook Inlet but not for Hawaiʻi and the other states. The quake, 25 miles underground, and followed by destructive aftershocks, damaged many buildings, roads, and bridges. The tsunami warning was cancelled. The earthquake was felt within 400 miles of its epicenter.

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Mauka Kea, where the largest telescope on Earth has permission to be built, despite objections on cultural grounds.

HAWAIʻI SUPREME COURT REJECTED RECONSIDERATION OF PERMITS FOR THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE PLANNED FOR MAUNA KEA. The decision, handed down on Thursday, paves the way for the $1.4 billion project. KAHEA: The Hawaian Environmental Alliance, along with Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, Deborah Ward, Paul Neves, Kealoha Pisciotta, Clarence Kukauakahi Ching, and Flores-Case ʻOhana, filed a motion for the justices to reconsider the case.
Instead of reconsidering the case, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court jufhrd changed some footnotes in their original decision handed down on Oct. 30. The footnotes contend that the telescope will not degrade cultural resources because they are already degraded by previous use of the location. Justice Michael Wilson dissented from the majority in both the October and yesterday's decisions.

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NOW IS AN EXCITING TIME AT KĪLAUEA, begins this week's Volcano Watch, a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

This is, without a doubt, the most intellectually exciting time to be a volcanologist at the USGS HVO. The current inactivity at Kīlauea has so many possible outcomes that it is a real challenge to figure out what might happen next. And intellectual challenges are stimulating and exciting.

What is next for Kīlauea Volcano? This is a view of the summit area from the southwest, showing the collapsed area of Halema‘uma‘u and the adjacent caldera floor. A section of Crater Rim Drive preserved on a down-dropped block is visible at the far right. Volcanic gases rising from magma stored beneath the summit continue to escape to the surface, as they have for as long as Kīlauea has existed, resulting in deposits of sulfur on the crater walls. USGS Photo by Don Swanson

What will happen? New summit lava lake, resumption of eruption at Puʻu ʻŌʻō, lava flows in Puna, further summit collapses, explosive eruptions from the summit, eventual collapse of the entire summit, renewal of caldera filling with lava eventually overtopping the caldera rim, decreased magma supply so that the quiet lingers for years, increased magma supply so that the quiet ends in months, resumption of Mauna Loa activity… or something else?

Any of those possibilities could happen, and we are challenged by having to weigh all of them and more. And this is hard. No matter how much we may know, the truism remains: there are no facts about the future.

One thing is clear: It is not the duration of the present quiet period that is so intriguing. There have been many other longer periods in the past 150 years with no lava visible, some lasting years. But those were times when monitoring was sparse and crude, ideas were rudimentary, and the scientific involvement was limited to a small number of generalists.

Now the monitoring capability is enormous and sophisticated, ideas about what might happen are varied and thoughtful, and the intellectual workforce spans the globe as local scientists receive input in near-real time from specialized, experienced, and insightful colleagues around the world. Much more can be made out of the current quiet than could be done before, and therein lies the challenge.

USGS scientists use an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS, or drone) to fly a

MultiGas instrument along Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone to

determine concentrations of volcanic gases in small plumes rising from the

now inactive fissures. The UAS is barely visible in the distance, just

to the upper left of fissure 21 (larger cone at right). USGS photo

With all this firepower, can we get the outcome right, and if we can't – perhaps realistically the most likely outcome – then can we be within striking distance and learn enough to do better the next time? This is exciting stuff!

Research scientists need intellectual challenges. We are buffeted by daily personal and societal triumphs and failures, as are most people, while at the same time trying to find order in the chaos of the natural world that operates on a 24/7 schedule.

Creativity is the hallmark of research scientists, and it demands, almost paradoxically, an approach that is both focused on the problem at hand and broad enough to consider as many eventualities and ramifications as we can imagine.

Creativity is as important to research scientists as it is to artists. Both pursuits are limited by personal ability and the availability of tools of the trade. All artists and research scientists share the same need to come up with something new, to be different in ways that stimulate others to follow new directions or novel ways of thinking. The process of creating is exciting, no matter what the field, and it can lead to enjoyment and enlightenment for society when things fall into place.

There are differences, however. Creativity for a research scientist is bounded by physical and chemical realities, whereas the artist can pursue supernatural approaches. And, a research scientist strives to adhere to observations, facts, and logical inferences, whereas an artist is free to ignore such constraints.

A close-up of the Unmanned Aircraft System used by USGS

scientists to measure volcanic gases in remote areas of

Kīlauea. The fissure 21 cone is visible in the

far right background. USGS photo

The writer of this essay is nearing the end of a long eventful research career. It is no exaggeration to say that the current quiet at Kīlauea is the most exciting and challenging research time in 50-plus years of investigating the earth. Younger colleagues might think that's hyperbole, but with time they will realize the marvelous intellectual experience that the inactivity of Kīlauea provided them. Perhaps they will be lucky enough to experience something even more exciting before they hang up their boots. This writer hopes so but is doubtful.

Opportunities such as 2018 Kīlauea are unusual. When they happen, seize the day!

Volcano Activity Updates

Kīlaueais not erupting. Low rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas release have not changed significantly over the past week. Deformation signals remain consistent with slow refilling the middle ERZ. At the summit, tiltmeters showed little significant change this week. No Hawaiʻi earthquakes received three or more felt reports this past week.

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

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND PATROLS FOR NETS ALONG THE WAI‘ŌHINU COASTLINE three times this December, with volunteers welcome to join in. The patrols are scheduled to take place on Mondays, Dec. 3 and 17, and Thursday, Dec. 27. Those interested in participating are asked to email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629. Limited seats are available in Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Transport vehicles; volunteers willing to drive their own 4WD vehicles are welcome.
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund partners with Konawaena Middle School Recycling Club on Friday, Dec. 14, and with Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Sciences on Friday, Dec. 21, to perform coastal clean-ups in Ka‘ū. Both days require participants to be current volunteers willing to drive their own 4WD vehicles to the site. Those interested in participating are asked to email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629.
Participating in any of these events is free; however, donations are appreciated.

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.

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or
sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward,
938-3058

Nā’ālehu Tee Ball - Sign-Ups, Mon., Dec. 3, 3-4pm, Nā‘ālehu Community Park. Ages 5 and 6, practice every following Mon. & Wed., 3-4pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Dec. 3, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Health Insurance Sign-up, Tue., Dec. 4, 9-4pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ocean View Tee Ball - Sign-Ups, Tue., Dec. 4, 3-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Ages 5 and 6 practice every following Tue. & Thu., 3-4pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

Ocean View Coach Pitch Baseball - Sign-Ups, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-5pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Ages 7 and 8 practice every following Tue. & Thu., 4-5pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

Arts & Craft Activity: Paper Tree Table Top, Wed., Dec. 5, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 5; open to keiki Grades K-8. 928-3102

Open Mic Night, Wed., Dec. 5, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Thu., Dec. 6 and 13, 9:30-10:30am, Pāhala Senior Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Women's Support Group, Thu., Dec. 6 and 20, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thu., Dec. 6, 6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade each perform a one-act play: The Invisible Man by Tim Kelly, Last Stop Till Christmas by Pat Cook, and The Quest: A Fairy Take with Attitude by Eddie McPherson. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Stewardship at the Summit, Fri., Dec. 7, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

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Christmas in Kahuku, a free event for the whole ʻohana, happens Sunday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m., at Kahuku

Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event features live music and dancing, with music and hula by

Russell Mauga, Kīpapa, and Lori Lei Shirakawa's Hula Studio. Also on offer are hand-crafted items, food

booths, shave ice, a coffee truck, and more. See fhvnp.org or nps.gov/havo, or call 985-7373. Lori Lei

Shirakawa has mentored generations of hula students in Ka‘ū. She will bring

performers to Christmas in Kahuku. Photo from Lori Lei Shirakawa

IN MEMORY OF PRES. GEORGE H.W. BUSH, who died Friday at 94, Gov. David Ige ordered that the United States and Hawai‘i state flags fly half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i, beginning immediately.

For 30 days, the half-staff flags will honor and give tribute to the memory of Bush "as an expression of public sorrow," said a statement today from the governor's office.

Ige, a Democrat, praised Bush, the Republican: "President Bush lived a life of service to our nation, from a combat plane to the halls of Congress and the White House. As we pay tribute to his leadership, let us vow to serve our communities, our state and our nation with the same spirit. Dawn and I send our heartfelt aloha to the entire Bush family."

The late Pres. George H.W. Bush giving the 50th anniversary address at Pearl

Harbor in 1991, acknowledging patriotic Japanese Americans.

Bush gave the keynote, 50th anniversary speech on Dec. 7, 1991, at Pearl Harbor. He praised the multiethnic community in Hawai‘i, saying, "For the Defenders of Pearl, heroism came as naturally as breath. They reacted instinctively by rushing to their posts. They knew as well that our nation would be sustained by the nobility of its cause. So did Americans of Japanese ancestry. They came by the hundreds to give wounded Americans blood, and the thousands of their kinsmen all across America who took up up arms for their country. Every American believed in the cause, and when I'd speak of it, be embarrassed to be called heroes... Foes can sink American ships but not the American spirit."

Bush also acknowledged the error made when the U.S. government interred Japanese Americans during World War II. "In remembering, it is important to come to grips with the past. No nation can fully understand itself or find its place in the world if it does not look with clear eyes at all the glories and disgraces, too, of the past. We in the United States acknowledge such an injustice in our own history: The internment of Americans of Japanese ancestry was a great injustice, and it will never be repeated."
Bush said, that "The values we hold dear as a nation — equality of opportunity, freedom of religion and speech and assembly, free and vigorous elections — are now revered by many nations. Our greatest victory in World War II took place not on the field of battle, but in nations we once counted as foes. The ideals of democracy and liberty have triumphed in a world once threatened with conquest by tyranny and despotism."

Mayor Harry Kim will receive a Homeland Heroes award for his
work during the Kīlauea eruption disaster this year. At the mic, he
stands next to County Civil Defense chief Talmadge Magnno.
Photo from Big Island Video News

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A HOMELAND HEROES AWARD will go to Mayor Harry Kim "for his ongoing efforts to keep the people of Hawai‘i County safe," states a release from his office.
The award from Government Technology & Services Coalition, based in Arlington,VA, on Thursday named Kim a Mission Awardee for 2018.
"Mission awardees are selected for their tangible achievements toward achieving their responsibilities and the overall mission of their office," says the Homeland Security Today.US website. "These are the folks who are actually getting it done."
Kim spent many years in Civil Defense on Hawaiʻi Island before becoming mayor.

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COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MAILE DAVID WILL BE SWORN IN ON MONDAY, Dec. 3, at noon, at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. She begins her third term on the council, representing Kaʻū, the greater Volcano area, south Kona, and a portion of north Kona.

Maile David during inauguration ceremonies in 2016 with
Phoebe Gomes and the late Bobby Gomes and family.
Photo by Annie Bosted

David is nominated to continue as Chair of the Hawaiʻi County Council Finance Committee. The new council will meet for the first time at 3 p.m., after the ceremony, in the Hilo Council Chambers, to vote on the organizational resolutions. The inauguration and the council meeting are open to the public.

David was born in rural Kealakekua, graduating from Konawaena in 1970. She spent thirty years as a paralegal, and worked as an advocate for senior citizen and Social Security Disability through Legal Aid Society. She has spent the last four years on the council, and has served as Chair of the Committee on Finance, Chair of the Committee on Human Services and Social Services, and Vice Chair of the Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation, Vice Chair of the Committee on Planning, and Deputy County Clerk.
Nā Leo TV will provide live coverage of the Inauguration on Monday, Dec. 3, slated to begin at noon on Spectrum Channel 55, online at naleo.tv/channel-55, and streaming via the mobile app, available in iOS and Google Play marketplaces. A rebroadcast of the program airing throughout the week will be available on Nā Leo cable channels, and on Video-on-Demand.

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HŪ HONUA BIOENERGY, BUYER OF FARMED EUCALYPTUS – harvested above Pāhala to burn for electricity to sell to the local utility – is facing scrutiny from the state Department of Health. The issue is an unauthorized discharge of industrial wastewater on Nov. 9. The Department of Health Clean Water Branch released a statement on Friday with its preliminary findings.

Health Director Bruce Anderson said, "The discharge was a blatant disrespect of the environmental laws that govern this highly regulated industry. The history of concern over the operations of this facility emphasize the need for the Department of Health to take swift action on this violation."

See video of the discharge.
Video from Big Island Video News

Keith Kawaoka, deputy director of Environmental Health, said, "While in general, the department does not provide information about ongoing investigations, given the public nature of this case and community concerns, we are confirming the cause of the spill and moving forward on the enforcement process. Fortunately, our staff did not observe visible damage to the environment or determine an imminent threat to the health of the public from the discharge."

DOH is completing the investigation, and plans to produce a formal report with recommendations for enforcement and penalties. For unlawful discharges to state waters, violators face potential civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day per violation and potential criminal prosecution.
Hū Honua issued a statement in November saying the discharge was unintended and occurred while testing and preparing the biofuel plant for its opening. The company reported the event to the state the day it happened.
Opponents of the plant, located on the coast north of Hilo, seized on the incident, some of them claiming the release was not an accident.

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KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL started the season with a close game against Keaʻau on Thursday, Nov. 29. Part of a four-day tourney for Varsity, which runs though today, Dec. 1, the Trojans boys scored 44 to Keaʻau's 46.

KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER suffered another disappointing game on Wednesday, Nov. 28, when the Trojans hosted Kealakehe. Scoring zero points, with the Waveriders at 9, the referee called the game.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 3, Mon, @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

Free dog and cat spay and neutering services are provided by Hawai‘i
Island Humane Society's mobile clinic on Dec. 3 in Ocean View, free
to low income pet owners or those lacking means to transport their pet
to the shelter in Kona or Kea‘au for free surgery. Photo from hihs.org

NEW and UPCOMING

HAWAI‘I ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY COMES TO ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View with their for a one day Spay and Neutering Mobile Clinic - for cats and dogs only - on Monday, Dec. 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are necessary and can be made by visiting hihs.org. Those who would like to participate but do not have access to the internet are welcome to come to St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Saturday, while their computer lab is open. The free mobile spay and neutering services are offered to low income pet owners or those without means to transport their cat or dog to the Humane Society's shelter in Kona or Keaau - where these services are offered for free to all.
"We recently fundraised for and purchased a state-of-the-art mobile spay/neuter clinic to take our surgery efforts on the road. We want to eliminate all barriers by bringing our services to areas of need. This is the only such program of its kind on the Big Island. It will enable pet owners with limited financial means or transportation to fix their pets, eliminating the possibility of accidental litters which become a community problem and add to Hawai‘i Island Humane Society's challenge of addressing pet overpopulation," states hihs.org.

A view inside Hawai‘i Island Humane Society's Mobile Spay & Neuter
Waggin', which comes to St. Jude's Episcopal Church
in Ocean View on Dec. 3. Photo from hish.org

Hawai‘i Island Humane Society's Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin' is staffed with a professionally trained and fully licensed veterinarian, who is supported by Humane Society veterinary assistants and volunteers. "Our team follows all guidelines by nationally recognized organizations regarding high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics," states hihs.org.
The clinic generally will accept: healthy dogs and cats; puppies and kittens who are at least eight weeks old and weigh at least two pounds; female dogs in heat; female cats in heat; and feral cats. Feral cats are tested for Feline AIDS and Leukemia prior to surgery. The mobile clinic will not accept: unhealthy animals or those with contagious illnesses - animals should not be coughing or sneezing, and should not have watery eyes, runny noses, mange, or ringworm; and animals in the care of an animal welfare or rescue organization. See more at hihs.org/services/spay-neuter-waggin.

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Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Dec. 3, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Nā’ālehu Tee Ball - Sign-Ups, Mon., Dec. 3, 3-4pm, Nā‘ālehu Community Park. Ages 5 and 6, practice every following Mon. & Wed., 3-4pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Dec. 3, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Health Insurance Sign-up, Tue., Dec. 4, 9-4pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ocean View Tee Ball - Sign-Ups, Tue., Dec. 4, 3-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Ages 5 and 6 practice every following Tue. & Thu., 3-4pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

Ocean View Coach Pitch Baseball - Sign-Ups, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-5pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Ages 7 and 8 practice every following Tue. & Thu., 4-5pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thu., Dec. 6, 6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade each perform a one-act play: The Invisible Man by Tim Kelly, Last Stop Till Christmas by Pat Cook, and The Quest: A Fairy Take with Attitude by Eddie McPherson. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali‘i, Thu., Dec. 6, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. Final program for 2018. 967-7565

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
PATCH Class #425, More Than Counting: Math in Preschool, Fri., Dec. 7, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Teaching strategies that support the development of mathematical concepts in preschool-age children. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #309, Together in Care, Fri., Dec. 7, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Creating close caregiver/child relationships within a group. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Stewardship at the Summit, Fri., Dec. 7, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Sat., Dec. 8, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP with w/James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Updates and notifications on upcoming ʻOhana Workdays, see nmok.org or
facebook.com/namamoo.kawa.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle: Pen in Henna, Sat., Dec. 8, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Art work guided by designs from Mehndi Henna style. Student kits provided. Open to all levels. Students invited to bring snacks to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

Jazz in the Forest Christmas Special, Sat., Dec. 8, 5:30pm – doors open 5pm – Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones with Jeannine Guillory, featuring Christmas favorites and original compositions. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

A Gift of Love, Volcano Festival Chorus Annual Christmas Concert, Sat., Dec. 8, 7:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 25 member chorus under direction of Roch Jones, accompaniment by Laura Kahale, with Cheryl Shine on flute. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

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Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for public strolling and viewing through Monday, Dec. 31.
The event features the row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with characters and Christmas decor.
Kīlauea Military Camp employees created the Christmas scenes. Everyone is invited to vote for a favorite cottage.
See more, below. Photo by Dave Berry

THE ASHES OF 100 PEOPLE WILL FLY OVERHEAD for four to five years. A tiny cubical satellite will carry the ashes, including those from a software expert who worked on Mauna Kea. The 4-inch square satellite will ride into space with other satellites on the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket, scheduled for launch no earlier than tomorrow, Dec. 3, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It is the first ever spacecraft dedicated to space burial.
According to CNN, families of the deceased said those with ashes on board are mostly those with scientific, military or romantic interest in space. It cost about $2,500 for each set of ashes' rideshare. Family and friends will be able to track the mausoleum satellite through an app that shows it circling the planet. After four to five years, the satellite and ashes will fall from space, disintegrating as a "shooting star," states Elysiumspace.com, the company with a burial-in-space program.

