The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Sen. Mazie Hirono is asking Ka‘ū citizens to share their thoughts on immigrations. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

THOUGHTS ON IMMIGRATION is what Hawai‘i Senator Mazie Hirono is requesting from citizens of Ka‘ū. Hirono went to the White House this week, she said, "to fight for the 800,000 DREAMers the president threatened to deport when he ended the DACA program in September."

Hirono reported that during the meeting, the Secretary of Homeland Security "made the absurd claim that no one has lost their DACA status since the president’s announcement. Here’s the truth: Over 10,000 DREAMers have already lost their protection from deportation, and 122 more will lose theirs every single day."

Wrote Hirono, "Many DREAMers have only this country to call home. They are our friends and coworkers, neighbors who strengthen our communities. And we made a promise that we’d protect them. As someone who came to this country as a young child, I care deeply about the experience of immigrants – that’s why I’m fighting for them every day in the Senate, but I’d love to hear from you."

She asks that her constituents log in and weigh in at surveys.signforgood.com/hirono-daca-response.

DREAMers are those protected from deportation by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy. They are mostly young people who were brought to the U.S. by their relatives, without permission, and grew up here, with most going to school, working, and paying taxes.

A Call for Proposals is open through Feb. 9 for the Hawaiʻi

Conservation Conference. Photo from Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance

The DREAMers Act would help them stay and earn a path to citizenship.

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THE HAWAI‘I CONSERVATION CONFERENCE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE has sent out a reminder that proposals for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations for the July conference are due Friday, Feb. 9. The 25th Annual Hawai‘i Conservation Conference it themed Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future. It takes place July 24 - 26, in Honolulu at Hawai‘i Convention Center.

The 25th Annual Conservation Conference's theme is Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu:
From a strong foundation grows an abundant future.
Photo from Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance

A release calling for proposals explains the theme, “The Hawaiian ʻōlelo noʻeau (wise saying) ‘Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu’ literally means, ‘the branch grows from the tree trunk.’ The word kumu can mean foundation, trunk, base, source, and teacher. The foundation set and the lessons learned from our past conservation efforts prepare us for further growth and evolution of our work. We remember and honor the foundations, and forge ahead, using new and better tools and techniques that our forebears did not have access to. We recognize that without our ancestors, we would not have the knowledge and resources we have today. We also trust that one day our own work will be the kumu, so we build the science and praxis to buttress the future we desire. At the 25th annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, we will reach from our rich foundations of biocultural stewardship and innovate scientific exploration towards an abundant future for our environment and our communities.”
Regarding proposals, the release states, “Integrated, multi-disciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches to research and management are increasingly relying on community involvement, founded on multiple knowledge systems, and emphasizing biocultural knowledge.” The committee highly encourages proposals that demonstrate these innovative approaches, with the following four tracks encouraged for consideration (read Call for Proposals before submitting):

Student awards are available to graduate and undergraduate
Hawai‘i Conservation Conference presenters.
Photo from Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance

Lessons from Indigenous Knowledge and Conservation History - This track honors ancestral wisdom, often captured in traditional stories and chants, but also kept alive with families that engage in intergenerational stewardship. Topics will span groundbreaking approaches to biocultural conservation, land and sea stewardship, community-based collaborative management, species vs. ecosystem focused management, ʻāina-based management, as well as new tools in conservation.
Building the Future - This track features efforts that seek to push the creative boundaries of environmental stewardship to engage new audiences and build strong partnerships for the present while uplifting the next generation of Earth's caretakers.
Invasive Species and Biosecurity - This track explores Hawaiʻi's complex history in battling invasive species through the development and implementation of biosecurity measures, and identifies future opportunities that build upon that foundation.
Putting Research into Practice for Thriving ʻĀina -This track includes syntheses that highlight how current research continues to inform day-to-day conservation, emerging technologies, as well as broader resource management and policy. Topics span the natural and social sciences.

The 2018 Conservation Conference will take place July 24-26 in Honolulu.
See story above. Photo from Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance

Student awards are available for graduate and undergraduate presenters. Read more at hawaiiconservation.org.

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U.H. COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES Kona Cooperative Extension Service has put out a save-the-date announcement for two Coffee Berry Borer 101 Workshops for New and Beginning Coffee Farmers.
The free two hour class teaches the basics of coffee berry borer identification, biology and management. It is planned for Thursday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 27, and will take place in the Kona Cooperative Extension Service office at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua.
Representatives of the Extension Service office ask everyone to, “Please let new coffee farmers know about this upcoming workshop. A flyer will be distributed and available soon.”
For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

Join Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park rangers and learn how to weave a
tī leaf lei on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
Photo by David Boyle, National Park Service

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HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has announced a workshop in which attendees can learn how to weave at tī leaf lei on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. The event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work workshops program. Weave a Tī Leaf Lei is free to attend; however, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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HAWAI’I WILDLIFE FUND’S NET LOADING EVENT has been postponed until Sunday, Mar. 4, with a community beach cleanup at Kamilo planned for the day before - Saturday, Mar. 3. To sign-up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Friday, Jan. 12, @ Laupahoehoe.
Monday, Jan. 15, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 19, @ Kealakehe.

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 13, @ HPA.
Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 13, @ Konawaena.
Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

Boys Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū.
Wednesday, Jan. 17, @ Kohala.
Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

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

LEARN THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AT VOLCANO ART CENTER at one of two 8-week beginners courses starting Thursday, Jan. 11, at Volcano Village. Both courses focus on simple vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and sentence structure. No experience necessary. Part One is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays and requires no prior experience in Hawaiian Language. Part Four follows from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays - some experience with Hawaiian Language is preferred. The course fee for either class is $80 for Volcano Art Center members and $90 for non-members. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

KĪPUKAPUAULU, HOME TO AN "ASTONISHING DIVERSITY OF NATIVE FOREST AND UNDERSTORY PLANTS," is the site of a volunteer day, Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants like morning glory. Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy. 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The event will take place again on Jan. 18 and 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY of Kahuku and learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku on a free, easy-to-moderate, guided hike. Birth of Kahuku, traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/
HAVO.

HEATHER METTLER'S UNIQUE COLLECTION OF GLASSWORK EXPLORING the themes of navigation and immigration - how plants, animals and people find their way to Hawai‘i - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display of handblown, chiseled and etched glass will be open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 13, to Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Free, park entrance fees apply.

JEAN PIERRE THOMA AND THE JAZZTONES ALONG WITH BINTI BAILEY and Larry Seyer will perform twice on Saturday, Jan. 13, with a matinee from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and an evening performance from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. “Almost Like Being in Love” is the theme of these two Jazz in the Forest concerts with love songs from around the world. Tickets are $18 for Volcano Art Center members and $20 for non-members. Purchase tickets online at volcanoartcenter.org.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Saturday, Jan. 13, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. The event will take place again on Jan. 19 and 26. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

A PANCAKE BREAKFAST will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

Take a class with Patti Pease Johnson in Volcano. See event at right.
Image from pattipeasejohnson.com

A CLASS COMBINING BATIK METHODS WITH THE ART OF SERTI SILK PAINTING, Silk Painting with Wax Resist, is led by Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Participants create a representational piece of art, i.e. wall hanging. The workshop fee is $45 per Volcano Art Center member and $50 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists are welcome. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

TAKE A CLASS BLENDING INSPIRATION FROM NATURE WITH TRADITIONAL ZENTANGLE PATTERNS on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. The class blends inspiration from nature with traditional Zentangle patterns and is suitable for beginning or returning tanglers. The fee for Zentangle Class Featuring the Zendala - Twirling Leaves is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA is the title of an easy, one-mile, ranger led walk scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower. The walk is free to attend. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS on Monday, Jan. 15, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

View the Sulphur Vents and other attractions in Hawai‘i Volcanoes

National Park on Monday, Jan. 15, without paying entrance fees.

Photo by S. Geiger, National Park Service

A FEE-FREE DAY IS OFFERED AT HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no entrance fees will be collected at all fee-charging National Parks on Monday, Jan. 15. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

ARTIST OF ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME to Painting with Peggy, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, which takes place Monday, Jan. 15. The class is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. It is part of an ongoing series of workshops headed by Stanton. The class is $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members per session. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

WATCH A 24-MINUTE DOCUMENTARY VIDEO, RECENTLY RELEASED By U.S.G.S., at an upcoming After Dark in the Park presentation, Kīlauea Summit Eruption: Story of the Halemau‘mau‘u Lava Lake, on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The talk starts at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. U.S.G.S. Hawai‘i Volcano Observatory geologist Janet Babb, co-producer and co-writer of the film. After the show, U.S.G.S. H.V.O. geologist Matt Patrick provides an update on whats happening at Halema‘uma‘u today and answers questions about the summit eruption. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Photo from discoveryharbour.net

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE & WATERCOLOR takes place Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from Hilo wine store “Grapes” is included. Class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $17 supply fee. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

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

A presentation updating the community on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population
of ‘Alalā is offered at Volcano Art Center on Thursday, Jan. 18. See story below. Photo from hawaii.gov

THIS IS NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard issued a statement saying it is "an opportunity to highlight a modern form of slavery that, through force, fraud, and coercion, compels millions of people in the United States and abroad into exploitative labor and commercial sex."

Last year on this date, Gabbard helped introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Trafficking Survivors Relief Act to give survivors an opportunity to have non-violent federal crimes - incurred as a direct result of being trafficked - removed from their record. "Despite its bipartisan support, our bill has stalled in committee and has yet to receive a vote," said Gabbard. "Trafficking survivors deserve a greater effort to pass this legislation and more."

Ka‘ū’s Representative in Congress is asking each local resident to become a citizen co-sponsor of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act by signing her petition for (H.R. 459). "With your support, we can force a vote in Congress for this critical legislation," said Gabbard.
"We owe a vote on the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act to those who were not protected from being trafficked and who are now caught in the vise grip of a criminal justice system that punishes survivors instead of providing a path to rehabilitation. These survivors, an overwhelming majority of whom are women and children, are forced to commit crimes such as conspiracy, money laundering, and drug trafficking as a direct result of being trafficked themselves."

Ho‘ōla Nā Pua does not lobby but is hopeful that the human trafficking bill in Congress will pass. The organization
provides training to leaders in the medical, social service, and law enforcement communities to appropriately identify,
effectively address, and intervene in cases of sexual exploitation. See hoolanapua.org

Gabbard said she has spoken to girls as young as 14 years old who have been pursued in Hawai‘i malls, targeted for abduction, by predators who force their victims to commit crimes. "They must have a viable path to shed the chains of their past and move forward with their lives, to find jobs, housing, and security after the worst trauma of their lives. If Congress fails to pass the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, these survivors will be subjected to further exploitation, trafficking, trauma, and recidivism."
The bill is supported locally by Ho‘ōla Nā Pua, which has given presentations in Ka‘ū. Another supportive organization is the Pacific Gateway Center. Gabbard described them as "two organizations engaging in the work each day of helping trafficking survivors return to freedom and empower their life recovery. Protecting the most vulnerable in our society is one of the most important duties of public service."

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THE ‘ALALĀ PROJECT STAFF PRESENTS AN UPDATE Thursday, Jan. 18, at Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village, on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of ‘Alalā.

The special outreach presentation on the ‘Alalā, Hawai‘i’s endemic and endangered crow, takes place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free; however, donations of $5 or more are appreciated.
Volcano Art Center’s event description for Thursday Night at the Center: ʻAlalā Outreach Presentation describes the ʻAlalā as "a highly intelligent and unique crow species, integral to the native Hawaiian ecosystems and culture.”
The ʻAlalā Project is a partnership between the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and San Diego Zoo Global.
The event is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture, and the local environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
For more details, see volcanoartcenter.org.

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HAWAI‘I COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION has announced additional sign-ups for a P&R Boys & Girls T-Ball Baseball team (keiki 5-6 years) and a P&R Boys & Girls Coach Pitch Baseball team (keiki 7-8 years) at Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Registration for either team continues through Friday, Jan. 12. The T-Ball program begins Wednesday, Jan. 17, and continues through Wednesday, April 4, with practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Coach Pitch program begins Tuesday, Jan. 16, and continues through Saturday, April 7, with practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Keiki are required to bring covered shoes and a glove. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

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U.H.-C.T.A.H.R. EXTENSION AGENT ANDREA KAWABATA offers a Coffee Berry Borer Identification and Management Presentation at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers’ Market on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn about identifying CBB and how to manage this coffee pest. “This class will be fairly basic but see me after the presentation if you have specific questions,” says Kawabata. The market is located at the intersection of Mamane Street and Hwy 19. For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

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Ocean View Community Association
President Ron Gall

RON GALL, OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, has published a long list of accomplishments achieved by the organization in 2017.

In addition to opening a telemedicine installation for veterans, O.V.C.A. served more than 3,000 free meals to the community, and provided over 185 free food baskets.
The outside of the Ocean View Community Center as well as the inside of the front office there were painted. A renovation of the The Kids Library has also begun.
More educational activities for parents, teachers, and students have been added to the schedule, as have other new activities which include Aikido classes led by Alan Moroes, toddler play activities, and more yet to be announced.
Adopt-A-Block is ongoing, and the Deep Clean project is expanding.
Gall reports that O.V.C.A. "finances have been kept in the black, including over $5,000 in the Roof Fund and two grants totaling $6,000." For more details, call 939-7033.

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TRACK AND FIELD PRACTICE IN PĀHALA has been announced by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation for keiki ages 6 to 14 years old with practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The program begins Thursday, Jan. 16, and runs until Thursday, Feb. 22. Register until Friday, Jan. 12. Participants are required to wear covered shoes. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Director Nona Makuakane or Technician Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

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REGISTER FOR BADMINTON FOR SENIORS (55 years and older) at Ka’ū District Gym until Friday, Jan. 12. The program takes place on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., beginning Jan. 19 and continuing through Feb. 23. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Director Nona Makuakane or Technician Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS HOSTED HONOKA‘A in Girls Basketball on Wednesday. Top scorer for the Trojans was Kianie Mederios-Dancel with 8 of the 22 points scored by Ka‘ū. Honoka‘a took the win with 51 points.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

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

REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park by volunteering at Stewardship at the Summit on Saturday, Jan. 13. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. The event will take place again on Jan. 19 and 26. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

Binti Bailey performs at Jazz in the Forest Saturday, Jan. 13.
Photo from lavarocksband.com

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, a free, easy-to-moderate, guided hike traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku, and learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

BIG ISLAND ARTIST HEATHER METTLER'S hand-blown, chiseled, and etched glasswork is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will be open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 13, to Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

A PANCAKE BREAKFAST will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

A MATINEE AND EVENING JAZZ IN THE FOREST PERFORMANCE WITH BINTI BAILEY, Larry Seyer, and Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones will take place Saturday, Jan. 13, at Volcano Art Center. The matinee runs from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the evening show goes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. “Almost Like Being in Love” is the theme, with love songs from around the world. Tickets are $18 for Volcano Art Center members and $20 for non-members. Purchase tickets online at volcanoartcenter.org.

CREATE A REPRE-SENTATIONAL PIECE OF ART, such as a wall hanging, using a combination of batik methods with the art of Serti silk painting in a class led by Patti Pease Johnson. The Silk Painting with Wax Resist workshop takes place on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. The class fee is $45 per Volcano Art Center member and $50 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists are welcome. Register online at volcano
artcenter.org.

A ZENTANGLE CLASS FEATURING THE ZENDALA - TWIRLING LEAVES takes place Saturday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. The class blends inspiration from nature with traditional Zentangle patterns and is suitable for beginning or returning tanglers. The class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA in native Hawaiian forests, as well as the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower, during an easy, one-mile walk on Sunday, Jan. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The ranger-led walk is free to attend. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A FEE-FREE DAY IS OFFERED AT HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no entrance fees will be collected at any fee-charging National Parks on Monday, Jan. 15. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

An acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy"
Stanton is offered Monday in Volcano. See details at left.
Photo from peggystanton007.wixsite.com

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS on Monday, Jan. 15, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, on Monday, Jan. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., in Volcano Village. It is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels, headed by Stanton. The class is $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members per session. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT ERUPTION: STORY OF THE HALEMA‘UMA‘U LAVA LAKE is presented on Tuesday, Jan. 16, starting at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. U.S.G.S. Hawai‘i Volcano Observatory geologist Janet Babb, co-producer and co-writer of U.S.G.S.’s recently released documentary, introduces the 24-min film. After the show, U.S.G.S. H.V.O. geologist Matt Patrick provides an update on what's happening at Halema‘uma‘u today, and answers questions about the summit eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE & WATERCOLOR takes place Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from Hilo wine store “Grapes” is included. Class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $17 supply fee. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

Photo from tripadvisor.com

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. MEETS Wednesday, Jan. 17, starting at 4 p.m., in the Hawaiian Ranchos office. For more, call 929-9608 or visit ranchos-road.org.

A VOLCANO AWARENESS PRESENTATION takes place Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. Come and view informative displays about Mauna Loa Volcano. Talk story with scientists, public safety officials, and park rangers. For more, call 939-7033, visit ovcahi.org, or email askHVO@usgs.gov.

WEAVE A TĪ LEAF LEI Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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Humpback whales will be counted the last Saturday of January, February and March at four sites
from Miloli‘i through Ka‘ū into Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from NOAA

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY FOUNDATION named Tiare Turan Holm as Hawaiʻi Director on Thursday, Jan. 11. She will manage the Foundation’s work in Hawaiʻi to support Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

On the agenda in Ka‘ū is the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count on the last Saturday of January, February, and March at Punalu‘u, Ka Lae and Miloli‘i, during peak humpback whale season from 8 a.m. to noon. See story below to volunteer.

