The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

State Rep. Clift Tsuji, a friend to Kaʻū Coffee farmers and other local agriculturalists, died unexpectedly yesterday.
Photo from Big island Video News

A PUBLIC HEARING TONIGHT ON PRESERVING ENDANGERED SPECIES near Volcano, through a Safe Harbor agreement between Kamehameha Schools, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, will be held at Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences at 6 p.m.

ʻAlalā or Hawaiian Crow is one of the species to be
protected by the Safe Harbor agreement.
Photo from San Diego Zoo program at Volcano

The agreement involves 32,280 acres owned by Kamehameha Schools near Volcano Village, bordering Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Kapapala Forest Reserve, Kipuka Ainahou Nēnē Sanctuary and Pu`u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve.

Volcano School is located at 19-4024 Haunani Road. The hearing concerns approval from the DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife, for a 50-year Incidental Take License, part of the Safe Harbor agreement.

The safe harbor agreement is voluntary, intended to promote recovery of endangered species. It covers eight animal and 25 plant species. Included are the endangered Hawaiʻi Creeper (Loxops mana), Hawaiʻi ʻĀkepa (Loxops coccineus), ʻAkiapōlāʻau (Hemignathus wilsoni), ʻIʻiwi (Vestiaria coccinea), ʻIo or Hawaiian Hawk (Buteo solitarius), Nēnē or Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis), ʻAlalā or Hawaiian Crow (Corvus hawaiiensis), and ʻŌpeʻapeʻa or Hawaiian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus). Comments can be sent to katherine.cullison@hawaii.gov by Dec. 22. Copies of the safe harbor agreement will be available at the public hearing and http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/Shared%20Documents/Environmental_Notice/Archives/2010s/2016-10-23.pdf.
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STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBER CLIFT TSUJI DIED YESTERDAY. Tsuji, 75, chaired the House Agriculture Committee. While he represented Keaukaha, Hilo, Panaewa, and Waiakea, he supported numerous aspects of Kaʻū agriculture. Tsuji was a keynote speaker at the Kaʻū Farm Bureau annual meeting in 2012. In the same year, he proposed funding for dogs to be trained to sniff out invasive species coming to Hawaiʻi in air and ocean shipments.

Clift Tsuji (left) visits a new Hawaiʻi Island dairy.
Photo from state House of Representatives blog

Tsuji came to Kaʻū numerous times. Over the years, he supported coffee industry initiatives to fight the coffee berry borer. In September of 2015, Tsuji attended a meeting on Kaʻū Coffee farmer land security, listening to a proposal for the state to buy their land that was being sold to a real estate investment company, the state proposing to lease it back to farmers at low rates. He said he would support farmer land security.
In 2014 Tsuji supported state legislation to prevent the counties from banning the growing of GMOs – Genetically Modified Organisms. In 2015, Tsuji opposed legislation that would allow the planting of industrial hemp in Hawaiʻi. He also opposed pesticide buffer zones around schools. He was named Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Legislator of the Year.

In her message yesterday, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard called Tusji a “dedicated public servant,” and said he “helped champion legislation to fight invasive species and strengthen our biosecurity.” U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono wrote, “his drive to build a

Rep. Clift Tsuji

better future was evident by his actions. Clift brought a wealth of experience and over 30 years of business acumen to the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives. His voice on behalf of agriculture across the state will be missed.”

Gov. David Ige said Tsuji “was a quiet man with a big heart and had the courage to stand for his convictions.” State Sen. Kaiali`i Kahele wrote that Tsuji “proudly wore our nation’s uniform in the 442nd Infantry and was recognized as the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau’s Legislator of the Year in 2015.” Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui called Tsuji a “staunch advocate for Hawaiʻi’s agriculture community.”

Tsuji served with the U.S. Army Reserve, 442nd Infantry, Company B, Hilo, from 1959 to 1965. He was a speaker at the Kīlauea Military Camp Memorial Day services in 2011.
Tsuji was born in Papaikou. He graduated from Hilo High School and the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa where he earned a degree in communications. He studied banking and economics at the University of Washington. For 34 years, he worked as a banker at Central Pacific Bank. A Democrat, he served in the state House of Representatives for more than a dozen years. After his reelection in the August primary with a wide margin, Tsuji planned once again to chair the House Agriculture Committee. The governor will appoint his replacement. Services are pending.

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Federal money funded during Republican and Democratic presidencies and
Congresses helped increase conservation of large swaths of Kaʻū land, such
as Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

HAWAIʻI UNDER TRUMP: U.S. Sen. “Dan Inouye is dead, Barack Obama is on his way out and Donald Trump will be our next president.” That’s how Civil Beat reporter Nick Grube introduced his story yesterday on potential political clout for Hawaiʻi under a Donald Trump presidency.
“Add to that a Republican-controlled House and Senate and things sure don’t look good for Hawaiʻi’s left-leaning congressional delegation,” Grube writes.
He quotes Colin Moore, a University of Hawaiʻi political science professor and director of the school’s Public Policy Center, who said: “I don’t think Hawaiʻi can expect any favors from the federal government anytime soon. We have a liberal, junior delegation that will be in Congress with a Republican president and a Republican Congress. They’re not going to have a lot of influence.
“Hawaiʻi’s congressional clout has been fading ever since Inouye’s death in December 2012. Inouye was the most senior member of the U.S. Senate when he died, and was chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee, which dishes out federal dollars,” Grube reminds the readers.

The new Kaʻū District Gym & Shelter received federal construction
funding for its role as a regional disaster shelter. Photo by Julia Neal

In remote Kaʻū however, under both Republican and Democratic presidencies and U.S. Congresses, millions of dollars from the federal government increased the size of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park by a third and helped purchase coastal lands to place in the stewardship of the County of Hawaiʻi and community groups. Sen. Mazie Hirono continues to reach across the aisle, successfully advocating for preservation of lands around the Great Crack and Pohue Bay.
Offshore to the north, the signature of Pres. George W. Bush established Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Under Barack Obama, its size increased, making it the world’s second largest protected area.
The new Kaʻū District Gym & Shelter received federal funding. Highways and roads throughout Kaʻū are improved with federal money.
The jobs of many scientists at the National Park, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the weather station on Mauna Loa are
dependent on federal funding. The weather station, NOAA’s Mauna Loa Observatory, located at 3,392 meters above sea level (11,129 feet), was one of the first places on the planet to register climate changes that led to identifying global warming. However, President-elect Trump has questioned whether climate change and global warming are real.

Federally funded Mauna Loa Observatory, in Ka`u, recorded the
evidence of climate change and global warming.
Photo from NOAA

The Civil Beat writer declares that “it’s a new world under President-elect Trump, who doesn’t have many connections to the island outside of having his name stamped on a 38-story luxury hotel and condominium building in Waikīkī.”
Grube points out that “Obama’s presidency brought additional standing to the Aloha State, however, if only because he’s from here and has a better understanding of Hawaiʻi’s issues than many politicians in Washington. Under his administration, the U.S. Department of Interior laid out a pathway for government-to-government relations with Native Hawaiians and quadrupled the size of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Honolulu also hosted the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which brought global attention to the islands as Obama laid out his vision for a U.S. pivot to Asia.”
Grube notes that Trump “claimed to believe, until recently, that Obama had lied about being born in Hawaiʻi."
Grube does write that Trump appears to be softening on some campaign promises like “deporting millions of undocumented workers, dismantling Obamacare, revamping America’s infrastructure and building a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border and making our southern neighbor pay for it.”

Coastal lands from Honuʻapo to Punaluʻu are in public stewardship with the
help of federal government funding. Photo by Julia Neal

He concludes, however, that “there seems to be little common ground between Trump and deep-blue, multicultural Hawaiʻi, where Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton won 61 percent of the vote compared to Trump’s 29 percent.”
One area of possible federal funding stability that Grube thinks likely is the military: “One thing Hawaiʻi has going for it is its geographical importance to the U.S. military. That means federal dollars should continue to flow, especially if Trump follows through on his promises to boost military spending.” See more at www.civilbeat.org.

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A popular vote will determine the cover of The Directory. All entries are eligible to win the popular vote (the cover) including youth and keiki art, with the exception of previous cover winners for The Directory. Prizes will be given for: photography, sculpture, woodworking, quilting, jewelry, lei, graphics, painting and weaving.

During the show, works of art for sale are priced on a list available from art show volunteers. The results of judging and the selection for The Directory cover will be announced this Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at Naʻalehu Hongwanji, with artists invited to a reception and awards ceremony. The Directory is published in January.

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JUMP ROPE CHALLENGE, today, Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. at Kahuku County Park. Children ages 6 – 12 are invited to take part. 929-9113

Shai Lopez-Castaneda helped with the food
drive in 2013. Trojans girls basketball
team hosts it again this weekend.
Photo by Julia Neal

HALAU O AKAUNU PRESENTS HULA tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 6:30 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ancient traditionscome to life through chant and dance of Hālau o Akaunu. Hailing from Hilo, Hawai‘i, and under the instruction of Mānaiakalani Kalua, Akaunu strives to perpetuate the ‘aiha‘a style of hula borne of this volcanic landscape. Free; park entrance fees apply.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY begins this Friday, Nov. 18 – Jan 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The holiday event kicks off with a members-only reception, 5:30 p.m., opening day. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

A FOOD DRIVE AND TROJAN BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT begins at 5:15 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 18. To enter the first official high school competition played at the new Kaʻū District Gym, bring canned food instead of money. At least one can of food required to enter. After three games on Friday, Trojan wahine play again on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. The tournament is expected to last all day against Keaʻau, Pahoa and Kealakehe high schools. Big Island Interscholastic competition begins at the gym in December.
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Enjoying the lava lake? So are endangered nēnē. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reminds drivers to slow down, and watch out
for nēnē when traveling to and from favorite lava-viewing sites. Nēnē pairs are preparing to nest and females are frantically
feeding, even at night. NPS Photo/Janice Wei.

KEAUHOU AND KĪLAEUA LAND GIVEN BY PRINCESS RUTH KEʻELIKŌLANI to Kamehameha Schools in 1883 is proposed for a Safe Harbor endangered species protection program. The plan was presented at a state Department of Land & Natural Resources public hearing in Volcano last night. Kamehameha Schools representatives and state Department of Land and Natural Resources officials gave the details.

Wildlife that would be supported by the Safe Harbor program on 32,800 acres on
Mauna Loa near Volcano. Photos from Kamehameha Schools

The 32,800 acres near Volcano border Kapapala Forest Reserve, Hawaʻi Volcanoes National Park, Puʻu Makaʻala Nautral Area Reserve, Mauna Loa Forest Reserve and Kipuka Ainahou Nene Sanctuary. The land would become the largest Safe Harbor for endangered species in the United States, if approved by DLNR and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which would help Kamehameha Schools with the conservation management.
In its proposal, Kamehameha Schools touts its conservation management and stewardship practices that “have contributed to preserving some of the last remaining intact native forests in Hawaiʻi.” Much of the Safe Harbor management style is already underway at Keauhou Forest and portions of Kīlauea Forest owned by KS. “The Kīlauea forest portion has never been logged and has retained intact high quality habitat through fencing and ungulate removal efforts implemented by KS and partners.”
The area is already under protection and restoration through a KS Natural Resources Management Plan. KS points out that it also “continues to provide educational opportunities through interactions with healthy native ecosystems now and for future generations.”

The blue surrounds Kamehameha Schools land proposed for Safe Harbor. The green
surrounds Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and te yellow surrounds state forest.
Map from Kamehameha Schools

Even with the care already provided, KS reports: “Only a small portion of the original Hawaiian avifauna known before human settlement have survived, and at least 13 historically known species that could have occurred in the Keauhou-Kīlauea region are now either extinct or have been extirpated from the area. The result is that only nine forest birds—ʻIo, Hawaiʻi ʻElepaio, ʻŌmaʻo, Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi, ʻAkiapōlāʻau, Hawaiʻi Creeper, Hawaiʻi ʻĀkepa, ʻIʻiwi, and ʻApapane – persist in the Keauhou-Kīlauea region. The ʻŌpeʻapeʻa, or Hawaiian Hoary Bat, which is the only native terrestrial mammal present in the Hawaiian Islands, is also found at Keauhou from 4,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation.
Vegetation zones with endangered species include Montane Wet at 3,000 to 6,000 feet, with more than 75 inches of rain a year, featuring ʻōhiʻa and hapuʻu forest and tall koa and ʻōhiʻa forest; Montaine Mesic, between 3,000 and 6,000 feet with 50 to 75 inches of rain a year, featuring tall koa and ʻōhiʻa forest, with separate ʻōhiʻa forest with understory native trees and other plants. It also includes a Subalpine zone, from 6,000 feet to 9,000 feet with pioneer vegetation on younger lava flows, dry native shrub with scattered ʻōhiʻa, forested kipuka and dry ʻōhiʻa forest.
Care of the land will include forest restoration, involving out-planting of common native and rare species and improvement of exiting forested areas to increase biodiversity and native forest cover. Predator control will reduce impacts of feral cats, mongooses and rats on the endangered Hawaiian crow, if necessary. Feral dogs will be removed to protect nēnē and other species covered by the agreement.

The Safe Harbor near Volcano would include bare lava (in red), forest
with closed canopy (dark green), forest with open canopy
(light green), scattered trees (mustard) and very scattered
trees (yellow). Map from Kamehameha Schools

Koa silviculture will create new forest in formerly logged areas and degraded pastures, increase soil-water retention capacity and provide nesting and foraging habitat for Hawaiian forest birds, the Hawaiian Hawk and the Hawaiian Hoary Bat.
To keep out pigs, goats and sheep, KS will maintain fence lines in Keauhou and Kīlauea. The KS fencelines were designed for zero tolerance of feral ungulates. A weed control program will suppress faya, ginger, strawberry guava, Himalayan rasberry and other invasives. A program to prevent rapid ʻōhiʻa death from destroying trees will continue.
See more of the plan at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2013/10/ks-sha.pdf. Comments can be sent to katherine.cullison@hawaii.gov by Dec. 22.

VOTE TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY FOR THE DIRECTORY COVER IMAGE for the 2017 business and resource guide, published by the Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce. The annual Beauty of Kaʻū Art Show is open to the public at through this Friday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Naʻalehu Hongwanji Breezeway. A popular vote will determine the cover of The Directory. All entries are eligible to win the popular vote (the cover) including youth and keiki art, with the exception of previous cover winners for The Directory. Prizes will be given for: photography, sculpture, woodworking, quilting, jewelry, lei, graphics, painting and weaving.
During the show, works of art for sale are priced on a list available from art show volunteers. The results of judging and the selection for The Directory cover will be announced this Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at Naʻalehu Hongwanji, with artists invited to a reception and awards ceremony. The Directory is published in January.

Christmas in the Country begins this Friday, Nov. 18 at

Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Volcano Arts Center photo

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY begins this Friday, Nov. 18 – Jan 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The holiday event kicks off with a members-only reception, 5:30 p.m., opening day. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

A FOOD DRIVE AND TROJAN BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT begins at 5:15 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 18. To enter the first official high school competition played at the new Kaʻū District Gym, bring canned food instead of money. At least one can of food required to enter. After three games on Friday, Trojan wahine play again on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. The tournament is expected to last all day against Keaʻau, Pahoa and Kealakehe high schools. Big Island Interscholastic competition begins at the gym in December.

HIʻIAKA & PELE, Saturday, Nov. 19, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The famous myth of the volcano goddess Pele and her companion Hiʻiaka is the focus of this free, moderate, one-mile walk. Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena that reveal their story on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

CENTENNIAL WALK: ‘Ōhi‘a Wing – Our New Museum, Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Following up on her After Dark in the Park talk given on Tuesday, Nov. 15, Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Carter Schuster is leading an easy walk from Kīlauea Visitor Center to the park’s new museum site. She’ll reveal the history and highlights of the park’s original 1932 park Administration Building and share exhibit plans that will highlight the park’s museum collection

RAINFOREST MELE, Sat, Nov 19, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Funk band Bump City Hawaiʻi performs in the tradition of Tower of Power, Average White Band, James Brown and more. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Nov 19, 5 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The cost is only $.85 per ounce for a Mongolian BBQ plate dinner with your choice of protein, veggies, rice & beverage. Open to all authorized patrons & sponsored guests. 967-8356

PEOPLE & LANDS OF KAHUKU, Sun, Nov 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. This free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. Learn about emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites that today hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Protection of Hawksbill sea turtle nests, archaeological and cultural sites, caves, ponds and other

features will be planned along with providing public access to the lands newly acquired by Hawaiʻi

County at Kahuku makai. Photo from County of Hawaiʻi

PLANNING FOR KAHUKU MAKAI LANDS CONSERVATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS begins. An onsite meeting will be held in December with representatives of new owner County of Hawaiʻi and other partners to research and discuss managing the future of the 3,128 acres with more than a mile of Kaʻū Coast. It is located along the Road to the Sea, makai of Ocean View. It includes the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and the massive Kanohina Flow from a Mauna Loa eruption.

Planning to protect the endangered Hawksbill sea
turtle hatchlings while providing public access to
the public lands makai of Ocean View will be studied
as the county makes its plan.
Photo by Jay Robinson

It is the County’s largest acquisition to date using its Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund - the “Two Percent” income from property taxes for conserving special properties. With cooperative funding from federal, state, county and private donors, more than 4,000 acres along the Kaʻū Coast have been purchased for preservation since 2006.

Trust for Public Land helped with negotiations for most of the properties and nominated the Kahuku makai lands to the county Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. The County put in $764,745 toward the purchase. The balance of the $2.6 million was funded through a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Recovery Land Acquisition Grant and state Legacy Land Conservation money.
The County plans to work with stakeholders in the community to come up with a management plan not only for the care of the land, its shoreline with Hawksbill sea turtle nesting sites, its anchialine ponds, geologic features, cave network and archaeological and cultural sites. The management team and community will come up with a plan to locate and steward public access for fishing, hiking and other recreational uses. Access will include the unpaved, high-clearance, four-wheel drive Road to the Sea, which extends to the ocean, bordering the property.

Comments coming into The Kaʻū Calendar Facebook page have supported the purchase: Jamie Sing Kawauchi wrote: “Mahalo nui loa to Deborah Ward, Tanya Masaniai Ibarra, many other Kaʻū communities members, islandwide supporters from beyond our boundaries, Hawaiʻi County Property Management team, Kamana Ventura and Alexandra Kelepolo and the Mayor, for all their kokua in making this happen!!!”

Wall of a lava canyon running mauka to makai on the
Kahuku property. Photo by Ann Bosted

Some wrote with concerns about public access. Jeff Purser commented: “My point is the use of the term ‘public access’ is misleading. If it is going to be restricted access, then say so. If the state and county are going to be stewards of the land and resources then they have a responsibility to take whatever measures necessary to do that. If ‘protection’ is the top priority, then block all access without special permits or make reasonable access available to everyone, including senior citizens with passenger vehicles. I’ve seen the effects of limiting access in coastal areas to four-wheel drive vehicles and the segment of the population using those vehicles can be pretty messy and destructive, too. Public money has been used to acquire the property and the public, all of the public, have the right to enjoy the benefits of that expenditure. It won’t happen, but it should.”

Keoni Fox replied: “If the road is improved, how do we mitigate the impacts of increased use on cultural and natural resources? Dumping of trash and abandoned vehicles is already an issue.”
See more at Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 15 edition.