The man with the Hawai`i Island connection and some of his ashes on board is Doug Morrison, who graduated from University of Hawai`i - HIlo and worked at the Keck Observatory for seven years as a software engineer. According to a story today in Hawai`i Tribune Herald, some of Morrison's programs are still in use. The story by Michael Brestovansky reports that Morrison "received a commendation from NASA for his involvement in implementing the Keck Interferometer Nuller, which combines the light from the two Keck telescopes and allows better clarification of dust orbiting stars."
Morrison, who also worked in gaming software, died two years ago at the age of 34, unexpectedly during surgery.
Elysium Space calls tomorrow's mission Star II and its Celestial Service Shooting Star Memorial. At last check it was in the Launch Que and reservations were closed. See more at Elysiumspace.com.

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The late Pres. George H.W. Bush monument in downtown Houston. Photo by Jaime E. Galvan/KHU11

THE REPUBLICAN, THE LATE PRES. GEORGE H.W. BUSH, received praise from Hawai`i Democrats, Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono. On Facebook yesterday, Schatz wrote, "President George H.W. Bush showed us all how to live a life of service with personal decency and humility.

"His long career of service began when he was 17. In the immediate aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, he tried to enlist in the Navy, only to be told to come back in six months. When he did, he quickly became the youngest Navy pilot at that point in our nation's history.

Sen. Brian Schatz

"Fifty years later, President Bush traveled to Honolulu, not as a sailor but as President, to mark the 50th anniversary of the attack. He could have focused on how the day that lives in infamy changed his own life. Instead, he used it to call for healing between the United States and Japan– to foster forgiveness and peace.

"Our thoughts are with the Bush family, and with the entire nation as we grieve one of the most committed public servants in modern history. May his memory be a blessing, and his life of service a point of light."
Bush will be honored by a holiday nationwide for federal workers on Wednesday, during a day of mourning declared by Pres. Donald Trump. Bush will lie in state from late Monday, Dec. 10 to Wednesday morning, Dec. 12 at the U.S. Capitol rotunda, followed by a service at the National Cathedral at 11 a.m. After a fight ot Houston, Bush will lie in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, with two services. His last ride will be on a funeral train to Texas A&M University where he will be laid to rest at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum.
Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted, "George HW Bush dedicated his life to serving our country and the American people."

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Sen. Dru Kanuha

HAWAIʻI ISLAND'S STATE SENATORS have received their committee assignments at the Capitol.

Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha, District Three, representing west Kaʻū through Kona, is Majority Caucus Leader, Housing Committee Vice Chair, and is on the Education, Government Operations, and Ways and Means Committees.

Sen. Russell Ruderman, District Two, representing east Kaʻū into Puna, is Chair of the Human Services Committee, Agriculture and Environment Committee Vice Chair, and is on the Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committees.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

Sen. Kaialiʻi Kahele, District One, representing Hilo, is Majority Floor Leader, Chair of the Water and Land Committee, Hawaiian Affairs Committee Vice Chair, and is on the Higher Education and Ways and Means Committees.

Sen. Lorraine Inouye, District Four, representing the northern portions of the island, from Hiloto Kona, is Majority Whip, Chair of the Transportation Committee, Government Operations Committee Vice Chair, and is on the Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, and Ways and Means Committees.

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO OBJECTS TO THE NOMINATION of Judge Thomas Farr to North Carolina's district court. She took to the Senate floor in Washington, D.C. last week to speak out against Farr's nomination, saying it is "known that Mr. Farr had spent his professional life engaged in restricting minority voting rights and defending companies alleged to have discriminated against African Americans, women, and others." Watch her speech.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

She posted to Facebook, "Thomas Farr dedicated his career to furthering oppression and injustices against minorities and women. He has no business being confirmed to a lifetime position as a judge, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting no.

"This vacancy has remained open so long because of Republicans' refusal to confirm qualified minority women, and their insistence on filling it with a man whose career is filled examples of his using the law to advance a racist, obstructionist, plainly un-American agenda."

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TREECYCLING WILL BE AVAILABLE at countyRecycling and Transfer Stations which accept greenwaste. Treecycling begins during normal business hours between December 26, 2018, and January 15, 2019 at Volcano, Keaʻau, Pāhoa, Hilo, Kealakehe (Kailua-Kona), Ke‘ei, and Waimea Transfer Stations. Treecycling is not available at the Miloli’i or Oceanview Transfer Stations.

All decorations, stands, lights, tinsel, and ornaments must be removed prior to treecycling. Note that artificial trees, flocked trees, or trees with decorations cannot be tree-cycled, but may be disposed of in the regular trash chutes. Also, kadomatsu decorations may be placed in the normal tree-cycling areas. Kadomatsu decorations are normally a combination of bamboo, pine, and flowers.

For more information or a map and directions to drop-off locations, go to hawaiizerowaste.org/facilities. For more information on Recycling in Hawai‘i County, visit hawaiizerowaste.org or call the Solid Waste Division at 961-8270.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS SOCCER continued to have a rough season start. Saturday, Dec. 1, they played at Honokaʻa, where they did not score against their opponents. The game ended with Honokaʻa at 8, Kaʻū, 0.

KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS BASKETBALL took their second game, of two, for the season, keeping it Kaʻū Strong. The boys played McKinley in another close game, taking the win by three points, 37 to 34.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 3, Mon, @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

ALL ABOUT ANCHIALINE POOLS, an After Dark in the Park program hosted on Tuesday, Dec. 4, starting at 7 p.m., is offered inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Dena Sedar of Hawai῾i State Parks discusses anchialine pools, a natural resource that is special to Hawaiʻi; the only state in the United States where anchialine pools are found. Hawaiian anchialine pools are home to the endemic ʻōpae ʻula, the tiny red pond shrimp that help anchialine pool ecosystems thrive. The program is co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Attendance is free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 985-6011 or 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.

Ocean View Tee Ball - Sign-Ups, Tue., Dec. 4, 3-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Ages 5 and 6 practice every following Tue. & Thu., 3-4pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

Ocean View Coach Pitch Baseball - Sign-Ups, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-5pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Ages 7 and 8 practice every following Tue. & Thu., 4-5pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-6pm, Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sun., Dec. 9, 1pm, Pāhala Armory at Pakalana St. to Holy Rosary Church, Pikake St. Parade ends with food and entertainment. Parade participants line up at 11. Andrade, 928-0808

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.org, facebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

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.

Lt. Gov Josh Green, who started out in Hawaiʻi as a young physician at Kaʻū Hospital, took the oath of
Lt. Governor of Hawaiʻi today after serving 14 years in the Hawaiʻi Legislature and 18 years as a doctor on this island.
Hawaiʻi's Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald swore him in. Green's wife Jamie held The Bible.
Photo from Hawai'i News Now. See the entire inauguration.

JOSH GREEN BECAME HAWAIʻI'S LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TODAY, promising to make it his mission to solve problems with homelessness, addiction, untreated mental illness, education and a livable wage for Hawaiʻi's working families. Green, who started his career as a physician at Kaʻū Hospital 18 years ago and served 14 years in the Hawaiʻi Legislature, representing west Kaʻū and Kona in the House of Representatives and Senate, said Gov. David Ige, also sworn in today, "made incredible progress" on these issues during his first term.

Green said that people in Hawaiʻi are blessed to live in a multicultural society. He talked about the lack of racial, age, gender, and cultural discrimination here. "We aspire to treat each other with compassion and aloha....We don't turn our backs on anyone, no matter how hard they have fallen.

"I will be out in our community, on our streets, directly engaging with homeless to bring them back into our ʻohana. This will be my mission," Green pledged. He introduced a woman named Twinkle, a leader in carrying for homeless people in Waianae on Oʻahu.

Moving Foward Together was the sign below the Seal of the State of Hawaiʻi, as a color guard moved past
Lt. Gov. Josh Green and family to the right and Gov. David Ige to the left.
Photo from Hawaiʻi News Now. See the entire inauguration.

Green proclaimed, "No child should ever be homeless. No family should face addiction alone." He vowed: "We will start free clinics across our state... to give them a hand up out of despair." He pointed to the high cost to government and medical institutions in treating the homeless, who would be healthier and less of a burden to others if they lived in homes and could use health and social services.

Lt. Gov Josh Green's son Sam and daughter Maia led the
Pledge of Allegiance during today's inauguration of Green
and Gov. David Ige.
Photo from Hawaiʻi News Now. See the entire inauguration.

He said he looks to a Hawaiʻi where everyone can afford to buy a home, educate children, and care for aging parents. He promised more support for teachers and education in public schools.

"We will show the nation and the world, that by putting our values in action - compassion, caring for others, tolerance - we can rise together as one Hawaiʻi."

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Mark Rectenwald led the swearing in ceremony, with Green's wife Jaime holding The Bible. Green's children, Maia and Sam, led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
See the entire inauguration.

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STARTING HIS SECOND TERM IN OFFICE, GOV. DAVID IGE said today, "This inauguration is about my children's generation." He noted that his own three children live on the mainland, employed there, after finishing college. As with earlier generations, he said, it is a goal to develop opportunities here for the next generation.

Gov. David Ige said isolation is no longer a limiting
factor in Hawaiʻi achieving its goals.
Photo from Hawai'i News Now. See the entire inauguration.

"It has always been about the children. Our parents' vision of a better Hawaiʻi was all about a place where their children would be able to prosper with their dreams."

The governor noted that a little more than 50 years ago, "with an exhausted farm-based economy," Hawaiʻi government decided that the visitor industry would be the future. It worked, but now Hawaiʻi is in the same situation, "where leaders need to nurture economic growth that does not strain resources, damage the environment, or lower quality of life," he said.

According to Ige, innovation, enabled by technology, will transition the economy. "We already see it happening today." He said technology is already leading to new industry and infusing new life into food production and other enterprise.

In the past, said the governor, geographic isolation was the greatest limitation to growth. Isolation is no longer a deal breaker. Success belongs to those who can act boldly and successfully innovate, he said. "How we meet the challenges of the 21st century and how well we prepare our children" for the tech driven future will be very important, he said.

Gov. David Ige takes the oath today for his second term. Photo from Hawaiʻi News Now. See the entire inauguration.

He talked about the challenge of meeting housing needs of a new workforce and putting the state on a sound path of self-sufficiency and sustainability. The future will rest on "how well we will be able to work collectively and collaboratively," said Ige. "We can do great things."

Ige praised previous generations who created a statewide Department of Education - the first and still the only one in the nation - to make sure all children have an equal education and equal funding for it. Today, however, there are new challenges for giving students knowledge and skills to prepare them for success, he said. "We need a more than one-size-fits-all model for schools."

He said the state will implement a new blue print and invest in leaders who can transform how they teach their students. "We can do transformative things."

Regarding the housing shortage, Ige said the state might not ever be able to meet the need "no matter how many houses we build." He said, however, that the state will tackle the housing crisis with programs to build more homes quickly, taking into consideration transportation in the planning. He called the planning "transit oriented" and talked about more investment in infrastructure.

Bishop Eric Matsumoto advised that people
learn to understand oneanother to bring peace
and prosperity. Photo from Hawaiʻi News Now.
See the entire inauguration.

He noted that sustainable growth is the mantra of the 21st Century. Ige talked about self-sufficiency, and mentioned that Hawaiʻi already has the most aggressive energy goals in the nation and that 2020 objectives will be exceeded. He also called for protecting the environment.

Ige said that challenges in any one area can be overwhelming and invited everyone to "Leave personal agendas outside the door and yield to a commitment to work together... Real leadership emanates from many hands joining together."

He called these "challenging and dangerous times for Hawaiʻi and our nation, and the principles upon which our country was founded." Without mentioning any names, he rejected divisiveness and hostility toward immigrants. He said a "broad and diverse people is the source of what Makes AmericaGreat... We are a nation of immigrants and Hawaiʻi is one of the brightest examples of what can happen when we celebrate our diversity."

He said that decisions coming from Washington, D.C."threaten the very core of our values. When did it become okay to tear gas women and children for wanting a better future for themselves?"

The governor said, "Our differences are not greater than what we hold in common. Our differences will help us to reach our goals. Our differences are our greatest strength."

Ending the inaugural ceremony was a talk by Honpa Hongwanji of Hawai`i's Bishop, Eric Matsumoto, who grew up on Hawai`i Island. Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Hongwanjis are among the churches he serves. He advised people to become aware of their interdependence. He said that when people lack understanding of their neighbors, there is conflict, less can be accomplished, and people become weak. When people "treat everyone with uniform kindness," there is more peace and prosperity. "The goal is for all people to know each other and trust each other," he said.

See the entire inauguration.

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COUNTY COUNCILWOMAN Maile David was sworn in today in Hilo for her third term in office. See story and photos in Tuesday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

Feral pigs in Manuka and other state parks around the island
are causing issues. Photo by Jack Jeffrey

MANUKASTATE PARK, on the Kona side of Ocean View, is one of the state parks where feral pigs are causing concern from the public and state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Dean Takebayashi, Hawaiʻi Island superintendent of the DLNR Division of State Parks, told John Burnett of Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald that officials are aware of a feral pig problem at BigIsland state parks. He said the department has been working with its Division of Forestry and Wildlife, surrounding land owners, and other agencies "to come up with solutions."

Reports from the public include pigs, unafraid, being fed by people. The Hawai`i Tribune Herald article this morning mentions that pigs can become protective of their piglets and aggressive toward humans. Takebayashi said, "Although we have not had any reports of injury related to aggressive feral pigs in our parks, it would be most prudent to retreat from where the pigs are." See more at Hawai`i Tribune Tribune.

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NO MONTHLY SIREN TEST was heard today across the island and around the state. It was suspended for Dec. 3 and will resume the first Monday in January. "The monthly siren tests are being suspended to avoid interfering with various inaugural events scheduled around the state at that time," said a statement from Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.

Ceremonies included the inauguration of Kaʻū's County Council member Maile David, to her third term, and inauguration of Gov. David Ige and west Kaʻū Senator Josh Green, who became Lt. Governor.

The outdoor warning sirens are one part of a three-component emergency notification system. A simultaneous test of the Emergency Alert System is conducted with the siren system, in cooperation with Hawaiʻi's broadcast industry. In the event of a real emergency, warning sirens and Emergency Alert Broadcasts would be joined by alerts via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, which delivers sound-and-text warnings to mobile telephones and compatible devices.

Emergency management and disaster preparedness information is located at the front section of telephone directories in all counties. The public may contact emergency management and county civil defense agencies to report siren operation issues at (808) 935-0031.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea

Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

LAMB OF GOD BAPTIST CHRUCH SPONSORS A YOUTH GROUP program at Ocean View Community Center on Friday's, Dec. 7 and 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

TWO PATCH CLASSES OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY ARE SPONSORED BY TŪTŪ & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL on Friday, Dec. 8, to take place at PARENTS, Inc.'s Nā‘ālehu Office.
From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Class #425 More Than Counting: Math in Preschool is offered. The class imparts teaching strategies that support the development of mathematical concepts in preschool-age children.
From noon to 3 p.m., Class #309 Together in Care is offered. The class focuses on creating close caregiver/child relationships within a group.
No childcare provided for either class. For more or to sign-up, call 238-3472, or email rhall@patch-hi.org.

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

Ocean View Tee Ball - Sign-Ups, Tue., Dec. 4, 3-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Ages 5 and 6 practice every following Tue. & Thu., 3-4pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

Ocean View Coach Pitch Baseball - Sign-Ups, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-5pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Ages 7 and 8 practice every following Tue. & Thu., 4-5pm. Fees TBA. Josh/Elizabeth, 345-0511

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali‘i, Thu., Dec. 6, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. Final program for 2018. 967-7565

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
PATCH Class #425, More Than Counting: Math in Preschool, Fri., Dec. 7, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Teaching strategies that support the development of mathematical concepts in preschool-age children. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #309, Together in Care, Fri., Dec. 7, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Creating close caregiver/child relationships within a group. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
Free STD Testing, Mon., Dec. 10, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 2nd Monday, monthly. Call for individual appointment for different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

ONGOING

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.org, facebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

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.

Mayor Harry Kim thanked the County Council during inauguration ceremonies yesterday. Photo by Nicole Nash

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MAILE DAVID took the oath of office on Monday for the third time to represent District Six, to serve Kaʻū, South Kona, Volcano, and parts of Puna. Witnessed by a large and enthusiastic crowd, the nine member Hawaiʻi County Council was sworn into office during an inauguration ceremony held at the Hilo Civic Auditorium.
The cavernous Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium was warm with flowers and greenery, while the Council members wore long leis draped over their formal black attire. The Waiakea High School band dignified the ceremony with resounding music for the processional and the anthems.
Judge Greg Nakamura administered the oaths and presented council members with their certificates.