Tiare Holm, new Hawaiʻi Director of the National Marine
Sanctuary Foundation. Image from Palau Wave Radio

The new Director of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has more than two decades of experience managing conservation programs in Palau and the Pacific Islands region, working with government and NGOs at the local, regional and international levels. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Palau Conservation Society where her work led to the expansion of nation-wide protected areas and the Micronesia Challenge, a region-wide commitment to effectively conserve at least 30 percent of nearshore marine and 20 percent of terrestrial resources. She also served as Founder and Principal of Sustainable Decisions, a private firm that played a leading role in the establishment and management of the Palau Marine Mammal Sanctuary as well as the development of Palau’s national climate change policy.

Kris Sarri, President and CEO of the Foundation, said that “Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are part of our nation’s conservation legacy. With 25 years of experience leading conservation teams, programs and organizations in the Pacific Islands region, Tiare is committed to marine protected areas and sanctuaries as a cornerstone for marine conservation."

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is a focal point for winter whales in Hawaiʻi.

The new Director of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for Hawai‘i is Tiare Holm, who will raise

money for its efforts.

Sarri said, "The Foundation is proud to partner with N.O.A.A.’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to support education and community stewardship programs to raise awareness about the uniqueness of these marine protected areas and the need to maintain them for future generations.”

With roots in Hawaiʻi, Holm is a graduate of Maui High School and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is also a SCUBA diver and outrigger canoe coach.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the chief non-profit partner for the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation focuses on conserving areas of national significance in America’s ocean and Great Lakes by engaging citizens and communities in education, research, and on-the-ground conservation work. Learn more about the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation at marinesanctuary.org.

Take advantage of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's fee-free day and
view the parks attractions with no entrance fees charged on Jan. 15.
See event details below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which is administered by a partnership of N.O.A.A.’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve and nurse their young. Learn more at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

Papahānaumokuākea is cooperatively managed to ensure ecological integrity and achieve strong, long-term protection and the perpetuation of Northwestern Hawaiian Island ecosystems, Native Hawaiian culture, and heritage resources for current and future generations. Four co-trustees - the Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior, State of Hawai‘i and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs - protect this special place. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was inscribed as the first mixed (natural and cultural) UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States in July 2010. Learn more at papahanaumokuakea.gov.

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COUNTING HUMPBACK WHALES IS ON THE AGENDA for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The viewing sites have been announced to count humpback

whales and other marine life during peak whale season, the last Saturday of January, February and March from 8 a.m. to noon.

The four locations, from Miloli‘i to Volcano, are:

Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, where the viewing sites are sea level to 20 feet, is described by a Marine Sanctuary statement for its bathymetry: "The shoreline at this site is composed of sea cliffs, 3-10 m above sea level. Offshore submarine bottoms are composed of basalt pavement or consolidated rock bottom or outcrops, as well as some massive boulders. The bottom drops off to approximately 15-75 ft. at a distance of 50 m offshore."
Ka Lae Park, where the bathymetry is described as "composed of sea cliffs, 3-10 m above sea level. Offshore submarine bottoms are composed of basalt pavement or consolidated rock bottom or outcrops, as well as some massive boulders. The bottom drops off to approximately 15-75 ft. at a distance of 50 m offshore."

Miloli‘i Lookout bathymetry is "composed of very low outcrops, abrasion ramps, benches, and is approximately at sea level. Offshore submarine bottoms are composed of basalt pavement with massive boulders, cobbles, basalt or limestone rubble, and small boulders. The bottom drops off to approximately 30-50 ft. at a distance of 100 m offshore."

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park whale counting site is at Ka‘ena Point and is reached by following the signs for Chain of Craters Road. Proceed to the end of the road. Site is located 100 yards from the main road, over lava rock field. The elevation is 30 - 40 feet, a bluff looking to the southeast with a 180 degree view.

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO ANNOUNCED $770,000 FOR WATERSHEDS on Friday. "The USDA funding supports the State of Hawai‘i’s goal of protecting 30 percent of Hawai‘i’s watershed forests by 2030," says a statement from her office. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's investment aims to protect and improve Hawai‘i’s watersheds "and will help enhance the health of our state’s unique ecosystems,” said Hirono.

The Hawai‘i Watershed Initiative supports projects that move forward the state’s goal of protecting 253,000 acres of Hawai‘i’s highest priority watershed forests by 2030. Some of the largest, and most pristine native forest and watershed areas in the state are in Ka‘ū.

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PETITIONING CONGRESS TO RENEW THE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM is another campaign of Sen. Mazie Hirono. On Friday, she wrote, "Over the holidays, many families got an unwelcome surprise: a letter warning them that they may lose their children’s health insurance coverage, simply because Congress has failed to fully reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The GOP’s failure to fund CHIP, a bipartisan program that affords children lifesaving care, is just another example in a long line of attacks on our health care by Trump and the GOP."

Hirono said that nearly nine million children are counting on CHIP and asked for people to

"Sign the petition to fund children’s health insurance now."

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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION HOSTS AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY road cleanup along the stretch of Hwy 11 the organization adopted many years ago, between mile markers 78 and 79 from “about Mehe’s to Leilani,” reports Ocean Views and News.

The 2018 first quarter road cleanup takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. Bags, water, and vests will be provided, but volunteers are advised to “wear work gloves and sun protection,” says Ocean Views and News.
To join the effort, contact Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com for information regarding where to meet and to supply a shirt size “or, just show up along that stretch of highway at 8:30 that day wearing your own reflective vest,” says Ocean Views and News. For more, call 939-7033.

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A GLITTER SNOWFLAKE ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITY has been announced to take place at Kahuku Park (92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View) on Friday, Jan. 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class is for keiki ages 6 to 12 years. Register Tuesday, Jan. 16, through Jan. 19. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

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

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 13, @ HPA.
Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 13, @ Konawaena.
Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

Boys Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū.
Wednesday, Jan. 17, @ Kohala.
Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Girls Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 19, @ Kealakehe.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

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

A ZENTANGLE CLASS FEATURING THE ZENDALA - TWIRLING LEAVES takes place Saturday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. The class blends inspiration from nature with traditional Zentangle patterns and is suitable for beginning or returning tanglers. The class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, a free, easy-to-moderate, guided hike traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku and learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. For more, visit
nps.gov/HAVO.

A NEW EXHIBIT AT VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY,
Passage and Place, showcases Big Island artist Heather Mettler's handblown, chiseled and etched glasswork. The display will be open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 13, to Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation and immigration - how plants, animals and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free, park entrance fees apply.

A SILK PAINTING WITH WAX RESIST WORKSHOP is led by Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. The class combines batik methods with the art of Serti silk painting to create a representational piece of art, i.e. wall hanging. The workshop fee is $45 per Volcano Art Center member and $50 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists are welcome. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Saturday, Jan. 13, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. The event will take place again on Jan. 19 and 26. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

BINTI BAILEY AND LARRY SEYER WILL PERFORM AT TWO JAZZ IN THE FOREST concerts with Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones on Saturday, Jan. 13, with a matinee from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and an evening performance from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. Almost Like Being in Love is the theme with love songs from around the world. Tickets are $18 for Volcano Art Center members and $20 for non-members. Purchase tickets online at volcanoartcenter.org.

A PANCAKE BREAKFAST will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA is the title of an easy, one-mile, ranger led walk scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower. The walk is free to attend. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A FEE-FREE DAY IS OFFERED AT HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no entrance fees will be collected at all fee-charging National Parks on Monday, Jan. 15. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS on Monday, Jan. 15, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton is set for Monday, Jan. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. It is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels headed by Stanton. The class is $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members per session. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

U.S.G.S. HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGIST MATT PATRICK PROVIDES AN UPDATE on Tuesday, Jan 16, on whats happening at Halema‘uma‘u today and answers questions about the summit eruption after U.S.G.S. H.V.O. geologist Janet Babb introduces a 24-minute film she co-wrote and co-produced. The U.S.G.S. documentary, recently released, will be shown at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The After Dark in the Park presentation, entitled Kīlauea Summit Eruption: Story of the Halema‘uma‘u Lava Lake, is free, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

LEARN HOW TO TRANSFER A PHOTO ONTO WATERCOLOR PAPER at The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor on Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $17 supply fee. Sampling of several wines from Hilo wine store “Grapes” included. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. MEETS Wednesday, Jan. 17, starting at 4 p.m., in the Hawaiian Ranchos office. For more, call 929-9608 or visit ranchos-road.org.

A VOLCANO AWARENESS PRESENTATION takes place Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. Come and go and view informative displays about Mauna Loa Volcano. Talk story with scientists, public safety officials and park rangers. For more, call 939-7033, visit ovcahi.org, or email askHVO@usgs.gov.

WEAVE A TĪ LEAF LEI Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Thursday, Jan. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS an ‘Alalā Outreach Presentation on Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Volcano Village. ‘Alalā Project staff present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. The presentation is free to attend - $5 donation appreciated. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū meets Thursday. See event at right.
Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME is hosted Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy. 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants like morning glory from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." The event will take place again on Jan. 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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The massive Mauna Loa Volcano (foreground) could somewhat shelter Ka‘ū from a nuclear blast on O`ahu. On
Saturday, a false alarm, warning of an incoming ballistic missile, went out over cell phones across the state.

KA‘Ū COULD BE SOMEWHAT SHELTERED FROM A NUCLEAR BLAST HITTING O`AHU, by the density of the massive Mauna Loa Volcano between there and here. Ka‘ū residents, nevertheless, responded to the mistaken State of Hawai`i Civil Defense alert and scare on Saturday morning.

At 8:07 a.m., it blared over cell phones and read "Ballistic Missile Threat Inbound to Hawaiʻi. Seek Immediate Shelter. This Is Not A Drill." After the scare was over, nearly an hour later, some residents on the floor of an Aikido class in Ocean View talked about making plans for a real threat: Take shelter in lava tubes which are abundant in Ka‘ū. Wait out the blast in the lowest level of a building, preferably an area made of concrete, then move to the highest floor available since fallout stays close to the ground. Prepare to stay indoors for days to lessen exposure to radiation, and stockpile food for weeks in the place that a family would stay.

It was acknowledged that any threat should be taken seriously, even with the 13,680 foot tall Mauna Loa acting as a wall between Ka‘ū and O`ahu, the most likely island to be targeted, with its Pearl Harbor and other military installations.
Another recommendation: During an alert, don't look toward O`ahu. The intense light from a blast could rise over the top of Mauna Loa and burn the eyes, more damaging than looking directly into the sun.
The response to the mistaken ballistic missile alert on Saturday was quick from Ka‘ū's representatives in Congress. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, at 8:19 a.m., was perhaps the first to spread the word that the alarm was false. She tweeted, "Hawai`i - This is a false alarm. There is no incoming missile to Hawaiʻi. I have confirmed with officials there is no incoming missile."
Concerning the overall nuclear missile threat from North Korea, the Congresswoman spoke on CNN, where she pounded the Donald Trump administration. She said that Hawaiʻi residents "live with this reality of this message popping up on their phones." She said Pres. Donald Trump is "taking too long. He's not taking this threat seriously. There's no time to waste."
Later, Gabbard spoke on MSNBC, saying, "We've got to get rid of this threat from North Korea. We've got to achieve peace, not play politics, because this is literally life and death that is at stake for the people of Hawaiʻiand the people of this country."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been encouraging dialogue with North
Korea for years, as in this past interview on CNN.

In a series of tweets, the Congresswoman said: "The people of Hawaiʻi just got a sense of the stark reality of what a nuclear strike on Hawaiʻi would be. Cell phones all across Hawaiʻi got a message saying a ballistic missile is incoming, take shelter. Over a million of Hawaiʻi people were faced with the immediate reality of having 15 minutes to find a place to 'take shelter,' wondering where do I go? What shelter is going to protect me and my family from a nuclear bomb?! But there’s nowhere to go, nowhere to hide.
"Everyone in American needs to understand that if you had to go through this, you would be as angry as I am - I have been talking about the seriousness of this threat for years," tweeted Gabbard.
"Our leaders have failed us for decades, refused to take this threat seriously and prevent a nuclear North Korea, and the people of Hawaiʻi are now paying the price.
"Donald Trump is taking too long," tweeted Gabbard. "Now is not the time for posturing. He must take this threat seriously and begin direct talks with North Korea, without preconditions, to de-

escalate and denuclearize the Korean peninsula. There is no time to waste.

"The people of Hawaiʻi should never have had to go through this. The people of America should not be faced with this threat right now.
"We need peace - not political bickering. We have to talk to North Korea and find a peaceful path to get rid of this nuclear threat."
Sen. Brian Schatz said he talked with representatives of the military Pacific Command on O`ahu and the FCC and all agreed to collaborate with the state to make sure a false alarm does not happen again. "This system failed miserably and we need to start over," he tweeted.

County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense withheld sending out the mistaken warning of an incoming nuclear missile strike and declined to sound off the neighborhood sirens. Instead, the local Civil Defense alerts on Saturday covered the high surf.

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On January 8, 2018, Kīlauea Volcano’s summit lava lake level was 38 m (125 ft) below the rim of Overlook Crater,
the small crater that formed above the active vent in Halemaʻumaʻu. The lava lake continuously emits elevated
levels of sulfur dioxide gas and erupts small, but measurable, amounts of Pele’s hair and other ash-sized tephra
(airbornelava fragments) that accumulate on the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu (lower right) and areas downwind of the lake.

USGS Photo by J. Sutton

VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH SEES HAWAI`I VOLCANO OBSERVATORY answering the question: What makes the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u rise and fall?

Here is this week's Volcano Watch, written by the USGS Volcano Observatory scientists:
About a year ago, the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit was high enough that spattering on the lake surface was commonly visible from the Jaggar Museum overlook in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Although nighttime glow from the lava lake remains impressive, direct views of spattering lava are now less common, because the lake level has gradually dropped since that time.
The lake level is constantly changing, and it fluctuates over many different timescales, from minutes to months. So what causes the lake level to rise and fall?
To answer this question, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists have been closely observing the lava lake behavior and making careful, regular measurements of the lake level. A key to understanding the processes that control lake level is to compare the lake level measurements to other monitoring parameters, such as gas emission rates, ground tilt, and seismic tremor. Direct visual observations of lake activity are also essential.

A ranger looks over the crater. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

With several years of such data, the scientists can show that the lake level is related to two main factors: magma chamber pressure and gas emission rates.
Magma chamber pressure is the main control on the lava lake level. On a day-to-day basis, the lake level rises and falls in concert with the volcano’s deflation-inflation cycles. Deflation results in lava levels dropping as much as 20 meters (yards) over several days, with inflation leading to lake level rise.
Over longer time periods, such as months to years, magma chamber pressure is affected by the rate of magma supply from deeper levels. For example, an apparent increase in magma supply rate in early 2016 caused the volcano to inflate slightly and drove the lake higher. The decline in the lake level over the past year might relate to a slight decrease in magma supply rate.
The close correlation between magma chamber pressure and lava lake level means that the lake can be thought of as a “barometer” for the underlying magma chamber.
The lake provides a tool for judging the pressure state of the volcano, which is potentially useful for anticipating future eruptive events on Kīlauea’s rift zones. For example, the lake rose to high levels just before the March 2011 Kamoamoa fissure eruption near Pu‘u ‘O‘o on the volcano’s East Rift Zone.
The pressure of the summit magma chamber also determines the rate at which magma is flowing to Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on the East Rift Zone. Higher lake levels in Halema‘uma‘u normally mean elevated lava supply rates at the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent, and potentially more vigorous lava flows. So tracking the lake level can be another tool for forecasting lava flow hazards on the East Rift Zone.

A high level of lava at Halema‘uma‘u. NPS photo

Gas emission rate is the other main control on the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake level. Increases in the gas emission rate from the lake relate to increases in the amount of spattering on the lake surface. Releasing more gas from the lake results in a slight drop in lake level, normally of a few meters (yards). Unlike the lava level changes due to magma chamber pressure, these gas-driven changes normally occur over much shorter time periods, ranging from minutes to hours.
HVO scientists normally measure the lake level with a handheld laser rangefinder, but new tools for tracking lava lake level are on the horizon. University of Cambridge scientists are currently testing a radar system to continuously measure Kīlauea’s summit lava lake level with high precision. Stereo cameras are also being tested this month to track the lake level, as well as changes in crater and lake dimensions.
The level of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake is a simple indicator of the pressure state of Kilauea’s magma chamber, and the lake provides a “window” for peering into the volcano’s interior. The lake has provided another useful tool to add to HVO’s monitoring toolbox.
Speaking of Halemaʻumaʻu, the public is invited to attend a Volcano Awareness Month presentation on Kīlauea Volcano’s summit eruption on Jan. 16 in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. On Jan. 17, a “talk story” event focused on Mauna Loa will be held in the Ocean View Community Center. The Volcano Awareness Month schedule and program details are posted on HVO’s website (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/), or you can email askHVO@usgs.gov or call 808-967-8844 for

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KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM IN PĀHALA WILL BE OPEN TO ADULTS for Volleyball from Thursday, Jan. 18, to Tuesday, Feb. 27, on Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Director Nona Makuakane or Technician Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

Various activity programs for adults are available at Ka‘ū District Gym.