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U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO IS AUDITING PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP’S MOVES as he makes plans toward keeping his campaign promises and selecting his cabinet and advisors. Yesterday, Hirono denounced a Trump surrogate’s suggestion that Japanese American internment during World War II set a precedent for establishing a Muslim registry to help find terrorists in today’s America.

Sen. Mazie Hirono condemns Japanese American internment
in World War II and opposes the idea that it set a precedent
for keeping a watch list of American Muslims today.
Above she unveils the new museum in Honolulu honoring
Japanese American WW II veterans.
Photo from the office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

Said Hirono, “The internment that Japanese-Americans during World War II was a historic injustice and nothing like it should ever happen again. The protection of our Constitution is not conditional; it applies to all of us. We cannot allow hate speech, racism, and anti-immigrant sentiment to become the new norm in our country, and we must continue to speak out against hate and prejudice. An inclusive and vibrant America is worth fighting for.” The reference to Japanese internment came from Trump advisor Carl Higbie, a former Navy SEAL who was spokesman for the pro-Trump Great America PAC.

In October, Hirono unveiled a new exhibit on Oʻahu honoring Japanese American World War II veterans, saying, “millions of people who pass through Honolulu International Airport each year will have the opportunity to learn more about the heroism and service of Japanese American World War II veterans, who bravely fought for the United States even as their loyalty was questioned at home.” In 2010, Hirono championed successful legislation to award Japanese American World War II veterans the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. These men included Kaʻū 442nd veteran Iwao Yonemitsu, of Na‘alehu.

Earlier this week, Hirono called on Trump to fire one of his chief strategists, the chair of Breitbart News, Steve Bannon. Said Hirono, “What Steve Bannon believes is not a mystery. He has demeaned women, advocated for white supremacy, and promoted anti-Semitism. In addition to saying that immigrants spread disease, (on his website Breitbart.com) he has advocated a religious test for immigration. As an immigrant and a religious minority, this isn’t a test that I would have passed. Quite frankly, it’s sad that we are having a debate about whether a white supremacist should serve as a senior counselor to the President-elect,” stated Hirono.

Hirono is the only immigrant and only woman of color serving in the U.S. Senate. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

FINAL VOTING AT THE BEAUTY OF KAʻŪ ART SHOW takes place today at Naʻalehu Hongwanji. The popular vote determines the cover for The Directory, the 2017 Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce business and community resource guide. Keiki and Youth can still enter art through this afternoon. The kids can use the coloring table here to make a picture to enter or they can bring something from home as long as it was done this year. Vote until 6 p.m.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY begins today, Friday, Nov. 18 and runs through New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The holiday event kicks off with a members-only reception, 5:30 p.m., opening day. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HORN OF PLENTY, today, Friday, Nov. 18, from 1 – 2 p.m., Kahuku County Park. Children ages 6 – 12 can enjoy arts & crafts at the park. Registration closes Thursday, Nov. 17. Call the Kahuku County Park at 929-9113.

THE FIRST OFFICIAL SPORTS TOURNAMENT IN THE NEW KAʻŪ GYM begins today at 5:15 p.m. and continues tomorrow is at least one can of food. The food drive is an annual event for the Kaʻū High School girls basketball team. The tournament is an invitational with visiting teams from Keaʻau, Pahoa and Kealakehe. Big Island Interscholastic Federation competition begins at the gym in December.

HIʻIAKA & PELE, Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The famous myth of the volcano goddess Pele and her companion Hiʻiaka is the focus of this free, moderate, one-mile walk. Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena that reveal their story on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

FOOTAGE OF THE ʻALALA, endangered Hawaiian crows recently release from captivity into the forest near Volcano, will be shown on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo with a celebration for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CENTENNIAL WALK: ‘Ōhi‘a Wing – Our New Museum, Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National.Following up on her After Dark in the Park talk on Tuesday, Nov. 15, Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Carter Schuster is leading an easy walk from Kīlauea Visitor Center to the park’s new museum site. She’ll reveal the history and highlights of the park’s original 1932 park Administration Building and share exhibit plans that will highlight the park’s museum collection

RAINFOREST MELE, Sat, Nov 19, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Funk band Bump City Hawaiʻi performs in the tradition of Tower of Power, Average White Band, James Brown and more. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Nov 19 from 5p.m. to 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The cost is only $.85 per ounce for a self-cooked Mongolian BBQ plate dinner with your choice of protein, veggies, rice & beverage. Open to all authorized patrons & sponsored guests. 967-8356

PEOPLE & LANDS OF KAHUKU, Sun, Nov 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. This free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. Learn about emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites that today hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Kīlauea has continued to erupt all month at its summit and East Rift Zone. According
to the USGS, this past week, the summit lava lake level varied between about 30–66 ft below the vent rim.
The 61g lava flow continued to enter the ocean near Kamokuna, and does not
pose an immediate threat to nearby communities, reports USGS.
Photo by Peter Anderson

KA ʻOHANA O HONUʻAPO has issued a statement opposing the Hawaiian Springs water bottling plant that is planned for Pahala. The organization, which helps steward the Honuʻapo fishponds, bay and surrounding lands, posted on its facebook, the following:

“Join us in saying #NotoHawaiianSprings proposed water bottling facility in Pahala. Our Hawaiʻi State Constitution and public trust doctrine protects Hawaiʻi’s water for Hawaiʻi’s people. Water is Life. It is time to enforce the state law and oppose this theft of our water resources (for export and commercial gain!).”
Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo states that it is, “Standing in protest with Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and Surfrider Foundation, Big Island Hawaiʻi Chapter - Kona Kai EA!”

The bottling plant recently gained a plan approval from the Hawaiʻi County Planning Director, and needs various state and other county approvals. The developers propose to build a retail center for tour buses, vans and cars along Maile Street in Pahala. More than 3 acres would be covered by a bottling plant and related buildings. The water would come from an old sugar plantation shaft that reaches 1500 feet under Maile Street to a source 750 feet below the surface. The company would need to apply to the state for permission to use the water.
The water was used for mill operations and as an emergency back up source for potable water for houses in the town and firefighting during plantation days. It has not been used for over 20 years, since the sugar mill shut down in 1996.
Kaʻū’s County Council member Maile David says she plans a public meeting. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

NOVEMBER IS FLEDGLING SEASON FOR HAWAIIAN PETRELS HIGH ON MAUNA LOA and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists entitle this weeks Volcano Watch: Seabirds Struggle to Survive on Mauna Loa. They write that “High on the slopes of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, a unique Hawaiian seabird struggles for survival. The ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), spends most of its life at sea, returning to Mauna Loa only to nest and rear young in high-elevation, underground burrows.

Young petrel. Photo by Michael McFarlin/
Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project

“It is estimated that historic ʻuaʻu populations were likely in the hundreds of thousands to millions of birds, with nests ranging from sea level to high mountain slopes throughout the main Hawaiian Islands. Today, the ʻuaʻu still occurs on several islands, but has become one of the most endangered seabirds in Hawaiʻi. Many threats have contributed to the decline of this endemic species, including historic hunting by humans, non-native predators, and habitat loss. More recently, inflight collisions with structures and groundings caused by disorienting artificial lights have taken a toll on the species.
“On the Island of Hawaiʻi, ʻuaʻu once nested from the lowlands to the upper slopes of the volcanoes. They are now limited to high elevation sites on Mauna Loa and, possibly, steep cliffs on Kohala. Biologists have monitored remote nesting colonies on Mauna Loa for over two decades, and now estimate the population to be only 75 breeding pairs.
“The somewhat mysterious life history of ʻuaʻu makes monitoring this species extremely challenging. ʻUaʻu are pelagic, spending much of their lives at sea, coming to land only for nesting. They forage in distant feeding areas – in some cases, as far north as the Aleutian Islands – and fly to and from nesting areas at night. On Mauna Loa, ʻuaʻu nest in remote underground burrows that are so deep they can’t be seen. Biologists are incorporating new technologies, including remote cameras and satellite transmitters, to better understand the species.
“ʻUaʻu belong to the taxonomic order Procelleriformes, as do albatrosses, shearwaters, and other petrel species. Like their relatives, ʻuaʻu are long-lived (30-plus years) and do not breed until four to six years of age. Once nesting begins, both parents take turns incubating a single egg for roughly two months. After an ʻuaʻu egg hatches, the adults head out to sea to feed on squid and fish, with foraging trips lasting from several days to several weeks at a time. The chick stays in its burrow, often alone, and waits for its parents to return with food.

A young ʻuaʻu exercises its wings in preparation for its first flight directly
out to sea. The ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian petrel, is a federally endangered
native seabird that nests at high elevations on Mauna Loa volcano.
NPS photo.

“After about three months, the growing ʻuaʻu chick ventures out of the burrow to exercise its newly feathered wings. Within weeks, the ʻuaʻu face many dangers during their time on land. Because they have no natural defenses, both adults and chicks are easy prey for introduced animals like feral cats and mongooses. ʻUaʻu are also at risk when flying between nest sites and the sea. Birds have collided with unexpected structures along flyways, such as wind turbines and power lines. Artificial lights casting an upward glow can disorient ʻuaʻu, causing them to land in unsafe areas, where they are susceptible to predators and cars, and where they may not be able to launch back into flight. The impacts of additional threats to ʻuaʻu, such as climate change and marine plastics, are not yet fully understood.
“Fortunately, government agencies, private organizations, utility companies, and landowners have joined forces to reduce threats to ʻuaʻu and other Hawaiian seabirds. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with the help of several partners, recently completed a barrier fence to exclude cats from a key nesting area on Mauna Loa (https://youtu.be/m1MfyDbteVw). Collaborative conservation efforts, like this fence, are critical for the protection of 'ua'u and other sensitive species.
“November is fledging season for ʻuaʻu on Mauna Loa. Island residents can play a role in helping these young birds reach the sea: Direct outdoor lights downward and shield the tops of lights to minimize disorientation of the birds as they fly between the mountain and the sea. Keep domestic cats inside or in outdoor enclosures, and avoid contributing to feral cat populations by preventing unwanted litters of kittens.”
To report a grounded seabird in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, call park dispatch at (808) 985-6170. Outside the park, contact the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife at (808) 974-4221. For more, see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/uau.htm.

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ULUPOLU INITIATIVE invites community members, including food producers, to listening sessions in Kamuela on Friday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at Kohala Center, and in Hilo at the Hawaiʻi Innovation Center, at 117 Keawe St., on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. Ulupono Initiative will host the gatherings at agricultural “hot spots” within each county “to listen, learn and brainstorm solutions to Hawaiʻi’s many challenging food issues.”
The eBay online auction site’s founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam Omidyar launched the Ulupono Initiative. The Ulupono Initiative is part of The Omidyar Group. A portfolio statement of Ulupono Initative at ulupono.com states: “Our investment model is based on our founders’ belief that both the non-profit and for-profit sectors can be a force for good.”
The organization describes itself as “a Hawaiʻi-focused impact investing firm that uses for-profit, non-profit and social investments to improve the quality of life for island residents in three areas: locally produced food, clean renewable energy and waste reduction.”
The purposes behind the meetings are described as: “In an effort to improve our current local food production metrics and better understand the constraints in the system that make expansion challenging, Ulupono Initiative is inviting key stakeholders throughout the state for insights and suggestions. We hope that these sessions will contribute to the collective knowledge of both the constraints and opportunities for investment of resources that will help us move towards greater food self-sufficiency.”
Ulupono has faced some opposition to its proposed dairy farm planned near resorts and a popular surfing and recreational beach on Kauaʻi. Its founders have faced opposition for proposed resort development on Hanalei River, also on Kauaʻi. Anyone interested in attending the meeting in Kamuela or Hilo should RSVP to Lauren Reichelt at lreiochelt1@gmail.com. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY is open through New Year’s Day from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HIʻIAKA & PELE, Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The famous myth of the volcano goddess Pele and her companion Hiʻiaka is the focus of this free, moderate, one-mile walk. Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena that reveal their story on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

CENTENNIAL WALK: ‘Ōhi‘a Wing – Our New Museum, Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Following up on her After Dark in the Park talk on Tuesday, Nov. 15, Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Carter Schuster is leading an easy walk from Kīlauea Visitor Center to the park’s new museum site. She’ll reveal the history and highlights of the park’s original 1932 park Administration Building and share exhibit plans that will highlight the park’s museum collection

RAINFOREST MELE, Sat, Nov 19, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Funk band Bump City Hawaiʻi performs in the tradition of Tower of Power, Average White Band, James Brown and more. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Nov 19, 5 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The cost is only $.85 per ounce for a self-cooked Mongolian BBQ plate dinner with your choice of protein, veggies, rice & beverage. Open to all authorized patrons & sponsored guests. 967-8356

PEOPLE & LANDS OF KAHUKU, Sun, Nov 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. This free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. Learn about emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites that today hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Best in Show is from Honuʻapo woodworker Thomas King for his Kamalu’s Marimba,
crafted from Eucalyptus and Kiawe.
Photos by Ron Johnson

KAʻŪ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WINNER for The Directory 2017 cover was announced yesterday at the Beauty of Kaʻū art show held at Naʻalehu Hongwanji. The People’s Choice award, chosen by popular vote, will become the cover art for the annual community business and resource guide. The image is a quilt by Reta Hill, of Discovery Harbour, called Sunny Beaches.

Sunny Beaches, a quilt by Reta Hill,
will grace the cover
of The Directory 2017.

Deadline to submit information and advertising for The Directory is Dec. 15. The Directory advertising and donations allow the Chamber to provide numerous scholarships to Kaʻū residents seeking higher education. The Chamber follows students through colleges, universities and trade schools during their educational career, providing scholarships year after year.
To support The Directory and the scholarship fund, email geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com for an application. To apply for a scholarship, email lee@leemcintosh.org.

Reta Hill won the popular vote.
Photo by Ann Bosted

BEST IN THE BEAUTY OF KAʻŪ ART SHOW yesterday went to Thomas King, of Honuʻapo, for his ambitious Kamalu’s Marimba, an increasingly popular musical instrument. His creation was carefully crafted from Eucalyptus wood for the frame and Kiawe for the tone bars. He also took first place with his marimba in the Woodworking category.
The marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones. Resonators suspended underneath the bars amplify their sound. The skill is not only in crafting the tonebars and resonators, but the tune they produce.
King was on Maui yesterday, so was unable to be present to receive his prize.

Reta Hill, a quilter from Discovery Harbor, won the People’s Choice award for her large attention-catching creation called Sunny Beaches. Although she has been quilting for eight to nine years, this was the first time she had entered a competition.

“I love palm trees, so had fun creating the ones for this quilt. I added some beach chairs and surfboards to make it more beachlike,” explained Hill. “I used only two kinds of fabric – both with batik-looking patterns – that I was able to buy in a fabric store.”

Nancy Stafford, who assisted with the art show, provided the following results to The Kaʻū Calendar: Painting: First place: Lynn VanLeeuwen, Second place: Masako Sakata, Third place: Alice Hosticka;

Lynn VanLeeuwen won first prize in the painting category at the Beauty of Ka`u
art show, sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce

Quilting – First place: Reta Hill, Second place: Kaaren Hughes, Third place: Alice Hosticka;

Sculpture – First place: Olivia Ling, Second place: Don Elwing;

Photography – First place: Ann Bosted, Second place: Betty Clark, Third place: Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa;

Woodworking – First place: Thomas King, Second place: Susan Jennings, Third place: Don Elwing;

Graphics – First place: Susan Jennings, Second place: Jennifer Kampf, Third place: Peter and Ann Bosted;

Crafts – First place: C.S. Tucker; Lei – First place: Eric DePeralta; Jewelry – First place: Nancy Stafford; Weaving – First place: Alan Stafford; Keiki – First place: Charlotte Crysdale and Youth – First place: Dion Beavins.
Judges for Beauty of Ka`u

See more images of the winners in Kaʻū News Briefs this week.
Judges were Zachary Debarnardi, Kathie Griffeth, Allan Humble and Rich Morrow.

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Kaʻū High graduate Jacob Edwards
after winning a top film award
at Laramie Film Festival.
Photo by Aubrie Shindler

JACOB EDWARDS, KAʻŪ HIGH and University of Wyoming graduate, won top honor at the Laramie Film Festival this weekend for his production, A Potion. He scripted, scored and directed the short film. The film was shown and awards given at the Gryphon Theatre at the Laramie Civic Center. A Potion features the talents of Brendan Ruwart, Tabitha Briscoe and Mike Morgan. The film festival description says: “When our aimless and sullen protagonist (Brendan) follows the advice and direction of his friend, he encounters a femme fatale (Tabitha Briscoe) with her own agenda.”

Edwards is a program trainer at the ARC of Laramie, teaching direct service workers who provide assistance to persons with head trauma and developmental disabilities.
The filmmaker is son of Ocean View resident Lisa Edwards and brother to Larissa Edwards, a 2008 graduate of Kaʻū High. Both won track scholarships to University of Wyoming and reside in Laramie. Larissa has worked as a school teacher and has a family.
Lisa Edwards said her son and daughter like living in Laramie because, like Hilo, the town is centered around university life. See the film at https://youtu.be/kvLaGacYa7U
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MARLEY STRAND-NICHOLAISEN played her final U.H. Hilo volleyball game last night. Next year, it’s graduation from college and most likely a two-year course to become a Physicians Assistant and return to Kaʻū, hoping to work at Kaʻū Hospital to serve her community. Interviewed by reporter Kevin Jakahi for a story in Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald yesterday, the six-foot tall senior and outside hitting Vulcan star raved about her upbringing in Kaʻū and her desire to return home.

Marley Strand-Nicholaisan and Toni Beck
two volleyball stars from Ka`u.

Strand-Nicholaisan told the reporter, “I want to work in Ka‘ū and give back to the community. They’ve provided so much support. The whole Pahala town comes to the Ka‘ū gym to cheer the Trojans. That’s the thing to do there. Giving back to them is my ultimate goal.”

Strand-Nicholaisan with a fan
before last night's game.

Strand-Nicholaisen also talked about Kaʻū people driving to U.H. Hilo to see her play: “I’m tearing up thinking about it. The best thing is I got to stay close to home, have people drive from Ka‘ū to watch me play, and I was able to play in front of my hometown.” she told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald.
She graduated from Kaʻū High in 2013 after joining varsity as a sophomore and leading the Trojans to its first Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship in girls volleyball. One of her best friends is another Kaʻū volleyball star, Toni Beck.
Vulcans coach Tino Reyes told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald, “Marley is a wonderful person and great teammate…Every defense is geared to stopping her.”
The coach also talked to reporter Kevin Jakahi about the personal qualities of Strand-Nicholaisen and her family: “Before road trips, if kids don’t have rides, she’ll say, ‘Coach, I’ll take care of it.’ She’ll make sure they have rides to the airport and back. For four years, she’s invited girls from other countries or the mainland who don’t go home for Thanksgiving to her house. She and her family (parents Laurie Strand and Robert Nicolaisen) have shown a lot of aloha to her teammates,” the coach told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald. See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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PROPONENTS OF FARMING WITH GENETICALLY MODIFIED crops won a battle in the U.S. Court of Appeals on Friday. Judge Consuelo M. Callahan upheld a lower court ruling which held that Hawaiʻi County’s partial ban is illegal under federal law. The Wall Street Journal earlier called such rulings a “victory to seed and chemical companies in a battle over modern agricultural techniques.”