Maile David crushed in maile lei and flowers after swearing in
for a third term. Photo by Nicole Nash

Chairman of the County Council, Aaron Chung, left council members giggling nervously and the audience laughing with glee when he announced that he planned a departure from the standard speech.
"I want to share some of my thoughts on the individuals who were just inaugurated and who will be guiding the County of Hawaiʻi over the next two years."
Starting with the freshmen, Chung directed each of the council members to stand while he talked about them. When it was David's turn to stand, she waved at the crowd. They applauded.
Chung introduced her again, saying "Maile joined the council at same time as me and I respect her as a council member and as a person.
"Maile shares many of the same beliefs as her fellow Kona colleagues, Karen and Rebecca, particularly as they relate to the protection of our environment and shoreline and Hawaiian customs. I have an easy time relating to her because she's a local girl through and through."
"I don't know how many of you in the audience remember when Konawaena had a different school schedule from other public schools on the island," Chung told the audience.
"That odd schedule was designed to accommodate the coffee-picking season, and as one might infer, the children were in the fields picking coffee, Maile being one of them. Now, I've never picked coffee in my life, but I can only imagine that it's hard work and that's the kind of background that Maile comes from.
"I like Maile because she has common sense, is easy to talk to, and is reliable. I also have to say that although she has a genuinely calm and pleasant demeanor, she has demonstrated a certain toughness that I admire. To a certain extent I see that in most members of this group. After all, in this line of business, you need to able to make tough decisions," added Chung.
The Kīlauea eruption was the main concern of Chung's address: "The Kīlauea eruption and Hurricane Lane caused heartbreak for many families. The after effects are still being felt by many. And let's not forget that we have yet to fully assess the impacts of those disasters on our own county budget.

Kaʻū's representative on the County Council with state Board of Agriculture
member and Kaʻū rancher Michelle Galimba. Photo by Annie Bosted

"Recovery for Puna needs to be our top priority," emphasized Chung. "Whether it means taking a secondary or a primary role to that of the administration, we must do whatever is legally permissible in order to help.
"Other matters which we need to pay attention to will be the looming effects of global warming by educating ourselves on and taking necessary steps toward addressing matters relating to coastal planning, emergency preparedness, and the development of disaster mitigation measures.
"Finally, diversifying our one-dimensional revenue stream is a must in order for us to be able to provide the level of service our citizens deserve. Former Mayor Stephen Yamashiro was fond of saying that 'Government cannot be all things to all people.' That wisdom holds true to this very day. We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from our primary goals.

Aaron Chung, Chairman
of the County Council

"I've been a council member for many years, some might say too many. During those years, I've had the good fortune of working with some truly talented and committed individuals. But I will say, that in my humble opinion, this group, with is personality makeup, youth to experience ratio, and individual skill-sets, has the potential to be the best I've worked with as a unit. It of course remains to be seen whether these special talents can meld together and bring tangible and positive results to our island. I think it will. But only time will tell," concluded Chung.

Mayor Harry Kim thanked the Council for all they do.

'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.

STATE HOUSE REPS SERVING VOLCANO AND KAʻŪ TO MILOLIʻI will serve on committees, with six of the seven appointed to chairmanships. With Hawaiʻi's 30th Legislature beginning in January, Speaker Scott Saiki announced assignments today for the House of Representatives.

Rep. Richard Creagan

Rep. Richard Creagan, who serves West Kaʻū into Kona, will once again chair the House Committee on Agriculture. He will also serve on the Judiciary Committee and Tourism & International Affairs Committee.

Rep. Richard Onishi, who serves East Kaʻū into Hilo, will once again chair the Tourism & International Affairs Committee. He will also serve on the Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee and the Agriculture Committee.

Other Hawaiʻi Island Representatives received the following assignments:

Mark Nakashima will be Vice Speaker.

Chris Todd will be Vice Chair for Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs. He will also serve on the Finance Committee and the Energy & Environmental Protection Committee.

Joy San Buenaventura will be Majority Whip. She will Chair the Human Services & Homelessness Committee, be Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and serve on the Health Committee.

Nicole Lowen will chair the Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, and serve on the Judiciary Committee and Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee

Rep. Richard Onishi

David Tarnas will serve on the Lower & Higher Education Committee, Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, and Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee.
Some committees are changed. Education and Higher Education Committees are consolidated into the Lower & Higher Education Committee.

Ocean, Marine Resources Committee, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee are consolidated into the Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee.
Veterans, Military, & International Affairs, & Culture and the Arts Committee is divided into the Public Safety, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and the Tourism & International Affairs Committee.
Health & Human Services is two committees: Health Committee and Human Services & Homelessness Committee.

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A PĀHALA SEWAGE PROJECT MEETING open to the public will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaʻū District Gym multipurpose room on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Members of the public have been meeting to go over proposed plans to replace the old gang cesspools in the town with a new sewage treatment plant at the corner of Hwy 11 and Maile Street, behind the Norfolk Pines, Hilo side.

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Hū Honua Bioenergy. Photo from Big Island Video News

HŪ HONUA, WHICH PLANS TO BURN EUCALYPTUS FROM KAʻŪ TO MAKE ELECTRICITY AT A POWER PLANT on the coast north of Hilo, responded to state Department of Health accusations about a discharge into the ocean. Last Friday, Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson referred to an unauthorized discharge of industrial wastewater on Nov. 9 from the facility in Pepeʻekeo as "a blatant disrespect of the environmental laws that govern this highly regulated industry."

Former Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. President and former county Public Works chief Warren Lee is the new President of Hū Honua. On Friday, he told Pacific Business News, "I take exception to some of the statements attributed to Dr. Anderson, based on what was reported and not having seen the report he is referring to, or the preliminary findings at least. How does he come to these conclusions? It's just disturbing."

Lee said the spill was an accident. "It wasn't willful. There was an inadvertent discharge, a discharge of boiler water that was in the treatment process. It wasn't ready to be disposed of, and we would have disposed of it through other means." The power plant staff self-reported the incident to DOH officials the same day, Lee told PBN. "I'm just astounded and amazed by the comments made by Dr. Anderson."

The DOH statement said investigation of the power plant will continue. A report with recommendations for enforcement requirement and penalties will be issued.

The 30-megawatt facility in Pepeʻekeo, where logs from eucalyptus farms above Pāhala would be transported and burned, is expected to be completed and operational by early 2019, Lee told PBN. If the facility is not operational by Dec. 31, reports PNB, Hū Honua would lose up to $100 million in tax credits.

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is considering running for the Presidency in 2020.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard's Facebook

REP. TULSI GABBARD "DITCHED THE BEACHES OF HAWAIʻI FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE over the weekend, as she considers whether to jump into what is expected to be a crowded race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020," reported Roll Call on Monday. Roll Call reported Gabbard traveling with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, for whom she campaigned in 2016. On Saturday, she met with a group of progressive activists in Concord before meeting with the New Hampshire Young Democrats on Sunday morning in Manchester.
Headed into her fourth term in the Hawaiʻi state House of Representatives in January, Gabbard and about six other House members who may consider running for President "will face unique historical challenges including fundraising hurdles, time constraints due to their House obligation, and less name recognition," than some other higher profile contenders, states the Roll Call article by Griffin Connolley.

A Civil Beat article by Nick Grube reported Gabbard saying she has no timeline for any official candidacy announcement. Grube asked about her time spent away from Hawaiʻi to put out "presidential feelers." Gabbard responded, "As I have throughout my life in making the different decisions that I've made, I am thinking about how I can best be of service to the people of this country."
The Roll Call story pointed out that Gabbard practices Hinduism and that she "lamented that some leaders want to divide the nation and stressed that politics should stem from 'love.'" Gabbard said, "Inspired by this love… we can truly have that strength and that power to be able to take on the tough challenges that are before us. This is how we come together as people and draw from love that strength and that courage and that fearlessness that we need to take on those forces and those obstacles that seem insurmountable, that can seem too great to overcome."
She would be the first Hindu in the Oval Office, Roll Call noted.

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will be open tomorrow, but not charge fees, to honor the passing of Pres. George H.W. Bush in a national day of mourning. Kahuku Unit will be closed.

A release from the Park says, "December 5 has been designated a National Day of Mourning by Executive Order. Most federal offices are closed, including the post office in the park. Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park's main unit will be open to visitors, but the park will not collect fees. The Kahuku Unit will be closed. Flags will be flown at half-staff until December 30."

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Zentangle: Pen in Henna with Lydia
Meneses is offered Dec. 8 in Volcano.
Image from volcanoartcenter.org

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

ZENTANGLE: PEN IN HENNA WITH LYDIA MENESES is hosted Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

"During this class our art work will be guided by the graceful designs from the ancient art of Henna. Zentangle tangles/patterns will incorporate some of the beautiful flowing lines and designs taken from the tradition Mehndi henna style. We will also look at the various Mehndi symbols and the meaning behind them," states the event description at volcanoartcenter.org.
The practice of Henna is a form of temporary tattoo. The rich earthy brown tone used for the tattoos is the inspiration for this class and the use of Sakura brown pen. The practice of Henna, an ornate art form, has been trace back to Cleopatra.
Student kit provided include: Sakura 01 brown pen, three tiles and gold gelly pen, and general chalk pastel pencil.
The class is guided with Zentangle's traditional ceremony and method: gratitude; appreciation; relaxation; mindfulness; and awareness. It is open to all levels; no Zentangle or art experience necessary. An overview of the Zentangle art method will be introduce to those new Zentangle art.
Students are invited to bring snacks to share. Class fees are $30 per Volcano Art Center member, or $35 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org to register or for more details.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Dec. 5 and 12, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Arts & Craft Activity: Paper Tree Table Top, Wed., Dec. 5, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 5; open to keiki Grades K-8. 928-3102

Open Mic Night, Wed., Dec. 5, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thu., Dec. 6, 6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade each perform a one-act play: The Invisible Man by Tim Kelly, Last Stop Till Christmas by Pat Cook, and The Quest: A Fairy Take with Attitude by Eddie McPherson. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali‘i, Thu., Dec. 6, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. Final program for 2018. 967-7565

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

The Fascination Method w/Anthony Chrisco, Tue., Dec. 11, 2-4pm, Volcano Art Center. Brief instruction of the method and tool Chrisco developed to bring more healthy awareness to bodies. See full list of ailments The Fascination Method can help alleviate at volcanoartcenter.org. $25/person. thefascianator.com. 967-8222

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Dec. 11, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios/ Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

After Dark in the Park, He Inoa No Hi‘iakaikapoliopele, Tue., Dec. 11, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

The eruption at Mauna Ulu Crater, along Chain of Craters Road, stopped for three months and resumed its
activities, HVO warns, while announcing today as the "official" end to this years Fissure 8 eruption,
which went quiet in early September. Photo by Ed Shinoki/NPS

TODAY IS THE OFFICIAL END TO THIS YEAR'S KĪLAUEA ERUPTION. Dec. 5 marks three months without eruptive activity. Dec. 4 marked three months since the last lava came to the surface from Fissure Eight in lower Puna, where much of the damage was done. The eruption wiped out some 750 houses, beach parks, surf spots, a Charter School, farms, marine preserves, and native forest. It covered highways and roads and geothermal wells. It sent lava past Pohoʻiki harbor, cutting off its entrance and leaving a black sand beach and thermal ponds.
Many people were left without homes. People with vacation rentals along the coast lost income. Many people lost employment and income at inns, vacation rentals, restaurants, and stores within and near Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park where facilities in the park surrounding its most popular destination, Kīlauea Crater, shut down for months.
The flower and papaya industries were hit hard. Dayday Hopkins and her husband, Dr. Peter Hopkins, known to many for their work with Kaʻū Coffee farmers and overall economic development for the county, lost their commercial koi ponds, covered by lava.

Mauna Ulu fountained to heights of 1,770 feet. Toward the end
of its eruption, which lasted for years, Mauna Ulu went quiet for three
months, then resumed its activities. USGS photo

While the eruption is officially over, the U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory staff noted in its Tuesday update that there is history of an eruption resuming after the appearance of ending. This occurred during the 1969-1974 eruption of Mauna Ulu, famous for its lava fountaining 1,770 feet high. Located along Chain of Craters Road, in the East Rift Zone, Mauna Ula stopped for three months, then resumed activity.
HVO wrote a cautionary note about the apparent end to the recent eruption: "Although this phase of Kīlauea's activity has now reached this three-month threshold, it is important to note that it is still an active volcano that could erupt in the near future and associated hazards have not changed. Magma is being supplied to Kīlauea and geophysical datasets continue to show evidence for movement of material through the magma system, including the refilling of the ERZ."

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SUGGESTIONS FOR PRESERVATION OF PROPERTIES are being accepted by County of Hawai‘i Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. PONC is seeking suggestions from the public regarding lands that should be preserved because of cultural or historic significance.
Properties might qualify for preservation because they offer opportunities for education, public access to beaches or mountains, and outdoor recreation. Such nominations for preservation could be beaches, coastal areas, forests, places of natural beauty, or involve the protection of natural resources, like lands and watersheds for general benefits to the public. Suggestion forms are due by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2019.

PONC is asking the public for suggestions of specials properties to preserve. In addition to thousands of acres of Kāwā and Kahuku coastal lands and Kahua Olohu in Nāʻālehu, PONC funding is going toward the purchase of 2,013 acres on
the Kaʻū Coast, including the ancient Hawaiian fishing village site of Waikapuna.
Photo by Andrew Hara from state Legacy Lands Conservation Program

To obtain a form to suggest properties, click on PONC 2019 Suggestion Form-Fillable, or mail your request for a form at County Property Management Division, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101, Hilo, HI 96720.
Past open space purchases on Hawaiʻi Island total 4,450.8655 acres. Approved and nearing finalization of purchase in Kaʻū are 2,013 acres, comprised of the ahupuaʻa of Kahilipali Iki and Kahilipali Nui, including the historic fishing village of Waikapuna. It is owned by Kaʻū Mahi, LLC. Other Kaʻū properties already preserved through PONC are Kahua Olohu in Nā‘ālehu, and Kahuku Coastal and Kāwā oceanfront parcels.

Properties acquired elsewhere on the island are: Waipi‘o Lookout in Hāmākua; Hale O Kaili, Hāwī Banyan Trees, Kaiholena, Pa‘o‘o properties in North Kohala; Kīpapa Park, ‘O‘oma, White Sands Mauka, in North Kona; Poho‘iki Bay in Puna.

The PONC funds are derived from 2% of Hawai‘i County's annual real property tax revenues.

Kaʻū's representative on the PONC commission
to preserve special lands, which is taking
suggestions through Feb. 28.

Commissioners are selected for each County Council District to study and make recommendations for lands to be preserved. District 6, which covers South Kona from Captain Cook, all of Kaʻū, through Volcano into Puna, is represented by Fredrick 'Rick' Warshauer, who serves through the year 2021.

Warshauer grew up on three islands, and has lived mostly on the Big Island. He obtained his Masters in Zoology from the University of Hawai‘i and presently is a retired field biologist specializing in native plants and vegetation. He said he loves the islands and has an intimate knowledge of the islands natural resources.

Warshauer also worked for the county as a coastal zone planner for six years. According to the PONC website, it was "back when much of the zoning and land use changes were happening that redirected the island's future irrevocably. Witnessing the changes to the land and resources of his youth, it motivates him to spend time and effort where his skills and experiences can be applied to preserve the resources and sense of place that he treasures."

The Commission meets every other month at the Hilo County Building or the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, and public testimony is welcome. For information on the property selection process, go to Process for Property Acquisition with Funds from the PONC Fund.
For further information, contact Maxine Cutler, Property Management Division, at 961-8069 or County of Hawaiʻi, PONC Public Website.

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ISLANDWIDE AERIAL LINE INSPECTIONS by helicopter will be conducted by Hawai‘i Electric Light from Tuesday, Dec. 18, to Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exact times and routes will depend on weather conditions. Inspections will be conducted in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter and require the aircraft to fly low and slow which may cause some noise disturbances.

Hawai‘i Electric Light "apologizes for any disruption this may cause and sincerely thanks the community for their cooperation and understanding." If there are any questions or concerns, call 969-6666.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. hosts Annual Membership Meeting
Dec. 8. Image from hoveroad.com

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE CORPORATION'S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, visit hoveroad.com, call 929-9910 or email gm@hoveroad.com.
The organizations next Board of Directors meeting takes place at the HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation Office at 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View, on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT HOSTS THEIR ANNUAL DINNER on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

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.

Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali‘i, Thu., Dec. 6, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. Final program for 2018. 967-7565

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
PATCH Class #425, More Than Counting: Math in Preschool, Fri., Dec. 7, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Teaching strategies that support the development of mathematical concepts in preschool-age children. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #309, Together in Care, Fri., Dec. 7, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Creating close caregiver/child relationships within a group. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Stewardship at the Summit, Fri., Dec. 7, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Dec. 12, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Dec. 27, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appointment. thecoopercenter.org

Huewai Demonstration - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Dec. 12, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island is reaching out for help to increase home ownership on this island.
See more below. Photo from Habitat for Humanity

REEF FISH FOUND IN PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀKEA MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT waters 100 to 500 feet deep around Kure Atoll are unique on the planet. Called Kure Atoll's Twilight Zone, the waters were the focus of 200 researchers, managers, and interested parties who attended the Symposium on Science in Support of Archipelagic Management. They came together in November in Honolulu to discuss the fish living around Kure, plus other findings concerning wildlife throughout the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, plastics in the oceans and new diving technologies.

This deep reef fish community at Kure Atoll is composed of 100% Hawaiian

endemic species, the highest level of endemism known from any

marine ecosystem on Earth. Photo from Richard Pyle/Bishop Museum

The Twilight Zone is the mesophotic zone of coral reefs. Kure Atoll, the northernmost coral atoll in the world, is gaining ground as a beaching site for Hawaiian monk seals, and the fish found in its "Twilight Zone" represent the highest concentration – 100 percent – of endemic fish found anywhere on the planet.
The entire fish community is found nowhere else on Earth. This is the highest level of endemism known in any marine ecosystem.

New species, Pete Basabe's Butterflyfish (Prognathodes

basabei Pyle and Kosaki 2016), at a depth of 180 feet off

Pearland Hermes Atolls, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Photo from Greg McFall/NOAA

Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

Scientists at the symposium discussed numerous new species discovery, and description, recorded annually throughout Papahānaumokuākea, A new one is named Pete Basabe's Butterflyfish, found between the Pearland Hermes Atolls.