RECREATION ROOM GAME TABLES at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala are open to public use (12 years and older) until Sunday, March 31. The program hours, Saturday through Thursday, are 3 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Director Nona Makuakane or Technician Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, Pāhoa @ KA‘Ū.
Wednesday, Jan. 17, @ Kohala.
Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Girls Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 19, @ Kealakehe.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

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‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA is the title of an easy, one-mile, ranger led walk scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower. The walk is free to attend. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A FEE-FREE DAY IS OFFERED AT HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no entrance fees will be collected at all fee-charging National Parks on Monday, Jan. 15. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

No entrance fees are charged at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on
Monday, Jan. 15. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS on Monday, Jan. 15, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton is set for Monday, Jan. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. It is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels headed by Stanton. The class is $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members per session. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT ERUPTION: STORY OF THE HALEMA‘UMA‘U LAVA LAKE is presented on Tuesday, Jan. 16, starting at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. U.S.G.S. Hawai‘i Volcano Observatory geologist Janet Babb, co-producer and co-writer of U.S.G.S.’s recently released documentary, introduces the 24-min film. After the show, U.S.G.S. H.V.O. geologist Matt Patrick provides an update on whats happening at Halema‘uma‘u today and answers questions about the summit eruption. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Make lei from tī leaves on Wednesday in Volcano. See event details below.
Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE & WATERCOLOR takes place Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from Hilo wine store “Grapes” is included. Class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $17 supply fee. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

A VOLCANO AWARENESS PRESENTATION takes place Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. Come and go and view informative displays about Mauna Loa Volcano. Talk story with scientists, public safety officials and park rangers. For more, call 939-7033, visit ovcahi.org, or email askHVO@usgs.gov.

Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. meets Wednesday.
Photo from ranchos-road.org

WEAVE A TĪ LEAF LEI Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. MEETS Wednesday, Jan. 17, starting at 4 p.m., in the Hawaiian Ranchos office. For more, call 929-9608 or visit ranchos-road.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Thursday, Jan. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS AN ‘Alalā Outreach Presentation on Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Volcano Village. ‘Alalā Project staff present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. The presentation is free to attend - $5 donation appreciated. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME is hosted Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPU-
AULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants like morning glory from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." The event will take place again on Jan. 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 19, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Other opportunities this month take place Jan. 26. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be displayed until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation and immigration - how plants, animals and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free, park entrance fees apply.

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Mangos can beautiful, like the ones displayed by the National Mango Board, above, or infected
like those shown below, displaying anthracnose disease. Read University of Hawai‘i's advice on
how to protect mango and other food trees. Photo from National Mango Board

CALLS FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH NORTH KOREA after Saturday's false alarm of a ballistic missile headed toward Hawai‘i, were all over media on Sunday, largely promoted by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Some of the headlines are: New York Daily News - "Hawai‘i Rep. Gabbard calls for Trump to Negotiate with Kim Jong Un;" Yahoo News - "Hawai‘i Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Trump and Kim Should Talk after False Alarm."
Interviewed Sunday morning on CNN's State of the Union, Gabbard said that describing Saturday's scare as "traumatic" to the people of Hawai‘i and its visitors is an understatement. Such errors, accidents and misunderstandings could lead to an accidental nuclear war, Gabbard declared. "I have been calling on President Trump to directly negotiate with North Korea - to sit across the table from King Jon Un, work out the differences, so that we can build a pathway towards denuclearization to remove this threat."

Gabbard is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, a veteran, and serves as a Major in the Army National Guard. She emphasized that negotiations should be without pre-conditions since North Korea sees keeping nuclear weapons as its only defense against a regime change. "North Korea is now in a position where Kim Jong Un is saying, 'No way, I’m not going to give up these nuclear weapons,' because he doesn't see that credible message coming from the United States that we don't — we're not interested in overthrowing your government. We're interested in removing this nuclear threat from our country and the world," said Gabbard on State of the Union with Jake Tapper.

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GOV. DAVID IGE ISSUED ON SUNDAY AN APOLOGY FOR THE FALSE INCOMING-MISSILE ALARM SENT TO CELL PHONES ON SATURDAY. He wrote. "On Saturday, Hawai‘i's residents and visitors experienced an unfortunate situation that has never happened before and will never happen again – a false alert issued by the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency that a ballistic missile was on its way to the Hawaiian Islands.

"On behalf of the State of Hawai‘i, I deeply apologize for this false alert that created stress, anxiety and fear of a crisis in our residents and guests. I can personally assure each and every resident

and visitor that steps have already been taken by the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency to ensure that a situation of this type never happens again.

"The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency is committed to protecting the people of Hawai‘i, and over the past year it has been taking responsible measures to prepare for the highly unlikely event of a missile attack. As a state government, we must learn from this unfortunate error and continue to prepare for any safety threat to Hawai‘i's residents and visitors – whether it is a man-made threat or a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tsunami.

"In the next few days, I will continue meeting with our emergency preparedness team and personally talking with families, individuals and leaders from around our state to ensure we reach every household. We must also do what we can to demand peace and a de-escalation of tensions with North Korea. Again, on behalf of the State of Hawai‘i, I apologize for yesterday's events and any hardship and inconvenience this created for you, your family and loved ones."

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HAWAI‘I COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY is setting its agenda, and Chair Margaret Wille asks citizens to serve on Legislative Priority Huis and to come to precinct meetings, Wednesday, March 7.
The Economic and Social/Cultural Wellbeing Committee is expected to work on the:
Protect Workers focus: $15 minimum wage by 2020;
Protect Students focus: Raise quality of education;
Protect Kupuna focus: Death with Dignity rights with appropriate assurances that each person

Big Island Democratic Party Chair Margaret Wille, a former County
Council member, encourages everyone to join committees and to go
to precinct meetings on March 7 to help set the party platform.
Photo from Big Island Video News

is making choice of own free will;
Protect Local Farmers focus: Coffee Truth in Labeling; monitor cannabis legislation; and
Protect The People focus: Affordable health care.
The Environmental Wellbeing Legislative Committee is expected to work on the:
Protect Marine Life focus: Ban oxybenzone (harms coral and other marine life);
Climate Crisis focus: Prevent degradation of the sensitive ecosystems/mitigation;

Pesticide/Herbicide Restriction focus: Establish buffers around sensitive areas, facilities.

Precinct meetings with elections are set for Wednesday, March 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Precinct Officers and Delegates to the county and state conventions will be selected to create the County and State Party Platforms. Area locations for the precinct meetings are: Precincts 5, 6, & 7 - Volcano Art Center; 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano. This year will mark the first time in 30 years that the Democratic Party State Convention will be held in a place other than on O‘ahu. It will be at the Waikoloa Hilton on May 25 and 26.

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A FUNDRAISER FOR KA‘Ū VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS has reached $500 in donations. It is sponsored by Raina Whiting, who is running for the House of Representatives in West Ka‘ū and Kona.

Whiting writes, "The men and women who volunteer their time to keep the Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala communities safe deserve our support. In the past couple of months, they have responded to two large, multi-day fires by volunteering their time.

"I would like to use the money raised to stock up their fire house with water bottles, snacks and a few extra fire shirts for times when they have to respond quickly.

"Please join me in supporting the brave women and men that volunteer for our community," states Whiting on the fundraising site https://www.facebook.com/donate/218531162021536/

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ANTHRACNOSE, A FUNGAL PATHOGEN MOST COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH MANGO, can also affect other fruiting plants such as banana, avocado, papaya, coffee, and more, according to University of Hawai‘i

Mango anthracnose, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, can also
affect other fruits grown in Hawai‘i. Photo by Scot Nelson

Kona Cooperative Extension Service and Research Station. Wet, humid, and warm weather conditions favor anthracnose, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, infections in the field.

On mango, anthracnose symptoms occur on leaves, twigs, petioles, flower clusters (panicles), and fruits. Visit flickr.com/photos/scot
nelson /8292071578/in/photo
stream for photos by Scot Nelson of anthracnose (and powdery mildew, Oidium mangiferae) on mango.

Anthracnose and powdery mildew control methods differ, though symptoms may appear similar. Submit samples to the U.H. Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center to identify the pathogen responsible for symptoms you see on your tree or fruits. The cost is $12 per sample for a general disease diagnosis.

Image from U.H. C.T.A.H.R.

"During this time of year, early control is critical for reducing the inoculum and spread of these diseases within trees and throughout the farm. Field sanitation – the removal and destruction of diseased fruit, branches, and old panicles in the tree and on the ground – help to decrease the amount of latent and active fungal spores that may contribute to further disease infestation," says U.H. C.T.A.H.R. Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata. Learn more about these diseases, their symptoms and methods of control by visiting ctahr.hawaii.edu
/oc/freepubs/pdf/PD-48.pdf for mango anthracnose and ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PD-46.pdf for powdery mildew.

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VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES AUTHOR SUSAN M. SCHULTZ will teach a Documentary Poetry writing workshop on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Poets and non-poets are invited to learn techniques to create documentary prose or poetry.

Photo from Volcano Art Center

The event description says, "Documentary poetry is a form of poetry that seeks to document historical events, as well as expresses political, social or cultural issues. In Joseph Harrington’s essay, Docupoetry and Archive Desire, he defines documentary poetry as poetry that contains quotations from or reproductions of documents or statements not produced by the poet and relates historical narratives, whether macro or micro, human or natural."
The workshop begins by discussing some readings from documentary poetry, such as Donovan Kuhio Colleps's Proposed Additions. Students are asked to bring such documents as a family photograph, a sketch/plan of a house, instructions for working a familiar machine, a neighborhood map, and the definition of the name of a street.

The workshop involves writing about the photograph, street name, and other personal documents, and the bringing together of the private and public materials. In the final step, participants will discover how private lives intersect with public histories.

English Professor and Author Susan M. Schultz on left.
Photo from hawaii.edu

Schultz is a professor of English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and has lived in Hawai‘i since 1990. She is author of many books of poetry and poetic prose, including two volumes of Dementia Blog (Singing Horse Press), as well as Memory Cards. She has also authored a book of literary criticism and edited two others. She founded Tinfish Press, which publishes experimental poetry from the Pacific.
The class is $35 for Volcano Art Center members and $40 for non-members. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

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A BADMINTON PROGRAM FOR ADULTS at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala begins with registration starting Tuesday, Jan. 16. Badminton will be held Mondays and Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., starting Jan. 22 and ending Feb. 27. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Director Nona Makuakane or Technician Elijah Navarro at 928-3102, or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

THE KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM RECREATION ROOM FITNESS STATION is open in Pāhala to members of the public, ages 15 and older. Public use hours are Saturday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., until Sunday, March 31. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Director Nona Makuakane or Technician Elijah Navarro at 928-3102, or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū.
Wednesday, Jan. 17, @ Kohala.
Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Girls Basketball: Monday, Jan. 15, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 19, @ Kealakehe.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

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

A FEE-FREE DAY IS OFFERED AT HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no entrance fees will be collected at any fee-charging National Parks on Monday, Jan. 15. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS on Monday, Jan. 15, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT ERUPTION: STORY OF THE HALEMA‘UMA‘U LAVA LAKE is presented on Tuesday, Jan. 16, starting at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. U.S.G.S. Hawai‘i Volcano Observatory geologist Janet Babb, co-producer and co-writer of the recently released U.S.G.S. documentary, introduces the 24-min film. After the show, U.S.G.S. H.V.O. geologist Matt Patrick provides an update on what's happening at Halema‘uma‘u today, and answers questions about the summit eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE & WATERCOLOR takes place Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from Hilo wine store "Grapes" is included. Class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $17 supply fee. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. MEETS Wednesday, Jan. 17, starting at 4 p.m., in the Hawaiian Ranchos office. For more, call 929-9608 or visit ranchos-road.org.

A VOLCANO AWARENESS PRESENTATION takes place Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. Come and view informative displays about Mauna Loa Volcano. Talk story with scientists, public safety officials, and park rangers. For more, call 939-7033, visit ovcahi.org, or email askHVO@usgs.gov.

WEAVE A TĪ LEAF LEI Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov
/HAVO.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Thursday, Jan. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME is hosted Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS AN ‘Alalā Outreach Presentation on Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Volcano Village. ‘Alalā Project staff present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. The presentation is free to attend - $5 donation appreciated. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Learn more about the most recent efforts to reintroduce the ‘Alalā to Hawai‘i.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." The event will take place again on Jan. 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A GLITTER SNOWFLAKE ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITY takes place at Kahuku Park (92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View) on Friday, Jan. 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class is for keiki ages 6 to 12 years. Register Tuesday, Jan. 16, through Jan. 19. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 19, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Other opportunities this month take place Jan. 26. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - hand-blown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be displayed until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

BUNCO & POTLUCK takes place Saturday, Jan. 20, starting at 6 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco is a popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring a dish to share. For more, contact Margie Hack at 541-954-8297. See more at discoveryharbour.net.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café.
Photo from kilaueamilitarycamp.com

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ is hosted Saturday, Jan. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

THE ART EXRESS, a monthly class, is held Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size is limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com, or visit discoveryharbour.net/art-express.

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Lei from Hawai‘i on leaders of the Civil Rights movement in Alabama on March 21, 1965. Martin Luther King Jr.
expressed joy in the diversity and goodwill among the multiethnic people of the Islands. The lei were
hand carried from Hawai‘i to the marchers. Photo from Ebony Magazine in 1965

HAWAIIANS DECLARED SOLIDARITY in the 1960's with much of the work of Martin Luther King Jr., for whom the national holiday was celebrated this Monday - Jan. 15.

King befriended the Rev. Abraham Kahikina Akaka, and visited with him several times in Hawai‘i to work on civil rights and promote non-violence and racial harmony, an approach embedded in aloha. In King's own words, "True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice."

In 1964, King spoke at the first state Civil Rights Commission established in the United States - in Hawai‘i, where Akaka served as its first commissioner.

Glenn Izutsu, Robert Browne, Nona Springel Ferdon, Charles Campbell, and

Linus Pauling, Jr. carried lei and a banner from Hawai‘i for the Selma to

Montgomery civil rights marchers. Photo from the Human Flower Project

Akaka, the longtime Reverend of Kawaiaha‘o Church and elder brother of Sen. Daniel Akaka, was among those who suggested sending lei from Hawai‘i for the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches. They were planned after Jimmy Lee Jackson, a black teenager, was shot and killed by a state trooper during a peaceful demonstration in Perry County, Alabama in February, 1965. King and his associates led a march wearing Hawaiian lei. Also brought from Hawai‘i was a banner stating "Hawai‘i Knows Integration Works."

Those who brought the lei and banner from Hawai‘i were Glenn Izutsu, Robert Browne, Nona Springel Ferdon, Charles Campbell, and Linus Pauling Jr.

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AN UPDATE ON THE REPAIRS TO RESTORE STANDARD WATER SERVICE from the Ocean View Deepwell was recently provided by the water department's Manager-Chief Engineer Keith Okamoto. He predicted completion this month and a return to the well serving the community with potable drinking water that can also be put to other uses.

Okamoto said the motor for the pump for the well water became inoperable in November and is being replaced, while the pump is being refurbished. Concerning the cause of the breakdown, he noted that conditions in the well are unusual in that the water has more solids and is warmer than most drinking water from wells around the island. During the repair period, the public has been limited to drawing only necessary drinking water from spigots at the well water storage site. Commercial water haulers are turned away to other spigots on the island.
See Big Island Video News coverage at HOVE Well Repair Update (Jan. 11, 2018).

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A PERFORMANCE FEATURING NA KUMU PELEHONUAMEA HARMON AND KEKOA HARMON with Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo has been announced. On Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., it will kick off Volcano Art Center's 2018 Hula Kahiko series, outdoors at the kahua hula (hula platform) in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaiian language immersion K-12 school - Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu

- students in Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mea perform Hula Kahiko on the

kahua hula (hula platform) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National

Park Saturday, Jan. 20. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. Park entrance fees apply.

The students of Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo come from the Hawaiian language immersion K-12 school Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu. The event description says that "For the past seven years, their mission has been to perpetuate the Hawaiian language and culture through mele and hula. All classes are conducted through the medium of Hawaiian."
The free series is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center's ʻohana. For more, see volcanoartcenter.org.

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Ka‘iulani Carvalho demonstrates
‘Ohe Kāpala - bamboo stamping
on Saturday in Volcano.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

A NĀ MEA HULA DEMONSTRATION WITH NATIVE HAWAIIAN PRACTITIONER KA‘IULANI CARVALHO on the lānai of the Volcano Art Center Gallery follows the Hula Kahiko from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20.
For her Nā Mea Hula debut, Carvalho will present a workshop on the art of ‘Ohe Kāpala, bamboo stamping.
Carvalho was born in Hilo and raised in Puna. She is a 2012 graduate of Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, a Hawaiian Language Immersion Public Charter School. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Studies and Psychology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and is currently pursuing certification from Kahuawaiola – the Indigenous Teacher Education Graduate Program.
For more, see volcanoartcenter.org.

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A RELAY RACES PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED for Kahuku Park on Paradise Circle in Ocean View for keiki ages 6 to 12 years old on Friday, Jan. 26, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Keiki are required to wear covered shoes. Register Monday, Jan. 22, through Thursday, Jan. 25. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Wednesday, Jan. 17, @ Kohala.
Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Girls Basketball: Friday, Jan. 19, @ Kealakehe.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

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THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE & WATERCOLOR takes place Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper, and introduces basic techniques in watercolor painting. Sampling of several wines from Hilo wine store "Grapes" is included. Class fee is $30 for Volcano Art Center members and $35 for non-members, plus a $17 supply fee. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. MEETS Wednesday, Jan. 17, starting at 4 p.m., in the Hawaiian Ranchos office. For more, call 929-9608 or visit ranchos-road.org.