GMO corn is grown for cattle feed on Hawai`i Island
Photo from Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association

Spokespersons on both sides of the issue sent out statements. Hawaiʻi Crop Improvement Association, which includes Dow Agro Sciences, DuPoint Pioneer, Monsanto and Sygenta, stated, “This is good news for local agriculture in Hawai‘i, as it clears up potential confusion over who has jurisdiction in regulating agricultural operations, leaving that responsibility with the appropriate government agencies.”
The Center For Food Safety stated: “We will continue to stand and fight with the people of Hawai‘i against these chemical companies, and part of that is going to be demanding action at the state level to protect the people and the environment. We’re considering all legal options, including appeal.”

The local ordinance protected GMO corn and papaya, created to resist disease, but banned cultivation and open air testing of new GMO crops. It also The required GMO growers to register with the county. Pro GMO farmers and their supportive organizations filed the lawsuit in the federal court.

Supporters of GMO restrictions and GMO labeling said they will work at the legislature and in the U.S. Congress to develop laws that will stand up in federal court. The ruling also applied to bans and restrictions on other islands.

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A BEATING IN OCEAN VIEW more than two years ago has led to first degree assault charges against retired police officer Michael Dubberstein. He was indicted by a Hilo grand jury for allegedly inflicting head injuries, a dislocated shoulder and broken ribs to James Gonzales. A warrant has been issued for Dubberstein’s arrest with bail set at $2,000. The Kona court will handle the case.

At the time of the alleged assault, Dubberstein was already retired from the force. The victim died more than a year later, apparently of unrelated causes. The incident took place at Malama Market.

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THE NAʻALEHU WINTER FESTIVAL is announced. Fun and friends are the spotlight of the Naʻalehu Elementary Student Council Winter Festival on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Billed as a “friend-raiser,” the mini-carnival will be held at Naʻalehu Elementary School grounds and will raise needed funds for student council activities and student incentives.

Games like the ring toss will be just 50 cents a play with every player receiving a prize. Hot dogs, chili, chili dogs and drinks will be $1 each. Other fun activities will include a splash booth, jumping castle and jail. Keiki can also get their face painted or a fake tattoo. Raffle tickets will be sold for 50 cents for a chance to win special prizes. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Naʻalehu El. vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 313-4000.

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PEOPLE & LANDS OF KAHUKU this morning, Sunday, Nov 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. This free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. Learn about emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites that today hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo

IKE HANA NOʻEAU - Experience the Skillful Work on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves, and more. This beautiful and versatile Hawaiian lei is used for adornments, blessings, ritual, gifts, and as an expression of love and celebration.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

The sixth annual Floating Lantern Celebration will be held this Saturday, Nov. 26 at Punalu`u Black Sand
Beach Medicine Pond from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

DONALD TRUMP MET WITH TULSI GABBARD THIS MORNING. Gabbard released the following statement after their meeting at Trump Tower in New York:
"President-elect Trump asked me to meet with him about our current policies regarding Syria, our fight against terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as other foreign policy challenges we face. I felt it important to take the opportunity to meet with the President-elect now before the drumbeats of war that neocons have been beating drag us into an escalation of the war to overthrow the Syrian government—a war which has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives and forced millions of refugees to flee their homes in search of safety for themselves and their families.
“While the rules of political expediency would say I should have refused to meet with President-elect Trump, I never have and never will play politics with American and Syrian lives.

Tulsi Gabbard may be considered
for the Trump cabinet.

“Serving the people of Hawaiʻi and our nation is an honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly. Representing the aloha spirit and diversity of the people of Hawaiʻi, I will continue to seek common ground to deliver results that best serve all Americans, as I have tried to do during my time in Congress.
“Where I disagree with President-elect Trump on issues, I will not hesitate to express that disagreement. However, I believe we can disagree, even strongly, but still come together on issues that matter to the American people and affect their daily lives. We cannot allow continued divisiveness to destroy our country.
"President-elect Trump and I had a frank and positive conversation in which we discussed a variety of foreign policy issues in depth. I shared with him my grave concerns that escalating the war in Syria by implementing a so-called no fly/safe zone would be disastrous for the Syrian people, our country, and the world. It would lead to more death and suffering, exacerbate the refugee crisis, strengthen ISIS and al-Qaeda, and bring us into a direct conflict with Russia which could result in a nuclear war. We discussed my bill to end our country’s illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government, and the need to focus our precious resources on rebuilding our own country, and on defeating al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups who pose a threat to the American people.
“For years, the issue of ending interventionist, regime change warfare has been one of my top priorities. This was the major reason I ran for Congress—I saw firsthand the cost of war, and the lives lost due to the interventionist warmongering policies our country has pursued for far too long.
“Let me be clear, I will never allow partisanship to undermine our national security when the lives of countless people lay in the balance."
Eariler in the day media reports said that she may be considered for an appointment by Trump for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, U.N. Ambassador, Secretary of Defense or Secretary of State.
According to a Washington Post analysis before the General Election, by Elsie Viebek, who speculated on possible women to be chosen for the White House cabinet, an appointment for the Democrat to the post of VA Secretary "could represent an olive branch to the progressive wing of the party she represents. (Gabbard was a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders in the presidential primary.) Then again, with Gabbard’s political star on the rise, it’s unclear she would want to leave elected office to lead a difficult bureaucracy."
Representing Ka`u and the rest of rural Hawai`i in the U.S. House of Representatives, Gabbard is involved in a group of young members of congress, who ban together for action despite the polarization of elected officials. She serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee. Gabbard is a Major in the Hawai`i Army National Guard. She served as an aide for veterans affairs with Dan Akaka when he served as U.S. Senator from Hawai`i.
Gabbard recently gave the Veterans Day address at Kilauea Military Camp in Volcano.

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`ALALA ARE IN THE FOREST, but these endangered Hawaiian crows are living within their own contained aviary until their caretakers can make sure their tracking technology is working to follow them into adaption to life in the wild. A celebration was held Saturday in Hilo honoring the success of raising the endangered species in captivity at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center in Volcano and its sister center on Maui.
Waiting for their freedom, five male `alalā have been moved to an aviary in the Pu’u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve near Volcano. Overseeing their progress is San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program with help from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

‘Alalā painting commissioned by the State of Hawai`i,
wildlife artist Patrick Ching.

In explaining the wait on releasing the crows into the wild. Briyce Masuda, conservation program manager of the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, said, "'Alalā are very intelligent and precocious birds and are inclined to play with and manipulate new items, so our ability to observe their behaviors closely and give them more time allows us to make adjustments to the tracking systems we will be using once they are released. It is important for us to track these birds once they go out into the forest so that we can continue to support them as they explore their new home.”
Praising the state's management of the forest where the `alalā are to be released, Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, Project Coordinator of the ‘Alalā Project, said, “Decades of intensive management by the state Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, in stewardship with local conservation partners, have led to the preservation of some of the most intact native-dominated wet and mesic forest on windward Hawai`i Island, known as Pu`u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve.” See films on the subject at bigislandvideonews.com

FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY to honor relatives and friends who have passed away will be held at Punalu`u Beach park this Saturday, Nov. 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Register today by calling Ka`u Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. Donations help a college scholarship fund for students enrolled in education for health careers. Tax deductible purchase of floating lanterns, t-shirts and photos are limited to the first 50 registrations. The celebration will feature community potluck, Taiko drummers, Gi Gon demonstration, hula dancers and local music, followed by a special photo powerpoint presentation of loved ones, friends, families, caregivers and previous celebrations. The theme is "Honoring Past, Present and Future Generations.:"

First place photo belongs to Ann Bosted, who photographed
underground to capture the roots of an Ohia tree in Kula Kai
Caverns.

PHOTOGRAPHY WENT UNDERGROUND for the winning photo announced Saturday at the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce art show called the Beauty of Ka`u. Ann Bosted took first place for photography with her photo called `Ohia Roots in Kula Kai Caverns.

Honu`apo Sunrise, a photo by Betty Clark, won
second place in photography at the art show.

Ann and Peter Bosted, residents of Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, are enthusiastic lava tube explorers, photographers and mappers. They work to document and conserve lava tubes.
'Ohi'a Roots in Kula Kai Caverns features a French caver, Annie, below a mass of long 'Ohia tree roots. Bosted said that 'Ohi'a trees and banyans thrive with roots hanging down into lava tubes.
For her photo, Bosted set up two side lights to illuminate the roots, and a small front light on Annie. The print was made on metallic paper, which enhances the sharpness and detail of the image. Kula Kai Caverns in Ocean View, is open to the public.

Second place went to Betty Clark, of Honu`apo, who took her Honu`apo Sunrise photo with an iphone. Clark is site manger of the Tutu & Me program for Ka`u. She lives above Honu`apo Bay and she watches the colors above the horizon develop dramatically before sunrise each morning. She describes Honu`apo daybreak skies as comparable to any sunset. "I took the photo one morning when it was more spectacular than usual."
See more winners in upcoming Ka`u News Briefs and in yesterday's
edition.
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TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT drew a lot of food for the needy as spectators donated canned goods. It also drew two wins for the Ka`u girls during the annual invitational last Friday and Saturday. The tournament brought in the first official high school sports played at the new Ka`u Gym.

Trojan girls, with coach Cy Lopez, host the first high school
sports competition in the new Ka`u Gym, with a food
drive last weekend. Photo by Jen Makuakane

Ka`u won two games on Saturday, with a 43 to 41 victory over Pahoa and a 38 to 24 win over Kealakehe. The Trojans recorded two losses on Friday, with Kea`au squeaking past Ka`u with two points and final score of 11 - 8. Ke`au jayvee scored three more points than Ka`u jajvee, with final score of 11- 8.
Competition continues with coaches Cy Lopez, Jen Makuakane and Bridgette Pasion on the following dates:
Trojan girls travel to Hawai`i Preparatory Academy in Waimea for a tournament Thursday, through Saturday, Dec. 1 - 3.
The BIIF season kicks off at home for the Trojans on Tuesday, Dec. 13 with Ke`a`au at Ka`u, another tournament on Thursday, Dec. 15 in Hilo, followed by Kealakehe at Ka`u on Thursday, Dec. 22 and Ka`u at Honoka`a on Friday, Dec. 30.
Wednesday, Jan. 4, with Ka‘ū at Kona; Saturday, Jan. 7, Ka‘ū at Kohala; Tuesday, Jan. 10, Pāhoa at Ka‘ū; Thursday, Jan. 12, Hilo at Ka‘ū; Friday, Jan. 13, Ka‘ū at Waiākea; Monday, Jan. 16, HPA at Ka‘ū; and Wednesday, Jan. 18, Kamehameha at Ka‘ū.

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THE NAʻALEHU STUDENT COUNCIL WINTER FESTIVAL is announced. The festival will put fun and friends in the spotlight at Na‘alehu Elementary School on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Billed as a “friend-raiser,” the mini-carnival will be held at Naʻalehu Elementary School grounds and will raise needed funds for student council activities and student incentives.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE board of directors meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m., St. Jude’s Church. 929-9910

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI SHOW & SALE, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 25-27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Gallerygoers are invited to meet the artists in their studios located in Volcano. Artworks will be on display and available for purchase in a variety of media including pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints. Maps to studios available at local businesses & galleries. 987-3472

VOLCANO ARTS CENTER PROGRAMS PREVIEW EXHIBIT, Friday, Saturday Nov. 25/26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Discover what the New Year has to offer. VAC will be on Volcano Artist Hui’s tour, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell poinsettias. 967-8222

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Hōkūleʻa’s crew sailed into Ka Lae and to Miloliʻi chanting Holiuleʻa Haʻa before heading around the
world in the Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe. Supporters can vote on the National Geographic wesbsite
to choose the crew for the 2017 Adveture of the Year award. See story below.
Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

NO JOB OFFERED BY DONALD TRUMP YESTERDAY, the Associated Press reported after Kaʻū’s congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard met with President-elect at Trump Tower in New York. Gabbard’s spokesperson Erika Tsuji told the media that Gabbard did not request a position and Trump did not offer one. “She loves the job she has, serving the people of Hawaiʻi in Congress,” Tsuji said.
However, later in the day Gabbard was said to be “‘under serious consideration’ for various cabinet positions in Trump’s administration, a senior level official within the Trump transition team told ABC News.” The Daily Beast reported that Gabbard “is the first congressional Democrat approached to have a face-to-face meeting with Trump – and the first Bernie Sanders supporter to do so as well.”

Tulsi Gabbard took office in the U.S. Congress in 2013. She was

recently re-elected, but may be courted for a Trump cabinet post.

Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

  Gabbard took her turn meeting Trump, as numerous candidates for cabinet positions filed in to see him over several days. Her arrival led to speculation that she was being considered for cabinet posts from U.N. Ambassador to Secretary of Veterans Affairs. She said her motivation was to to present Trump with her views, particularly on foreign policy. She serves on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.
   Former Hawaiʻi Gov. Neil Abercrombie told the AP: “To the degree and extent that the President-elect Mr. Trump is paying attention to what she is saying, to that same degree, I have confidence that he’s closer to adopting a policy that will be in the interest of the United States.”
   Hawai‘i Democratic Party Chair Tim Vandeveer, a Bernnie Sanders supporter like Gabbard, told AP that he supported Gabbard meeting with Trump: “It’s important that we take the opportunity,” Vandeveer said. “The reality is, President Trump is going to be in the Oval Office very soon, and that's very troubling to many Democrats, but the reality is, we’ve still got to have a voice.”
The Hill reported that Trump spokesperson Kellyanne Conway said that “Trump and Gabbard have a lot of ‘common ground’ and both understand ‘the country very well.’
“The top Trump aide pointed out that Gabbard ‘went against her party quite boldly early on,’ by endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders, leaving her post at the Democratic National Committee to endorse the Vermont independent’s presidential bid earlier this year. ‘There’s a recognition that there’s a big country out there with lots of voters that feel disaffected from their party, the Democrats,’ Conway added,” according to The Hill report by Jessie Hellman.
Read Gabbard’s statement on her meeting with Trump in yesterday’s Kaʻū News Briefs.
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THE ROUND-THE WORLD HŌKŪLEʻA TEAM, who sailed to Kaʻū before launching their current international journey in the double-hull Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe, is one of National Geographic’sten candidates for 2017 Adventurer of the Year. Hōkūle‘a fans can vote on the National Geographic website until Dec. 16.

Hōkūle‘a crew met wil Miloli`i Hipu`u Virtual Academy teachers and
students before embarking on their worldwide voyage.
Photo from Polynesian Voyaging Society

This competition, in its twelfth year, has attracted a diverse and highly adventurous slate of participants in extreme sports – including a cave diver, a kayaker, a paraglider and a mountaineer. Each contestant is described in a feature article, followed by a short question and answer section, on the magazine’s website.

Hōkūle‘a is the iconic voyaging canoe that has not only epitomized high adventure, but in the past 40 years has defied naysayers, rewritten history and helped spark cultural revival across the Pacific. The recreated historic Polynesian sailing vessel is 62 feet long, 20 feet wide and its double hulls are held together by six miles of rope. It is navigated only by the stars, the way that ancient Polynesians found their way to Kaʻū where they first landed in Hawaiʻi.

Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe at
Miloliʻi. Photo by Peter Anderson

Aaron Teasdale, writing a year ago in National Geographic, described a trip aboard the Hōkūle‘a with the navigator, Nainoa Thompson, who learned the ancient art of celestial navigation from a Micronesian sailor, Mau Piailug, in 1976.
“Nainoa Thompson studies the clouds, birds and smells, and feels the wind’s subtle shifts on his bare skin. The boat has no enclosed cabin, and as crew members crawl into tiny, canvas-covered compartments to sleep, Thompson stays awake, studying the cosmos as he guides his craft through a world of sea and stars.
“Initially, scholars, sailors, and even some fellow Polynesians didn’t believe Hōkūle‘a’s crew could successfully navigate the open ocean,” says the National Georgraphic writer. Over the years, however, the crew has made many trips from Hawaiʻi to to Polynesia and the legs of it current Worldwide Voyage have sailed to the East Coast of the U.S., the Caribbean, Brazil, South Africa, Mauritius, Bali and Australia. See more in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.
To cast a vote to name Hōkūle‘a the 2017 Adventurer of the Year, go to the National Geographic web site

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/adventurers-of-the-year/
Voting is allowed daily.

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Wa'a Kaulua View of Honu`apo won an award in the Beauty

of Ka`u photo contest. Photo by Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa

CANOE BUILDER KIKO JOHNSTON-KITAZAWA, of Honuʻapo, took third in last week’s Beauty of Kaʻū photo contest, sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce. He captured the image in the early morning with a Samsung cell phone.
Kaʻū residents, businesses, churches and community groups can support the Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and its scholarship fund through signing up for The Directory 2017 by emailing geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com by Dec. 15.

KAʻŪ ʻOHANA O HONUʻAPO seeks one or two new board members. The organization is a community-based, non-profit with the mission statement: “To restore, care for and protect the natural and cultural resources within the Honu‘apo area. Utilizing the values of mālama ‘āina (care for the land), kūpono (honesty and integrity), and kuleana (duty and responsibility), we will work in community partnerships to preserve this area for future generations.”

Ka ‘Ohana team members have been working with the county, state, and community partners since the organization’s foundation in 2005 to help manage and improve the 230 acres, now known as Honuʻapo. The land includes a public park, ancient Hawaiian fishponds and an uninhabited coastal stretch.

“Our organization is a grassroots, Friends of the Park group run entirely by local volunteers living in Kona and Kaʻū (but open to all island residents who share a love for Honuʻapo Bay and shoreline). We firmly believe that our organization is a great example of how a concerned group of committed community residents and NGOs can work together with government agencies to help better manage their properties in perpetuity.”

Monk seal hauls out at Honuʻapo. Photo by Julia Neal

A statement regarding new board member qualifications says: “We are seeking individuals who care deeply about natural and cultural resources in Kaʻū and are aligned with our mission. Board membership requires time (approximately 10 hours per month) and quarterly in-person meetings and events. We are hoping for new members to bring new energy, passion, and perhaps certain skills that can help our organization grow and continue share our mission. These include grant writing, communications, finances, web design, community networking and social media promotion.”
Interested individuals can contact Ka ʻOhana at kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com for more information. Include a short biography and a sentence or two on reasons for wanting to join the board.
Find out more about Ka ʻOhana at: www.honuapopark.org; and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KaOhanaOHonuapo

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HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE board of directors meeting, is today, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m., St. Jude’s Church. 929-9910

LEI WILI DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THANKSGIVING DINNER AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be from noon to 3 p.m. The free meal is an annual gift to the community by the Ocean View Community Association.

Amakihi, artwork of tooled metal to be on display at the Volcano
Village Artist Hui Show & Sale, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Art by Elizabeth Miller

THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET, Thu, Nov. 24, 2 – 6 p.m., Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day buffet at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet features roast turkey, pineapple honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, pumpkin squares, apple crisp, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $21.95 adults, $11.95 child (6-11 years). No reservations required. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI SHOW & SALE, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 25-27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Gallerygoers are invited to meet the artists in their studios located in Volcano. Artworks will be on display and available for purchase in a variety of media including pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints. Maps to studios available at local businesses & galleries. 987-3472

VOLCANO ARTS CENTER PROGRAMS PREVIEW EXHIBIT, Friday, Saturday Nov. 25/26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Discover what the New Year has to offer. VAC will be on Volcano Artist Hui’s tour, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell poinsettias. 967-8222

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Rep. Richard Creagan, of Kiolakaʻa in Kaʻū, is the new chair of the state House of Representatives
Committee on Agriculture. Photo from Rep. Creagan

DR. RICHARD CREAGAN, who represents east Kaʻū and south Kona in the state Legislature, is the new Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. His selection during a caucus in Honolulu yesterday came after Chair Clift Tsuji died last week.