Attendees discussed working to save the Nihoa millerbird, Nihoa finch, and Laysan finch, all endemic to Papahānaumokuākea. Preventing these species from going extinct will depend on regular monitoring – ideally annually – managing threats, successful translocations, and community support.

Nihoa finch, only found on Nihoa island.

Photo from Wayne Levin

Plastics ingestion incidence and loads in seabirds from the main and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands were discussed. Plastic ingestion studies, along with tracking, dietary and chemical analyses, help with investigating seabird foraging behavior during changing ocean conditions. They also teach about the flow of pollutants in North Pacific marine ecosystems.

Other topics included special equipment to allow divers to go deeper and stay underwater longer than ever before, new deep coral communities, mapping of and more.
Papahānaumokuākea is a nesting place for green sea turtles who otherwise live at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach and other remote coastal ares in Kaʻū The nesting grounds were all but destroyed by Hurricane Walaka this summer.
Learn more at papahanaumokuakea.gov/new-news/2018/12/03/symposium2018.

Kure Atoll. Photo from Wikipedia

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MOKUPĀPAPADISCOVERYCENTER, the interpretive facility for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and World Heritage Site in Hilo, hosts a new exhibit starting tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 7, through mid-February.
A display of artwork from the Schmidt Ocean Institute's Artist-at-Sea program features more than 50 pieces of artwork made from and inspired by local artists who participated on science expeditions aboard Falkor, the institute's research vessel. Artwork includes watercolor paintings, drawings, photography, fiber art, resin art, and data visualizations. The exhibit will be on display at the center, with a "For the Love of the Ocean" closing event around Valentine's Day.

The fee-free Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hilo Bayfront, 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, 808-933-8181.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

The Schmidt Ocean Institute is a nonprofit foundation established to advance oceanographic research, which operates its Artist-at-Sea program to apply artists' storytelling abilities to ocean science and conservation. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operates MokupāpapaDiscoveryCenter for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and World Heritage Site.

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS REACHING OUT TO CREATE MORE HOME OWNERSHIP.

Kaʻū residents have become homeowners with their own sweat equity and assistance from Habitat, which helps families toward home ownership by raising funds for materials, assisting with financial planning and mortgages, and inspiring and teaching people to build their own home with the help of volunteers.

The end of the year outreach by Habitat asks, "When you think of home, what comes to mind? Is it comfort? Safety? Family? Now imagine if you suddenly had no place to call home due to a natural disaster or other circumstances beyond your control.

"Most think of Hawaiʻi as a beautiful tourist resort destination and are unaware of the homeless and poverty issues that are prevalent throughout the islands. Hawaiʻi Island in particular is experiencing an affordable housing crisis and the recent Kīlaeua Volcano eruption destroyed more than 700 homes at last count.

"There are so many families across Hawaiʻi Island that are homeless or living in overcrowded, inadequate and unsafe structures."

The outreach message from Habitat gives an example: "Pauahi and her two young children, along with their older daughter, Kaylen and her two children, currently rent a home together. Rentals are very expensive in Hawaiʻi, often times surpassing the 30 percent housing ration where even with a full-time job, she wouldn't be able to rent it on her own."

Said Pauahi: "It will be great not having to keep moving from one rental to another because owners are moving back into their homes. I just want to be able to afford a home for me and my family, and provide stability for them."

Donations can be made to help Habitat for Hawaiʻi at habitathawaii.org.

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Demonstration of how an automated CPR device performs

timed chest compressions. Image from OKK

ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU IS FUNDRAISING to purchase an automated CPR machine, known as a thumper, for Kaʻū Hospital. The $15,000 machine would be used in the emergency department, where manpower can be in short supply. CPR can be exhausting, and this device allows providers to be hands-free and focus on other life-saving procedures.

"For a small, rural hospital such as ours," says the announcement from OKK, "this device can make a huge difference. Mahalo for any donations!"

Contact OKK president Wayne Kawachi at 808-937-4773, okaukakou.org@gmail.com, or through facebook/com/okaukakou. Donation checks can be sent to PO Box 365, Pāhala, HI96777.

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OVERFLIGHT PLANS FOR Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park begin tomorrow, Dec, 7:

Friday, Dec. 7, morning flight time to be determined, for invasive fountain grass surveys and control work from Kīlauea southwest boundary to Keauhou, below 2,500-ft. elevation.

Monday, Dec. 17, between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., to shuttle crews from Keauhou Trail to ‘Āinahou for invasive guinea grass survey and control, below 2,600-ft. elevation.

In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlaueaand Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.

The park "regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors." Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.

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ISAAC HALE BEACH PARK AND LAVA TREE STATE MONUMENT reopened to the public today in lower Puna. The county Department of Public Works opened the emergency road to the IsaacHaleBeachPark, next to Poho`iki. Take Hwy 130 to Kalapana, then Hwy 137 north to reach IsaacHaleBeachPark. Both Hwy 132 and Pohoʻiki Roadremain closed to all traffic. Lava Tree can be accessed via Hwy 132.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL suffered an away game at Konawaena on Dec. 3. JV ended with Kaʻū at 3, Konawaena at 59. Varsity ended with Kaʻū at 12, Kona at 66.

Kaʻū played Waiakea at another away game yesterday, Dec. 5. JV ended with Kaʻū 10, Waiakea 52. Varsity, Kaʻū scored 12, Waiakea 67.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

HE INOA NO HI‘IAKAIKAPOLIOPELE, an After Dark in the Park presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, features a Papakū Makawalu discussion with Ku‘ulei Kanahele of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation on Hi‘iaka and her role in volcanism.
'Many of us are familiar with Hiʻiakaikapoliopele and her role as Pele’s favorite younger sister, but who are the other Hi‘iaka and what are their roles in the Pele ʻohana? Why is it important that Pele dances end with the line, "He Inoa No Hiʻiakaikapoliopele?"' states the event flyer.
The program is co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and free to attend; however, donations help support park programs and park entrance fees apply. For more, call 985-6011 or 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.

PATCH Class #309, Together in Care, Fri., Dec. 7, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Creating close caregiver/child relationships within a group. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Stewardship at the Summit, Fri., Dec. 7, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up with Konawaena Middle School Recycling Club, Fri., Dec. 14. Contact for meet up details. BYO-4WD welcome; no seats available. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Feast and Candlelight Service, Fri. Dec. 14, Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji. Registration at 5pm, Dinner at 6pm. Thy Word Ministries brings 14 churches together. Hula and music. Pastor Bob, 936-9114

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol, Dec. 14-23, Thu., Fri., Sat., 7:30pm, Sun., 2:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp Theater inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $20/person - cash or check, available at door. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. KDEN, 982-7344

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

An adult nēnē flaps its wings in the rain at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, as a second nēnē is obscured by the lava rock. Read about closure of part of the Park to protect the endemic birds. See more below. Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

TODAY MARKS THE 77TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR, the event that finally brought the United States in to World War II. On Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese planes bombed 20 Navy vessels. More than 300 U.S.planes and more than 2,400 U.S.lives were lost.

After Pearl Harbor, Iwao Yonemitsu and the
late Toku Nakano signed up.
Photo by Julia Neal

In Ka‘ū, young men, such as Iwao Yonemitsu and the late Toku Nakano, decided to join the U.S. military to show their patriotism as Japanese Americans. Two others signing up from Hawaiʻi, Daniel Inouye and Dan Akaka, later became U.S.Senators.
Japanese American women 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 BuddhistTemplein Nāʻālehu when he was interred. In Volcano, Kīlauea Military Camp became an internment camp for Japanese Americans.

Governor David Ige's late father, Tokio Ige, a WWII Veteran, served in the 100th Battalion/442 Infantry Regimental Combat Team and earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Some of the last of the World War II vets attending Pearl Harbor
ceremonies today. Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard attended services today at Pearl Harbor and said, “December 7, 1941 is a day that forever changed Hawaiʻi and our nation. We saw great loss, but also witnessed unmatched valor and bravery in those who would come to be known as the greatest generation for leading by example in putting service above self.”

Gabbard attended a floral tribute alongside the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, dedicated to the Arizona that sank after two bombs, losing 1,177 sailors and Marines, the greatest number of casualties from any one ship on Dec. 7. Gabbard said, “As we remember those who died on that day, as well as those who answered the call of duty during World War II and beyond, their selflessness in putting service to our country and our people before all else, continues to inspire us all. May their stories and their examples live on forever in the hearts of a grateful nation.”

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Sen. Mazie Hirono. Photo from her Facebook

SEN. MAZIE HIRINO TODAY OBJECTED TO THE NOMINATION of William Barr for U.S. Attorney General. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, said, "The selection of William Barr to serve as Attorney General is another example of Donald Trump's interest in appointing people who will be loyal and cover for him. Over the last two years, Mr. Barr has publicly called for the investigation of Hillary Clinton and criticized the Mueller investigation. He achieved his goal of getting the President's attention and approval, leading to this nomination.

"Mr. Barr's record presents a troubling parallel for the situation presented in the Mueller investigation. As Attorney General in the George H.W. Bush Administration, Mr. Barr recommended that President Bush pardon six people indicted by Iran-Contra Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh, including high-ranking officials who were accused of perjury and withholding evidence. This country does not need political interference with law enforcement again today.

"The Attorney General's job is to protect the American people, not to do the President's bidding. We need an Attorney General who is not only qualified for the job itself, but is also independent," said Hirono.

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.

It's a myth that nēnē don't fly. Here, a magnificent bird flies at Mauna Ulu. Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK today announced its holiday hours and its fee-free days in 2019, along with a statement about the closure of an area to protect nēnē, the endangered Hawaiian geese.

Pu‘u Pua‘i Overlook and parking lot are temporarily closed to protect breeding and nesting nēnē. The gate is secured at the entrance to the Pu‘u Pua‘i parking lot, near the intersection of Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive. Visitors are able to hike about 0.4 miles of Devastation Trail from the Devastation Trail parking lot to a trail sign marking the closure.

Nēnē and ʻōhia at Mauna Ulu. Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

In 1952, only 30 nēnē remained statewide. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park began efforts to recover the imperiled geese in the 1970s. The Nēnē Recovery Program continues today, and more than 200 birds thrive in the park from sea level to around 8,000 feet.

Pu‘u Pua‘i is a massive reddish-brown cindercone that formed during an eruption at Kīlauea Iki crater in 1959. Evidence of this eruption is visible in the form of small tephra cinders that blanket the ground along Crater Rim Drive towards Keanakāko‘i Crater.

The main portion of the Park will be open on Christmas Day – Tuesday, Dec. 25 – and New Year's Eve – Monday, Dec. 31. Kīlauea Visitor Center, which opens daily at 9 a.m., will close at 2 p.m. both days.

Kahuku Unit will be closed both days per its normal operating schedule. Kahuku is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Acting Superintendent Ben Hayes says, "The park would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, and mahalo nui loa for the public's support during a very eventful year. We are all looking forward to welcoming our visitors through the season and opening more areas as we continue recovery efforts in 2019."

Nēnē gosling and parents at Pu‘u Pua‘i in February 2017.
Photo from NPS/Jessica Ferracane

Entrance fee-free days for 2019 include: Monday, January 21 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Saturday, April 20 – Start of National Park Week/Junior Ranger Day; Sunday, August 25 – National Park Service Anniversary; Saturday, September 28 – National Public Lands Day; and Monday, November 11 – Veterans Day.

"We are excited to extend fee-free days in 2019, and we invite everyone to come and explore the remarkable changes that occurred in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park during 2018," says Hayes.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes normally charges $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $12 per pedestrian or bicycle. The receipt is good for seven days. Camping and backcountry fees still apply on free entrance days. The 2019 fee-free dates will also be observed by Haleakalā National Park on Maui, and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park in West Hawai‘i.

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.

NINETY DAYS WITH NO LAVA: A milestone for Kīlauea's 2018 eruption is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

One of the most frequently asked questions of USGS HVO scientists over the last several months has been, "Is the eruption over?"

View into fissure 8 cone after lava drained away. USGS webcam image from November 4

It's no surprise that Hawaiʻi Island residents would like to see Kīlauea's activity behind them, given its toll on lower Puna communities this summer. The lower East Rift Zone erupted a volume of 1 cubic kilometer of lava and destroyed over 700 structures. Two-thirds of the erupted lava flowed into the ocean through the vigorous channelized flow from fissure 8.

The question was first asked in early August 2018, when summit collapses stopped and the volume of LERZ fissure 8 lava diminished. But fissure 8 wasn't quite done. During September 1-4, one more appearance of lava occurred inside the cone before draining away completely.

And now, December 5 marks the three-month – 90-day – anniversary of no surface lava activity at Kīlauea. This is a milestone for this summer's eruption. The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, volcano.si.edu, classifies the end of continuous volcanic activity based on an absence of eruptive activity over a three-month period. With this GVP criterion and no signs of imminent unrest on Kīlauea, the LERZ eruption could be considered over.

Kīlauea caldera, today, Dec. 7. USGS webcam image

However, magma is still being supplied to Kīlauea Volcano and geophysical datasets continue to show evidence for movement of molten rock through the magmatic system, including the refilling of the middle ERZ. It's important to note that Kīlaueais still an active volcano that will erupt in the future and associated hazards have not changed. When a new eruption does occur, ground cracking, gas emissions, seismicity, and deformation can rapidly change.

The GVP three-month period is a global statistical average from all known eruptions. If we look at only Kīlauea's past 200 years of activity, this 90-day period still holds true.

But eruptive pauses have occurred in the past. There is one known example – Mauna Ulu, 1969-74 – in which Kīlauea's rift zone activity resumed after a 3½-month pause. And, while Mauna Ulu has had the longest known mid-eruption pause, other examples of long pauses occurred during the first three years of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruption. Breaks between 44 episodes of high lava fountains in 1983-1986 ranged from hours to 65 days long (two months). Six of those pauses were between one- and two-months long.

All other known pauses during Kīlauea eruptions have been one month or less before eruptive activity resumed. All known temporal gaps on the rift zones lasting more than 3 and a half months have ended their respective eruption. New eruptions would begin elsewhere on Kīlaueaafter months-to-decades of quiet.

It's difficult to know if Kīlauea inactivity lasting between one and three months is just a pause or the end of the eruption while we are in that 1-3 month window. The only way to know for sure is to wait and see, using hindsight to make the call.

Mauna Ulu, today, Dec. 7. USGS webcam image

In view of the GVP three-month guideline, Kīlauea's history over the last 200 years, and no current signs of imminent eruption, it is very unlikely that the 2018 LERZ eruption will resume.

While the LERZ eruption might be over, Kīlauea volcano is not dead. There can, and will, be a new eruption – it's just a matter of when and where. Kīlauea's current lack of activity does not change the hazards faced by those of us living on an active volcano. So, it's important to remain informed and aware of Kīlauea's activity and location of Lava-Flow Hazard Zones at volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/faq_lava.html.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Kīlauea Volcano through ground-based observations, helicopter overflights, and geophysical instrument networks. Significant changes will be noted in HVO's weekly updates.

No Hawaiʻi earthquakes received three or more felt reports this past week. Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvofor past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPADec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

MOMI GREENE SHARES HER KNOWLEDGE OF CULTIVATING, CARVING, THEN DYEING IPU, using endemic, indigenous, or Hawaiian-introduced plants at an ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, demonstration entitled Huewai. The program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the KīlaueaVisitorCenterlānai in Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park.

"Water-carrying gourds were used by most ancient civilizations. Hawaiians decorated their ipu (gourds) with elaborate designs," states the event flyer. ‘Ike Hana No‘eau is a free series of Hawaiian cultural programs co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. The program is free to attend; however, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 985-6011 or 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.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sun., Dec. 9, 1pm. The 40th annual parade, organized by Eddie Andrade and family, begins at Pāhala Armory at Pakalana and Pikake St. and winds tup and down the hillside past village homes to Ka`u Hospital, ending with entertainment and refreshments at Holy Rosary Church on Pikake Parade participants line up at 11. Floats, classic vehicles, tractors, trucks and walking groups welcome. Andrade, 928-0808

Holy Rosary Church sings on board a fishing boat during last year's Pāhala

Christmas Parade. The 40th annual parade winds through Pāhala

neighborhoods this Sunday, starting at 1 p.m., ending at Holy Rosary

Church on Pikake Street. Photo by Julia Neal

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

ONGOING

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Phoebe Gomes played music and sang in last year's Pāhala Christmas parade, in honor of her late
husband Bobby Gomes. This year's parade is tomorrow at 1 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

JOHN REPLOGLE, KAʻŪ'S PLANNING COMMISSIONER, spoke against a proposed water bottling plant during the Windward Planning Commission meeting on Thursday. It is proposed for the Wailoa River State Park area in Hilo. Another water bottling plant is proposed for Pāhala.

The developers of the Wailoa plant, Piʻilani Partners, LLC, are asking for a revocation of a Special Management Area permit that was granted in 1992 to Suisan Company for other business, and an extension to grant the area a zone change. Piʻilani Partners needs a new SMA permit, and drill to 1,000 feet, where an artesian well was discovered in the early 1990s by the state. They plan to draw about 500,000 gallons per day, which would then be bottled and stored onsite, and distributed to local and non-local markets.
Big Island Video News covered the proceedings at the Planning Commission meeting.

The well is part of the Hiloaquifer system, which has "a sustainable yield of 349 million million gallons a day. The present and protected water use is 5 million gallons a day," said Sidney Fuke, the planning consultant for Piʻilani Partners. He said the water filters through Mauna Kea and sits below the Mauna Loa aquifer, Onomea. He also mentioned the applicant is "very spiritual, and he believes that having the water from the Mauna Keasystem is spiritually more unique... He has a lot of reverence for Mauna Kea."

John Replogle, Kaʻū's planning Commissioner,
sppoke against a proposed water bottling plant.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Pam Bunn, attorney for Piʻilani Partners, said the county would be unable to collect royalties from the developers fir each gallon of water taken. Commissioner Gilbert Aguinaldo suggested the company give back in the form of donations to a non-profit.