A VOLCANO AWARENESS PRESENTATION takes place Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. Come and view informative displays about Mauna Loa Volcano. Talk story with scientists, public safety officials, and park rangers. For more, call 939-7033, visit ovcahi.org, or email askHVO@usgs.gov.

WEAVE A TĪ LEAF LEI Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Thursday, Jan. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME is hosted Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS AN ‘Alalā Outreach Presentation on Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Volcano Village. ‘Alalā Project staff present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. The presentation is free to attend - $5 donation appreciated. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." The event will take place again on Jan. 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A GLITTER SNOWFLAKE ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITY takes place at Kahuku Park (92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View) on Friday, Jan. 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class is for keiki ages 6 to 12 years. Register Tuesday, Jan. 16, through Jan. 19. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 19, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Other opportunities this month take place Jan. 26. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be displayed until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

A DOCUMENTARY POETRY WORKSHOP is offered with Author Susan M. Schultz on Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Schultz teaches - poets and non-poets alike - the techniques of documentary poetry: a form of poetry that seeks to document historical events as well as expresses political, social, or cultural issues. The class is $35 for Volcano Art Center members and $40 for non-members. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ is hosted Saturday, Jan. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

STAINED GLASS BASICS I is offered with Glass Artist Lois Polluck at Volcano Art Center. The class takes place Saturdays and Sundays - Jan. 20, 21, 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to noon. Pollock shares expertise and knowledge, and teaches basic skills in working with stained glass. The class is $90 for Volcano Art Center members and $100 for non-members, plus a $15 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

THE ART EXRESS, a monthly class, is held Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size is limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com, or visit discoveryharbour.net/art-express.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono grilled Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on Tuesday, Jan. 16, on the national oversight

of state emergency warning systems and on DACA. See and hear Hirono.

SOME 15,000 PEOPLE RECENTLY LOST THEIR DACA STATUS, Sen. Mazie Hirono told Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Tuesday morning, Jan. 16, in a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. The Secretary of Homeland Security said she was unaware of the 15,000 and would look into it. She pointed out that a number totaling 21 lost their status through committing crimes.
Hirono and other Senators, who support a path to citizenship for young people who grew up in the U.S. after being brought here illegally by relatives, grilled the Secretary of Homeland Security on the immigrants' future. The Senators are seeking what they call a "clean" DACA bill, without demands from the Trump administration, which include building a wall along the southern border of the U.S. DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
The Trump administration seeks to end DACA, which would lead to deportation of those living in the U.S. under DACA. On Tuesday, the Trump administration filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a lower federal court's ruling that DACA must stay in place while legal challenges play out in court.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen, before the U.S.
Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, where she was questioned
by Sen. Mazie Hirono

THE FALSE INBOUND BALLISTIC MISSLE ALERT that terrified Hawaiʻi residents Saturday, Jan. 13, was another topic during the Senate Judiciary hearing Tuesday, Jan. 16. Sen. Mazie Hirono asked Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Niewlsen whether Homeland Security has reviewed procedures in all the states to assure prevention of false alarms.

The Homeland Security Secretary said the federal government provides a backbone for alert systems, but that it was the State of Hawaiʻi's decision on how to use the system.

Hirono asked whether the Secretary has the authority to convene state emergency managers to make sure that every state's alert system works properly. Hirono also asked whether Nielsen has a role in setting standards and ensuring that state emergency management agencies use best practices.

The Homeland Security Secretary said that she will work with the states to make sure they can quickly verify whether an alert is accurate.

Hirono also asked her whether the Department of Homeland Security had been aware of Hawaiʻi not having a way to respond quickly to a false alarm. The Secretary said she was unaware before the incident and promised to make sure that all states have a fail safe way to cancel any false alert more quickly. Hirono also asked to work with Homeland Security to make sure all the states and Guam improve. See the excerpt from the hearing.

After the hearing, Hirono released a statement saying, “Today, I secured a commitment from Secretary Nielsen to strengthen federal-state cooperation on emergency alerts, assess potential human and systemic failures, and improve overall readiness in Hawaiʻi and across our country. I will continue to pursue all avenues of investigation to learn what happened on Saturday and keep it from happening again.”

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Brigadier General Kenneth Hara will review the state's

emergency management response system, that erred in

sending out a false alert of a ballistic missile headed to

Hawaiʻi on Saturday.

AFTER THE FALSE INBOUND-NUCLEAR MISSILE ALERT on Saturday, Jan. 13, Gov. David Ige signed an Executive Order Monday, Jan. 15, to review the State of Hawaiʻi's emergency management enterprise. He appointed Brigadier General Kenneth Hara, the Deputy Adjutant General, to oversee a comprehensive review. "Hara will also immediately implement necessary changes," said a statement from the governor.

Ige also spoke to the public with an apology, and turned to the world situation leading to threats of nuclear attacks. "Hawaiʻi knows how to stand strong and defend itself. But we must also work for a more peaceful world. We must demand a de-escalation with North Korea, so sirens and warnings become a thing of the past. In the words of Martin Luther King, Junior, who we remember today, 'The time is always right to do what is right,'" said the governor.

Ige also spoke of public response to the false alert, saying that people should not be turned away from stores where they were seeking shelter. Families should not have to go down manholes for shelter, nor drive at high speeds on the freeway when alerted. He promised more public education.

In his Executive Order, the governor noted that residents of "Hawaiʻi, with a population of approximately 1.4 million across eight inhabited islands, are susceptible to a myriad of natural and man-made hazards." He pointed out that "Hawaiʻi is located in the most remote location on Earth separated by great distances and travel time from the continental United States." The governor acknowledged that "Hawaiʻi's location in the Pacific makes it a highly strategic location for government and military interests which necessitates additional emergency management coordination and preparation," and that "Hawaiʻi's location and vulnerability to multiple hazards has helped Hawaiʻi continue to develop an emergency management system intended to protect the public from all natural and man-made hazards."
"As part of Hawaiʻi's preemptive and protective measures, Hawaiʻi officials have been actively working on warning and response plans that include alerting the public as early as possible in order to maximize preemptive and protective actions to protect the public," states the Executive Order.

Gov. David Ige addresses the public after signing an Executive
Order to review the emergency response system.
See and hear the speech.

"WHEREAS, on January 13, 2018, an emergency warning of an actual ballistic missile launch was inadvertently issued during a shift change drill conducted by the State Warning Point; and WHEREAS, this false alarm resulted in significant response actions at all levels and sectors in Hawaiʻi; and WHEREAS, while Hawaiʻi's emergency management system is highly evolved, this recent false alarm reinforces the need for continued improvement of all emergency management plans and operations," the Executive Order states.

It directs "Brigadier General, Kenneth S. Hara, currently serving as the Deputy Adjutant General of the State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Defense, to review the current emergency response system, including notifications and warnings, and make recommendations for improvement with such review to include: 1. Facilitating efforts to identify capability and resource gaps and develop an action plan that recommends prioritization for resources required to enhance resilience, preparedness, and response capabilities. 2. Identifying actions to strengthen and expand government, private, and public partnerships for preparedness for all hazards. 3. Revising and recommending emergency notification procedures to ensure immediate notification, confirmation, or cancellation of threats. 4. Strengthening information sharing, collaboration, and communication. 5. Improving public education to help the public know what to do when an alert goes out. 6. Produce an initial action plan no later than 30 days of this executive order, a final report no later than 60 days of this executive order, and identify any portions of these documents that should not be released to the public for security or other legal reasons." See and hear Ige's speech.

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HAWAIʻI RANKS NEAR THE BOTTOM IN RETIREMENT AFFORDABILITY and other qualities for retirement life, according to a WalletHub analysis released on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
"With almost 30 percent of all non-retired adults having no retirement savings or pension, WalletHub today released 2018's Best & Worst States to Retire," says a WalletHub statement. WalletHub compared the 50 states across 41 key metrics. The data set ranges from adjusted cost of living to weather to quality of public hospitals.

Hawaiʻi ranks 50th in the categories of Adjusted Cost of Living and Elderly-Friendly Labor Market. It ranks 44th in Annual Cost of In-Home Services, meaning that Hawaiʻi is one of the most expensive. It ranks 43rd in Property-Crime Rate, meaning that there is a lot of it, and 40th in Health-Care Facilities per capita. Hawaiʻi ranks relatively high in being tax friendly for retirees - number 20, according to WalletHub. Read the report at wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-to-retire.

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Volcanic ash in this bucket is a gold mine for H.V.O. researchers,
who will explain what it means at the Jan. 23rd After Dark in the Park
at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from U.S.G.S.

VOLCANIC ASH FROM KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT LAVA LAKE: from the mundane to the unexpected, an After Dark in the Park presentation, takes place Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Pele's hair, Pele's tears, and other ash are produced by bursting gas bubbles in the lava lake at Kīlauea's summit. The amount of ash erupted daily ranges widely owing to short-term fluctuations in vigor of spattering. The monthly amount of ash, however, varies systematically with time, reflecting changing lake levels, which, in turn, varies with the rate of magma supply. A press release from Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park states, "The methodical collecting of ash unexpectedly discovered a magma supply that pulses over several-month periods - the first such pulsing recognized at any volcano."
The illustrated lecture, presented by U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Don Swanson, demonstrates how systematic, long-term collections can lead to surprising but fundamental discoveries. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS BEAT PĀHOA in boys basketball on home court Monday night, Jan. 15. Final score saw Ka‘ū with 49 points to Pāhoa's 47. Izaiah Pilanca Emmsley was the top scorer with 16 points. In the JV competition, Pāhoa got lucky, with 51 points. Ka‘ū scored 31. Top JV scorer for the Trojans was Kyson Toriano.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

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

WEAVE A TĪ LEAF LEI Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hear park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff share knowledge and love for one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov
/HAVO.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Thursday, Jan. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME is hosted Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE VOLCANO ART CENTER OFFERS AN ‘Alalā Outreach Presentation on Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Volcano Village. ‘Alalā Project staff present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. The presentation is free to attend - $5 donation appreciated. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." The event will take place again on Jan. 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A GLITTER SNOWFLAKE ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITY takes place at Kahuku Park (92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View) on Friday, Jan. 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class is for keiki ages 6 to 12 years. Register Tuesday, Jan. 16, through Jan. 19. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 19, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Other opportunities this month take place Jan. 26. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

A DOCUMENTARY POETRY WORKSHOP is offered with Author Susan M. Schultz on Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Schultz teaches - poets and non-poets alike - the techniques of documentary poetry; a form of poetry that seeks to document historical events as well as expresses political, social, or cultural issues. The class is $35 for Volcano Art Center members and $40 for non-members. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ is hosted Saturday, Jan. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

THE ART EXRESS, a monthly class, is held Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size is limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com, or visit discoveryharbour.net/art-express.

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU, a free, guided hike takes place on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike takes participants over rugged terrain and focuses on the area's human history. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be displayed until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Queen Lili‘uokalani, in 1916, after the overthrow of her government. She is seated at Washington Place, now official
residence of the Governor of Hawaiʻi in Honolulu. Wednesday marks the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the
Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. It is also opening day for the 2018 Hawaiʻi State Legislature. Photo by James Watson Moser

THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OVERTHROW OF THE KINGDOM OF HAWAIʻI is Wednesday, Jan 17. Gov. David Ige released a statement saying, "This is a special day in the history of Hawaiʻi. A few months ago, we remembered Queen Liliʻuokalani, who put her people first, before money or power. She chose the common good for a better collective existence. I believe we must follow her example as we move forward together as one people." It was during Liliʻuokalani's reign that the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown.
Read about the life of Liliʻuokalani, the first female monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Read about her commitment and her gift to the children of Hawai‘i at the Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust website, history.com, and biography.com. She is also the composer of the song Aloha ʻOe.

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THE HAWAIʻI LEGISLATURE OPENED ITS 2018 SESSION ON WEDNESDAY, Jan. 17. Representing Ka‘ū are: Sen. Josh Green, M.D., serving Honuʻapo through Nāʻālehu, Discovery Harbor, Ka Lae, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kona; Sen. Russell Ruderman, serving Honuʻapo through Pāhala, Volcano and into Puna; Rep. Richard Creagan, M.D., serving Honuʻapo through Nāʻālehu, Discovery Harbor, Ka Lae, Nāʻālehu, Ocean View into Kona; and Rep. Richard Onishi, serving Honuʻapo through Pāhala, Volcano into Puna and into Hilo.

Saint Damien, the priest who cared for the Hansen's disease patients on the island of Molokaʻi, is a watchful symbol in
front of Hawaiʻi Capitol as the State Legislature opens its 2018 session on Wednesday.
Photo from Hawaiʻi House of Representatives

To find out what kind of legislation is proposed and who is sponsoring it, see capitol.hawaii.gov, where bills can be followed by number, by subject, by key words, and by who is sponsoring them. Testimony is invited. Learn how to do research, submit bills, and interact with elected officials at Hawaiʻi Public Access Room.
See Sen. Josh Green's agenda below and Rep. Richard Creagan's agenda from the Dec. 27 Ka‘ū News Briefs. Read future briefs for Sen. Russell Ruderman's and Rep. Richard Onishi's agendas.

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STATE SENATOR JOSH GREEN, M.D., who represents west Ka‘ū and Kona, announced his legislative agenda for 2018 during opening day of the Hawaiʻi Legislature on Wednesday, Jan. 17. He said his package of bills aims at "strengthening and supporting Hawaiʻi families, with special attention to the needs of working families, women, and children."
Said Green, "This package of bills addresses the real needs of Hawaiʻi's working families. It includes proposals that will make a real difference in people's lives, like raising the minimum wage, creating more affordable housing, plans for debt-free college and universal healthcare, and new solutions to the homeless crisis."

Senators Nicole Lowen and Josh Green, with Rep. Richard Creagan.

Photo from Big Island Video News

Regarding women's issues, Green's legislation provides for equal pay, paid family leave, affordable child care, and grants greater protections against gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sex trafficking. "We need more specific laws that protect the rights of women," Green said. "When women are stronger, Hawaiʻi is stronger."
The package also includes environmental legislation to restrict use of certain pesticides, lower carbon emissions, and transition state vehicles and facilities to renewable energy. "We must do more to protect and preserve our environment," Green said. "It's something I strongly believe in and will continue working on."
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services, Green said he continues to work on the challenges of the opioid epidemic and the homeless crisis, including legislation introduced in 2017 that would make homelessness a medical condition that could be diagnosed by a physician and treated with prescribed housing. "Hawai‘i is one ‘Ohana," Green said. "We should never turn our backs on anyone, or leave anyone behind." Green, an Emergency Room physician, practices medicine on the Big Island. He announced late last year that he will run for Lt. Governor in 2018. For more information, contact the Senator at (808) 937-0991.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono talked with Secretary of Defense

Jamis Mattis on Wednesday, urging a peaceful resolution

of the situation with North Korea.

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO SPOKE WITH SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JAMES MATTIS on Wednesday, Jan. 17. She said she emphasized the importance of strong diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions with North Korea.

"Earlier today, I called Secretary of Defense Mattis to emphasize the urgency of resolving the situation with North Korea peacefully," Hirono said. "Hawaiʻi families immediately assumed that the alert meant an attack from North Korea. This speaks to the broad concern about the threat North Korea poses to our state and the rest of the country."

Hirono's call with the Secretary of Defense is part of her ongoing efforts to address Saturday's false emergency threat alert. On Tuesday, Jan. 16, Hirono questioned Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen - see Jan. 16 Ka‘ū News Briefs. She also spoke to Governor David Ige, Admiral Harry Harris, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency Director Vern Miyagi, and Hawai‘i Adjutant General Joe Logan.

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A PUBLIC HEARING FOR KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY, the public charter school at the old Discovery Harbour Golf Clubhouse, will be scheduled. On Tuesday, Jan. 16, the school administrators asked for the public hearing following a notice from the state that its charter could be revoked. The state Charter School Commission announced that it will set a hearing for public discussion on the future of the school.

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Smoking is more costly to Hawaiʻi people than to smokers in almost every other state,
according to a new WalletHub report. Photo from WalletHub

CIGARETTES COST HAWAIʻI'S SMOKERS MORE THAN $2 MILLION over a lifetime and $40,542 a year in direct costs and loss of work, health, and other opportunities. A WalletHub analysis released Wednesday, Jan. 17, ranks Hawaiʻi as one of the states where residents pay the most for their tobacco addiction. The Out of Pocket Cost to a smoker in Hawaiʻi is $167,536 - ranking 47th. The state with the lowest cost for smoking is North Dakota. The highest is New York.
The Lost Financial Opportunity for smokers in Hawaiʻi is $1,407,368 over a lifetime. The Health Care Cost for Hawaiʻi smokers is $185,243; the Income Loss per Smoker is $293,666.
The WalletHub summary on smoking says: "Smoking doesn't just ruin your health. It can also burn a nasty hole through your wallet. Tobacco use accounts for nearly half a million deaths in the U.S. each year and is the leading cause of lung cancer, according to the American Lung Association. Even those around tobacco smokers aren't safe from its harmful effects. Since 1964, smoking-related illnesses have claimed 20 million lives in the U.S., 2.5 million of which belonged to nonsmokers who developed diseases merely from secondhand-smoke exposure.

"However, the economic and societal costs of smoking are just as huge. Every year, Americans spend more than $300 billion, which includes both medical care and lost productivity. Unfortunately, some people will have to pay more depending on the state in which they live."
See the entire report at WalletHub.