Creagan, a physician and Kaʻū resident with a farm at Kiolakaʻa, is a Democrat and also serves as vice-president of the Kaʻū chapter of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. He advocates for transparency for labeling GMO and place of origin for foods sold to consumers. His vice-chair will be Rep. Lynn DeCoite, of Molokaʻi.
Rep. Richard Onishi, who represents east Kaʻū, will move from vice-chair of the Ag Committee to chair the House Committee on Tourism.
Creagan is expected to meet this week in Kaʻū with state Senate Ag Chair Mike Gabbard, father of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The congresswoman also supports GMO and origin labeling for food and has taken the effort to the U.S. House of Representatives.

RAPID GROWTH OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING on this island was the warning given to Ocean View residents on Monday. Melody Stone advocated on behalf of the Hawaiʻi Island Coalition Against Human Trafficking. She urged formation of a Neighborhood Watch cooperative to guard against the problem. A group of about 20 Ocean View residents listened to her at Ocean View Community Center.

Ho‘ōla Nā Pua works with Hawaiʻi Island Coalition Against Human

Trafficking and made a sobering presentation at
Ocean View Community Center this week.
Photo from Hoʻōla Nā Pua

A former clinical therapist in private practise, Stone has embraced her calling to spread awareness and offers free training to groups anywhere. She can train others in recognizing the warning signs before the human trafficking begins, and can make them aware of the problems with a video. She works with an organization on ‘Oahu, called Ho‘ōla Nā Pua.
“About 100 to 300 kids go missing in Hawaiʻi every month,” she explained. “It is a huge problem which people don’t like to talk about, so many are not aware of it. The police want to brush it under the rug, so it’s up to the community to organize.”
The mission of Ho‘ōla Nā Pua is the renewal of trafficked girls through health, education, advocacy, and reintegration. The organization is also committed to meeting the unique needs of underage female sex trafficked victims through the utilization of individualized, comprehensive, and restorative therapies.
Rod DuCosin, a volunteer at the Ocean View Community Center, described the situation in Ocean View as a dangerous one. “The kids return from school and get off the bus and go to the park, where there is no drinking water. The parents are often late arriving to fetch their kids, so the kids are left wandering around. It used to be that kids knew where to go for help, but no longer.”

See https://hoolanapua.org/ for guides and outreach to programs to help stop teen trafficking.
Photo from Ho‘ōla Nā Pua

“There are lots of unregistered pedophiles in Ocean View, and I see them cruising by the park,” commented DuCosin.
Stone advised her audience to employ Neighborhood Watch to monitor the bus stop and volunteer time at the park. She also explained ways parents can guard against abduction of young teens by human traffickers.
“Stay close to your teens and talk to them. Know what their problems are and who their friends are and who they are e-mailing and texting. Get them trained in self-defense,” she advised.
“We don’t have statistics, but we know it is going on in Ocean View from the stories we are getting from the girls we have rescued,” she explained. “The traffickers are moving all over the island. We have to get training for the police. Traffickers prey where teens gather.”
DuCosin said many Ocean View kids go to school in Kona, where there is no supervision as they wait for the bus.
Kaʻū’s Community Policing Officer, Clayton Tayamen, told the group that he had not heard of any human trafficking in Kaʻū. He said that a Neighborhood Watch meets weekly, but admitted that the police had been unsuccessful in stopping the rash of burglaries in Ocean View.
“We have persons of interest” he stated, referring to the fact that the identities of the culprits are well known in the community, but they remain at large. The situation has been the subject of two recent community meetings.
See https://hoolanapua.org/ for guides and outreach to programs to help stop teen trafficking.
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The annual Floating Lantern Ceremony
is Saturday at Punaluʻu.
Photo from KRHCAI

A THANKSGIVING WEEKEND TRADITION, the sixth annual Floating Lantern Ceremony, is scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 26 at Punaluʻu Beach Park’s Medicine Pond. The annual gathering is sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center and founder Jessie Marques. Donations help a college scholarship fund for education for health careers.
Tax deductible purchase of floating lanterns, T-shirts and photos also raises money.
The event features community potluck, Taiko drummers, Gi Gon demonstration, hula dancers and local music, followed by a special photo powerpoint presentation of loved ones, friends, families, caregivers and previous celebrations. The theme was “Honoring the Past, Present and Future Generations.”
To donate to the scholarship fund for health careers, call 928-0101. See more at Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association’s website https://krhcai.com and its Facebook page.

Jessie Marques and
Theresa Richardson
join Be A Lifesaver Campaign
and will receive an AED for Kaʻū.
Photo from KRHCAI

CARDIAC RESCUE EQUIPMENT FOR KAʻŪ: Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association staff, Executive Director Jessie Marques and Office Manager Theresa Richardson recently attended the Special AED Presentation hosted by Big Island Toyota in Hilo. As part of Be A Lifesaver Campaign partnership with Big Island Toyota Hilo and Kona, 20 free automated external defibrillator devices were awarded to KRHCAI and other community non-profit organizations on the Big Island.
Lisa Rantz, Executive Director of Hilo Medical Center Foundation, planned to deliver the AED to KRHCAI upon completion of training on the use of the AED, training on chest compression-only CPR. For more information contact Marques, Program Coordinator Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LEI WILI DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. Free; park entrance fees apply

THANKSGIVING DINNER AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be from noon to 3 p.m. The free meal is an annual gift to the community by the Ocean View Community Association.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

Zero-interest loans can be for safe access, re-roofing and other repairs to keep low-income homeowners living
safely in their houses. Photo from Habitat for Humanity

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS OFFERING ZERO INTEREST LOANS FOR HOME REPAIRS in Kaʻū. The Habitat Rural Housing Repair Funding is available to low-income homeowners, through its Hilo division, for such repairs as fixing roof leaks, termite problems, wood rot, leaking plumbing and to build ramps and safe stairs for access.

The Hale Aloha ʻO Hilo chapter of Habitat won a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant to preserve rural homes that need fixing up, as new homes are expensive and hard to find, and with the understanding that staying in one’s own home may be the best option. Homes in the countryside and in all of Kaʻū’s towns and villages are located in the area of eligibility.

To apply, applicant must have income and assets not exceeding program guidelines, have owned and occupied the home for at least a year before applying, be an owner-occupant with clear fee simple title, have sufficient equity to cover required repairs and be able to repay the no-interest loan over 20 years.

The dwelling must be a legal structure located in a rural area and have defects that pose a health and safety hazard to occupants or be in need of improvements to make the dwelling accessible for a handicapped occupants.

Repairs are performed by a licensed general contractor hired by the homeowner. Loan is secured by a mortgage and promissory note with 20 years to repay. To apply, call Mary Finley at 967-7230.

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Jeffrey Kekoa is a graduate of the leadership training and President

of Hawaiian Home Lands Association of Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

KAʻŪ LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM, sponsored by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Community Development Initiative, is recruiting for applicants through Friday, Dec. 16.
The training will be held in the new Kaʻū District Gym multi-purpose room. Among the Kaʻū community leaders who have taken the training are Jeff and Donna Kekoa. Jeff is the president of the local Hawaiian Home Lands Association. Donna is known for her work at Kaʻū Hospital Rural Health Clinic, Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association and other community organizations.

The training is not only open to Hawaiian Home Lands Trust beneficiaries. It is open to other residents. An ideal class, says the announcement, will have a mix of participants: high school to kupuna; emerging beginner to experienced leader; representatives of community nonprofits, the public sector, private sector and government. Farmers, ranchers, artists, cultural practitioners, educators, environmentalists, health and human service workers and those with faith-based jobs and avocations are invited. Maximum class size is 30.

The training is at no cost to participants and is valued at up to $2000 per person. It is designed to be a fun, dynamic and highly-interactive training program to build leadership skills that may be used in community service, on the job and in personal life.

Orientation will be Jan. 7 and class sessions are one weekend per month for four months in 2017: Jan. 28-29, Feb. 15-16, March 18-19 and April 8-9. In addition to class work, participants are expected to volunteer 20 t0 40 hours to complete a class project within six to nine months after the last class session.

To sign up, call Gigi Cairel at 808-620-9461 Hawaiian Home Lands. Email Gigi.O.Cairel@hawaii.gov. Locally, call Jeffrey Kekoa at 928-0320.

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The new Kaʻū Gym will be the site of a Winter Jam for
community basketball for all ages and a UH Vulcan
volleyball clinic for youth. Photo by Ron Johnson

THE ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM has announced a Dec. 2 deadline to sign up. The tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. Cost is $10 per person with strand-nicolsen_marley.jpgfive players maximum per team. The tournament helps raise money help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To sign up or donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

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Vulcans volleyball team, which includes
Kaʻū’s Marley Strand-Nicholaisan
comes to the new gym Dec. 1.
Photo from Vulcans

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I VULCAN VOLLEYBALL CLINIC will be held next Thursday, Dec. 1 at the new Kaʻū District Gym from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for youth five to 14 years of age. The tournament is expected to feature Vulcan and Trojan volleyball star Marley Strand-Nicholaisen and other Vulcan players who just finished their season.

All participants must have a parent sign the Dept. of Parks & Recreation release of claims form and the HI-PAL permission Release Form.

Court shoes or rubber sold shoes are required. To register, call Pāhala Community Center at 928-3102 or 854-7316. Community police Officer Blaine Morishita is also helping through the Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League and can be reached at 936-7192.

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THANKSGIVING DINNER AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be from noon to 3 p.m. The free meal is an annual gift to the community by the Ocean View Community Association.

THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET, is today, Nov. 24, from 2 p.m.– 6 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet features roast turkey, pineapple honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, pumpkin squares, apple crisp, ice cream sundae bar and beverage. $21.95 adults, $11.95 child (6-11 years). No reservations required. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356

SATURDAY IS THE SIXTH ANNUAL FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY at Punaluʻu Beach Park’s Medicine Pond. In addition to participants building, decorating and launching tiny boats to carry lights honoring late friends and family, the gathering features community potluck, Taiko drummers, Gi Gon demonstration, hula dancers and local music, followed by a special photo powerpoint presentation of loved ones, caregivers and previous celebrations. The theme is “Honoring the Past, Present and Future Generations.”

Floating Lantern ceremony at Punaluʻu this Saturday
honors loved ones. Photo by Julia Neal

To donate to the scholarship fund for health careers, call 928-0101. See more at Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association’s website https://krhcai.com and its Facebook page.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

The Volcano went to New York this week and became a float in yesterday’s
90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

THE ERUPTING VOLCANO, WATERFALLS, HAWAIIAN AGRICULTURE AND LOCAL CULTURE were main features representing Hawaiʻi Island on the float in the 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City yesterday. Macy’s partnered with King’s Hawaiian sweetbread company to build the float. It showed coco palms, sugar, pineapple, plumeria and other flowers, along with a waterfall, a volcano spewing confetti, and a rural shack, picnic table and garden.

Two hundred hula dancers and the Hawaiʻi all-state marching band of 500 musicians, from public and private schools around the state, joined the parade seen by about 50 million people on television and the Internet, and three million people on the streets of New York City.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Executive Director Amy Kule said, “Hawaiʻi is a land of absolute wonder. The agriculture, the culture itself, the sheer beauty of this island is going to be shared with a brighter and bigger audience.”
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Tahiti-based London Missionary Society missionary William Ellis and American missionaries observed
and recorded activity at Kīlauea Volcano in the summer of 1823 during a walk
around the coastline of Hawaiʻi Island. Wikipedia image

VOLCANO WATCH: “AN ASSUMPTION ABOUT KĪLAUEA VOLANO is proven wrong,” is the headline of this week’s report from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists. “Everyone extrapolates facts and makes assumptions based on those facts. Sometimes, such an assumption is repeated so often that it takes on the aura of a ‘fact’ itself. This is the story of how one such assumption about Kīlauea’s recent past was proven wrong – and only in the past couple of months!”

Going back in the history of western arrival in Hawaiʻi, the scientists write that “William Ellis, leader of the first missionaries to visit Kīlauea, described numerous pieces of windblown pumice (‘spumous lava...as light as a sponge’) in hollows on the ground as he approached the summit from the southwest on August 1, 1823. This must be the golden pumice. How long before his visit did the pumice fall?”
The scientists explain that, “Scattered remnants of a once-extensive pumice deposit occur on the ground surface west of Kīlauea Volcano’s summit caldera. The pumice, known as the golden pumice, records a large lava fountain in the southwest part of the caldera.

Golden pumice is seen here along with many other kinds
of offerings from the volcano. USGS photo

“In a study of the golden pumice published in 1987, three celebrated geologists – Bob Sharp (CalTech), Dan Dzurisin (USGS), and Mike Malin (Arizona State) – suggested an eruption date ‘possibly around 1820.’ The only rocks that fell later onto the pumice were, in their interpretation, erupted in 1924. They observed other thin deposits locally overlying (hence, younger than) the golden pumice but ascribed them to remobilization of older deposits by water, rather than to younger eruptions.
“These observations and interpretations led to the assumption – challenged in this Volcano Watch – that the golden pumice represents the youngest explosive eruption from the caldera until 1924.
“Several years ago, another pumice bed, called the eastern pumice, was discovered in the southern part of Kīlauea’s caldera. It underlies, and therefore is older than, explosion deposits consisting largely of rock fragments, not pumice.
“Work on the eastern pumice – see Volcano Watch for August 8, 2013 (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/view.php?id=188)– tracked it westward into golden pumice
country. Nowhere, however, could we find the two deposits in the same outcrop, so we could not determine if the golden pumice was truly younger than the eastern pumice, as was assumed.

A past assumption about pumice deposits on Kīlauea Volcano

has recently been proven wrong. In this photo, the eastern

pumice can be seen above the golden pumice, with

stream deposits between the two.

Photo by Sebastien Biasse, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

“We looked in just the right place and found clear physical evidence of two pumice layers, one on top of the other. The older, lower pumice has the golden pumice composition. A chemical analysis of the younger, upper pumice, which looks physically like eastern pumice, was completed in late October, and it is indeed eastern pumice. The outcrop was examined once more in November with neutral observers, just to be sure, and the field relations were confirmed.

“This discovery upsets the apple cart. The assumption is wrong that the golden pumice records the last 19th-century explosion.

“Instead, the eastern pumice and at least four other explosions occurred later. The fallout from these explosions was directed mainly southward, rather than westward, so there is little overlap with the golden pumice. But there is just enough, as shown by that one outcrop, to prove the case and falsify the long-held assumption.
“Now we are challenged to determine better the ages of these eruptions. Had they all taken place before Ellis arrived, or were some explosions in the later 1820s overlooked because of infrequent visitation to Kīlauea? Do some of the rocks overlying the golden pumice, interpreted as reworked older deposits by Sharp and colleagues, instead record younger explosions? Could some of the rocks thought to be of 1924 vintage really be from the early 19th century? These
and other questions await answers. A geologist’s work is never done.” To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō breakout flow on east flank as seen on Nov. 22
Photo from USGS

VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES: Kīlauea continues to erupt at its summit and East Rift Zone. This past week, the summit lava lake level varied between about 7.5 and 20 m (25-66 ft) below the vent rim. The 61g lava flow continued to enter the ocean near Kamokuna. On Nov. 21, a new breakout from the upper part of the 61g tube on the flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō sent surface flows to the east and south. These flows remained active as of Nov. 23. The 61g lava flows do not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. During the past week, small (less than magnitude-3) earthquakes occurred primarily beneath the upper Southwest Rift Zone and summit caldera at depths less than 5 km (3 mi). Deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone continues, with inflation occurring mainly in the southwestern part of the magma storage complex. No earthquakes were reported felt on the Island of Hawaiʻi this past week.

Visit (http://hvo.usgs.gov) for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, recent earthquakes info, and more; call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa); email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

Volcano Watch (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/) is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survery Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI SHOW & SALE is today and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Gallerygoers are invited to meet the artists in their studios located in Volcano. Artworks will be on display and available for purchase in a variety of media including pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints. A special drawing for pieces contributed by each of the artists will be held on the final day of the tour.

For more information, call 987-3472 or 985-7487. Maps to the artists’ studios are available at local businesses and galleries in the Volcano and at: www.VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com. 987-3472.

VOLCANO ART CENTER PROGRAMS PREVIEW EXHIBIT, Friday, Saturday Nov. 25/26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Discover what the New Year has to offer. VAC will be on Volcano Artist Hui’s tour, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell poinsettias. 967-8222

Lights, lanterns and messages
honor loved ones at Punaluʻu
this Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

TOMORROW IS THE SIXTH ANNUAL FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY at Punaluʻu Beach Park’s Medicine Pond. In addition to participants building, decorating and launching tiny boats to carry lights honoring late friends and family, the gathering features community potluck, Taiko drummers, Gi Gon demonstration, hula dancers and local music, followed by a special photo powerpoint presentation of loved ones, caregivers and previous celebrations. The theme is “Honoring the Past, Present and Future Generations.”

To donate to the scholarship fund for health careers, call 928-0101. See more at Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association’s website https://krhcai.com and its Facebook page. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Taiko Drummers will play for the sixth annual Floating Lantern Ceremony today
at Punaluʻu Beach Park from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Photo by Julia Neal

NOMINEES FOR A WATER SECURITY ADVISORY GROUP are being accepted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Deadline for accepting applications is Dec. 23. Advisors will serve, without compensation, through June 30, 2018. The Water Security group was established in Act 172, passed by the 2016 state legislature. Act 172 may be viewed and downloaded at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2016/bills/GM1274_.PDF The chair of the state Board of Land & Natural Resources, Suzanne Case, former executive director of The Nature Conservancy, will review the applications and select individuals deemed qualified.

Act 172 requires members of the Water Security Advisory Group be comprised of the manager and chief engineer of the board of water supply of each county or their designee, the deputy director for water resource management of the DLNR, and the following individuals who meet qualifications for each type of group member:
• A member with knowledge of agricultural water storage and delivery systems.
• A member of a private landowning entity that actively partners with a watershed partnership.
• A member with knowledge, experience and expertise in the area of Hawaiian cultural practices.
• A member representing a conservation organization.

Hawaiʻi consumes almost double the water as
other states, according to the Helono Moku
report at www.helonomoku.com.

Interested people are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter and three letters of reference that outline the applicant’s qualifications to serve on the Water Security Advisory Group. Applications can be sent to:Water Security Advisory Group, Commission on Water Resource Management, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 227, Honolulu, HI 96813.