The Commission voted unanimously to revoke the original permit. Replogle spoke against issuing a new SMA permit. "Water is a resource for the people and I agree with one of the testifiers that it is being privatized all over the world and in our country, and that is people grabbing up a resource for their own personal benefit and enrichment when we should be thinking more in terms of 'all life on the planet' versus 'my life.'"

He also said that "excess water coming out of the aquifer into the ocean is not wasted. That water is very nutrient-rich, provides nutrition and value to sea life. That sea life is the beginning of life on the islands, on the planet."

During the discussion period, he said, "It's pumping nutrients into the ocean and that's what has made Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi. That's what makes the East Coast of the United States, the East Coast.

"A third reason... is the potential of sea level rise, which is happening – you can ask people who are living in Miami." He referred to a U.H. marine biology presentation on sea level. He said, potentially, the whole reef runway on Oʻahu would be under water "at some point."

His fourth reason pointed to the use of plastic bottles for water pumped out of the ground. "We are inundated with plastic on this planet. I don't know if any of you have ever gone down to Kamilo, out in Kaʻū," he remarked, saying two to 2.5 tons of plastic are pulled off that one beach each month. "The first time we went, we pulled 17 tons – and we all know how heavy plastic is... so that's a lot of plastic. Wildlife are being found with the plastic in them – it's beginning to break up. The bottle caps – they're finding them in birds on Midway...

"The planet is warming, climate change is happening. We can deny it or not believe it – but it is happening; science has proven this. If we don't start somewhere and make a stand, and to do, however small it is, an action to stop polluting our planet, we are going to be up shit creek without a paddle."
Sierra Club spokesperson Corey Hardin said the group opposes the bottling plant and predicts that it could generate a minimum of a half million plastic bottles per year. Hardin said she is also concerned about capping the well should there be a tsunami and also saltwater contamination of the aquifer when drilling the well. She called use of the water "a free ride" for the developer.

The Commission voted 3 aye, 2 no – Commissioner Ikeda and Chair Clarkson – on the objection to the new permit. It did not pass. Without an agreement, the SMA application is at risk of being denied by default. The Commission will reconsider the application, with new conditions such as a residential noise standard, at a later date. The zoning change was not put to vote.
See the meeting at Big Island Video News.

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Sen. Brian Schatz.
Photo from Schatz's Flickr

ACKNOWLEDGING CLIMATE CHANGE is a goal of Sen. Brian Schatz in his attempt to influence Pres. Donald Trump. The Hawaiʻi Senator issued a statement today, asking Hawaiʻi residents to sign a petition to send to Trump: "As you may have heard, the Fourth National Climate Assessment was released recently. The basic conclusion was this: Climate change will not only destroy our environment, it will degrade our economy, our infrastructure, and public health over time.
"Three hundred scientists from 13 different federal agencies contributed to this publication. The findings and calls for action are in line with what the International Panel on Climate Change published in their report earlier this year.
"I would expect the president to respond to this report with concern. Instead, Trump said he didn't believe it. He said: 'One of the problems that a lot of people like myself -- we have very high levels of intelligence, but we're not necessarily such believers.'"
Instead of proposing aggressive action to curb the effects of climate change and reverse it, Trump has his administration "aggressively attacking the science behind" the report, wrote Schatz. He asks constituents to "Tell Trump, his administration, and all the climate change deniers out there that you agree with science. Climate change is real. It is a threat. And we need action now."

Wrote Schatz, "Science says climate change is real and human activity is making it worse. Science says that we need to take drastic and immediate steps to scale back the damage, or it will be too late. I believe science. If you do too, add your name."

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 REGULATIONS ON VACATION RENTALS prompted AirBnB to send out a notice to hosts throughout Hawaiʻi: "Hawaiʻi County recently passed Bill 108 - new legislation that protects existing short-term rentals in Hawaiʻi County. This is a good first step to ensure residents and property owners can continue earning important extra income by sharing their homes. Here's what you need to know about the new regulations.

"If you operated an 'unhosted' short-term rental, meaning it's not your primary residence, prior to April 1st 2019, you will now be required to apply for a permit to continue sharing your space. "In order to apply for a permit, you must provide proof that Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET) have been filed and paid to the State of Hawaiʻi, in addition to appropriate property taxes being paid to Hawaiʻi County.
"The new rules require that these taxes be current as of April 1st, 2019. If the appropriate taxes are not rendered by this date, Hawaiʻi County will not issue a permit to operate your rental. The registration deadline for operators of 'unhosted' short-term rentals is Sept. 28, 2019. Additionally, the County may begin issuing fines to unpermitted operators after this date."
"Questions about getting a TAT/GE License or Transient Tax in general? Visit the Hawaiʻi State Department of Taxation website or call 808-587-4242. Questions about Bill 108? Contact the Hawaiʻi County Dept. of Planning at 808-961-8288," advises AirBnB.

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.

Hilaria Panglao, President of the Pāhala Filipino Community
Association, and Leoveguildo "Hildo" Mercado, who led the
way to Ka‘ū to work in the sugar industry. Photo by Julia Neal

CONNECTING OUR PAST TO SHAPE THE FUTURE is the theme of Sakada Day 2018, a celebration Sunday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at KulaimanoCommunity Center in Pepeʻekeo., north of Hilo. A group from the Ka`u Filipino community is expected to attend, following last year's Sakada Day held in Pahala.
The Pepe`ekeo celebration is organized by the Sakada Committee 2018 to honor the first Filipino economic migrants who came to Hawaiʻi to work at the sugarcane plantations. The Sakadas were instrumental in establishing a vibrant Filipino community in Hawaiʻi and in fighting for workers rights, dignity, and unionized plantation labor.
The first 15 Sakadas arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1906 and the last 6,000 workers arrived in 1946. From 1906 to 1946, the estimated number of Sakadas in Hawaiʻi was around 126,000.

Kaʻū boasts two living Sakadas: Leovegildo "Hildo" Mercado and Prudencio Tayamen. Both men, now in their 90s, came to Hawai‘i in 1946. They are among the many Filipino immigrants who helped build Hawaiʻi agriculture, from pineapple and sugar to Ka‘ū Coffee.

Mercado sailed from SalomaguePort in Cabugao, Illocos Sur, Philippines, sister city to Hawaiʻi County. He worked with pineapple on Lana‘i before transferring to Ka‘ū, where he started in the fire room, then 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 from last year's Pāhala Sakada Day.

Mrs. Hawai‘i Filipina Marites Domingo Kano

and Miss Hawai‘i Filipina Kyla Raza with

Sakada Prudencio Tayamen at last year's Sakada

Day in Pāhala. Photo by Al Sebastian

Tayamen came from Laoag, Illocos Norte, Philippines. He worked at Halakalu Plantation, north of Hilo, then moved to O‘ahu to become a stevedore. In Ka‘ū, he was a seedcutter at Hutchinsonand Ka‘ū Sugar until he retired. He has four sons, four daughters, 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Few Sakadas are still alive. One of those is Marcelino Querubin, from Pepeʻekeo. Querubin, who was also a guerilla figher in WWII, left the Philippines in January 1946 to work at the Pepeʻekeo Sugar Company. He is now 97 years old and has been a living witness on the lives of the Sakadas from 1946 up to the present. Over the last six decades, Querubin has experienced and seen the struggles and success of many Filipinos on the Island.

His narrative about his own experience from the time he first came to Hawaiʻi in 1946 to work in the sugarcane plantations is part of the Filipino history in Hawaiʻi. Migrating to a place far from his son and wife at the age of 25 was a big struggle. Working at Pepeʻekeo Sugar Company as cane cutter and truck driver with a minimum wage of $3.00 a day was not an easy job, but his hard work and perseverance provided him a much better life in Hawaiʻi. Querubin is an example of a hardworking Filipino who worked to earn a living outside his homeland. After 37 years of working as Sakada, he retired in 1983, at the age of 62. His experiences and contributions to the Filipino Community in Hawaiʻi play a significant role.

The Camba Filipino Dance Troupe performed a variety of ethnic numbers at the Sakada Day celebration
at PāhalaCommunity Center last year. Photo by Julia Neal

Querubin is one of the Sakadas who will be honored during Sakada Day Celebration 2018 on Dec. 16. Other living Sakadas will be honored: Bernaldo Ramos Abella, Manuel Bernabe Asencion, Pedro Dominguez, Benigno Gebbeng Lagat, Filemon Lorenzo, Ramon Pajo, Agaton Pasalo, Rafael Cuaresma Taroma, and Fabian Toribio. Other Sakadas will have posthumous recognition: Regino Ojano, who passed on June 29, 2018; Esteban Evangelista, who passed on September 11, 2018; and Gregorio Santos, who passed on August 12, 2018.

Sakada Day 2018 Celebration paves a way in tracing the history of Filipinos in Hawaiʻi, acknowledging the hard work and sacrifices of the Sakadas, and educating the young Filipino generations in Hawaiʻi about their past. For more information about the event, contact Francis Dumanig at fdumanig@hawaii.edu and Jeanne Batallones at jbatallo@hawaii.edu.

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 WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 P.M. SUNDAY for most of Hawaiʻi Island, except north and south Kona, reports the National Weather Service. Northeast 25 to 35 mile per hour winds, with localized gusts up to 50 mph, will be strongest over and downwind of the higher terrain, says the report. NWS warns that winds this strong can knock down tree branches, cause car doors to slam, and result in sporadic power outages. Motorists should use extra caution, says NWS.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

WAIHO‘OLU‘U OLA INDIGO DYEING WORKSHOP takes place Saturday, Dec. 15, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

"Learn the magical process of creating with nature's oldest natural dye, indigo," says the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. In this workshop, students use traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern Shibori styles to create patterns as they explore the alchemy of the plant pigment, indigo.

Learn to work with a natural plant dye, indigo, on
natural fiber materials using traditional and modern
methods. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

Participants will also learn to dye natural fiber goods in a plant derived indigo vat; create Shibori resist patterns using folding, wrapping, and clamping techniques, as well as how to control hue density with multiple dyeing submersions; and basic fundamentals of this historic dyeing process. All dyestuff will be provided - the fabric is natural fiber and sustainable. Each participant will leave with a new skill and understanding of Indigo Dye as well as their own finished sample pieces.

Participants may bring one to five small items of their own to dye, avoiding bulky or heavy pieces such as towels, linens, yards of fabric, bedding, etc., as vat space and time are limited. Items must be cotton, linen, hemp, silk, or anything natural - no synthetics - as they accept the color the best. Pre-wash items for best result.
The class fee is $50 per Volcano Art Center member, or $55 per non-member, plus a $25 supply fee per person. No experience is necessary. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 967-8222 or register online at volcanoartcenter.org.
The workshop is led by a married couple, Justin - the alchemist - and Wai‘ala - the artist - who started a creative natural collective, Living Color Dyery, together. The duo work together with natural living color dyes; including indigo, olena, avocado, hibiscus, etc. "Outside the joy of sharing the alchemy of natural dye in workshops with others, the two love sharing their love for the natural plant world and the process of co-creating consciously with nature," states the event description.

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.

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Santa's Coming to Town, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm or until gifts run out, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Get a book at Rudolph's Reading Room. Get a stocking from Santa at North Pole. Get a cookie and drink at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen. Free. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Zentangle: Inspired Art Pop-Up Exhibit & Reception, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Reception and potluck for Zentangle artists and friends. Free; no cost to exhibit or attend. Open to public. Bring friends, personal art, and light holiday pupu to share. Make and take home a Zentangle-inspired ornament. Door prizes. Zentangle library. Donations welcome. Registration not required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hula Kahiko - Kapuaokalaniikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a w/Unuokeahi, Sat., Dec. 15, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula - Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe w/Hālauolaokalani, Sat., Dec. 15, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Waiho‘olu‘u Ola Indigo Dyeing Workshop, Sat., Dec. 15, 12:30-3:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Learn the process of dyeing natural fibers with nature's oldest natural dye, indigo, using traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern shibori styles. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member, plus $25 supply fee/person. Space limited; registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Santa, who has organized Pāhala Christmas Parade with the Eddie Andrade family for 40 years, looks on at the
characters surrounding one of the sponsors, Ed Olson, who owns Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Photos by Julia Neal

VETERANS CAN NO LONGER ENTER HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK free of charge on their way to KīlaueaMilitary Camp. Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald ran a story on the subject today after Tim Wright, a Navy and Hawaiʻi Air National Guard veteran, told writer Tom Callis that he became aware of the change Dec. 1, when he tried to enter the park to fill up gas at KMC on his way back to Hilo from Kaʻū, showing his retired military ID card.

Holy Rosary singers sang carols and later hosted participants
for lunch at the church.

Neal Herbert, treasurer of Big Island Retired Military Association, told Callis he was informed of the policy change when planning a Christmas party for Dec. 1 at KMC. "Prior to this year, people like us retired military could get fee waivers," Herbert told the Tribune Herald. "A lot of us have senior (Park) passes. Some of us don't." Herbert said he "wasn't aware of people declining to attend if they had to pay the park entry fee."

"I don't mind paying to go to the park," Wright told the Tribune Herald. "I don't think we should pay to go (through the park) to KMC."

Weekly, annual and lifetime passes

Nā Mamo O Kāwā volunteers who help restore native plants and

wetlands at Kāwā, come from the classroom and families of

Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences.

are available for HVNP. Passes good for a week cost $25 for a single non-commercial vehicle, with up to 15 people; $20 for a motorcycle; and $12 for a bicycle or pedestrian.
Annual Senior passes, for those at lease 62 years of age, are $20. Lifetime Senior passes admit the Senior and up to three others 16 and older for a onetime cost of $80; those under age 16 enter free.
Those with permanent disabilities can apply for a free park pass.
Tri-Park passes that cover entrance to HVNP, Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau, and Haleakalā National Park, and are $50 for a year. America the Beautiful passes, for entrance to all National Parks, are $80 per year. Seniors can buy a lifetime pass to all National Parks for a one-time fee of $80.

Pāhala Preschool rides and walks during
the Pāhala Christmas Parade today.

Non-commercial groups entering the park in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged $12 for each person on board; anyone 15 or younger is exempt from paying an entrance fee.
The requirement for vets to purchase a park pass was made effective in January of this year.

In the past, veterans could enter for free if they were going to KMC, if they showed a military identification card. Active-duty personnel can enter the park with a free Military Pass, but those passes don't apply to retired service members.

Park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane told Hawaiʻi Tribune, "Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park values and respects the sacrifices and service our military retirees and veterans have made for our country, and we have many veterans on our staff, and who volunteer with us. We regret that we will not be able to provide fee waivers, and we apologize for the inconvenience this may cause some KMC patrons."

Volcano School plays Christmas songs on ʻUkulele.

Ferracane, reported the Tribune Herald, said fewer than 20 retired military personnel and veterans used a military ID to gain entry to KMC per week before the change was made. KMC has the only bowling alley in East Hawaiʻi, as well as a slightly less expensive gas station, and other amenities that veterans can use.

Ferracane told the Tribune Herald school groups receive educational waivers when participating in a state Department of Education activity, such as staying at KMC or using the bowling alley.
"Otherwise, a bowling team is subject to entrance fees like everyone else, and again, most regular park/KMC users already have one of the passes."

Ferracane told the Tribune Herald the

Keiki meet the characters along the trail of Pāhala Chirstmas Parade.

special use permit - which allows KMC to use the park property for its cottages, dorms, lounge, restaurant, bowling alley, store, gas station, and other facilities - ends in 2021, and that the National Park Service and U.S. Army are "working collaboratively to address a new use agreement. NPS is also developing a site plan for future use and enjoyment of the area that will include the U.S. Army."
All patrons can enter the Park fee on the five fee-free days in 2019 - see Dec. 7 Kaʻū Calendar News.

Read the whole story in the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald.

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Singers from The I Love Jesus Church, on Pikake Street in Pāhala.

EAST FACING SHORES OF HAWAIʻI ISLAND ARE UNDER A HIGH SURF ADVISORY through the next week, reports the National Weather Service. North-facing shores are expected to get waves of 20 to 30 feet, through Monday night.

East-facing shores can expect, "rough and choppy surf" for most of the next week, as strong trade winds will persist.

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.

Trini Marques, Director of the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant,
with Lilianna Marques, a Kaʻū Coffee Flower.

THE FORTIETH PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE moved through the hilly neighborhoods today under sunny skies with music, Christmas characters, classic cars, schools, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, and community groups participating.
Eddie Andrade and his friends and family thanked the community for their longtime support, including an annual donation from Ed Olson, founder of Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
Holy Rosary Church hosted participants and attendees for a free lunch at the church after the parade. Along the parade route, Pāhala residents and visitors gathered in yards, on porches, and curbside to receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from this elves. See more photos of the parade in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

SANTA'S COMING TO TOWN AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until gifts run out. The free event celebrating Christmas and keiki features: a Rudolph's Reading Room, in which keiki can get a free book; a visit with Santa at the North Pole, where keiki can get a free stocking from Santa; and a Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, where keiki can get a free cookie and drink. For more information, call 939-7000 or visit stjudeshawaii.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION HOSTS A POTLUCK AND PARADE OF LIGHT & SOUNDS, on Saturday, Dec. 15, with the potluck beginning at 3 p.m., and the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event takes place at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more information, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

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.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Holidays @ Kahuku, Sun., Dec.16, 12-3pm, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Music and hula by Russell Mauga, Kīpapa, Lori Lei Shirakawa's Hula Studio. Crafts, food booths, shave ice, coffee truck. Free. Sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Donna Gascon drapes herself in Kaʻū Coffee beans, in the height of their season, in Sunday's Pāhala
Christmas Parade, with Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Campa to her left.
See more parade photos in the events section below, and photos of Kaʻū Coffee princesses and queens
in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs. Photo by Julia Neal

THE SUPREME COURT SURPRISED ANTIABORTIONISTS TODAY when new Justice Brett Kavanaugh voted with the liberals to prevent the court from taking up appeals from two states wanting to ban Planned Parenthood Medicaid funding.