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KDEN JUST ANNOUNCED AUDITIONS FOR HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES, a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. Auditions by Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. There are parts for three women and three men.

The story line involves three couples, with the men all working for the same firm. One of the younger men is having an affair with the wife of the oldest, and when each returns home suspiciously late one night or early one morning they invent a story about having to spend some time smoothing domestic matters in the home of the third couple. The third couple shows up to dinner at each house, which only adds to the fun of this famousfarce.

The show will play March 9 through March 25 at Kīlaeua Theater. For more information, call 982-7344.

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FARMING THE ROCK IN KA‘Ū: THE AGRICULTURE FIELD SYSTEM OF KAHUKU is the topic of discussion announced for Coffee Talk on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (entrance located south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11).
The event flyer quotes Mary Kawena Pukui's ‘Ōlelo No‘eau, "Ke kini mahi‘ai o Ka‘ū" and translates it to mean "the farming multitude of Ka‘ū." It states that "in pre-contact Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Island was the most populous of all the Islands and productive farming techniques were needed to support this population. While much is known about the Kona and Kohala field systems, we are only just learning about the one here in Ka‘ū." During Coffee Talk, University of Hawai‘i Professors Seth Quintus and Noa Kekuewa Lincoln discuss their work uncovering the Ka‘ū field system at Kahuku, as well as how this knowledge might serve Hawai‘i in the future.

Coffee Talk is an opportunity to get to know the park and other community members, and join an informal conversation with a wide variety of topics, on the last Friday of every month. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball: Friday, Jan. 19, @ Kealakehe.

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

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Join Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park volunteers and remove invasive

plant species at two events this week. See events below.

Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

AN ‘ALALĀ OUTREACH PRESENTATION IS OFFERED AT VOLCANO ART CENTER on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Volcano Village. ‘Alalā Project staff present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. The presentation is free to attend - $5 donation appreciated. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

VOLUNTEER FOR STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU Thursday, Jan. 18, at 9:30 a.m. with participants meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." The event will take place again on Jan. 25. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI (6-12 YEARS OLD) FOR A GLITTER SNOWFLAKE arts & crafts activity that takes place at Kahuku Park (92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View) on Friday, Jan. 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register through Jan. 19. For more, contact Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES AT STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, which takes place Friday, Jan. 19, and help native plants in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Other opportunities this month take place Jan. 26. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

BRING A DISH TO SHARE AND PLAY BUNCO AT BUNCO & POTLUCK which takes place Saturday, Jan. 20, starting at 6 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco is a popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. For more, contact Margie Hack at 541-954-8297. See more at discoveryharbour.net.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

LEARN THE ART OF DOCUMENTARY POETRY with Author Susan M. Schultz on Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Schultz teaches - poets and non-poets alike - the techniques of documentary poetry; a form of poetry that seeks to document historical events as well as expresses political, social, or cultural issues. The Documentary Poetry Workshop is $35 for Volcano Art Center members and $40 for non-members. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ is hosted Saturday, Jan. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW OR WORK ON A FORGOTTEN PROJECT AT THE ART EXRESS. A monthly class, it is held Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size is limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com, or visit discoveryharbour.net/art-express.

A FREE, GUIDED HIKE, PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU, takes place on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike takes participants over rugged terrain and focuses on the area's human history. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

PASSAGE AND PLACE, a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit showcases Heather Mettler's handblown, chiseled, and etched glasswork, will continue to be available until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply. See more at volcanoartcenter.org.

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

Orchid lovers - from those with a budding addiction, to hobbyists - are invited to register for a upcoming workshop
at Volcano Art Center in which participants learn the art of building mini orchid displays. See story below.
Photo from hiloorchidsociety.org

HAWAI‘I STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, LED BY HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER DRU KANUHA, took its wish list to the opening of the Hawai‘i Legislature this week, hosting a briefing for legislators statewide.
Kanuha, who chairs the Hawai‘i State Association of Counties and is running for the State Senate from west Ka‘ū through Kona, said funding for affordable housing is sought through setting aside a small percentage of the state conveyance tax revenue. The money would go to each county's affordable housing fund to increase the supply of affordable housing units. The conveyance tax is levied when real estate is sold from one entity to another.

Dru Kanuha, Chair of the Hawai‘i State

Association of Counties, took its agenda

to the Hawai‘i Legislature this week.

HSAC will also continue to advocate for a fairer share of the transient accommodations tax, also known as hotel tax, or TAT. The TAT was raised on Jan. 1, 2018, by a full percentage point, with all of the additional income earmarked for the rail system on O‘ahu. HSAC’s bill mirrors recommendations made by the State-County Functions Working Group to the Legislature to provide a 55-45 percent split of TAT revenue between state and counties.
Kanuha said the HSAC also urges legislators to restore legal immunity for county lifeguards, which was taken away during the last legislative session. The counties seek to ensure civil liability protection for county lifeguards against frivolous lawsuits - a benefit provided to state lifeguards.

Additional funding for ambulance service for Hawai‘i and Kaua‘i Counties is also on the HSAC agenda for the legislators. All the counties agree to support the ambulance funding for this island and Kaua‘i.

Another initiative would incentivize the installation of fire suppression systems in one and two-unit housing, not just condominium and apartment buildings.

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ALLOWING BANKS TO ACCEPT MONEY FROM MARIJUANA BUSINESSES, in states where they are legal, is the goal of Hawai‘i Attorney General Doug Chin. He and 18 other state attorneys general wrote to Congress this week. Chin co-chairs the bi-partisan National Association of Attorneys General Marijuana Working Group. He and Alaska Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth lead the hui of states, like Hawai‘i, with legal medical cannabis, and states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Chin has also announced that he will run for Congress.

An image urging Congress to legalize banking for businesses in states

that have legalized marijuana.

Image from Doug Chin's congressional campaign - Facebook

The attorneys general letter states:

"We are a bipartisan group of state attorneys general who recognize that the states and federal government share a strong interest in protecting public safety and bringing grey market activities into the regulated banking sector. To address these goals, we urge Congress to advance legislation that would allow states that have legalized medical or recreational use of marijuana to bring that commerce into the banking system.

"Twenty-nine states and several U.S. territories have legalized the medical use of marijuana. Among those, eight states and the District of Columbia, also allow recreational use by adults over 21 years of age. However, because the federal government classifies marijuana as an illegal substance, banks providing services to state-licensed cannabis businesses could find themselves subject to criminal and civil liability under the Controlled Substances Act and certain federal banking statutes. This risk has significantly inhibited the willingness of financial institutions to provide services to these businesses.

"Despite the contradictions between federal and state law, the marijuana industry continues to grow rapidly. Industry analysts report that sales grew by 30% to $6.7 billion in 2016 and expect those totals to exceed $20 billion by 2021. Yet those revenues often exist outside of the regulated banking space. Businesses are forced to operate on a cash basis. The grey market makes it more difficult to track revenues for taxation purposes, contributes to a public safety threat as cash intensive businesses are often targets for criminal activity, and prevents proper tracking of large swaths of finances across the nation.

AG Doug Chin supports banking for the marijuana industry

and is running for Congress.

"To address these challenges, we are requesting legislation that would provide a safe harbor for depository institutions that provide a financial product or service to a covered business in a state that has implemented laws and regulations that ensure accountability in the marijuana industry such as the SAFE Banking Act (S. 1152 and H.R. 2215) or similar legislation. This would bring billions of dollars into the banking sector, and give law enforcement the ability to monitor these transactions. Moreover, compliance with tax requirements would be simpler and easier to enforce with a better-defined tracking of funds. This would, in turn, result in higher tax revenue.

"Prior Department of Justice guidance outlined how financial institutions could provide services to state-licensed marijuana businesses consistent with their obligations under federal law and created some space for the banking industry to work with those businesses, though challenges remained in many areas. The recent rescission of that guidance has made the need for Congressional action to get the cash generated by this industry into a regulated banking sector even more urgent.

"Our banking system must be flexible enough to address the needs of businesses in the various states, with state input, while protecting the interests of the federal government. This includes a banking system for marijuana-related businesses that is both responsive and effective in meeting the demands of our economy. We look forward to working with you as you move forward in this process and lending our voice and expertise as you develop legislation."

Hawaiian Electric reports a surge of rooftop solar across the state.
Photo from HECO

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A SURGE IN SOLAR INSTALLED ACROSS THE ISLANDS IN 2017 was announced by Hawaiian Electric Co. on Thursday. More than 100 megawatts of solar were installed across the Hawaiian Electric Companies' service territories in 2017, a 19 percent jump from the previous year, "helping to move the state closer to a clean energy future," says a HECO statement.

At the end of 2017, Hawai‘i Electric Light Co., which serves the Big Island; Hawaiian Electric, which serves O‘ahu; and Maui Electric, which serves Maui, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i, recorded 695 megawatts (MW) of cumulative installed solar, up 109 MW from 2016. The megawatts of solar added last year produce power equivalent to that used by about 32,000 homes.
The solar total includes 82,000 private rooftop solar systems connected or approved, up 3.6 percent from 2016. It also includes the addition of the 27.6-MW Waiʻanae solar facility on O‘ahu, which provides some of the state's lowest-priced renewable energy.
Private rooftop solar installations and approvals as a percentage of total customers rose in 2017. By year's end, 19 percent of residential customers at both Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric have rooftop solar installed or approved for installation, up from 16 percent at both companies in 2016. Hawaiʻi Electric Light residential customers held steady with 16 percent solar installed or approved, in both 2016 and 2017.

Large solar farms are contributing to a "clean energy future," reports
Hawaiian Electric. Photo from HECO

"We ended 2017 with the largest year-to-year increase of installed solar since 2013 and we anticipate even higher numbers by the end of this year," said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president of customer service. "We're excited about new solar programs on the horizon such as Smart Export and CGS+, community-based renewable energy and new grid-scale projects underway on Oʻahu and Maui. And we continue to improve and streamline the rooftop solar application process for our customers."
Since the launch of the online Customer Interconnection Tool last fall, customers have been able to submit online applications to install private rooftop solar under the Customer Self-Supply program. The online application tool is believed to be the first of its kind to provide a seamless process allowing customers to follow the status of their applications from start to finish.
The companies anticipate continued growth in private rooftop solar and utility-scale projects. On Oʻahu and Maui, 135 MW produced by six separate projects will come online this year, including Hawaiian Electric's 20-MW solar facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "That project will produce the lowest-priced grid-scale solar in the state for the benefit of all Hawaiian Electric customers," says the HECO statement.

Photo from Volcano Art Center

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SUPPORT FOR SENIOR HOUSING in Nā‘ālehu will be raised, in part, through a spaghetti dinner at St. Jude's Church Friday at 5 p.m. in Ocean View. The drive for senior housing is led by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou and its president Wayne Kawachi, who recently walked 100 miles to raise money. He said more than $55,000 has come in toward the $250,000 goal to purchase land for the senior housing at the site of the former Nā‘ālehu Fruit Stand on Hwy 11. See www.okaukakou.org for more.

HOW TO MAKE A MINI ORCHID DISPLAY is a new event announced by Volcano Art Center. The class takes place Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Orchid lovers - from hobbyists, to those with a budding addiction - are invited to join Hilo Orchid Society's Shelby Smith and Donna Barr for a Build Your Own Mini Orchid Display workshop. Smith and Barr will be on hand to answer questions and show tips, tricks and their orchid "know-how."
The workshop involves education on orchids, as well as instruction in designing and building a mini orchid display. Different categories of mini orchid displays will be covered, including Garden, Flower Arrangement/Cut Flowers/Ikebana, and Keiki.
Pre-registration is required. Volcano Art Center members pay $20 and non-members pay $25. The event description on volcanoartcenter.org says "Not only will you learn a thing or two, but also, thanks to the Hilo Orchid Society, you'll be able to take home an orchid."

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

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

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

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januarycommunity.html.

January print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is

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

through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout

the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

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

A GLITTER SNOWFLAKE ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITY takes place at Kahuku Park (92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View) on Friday, Jan. 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class is for keiki ages 6 to 12 years. Register Tuesday, Jan. 16, through Jan. 19. For more, contact Hawai’i County Parks and Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/recreation.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 19, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Other opportunities this month take place Jan. 26. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

BUNCO & POTLUCK takes place Saturday, Jan. 20, starting at 6 p.m. in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco is a popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring a dish to share. For more, contact Margie Hack at 541-954-8297. See more at discovery harbour.net.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S CRATER RIM CAFÉ HOSTS A MONGOLIAN BBQ Saturday, Jan. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE FEATURES NA KUMU PELEHONUAMEA HARMON AND KEKOA HARMON with Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the kahua hula (hula platform) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
A Nā Mea Hula demonstration follows, on the Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, with Native Hawaiian Practitioner Ka‘iulani Carvalho, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For her Nā Mea Hula debut, Carvalho will present a workshop on the art of ‘Ohe Kāpala, bamboo stamping.
For more, see volcanoartcenter.org.

Join park rangers on a free 2.5-mile hike over rugged terrain Sunday.
See event below. Photo by Julia Espaniola, National Park Service

POETS AND NON-POETS ALIKE ARE INVITED TO TAKE A DOCUMENTARY POETRY WORKSHOP with Author Susan M. Schultz on Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Schultz teaches the techniques of documentary poetry - a form of poetry that seeks to document historical events, as well as expresses political, social or cultural issues. The class is $35 for Volcano Art Center members and $40 for non-members. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

A FREE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT, GUIDED HIKE, PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU, takes place on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The 2.5-mile hike takes participants over rugged terrain and focuses on the area's human history. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

H.O.V.E. ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. meets Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m., in their office in Ocean View. For more, visit hoveroad.com, or call 929-9910.

VOLCANO ASH FROM KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT LAVA LAKE: from the mundane to the unexpected, an After Dark in the Park presentation, takes place Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. An illustrated lecture in which U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Don Swanson demonstrates how systematic, long-term collections of ash erupted from the lava lake at Kīlauea's summit can lead to surprising but fundamental discoveries. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL committees meet Tuesday, Jan. 23, with a full council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Both meeting days take place in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be displayed until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

The U.S.G.S. scientist responsible for the latest maps of Mauna Loa, Frank Trusdell, explains a point to Ocean View

residents Steve Lewis, Peter Bosted, and Don Coons. See story below. Photo by Ann Bosted

HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will remain open, for now, during the federal government shutdown that went into effect after midnight on Friday, Washington D.C. time. The federal administration announced that workers at national parks, the post offices, FAA, TSA, and the military will remain on the job, their facilities open.
Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "Nobody wants a shutdown. Except maybe the President, who seems to relish a government shut down as a way of shaking things up no matter who gets hurt."
In the past, the shutting down of the federal government led to closure of the five federal parks on this island. This time, most public roads in and through parks will remain open, but some campgrounds and concessions could be closed. Culturally sensitive and back-country trails could be closed, according to statements from the Department of the Interior.
The federal government shut down with a failure to fund it Friday night, as congress wrestled with paying for children's health care insurance, and solving the problem of deporting the DREAMer young people who were brought to the U.S. illegally when they were children but are now good citizens.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is expected to remain open after the
federal government shut down after midnight, D.C. time on Friday.
NPS photo

The Senator released a statement late Friday, Hawai‘i time, saying, "Tonight, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, and Donald Trump turned things upside down. They've spent the past year working behind closed doors to take away health care from millions of people and pass huge tax cuts for the richest people and corporations in our country without input from Democrats or the public. At the same time, they've ignored reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program, funding Community Health Centers, protecting DREAMers, and providing parity between defense and non-defense programs. All of these issues have bipartisan support and should have gotten done months ago."

Said Hirono, "Republicans are in charge of the House, the Senate, and the Presidency. They are in charge of setting the time table and the agenda, and now they're blaming the Democrats for their own misplaced priorities.

"Congress is a separate branch of government. Instead of bowing to the unpredictable, mercurial, and unreliable positions of the President, we should do our jobs and send the President a government funding bill that addresses all of these priorities."

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WHEN MAUNA LOA ERUPTS and sends its lava down its steep slopes, it will happen quickly, and the warnings may be very short. In the event of an eruption, U.S.G.S. will notify County of Hawai‘i Civil Defense, which will issue warnings and alerts by phone, siren, Twitter, and Facebook messages.

These were some of the many messages delivered during the two-hour U.S.G.S. poster presentation Mauna Loa: Let's Talk Story. The event drew about 100 residents Wednesday evening to Ocean View Community Center.

Michael Zoeller, a GIS specialist from University of Hawai‘i, assigned

to U.S.G.S., explains the newest maps to Francis Mitchell of Ocean

View (at the back). In foreground is Tina Neal, Scientist-in-Charge

of U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. These lava inundation maps

attracted a lot of interest as they are able to predict where the

lava would flow. Photo by Ann Bosted

To mark January as Volcano Awareness Month, U.S.G.S. invited the public to bring questions, talk story, circulate among the posters and interview the many U.S.G.S. personnel standing ready with explanations on a variety of subjects related to the mountain that many call home.

Talmadge Magno, County Civil Defense Administrator and former National Park Service Ranger, was also on hand to answer questions about emergency preparedness.
Christina "Tina" Neal, Scientist-in-Charge of the U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, circulated among residents to ensure that no questions went unanswered. Neal was impressed with the large turn out and the obvious interest that residents manifested in the future of the mountain on which they live. Mauna Loa is the largest mountain, by volume, on the planet.