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

THE 2016 WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS, held in Honolulu in September and attended by Kaʻū residents representing conservation agencies and organizations, helped inspire legislation this summer for the state Water Security Advisory Group for which applicants are sought from throughout Hawaiʻi. The legislation creating the group states the “Hawaiʻi-hosted World Conservation Congress presents an opportunity for Hawaiʻi to demonstrate international leadership in investing in natural capital that supports economic growth and protects the quality of life. The challenge of managing the State's limited natural resources such as watersheds, marine habitat, and fresh water supply while fostering community resilience is too large a task for a single actor or sector to address alone. New and innovative partnerships are needed to catalyze large-scale investment in Hawaiʻi’s sustainable development,” states the new legislation.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAIʻI CONSUMES WATER AT ALMOST DOUBLE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, according to a report issued this year by the Hawai‘i Environmental Funders Group. The report called He Lono Moku: The State of the Environment points to “residents and non-agricultural businesses using an average 144 gallons of water per day, or 4,320 gallons per month, due in part to the impact of seven million tourists a year.” The report was issued in advance of the International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress held in Honolulu. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

AN ALOHA + NATURAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP is set up by new Hawaiʻi state legislation that says, “The Aloha + Natural Capital Investment Partnership is a joint public-private conservation commitment that will demonstrate Hawaiʻi’s commitment to natural resources management with a special focus on climate resilience at the World Conservation Congress and beyond.
“To provide reliable long-term funding needed to meet the State's Aloha + Challenge conservation targets by 2030, partners from multiple sectors, including county, state, and federal governments as well as private philanthropic and corporate entities, must work together to leverage funds and provide matching opportunities,” states the new legislation. A number of partnerships will be managed by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.

Water in Kaʻū has been used by ranchers and planters
for many generations. A new state initiative is to
increase water security for agriculture, nature and people.
Photo from state Department of Agriculture

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO INCREASE WATER SECURITY will be sought by the new Water Security Advisory Group. The enabling 2016 state legislation aims “to enable public-private partnerships that increase water security by providing matching state funds for projects and programs that increase the recharge of groundwater resources; encourage the reuse of water and reduce the use of potable water for landscaping irrigation; and improve the efficiency of potable and agricultural water use.”
The legislation also allows the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to establish an account or fund for depositing moneys appropriated by the legislature; gifts, grants, and other private funds; and federal funds. The money is to be used for projects and programs to increase water security recommended by the water security advisory group. provided that state funds are matched for each project.

The DLNR’s Division of Forestry & Wildlife manages a little more than one million acres of public land. Approximately 900,000 of those acres fall within a Watershed Partnership boundary.

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Tulsi Gabbard

A THANKSGIVING WEEKEND MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD urged people to “enjoy some down times together.” She thanked the military for their service.
For the people of Hawaiʻi, she said, “Mahalo for the privilege of serving you and working for you. There’s no question that this year has had its shares of ups and downs. We’ve had debates about whether or not to take military action in Syria and we went through a government shutdown which negatively affected hundreds and thousands of people costing our country tremendously. Through these tremendous challenges I want you to know how much I have valued your feedback, your guidance and your encouragement as we work together towards a stronger, more sustainable future.

“I know that as long as we stand together, in the spirit of aloha and service we will bring people together to bridge divides and find constructive ways to work together,” said Gabbard.

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

Mandala Forest Bird Platter stoneware pottery by
Emily Herb, one of Volcano Village Artists Hui
opening her studio today and tomorrow.
Photo from Emily Herb

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI STUDIOS TOUR, SHOW & SALE wraps up today and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Art explorers are invited to meet the artists in their studios to see and purchase pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints.

The annual event started 30 years ago when a small group of Volcano Village artists offered an informal studio sale of artworks on Thanksgiving weekend. Today, the Hui has 14 artists and craftspeople with six open studios and galleries. On display and for sale are classic pieces and new works inspired by Hawaiʻi island.
A special drawing for pieces contributed by each of the artists will be held on the final day of the tour.

For more information, call 987-3472 or 985-7487. Maps to the artists’ studios are available at local businesses and galleries in the Volcano and at: www.VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com. 987-3472

VOLCANO ART CENTER PROGRAMS PREVIEW EXHIBIT ends today, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Discover what the New Year has to offer. VAC will be on Volcano Artist Hui’s tour, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will sell poinsettias. 967-8222

The sixth annual Floating Lantern Ceremony

at Punaluʻu is today. Photo from KRHCAI

TODAY IS THE SIXTH ANNUAL FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY at Punaluʻu Beach Park’s Medicine Pond, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to participants building, decorating and launching tiny boats to carry lights honoring late friends and family, the gathering features community potluck, Taiko drummers, Gi Gon demonstration, hula dancers and local music, followed by a special photo powerpoint presentation of loved ones, caregivers and previous celebrations. The theme is “Honoring the Past, Present and Future Generations.”
To donate to the scholarship fund for health careers, call 928-0101. See more at Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association’s website https://krhcai.com and its Facebook page.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Earth Matters farm at Kama`oa and South Point Roads hosted the chairs of the Agriculture Committees of the state House
of Representatives and state Senate over Thanksgiving weekend for a Hawai`i Farmers Union United meeting.
Photo from Earth Matters

TWO TOP AGRICULTURE LEADERS IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE met over the Thanksgiving weekend at Earth Matters Farm on South Point Road to listen to ideas about the future of farming in Hawaiʻi. Sen. Mike Gabbard, Chair of the state Senate Committee on Agriculture, and Rep. Richard Creagan, new Chair of the state House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, listened to Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United members talk about the state Department of Agriculture's anemic funding.
While chefs, health and agricultural educators, and numerous policy makers name growing food locally as an important sustainability and security goal, funding of the state ag department is less than one half of one percent (.0378 percent) of the state budget. More than 100 jobs at the state ag department remain unfilled, including inspectors that help to keep out invasive species and disease from importation. The farmers and legislators called for more funding for the ag department.

Gabbard and Creagan said they look forward to a good working relationship with Scott Enright, the chair of the state Board of Agriculture and Director of the state Department of Agriculture. They also talked about more direct funding to farmers to help control the coffee berry borer and little fire ants. Farmers talked about making more land and more education available, said Kaʻū President of the Farmers Union, Greg Smith.
Ken Love, Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers, talked about Japanese government providing young farmers some $35,000 a year salary for five years to help establish farms. For greenhouses, the national government puts up 50 percent and the local prefectural governments about 20 percent for new farmers. “It shows the Japanese are really dedicated to their agriculture and to growing food,” said Love.

Sen. Mike Gabbard, Kaʻū Farmers Union President
Greg Smith and Rep. Richard Creagan.
Photo by Steve Sakala

In Hawaiʻi, as evident at the Farmers Union meeting, said Love, “It is obvious things are starting to coalesce to elevate the level of agriculture in the state.” The three leaders in the legislature and state administration, Gabbard, Creagan and Enright, “are helping usher in a new era of agriculture in Hawaiʻi,” said Love.
Nancy Redfeather, of the Kohala Center, talked about the farm-to-school movement to allow schools to make more direct purchases of food from local farms. Making agriculture part of the curriculum from elementary school through university is a Kohala Center goal. Redfeather advocated for farmer education through schools, community groups and government.
John Replogle, a backyard farmer, who works for The Nature Conservancy, discussed the large amount of talk about raising food compared to the small amount of food actually being produced. Replogle, who grew up in Kaʻū and worked in ranching for decades, talked about making more state lands available to small farmers.

Steve Sakala, President of the Kona Chapter of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union, said keeping out invasive species and pushing them back, once here, remains a major problem. He pointed to the continuing onslaught of coffee berry borers, which likely arrived in bags of imported coffee. He also talked about truth-in-labeling efforts at the legislature to protect regional coffee brands, so buyers understand how much Kona or Kaʻū coffee, for example, is in the bag. Legislation could also require labeling to reveal the origin and amount of imported coffee mixed with the local brand.

Sakala said land security remains a big issue and pointed out that one of the most successful, largest organic operations on the island, Robb Farm, is moving to Oregon because the farmer can’t find land security. “We need to retain the great farmers we do have. and train new farmers for the future,” Sakala said

Hemp was mentioned among the farmers who noted that other states are making great strides in growing it for fiber and other – non-marijuana uses. “We don’t want another year to get hemp permits. We want to grow this Spring,” Sakala told The Kaʻū Calendar.

Others attending the meeting included Ted Feinstein, new county administrator for College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources; Gabriel Howearts, of Seeds of Change; and Bob Schaffer, advocate for re-promoting recycling, mulch and efficient use of green waste. See https://hfuuhi.org.

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HAWAI‘I FARMERS UNION UNITED has new grants from the state Department of Agriculture and Kamehameha Schools for trials and demonstrations for sustainable agriculture. President Vince Mina said yesterday that Korean Natural Farming practices will also be supported. Mina reported that the statewide convention, held this year at OK Farms in Hilo, will be held on Oʻahu next year, Oct. 6, 7 and 8. During the convention, the National Farmers Union is expected to deliver a charter for the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union chapter. Mina said it will mark the first new charter for a state in 17 years. The organization in Hawaiʻi has about 700 members and is the fastest growing Farmers Union in the country, he said. Mina said he is hoping for 1,000 members soon. To join see https://hfuuhi.org.

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Elizabeth Miller with her art at Volcano Village Artist Hui
show and sale which wraps up today. Photo by Ron Johnson

30TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI SHOW & SALE wraps up today from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Volcano Village. Gallerygoers are invited to meet the artists in their studios located in Volcano. Artworks will be on display and available for purchase in a variety of media including pottery, raku, hand-blown art glass, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber art as well as photographs, paintings, drawings, metal work, quilts, and block prints. Maps to and galleries.
A special drawing for pieces contributed by each of the artists will be held on the final day of the tour.
For more information, call 987-3472 or 985-7487. Maps to the artists’ studios are available at local businesses and galleries in the Volcano and at: www.VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com. 987-3472987-3472

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

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I VULCAN VOLLEYBALL CLINIC to be held this Thursday, Dec. 1 at the new Kaʻū District Gym. The clinic, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is for youth five to 14 years of age. The clinic is expected to feature Vulcan and Trojan volleyball star Marley Strand-Nicholaisen and other Vulcan players who just finished their season.
All participants must have a parent sign the Dept. of Parks & Recreation release of claims form and the HI-PAL permission Release Form. Court shoes or rubber sold shoes are required. To register, call Pāhala Community Center at 928-3102 or 854-7316. Community police Officer Blaine Morishita is also helping through the Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League and can be reached at 936-7192.

Sports clinics and tournaments are open to the public at the
new Kaʻū District Gym. Photo by Ron Johnson

DEADLINE FOR THE ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM is this Friday, Dec. 2. The tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. Cost is $10 per person with five players maximum per team. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To sign up or donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Everyone is invited to join in the Pahala Christmas Parade
on Sunday, Dec. 11. Photo by Julia Neal

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

U.H. Hilo and NASA researchers recently wrapped up a Mars simulation deployment at Mauna Ula. Photo from U.H. Hilo

NASA’S AMES RESEARCH CENTER AND UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI-HILO have completed an 18-day field deployment using terrain in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park that is similar to terrain on the planet Mars. The goal is to prepare for human and robot exploration of Mars in the future. The terrain for the simulation is located around Mauna Ulu.
A youtube video on the exercise poses the question, “Can astronauts test drive a mission to Mars here on Earth?” See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM-SWMmrOsk

Using terrain in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to simulate Mars,
a University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo and NASA crew set up communications.
Photo from NASA’s Ames Research Center

The mission group, called Biologic Analog Science Association with Lava Terrains - BASALT, included a science team set up at Kīlauea Military Camp and an extra-vehicular field crew at Mauna Ula. The groups interacted via simulated Mars mission communication delays that ranged from five to 15 minutes in length one-way. The effort was to help identify operational concepts and capabilities that enable science and discovery when humans explore Mars – the red planet nearest Earth. This was the second BASALT exercise for this program.

U.H. Hilo participants included geology students Kyla Defore, Colin Milosoroff, Ashley Garnett and Michael Baily; physics and astronomy students Niki Thomas and Felicity Cross; and marine science and physics student Brittany Fuemmeler. U.H. Hilo geology alumni Sarah Benner and Brendan McQuillan also participated along with U.H. physics and astronomy instructors John Hamilton and Marc Roberts.

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Prepping for Mars exploration around Moaʻula,
with U.H. Hilo and NASA team.
Photo from NASA’s Ames Research Center

CLIMATE CHANGE IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY by Hawaiʻi state and county government, according to two state and one county official who spoke at a recent forum held by the county Department of Research & Development.

Bruce Anderson, head of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources Aquatic Resources Division, weighed in. He reported on climate change evidence in the rising temperature of ocean waters, saying sealife is heavily impacted. He reported that approximately half the corals in West Hawaiʻi died in the year 2014-2015. Statewide, 90 percent of corals bleached in 2015 – the worst recorded Hawaiʻi coral bleaching ever.
The bleaching phenomenon has been widely reported by the international press, as not only a threat to ocean life but a threat to Hawaiʻi Island tourism which depends on beautiful corals and sealife for snorkeling visitors. The Guardian reported on the bleaching, quoting the Director of the Hawaiʻi Institute on Marine Biology “comparing dead coral reef to a city reduced to ruble.”
West Hawaiʻi Today, reported that the recent county forum drew the state Aquatic Resources chief to say, “We really can’t do a whole lot about world temperature changes. Let’s face it, we’re on a trajectory that will probably continue as it is for at least a decade or two, even if we can start dramatically reducing emissions.”

Coral bleaching documentation along the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo form The Nature Conservancy

Reporter Max Dible wrote that Anderson talked about helping corals through allowing marine life to flourish. “Anderson said creating marine reserves, limiting take on certain species and addressing sedimentation concerns will be key to sustaining corals at what may prove a historical tipping point for marine ecosystems.”
Dible also quoted Scott Glenn, director of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. Dible reported that Glenn “said the consensus approach has been to bite off little pieces of the complex problem one at a time, starting with what is already known.” According to the West Hawaiʻi Today story, Glenn talked about state long-term planning, given existing building codes and emergency preparation for such expected disasters as hurricanes. Glenn said, “The idea is applying a climate lens. We look at what we have now, what’s existing, and say if we looked at this from a climate change point of view, does it work? And if it doesn’t, why not? And what can we tweak about it to help make it work? And then, by doing that, we’ll also figure out what do we not have any legislative cover for?”

Ocean water temperatures can be seen daily at a NOAA website
http://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/bleaching5km/images_current/cur_b05kmnn_sst_wnw.gif

According to the Gible story, “Glenn said the approach to combating climate change is two-pronged: Mitigation to reduce and eventually eliminate carbon emissions is first, followed by adaption, or figuring out how to live in a world reformed by human-induced climate change.” Glenn referred to the state's Act 234 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and Act 283, setting climate change adaptation priority guidelines to be meshed with overall state planning.
The West Hawaiʻi Today story also quoted John DeFries, who heads the county Department of Research & Development. DeFries said the Hawaiian Islands must unite with the roughly 175,000 other islands and 600 million islanders around the world to create a coalition and thereby an international voice on the subject of climate change. “If islands are going to have a voice at the international policy level, we’re going to have to unite,” he said. “Islands contribute the least amount to climate change and will be the first to be impacted. Our motivation is very different than those on the continent.”
See more at westhawaiitoday.com.
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Family members and friends remembered over Thanksgiving weekend
with a Floating Lanterns Ceremony at Punaluʻu Medicine Pond, sponsored
by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association. Photo by Dr. Dexter Hayes

THE MEDICINE POND AT PUNALUʻU was the site of the sixth annual Floating Lanterns ceremony over Thanksgiving weekend. Sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, it featured a gathering of people to honor their loved ones who have died. They launched rafts with lights into the pond with decorated sails with drawings and written messages. They enjoyed a potluck together, Taiko drumming, hula, a digital presentation about loved ones and past lantern ceremonies, and tunes from local musicians. The annual event is held each Saturday after Thanksgiving.

For Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association activities and education all year long, see https://krhcai.com/

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Taiko Drumming honored loved ones at the
Floating Lantern Ceremony.
Photo by Dr. Dexter Hayes

KAʻŪ FOOD PANTRY will be open to distribute food this Tuesday, Nov. 29 at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WINTER CRAFTS FOR KEIKI will be offered this Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m at Pāhala Community Center, for grades K-8. 928-3102.

REGISTER FOR UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I VULCAN VOLLEYBALL CLINIC to be held this Thursday, Dec. 1 at the new Kaʻū District Gym. The clinic, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is for youth five to 14 years of age. The clinic is expected to feature Vulcan and Trojan volleyball star Marley Strand-Nicholaisen and other Vulcan players who just finished their season. All participants must have a parent sign the Dept. of Parks & Recreation release of claims form and the HI-PAL permission Release Form. Court shoes or rubber sole shoes are required. To register, call Pāhala Community Center at 928-3102 or 854-7316. Community police Officer Blaine Morishita is also helping through the Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League and can be reached at 936-7192.

DEADLINE FOR THE ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM is this Friday, Dec. 2. The tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. Cost is $10 per person with five players maximum per team. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To sign up or donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

Pāhala's Christmas parade is this Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

Susan Jennings won a first
place ribbon for her art on
a Hawaiian gourd.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Jami Beck, a graduate of Kaʻū High School and Youth Ranger, teaches keiki about the rainforest at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
National Park. The scholar athlete is also a candidate for Miss Teen Hawaiʻi in Honolulu on Dec. 17. An on-line
vote for for Miss Photogenic takes place through Dec. 12. See story below.

CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD is planning to join hundreds to thousands of veterans, many of them Native Americans, this Sunday, Dec. 4 at Standing Rock, North Dakota to protect clean water and historic sites from the Dakota Access Pipeline. The 1,172 mile-long pipeline would transport about half the fracked oil produced at Bakken, North Dakota, taking it past Sioux tribal lands and their freshwater sources, under the Missouri River into South Dakota and Missouri to Illinois, hooking up with other pipelines to refineries.

Gabbard is scheduled to join the water protectors on the day before the deadline that Army Corp of Engineers set for everyone to leave the pipeline construction area. Calling themselves “Native Water Protectors” rather than protesters, the large group that is camped near the Missouri River grew from about three dozen in April to 5,000 on Labor Day. Comprised of some 300 tribes, including Native Hawaiians, the protectors and their supporters have held their ground for more than six months in hot to frigid weather. Some have been arrested. Their slogan in the Sioux language is “Mni Waconi.” In English, it is “Water is Life.”
Once completed, the pipeline would carry daily as much as 570,000 barrels of fracked crude oil past the Sioux lands. Standing Rock Sioux tribal leaders contend that they could lose clean water security, saying the pipeline operator is known for many oil spills. They also claim that construction of the pipeline desecrates sacred burial sites.
A statement from Gabbard's staff says, “Next weekend, the congresswoman will be joining thousands of veterans from across the country to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux in North Dakota who are protesting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline through their tribal lands, with grave concerns about the contamination of their major water source.”
A GoFundMe has raised more than $500,000 to support the cost of veterans traveling to Standing Rock.

Sone 300 tribes, including Native Hawaiian groups,
have supported the Standing Rock Sioux.
Photo by Tony Webster

In an online petition soliciting names to oppose the pipeline, Gabbard writes, “We cannot remain silent while so many of our brothers and sisters continue to stand up against a greedy oil company and an Army Corp of Engineers that have failed to properly follow the law or actually address the important issues of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and neighboring communities.”
In September, Gabbard and 18 Democrats in the Native American Caucus of the U.S House of Representatives wrote to Pres. Barack Obama saying “The federal government has a moral and legal trust responsibility to ensure that federally permitted projects do not threaten historically or culturally significant tribal places, the trust lands of tribal nations, or the waters that run through them. We stand with tribal leaders in asking you to uphold our federal trust responsibility and protect tribal interests in this and future permitting decisions by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.”