Leana Wen, president of Planned
Parenthood Federation of America

Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts joined Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan to say no to appeals from Louisianaand Kansas. Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gosuch, and Samuel Alito voted in favor of hearing the appeals.

Kristan Hawkin
of Students for Life of America

Leana Wen, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, issued a statement on the decision: "We are pleased that lower court rulings protecting patients remain in place. Every person has a fundamental right to health care, no matter who they are, where they live, or how much they earn. As a doctor, I have seen what's at stake when people cannot access the care they need, and when politics gets in the way of people making their own health care choices. We won't stop fighting for every patient who relies on Planned Parenthood for life-saving, life-changing care."

Kristan Hawkin of Students for Life of America, an anti-abortion-rights group, issued a statement on the Supreme Court decision: "Taxation without representation lives on today in a decision by a majority on the court that ignores the wishes of state leaders who no longer want to be coerced into funding abortion. Abortion is not healthcare, and women's needs are better met by real, full-service medical locations, not abortion vendors. This is a legitimate question and a missed opportunity – whether abortion vendors have a right to taxpayer monies."

Planned Parenthood says that only 3 percent of the services it provides are abortions.

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 14,700 HAWAIʻI RESIDENTS FROM THE MARSHALL ISLANDS, MICRONESIA, AND PALAU will have an easier time with travel and work status, as well as driver's licenses, health care, and other services. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation today, supported by Sen. Mazie Hirono, that would remove existing barriers that limit citizens of their Freely Associated States from accessing long-term, REAL ID compliant, state-issued driver's licenses, health care, education, housing, and identification.

The bill, H.R. 3398, the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, corrects a mistake in the 2005 REAL ID Act that inaccurately identifies citizens of the Freely Associated States as citizens of the "TrustTerritories of the PacificIslands." Representative Don Young (R-AK) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives in July, 2017, where it passed in September, 2018.

Hirono said: "It makes no sense that FAS citizens, who are freely able to live and work in the United States, cannot obtain permanent, REAL ID compliant identification because Congress made a mistake. By fixing it, this legislation will make it much easier for FAS citizens to maintain stable employment and contribute to their adopted homes."

Jocelyn Howard, Program Director at We Are Oceania, said. "This issue has been an unnecessary social and economic barrier for the FAS community and we appreciate Senator Hirono's continued support."

Today's vote comes days after Senator Hirono urged quick consideration of the bill in a letter she sent to her Senate colleagues, stating that the bill will relieve an unnecessary burden, not just on FAS citizens residing in the United States, but also on their employers and state agencies, as current practices have resulted in higher administrative costs on states and local authorities to annually renew and process identification cards and driver's licenses.

The bill also adds a subsection under the "Evidence of Lawful Status" that expands the ability of citizens from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau to access longer-term identification.

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 brown tree snake, an invasive species that decimated Guam's endemic bird populations, will be brought
to Hawaiʻi by the Department of Agriculture to train dogs to detect any that may make it onto
Hawaiʻi-bound ships or planes. See more, below. Photo from i.imgur.com/umNYk17.jpg

Brown tree snake. USGS photo

UNWANTED FROM OCEANIA ARE BROWN TREE SNAKES, which devastate native birds. However, the state Department of Agriculture is bringing them to Hawaiʻi to train dogs to detect the snakes in shipping containers and other means of arrival.
Max Dible of West Hawaiʻi Today, reports the story:
Acting manager of Dept. of Ag's plant quarantine branch, Jonathan Ho, told people meeting on the subject last week that four sterile, radio transmitter-equipped male snakes will be brought into the state to train a selection of terriers to detect the snakes, which could enter Hawaiʻi via ship or plane.

Ho told West Hawaiʻi Today the reason for bringing in the specific species of snake is trouble in Guam, where the brown tree snake became established and "nearly wiped out the island's bird species." Ho told Dible the terriers will generalize, so the training will be effective for any species of snake.

The last time a snake was detected in Hawaiʻi was 1998. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services runs a program that checks vessels when leaving the mainland, and the state conducts more inspections on arrival. The program started in the 1990s, was discontinued in 2009, and was reinstated by Dept. of Ag in 2016.
Read the West Hawaiʻi Today article.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS SOCCER had a rough game this weekend, hosting Kohala. Kaʻū scored zero points during the game, while Kohala scored 5. See more games for the rest of the year, below.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

KAʻŪ HIGH AND PĀHALA ELEMENTARY'S HAWAIIAN WINTER CONCERT happens Friday, Dec. 14. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the concert begins at 6 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym.

An announcement from the school says, "Please join us and bring your ʻohana to Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary's Hawaiian Winter Concert. Enjoy student performances, live music, maybe a special quest, and help us spread the holiday cheer!"

Need info? Have questions? Contact PCNC, Jennifer Makuakane at 313-4104 or jennifer_makuakane@notes.k12.hi.us.

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.

Kaʻū Coffee broker and Kaʻū Coffee Festival organizer Chirs Manfredi carries members of Kaʻū Coffee
Growers Cooperative in his classic truck during Sunday's Pāhala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

Some characters get to ride, in the Pāhala Christmas Parade on Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

Huewai Demonstration - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Dec. 12, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

ONGOING

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Nainoa Thompson is one keynote speaker at the Western Governor's Conference on this island, where the first
Polynesian Voyagers are believed to have landed, discovering Hawaiʻi at Punaluʻu or South Point. See story below.
Photo from hokulea.com by Sam Kapoi,ʻŌiwi TV

THE MACADAMIA TREE HEALTH INITIATIVE, to support some of Ka‘ū's largest employers, is in the 2018 Farm Bill that passed the U.S. Senate today and goes on to the House of Representatives for final approval and signature of the President.

Sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono, the macadamia measure prioritizes research into combating the macadamia felted coccid, the invasive pest threatening the macadamia nut industry. The Farm Bill sets policy and funding levels for ag and nutrition programs through 2023. It passed the Senate with an 87-13 vote.

Macadamia feltid coccid, attacks macadamia. More research to find a
solution is included in the Farm Bill that passed the U.S. Senate today.
Photo from state Department of Agriculture

"Today's vote brings much needed federal resources to combat the macadamia felted coccid, which has been ravaging our $46 million macadamia industry for over a decade," said Hirono.
Hawai‘i Macadamia Nut Services, Mac Farms, and Olson Trust are major Ka‘ū employers growing thousands of acres of macadamia, along with small independent farmers.

Hirono noted that the Farm Bill is a "strong bipartisan agreement" that "also protects needy families from painful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and supports many programs that are critical to Hawai‘i farmers and growers. I urge the House to pass this legislation and for the president to sign it as quickly as possible."
Hirono teamed with Sen. Brian Schatz and Alaska's Sen. Lisa Murkowski to provide small grants for individuals, food banks, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit organizations to promote food security and the availability of fresh food for local communities throughout Hawai‘i. See more on the 2018 Farm Bill in tomorrow's Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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POLYNESIAN VOYAGING, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND THREATS OF INVASIVE SPECIES are topics for the 11 Western Governors of states and territories meeting on Hawaiʻi Island. Chair of the Western Governors Association is Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige, who organized the event.

Keynote speakers include Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, which honors the maritime skills of the first Polynesians in Hawai‘i, believed to have landed at South Point or Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach.

Governors attending are: Lolo Matalasi Moliga of American Samoa, and Territorial Gov. Ralph Torres of the Northern Mariana Islands; Western Governors Vice Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter; Montana Gov. Steve Bullock; Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval;

Henk Rogers, Dutch video
game magnet and Blue
Planet founder.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin; Oregon Gov. Kate Brown; South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard; Utah Gov. Gary Herbert; and Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead; Territorial Gov.

Also on the speaking schedule is Henk Rogers, of Blue Planet Foundation. Rogers helped win approval for Hawaiʻi's Governor's bill, directing Hawaiʻi's utility companies to generate 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. He is also turning the Mars simulation station on Mauna Loa into a moon station. See story in tomorrow, Wednesday's, Ka‘ū News Briefs.

Other keynote speakers are U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, and U.S. Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon.

The Western Governors Meeting is today through Thursday, at the Orchid Fairmont Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Blogspot and YouTube provide livestream links to Ige's remarks, keynote speeches, workshops on biosecurity and prevention, little fire ants and Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, invasive species management and economics, and roundtable discussions: WGA Blog or YouTube/WGA.

Veterinarian and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
is on island today and tomorrow, and will meet with ranchers
and farmers. Photo from Perdue twitter

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U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE SONNY PERDUE IS ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND today and tomorrow. He met with papaya and orchid growers from lava and volcanic gas devastated areas, as well as cattlemen and other agricultural leaders. He is a keynote speaker at the Western Governors Association's winter meeting, hosted by its chair, Gov. David Ige, at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel.
Perdue posted on his Twitter account today:

State Ag Chair Scott Enright (left) goes over farms affected
by the lava flows and fumes this year with U.S. Agriculture
Secretary Sonny Perdue. Photo from Perdue Twitter

"Sat down for a discussion with ag producers from Hawaiʻi. There are so many diversified commodities grown on the islands and this group represents some of the best growers and ag leaders the state has to offer."

This morning, he posted, "Touring volcano damage in Hawaiʻi this morning w/@hdoapio Chairperson Scott Enright, who brought several ag producers impacted by the lava flow and gas emissions from the eruption. The evidence of the fury of the volcano is staggering."
The federal government has promised enormous help with recovery to agriculture.

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COUNCIL FOR A LIVABLE WORLD is an organization that Sen. Mazie Hirono recommends. She sent out a statement today, saying that Council for a Livable World is "one of my close allies in Washington and a true friend of ours."

It was founded shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis as a grassroots advocacy organization "dedicated to reducing the threat of the world’s dangerous weapons, including nukes. They supported nearly 50 candidates across the country, including me, and raised more than $1.2 million as part of their work to build a national network of activists ready to win."

She recommended going to Council for a Livable World.

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GROWING ʻULU, BREADFRUIT, one of the staples of the Polynesian diet, is the subject of presentations this weekend in East and West Hawaiʻi. Sustainable ʻUlu Production Practices will feature Dr. Noa Kekuewa Lincoln, Professor of Indigenous Crops and Cropping Systems at University of Hawaiʻi. He will share knowledge gleaned from a survey of more than 60 ʻulu farmers. His findings include specific management practices affecting tree and soil health, fruit yield, and quality. He will explain traditional Hawaiian production practices and ʻulu cropping systems, and share natural fertilization methods that can be applied in modern times.
The Saturday, Dec. 15, presentation will be at Honalu Marshaling Yard, 79-1017 Honalu Road.
The Sunday, Dec. 16, presentation will be at Sweet Cane Cafe, 48 Kamana St., Hilo. See eatbreadfruit.com.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

Santa and his helpers in the 40th annual Pāhala Christmas Parade.
See more photos, below. Photos by Julia Neal

KEIKI CHRISTMAS AT KAHUKU COUNTY PARK, on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event features food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, and activity booths and music. For more, contact Kathie at 937-5865.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower Telia Espejo-Navarro during Sunday's

Christmas Parade.

HOLIDAYS AT KAHUKU takes place on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free event features music and hula by Russell Mauga, Kīpapa, and Lori Lei Shirakawa's Hula Studio. Participants can also enjoy crafts, food booths, shave ice, and a coffee truck. The event is sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See nps.gov/HAVO.
Interested in a craft booth? Contact Wendy Vance at (808) 937-4506 for details, or to request an application to reserve a space. "To qualify for a craft booth we ask that: all work be handcrafted and made in Hawai‘i; booth be open from 12:00pm – 3:00pm; you provide your own 10'x10' tarp, tables & chair; you will be responsible for the cleanliness of your area," says Vance.

Miss Kaʻū Peaberry,
Jacylyn Jara, in
the Pāhala Christmas Parade.

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Junior Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Cristina Kawewehi, in the Pāhala
Christmas Parade last Sunday.

WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 12

Volcano Bay
Clinic Mobile
Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Dec. 12, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Dec. 27, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appointment. thecoopercenter.org

Huewai Demonstration - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Dec. 12, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Lilianna Marques, a Kaʻū Coffee Flower, in Sunday's parade.

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Tony Villegas and his hot car in the Christmas Parade.

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Tūtū & Me in the 40th annual Pāhala Christmas Parade.
Photos by Julia Neal

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

ONGOING

Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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Linda Morgan, librarian, offers to the public an opportunity to Give the Gift of Reading! at Nāʻālehu Elementary
School Library through this Friday. See story, below. Photo by Nalani Parlin

EARTHQUAKE REPAIRS NEAR VOLCANO bring Hwy 11 from two lanes to one lane at mile marker 29.3 The contraflow began this week and will likely continue through Wednesday, Dec. 19, according to Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. The Kīlauea eruption earlier this year shook the road and its foundation apart, particularly around the Kīlauea Caldera rim. Many cracks, some of them deep, opened up in major thoroughfare, Mamalahoa Hwy 11. The emergency surface repairs require 24-hour single lane restriction.

Void that appeared at mile marker 28 during
months of daily volcanic shaking.
Photo from HDOT

HDOT is repairing the eastbound lane through Friday and expects work to move on to the westbound lane on Saturday, continuing through Wednesday, Dec. 19. "All work is weather permitting; however, the closure will remain in place until the asphalt layer has been installed," said a statement from HDOT.
From April 30 to Aug. 4, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recorded approximately 60,000 earthquakes - with 4,400 measured at a magnitude 3 or greater, the largest measuring magnitude 6.9. The seismic activity contributed to formation of rifts under Mamalahoa Highway near the entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park between mile markers 28 and 30.
Since July 6, HDOT has repaired subsurface voids at mile markers 28.7, 30.05, 30.1, 30.6, and 31.7, along with embankment repair at mile marker 30, and has planned repairs at mile markers 28.7, 29.1, and 29.3. Ground truthing tests, including boring and camera reconnaissance, and ground penetrating radar determined size and depth of subsurface voids prior to repairs. This portion of Hwy 11 will continue to be monitored by HDOT using cameras at ops.punatraffic.com.
Photos of the subsurface void at mile marker 28, the sinkhole at mile marker 30, a photo of the embankment repair at mile marker 30, and completed repairs at mile marker 30 can be viewed here.

Filling the voids opened up by many earthquakes on Hwy 11 near
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park entrance. Photo from HDOT

HDOT closures for roadwork are posted on the HDOT webpage at hidot.hawaii.gov/high

ways /roadwork/hawaii

on Thursdays and Fridays. Traffic advisories and notices are distributed via the Department's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

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.

BENEFITS TO HAWAIʻI IN THE U.S. FARM BILL, with lobbying and sponsorship by Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, passed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday and the House today. It heads to the President for final approval. According statements from Hirono and Gabbard, the Farm Bill does the following:
Reauthorizing the USDA's Education Grants DOE institutions that serve Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native students for the purpose of helping with educational needs as they relate to food and agricultural sciences.
Protecting benefits for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP assists more than 42 million participants nationwide - including 163,000 individuals in 83,000 households in Hawaiʻi.
Reauthorizing The Emergency Food Assistance Program. TEFAP provides federal resources to support low-income individuals and households with fresh food through local food banks.
Promoting Industrial Hemp. The bill includes provisions of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, a bill that Hirono cosponsored to promote development of industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity. The University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture are exploring potential for industrial hemp production.

Lorilee Lorenzo, a senior at Kaʻū High School, represented Kaʻū and the Hawaiʻi Horse
Owners Association in two Christmas parades this year, one at Keaʻau and one in Hilo.
Photo by Keonaona Porter

Reauthorizing and Providing Mandatory Funding for Organic Research and Extension. The bill includes permanent, mandatory funding for organic farming research, improves the organic certification process, and provides assistance to farmers who want to transition to organic food production.
Reauthorizing the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, with renewal of funding for SCRI through 2023. Competitive funding from SCRI can be used by research organizations and institutions like the University of Hawaiʻi's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to conduct research on specialty crops such as floriculture, fruits, nuts, and coffee.
Reauthorizing and Maintaining Funding for Conservation Programs. The bill reauthorizes a number of conservation programs through 2023, including the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Maintaining Mandatory Funding for Rural Energy Programs. Energy costs have a major impact on farmers, particularly in Hawaiʻi, where we pay some of the highest energy costs in the nation. The bill renews funding for Farm Bill energy programs like Rural Energy for America to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency.

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MORE AFFORDABLE HAWAIIAN AIRLINE SEATS to the mainland are expected, with a new lower ticket pricing for those willing to make no ticket changes, board last, and receive seat assignments at the gate without upgrade opportunities. Hawaiian expects to introduce the new ticket option soon, following lower demand for some of its flights, and less than expected revenue per plane seat. The option will be called Main Cabin Basic, according to a story in Pacific Business News today.
Other ticketing options are Premium, Extra Comfort, and Main Cabin.

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A book fair in April at Nāʻālehu brought in book-buying funds for Nāʻālehu Library. This evening through
Friday, a Gift the Gift of Reading! book fair will do the same. Photo by Nalani Parlin

GIVE THE GIFT OF READING to help raise funds to buy more books for Nā’ālehu Elementary library. The public is invited to peruse the school book fair at the library, this evening, on Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Friday until 2 p.m.

The book fair will open this evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., coinciding with the school's monthly family reading night. Guests check in at the school office, when visiting the fair during school hours.