Neal also appeared enthusiastic about the latest maps from U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, showing which areas are likely to be inundated by lava, should either the southwest fissure or the northeast fissure erupt. The maps for various areas can be downloaded from this link: pubs.er.usgs.gov.
Ingrid Johanson, a geophysicist at the U.S.G.S., fielded a lot of questions from the exhibit attendees. She was the one who emphasized that, while the exact location and time of an eruption on Mauna Loa cannot be predicted, it will happen quickly. Warnings may be much shorter for Mauna Loa eruptions than those at Kīlauea volcano. She gave the example of Pahoa, where the lava flow from Kīlauea slowly approached

Carolyn Parchetta compares Kīlauea and Mauna Loa eruptions

for Lynn Gordon of Ocean View and Robert Thomas

of Santa Barbara. Photo by Ann Bosted

the town over a period of a few months in 2014.
Michael Zoeller, a GIS specialist who works for the University of Hawai‘i and helps U.S.G.S., said that he received a lot of questions from the public attendees who wanted to know what the inundation maps mean. As the co-author, with Frank Trusdell, of the Lava Inundation Zone Maps, he said he hopes that the public and the Civil Defense authorities will use the maps to plan their response to eruptions.

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CONCERNING COVERT SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMS of non-U.S. persons, without warrants, Sen. Mazie Hirono, on Thursday, voted against S.139, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Amendments Reauthorization. The bill passed the Senate on a 65-34 vote, sending the legislation to the President.

"Congress authorizes covert intelligence programs under FISA for a limited duration so that these programs can be reviewed, debated, and reformed to balance our national security needs with the constitutional rights of the American people," said Hirono. "The bill we voted on today failed to meet this basic standard. This legislation needed more open debate and a process where we could have offered amendments. The fact that it will likely not be revisited by Congress for six years goes against our country's core principles."

Section 702 of FISA establishes procedures that allow the U.S. government to conduct surveillance on non-U.S. persons who are in foreign countries. The provision also gives the Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence the authority to jointly authorize the targeting of non-U.S. persons outside the U.S. for up to one year at a time, without a formal court warrant. However, under these authorities, the government collects massive amounts of data that has included communications of Americans in the U.S.

Despite calls for reform of these data collection procedures by civil liberties advocates, S. 139 renews 702 authorities for six years and fails to prevent controversial information gathering that sweeps up Americans’ information, nor does it provide stronger safeguards for Americans if their information is collected, said Hirono.

Hirono is a co-sponsor of S. 1997, the bipartisan USA RIGHTS Act. This bill would reform FISA 702 programs by: preventing controversial information collection practices; requiring explicit warrants in instances where communications by Americans are necessary to collect foreign intelligence; prohibiting the use of information collected under 702 from being used against Americans unless they are implicated in crimes related to national security such as terrorism; and strengthening oversight of the 702 program, among other provisions. This legislation has been endorsed by civil liberties advocates such as the American Civil Liberties Union.

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KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY has announced a fundraiser dinner at the campus this Saturday, Jan. 20. Billed as Gilligan's, the name of the restaurant that raised money to start the Charter School, the event, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., will help sponsor students going to Washington, D.C. Live music and food are on the menu.

HOLY ROSARY CHURCH in Pāhala has announced a Thrift Sale for Saturday, Jan. 20, from 8 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome. The church is located on Pikake Street in Pāhala.

A LA‘AU LAPA‘AU BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, shared by Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues, has been announced by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi to take place at Ka‘ū District Gym (across from Ka‘ū High School) in Pāhala in February. The class, free and open to the public, will be held on three separate Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon - Feb. 3, 17, and Feb. 24.
To sign up or for more details, call (808) 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team. Visit hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

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Kumu Hula Stephanie Apolo.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

HULA VOICES RETURNS THURSDAY, FEB. 1, with Kumu Hula Stephanie Apolo, announces Volcano Art Center. Desiree Moana Cruz will moderate the event with Apolo.

"Hula Voices presents an engaging, intimate ‘talk story’ session with Hawaii Island's hula practitioners who eat, sleep and live lives centered on the practice of hula and its associated arts. Hear from kumu hula, long time haumana (students) and artisans whose lives are centered around the practice of hula and its associated arts. Join us for an engaging, informative, and fun hour as they share their hula genealogy, including the traditions, protocols, experiences, inspirations for songs, chants and Hawaiian choreography based in antiquity," says the event description.

From the age of four, Apolo practiced hula with Hula Master George Lanakilakeikiahi-ali‘i Naope, and danced with him until he retired. After Naope retired, she danced for other Kumu, including Iwalani Kalima, Etua Lopez, Ray Fonseca, Francis Henry Pohukaina "Kaina" Keana‘aina, Raylene Ha‘alelea Lancaster, and Hulali Solomon Covington.
The free, educational event will occur regularly on the first Thursday of each month (excluding April and Dec. 2018), from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula Voices is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Dept. of Research and Development and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Park entrance fees apply. See more at volcanoartcenter.org.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Jan. 20, Kohala @ Ka‘ū.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.

Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Honoka‘a.
Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ HPA.
Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 20, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.

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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

BUNCO & POTLUCK takes place Saturday, Jan. 20, starting at 6 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bunco is a popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring a dish to share. For more, contact Margie Hack at 541-954-8297. See more at discoveryharbour.net.

A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE FEATURES NA KUMU PELEHONUAMEA HARMON AND KEKOA HARMON with Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the kahua hula (hula platform) in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
A Nā Mea Hula demonstration follows, on the Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai with Native Hawaiian Practitioner Ka‘iulani Carvalho from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For her Nā Mea Hula debut, Carvalho will present a workshop on the art of ‘Ohe Kāpala, bamboo stamping. For more, see volcanoartcenter.org.

A DOCUMENTARY POETRY WORKSHOP is offered with Author Susan M. Schultz on Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Schultz teaches - poets and non-poets alike - the techniques of documentary poetry; a form of poetry that seeks to document historical events, as well as expresses political, social, or cultural issues. The class is $35 for Volcano Art Center members and $40 for non-members. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ is hosted Saturday, Jan. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Aerial photo of the Discovery Harbour Community.
Photo from discoveryharbour.net

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU, a free, guided hike, takes place on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike takes participants over rugged terrain, and focuses on the area's human history. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

H.O.V.E. ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. meets Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m., in their office in Ocean View. For more, visit hoveroad.com, or call 929-9910.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL committees meet Tuesday, Jan. 23, with a full council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Both meeting days take place in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

VOLCANO ASH FROM KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT LAVA LAKE: from the mundane to the unexpected, an After Dark in the Park presentation, takes place Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This is an illustrated lecture in which U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Don Swanson demonstrates how systematic, long-term collections of ash erupted from the lava lake at Kīlauea's summit can lead to surprising but fundamental discoveries. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI BY THURSDAY, JAN. 24, FOR ‘O KA‘Ū KAKOU'S 10TH ANNUAL Keiki Fishing Tournament, held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. The event is open to keiki from one to 14 years old, with pick-up & drop-off locations for registration forms at: Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Pre-registration ends at 5 p.m. on Jan. 24. Register at event from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Fishing until noon, then lunch and prizes. Every participant gets a prize. Grand and mini-grand prize drawing - including personal tablets. For more, call Guy Enriques at 217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773, or visit okaukakou.org.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Lifecycle of Coffee Berry Borer. Image from CTAHR

U.H. COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES Kona Cooperative Extension Service has put out a save the date announcement for two Coffee Berry Borer 101 Workshops for New and Beginning Coffee Farmers.
The free two-hour class teaches the basics of coffee berry borer identification, biology, and management. It is planned for Thursday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 27, and will take place in the Kona Cooperative Extension Service office at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua. Representatives of the Extension Service office ask everyone to "Please let new coffee farmers know about this upcoming workshop. A flyer will be distributed and available soon."
For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be displayed until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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A Small, Olive Green, Stone Wheel-Cut Vase with Sand Blasted ‘Alalā and Tapa Band by Heather Mettler was
auctioned at Volcano Art Center's 13th Annual Love of the Arts fundraiser gala. The 14th Annual event will
take place Feb. 24. See more artwork by Mettler at the Volcano Art Center Gallery's ongoing exhibit:
Passage and Place. See event details below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is closing. Visitors are being turned away at the entry gate at Hwy 11 and Crater Rim Drive. Kīlauea Military Camp and Volcano House hotel guests have been given until Monday morning to leave the area. Campgrounds in the park are being closed. Crater Rim Drive, Chain of Craters Road, and the overlook at Jagaar Museum into Kīlauea Caldera are closed. Kilauea Visitor Center and Theater, and Volcano Art Center Gallery are closed.
Volcano House Restaurant, KMC's Crater Rim restaurant and Lava Lounge, KMC's bowling alley and other concessions, are all shutting down. Back-county permits and overnight camping permits will not be allowed.
The closure is due to "the lapse in federal appropriations," says a message from park staff, following the Friday failure by Congress to fund the federal government.

With Congress' failure to fund the federal government by Friday at
midnight, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is turning away visitors
at its main entry. Kilauea Overlook, most trails, and other features
are off limits, due to lack of staffing. NPS photo

"Hazards associated with the active volcano pose a significant risk to the safety of visitors in the absence of National Park Service staff," says the message. The ongoing eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, both at the summit and from the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent, contribute to hazards that require close monitoring and management of visitor areas by park staff.
Hwy 11, which passes through the park, remains open. Also open is Mauna Loa Road to Kīpukapuaulu and its trail, with the day-use area and tree molds open. Ka‘ū Desert Trail is open to the Footprints exhibit shelter. However, no NPS services are being provided and access could be closed at any time.
"The hazardous geologic processes and the immediate threats to visitor health and safety necessitate the restriction of access to areas that are volcanically active. These closed areas include the entire summit area of Kīlauea, Crater Rim Drive, Chain of Craters Road, and the active lava flow within the park boundary," says the message.

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DURING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, no pay will be kept by Hawai'i Rep.Tulsi Gabbard and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, the two announced on Saturday. Gabbard, who represents Ka‘ū and rural Hawai'i, said, “Congress’ job is to serve the people, and it has failed. Partisan posturing and grandstanding has taken precedence over human lives. Enough is enough. The failure to pass a year-long budget, and allowing the government to shut down, while playing political football with issues of humanity is inexcusable. I will not accept any pay during this shutdown, and stand with our troops. law enforcement, first responders, and federal employees in Hawai'i and nationwide who continue to serve and report for duty with no pay during this shutdown. Congress needs to put people before politics and reopen the government.”

Hanabusa, who represents urban O'ahu, and is running for governor, said, “If we cannot work together through the regular order to keep the government funded and functioning then we should put our salaries to good use supporting causes that help people and nurture the communities who need it most. I intend to donate the salary I earn during the period that the government is shut down to charity.” Both Members also did not take pay during the 2013 government shutdown. In 2013, Gabbard returned her salary to the U.S. Treasury and Hanabusa donated her salary to Meals on Wheels and the Moili'ili Community Center.

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS IS COMING TO KA‘Ū on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The public is invited to learn about the schools, founded in 1887 by Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop to benefit Native Hawaiian children. Kamehameha provides outreach programs in public schools here and also accommodates students from Ka‘ū at its Keaʻau campus. Presented will be Kamehameha School's Viston & Strategic Plan.

Representatives will explain Kamehameha Schools Strategic Plan 2015-2020 and take community input for changes and future planning.
A Kamehameha Schools statement on the current plan says, "Despite the progress of previous decades, academic achievement is a persistent concern for many Native Hawaiians. For example, 14 percent of Native Hawaiians who graduate from high school go on to complete a postsecondary degree. This has serious implications for economic self-sufficiency, given that 65 percent of jobs will require some kind of postsecondary degree."
The population of Native Hawaiians, ages 0-24, was estimated by Kamehameha Schools to have been approximately 152,000 in 2015. Of those old enough for school, about 7,000 were in Kamehameha Schools, 7,000 in private schools, 4,000 in Hawaiian-focused charter schools, and the remainder assigned to public schools.
By 2040, the number of Native Hawaiian young learners will increase to about 247,000, predicts Kamehameha Schools. "Even with a strong endowment and a strong tradition of educational programming, Kamehameha Schools may not be able to keep up with this population growth. New approaches will be essential to produce the transformation change we envision for all Native Hawaiian learners," says the statement.
The strategic plan includes delivering a "world-class, culture-based education through a network of Native Hawaiian schools, inclusive of our KS schools and Native Hawaiian charter and immersion schools." The plan calls for programs that enable keiki to be ready for kindergarten; read at grade level or higher in third grade; be academically prepared in eighth grade; graduate from high school on time, prepared for the next step; complete postsecondary education and training; and to be engaged in local and global servant leadership, culturally committed.

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KEEPING INFORMED ABOUT HAWAIIAN VOLCANOES is the first step to preparedness. That is the headline for this week's Volcano Watch column by U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists:
With recent attention focused on the need to be prepared for all hazards, this week's Volcano Watch offers ways to stay informed about Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes.

Spectacular aerial view of Kīlauea Volcano's East Rift Zone lava flows advancing over Pūlama pali in mid-December 2017. As surface lava flows moved through the center kipuka (forested area) on the pali, smoke

rose from the burning vegetation. Gases emitted from Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, the source of the 61g lava flow, can be

seen in the distance above the smoke from the burning kipuka. Mauna Loa (left) and Mauna Kea (right) are

visible in the far distance. Looking carefully in front of Mauna Loa, the gas plume rising

above Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea can be seen. Capturing both the summit and East Rift

Zone eruptions in one photo is a rare sight. U.S.G.S. photo by C. Parcheta

Today's smartphones and 24/7 news coverage provide an ever-increasing number of ways to follow what's happening in the world of natural hazards, including volcanoes and earthquakes. For some, this barrage of information is challenging. But others might argue that offering hazards information in a variety of ways reaches a broader audience more quickly and efficiently.
Whatever the preference, there are several ways that Hawaiʻi residents, visitors, and public safety officials, as well as volcano fans around the globe, can follow what's happening at Hawaiian volcanoes.
First and foremost, the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo) is available 24/7 for people with access to the Internet. On this website,

When Mauna Loa's Southwest rift zone erupts, where will the lava flow?

These Lava Inundation maps are based on drainage routes and show the

alternatives, depending on exactly where the lava erupts.The were presented

by U.S.G.S. to Ocean View residents on Wednesday. Photo by Ann Bosted

find daily eruption updates for Kīlauea and weekly updates for Mauna Loa. There are also links to photographs, videos, maps, webcams, monitoring data, Volcano Watch articles, news releases, frequently asked questions, and much more.
Updates on Hawaiian volcanoes, HVO's weekly Volcano Watch articles, and other volcano postings can also be followed via social media, including Facebook at facebook.com/USGSVolcanoes/ and Twitter at twitter.com/USGSVolcanoes.
If HVO's website and Internet searches do not yield information sought, email askHVO@usgs.gov to inquire about Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes. HVO strives to answer all askHVO email inquiries.
For people who want information sent to them directly and automatically, day or night, the U.S. Geological Survey offers two notification services: one for volcanoes and one for earthquakes. Hawaiʻi residents interested in rapid notifications about volcanic and seismic activity are encouraged to sign up for both (more than 11,000 subscribers currently receive HVO notices). Here's how:
The U.S.G.S. Volcano Notification Service (VNS) is a free, customizable email-subscription service that delivers notifications of significant volcanic activity directly to an inbox or cell phone. Sign up for this service at volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/.
With the VNS, choose from various types of notifications: Updates (daily, weekly, or monthly), Status Reports, Volcano Activity Notices, and/or Information Statements. Select to receive notices only from HVO about specific Hawaiian volcanoes, and/or notices about other U.S. volcanoes in the Cascades, Alaska, California, and at Yellowstone.
The U.S.G.S. Earthquake Notification Service (ENS) is a similar subscription service for information about earthquakes that occur in Hawaiʻi and elsewhere in the world. The ENS can be customized to deliver messages about earthquakes of particular magnitudes, at specified times, and via preferred method (email or text). Sign up for this free service at earthquake.usgs.gov/ens/.
HVO also maintains short, recorded telephone messages about Kīlauea's recent eruption activity and Mauna Loa's current status. Call 808-967-8862 (for daily Kīlauea updates) or 808-967-8866 (for weekly Mauna Loa updates) at any time to hear these messages.

Mauna Loa eruptions produce lava at a much higher rate than those

of any other Hawaiian volcano, even the highly active Kīlauea Volcano.

This results in fast moving, long lava flows, as shown in this map which

compares the recent flow which threatened Pāhoa and lasted 126 days (top),

with four Mauna Loa flows which lasted 3 days, under 18 hours, seven days,

and three days respectively. All the flows are drawn to the same scale. This

poster points out that the fast-flowing lava from Mauna Loa requires fast

responses in order to protect lives and property. This illustration was shown

Wednesday to Ocean View residents at a Talk Story at Ocean View

Community Center. Photo by Ann Bosted

Not everyone is connected to the Internet. For those folks, tuning into local radio stations and watching a favorite Hawaiʻi television news source are good ways to keep informed about important changes at Hawaiian volcanoes. This is especially true during volcanic and earthquake emergencies, when Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense proactively issues messages via public media about any situation that could impact public safety.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park also provides online information through its What's going on with the volcano? webpage (nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit), which includes links to HVO updates, as well as National Park Service and U.S.G.S. photos and videos. This webpage also provides visitor information on viewing lava safely.

Volcano Awareness Month - held each January, during which HVO scientists offer programs about Hawaiian volcanoes - is a great way to stay informed. Details about upcoming events are posted on HVO's website (volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/), or email askHVO@usgs.gov or call 808-967-8844 for more info.
Recently, Kīlauea Volcano's two ongoing eruptions have been relatively steady, but long-time volcano watchers know this could change at any time. An eruption of Mauna Loa is not imminent, but it is an active volcano that will erupt again.
We hope this review of how to find information about Hawaiian volcanoes will help everyone be ready when changes occur.