A segment of the Dakota Access Pipeline already constructed in
North Dakota. Photo by Tony Webster

The lawmakers also wrote. “In the instance of the Dakota Access Pipeline, despite its location within a mile of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, the United States Army Corps of Engineers failed in its responsibility to engage in meaningful consultation and collaboration with potentially impacted tribal nations. The lack of proper consultation on the Dakota Access Pipeline has been detrimental to the interests of all stakeholders in this issue, from the tribal governments whose heritage and lands are at risk to the workers hired to construct this pipeline who now face uncertain conditions.”
On its website the pipeline company states the following: “The pipeline will translate into millions in state and local revenues during the construction phase and an estimated $156 million in sales and income taxes. The Dakota Access Pipeline Project is a $3.7 billion investment into the United States directly impacting the local and national labor force by creating 8,000–12,000 construction jobs and up to 40 permanent operating jobs. The committed volume rates of the pipeline project have already created historically high shipment ratios, with the pipeline projected to carry half of the Bakken’s current daily crude oil production. The pipeline will meet or exceed state and federal safety requirements and at a minimum will be designed in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 195.”
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly an investor in the stock of the pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners and was provided with campaign funding by its CEO Kelcy Warren. See more from the company at www.dakotaaccessfacts.com
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Jami Beck is up for public voting for
Miss Photogenic Teen Hawaiʻi

KAʻŪ FOOD PANTRY will be open to distribute food today, Tuesday, Nov. 29 at St. Jude’s Church in Ocean View from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

DONATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE FRIEND-RAISER, Nāʻālehu School’s Winter Fest on Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

“Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council.

WINTER CRAFTS FOR KEIKI will be offered this Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m at Pāhala Community Center, for grades K-8. 928-3102.

JAMI BECK, MISS TEEN KAʻŪ 2017, is in the running for the state Miss Teen Hawaiʻi title at the pageant on Sunday, Dec. 17 in Honolulu at the Neil Blasdell Center’s Pikake Room at 5 p.m. In the meantime, anyone can vote for Jami Beck for Miss Photogenic through Dec. 12 with online voting.

Beck, a graduate of Kaʻū High School, won the swimsuit competition and tied for first in talent in the 2016 Miss Kaʻū Coffee pageant. Vote at Facebook.com.

UPCOMING MEETINGS, EVENTS, COMMENT DEADLINES:

Formerly grazed land is replenished by silvaculture,
growing koa on proposed Safe Harbor lands.
Photo from Kamehameha Schools

DEADLINE IS DEC. 22 FOR SAFE HARBOR PROGRAM FOR KEAUHOU AND KĪLAEUA LAND GIVEN BY PRINCESS RUTH KEʻELIKŌLANI to Kamehameha Schools in 1883. The endangered species protection plan was presented at a state Department of Land & Natural Resources public hearing in Volcano in November. The 32,800 acres near Volcano border Kapapala Forest Reserve, Hawaʻi Volcanoes National Park, Puʻu Makaʻala Nautral Area Reserve, Mauna Loa Forest Reserve and Kipuka Ainahou Nene Sanctuary. The land would become the largest Safe Harbor for endangered species in the United States, if approved by DLNR and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which would help Kamehameha Schools with the conservation management.
See more of the plan at hawaii.gov. Comments can be sent to katherine.cullison@hawaii.gov by Dec. 22.

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Marley Strand-Nicholaisan
at her last Vulcan game.
She will be at the
Kaʻū Gym Thursday.

Holy Rosary Church sponsors a float and welcomes parade goers
at the end of the annual Pahala Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 11.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE 38TH ANNUAL PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE invites community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village on Sunday, Dec. 11. The parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

The Key to the World is the
name of this art to be included
in The Directory 2017

Caren Loebel-Fried’s
Kīlauea Lighthouse
at Christmas in the Country,
Volcano Art Center

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

‘Ōpūkaha‘ia likely fished, swam and played at this black sand Nīnole beach at Koloa Bay.
The view is from the Kaʻieʻie fishing heiau. See story below.
Photo by Chris Cook

FILIPINO WWII VETERANS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDALS with the unanimous passage of a bill today by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill was co-introduced by Kaʻū’s Senator Mazie Hirono and Kaʻū’s House member Tulsi Gabbard. It passed the Senate unanimously in July.

Filipino WWII heroes to receive Congressional Medal
of Honor after unanimous passage of legislation today.
Photo from Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project
www.filvetrep.org

The legislation acknowledges the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II.
Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, said: “Today is truly a great day, a significant seminal period in American history – second only to the liberation of the Philippines and surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces on August 15, 1945. Now we can tell our veterans with pride in our hearts that this grateful nation has, at last, granted them recognition for the selfless sacrifice they endured in war, and restored their dignity and honor in service to their nation.”
Hirono said, “These veterans were instrumental to our victory in the Pacific, but had to fight for decades to receive the benefits they earned. The unanimous support this bill earned in the Senate and the overwhelming backing it has in the House honors the sacrifice so many of these veterans made for our country.”
Gabbard called it an “historic vote to honor our Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal – our highest civilian honor. These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought, and gave up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war, and have waited decades for their service to be recognized. They cannot afford to wait any longer. It has been an honor to personally get to know some of these veterans and their families, and to hear them humbly tell their courageous stories of service. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass this timely legislation, and to honor our veterans with this long-overdue recognition.”

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MICRO UNITS OF HOUSING for the homeless is a new outreach by the County of Hawaiʻi. Twenty-three were dedicated yesterday, after completion by Kona-Kaʻū Construction and several subcontractors in nine months at a cost of $2.5 million. The County handled the design and engineering. The housing addresses a critical need within the chronically homeless community.

According to a statement from Mayor Billy Kenoi, the number of homeless on this island increased ten percent in one year, totaling about 1,400 in January. About 500 were unsheltered and living on the west side of the island. “Our families who are homeless need a sense that they have a chance. They can believe that because they can sleep in a clean, safe place,” said Kenoi. “We’re creating a puʻuhonua, a safe haven, a place of refuge where people can walk around with dignity and respect.”

Hale Kikaha, 23 micro units to house the homeless, was constructed by
Kona Kaʻū Construction in nine months. Photo from County of Hawaiʻi

This first micro-housing cluster is now open in Kailua-Kona on Pawai Place in the industrial area. The name is Kikaha, which means to soar. According to the mayor’s statement, “Hale Kikaha represents the County's hope and commitment to the residents that will call the project home.”

Nearby is the county’s 31-bed emergency shelter built in 2010, along with “wraparound” services. The statement says the County has adopted the best practice Housing First model for dealing with the homeless problem.

The County has also partnered in constructing affordable homes to be rented and others to be owned by low-to-moderate income families. In addition, it administers programs to assist tenants renting existing housing. More than 2,000 families receive over $14 million in assistance every year through Tenant-Based Rental Assistance and the Housing Choice Voucher programs on this island.

“We are measured not by what we do for those who have the most, we are measured by what we do for those who have the least,” said the mayor.

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IN THE LIFE OF KAʻŪ BORN HENRY ʻŌPŪKAHAʻIA, new key historical detail has come to light, with oral history identifying his probable place of birth at Punaluʻu-Nīnole. Author Chris Cook recently updated his 2015 edition of The Providential Life and Heritage of Henry Obookiah, a biography of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia. The more specific location of the childhood home comes from history handed down to the Rev. Henry Boshard Ph.D., who served as pastor at Mokuaikaua Church on the Kailua-Kona waterfront from 1964-2006. Boshard told Cook that his family believes the ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia homesite is located below the Hokuloa - Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia Chapel near Punalu‘u Beach Park.

‘Ōpūkaha‘ia grew up along the black sand beach and lava rock coastline along the strand at Nīnole and Punalu‘u. Referring to the scant published documentation on the early years of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia, it was earlier assumed that the beach at Koloa Bay in the ahupuaʻa of Nīnole was the location of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia’s home, said the author.
Kahu Boshard also grew up in Punalu‘u and his wife Iris Boshard has ties to Ka‘ū through her paniolo father from the Kanaka‘ole family with heritage at Kapapala Ranch. Boshard said his grandmother, Adeline Nihokula Akiu, related to her family that the location of a beachfront parcel makai of the Hokuloa Chapel at Punalu‘u as the birthplace and childhood home of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia.
The Hokuloa Chapel was dedicated by the Women’s Board of Missions of the United Church of Christ in Hawai‘i in 1957 in honor of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia. The walk up the unpaved drive takes visitors to the chapel mauka of Punalu‘u black sand beach park. From the rock wall gate at the chapel, one can look down upon ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia’s beachfront parcel homesite, writes Cook.
‘Ōpūkaha‘ia and his family departed Ka‘ū in 1796. His father Keʻau was recruited as a minuteman-type soldier in a Ka‘ū army marching under orders of the district ali‘i nui, Namakeha. The Kaʻū chief hoped to reconquer lands taken earlier by Kamehameha, taking advantage of the king being distracted while completing his conquest of O‘ahu following the Battle of Nuʻuanu.
The fate of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia’s family resulted in their never returning to their kuleana at Punalu‘u. ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia’s father, mother Kamohoʻula (a cousin of Kamehameha) and infant brother were slaughtered following the Battle of Kaipalaoa fought near the Wailuku River in Hilo in the summer of 1796. ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia, about age 10, was spared – as too young to cause trouble, but old enough to take care of himself, and to able to provide useful labor for his captors. ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia was taken to North Kohala by a warrior who killed his family. His maternal uncle Pahua, a kahuna at the Hikiau Heiau at Napoʻopoʻo along the shore of Kealakekua Bay, adopted ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia into his priestly family and began training him as a kahuna. In 1808 ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia chose to sail away aboard the New Haven sealing ship Triumph.

Cynthia Lehua Nani Hoʻomanawanui-Akiu, left, and cousin Deborah
Liʻikapeka Lee at ʻŌpūkahaʻia Memorial Chapel during a history tour.
Photo by Chris Cook

“The decision of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia, then about 21 years old, to venture outside Hawai‘i as a sailor, would result in great changes to Hawaiʻi in later years,” writes Cook. “‘Ōpūkaha‘ia became well known in New England churches in the mid-1810s, a ‘heathen’ converted to Christianity who translated the Book of Genesis directly from Hebrew to the Hawaiian language, preached in English, and was being groomed to lead a Protestant mission to Hawaiʻi.

‘Ōpūkaha‘ia died of typhus fever at Cornwall, Ct. in February 1818. Following his death, the 100-page, hand-sized book Memoirs of Henry Obookiah spread his story. The widespread reading of the little book drew strong public support for sending the pioneer company of the Sandwich Islands Mission to Hawaiʻi, out of Boston in October 1819.
In 1993 Deborah Lee of Hilo, supported by her ʻohana, successfully undertook the return of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia’s remains from Cornwall to a raised stone gravesite at the Kahikolu (Trinity) Church at Napoʻopoʻo.

She has also been involved in putting together a Hana Hou History Tour, which is returning to Hokuloa Chapel in mid-February to focus on the life of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia at Punaluʻu-Nīnole. The tour draws visitors from the mainland and Hawaiʻi interested in the Christian history of Hawaiʻi Island. The tour will also visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park where a native Hawaiian guide will relate the story of Chiefess Kapiʻolani challenging the goddess Pele at Kīlauea Volcano in the mid-1820s. For more information: hanahou.info.

Author Cook said he seeks comments on his account of ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia, especially information from Kaʻū about the notable native Hawaiian’s childhood in Punaluʻu and Nīnole. This account is based on a post at his blog www.obookiah.com. Interested persons can contact Cook at obookiah@gmail.com

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WINTER CRAFTS FOR KEIKI will be offered today, Nov. 30 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m at Pāhala Community Center, for grades K-8. 928-3102.

Keiki gets a lift at the new Kaʻū
District Gym. Photo by Ron Johnson

REGISTER FOR UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I VULCAN VOLLEYBALL CLINIC to be held tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 1, at the new Kaʻū District Gym. The clinic, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is for youth five to 14 years of age. The clinic is expected to feature Vulcan and Trojan volleyball star Marley Strand-Nicholaisen and other Vulcan players who just finished their season. All participants must have a parent sign the Dept. of Parks & Recreation release of claims form and the HI-PAL permission Release Form. Court shoes or rubber sole shoes are required. To register, call Pāhala Community Center at 928-3102 or 854-7316. Community police Officer Blaine Morishita is also helping through the Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League and can be reached at 936-7192.

DEADLINE FOR THE ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM is this Friday, Dec. 2. The tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. Cost is $10 per person with five players maximum per team. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To sign up or donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

Pāhala Christmas Parade is Sunday, Dec. 11
with floats, marchers, and Christmas music.
Photo by Julia Neal

Beauty of Kaʻū art show artists and supporters of The Directory,
with a Dec. 15 deadline to sign up. Photo by Ron Johnson

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. Deadline to sign up by businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar.

A mamaki wreath by Lanaya Delly at
Christmas in the Country at
Volcano Art Center

The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org . Free; park entrance fees apply.

DONATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE FRIEND-RAISER, NĀʻĀLEHU Elementary School's Winter Fest. It takes place on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.
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Central Pacific Hurricane Season ended yesterday with two major scares. Hurricanes Maedline and Lester
at the end of August. Tropical Storm Darby made landfall in late July with a lot of rain. See story below.
Image of Lester’s approach from NOAA

PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP’S TULSI GABBARD MEETING last week has drawn comment from Kaʻū’s Congresswoman regarding the future of the U.S. in Middle East wars. Gabbard, a war veteran herself, released this Op-Ed yesterday, which also appeared in The Nation.
“I recently met with President-elect Donald Trump to give voice to the millions of Americans, including my fellow veterans, who desperately want to end our country's illegal, counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government. We had an hour-long, meaningful, back-and-forth discussion about the problems with current U.S. policy in Syria and where to go from here. I felt it critical to meet with him now, before warmongering neocons convince him to escalate this war that has already taken more than 400,000 lives and left millions of Syrians homeless and in search of safety for themselves and their families.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard served in Iraq
and opposed regime change in Syria.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

“I conveyed to the President-elect how the post-9/11 neocon agenda of interventionism and regime-change has left U.S. foreign policy absurdly disconnected from our actual security interests. Our actions to overthrow secular dictators in Iraq and Libya, and attempts now to do the same in Syria, have resulted in tremendous loss of life, failed nations, and even worse humanitarian crises while strengthening the very terrorist organizations that have declared war on America.
“Since 2011, the United States – working with Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, and Turkey – has been providing support to ‘rebel groups’ fighting to overthrow the government and take over Syria. A recent New York Times article reported that these ‘rebel groups’ supported by the U.S. ‘have entered into battlefield alliances with the affiliate of al-Qaeda in Syria, formerly known as al-Nusra.’ How the United States can work hand-in-hand with the very terrorist organization that is responsible for the killing of 3,000 Americans on 9/11 boggles my mind and curdles my blood.
“This absurd alliance has allowed terrorist groups like al-Qaeda to establish strongholds throughout Syria, including in Aleppo, where they are now using the civilian population as human shields and their deaths as propaganda tools.
“Additionally, escalating this regime-change war by implementing a ‘no fly/safe zone’ in Syria would not only be ineffective, it would put the U.S. in direct military confrontation with nuclear-power Russia, require tens of thousands of ground troops and a massive U.S. air presence, and commit us to yet another endless war in the Middle East that does not serve American or Syrian interests.
“In short, even if the U.S.-Saudi alliance were successful in overthrowing the Syrian government, we would be saddled with the responsibility of building a new nation in Syria. Trillions of U.S. taxpayer dollars, and who knows how many American lives, will be lost, and there will be little to show for it. As was true in Iraq and Libya, the U.S. has no credible government or leader able to bring order, security, and freedom to the people of Syria if Assad is overthrown. To maintain order after Assad's fall would require at least 500,000 troops in a never-ending occupation.

Gabbard says she wants to save American lives from regime-change wars.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

“The most likely outcome of this regime-change war is that it will open the door for ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups who are the most powerful fighting forces on the ground, to take over all of Syria, amass powerful weapons (many of which will have been provided to them by the U.S.), and pose a far worse threat to the Syrian people, religious minorities, and to the world.
“The crux of my advice to President-elect Trump was this: we must end this ill-conceived, counterproductive regime-change war immediately. We must focus our precious resources on investing in and rebuilding our own country and on defeating al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups that pose a threat to the American people.”
Gabbard sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee. She is a Lt. Col. in the Hawaiʻi National Guard with two tours in the Middle East. She has launched a petition called End the counter-productive regime change war in Syria at www.aloha.votetulsi.com

State Sen. Josh Green and family.
Photo from Josh Green

WEST KAʻŪ STATE SENATOR JOSH GREEN has released a statement about his plans for the 2017 Hawaiʻi Legislature. “As we approach 2017 and the legislative session, I will be focusing even more than usual on key issues that have emerged as Hawaiʻi’s greatest challenges, such as homelessness, economic equality, and our state’s safety net,” said the physician senator.
“  As Chair of the Human Services Committee, it’s my job to make sure that in Hawaiʻi we don’t leave anyone behind, and that we take care of our most vulnerable citizens: our children, our seniors, the homeless, those struggling with addiction, the disabled, and people who just need an extra hand to lift themselves out of poverty.  
“These are our values in Hawaiʻi: we are all one ʻohana, our compassion is our strength, and we build a better future when we take care of each other and don’t leave anyone behind.  
“We should judge ourselves as a people by how we treat our most vulnerable, so I’m going to keep fighting to make sure our keiki and kūpuna have a basic standard of food, shelter, and health care, and working families can earn a living wage.   I look forward to working with you to implement the best policies we can develop together, for the good of Hawaiʻi’s people,” concludes Green’s message.
See more at www.capitol.hawaii.gov

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Hurricane Madeline approached but weakened,
Image from NOAA

HURRICANE SEASON WRAPPED YESTERDAY, without major damage from storms visiting Kaʻū.
The most threatening hurricane was Madeline at the end of August with Lester on her heels. She reached Category Four status and prompted a hurricane warning and the closing of schools, parks, businesses and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. However, she weakened to a Tropical Storm as her eye passed 75 miles south southeast of South Point. Lester, which reached Category Three, passed north of the island a few days later.
On Saturday, July 23, Tropical Storm Darby made landfall in Kaʻū, the large eye overhead, bringing much rain but little wind. The highway at Kawa flooded and was closed. Waterfalls appeared and streams rushed by. Bus service was suspended and emergency declarations signed, shelters opened and parks closed.
Darby marked the first time in recorded history that two tropical storms barreled into the Big Island within a span of three years, following Iselle’s devastation in 2014.
The 2016 Central Pacific Hurricane Season witnessed seven tropical cyclones, with Madeline and Lester blowing up into major hurricanes. Though a higher number of storms than normal, it was a mellow season compared to the record breaking 15 storms of 2015. Another unusual event of 2016 was the formation of Hurricane Pali in the Central Pacific in January, totally outside of any hurricane season. Pali stayed out to sea and left no damage.

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GALLIARD STRING QUARTET PERFORMED IN NĀʻĀLEHU on Tuesday. Nāʻālehu Library patrons were treated to a short program of classical music. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi, the Galliard String Quartet, performed the last of five Big Island concerts among the books to a standing-room only audience.

Na`alehu Library hosted Galliard String Quartet on Tuesday.
Photo by Ann Bosted

The quartet’s members are all also members of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. Hung Wu, Helen Liu and Colin Belisle played violas, while Pauline Bai played the cello.

The quartet’s programs typically include works of famous composers, such as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms. Galliard is famous for recording Songs of Liliuokalani, the Hawaiian monarch. However, the musicians are equally at home playing more esoteric music. The Nāʻālehu concert included a tango, and concluded with the Christmas favorite, Jingle Bell Rock.