Books of all levels are available for purchase, ranging from first picture books for babies to chapter books and books for adults. Other fun items like activity and craft kits, special pens and pencils, bookmarks, and posters are also on sale.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

Image from volcanoartcenter.org

VOLCANO ART CENTER HOSTS A ZENTANGLE INSPIRED ART POP-UP EXHIBIT AND RECEPTION on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at their Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The free event is open to the public, and features the work of local Zentangle artists and hobbyists.
"Meet the artists and discover art created using the Zentangle method," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. Volcano Art Center asks "all Zentangle artists and friends to come to this holiday gathering. This is a wonderful opportunity to display your Zentangle art and meet your fellow tanglers. Bring your friends, your art, and a light holiday pupu to share."
Event attendees are welcomed to make and take home a Zentangle Inspired ornament.
The event also offers door prizes, a Zentangle library, and the presence of Volcano Art Center's product storefront.
No cost to exhibit or attend. Donations to Volcano Art Center are welcome. Registration not required. For more information, call 967-8222. See volcanoartcenter.org.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed., Dec. 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19, 5-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. Election of 2019 board. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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

The HI-SEAS facility, now set up to simulate short-term lunar missions rather than long-term Mars missions.
See story, below. Photo from UH

THE PUBLIC CAN SPEAK ON KAʻŪ HOSPITAL & RURAL HEALTH CLINIC, health needs, and health care planning for Kaʻū. Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawaiʻi Region annual public meeting and forum will take place Saturday, Jan. 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaʻū Hospital, 1 Kamani Street in Pāhala.

An overview of the operations and financial condition of all facilities, including Kaʻū and Hilo hospitals, as well as a view toward the future, will be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services, said a statement today from Hawaiʻi Health Systems.

Dr. Daniel Belcher, Chair of the East Hawaiʻi Regional Board of HHSC, said, "I would like to encourage everyone who has an interest in our hospitals and regional health system to bring your questions and concerns to this meeting."

For more information, contact Terry Larson, Regional Board Executive Assistant at 315-7558.

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"A DEVASTATING OUTLOOK FOR OUR STATE IF WE DON'T LEAD ON MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE," is the message from Sen. Mazie Hirono. She tweeted a video yesterday that covers "important things" identified by three scientists – authors of Hawaiʻi & U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands Chapter of the National Climate Assessment. Hirono asked the scientists to share their findings with the public.

Victoria Keener, a research fellow at East-WestCenter, said "I'd like people in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific to know that climate change is real. It's happening now. We can see the impacts, from our water supply to our coasts to tour ecosystems, to our corals, to our fisheries… Things are happening now, and it's accelerating. I encourage everybody to look up the report, and really look at how climate change is impacting you where you live, and impacting everything you care about."

Victoria Keener, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Zena Grecni, and
Thomas Giambelluca. Watch the video.

Zena Grecni, a sustained assessment specialist at East-West Center, said, "On Oʻahu alone, climate change, and sea level rise in particular, threatens about nine billion dollars in damage by the end of the century – and that's a low estimate, because it includes only land and property values that would be flooded." She pointed out that a good portion of homes and businesses on islands are susceptible to "inundation from wind and waves, sea level rise, and storms. So we have to be aware, and increase our resilience, and adapt."

Thomas Giambelluca, of University of Hawaiʻi Department of Geology and Environment, said he studies water in particular, and he'd like to say to the public, "We need to be aware of how this precious resource of water is going to be affected and is already being affected by changes in climate: with increased temperature, which causes more of the water to evaporate. Changes in rainfall: more water coming in big, heavy events, and less rainfall coming the rest of the time, is really threatening our water supply and our way of life in Hawaiʻi."

Hirono closed the short video with a statement: "All of us are very concerned about the impact of climate change… and we need to show leadership… I think Hawaiʻi can be a leader in this effort."

Watch the video. Read the report.

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, on the floor of the House.
Photo from C-SPAN

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS HAWAIʻI prompted recognition by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this week. She said that since its founding in 1968, Special Olympics Hawai‘i has "changed lives and served as an indispensable source of strength and empowerment for so many people. Across our state today, they are serving 4,700 participants with the support of nearly 12,000 coaches and volunteers, delivering ten Olympic-type sports and more than 50 competitions throughout the year.

"They've taken on issues like inactivity, injustice, intolerance, and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. They have had an impact on our entire community and our state. They are combating negative stereotypes, bringing joy and a sense of achievement, and creating a culture of respect and inclusion. Mahalo to Special Olympics Hawai‘i and congratulations on this 50th anniversary."

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HAWAIʻI SPACE EXPLORATION ANANLOG AND SIMULATION FACILITY IS HOSTING SIMULATED MOON MISSIONS instead of Mars missions for the near future, says a report from Anna Hrushka in Pacific Business News. The installation on Mauna Kea, on land owned by NASA and University of Hawaiʻi, is being used by entrepreneur Henk Rogers – owner of Tetris – whose planned moon base project elsewhere on Hawaiʻi Island is stalled in the construction phase, says the article.

The HI-SEAS facility had been used for long-term simulated missions to Mars until an accident in February, which has shut to program down for now. NASA and UH are investigating the accident, and analyzing info from the missions that were completed, but may not return to the facility for another simulated mission for some time, writes Hrushka.

Moon missions can be simulated at the
HI-SEAS facility. Photo from UH

Michaela Musilova, a program manager for the HI-SEAS moon simulations and a visiting researcher for UH, told Hrushka, "Since the HI-SEAS is not in use and will not be used probably for the next year, we decided to make the most of it," said Musilova to PBN. She was also a crew member on the last Mars mission. "Because we are still waiting for the permits and everything to begin construction, we are now focusing our activity at the HI-SEAS station," she continued. "Knowing how grant cycles work, I don't foresee longer duration missions happening for two years, if you take into account how long it will take them to do the data analysis and then to get other grants ready to go. We haven't excluded the possibility of NASA using the facility again. Hopefully by the time that they would be able to use the facility, we would have moved on to the bigger facility."

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.

HIGH SURF ADVISORY for east facing shores on Hawaiʻi Island continues through Friday night, according to the National Weather Service. NWS says strong trades will continue generating four to eight foot waves.

NSW says those on the shore can expect "strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents, making swimming difficult and dangerous. Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Know your limits; when in doubt, don`t go out."

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

A CHRISTMAS LIGHTING PARADE ORGANIZED BY KA‘Ū ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION is this Saturday, Dec. 15, starting at 6 p.m. The nighttime parade, with marching units, floats, trucks and ATVs, begins at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, travels along Highway 11, and ends at Nā‘ālehu Community Ball Park where chili and rice will be offered for free to all. Parade line-up starts at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to sign a waiver and meet at the school by 5 p.m. For more info or to sign-up, contact Tammy Ka‘apana at 929-8079.

Kapuaokalanikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a with Unuokeahi performs Hula
Kahiko on Dec. 15 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

KAPUAOKALANI IKAPOLIO-
PELE KA‘AU‘A WITH UNUO-
KEAHI PERFORMS HULA KAHIKO on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m, on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
The free hula performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula hālau from across Hawai‘i and beyond are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
This presentation will be presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or email volcanohula@gmail.com. See volcanoartcenter.org.

NĀ MEA HULA - ALL THINGS HULA - WITH LOKE KAMANU AND HER ‘OHANA is held in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance at the kahua hula, on Saturday, Dec. 15. Kamanu and her ‘ohana give their hands-on, family friendly, demonstration on the lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presenting a display of all things hula, they will share a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. Attendance is free; however, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or email volcanohula@gmail.com. See volcanoartcenter.org.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed., Dec. 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19, 5-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. Election of 2019 board. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Dec. 20, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Cookie Decorating Party, Thu., Dec. 20, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free for all ages. 939-2442

Family Reading Night, Thu., Dec. 20, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.

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

Dr. Josh Green is the man behind Gov. David Ige's ʻOhana Zone homeless plan.
See the video of today's press conference.

HELP FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE, promoted by Dr. Josh Green who recently transferred from west Kaʻū and Kona's state senate seat to Lieutenant Governor, received a big push today with an announcement from Gov. David Ige. Green and Ige held a press conference.

Called the ʻOhana Zone project, the program will operate under an emergency declaration, and fast track past regular state procurement and some permitting regulations. The ʻOhana Zone infrastructure must be located on state and county land, and must provide services to provide permanent supportive housing for homeless. The state plans to partner with such organizations as Catholic Charities.

Said the governor, "We want to work with service providers with proven track records who have been successful in moving homeless into permanent housing."

The governor said that the homeless will receive services. When being moved from public spaces, like along streets and in parks, their will be social workers and others involved to help them move into shelter, a program, and permanent housing.

Families at Ulu Wini, where 22 units will be converted to residences
for homeless people and an emergency shelter on Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo from Hope Services

Green said there are many new tools to help the homeless. The ʻOhana Zone is not the same as a tent city or safe zone. Tent cities are not effective in protecting people from homelessness.

The state plans to partner with all four counties and homeless service providers. On this island, the County of Hawaiʻi plans to convert 13 units at Na Kahua Hale O Ulu Wini Housing Project in West Hawai‘i to permanent supportive housing, and another 10 units at the same property to an emergency shelter. The county will use the new housing and shelter beds to support chronically homeless individuals in Kona.

Ige pointed out that Hawaiʻi County has been the most successful in dealing with the biggest reduction in the homeless count in the last two years.

He said the new Lieutenant Governor will take up the challenge of homelessness. Green noted that $17 is already funded, of proposed $30 million ʻOhana Zone projects.

Green also talked about an 1115 Waiver, that allows federal Department of Human Services medicaid dollars to be used for services for the homeless with drug addiction and mental illness. Green said the state will be able to hire additional people to navigate those who are homeless into programs. "It will help the hardest to take care of people," said Green.

Green said there is already a study showing a 43 percent drop in use of medical services when the homeless are guided from the streets to having a home. As people are drawn into programs and into homes, people will be in less desperate situations, said Green.

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

U.S. Sec. Ag Sonny Perdue met with local farmers. Photo from Big Island Video News

AN ON ISLAND MEETING WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE Sonny Perdue brought diverse farming and ranching representatives to a table for talk story this week. Big Island Video News filmed the session. Floriculture leader Eric Tanouye, of Green Point Nurseries, said it was probably the first time a Secretary of Agriculture visited with Hawaiʻi Island farmers. Perdue said, "Sorry it took a volcano to bring me here."

Randy Cabral, who managed a large macadamia operation in Kaʻū and worked in the sugar industry, operates a small cattle operation here, is President of the statewide Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, has worked in ag for 47 years, and also grows taro and orchids.
He mentioned Hawaiʻi's serious farm labor shortage and said the macadamia operation he operated in Kaʻū tried hiring a company that provided labor. He said Global Horizons was shady and was prosecuted by the federal government for its practices. Cabral also talked about the "adverse wage rate" applied to imported foreign labor. He said local farms can end up paying imported workers more than local unionized workers who have worked for the farm a long time. Cabral also called the cost of housing farm workers "huge."

Eric Tanouye of Green Point Nurseries.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Perdue said federal agencies involved in bringing in labor include Homeland Security, Department of Labor, the State Department, and USDA, which he runs. He said he is working to make it easier to bring in labor under the H2A permitting system. He mentioned a saying, "You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to hire a worker."
Suzie Shriner of SHAC, Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council, and a former Kaʻū resident, pointed out that "Our labor has to fly to us from the mainland." Even green card holders are afraid to go through the airports, she contended. With two percent unemployment in Hawaiʻi, coffee labor can cost $25 an hour, she said. She also talked about the tight rental market to house workers. "There are "lots of old houses" and some farmers' own houses don't meet federal standards for housing farm workers, said Shriner.
Cabral also pointed to invasive species, such as the little fire ant, coqui frog, macadamia felted coccid, and coffee berry borer. He said the pests are especially problematic because in Hawaiʻi, there is "no winter to pull back the population, no natural predators."
Perdue said his agency is working on it, and mentioned "airport dogs sniffing out things."
Cabral noted some colliding interests between conservationists and farmers. He said taro farmers
are not allowed to chase nēnē geese out of their taro ponds or build fences to restrict them. Feral hogs also have an impact "on almost every farmer," said Cabral.

Randy Cabral, President of Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Several speakers praised the USDA for its support of research and University of Hawaiʻi extension programs that serve agriculture.
Tanouye said that GMO work in the floral industry is important, particularly in solving bacterial blight and a nematode problem with anthuriums. He said transgenic anthuriums, resistant to bacterial and nematode blight, are being developed. "We are at cusp for applying for permits" from USDA to grow them, he said. He noted that Nemacure, a pesticide to fight nematodes, has been outlawed for five to six years, putting the anthurium industry into "a slide."
Tanouye noted that there are about 1,000 growers of flowers and plants in Hawaiʻi. He said they are "all small." He said the farmers need continued help from USDA with research to create new anthuriums, new tropical flowers, and new foliage. He said the industry is "very fashion oriented," with designers always looking for something new.
Concerning budget cuts in research, Perdue said he "threw a hissy fit" to avoid reduction in research funding.

Susie Shriner of Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Shriner said federal funding helped reduce coffee berry borer infestation from 40 percent to 12 percent. Federal grants launched education programs and provided for technical assistance to coffee farmers, she said.
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright noted that university agriculture extension services nationwide have declined over time. He said there is more money needed in the university system in Hawaiʻi to be used for agriculture.
Perdue said that for years, there was a closure list on extension services, but not now. "I continue to harp on China and the EU outpacing us in agriculture investment and research." The Secretary of Agriculture told Hawaiʻi Island farmers that "It's the basic research, applied research and that extension delivery system that have caused us to be as successful as we have been."
See the entire meeting on Big Island Video News.

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.

INVESTIGATING TREATMENT OF CHILDREN "who have crossed the U.S. - Mexico border, fleeing persecution and danger abroad" is the mission of Hawaiʻi Sen. Mazie Hirono in Texas Friday and Saturday, on a congressional oversight trip. Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke, of El Paso, traveled to Juarez, Mexico today to visit asylum seekers on the Mexican side of the border. He plans to join the Hirono delegation on Saturday at Tornillo. Senators Jeff Merkley, of Oregon, and Tina Smith, of Minnesota, along with Congresswoman Judy Chu, of California, are traveling with Hirono.

Sen Mazie Hirono at a rally in Hawaiʻi, supporting asylum seekers.
Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono

A statement from Hirono, herself an immigrant to the U.S. as a child, says, "The delegation will look at how children have been treated in two different settings: family internment centers and children's detention centers - each of which have been identified by experts for their traumatizing effects on children. Specifically, the delegation will inspect family internment centers in Karnes City and Dilley, Texas; and the tent city in Tornillo, Texas - where children are incarcerated in a tent encampment in the desert."

Rep. Beto O'Rourke, protesting
in front of Tornillo earlier
this year. Photo from
O'Rourke's Facebook

The Tornillo facility is estimated to hold some 3,000 mostly teen boys, in what is called a "temporary influx shelter." Families and their attorneys report difficulty in locating and visiting the teens in order to help reunite them with their family members or acceptable sponsors.

Hirono tweeted today, "Immigrant families, especially children, deserve compassion, not fear and suffering. I know because I came to this country when I was seven. That's why I'm in Texas this weekend to conduct oversight over the treatment of detained immigrant children & families at the border." She also relayed the news that a seven year old girl from Guatemala died in Border Patrol custody.

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.

HUI MĀLAMA OLA NĀ ʻŌIWI GROWS WITH A MEDICAL TEAM. Hui Mālama announced yesterday its expansion of health services to include medical and behavioral health programs on Hawaiʻi Island. With mobile trips across the island to begin next year, the medical team will bring health screenings and services to underserved and remote areas like Kaʻū, with focus on Native Hawaiian communities. A medical site is planned to open in Hilo in spring.
Joining the Hui Mālama staff are: Kaʻohimanu Dang Akiona, MD; Gaku Yamaguchi, MD; Ikaika Moreno, MSN, NP-C; Donna Dennerlein, LCSW; and Stacy Haumea, RD, CDE.

Executive Director Louis Hao said, "We are in a time of hoʻihoʻi, a time to replenish, restore, renew, and rebuild. It has been a vision of ours to reestablish medical services. There is a need in the community for these services. We strive to help make the community healthier and appreciate the opportunity to serve our people."

Hui Mālama is one of five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems in the state of Hawaiʻi established under the federal Native Hawaiian Healthcare Improvement Act of 1988. Hui Mālama aims to address health disparities of the Native Hawaiian population and also services the public. "We are open, we are here. We are open to everybody. This is just the beginning of something bigger; more services to expand and offer more comprehensive health care," said Hao.

Louis Hao; Gaku Yamaguchi, MD; Kaʻohimanu Dang Akiona, MD; Noelani Scott; Donna Dennerlein, LCSW;
Stacy Haumea, RD, CDE; Ikaika Moreno, MSN, NP-C. Photo from Hui Mālama

Noelani Scott, Medical Program Manager for Hui Mālama, explained the vision. "Our health education programs have existed for 27 years with a major focus on diabetes and hypertension. Expanding the services offered to include medical services, behavioral health, nutrition, and health education classes will allow us to complete the circle of care for our patients."

The medical program is rolling out in phases. For the months of December and January, free medical and behavioral health screenings are offered at the Hui Mālama office at 1438 Kilauea Ave. in Hilo, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Adults 18 years and older can schedule an appointment to see a medical professional. Screenings are offered for both medical and behavioral health services; insurance not required. Health screenings are free, donations accepted. To make an appointment, call (808) 969-9220. For more information, visit hmono.org.

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

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

Artists of all levels are welcome to join
Margaret Peggy Stanton's three hour acrylic
painting sessions at Volcano Art Center.
Image from volcanoartcenter.org

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an ongoing series of three hour acrylic painting sessions led by Margaret "Peggy" Stanton for artists of all levels, takes place on Monday, Dec. 17, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Students will learn about Peggy's Perfect Pallet and paint with "gorgeous, harmonious color every time!" states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
Participants begin their first session with a 16″x 20″ canvas and a subject or place that is dear to them.

"Margaret helps artists to heighten and accentuate their own unique vision while guiding the individual’s artistic journey. With important tips on Color and Acrylic Paints and Mediums, artists can create a painting on canvas using a fun, intuitive painting process. She guides artists on "painterly" ways to put on the finishing strokes or even plan a large project," adds the description. Stanton also offers individual instruction for artists during each session. No previous experience needed.