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Louise Keali‘iloma King Lanzilotti

LOUISE KEALI‘ILOMA KING LANZILOTTI can be heard in Ka‘ū on Hawai‘i Public Radio - 2, 91.3 FM, on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. She is the new host for the Classical Pacific music program. Lanzilotti, a Hawaiʻi native with extensive experience as conductor, educator, and arts administrator, has been serving as interim host for the program since mid-December.
Gene Schiller, HPR's music director, welcomes her with these words, "Louise has just what we're looking for in a music host: knowledge, enthusiasm, and that indefinable something called 'personality.' With her deep roots in the islands, she embodies the Classical Pacific perspective."
The show's repertoire includes the work of individual artists, great orchestras, and opera companies from throughout Asia, Polynesia, and the Americas. Interviews with visiting artists are a regular feature. The show was launched at the time of the station's program realignment in February 2017.
Lanzilotti comes from a multi-ethnic background that has informed many of her beliefs. Her experience covers artistic, educational, and administrative areas of the arts. As a conductor, she has been the musical director for many musicals in the past 30 years. In 2010, she founded Kalikolehua - El Sistema Hawai‘i, a free orchestra program for children from underserved neighborhoods, focused on transforming lives through music. She was the Managing Director of Honolulu Theatre for Youth from 2001 to 2011, guiding it to greater stability through creative solutions and extensive partnerships. She served as Curator of Education at the former Contemporary Museum from 1988 to 2001. Lanzilotti taught for more than 20 years in public, private, and alternative K-12 schools, developing a method of writing music and plays with students, "which solidified her understanding of the importance of arts engagement for all," says a statement from HPR.

HPR-2 in Ka‘ū is at 91.3 FM. HPR-1 is at 89.1 FM. For programming see Hawai‘i Public Radio.

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VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES ITS 14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This year's theme, Save the Arts, will incorporate a nautical approach.
Tickets for the gala are available online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village, Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member and $65 for non-members.
"Guests will be treated to an evening of fine wine, brews, a luxurious gourmet buffet and spirited Hawaiian music. The live and silent auctions are not to be missed, with unique offerings including original artwork, hotel stays, tours, and jewelry," says the event description.
Local artists are asked to contribute artwork to be auctioned at the fundraiser - with proceeds used to sustain VAC programs and classes. "These artists and businesses who give to the event do so with a knowledge that their donation will have a direct impact on the survival of the Art Center. The Volcano Art Center is an integral part of this unique community offering a sense of belonging to those who live and work around it," says the VAC statement. See volcanoartcenter.org. Find Sponsorship and Artist Donation forms online.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Tuesday, Jan. 23, @ Wai‘ākea.
Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.
Monday, Jan. 29, @ Parker.
Wednesday, Jan. 31, Kealakehe @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Boys Soccer: Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.
Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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U.S.G.S. HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGIST DON SWANSON gives an illustrated lecture demonstrating how systematic, long-term collections of ash erupted from the lava lake at Kīlauea's summit can lead to surprising but fundamental discoveries. The After Dark in the Park presentation, Volcanic Ash from Kīlauea Volcano's Summit lava Lake: from the mundane to the unexpected, takes place Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL committees meet Tuesday, Jan. 23, with a full council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Both meeting days take place in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

REGISTER KEIKI BY THURSDAY, JAN. 24, FOR ‘O KA‘Ū KAKOU'S 10TH ANNUAL Keiki Fishing Tournament held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. The event is open to keiki from one to 14 years old, with pick-up & drop-off locations for registration forms at: Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View and Ocean View Auto Parts. Pre-registration ends 5 p.m., Jan. 24. Register at event from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Fishing until noon, then lunch and prizes. Every participant gets a prize. Grand and mini-grand prize drawing - including personal tablets. For more, call Guy Enriques at 217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or visit okaukakou.org.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A SAVE THE DATE FOR TWO COFFEE BOERER 101 WORKSHOPS for New and Beginning Coffee Farmers has been issued by U.H. CTHAR Kona Cooperative Extension Service.
The free two hour class teaches the basics of coffee berry borer identification, biology and management. It is planned for Thursday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 27, and will take place in the Kona Cooperative Extension Service office at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua.
Representatives of the Extension Service office ask everyone to, "Please let new coffee farmers know about this upcoming workshop. A flyer will be distributed and available soon."
For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

CRYSTAL METH ADDICTION IN COMMUNITIES, a free information and education presentation, is offered on Friday, Jan. 26, by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association as part of their Call to Action Prevention Campaign. Certified Prevention Specialist Gary Shimabukuro will give the presentation from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ka‘ū Gym & Disaster Shelter's multi-purpose room. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Ka‘ū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 26, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

Will Oldham. Photo from wikipedia.com

EXPERIENCE A DUAL MUSICIAN/TEXTILE PERFORMANCE IN VOLCANO on Friday, Jan. 26, starting at 6 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Will Oldham (performs as Bonnie "Prince" Billy) will sing and play music, and his wife, fiber/textile artist Elsa Hansen Oldham, stitches on stage as her handiwork is projected on a movie screen. Oldham is an acclaimed singer/songwriter whose music has been described as an alternative blend of country-folk and punk; Hansen-Oldham's quilting and cross-stitch work puts a folksy pop-art spin on history and modern culture. Oldham and Hansen-Oldham are Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Parks Artists-In-Residence. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

Make lei at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
See event details below.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

FARMING THE ROCK IN KA‘Ū: The Agriculture Field System of Kahuku is the Coffee Talk topic discussed on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (entrance located south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11).
University of Hawai‘i Professors Seth Quintus and Noa Kekuewa Lincoln discuss their work uncovering the Ka‘ū field system at Kahuku, as well as how this knowledge might serve Hawai‘i in the future. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

MAKE LEI WITH KAIPO AHCHONG AT VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ALOHA FRIDAY event on January 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the VAC Gallery porch.
Tropical Agriculture farmer AhChong shares his expert lei-making skills. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions.
National Park entrance fees apply. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org.

VIEW A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF HANDBLOWN, CHISELED, AND ETCHED GLASSWORK by local artist Heather Mettler at a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be displayed until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. The work showcased explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Legumes - consisting of beans, peas, lentils, and others - are a key component to short-term and long-term health,
according to Blue Zones Project. "A diet free of legumes may have adverse effects on health." See story below.
Photo from bluezones.com

WITH PUBLIC VIEWING OF THE CRATER UNAVAILABLE WITH THE SHUTDOWN OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT and closure of most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea volcano continues to erupt at its summit and from the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent on its East Rift Zone, according the U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Observatory, which is on the job monitoring.
"The episode 61g lava flow is producing scattered surface flow activity and lava is not entering the ocean. Lava flows pose no threat to nearby communities at this time." According to HVO, "Summit tiltmeters continue to record deflationary tilt. Early Friday morning, a rockfall from the wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater plunged into the lava lake, producing a short-lived explosion of spatter and wallrock that blanketed an area around the former visitor

overlook. Debris fell as far as the Halemaʻumaʻu parking lot. Before the rockfall, the lava lake was 39 m (128 ft) below the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the level dropped overnight. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain high. Seismicity is at normal levels, with tremor fluctuations related to the vigor of lava lake spattering."

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park stated on Saturday that closures of the main gate, concessions, and most features of the park involves a reduction in staff during the government shutdown. The staff is needed to help keep visitors safe.

Webcam views of the lava lake can be found at: volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea /multimedia
_webcams.html. A short video of Friday's event can be found at:

volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/multimedia_uploads/multimediaFile-1846.mp4.

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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park boardwalks stand empty, with no income
from visitors who pay entrance fees and frequent local businesses.
NPS Photo

IN DEFENSE OF NATIONAL PARKS, Sen. Mazie Hirono - the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources National Parks Subcommittee - and other Senate Democrats slammed Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke regarding continued attacks on National Park Service employees. In a letter to Zinke, released on Friday, Hirono and colleagues outlined detrimental actions the Department of Interior has taken, such as cutting the NPS budget by 13 percent; increasing fees at 17 of the most popular national parks; and welcoming the resignation of nine of 12 members of the National Park System Advisory Board.
"We are alarmed by recent reports regarding activities that are clearly undermining the mission of the National Park Service and the morale of Department of the Interior's workforce which has declined since you took office," the Senators wrote. "Since the start of this administration, staff within the National Park Service have been silenced and ignored. Many of these dedicated public servants have devoted their careers to protecting our nation's greatest treasures for the enjoyment of all Americans."

The 2017 report on financial contribution to the community surrounding Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park stated that in 2016, the number of visitors to the park reach 1,887,580. Visitors to the park spent $159,195,500 in communities near the park. "That spending supported 1,917 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $199,923,400," the National Park Service reported. The visitor spending was for lodging (31.2 percent), followed by food and beverages (27.2 percent), gas and oil (11.7 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent), souvenirs and other expenses (9.7 percent), local transportation (7.4 percent), and camping fees (2.5%).

Every day that the park is closed results in reduced income for these sectors of the local economy, lack of income for National Park staff, and the consequential reduction in their local spending in their communities.

Viewing Halema‘uma‘u at night to see the fire
and the stars is a popular activity of visitors to
Volcano and Ka‘ū. Photo by Peter Anderson

Most of the park, including the main entrance where entrance fees are taken, has been closed since Saturday morning. Visit www.nps.gov and select Find a Park for additional information about access to other parks and sites in Hawai‘i. However, with the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions.

For updates on the shutdown, visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.

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REACTING TO THE CONTINUING FEDRAL SHUTDOWN, Sen Mazie Hirono took to the U.S. Senate floor on Sunday to call out Pres. Donald Trump. She said, "When Donald Trump was a private citizen during the last government shutdown he said, 'Problems start from the top, and they have to get solved from the top, and the President’s the leader, and he’s got to get everybody in a room, and he’s got to lead.' Donald Trump said this when President Obama was President. But now that Donald Trump is the President and has those shoes to wear, he refuses to step into them and step up."

Said, Hirono, "The only person who actually said maybe we need a good shutdown is President Trump. Recently, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney also said it was 'cool' to shut down the government. No, not cool," said Hirono. "This may explain why the President keeps shooting down bipartisan efforts to prevent a shutdown. " See Hirono’s remarks.

Sen. Mazie Hirono noted that Trump's Budget Director said it was "cool"
to shut down government. See Hirono’s remarks on the Senate floor Sunday.

Hirono also announced that she will donate pay she receives during the government shutdown to Hawai'i’s 14 Federally Qualified Community Health Centers. “Community Health Centers serve hundreds of thousands of Hawai'i residents, including keiki who rely on the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Despite broad bipartisan support for both of these programs, the President and Congressional Republicans allowed them to lapse last September. I know we can negotiate a bipartisan compromise to end the shutdown that restores resources for these critical services, protects DREAMers, and includes parity between defense and non-defense spending.”

Hirono said her salary will be divided equally between Bay Clinic, West Hawai'i Community Health Center; Hamakua Health Center, Community Clinic of Maui, Hana Community Health Center, Ho'ola Lahui Hawai'i, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Ko'olauloa Community Health and Wellness Center, Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services, Lana'i Community Health Center, Moloka'i 'Ohana Health Care, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waikiki Health and Waimanalo Health Center.

During the 2013 government shutdown, Hirono donated her salary to Lanakila Pacific, the Hawai'i County Economic Opportunity Council, Kaua'i Economic Opportunity, and Hale Mahaolu.

In Washington, D.C. both Senators and Representatives worked through the weekend and said they hoped to reach agreements to vote on bills Monday to reopen government.

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CRYSTAL METH ADDICTION IN COMMUNITIES is the free presentation for the public this Friday at Ka‘ū District Gym's Multipurpose Room from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The session, sponsored by Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association, is part of the organization's Call to Action Prevention Campaign. Certified Prevention Specialist Gary Shimabukuro will lead the educational and informational event. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Ka‘ū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.

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and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

THE BLUE ZONES PROJECT, which hosts healthy eating events in Ka‘ū, is promoting a food that seems to help people live longer. "Beans, peas and lentils, all members of the legume family, are loaded with fiber and protein and may even add years to your life. One seven-year study found that for every additional 1/3 cup of beans seniors ate each day, their risk of dying fell seven to eight percent. According to Blue Zones’ Power 9 principles, a typical centenarian - a person who lives to be at least 100 years old - living in a Blue Zone, eats meat, typically pork, only five times each month. The cornerstone of these people's diet? You guessed it - legumes," says a statement from Blue Zones released this week.

Blue Zones says eating legumes, like roasted chickpeas,
daily, could increase longevity. Photo from bluezones.com

"A diet free of legumes may have adverse effects on health. A bean-free diet may increase risk of metabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors, like high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Additionally, one study suggests women who don’t consume beans have a higher mortality rate than those who do. Eating legumes is beneficial in the short-term, too. Consuming beans and other legumes each day lowers your risk of certain conditions, halts the development of some disease and promotes overall health."
Blue Zones reports four reasons to load up on legumes:
Reduce cholesterol levels: Beans are loaded with fiber - about 60 percent of the daily recommended value in one cup of black beans. Black beans also contain soluble fiber, which reduces your body's absorption of cholesterol and can decrease high cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease. Consuming between five and 10 grams of soluble fiber per day can lower cholesterol - a cup of black bean contains more than seven grams. Opt for dried beans or rinse canned beans to remove excess salt. Too much sodium in your diet can increase blood pressure, another heart disease risk factor.

Lower diabetes risk: Legumes have a low glycemic load, which is beneficial for many reasons, including regulating blood sugar levels. A glycemic load determines how much a food will affect blood sugar levels. Aim to consume a total daily glycemic load of less than 100; a half a cup of kidney beans has a load of six. Legumes also prevent blood sugar spikes, so they provide your body with steady energy.
Fight diseases like cancer: Legumes are loaded with fiber, which may prevent some digestive cancers. Beans, especially black beans, contain nutrients, like antioxidants and flavonoids, that help fight disease.
Help control weight: Legumes are low in calories. When consumed in excess, any food can contribute a few extra inches to your waistline. A half-cup of garbanzo beans contains only 135 calories and no saturated fat, plus fiber and protein, which keep you fuller for longer. Fiber also promotes regularity.
Sneak legumes into every meal: The weekly recommended intake of beans for adult men and women is between two and three cups, but Americans seldom reach these goals. Incorporating legumes into your diet can be simple and tasty, too. Some suggestions: Hide black beans in brownies by swapping flour for pureed black beans; blend garbanzo beans, also called chickpeas, into a hummus spread and add to a sandwich or use as a dip for veggies; swap half a cup of cooked lentils for your typical protein in a lunchtime salad. Half a cup contains only 115 calories, but has 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. Cook up some soup for a hearty meal or puree a cup of peas in the next bowl of pesto. Start the morning with a boost of energy and a punch of fiber, protein, and iron by folding plump kidney beans into an omelet, instead of bacon or ham.

Learn to grow edible and
medicinal mushrooms with
Instructor Zach Mermel.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

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GROWING EDIBLE & MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS is the subject of a workshop Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Instructor Zach Mermel teaches the basics of mushroom cultivation in the Food From Wood: Growing Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps, and Wood Chips workshop. The event description states, "If you're an eager epicurean, avid horticulturalist or just interested in mushrooms, Zach encourages you along with farmers, gardeners, and homeowners seeking to incorporate the growing of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms into their lives and livelihoods to attend."