Wu, who does not think of himself as the leader, but rather “the oldest one” has vivid, if unusual, memories of playing in Kaʻū 20 years ago with the Galliard String Quartet. “We played in a church,” he says, recalling the performance at Nāʻālehu Methodist. “It was the first time I ate Pineapple Upside Down Cake.”

The many Nāʻālehu music lovers, who squeezed themselves into the small Nāʻālehu Library, expressed their enjoyment of the free program by giving the quartet a resounding standing applause.

After the Nāʻālehu performance, the quartet flew back to Honolulu in five seats – Bai’s cello needed one of them.

See more at www.chambermusichawaii.org.

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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION is reporting on its holiday feast, which took place on Thanksgiving Day. The free dinner for the community at Ocean View Community Center drew about 350 people from Ocean View and other communities in Kaʻū.

The free holiday feast sponsored by Ocean View
Community Association drew about 350 people.
Photo from Ocean View Community Association

Ocean View Community Association vice-president Ron Gall said the association wants to send a “Mahalo to all the wonderful volunteers who prepared and served the meal (especially Dave Anderson and Paulette Frerichs), those who helped with setup and cleanup. Also much aloha to all who attended.
“Since OVCA is a private nonprofit and does not receive funding from the county or state, we greatly appreciate the generous donations from local businesses and private parties: Hawaiʻi Food Basket, HELCO, Kahuku Country Market, Kaʻū Water Delivery, Kona Walmart, Malama Market, Ocean View Pizzeria, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, Dr. Cindy from the VA Clinic, Evie Becker and Loren & Diane Heck.”

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I VULCAN VOLLEYBALL CLINIC is today at the new Kaʻū District Gym from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for youth five to 14 years of age. Free admission for spectators. Coaching will be Vulcan and Trojan volleyball star Marley Strand-Nicholaisen and other Vulcan players who just finished their season. Participants must have Dept. of Parks & Recreation release of claims form and the HI-PAL permission Release Form. Court shoes or rubber sole shoes are required. To register, call Pāhala Community Center at 928-3102 or 854-7316. Community police Officer Blaine Morishita is helping through the Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League and can be reached at 936-7192.

DEADLINE FOR ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM is tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 2. The tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. Cost is $10 per person with five players maximum per team. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior

Pāhala’s Christmas parade is Sunday, Dec. 11.
Photo by Julia Neal

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP COTTAGES are decorated with lights and displays for Christmas and the public can vote on the best decorated units. Ballots for the voting are available at the front desk, KMC General Store, Crater Room Cafe, Lava Lounge and Bowling Alley. The competition is between groups of KMC staff members.

Cover of The Directory, a quilt by
Reta Hill

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org . Free; park entrance fees apply.

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PARENTS, Inc., serving Hawai‘i families since 1975, recently set up shop in Nāʻālehu with many

services. Call 808-333-3460. See story below. Photo from PARENTS

PARENTS, INC. IS SERVING KAʻŪ with a program entitled Promoting Safe and Stable Families, contracted through the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services Child Welfare. Location is Nāʻālehu Shopping Center. PARENTS stands for Providing Awareness, Referrals, Education, Nurturing, Therapy, Support.

Program counselor Leʻa Moses Alcover, MSW is a graduate of Kaʻū High School and University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa. Brenda Larson, a Kaʻū resident, is the program’s Parent Educator. She facilitates Parent Education classes. Larson is graduate of UH West Hawaiʻi and holds a Certificate In Substance Abuse and Addiction Studies. She has worked with Big Island keiki in West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū for more than 20 years. Clinical supervisor is Marvin St. Clair, who holds a Masters in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He is a 15-year resident of Hawaiʻi Island with prior experience working in the district.

St. Clair said the program is seeking a full time bachelor degree level case manager to provide parenting skills training services to clients in their homes and to manage the program’s data reporting procedures. He noted that the program would especially welcome a Kaʻū resident.

PARENTS encourages reading time with dad.

Photo form PARENTS

PARENTS, Inc. has helped families in Hawaiʻi since 1975. Last year, 3,401 parents and children were served. According to PARENTS, of those who benefited, 69 percent showed an increase in their parenting knowledge, and services received a 98 percent satisfaction rating. Last year, 58 percent of families served were single parents, and 43 percent of participants were native Hawaiian or part-native Hawaiian.

St. Clair explained that the program Promoting Safe and Stable Families “uses professional educators, counselors, and facilitators to focus on the healthy growth and development of all family members. The organization provides a full range of parenting education, skill building and support services to men, women and children. Parenting classes include a nine week Confident Parenting Class, open to the general public, and a 12 or 16-week Positive Parenting Class open to those referred through Child Welfare Services.”

Parenting intervention with parents referred for issues involving child abuse or neglect may include home visits and therapy for families, case management; crisis intervention; outreach; and many different types of skill building. All services are multiethnic, non-judgmental, non-threatening, supportive, and easily accessible, said St. Clair.

PARENTS, Inc. will host its 2nd Annual Kickball Tournament in Hilo this April. Everyone is invited to help Kick Child Abuse out of Hawaiʻi, said St. Clair.

Call 333-3460 for inquiries about the program and for information on the case manager position. See more on PARENTS at www.hawaiiparents.org.

INAUGURATION FOR MAILE DAVID IS MONDAY. Kaʻū’s County Council member will be sworn into her second term by Judge Ronald Ibarra on Monday, Dec. 5 at noon in Hilo. Location is Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St.

Maile David at her 2014 swearing in ceremony.
She renews her vows to serve Kaʻū again
this Monday. Photo by Julia Neal

The ceremony will include inauguration of Mayor Harry Kim for his third four-year term after a two-term break. Also reelected is Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth and County Council Chair Valerie T. Poindexter. All nine council members will take the oath on Monday.

The program will begin with music from the Hawaiʻi County Band, which will accompany the procession. J.E. Orozco will serve as master of ceremonies. Kim, Roth and Poindexter will deliver addresses.

There will be a Presentation of Colors by Hilo High School JROTC Color Guards, and Waiakea High School students will perform musical renderings. The National and State Anthems will be sung by Alexandra Roth accompanied by the Hawaiʻi County Band. Senior Pastor Sheldon Lacsina of New Hope-Hilo will provide the Invocation, and the Benediction will be provided by Kahu Charles Kama, of Hale Pule Ke Ola Hou.

Na Leo O Hawaiʻi will televise the inauguration live on Channel 55.

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IN ADVANCE OF TULSI GABBARD’S TRIP TO STANDING ROCK this Sunday, the Congresswoman took to the floor in opposition. She said she is standing with the Sioux tribe to protest the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline for shipping fracked oil from North Dakota to Illinois.
In her speech she asks Pres. Barack Obama to “immediately halt the construction of this pipeline, respect the sacred lands of the Standing Rock Sioux, and respect their right to clean water.”
Gabbard said, “Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I learned the value of caring for our home, caring for our planet, and the basic principle that we are all connected in a great chain of cause and effect. The Dakota Access Pipeline is a threat to this great balance of life.

U.S. Rep. Gabbard asks President Obama to
stop the pipeline at Standing Rock.
Photo from CSPAN

“Despite strong opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux and serious concerns raised by the EPA, the Department of Interior, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other Federal agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers approved permits to construct the Dakota Access Pipeline without adequately consulting the tribes, and without fully evaluating the potential impacts to neighboring tribal lands, sacred sites, and their water supply. Just one spill near the tribe’s reservation could release thousands of barrels of crude oil, contaminating the tribe’s drinking water.”
Gabbard is going to the construction site with a group of veterans. The video of her speech on the House floor can be seen on youtube.com.

SNOW PILED UP ON MAUNA LOA while a fire burned below, yesterday morning at Punaluʻu. The National Weather Service issued a storm warning for high elevations as snow began to fall, the day after the end of Hurricane Season. Rain bands, with thunder passed over Kaʻū mid morning. The wildfire, following days of strong winds and dry weather, burned makai of the highway at Punaluʻu, the rain giving firefighters some assistance.

Mauna Loa weather observatory blanketed in snow yesterday.

High winds and heavy snow led Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to close the summit of Mauna Loa on Thursday to day use and overnight camping until it is safe to reopen. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the summit of Mauna Loa in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park early Thursday morning. Heavy rain, high winds, and a foot of snow were expected, and by afternoon, a thick blanket of snow was visible as low as 10,000 feet. Visitors at the park’s Jaggar Museum were treated periodically with views of snow-capped Mauna Loa, a novelty for many who don’t expect snow in Hawai‘i.

The summit closure is in effect above the Red Hill (Pu‘u‘ula‘ula) Cabin. Hikers can still obtain a backcountry permit to hike to and stay at Red Hill Cabin, but backcountry permits to areas above 10,000 feet are suspended and day hiking is prohibited. Hikers going to Red Hill will be advised to proceed with caution and carry appropriate gear. In January 2014, park rangers and a helicopter pilot rescued a backcountry hiker stranded on Mauna Loa in an unexpected blizzard. The weather observatory on Mauna Loa was also blanketed with fresh snow yesterday.

An unusual storm left snow on Mauna Loa in late July, as Tropical Storm Darby passed over Kaʻū.

MORE DETAILS ON THE VOLCANO FARM & FOOD EVENT have been released by the Volcano Community Foundation. The new farm to table tour on Saturday, Jan. 14 will feature Chef Audrey Wilson with a gourmet lunch.

Chef Audrey Wilson will prepare a gourmet lunch
for participants in the Volcano Farm to Table
event on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Photo from Volcano Community Foundation

The tour takes participants to three working farms, one growing tea where attendees will learn about processing for green, white, oolong and black and enjoy tea and pastry tasting. The second is a flower farm with cut orchids shipped worldwide. A greenhouse visit features a demonstration on separating and repotting orchids. The third is a vegetable and berry farm, where the owners will explain their work of growing in their greenhouse for market. At the lunch, the chef, a cookbook author and food columnist, will show off her specialty of using the freshest local ingredients, inspiring a pivot from using the 80 percent of food consumed here – food that is imported.
Funds raised from this event support a scholarship that is awarded each year to an outstanding high school senior from Volcano. To reserve space, contact volcanocommunity@gmail.com or call 967-7366. Reservations will be confirmed when payment is received.

DEADLINE FOR THE ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM is today, Friday, Dec. 2. The tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. Cost is $10 per person with five players maximum per team. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To sign up or donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

VOTING IS ONGOING AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP. The stone cottages across from the parade field are decorated with lights and displays for Christmas. The public can stroll along the sidewalk with Christmas cottages lights and vote for best decorated units. Ballots for the voting are available at the front desk, KMC General Store, Crater Room Cafe, Lava Lounge and Bowling Alley. The competition is between groups of KMC staff members.

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE welcomes community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village on Sunday, Dec. 11. The

Eddie Andrade has been organizing the
annual Christmas parade in Pāhala for
38 years, including Sunday, Dec. 11
Photo by Julia Neal

parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

Olivia Ling holds one of her three masks
that won first place in sculpture.
Photo by Ann Bosted

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
One of the winners of the recent Chamber Art show whose work will be included is Olivia Ling holds whose three masks won first place in the sculpture category. She built them by hand from clay, using Hawaiian rocks as the hump mold. She pit-fired them and colored them with acrylic paints, before adding natural or synthetic fibers for the hair. Her entries are part of a collection called Indigenous People of the World.
The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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See www.kaucalendar.com

Scientists held a summit to plan the fight against Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, which threatens
Kaʻū's native forests. The fungus can kill a tree in a month or less.
Photo from College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources

AGAINST MORE MISSILES FOR SYRIA, Kaʻu’s Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard voted yesterday against the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act. She said: “This bill contains the same deeply concerning and dangerous Syria train and equip measures that I’ve fought against since the program's inception.
“First, it creates the potential for dangerous ground-to-air missiles getting in the hands of ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups. Several months ago, as this bill was being crafted, I and many of my colleagues voted for an amendment that would have prohibited the Department of Defense from transferring any Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems to fighters in Syria. In the wrong hands, these dangerous weapons are capable of shooting American planes out of the sky.
“The final bill that passed today allows for the transfer of MANPADs, with some weak restrictions, which could allow terrorist groups to get a hold of them and use them against the United States and our allies," said Gabbard. See her statement at facebook.com.

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE is throwing its support behind Miss Teen Kaʻū Jami Beck who is running for Miss Teen Hawaiʻi in Honolulu on Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Neil Blasdell Center’s Pikake Room at 5 p.m.

Kaʻū Coffee Farmers Cooperative President Gloria Camba reminds everyone that online voting for Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi contest takes place through Dec. 12 online. Vote at Facebook.com.
Beck, a graduate of Kaʻū High School, won the swimsuit competition and tied for first in talent in the 2016 Miss Kaʻū Coffee pageant held at Kaʻū Coffee Mill.

She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and interested in modeling and acting. She attends college at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo with a major in administration of justice. She was born in Kaʻū and attended public school in Nāʻālehu and Pāhala. Her mother is Sharon Beck, principal of Kaʻū High & Elementary School, and former vice principal at Nāʻālehu School who started her teaching career in Pāhala. Jami Beck’s father is James Beck who works at Dorvin Leis Mechanical Contracting in Kona and has made the drive to work in Kona for more than two decades.

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THE RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SUMMIT in Honolulu this week saw Kaʻū well represented in the fight against the fungus that is killing thousands of acres of native forest here. The meeting on Wednesday brought together front-line researchers, forest managers and policy makers who have worked since late 2014 to identify cause of the disease and how it spreads. Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death is devastating the native tree that is integral to the pristine forest life and watershed of Kaʻū. The disease has also led to a ban on exporting live ʻōhiʻa and its wood from this island.

At the meeting, a new Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Strategic Response Plan was presented. It calls for funding of over $10 million for three years for “research, response, recommendations, outreach, and management strategies.” Rob Hauff, a forester with the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, explained, “The goal of this plan is to provide a road map that conveys what the situation is and where we need to go to manage this.”

The lead scientists in the fight against Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death on Hawaiʻi Island joined Gov. David Ige and other top policy makers for the first-ever Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Summit, at the Hawaii’i state Capitol Auditorium.

Locations where Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has been found, as of November 18.

Speakers provided situation reports on the disease and presented the recently completed, strategic response plan to guide statewide response to this dire threat to Hawaiʻi’s most iconic tree species.
This fungal disease Ceratocystis fimbriata has devastated more than 50,000 acres of ʻōhiʻa.
Understanding the disease and how to prevent or slow further spread is a top priority of the executive branch. The governor, who provided the welcome and opening remarks said, “Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has prompted the mobilization of several state and federal agencies and is a top priority for leading researchers who are learning more about this disease as they work to stop it from spreading.”

The Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Summit was open to the public, and included a presentation on the biocultural importance of ʻōhiʻa by Dr. Samuel M. ‘Ohukani‘ōhi‘a Gon III, of The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi, which manages thousands of acres in Kaʻū. Gon explained that primary cultural underpinnings of ʻōhiʻa support the notion that it is the most significant cultural tree in Hawaiʻi. It is also considered the most important tree for the protection of Hawaiʻi’s forest watersheds.
A panel of state and federal experts discussed and updated the latest research and management actions. Dr. Lisa Keith of the U.S. Department of Agricultural Research Service explained, “The identification of the ceratocystis fungus used to take two-four weeks to confirm in the lab. We can now test very small samples of a tree’s DNA and determine within 24 hours if this fungus is killing it."
“Unfortunately” she continued, “there is no silver bullet (for a treatment) and the science is important for informing management decisions.”
Dr. Flint Hughes with the U.S. Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry painted a grim picture for the future of ʻōhiʻa forests if the disease continues unchecked. He said, “We currently have 52, one-quarter acre monitoring plots on Hawaiʻi island. These are in places where the fungus has killed trees and our data shows that 11 percent of the ʻōhiʻa, on average, in these plots, will die each year. In some areas the mortality has been 100 percent.”

The crown of the ʻōhiʻa tree can turn brown within days to weeks.
Photo from College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources

Dr. Gordon Bennett of the UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources is one of the researchers collaboratively investigating the linkage between non-native beetles and the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. He explained that these wood boring beetles are attracted to unhealthy trees and set up homes (galleries) in them. He and other researchers are looking at pest control and management strategies based on science. Bennett said, “We’re just starting in this area. It’s a new challenge.”

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death is prompting a Strategic Response Plan
with a request for over $10 million in funding.
Photo from state Division of Forestry & Wildlife

Dr. Greg Asner of Stanford University’s Carnegie Airborne Observatory detailed the use of laser guided imaging spectroscopy to produce 3D imaging that shows the size and precise location of trees to within six inches. He explained, “We’re trying to use this technology to look ahead in time. This technology even allows us to measure 15 different chemicals in tree foliage, which is like going to a doctor for a blood test.” Data from the 3D aerial surveys conducted in January of this year is currently being analyzed and results are expected to be available around the first of the year.
The findings of Wednesday’s presenters earlier prompted a strict state Dept. of Agriculture quarantine against movement of all ʻōhiʻa wood, soil, and Metrosideros species plants and plant parts from Hawaiʻi Island to other islands. The state also publicized and distributed protocols to inform the public and forest users about steps to prevent spread of this disease (see www.rapidohiadeath.org).
Hauff and Christy Martin of the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species organized the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Summit. Martin said, “This is the first time we’ve had all the principal players in the fight against this disease in one place, to provide background to decision-makers and the public. People are eager to understand what’s happening to ʻōhiʻa, and what more they can do.”

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Just before sunset Friday, Mauna Loa weather observatory
was covered with snow. Photo from NOAA

HEAVY RAINS FLOODED HWY 11 AT KAWA YESTERDAY, blocking access between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. In Volcano, Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and the Kahuku Unit at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park shut down with heavy rainfall and flash flooding. On Friday, the floor of Thurston Lava Tube flooded and rainwater covered the electrical conduit system. Park staff shut off the power and announced that visitor access is prohibited until further notice. With heavy snow, the summit of Mauna Loa remained closed to all day use and overnight camping. Closures remain in effect until it is safe to reopen.
Kahuku Unit, usually open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, was closed for the day due to flooding and a road closure on Highway 11. Staff will reassess conditions today, and determine if Kahuku will open for the weekend.
The summit closure is in effect above the Red Hill (Pu‘u‘ula‘ula) Cabin. Hikers can still obtain a backcountry permit to hike to and stay at Red Hill Cabin, but backcountry permits to areas above 10,000 feet are suspended and day hiking is prohibited. Hikers going to Red Hill will be advised during the permit process to proceed with caution and carry appropriate gear.
“Park rangers will constantly monitor the roads and destinations within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park during this storm, and additional closures may be warranted,” said Chief Ranger John Broward.

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VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES: Kīlauea’s summit lake exploded again early Friday morning for the second time this week. Both events were caused by large portions of the vent wall breaking away, without warning, and falling into the molten lava.