Students bring their own supplies and easels. Find a suggested material list at margaretstantonart.com. Click the Painting With Peggy Page for information and class handouts. Address questions via email to Peggy Stanton at peggystanton007@yahoo.com.
The class fee is $15 per Volcano Art Center member or $20 per non-member. See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19, 5-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. Election of 2019 board. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Dec. 20, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Cookie Decorating Party, Thu., Dec. 20, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free for all ages. 939-2442

Family Reading Night, Thu., Dec. 20, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up w/Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Sciences, Fri., Dec. 21, Contact for meet up details. No seats available; BYO-4WD welcome to all current HWF volunteers. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

ONGOING

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Keiki perform at the Hawaiian Winter Concert at Kaʻū Historic Gym last night. Festive costumes and live music
brightened up the night. See story and pictures, below. Photo by Julia Neal

AN ELECTRIC COMPANY RATE INCREASE of 3.4 percent, to begin late next year, is proposed to the state Public Utilities Commission by Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. The hike would increase the typical residential bill for 500 kilowatt-hours on Hawaiʻi Island by $8.21 per month, according to HELCO. The increase would earn HELCO an extra $13.4 million per year.
A statement from HELCO released Friday says the extra income is needed to help pay for repairing damages from the Kīlauea eruption this year and to increase operations at power plants to offset loss of electricity generated by the Puna Geothermal Ventures plant that was covered, in part, by lava. PGV officials said they hope to reopen their geothermal plant, which accounted for some 30 percent of the electricity used by HELCO customers.

Lava approaching Puna Geothermal Venture in May. While the facility
escaped being entirely covered by lava, the facility remains closed.
USGS photo

According to HELCO, "Until the Kīlauea eruption shut down the Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) facility, Hawai‘i Island led the state in the use of renewable energy, increasing from 35 percent in 2010 to 63 percent in the first quarter of 2018. Even without PGV, Hawai‘i Electric Light continues to be a renewable energy leader, with wind, hydroelectricity and solar generating nearly half the island's electricity."
HELCO stated, with the rate increase, it would upgrade the power grid to be able to receive more renewable energy, including more rooftop solar from the 12,000 customers that installed it.
Grid modernization would include installing fault indicators to pinpoint outages faster and detect problems ahead of service interruption. HELCO would also trim and remove more invasive albizia trees. The statement said that recent trimming led to a 50 percent reduction in outages caused by vegetation during the last five years.
HELCO also seeks to put the Waiau hydroelectric plant back online with repairs and upgrades that would double its capacity. The company would also upgrade, repair, and replace other equipment for more reliability, and would enhance its cybersecurity to keep the grid secure and customer information safe, according to the HELCO proposal.

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Ed Nesmith, one of three part-time employees on short hours due to the freezing of the bank accounts, drives the
tractor back to the office after trimming the grass of the sides of the Ranchos roads. Photo by Annie Bosted

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS PROPERTY OWNERS LOST CONTROL OF $210,000 IN BANK ACCOUNTS after six people, claiming to be the new Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. board, presented paperwork alleging they were duly elected, and asked the bank to turn over access to the money. To the surprise of the board serving since the last election, the bank froze the accounts rather than honoring the authorized signatures on file with the bank.
Without access to operating funds, the non-profit Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. reduced most of the hours and delayed pay for its three part-time employees, and temporarily shut the office. The security gate sat unrepaired until volunteers stepped up to do the job. Funds are inaccessible until the bank unfreezes the accounts.
According to Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. President, Phillis May, more than 85 property owners signed a petition to the bank, asking that the accounts be reopened to the signers that have been on record at the bank for terms ranging from one to five years.
Hawaiian Ranchos is a large subdivision makai of the highway in Ocean View with 1,227 properties. All property owners are automatically members of HRRMC, tasked with maintaining about 50 miles of private paved roads, a security gate, and easements. Members elect a board of volunteers annually to run the corporation. The board appoints officers with signing powers on bank accounts.

Phillis May, President of Ranchos
Road Maintenance Corp.

In recent years, a group of about a dozen members campaigned against the board by various means, including filing a law suit, circulating petitions, and demanding a special meeting, explained May, who was elected President in October 2017.
Said May: "According to HRRMC's bylaws, a special meeting can be held if petitioned by 25 or more members in good standing. The board rejected as invalid the petition from this group for two reasons. Firstly, the petition did not meet the requirements of the bylaws, which are very clear. Secondly, by the reckoning of our secretary, Linda Sommers, the number of valid signatures did not amount to 25."
She said those demanding the board change proceeded on their own and on June 6 announced a special meeting through a mailing to members. They used Ocean View Community Association's mailing address as the return address, and as the address to mail ballots. OVCA officers issued a press release to deny involvement in the notice of the meeting, the ballot, and the meeting site. Any ballots sent to the OVCA would be returned marked as undeliverable, OVCA announced.
May said that the eight-page mailing, sent on June 6, anonymously asked HRRMC members to vote Yes or No on the question "Should the entire Hawaiian Ranchos Board of Directors be removed immediately?"
"The HRRMC bylaws and Hawaiian law prescribe that corporate meetings can only be called by the appointed officers and the elected board," said May. "The board is given the authority to designate the date, time, place and the agenda. Our bylaws are very clear on that."
The group seeking to replace the board met at a private home on July 21 without the approval of the elected board or a majority of the members of the organization, said May. May attended. "I told everyone there that the meeting was illegal. It was not apparent to me how the votes were received, or how they were handled or counted. They claim they got 114 votes to remove the board. I don't know how that number was arrived at."
She said that during the unsanctioned meeting, the "usurpers" declared six members to be the "new board." They mailed green postcards to HRRMC members demanding that the existing HRRMC board and officers hand over the keys, records, and other assets to the "new board."

The Ranchos security gate remained unrepaired until volunteers stepped
up to fix it. Photo by Annie Bosted

On Aug. 17, those claiming to be the new board demanded the bank recognize "new" account signers. Bank officials in Honolulu froze both HRRMC accounts, without consulting the board that was elected in October 2017, nor those whose names were on the existing signature cards, said May.
May said the board first discovered the problem when checks were returned unpaid. She contacted the bank to discover the cause of the bounced checks and said that the bank could not tell her the reason. After persistent questioning, a bank employee admitted that the accounts were frozen.
A month after the freeze was placed on the account, the bank sent a form letter addressed to four duly elected members of the board and the four who claimed to be the newly elected officers. All eight letters were mailed to HRRMC's mailing address. The letter informed the "individuals" that the bank account had been "frozen."
The letter stated: "Due to conflicting demands raised, we cannot determine which person(s) are authorized to handle the Account and funds in question. We also do not believe it is appropriate for us to reach any legal conclusions based on the documentation which is being presented."
May asserts some blame on the bank, saying that since it locked the account with no proof of a change in rightful access, its protocols are faulty.
"The bank acted without due consideration and prematurely," commented May. "The bank has a signature card on file, and it never asked us to present 'documentation.' We were told it was decided by the Honolulu legal department, but we were given no way to contact anyone in Honolulu.
"We have had to open another account at a second bank, where we were told that the bank would never have frozen an account under those circumstances. The bank said that they would have checked our listing at the Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
"We entrusted the bank with our funds five years ago, and it has let us down. The bank is now forcing us to go to court and this could be expensive and time consuming," explained May, adding, "By causing us the cost of a court order, the bank is not recognizing the obvious fact that we are a democratically elected board. We got 94 percent of the vote in the October 2017 annual members' meeting. Only 12 votes were cast against the incumbents, the proposed budget and other board proposed measures."

Volunteers work on Ranchos gate,
as money for the work is frozen.
Photo by Matts Fokelvik

May went on to point out, "It is ironic that although the usurpers claim to be the new board, six of them are on the ballot for our official upcoming election at the annual members' meeting. I see this as legitimizing our current board."
Ranchos resident Annie Bosted told The Kaʻū Calendar that she, and other HRRMC members, were concerned that by requiring a court order, the bank was submitting the volunteer board to unnecessary stress and the organization to unnecessary expense.
"We held an informal meeting of HRRMC members," explained Bosted. "We decided to directly request the bank to unfreeze the accounts with a petition stating the names of the duly elected officers that have signing powers. The petition was e-mailed to seven senior managers of the bank. They have refused to discuss the case, but at least we found out the names of those behind the decision, which the board was unable to do.
"The bank's attitude is playing right into the hands of the would be usurpers," continued Bosted. "Per our bylaws and Hawaiʻi law, a duly elected board has control over a non-profit corporation's funds. We live in a democracy, but our bank is using its position as keeper of the funds to bully us into getting a court order, which is sure to be a stressful, drawn-out process for our volunteer board. We have liability insurance, but that won't cover this situation because the board has not been sued. The board has not been sued because it has done nothing wrong. So members pay.
"Why is democracy not good enough? Banks should be on the side of law and order, not hell raisers," she added.

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WILL BE UNDER A NEW SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. Ryan Zinke resigned yesterday. Sen. Mazie Hirono sent out this message: "During his tenure as Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke continuously demonstrated blatant disregard for science, conservation, and the federal workforce—all critical components of the Department. Like too many members of President Trump's cabinet who have faced numerous ethics scandals, I welcome Mr. Zinke's long-overdue resignation.

When Rep. Colleen Hanabusa asked Zinke about funding for historic
preservation of Japanese American internment sites from WWII,
he replied, "Oh, Konichiwa."Photo from Resonate

"I'm not holding my breath, but it is my hope that the President's nominee to replace Mr. Zinke will recognize the importance of protecting and conserving our public lands and act immediately to mitigate climate change for the benefit of the country instead of benefiting industry by extracting as much fossil fuel as possible."

Zinke was also known for answering questions about preserving historical World War II Japanese internment sites. When Hawaiʻi's U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, of Japanese heritage, asked whether funding would continue to preserve the sites, he answered, "Oh, Konichiwa," (Good morning). The remark was considered an attempt to separate Hanabusa from other Americans. Hanabusa fired back: "Ohayo gozaimasu," (the polite form of Good morning) and Hirono called the Zinke remark "flippant and juvenile."

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VETERANS WILL TRAVEL THROUGH HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK TO KMC AT NO COST. Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald published a story last Sunday, reporting on veterans' concerns about new requirements to purchase passes to go through the park to Kīlauea Military Camp facilities. A story in this morning's Tribune Herald says the policy is rescinded and vets can reach KMC without park permits.

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JANUARY 2019 MARKS THE 10TH ANNUAL VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Read this week's Volcano Watch by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

Launched in 2010 and held every year since, Volcano Awareness Month is one way that the USGS HVO promotes the importance of understanding the volcanoes on which we live. This past summer's volcanic activity on Kīlauea—collapses within the summit caldera and a destructive lava flow on the lower East Rift Zone—certainly underscore the need for that understanding.

Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 summit collapse, shown here on July 28 (left), and the lower East Rift Zone fissure 8 lava flow,
shown here on July 2 (right), will be the focus of Volcano Awareness Month talks offered in January 2019. USGS photos

Neither Kīlauea nor Mauna Loa is currently erupting, but we must not become complacent during periods of relative quiet. Both are active volcanoes, and both will erupt again—although exactly when and where are unknowns at this point.

HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and will inform emergency managers and the public if any significant change is detected.

HVO also encourages island residents to do their part by learning all they can about the volcanoes in their "backyards" and staying informed about each volcano's status through HVO's website, volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo. There, you can find weekly updates, monitoring data, and geologic histories for Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, as well as photos, frequently asked questions, and more.

As we have each year since 2010, HVO scientists and our colleagues at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will help the learning process by offering a series of informative and engaging volcano presentations during the month of January. The complete Volcano Awareness Month schedule, including the date, time, location, and brief description for each talk, is posted on HVO's website in the "HVO News" corner of the homepage.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist monitors Kīlauea

Volcano's Lower East Rift Zone lava flow on June 25. USGS Photo

For now, here's a quick rundown of the January 2019 schedule:

The month begins with an After Dark in the Park program in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Tuesday, January 8. That evening, an HVO geologist will recount the progression of Kīlauea Volcano's dramatic lower East Rift Zone eruption this summer.

Additional After Dark in the Park programs will be offered by USGS scientists the following two weeks: on Tuesday, January 15, a discussion of new insights gained from Kīlauea's 2018 eruption, and on Tuesday, January 22, a description of the collapse events within Kīlauea Volcano's summit caldera. Each of these Park programs starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. National Park entrance fees may apply.

Given Kīlauea's unprecedented activity in May‒August 2018, HVO scientists will also present overviews of what happened this summer, both on the lower East Rift Zone and at the summit of the volcano. These presentations, each covering the same information, will be offered on three different dates at various locations around the island.

On Thursday, January 10, the first overview will be held on the UH-Hilo main campus in the University Classroom Building Room 100 at 7:00 p.m. The next will be on Wednesday, January 16 in the Gates Performing Arts Center on the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy campus in Waimea, starting at 6:30 p.m. The third overview will be held on Thursday, January 17, in the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria in Kailua-Kona, also at 6:30 p.m. Details about these three overviews are provided in the information posted on HVO's website.

Hilo's Lyman Museum will also host a volcano program in which a UHH/USGS geologist who helped monitor Kīlauea this summer will share his reflections and perspectives on the unfolding crises. His talk will be presented twice: on Monday, January 28, at 7 p.m., and on Tuesday, January 29, at 3 p.m. Admission is free to museum members; nonmembers pay a small fee. Details will soon be posted on the Lyman Museum website at lymanmuseum.org.

The final 2019 Volcano Awareness Month presentation will be held on Thursday, January 31, in UCB Room 100 on the UH-Hilo main campus at 7 p.m. The director of UH-Hilo's Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Laboratory will describe the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) to monitor Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone lava flow and will share imagery that his team collected this summer.

With two of the world's most active volcanoes on the Island of Hawaiʻi, volcano awareness shouldn’t be limited to a single month. But January 2019 will be a good time to start or continue your quest to better understand Hawaiian volcanoes. Hope to see you at our talks!

Aerial view of Kīlauea's summit on July 13, 2018; HVO and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Jaggar Museum are
visible on the caldera rim in foreground. Will be used with the January 22, 2019, After Dark in the Park program,
What Happened at the Summit of Kīlauea, for Volcano Awareness Month. USGS Photo

Volcano Activity Updates

Kīlauea is not erupting. Low rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas release have not changed significantly over the past week. Earthquakes continue to occur primarily at Kīlauea's summit area and south flank, with continued small aftershocks of the May 4, magnitude-6.9, quake. Seismicity remains low in the lower East Rift Zone.

Hazardous conditions still exist at both the lower ERZ and summit. Residents in the lower Puna District and Kīlauea summit areas on the Island of Hawaiʻi should stay informed and heed Hawai‘i County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages.
The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL.

Kumu Debbie Ryder, Emcee Makana Kamahele,
Demetrius Oliviera, and Gene Beck back up the keiki
Christmas entertainment. Photo by Julia Neal

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

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KAʻŪ HIGH AND PĀHALA ELEMENTARY'S HAWAIIAN WINTER CONCERT last night welcomed ʻohana to enjoy performances by keiki dressed in costumes both merry and bright. Emcee Makana Kamahele guided the evening's entertainment at Kaʻū Historic Gym. Kumu Debbie Ryder, Demetrius Oliviera, and Gene Beck backed up the keiki with live music.

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 CHRISTMAS LIGHTING PARADE in Nā‘ālehu takes place this evening, sponsored by Kaʻū Roping and Riding, starting at 6 p.m. The nighttime parade, with marching units, floats, trucks and ATVs, begins at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, travels along Highway 11, and ends at Nā‘ālehu Community Ball Park where chili and rice will be offered for free to all. Parade line-up starts at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to sign a waiver and meet at the school by 5 p.m. For more info or to sign-up, contact Tammy Ka‘apana at 929-8079.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

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

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

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:

Dec. 17, Mon., host PA, 6pm

Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm

Dec. 22, Sat., host JV Christian Liberty, 2pm

Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo, 6pm

Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm

Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau

Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals

Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Div. II Finals

Feb. 6-9, Wed.-Sat., HHSAA

Boys Basketball:

Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau

Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker

Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm

Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm

Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm

Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm

Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm

Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm

Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo, 6pm

Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm, Varisty

Jan. 28, Mon. host Kanu, 6pm, Varsity

Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals

Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals

Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA

Three little Santas at last night's Hawaiian Winter Concert.
Photo by Julia Neal

Wrestling:

Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha

Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau

Jan. 26, Sat., @HPA

Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo

Feb. 5, Sat., @BIIF @Keaʻau

Feb. 20-21, Thu.-Fri., HHSAA

Soccer:

Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea

Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA

Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe

Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo

Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau

Jan. 12, host Honokaʻa

Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani

Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona

Jan. 18, Fri., Boys host Pāhoa

Jan. 21, Mon., Girls BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals

Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala

Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals

Jan. 28, Mon., Boys BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals

Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals

Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA

Feb. 7-9, Thu.-Sat., Boys HHSAA

Swimming:

Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am

Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm

Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Finals @KCAC, 1pm

Feb. 8-9, Sat.-Sun., HHSAA

Feb. 9, Sat., Oʻahu

NEW and UPCOMING

VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS NEW STAINED GLASS OPEN STUDIO SESSIONS on Monday evenings, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at their Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

New Stained Glass Open Studio Sessions on Monday
evenings available at Volcano Art Center.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

Studio drop-ins are available for artists with some experience in Copper Foil Stained Glass who wish to use the equipment, hand tools and facilities independently. There will be a resource person for project help and questions. Fees are $10 per session or $40 for four sessions which includes a grinder bit. All other materials and supplies are not included in the fee.
If special project help is required, notify Volcano Art Center prior to Open Studio. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19, 5-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. Election of 2019 board. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Dec. 20, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Cookie Decorating Party, Thu., Dec. 20, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free for all ages. 939-2442

Family Reading Night, Thu., Dec. 20, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Dec. 22, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

Kīlauea Crisis Support Group Meeting, Sat., Dec. 22, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Last Saturday, monthly. Sponsored by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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