At 6:58 a.m. yesterday, a large slab of the summit vent wall below HVO’s HMcam,
collapsed. Rocks falling into the lava lake triggered a small explosive event that

bombarded the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater with fragments of molten lava, similar to
Monday’s event. Rockfalls, explosions and SO2 emissions are why hazardous areas
are closed. See hvo.wr.usgs.gov

Image and video from USGS

The falling rock stirred up the lava lake, causing it to explode – releasing clouds of gas and flinging hundreds of fragments of molten lava into the air.
Yesterday’s explosion at 6:58 a.m. happened when “a large slab of the summit vent wall, located directly below HVO’s web cam, collapsed,” according to USGS. The camera is located at the Jaggar Museum, overlooking the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The camera operates continuously so that events such as yesterday’s rockfall and explosion can be recorded for scientists to study, analyze and interpret.
According to the USGS website: “Rocks falling into the lava lake triggered a small explosive event that bombarded the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater with spatter (fragments of molten lava), similar to Monday's (Nov. 28) event. These rockfalls and explosions, which occur without warning, in addition to sulfur dioxide gas emissions, are why this hazardous area remains closed.”
The USGS also reported that Kīlauea continues to erupt at its summit and East Rift Zone. This past week, the summit lava lake level varied between about 6.5 and 20 m (21–66 ft) below the vent rim. The 61g lava flow continued to enter the ocean near Kamokuna. On Dec. 1, a new breakout from the 61g vent area on the flank of Pu'u 'Ō'ō sent a small surface flow to the east, on top of existing 61g flows. The 61g lava flows do not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. During the past week, about a dozen small earthquakes occurred primarily northwest of the summit caldera at depths less than 5 km (3 mi). Deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone continues, with inflation occurring mainly in the southwestern part of the magma storage complex.

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Rockfall from the south wall of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater triggered a small

explosive event in the summit lava lake on Nov. 28.The explosion
threw fragments of molten lava onto the rim of the crater, mostly
to the west of the former visitor overlook. The area has been closed
since 2008 due to ongoing volcanic hazards.
See video at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

BEST PRACTICES IN VOLCANO HAZARD ASSESSMENT is the subject of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist’s Volcano Watch this week:
“There are more than 1500 active volcanoes on Earth. With many millions of people living and working in their shadows, developing ways to co-exist safely with potential volcanic threat is essential. To do so, those at risk need to know the type and severity of hazards they may face.
“One of the primary jobs of volcanologists is to prepare evaluations or assessments of volcano hazards. This information – often in the form of maps and reports – is intended for use by a wide range of individuals and groups that would potentially be impacted by future volcanic activity or are responsible for planning and responding to eruptions. These include residents, emergency managers, land use planners, utility providers, and insurers.

“In mid-November, 70 representatives of volcano observatories from 20 volcanically active nations around the world came together in Vancouver, Washington, to share techniques, lessons learned, and challenges faced in preparing effective, useful volcano hazard maps and analyses. This meeting was the third in a series of Volcano Observatory Best Practices workshops, and the first to be held in the United States.
“Sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the International Association of Volcanology and the Earth's Interior, the World Organization of Volcano Observatories, and the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica and Volcanologia, the four-day workshop featured formal presentations about volcano hazard assessments in Indonesia, Colombia, the Philippines, Ecuador, New Zealand, Iceland, Mexico, Italy, and the U.S.

Close-up of stream of lava stream entering the ocean at the front of
Kamokuna lava delta on Kīlauea's south flank, Nov. 30. The billowy
white plume formed by interaction of hot lava and seawater may look
harmless, but it is a mixture of superheated steam, hydrochloric acid,
and tiny shards of volcanic glass – all of which should be avoided.
USGS photo. Video at hvo.wr.usgs

“Throughout the workshop, participants shared examples of hazard assessment products developed for specific volcanoes in their respective countries, and described the science behind the products and how they have been used. Not surprisingly, styles and approaches vary from country to country, but some commonalities emerged.
“To create such assessments, volcanologists must determine what hazards are likely to affect a particular area. In order to answer this question, scientists must have a thorough understanding of a volcano’s past eruptive history and behavior. This understanding requires extensive and careful hvo.wr.usgs geologic studies of a volcano to completely characterize its style and frequency of activity.

“Even further work is required to develop a conceptual model for how that volcano actually behaves over time, an effort that can take many years to complete. Not all volcano observatories have the necessary resources to conduct the detailed work that many in the scientific community consider absolutely essential. In those cases, early assessments must be done with the geologic information that is available, even if it is incomplete.
“Other workshop presentations focused on tools for portraying volcano hazards. Increasingly, scientists are using mathematical models and modern computer graphics to simulate volcanic processes, such as lava flows or lahars (mudflows). These models can help people visualize areas that would likely be affected during a variety of eruption conditions. This approach is more quantitative and provides more detail, but models require assumptions that contain some degree of uncertainty.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist
Frank Trusdell (right) discusses methodologies for lava flow
hazard assessment in Hawaiʻi with a volcanology colleague
from Ethiopia during the Volcano Observatory Best
Practices Workshop in Vancouver, Washington. Eruptions
in the East African Rift bear some broad similarities to
Hawaiian volcano rift zone eruptions.

USGS photo

“Another topic addressed in the workshop is how to ensure that users of hazard assessments understand the information provided in the assessments and know how to incorporate conclusions of the assessments into their decision-making process. Workshop participants agreed that engaging stakeholders prior to the creation of hazard assessments is critical to make certain that the resulting information is understandable and useful. Lively discussion ensued as colleagues gathered around several dozen posters displaying examples of hazard assessments from around the world.
“A tangible outcome of the workshop will be a report identifying initial best practices for preparing volcano hazard assessments. The report can help guide scientists and their nation's policies as they complete this work. Closer to home, U.S. participants renewed their commitment to develop a plan to guide the ‘next generation’ of volcano hazard assessments for the highest priority volcanoes, including those in Hawaiʻi.”

For information on the current long-term hazard assessment for Hawaiian volcanoes, see: hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Pāhala Filipino Community Association takes part in Pāhala Christmas

Parade each year on the second Sunday, Dec. 11 this year.

Photo by Julia Neal

CHRISTMAS DECORATION VOTING IS ON AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP. The stone cottages across from the parade field are decorated with lights and displays for Christmas. The public can stroll along the sidewalk with Christmas cottages lights and vote for best decorated units. Ballots for the voting are available at the front desk, KMC General Store, Crater Room Cafe, Lava Lounge and Bowling Alley. The competition is between groups of KMC staff members.

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

Don Elwing’s depicting of a pair of ʻAlala
took third in woodworking.
Photo by Ann Bosted

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE welcomes community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village on Sunday, Dec. 11. The parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber. Among the winners is Don Elwing’s sculpture depicting of a pair of ʻAlala , which took third in woodworking. The ʻAlala is the critcally endangered Hawaiian Crow.
The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com .

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM
AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

See www.kaucalendar.com

Cutting back trees that fall on power lines is one expense listed in HELCO’s new rate hike proposal. Above, power
was knocked out when Hurricane Iselle hit Wood Valley in 2014. Photo by Anne Celeste

HELCO’s 6.5 to 12.5 PERCENT RATE HIKE PROPOSAL IS OPEN FOR COMMENT. Hawai’i county residents may see a hike in Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company electric bills by as early as summer 2017.

The public can offer testimony at two Public Utilities Commission hearings. The first hearing will be on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Hilo High School Cafeteria on Waiʻanuenue Ave. in Hilo. The second hearing will be on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Hawaiʻi County Council Chambers in West Hawaiʻi Civic Center on Keohokalole Highway in Kailua-Kona. Both meetings are expected to be well-attended.

HELCO’s 8,000-page rate case application to the PUC comes in 18 volumes, or on 991 megabytes. It is supported by 26 witnesses, who are offering over 400 exhibits. This is the third HELCO rate case since 2009.

HELCO is asking the PUC for two alternative rate hikes – either a 12.5 per cent rate hike if the proposed purchase of a power generating plant is approved by the PUC, or a 6.5 per cent rate hike if the purchase is not approved.

Tawhiri wind power at South Point has helped to make Hawaiʻi Island
less oil dependent. Photo by Ann Bosted

To attempt to justify the proposed 6.5 percent rate increases, HELCO cites long-term integration of alternative energy sources. The company notes that its alternative energy portfolio has increased renewables from 35 percent in 2010 to 49 percent, to include more hydroelectric, wind (including Tawhiri windmills at South Point), solar and geothermal replacing oil. HELCO also points to increasing energy security by investing in on-the-ground improvements such as spending $14 million to down and trim Albesia trees that fell and knocked out power during tropical storms in recent years. This leads to fewer power outages, HELCO points out.

HELCO attempts to justify a 12.5 percent rate increase to include buying a source of energy it is leasing. It seeks both a permanent, and a temporary, rate increase to acquire the naphtha fossil fuel-burning $84.5 million plant in Hamakua. The electric company requires a separate approval for the purchase. In 2015 HELCO signed a purchase agreement for the 60-megawatt Hamakua Energy Partners generating plant from an affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners LLC of Boston. The PUC must approve the agreement.

HELCO Pres. Jay Ignacio issued a letter to the public in September saying that electric bills have gone down due to the drop in oil prices. In January of 2015 a bill for a family using 500 kilowatt hours was $189.62. This September it was $161.85. If the 6.5 percent rate hike is approved, the bill would go up to $171.16, still less than the 2015 bill. However, if oil prices rise to their former levels, electric bills will rise again.

The electric company also wants the PUC to approve adding performance incentives and adjustments to the energy cost adjustments rules.

The state’s Consumer Advocate has filed 85 pages of questions on the proposed rate increase in the case docket. HELCO must answer these questions before the Consumer Advocate can take a position on the case.

Members of the public can weigh in on one or both scenarios. Comments can be e-mailed to the PUC using the address, puc.comments@hawaii.gov. The docket number 2015-0170 should be in the subject line. Written testimony (reference Docket No. 2015-0170) can be sent by postal mail to Public Utilities Commission 465 South King Street #103 Honolulu, HI 96813.

Organizations, agencies or individuals proposing to intervene or participate in the rate case must make file their motions by Tuesday, Dec. 27.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS FOR HAWAIʻI? The “Forbidden Topic” of building nuclear power plants in Hawaiʻi is to be discussed at the Maui Energy Conference, set for March 22-23, according to reporter Duane Shimogawa of Pacific Business News.  The issue is a topic for a panel on “emerging trends in energy policy — debating the role of nuclear power.”
There is new interest in all sides of whether to build nuclear power plants, Shimogawa reports, as the State of Hawaiʻi seeks the goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2045.
Generating electricity with nuclear power is forbidden by the Hawaiʻi state constitution: “no nuclear fission power plant shall be constructed or radioactive material disposed of in the state without the prior approval by a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature.”      
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission describes Hawaiʻi as having no nuclear power reactors and no facilities undergoing decommissioning. Its website at www.nrc.org says that “Hawaiʻi is not an Agreement State.”
A preview of the panel discussion states: “[Join] us as we discuss what has been the ‘forbidden topic’ in Hawaiʻi, the appropriate role of nuclear power in reducing carbon emissions, what is allowed under Hawaiʻi law, what is the status of fusion and how are rate structures on the Mainland subsidizing nuclear plants based on carbon reductions.”

Next year's statewide energy conference will take up the pros and cons of
nuclear power. Photo from Maui Energy Conference

 The Friends of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority cites reasons beyond state law that have kept nuclear power plants out of Hawaiʻi: the small size of the Islands, the geographic isolation of the state, waste disposal issues and losing self-sufficiency. 

Shimogawa added: “Around the world, 30 countries operate 444 reactors to generate electricity with 63 new plants underway in 15 countries, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. Nuclear energy provides about 11 percent of the world’s electricity. However, at least one nation, Germany, plans to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022 and focus on renewable energy.” 
For more information on the energy conference called All Things Energy: Pursuing New Opportunities for Electricity and Beyond, go to www.mauienergyconference.com. Also see Pacific Business News.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū Hospital Foundation is raising money
to upgrade its lanai to accommodate people
in wheelchairs and hospital beds.

Photo from Kaʻū Hospital Foundation

KAʻŪ HOSPITAL FOUNDATION is raising funds for its long-term care garden-lanai accessibility project for hospital residents. Ursula D’Angelo, who is managing the project for the Foundation, said that Kaʻū Hospital is long-term residents’ “forever home, and many have expressed their desire to regularly enjoy the outdoors again.” Currently, the garden-lanai area is not totally accessible to people in wheelchairs and hospital beds. “The Foundation needs $35,000 to complete the garden/lanai project, to provide all long-term care residents with access to the outdoors,” she said.
In November, the foundation raised approximately $11,000, and “we are well on our way to seeing this dream come true. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated and is tax-deductible,” said D’Angelo.  Donate to Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Organization,
PO Box 773, Pahala, Hawaii 96777. Donate through kau-hospital-foundation-inc.networkforgood.com . For more information, email Ka’uHCF@gmail.com .

Pu`u O Lokuana hike is this morning at Kahuku Unit of
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from HVNP

PUʻU O LOKUANA HIKE today at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, is a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile walk to the top of the grassy cinder cone. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

HAM RADIO OPERATOR'S POTLUCK and gathering today at Manuaka Park. Call Dennis Smith 989-3028.

BEGINNING HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES are today at 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Youth Center, taught by Jeannette Howard, followed by kanikapila with songs of Ka`u. Call Beverly Byouck at 936-7262.

INAUGURATION FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS IS TOMORROW. Monday, Dec. 5 at noon in Hilo. Location is Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St. Kaʻū’s County Council member Maile David, Mayor Harry Kim and county Prosecutor Mitch Roth are among those to be sworn in by Judge Ronald Ibarra. Hawai`i County Band and Waiakea High School students will perform.

Na Leo O Hawaiʻi will televise the inauguration live on Channel 55.

HAWAIʻI COUNTY COUNCIL, Monday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m. & Wednesday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, Monday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS monthly meeting is this Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: Virunga National Park, Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Travel writer and Virunga advocate Kimberly Krusel offers a virtual visit to what has been called the most biologically significant park in Africa. The park located in the Congo was created in 1925 as the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Today Virunga is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Free; park entrance fees apply.

She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and interested in modeling and acting. She attends college at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo with a major in administration of justice

KAPA MAKING, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. -12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell demonstrates the making of the traditional kapa (paper mulberry bark) cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing. Free, park entrance fees apply.

NEXT FRIDAY IS ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament . It will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

Tutu & Me at Pāhala Christmas Parade, next Sunday.
Photo by Julia Neal

Lava Entering the Ocean by Peter Bosted, of Ranchos, earned Honorable
Mention in photography at the recent Ka`u Chamber of Commerce art show.
It was taken shortly after sunset with enough light to illuminate the clouds.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

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Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbrd at Standing Rock with more than 5,000 veterans, local Sioux and other Native American leaders.
On Sunday, the Department of the Army denied an easement for the pipeline.
Image from MSNBC

STANDING ROCK SNOW was the location of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Saturday night and Sunday, as she joined thousands of veterans and water protectors, who oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline being constructed to carry fracked oil between North Dakota and Illinois. The water protectors won a reprieve on Sunday morning when the Department of the Army announced that it denied an easement required for the $3.8 billion project to cross under Lake Oahe near Standing Rock in North Dakota. Instead, it will conduct an Environmental Impact Statement to examine the impacts and explore alternative routes, according to the statement.
However, Sioux Indian leaders warned that the pipeline company could ask for the decision to be overturned.
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell praised the decision to deny the right of way, saying it “underscores that tribal rights reserved in treaties and federal law, as well as nation-to-nation consultation with tribal leaders, are essential components” of discussions in infrastructure projects.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard addressed veterans who joined Sioux tribal
leaders at Standing Rock Photo from Democratic Underground

The water protectors claim the pipeline would have led to pollution of freshwater and, overall, is a step backward toward the goal of clean and safe energy for many Indian tribes, clean energy that will also help the broader population of Americans. They claim treaties between the U.S. government and the tribes gave congress and the president a path to stop the pipeline and stated that they plan to hold the U.S. government accountable to the treaties. They say the agreements give Indian nations ownership of the Missouri River and other waters in the path of the pipeline. Another concern, the water protectors claim, was that the pipeline was rerouted away from urban Bismark, North Dakota because of pollution concerns, and redirected to a path that could pollute Indian nation natural resources.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineershad given those gathered at Standing Rock a deadline of today to clear out of the way of the pipeline construction. The water protector group has been camped there since April.

“Water is life,” is the mantra that
Gabbard emphasizes
during talks on Standing Rock.
Photo from Democratic
Underground

Gabbard, a Lt. Colonel in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, talked about veterans arriving at Standing Rock from all over the country from “all different generations.” She described them as “strangers essentially but brothers and sisters in arms who have come here answering this higher call to put service before self, once again, to come and stand in peace and prayer to protect water. They understand that this is not just about the potential water contamination for the people of Standing Rock but for millions of people in surrounding states, who would also be impacted.” She talked about Standing Rock being symbol of “how essential it is to protect water as a matter of life.”
Gabbard said that “the best thing that could happen is that the president would announce that the easement that this pipeline needs to continue would be denied.”
She also talked about congress. “There are very few members of congress who are even paying attention to what is happening here at Standing Rock.” She contended that little will happen unless congress “pays attention to and looks and hears and sees what is actually happening here and understands the potential impacts.” She said they could include, “damaging and contaminating water resources, not only for the Standing Rock Sioux but for millions of people in the surrounding areas. We’ve got to recognize that this is not a choice between economic opportunity and jobs versus water. Without water there is no life, there is no economy, there is no jobs.
“There is a right way to go about doing things that has not occurred here.”
Gabbard said that the thousands of people gathered at Standing Rock “are here to say ‘water is life that must be respected and protected.’”
Phyllis Young, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe who met with Gabbard, said the group plans an international peace ceremony today. “There is going to be a white horse exchanged that will forever cement the peace between the United States military” and the Sioux, she said, noting that she expects the federal government to protect the Indian tribes.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LIVE ON CHANNEL 55 IS INAUGURATION FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS today, Dec. 5 at noon. The swearing in and celebration will take place in Hilo at Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St. Kaʻū’s County Council member Maile David, Mayor Harry Kim and county Prosecutor Mitch Roth are among those to be sworn in by Judge Ronald Ibarra. Hawai‘i County Band and Waiakea High School students will perform. Na Leo O Hawaiʻi will televise the inauguration live on Channel 55.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, today, Monday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

HAWAIʻI COUNTY COUNCIL, Monday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m. & Wednesday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The next Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, current picking season and harvest will be discussed.

Bukima Camp in the foothills of Mikeno Mountain,

home of the Congolese mountain gorillas at Virunga.

Wikipedia photo

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: Virunga National Park, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Travel writer and Virunga advocate Kimberly Krusel offers a virtual visit to what has been called the most biologically significant park in Africa. The park located in the Congo was created in 1925 as the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Today Virunga is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAPA MAKING, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. -12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell demonstrates the making of the traditional kapa (paper mulberry bark) cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing. Free, park entrance fees apply.

WINTER JAM BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the new Kaʻū District Gym. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

VOTING FOR JAMI BECK at Facebook.com is available to help her win Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi pageant. Voting online ends on Dec. 12. The pageant is in Honolulu on Dec. 17. Beck, a graduate of Kaʻū High School, won the swimsuit competition and tied for first in talent in the 2016 Miss Kaʻū Coffee pageant held at Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and interested in modeling and acting. She attends college at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo with a major in administration of justice.

Pāhala Holy Rosary Choir sings every year in the

Pāhala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS SUNDAY. It welcomes community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village. The Dec. 11 parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org . Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

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

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL

See www.kaucalendar.com

Ka`u News Briefs, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Friday, Nov. 18, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 20 , 2016

Kaʻu News Briefs for Monday, Nov. 21, 2016

Ka`u News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs for Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Friday Nov. 25 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Nov. 28, 2016

The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Friday, Dec. 2, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Dec. 5, 2016