Learn basic Fungal Biology and discover the health benefits of
different edible mushrooms in Hawai‘i at a workshop in Volcano.
See story below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

The course demonstrates how undesirable exotic trees located throughout Hawaiʻi can be used toward the purpose of growing mushrooms. "By teaming with certain fungi, you can turn that pesky plant problem into an edible solution. A wonder drug or just darn tasty, the humble mushroom belongs to a kingdom seldom explored. Mushrooms are an excellent source of vegetarian protein and nutrition with the added bonus of 'easy to grow.' Their health benefits are well known and their ecological advantages are just now being fully realized… You'll also discover the health benefits of different edible and medicinal fungi in Hawai‘i," says the event description. Learn basic Fungal Biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials - particularly wooden logs, stumps, and wood chips.
Pre-registration is required. Course fees are $50 for Volcano Art Center members and $55 for non-members. Each participant will depart with a shiitake mushroom log kit and a King Stropharia mushroom kit. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS WON in varsity boys basketball on Saturday in Kohala. In JV, Trojans scored 29, with top scorers Kyson Toriano bringing in 13 and Kaikea Kaupu Manini scoring 10. Kohala won with 33 points. In Varsity, Kaʻū beat Kohala 45 to 30, with Trojans leading scorers Nanioa Ke making 16 points and Andre Carvalho coming up with 14.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

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H.O.V.E. ROAD MAINTENANCE CORP. meets Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m., in their office in Ocean View. For more, visit hoveroad.com, or call 929-9910.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL committees meet Tuesday, Jan. 23, with a full council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Both meeting days take place in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

VOLCANO ASH FROM KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT LAVA LAKE: from the mundane to the unexpected, an After Dark in the Park presentation, takes place Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. An illustrated lecture in which U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Don Swanson demonstrates how systematic, long-term collections of ash erupted from the lava lake at Kīlauea's summit can lead to surprising but fundamental discoveries. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI BY THURSDAY, JAN. 24, FOR ‘O KA‘Ū KAKOU'S 10TH ANNUAL Keiki Fishing Tournament held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. The event is open to keiki from one to 14 years old, with pick-up & drop-off locations for registration forms at: Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Pre-registration ends 5 p.m., Jan. 24. Register at event from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Fishing until noon, then lunch and prizes. Every participant gets a prize. Grand and mini-grand prize drawing - including personal tablets. For more, call Guy Enriques at 217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or visit okaukakou.org.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Learn about Coffee Berry Borer at a workshop
in Kealakekua Thursday/Saturday.
Photo from CTAHR

For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

MUSICIAN AND TEXTILE ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE GIVE A DUAL PERFORMANCE on Friday, Jan. 26, starting at 6 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Will Oldham (performs as Bonnie "Prince" Billy) will sing and play music, and his wife, fiber/textile artist Elsa Hansen Oldham, stitches on stage as her handiwork is projected on a movie screen. Oldham is an acclaimed singer/songwriter whose music has been described as an alternative blend of country-folk and punk; Hansen-Oldham's quilting and cross-stitch work puts a folksy pop-art spin on history and modern culture. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 26, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

See glasswork by Heather Mettler at Volcano Art
Center Gallery's current Exhibit. See event
details below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

LEARN MORE ABOUT AND DISCUSS THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM USED IN PRE-CONTACT HAWAI‘I during Coffee Talk on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (entrance located south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11).
During the January event, Farming the Rock in Ka‘ū: The Agriculture Field System of Kahuku, University of Hawai‘i Professors Seth Quintus and Noa Kekuewa Lincoln discuss their work uncovering the Ka‘ū field system at Kahuku, as well as how this knowledge might serve Hawai‘i in the future. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

MAKE LEI WITH KAIPO AHCHONG AT VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ALOHA FRIDAY event on January 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the VAC Gallery porch.
Tropical Agriculture farmer AhChong shares his expert lei-making skills. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions.
Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week. These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Dept. of Research and Development, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

A BUILD YOUR OWN MINI ORCHID DISPLAY workshop is offered by Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

COUNT HUMPBACK WHALES FOR THE SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at one of four locations along the coast in/near Ka‘ū District: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Ka‘ena Point - end of Chain of Craters Road; Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park; Ka Lae Park at the end of South Point Road; and Miloli‘i Lookout - from Hwy 11, continue makai towards Miloliʻi Beach Park, 1.9 miles down, turn left on Awapuhi and continue to dead end.
Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides valuable data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time for orientation. Register at sanctuaryoceancount.org. Free; park entrance fees apply. Count will be held again on Feb. 24 and Mar. 31. Read more about locations at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's main entrance and facilities will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, following Congress
and the President approving a federal resolution to fund the government through Feb. 8. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS

HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK reopens its main gate and all of its facilities at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. The reopening follows the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passing legislation Monday, Jan. 22, with President Donald Trump's signature, to fund the federal government through Feb. 8. Most of the park has been shut down since Saturday morning, after funding lapsed Friday at midnight with the shutdown of the federal government.

HAWAI‘I'S U.S. SENATORS AND HOUSE MEMBERS SPLIT ON VOTING TO FUND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. On Monday, Jan. 22, the bill passed Congress and Pres. Donald Trump signed it, meaning that most federal workers will be back on the job on Tuesday, Jan. 23.
Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who represents Ka‘ū, voted no on funding government through Feb. 8. Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who represents urban O‘ahu and is running for Governor, voted yes. Here are their explanations:

Hirono with DREAMers and Sen. Dick Durbin on Saturday in D.C.

Hirono released this statement:
"There are battles worth fighting. Protecting DREAMers, reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program, funding Community Health Centers, and providing parity between funding for defense and domestic priorities – without pitting one against the other – were battles worth fighting.
"I'm confident that we can reach bipartisan agreement on these issues and it was completely unnecessary for the President and Congressional Republicans to force a shutdown on them. My consistent position has been to oppose any continuing resolution that did not include these priorities. I voted against this continuing resolution for this reason.
"At the same time, Mitch McConnell promised on the Senate floor today that he would hold an open debate on DACA and immigration if no compromise is reached by the time this continuing resolution ends on February 8. We should all expect the Majority Leader to honor this promise.
"There is no question that an open debate on immigration will be a knock-down, drag-out fight.

Rep. Gabbard said passing temporary funding "lays path to another shutdown,
puts politics over people."

There is an urgent need to protect DREAMers, and we can't lose sight of this in the upcoming debate."

Gabbard, after voting no, stated that passing temporary funding "lays path to another shutdown, puts politics over people." She tweeted: "They've failed to pass needed relief funds to TX, CA, FL, PR, USVI & others who still struggle. By failing to pass a year-long budget, they've hurt military readiness, troops & their families, & the people in our communities. That's why I voted no on the CR.
"This is no way to govern. People are suffering as a result. It's long overdue time for Congress to put people before politics, stop the games and posturing, and pass a year-long budget, funding for our community health centers, and a permanent fix for DREAMers. Just get it done."
Gabbard also tweeted, "Congress failed to pass a year-long funding bill, failed to fund community health centers, & failed to help DREAMers. This is not a political issue. It's a moral issue. It's about right & wrong. We need real solutions, not the broken status quo. That’s why I voted no on the CR."

On the Senate floor over the weekend, Schatz said that the country should be embarrassed over
the handling of government funding.

Schatz, before voting yes to fund government, said over the weekend that the public should be embarrassed of the way Congress is handling the budget.

On Monday, he tweeted, "I'm fighting to make sure we continue to pay our military service members during this shutdown. These brave men and women don't stop protecting our country just because the government shuts down. Those who serve our country deserve the pay they have earned, and I'm going to keep working as long as possible to make sure they get it."

Hanabusa, after voting yes to fund the federal government through Feb. 8, issued a statement saying, "This shutdown was an unnecessary reminder that our inability to work in a bipartisan fashion has real consequences for our constituents. Given the shutdown, my top priority is ensuring that the 33,264 federal employees who live and work in Hawaiʻi, and the 40,034 members of the military serving here on active duty, are on the job and paid for their hard work and sacrifices. The nation's business must continue and today I voted in support of our federal workers and their families.

Hanabusa voted to fund government and pointed to the large number of federal and
military employees in Hawaiʻi.

"I maintain that a 17-day stop gap measure is no way to pay for the operations of the federal government. We need to pursue a comprehensive funding plan through the regular order, but shutting down the government is unacceptable, and unheard of in American history when one party controls the House, Senate and the White House. I urge my colleagues in Congress to approve a budget that meets our responsibilities to all our constituents. I am extremely disappointed that the CR through February 8th does not fully resolve the immigration status of our Dreamers, but I will not abandon the cause as l continue to fight for a bill on the floor of the House that provides permanent protections for our Dreamers," stated Hanabusa.

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HAWAIʻI IS THE FIFTH AMONG THE STATES AND WASHINGTON, D.C. AFFECTED MOST IN THE SHUTDOWN of the federal government. According to a WalletHub analysis, Hawaiʻi ranks: first in Share of Federal Jobs, out side of D.C.; first in Real Estate as a Percentage of GSP; ninth in Access to National Parks; and 18th in Federal Contract Dollars Per Capita.
Reports WalletHub: "As the clock struck midnight on the 45th president's first year in office, the United States government shut down for the 19th time in history. And right on cue, both sides of the political aisle began attempting to assign blame and assume the moral high ground, with the aid of hashtags and tales of children at risk. But this isn't just another soap opera from the swamp, for the swamp. History and hard data tell us the gears of government grinding to a halt will have nationwide consequences, hurting red states and blue states alike."

WalletHub ranked states and Washington, D.C., on the effects of shutting down the federal government.

To determine whose homes a government shutdown strikes closest to, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across six key metrics. They range from each state's share of federal jobs and contracts, to the percentage of kids covered by the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Most affected is District of Columbia, followed by adjacent Maryland and Virginia. Fourth is Alaska, followed by Hawaiʻi and New Mexico, Montana and Oklahoma.

The analysis compared such rankings as highest share of federal jobs, where D.C. is first and Hawaiʻi second. Hawaiʻi ranks first in a category called Highest Real Estate as Percentage of Gross State Product. WalletHub explains that Gross State Product is like GDP at the state level. It noted that mortgage processing is affected by staffing shortages in the IRS, FHA, and VA.

See WalletHub findings and methodology used at wallethub.com/edu/government-shutdown-report/1111/.

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A 30 percent tariff was slapped on imported solar panels today by the federal government.
Photo from HELCO

A THIRTY PERCENT TARIFF was slapped on foreign-made solar panels on Monday by the Trump administration, which said it wants to encourage manufacturing in the U.S. Solar companies said, however, it will reduce the number of jobs for installing solar by the thousands. Pacific Business News carried a headline saying, "Trump's 30% tariff on solar panel imports could hurt Hawaiʻi's recovering solar sector." See PBN.

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CITIZENS UNITED V. FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION was decided in the Supreme Court eight years ago, allowing corporations to be treated as people with the First Amendment right to free speech. The decision is now exercised in unlimited campaign spending, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She released a statement Monday saying, "That decision opened the floodgates of dark money, Super PACs, and corporate spending in our elections. That's why, instead of passing a year-long funding bill to keep the government open, Congress passed a tax bill which lobbyists helped write, giving billions of dollars in tax breaks to corporations.
"It's why some members of Congress think they don't have to negotiate on behalf of the people, and it's one of the reasons why I refuse to accept any PAC money," wrote the Congresswoman.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard issued a petition on Monday, calling for the overturn of Citizens United.

Said Gabbard, "Each new election breaks the record of dollars raised and spent by Super PACs in the election that preceded it. Advertisements spread ugly, misleading attacks on the integrity and motivations of people who wish to serve in public office, and the scramble for money leaves people of modest means excluded from the process."
Gabbard contends that "With dark money pouring in thanks to Citizens United, Congress doesn't feel accountable to their constituents anymore. It's up to us to fight back and make sure our voices are heard." She asks that Hawaiʻi citizens sign her petition to overturn Citizens United "and get our government to put people before profits."

"Our democracy should not allow corporations to tilt our elections to protect their bottom lines. Our founders left the aristocratic English society to form a better government of, by, and for the people. But today it is dominated by an oligarchy of corporate interests. We need a renewed effort to make our government accountable to the people it was created to serve.

"Each new generation of Americans has struggled to win the right to vote - from the 15th Amendment to the Women's Suffrage Movement, to the Civil Rights Movement, to campaigns today to restore the Voting Rights Act, enact Automatic Voter Registration, and pass the Weekend Voting Act. Citizens United waters down the principle of one person, one vote that these campaigns uphold. It must be overturned," said Gabbard.

Gabbard urges people "to mark the anniversary of Citizens United, amidst a government shutdown caused by partisan politics," by signing the petition to break through the noise of dark money and Super PAC spending. "The American people want a level playing field in our economy, in our elections, and in our treatment under the law. We can do this together."

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS IS COMING TO KA‘Ū on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The public is invited to learn about Kamehameha School's Strategic Plan 2015-2020, and representatives will be on hand to take community input for changes and future planning. See ksbe.edu for more information.

VOLCANO ASH FROM KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT LAVA LAKE: from the mundane to the unexpected, an After Dark in the Park presentation, takes place Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. An illustrated lecture in which USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Don Swanson demonstrates how systematic, long-term collections of ash erupted from the lava lake at Kīlauea's summit can lead to surprising but fundamental discoveries. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

AUDITIONS ARE TUESDAY, JAN. 23 AND WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24 for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's performance of How the Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn. There are parts for three women and three men. Auditions begin at 6:30 p.m. at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Middle School Campus at Keakealani on Haunani Road in Volcano. The audition site was changed due to uncertainty surrounding availability of Kīlauea Theatre within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which has been closed due to the federal government shutdown. The show will play Mar. 9 - 25 at Kīlauea Theatre. For more information, call 982-7344.

REGISTER KEIKI BY THURSDAY, JAN. 24, FOR ‘O KA‘Ū KAKOU'S 10TH ANNUAL Keiki Fishing Tournament, held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. The event is open to keiki from one to 14 years old, with pick-up & drop-off locations for registration forms at: Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Pre-registration ends 5 p.m., Jan. 24. Register at event from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Fishing until noon, then lunch and prizes. Every participant gets a prize. Grand and mini-grand prize drawing - including personal tablets. For more, call Guy Enriques at 217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or visit okaukakou.org.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Native ‘ōhelo berry plant freed from a thicket of invasive ginger.

Photo from J. Ferracane, National Park Service

U.H. COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES Kona Cooperative Extension Service has put out a save the date announcement for two Coffee Berry Borer 101 Workshops for New and Beginning Coffee Farmers.
The free two-hour class teaches the basics of coffee berry borer identification, biology, and management. It is planned for Thursday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 27, and will take place in the Kona Cooperative Extension Service office at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua.
Representatives of the Extension Service office ask everyone to, "Please let new coffee farmers know about this upcoming workshop. A flyer will be distributed and available soon."

For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

MUSICIAN AND TEXTILE ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE GIVE A DUAL PERFORMANCE in Friday, Jan. 26, starting at 6 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Will Oldham (performs as Bonnie "Prince" Billy) will sing and play music, and his wife, fiber/textile artist Elsa Hansen Oldham, stitches on stage as her handiwork is projected on a movie screen. Oldham is an acclaimed singer/songwriter whose music has been described as an alternative blend of country-folk and punk; Hansen-Oldham's quilting and cross-stitch work puts a folksy pop-art spin on history and modern culture. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION offers a free informational and educational presentation, Crystal Meth Addiction in Communities, as part of their Call to Action Prevention Campaign. Certified Prevention Specialist Gary Shimabukuro will give the presentation on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ka‘ū Gym & Disaster Shelter's multi-purpose room. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Ka‘ū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 26, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

MAKE LEI WITH KAIPO AHCHONG AT VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ALOHA FRIDAY event on January 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the VAC Gallery porch.
Tropical Agriculture farmer AhChong shares his expert lei-making skills. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions.
Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week. These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Dept. of Research and Development, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

U.H. Assistant Professor Noa Kekuewa Lincoln will attend Friday's Coffee
Talk at Kahuku, to discuss the pre-contact agricultural system used at Kahuku.
Photo from www2.hawaii.edu

Volunteer to help count humpback whales off the coast near Ka‘ū.
See event details at right. Photo from NOAA

COUNT HUMPBACK WHALES FOR THE SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at one of four locations along the coast in/near Ka‘ū District: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Ka‘ena Point - end of Chain of Craters Road; Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park; Ka Lae Park at the end of South Point Road; and Miloli‘i Lookout - from Hwy 11, continue makai towards Miloliʻi Beach Park, 1.9 miles down, turn left on Awapuhi and continue to dead end.
Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides valuable data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time for orientation. Register at sanctuaryoceancount.org. Free; park entrance fees apply. Count will be held again on Feb. 24 and Mar. 31. Read more about locations at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

U.H.-CTAHR EXTENSION AGENT ANDREA KAWABATA offers a Coffee Berry Borer Identification and Management Presentation at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers' Market on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn about identifying CBB and how to manage this coffee pest. "This class will be fairly basic, but see me after the presentation if you have specific questions," says Kawabata. The market is located at the intersection of Mamane Street and Hwy 19. For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Join internationally renowned, award-winning local Artist Gwendolyn O'Connor on Saturday, Feb. 3, and learn how to professionally prepare artwork
for galleries and competitions. See story below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK reopened Tuesday morning, Jan. 23, following funding of the federal government on Monday, Jan. 22. A statement from the park reports, "All regularly scheduled programs and ranger-guided hikes will resume as usual, including tonight's After Dark in the Park presentation about volcanic ash from Kīlauea Volcano's summit lava lake. The program is part of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's Volcano Awareness Month outreach, and starts at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center.

After Dark in the Park is on for Tuesday evening after
the reopening of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

"We appreciate the support and patience of our community, visitors, and our partners. Our employees are happy to be back at work, serving the American people and welcoming visitors to their national parks," said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. "We are a proud member of our community, and contribute nearly $200 million to the local economy annually," she said.

Visit nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes for additional information about the park, including the calendar of events.
Also reopening are Volcano House, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and all Kilauea Military Camp facilities.

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IN HIS 2018 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, Gov. David Ige presented his priorities to the Hawaiʻi Legislature on Monday, Jan. 22. They include improving education, working to reduce homelessness, and providing affordable housing.

The Governor started the speech by proclaiming, "The State of our State is strong. We are a resilient people and the future is bright. I am struck by the beautiful and often challenging complexity that makes Hawaiʻi our home. We really are the most beautiful place on earth. We are of many cultures and faiths, and we live together in greater harmony than any place in the world. People from all over the planet come here to enjoy our environment, our host culture, and their gifts to all of us: gifts of aloha, tolerance and respect, and the celebration of each other and our differences. We often need to be reminded of what makes us so special."

Gov. David Ige presented his State of the State yesterday.
See segments of his speech at Big Island Video News

He listed achievements by Hawaiʻi: "We are one of the healthiest states in the nation. People here live longer than anywhere else in the country. We have led the nation in health insurance for decades, and in the current chaos, we stand firm in caring for each other.
"We have the lowest unemployment rate in the nation. We are strong financially.
"Our bond rating is the highest it's ever been in our history, making it possible for us to get the most bang for our buck when we borrow money. This saves the state tens of millions of dollars, allowing us to make critical investments in our schools, housing and highways."
He also talked about Hawaiʻi fighting for its causes: "We have made our voice clear: Hawai‘i will not stand for the hateful and hurtful policies of the Trump White House. We are doing more than any other state to stand up for what is right – such as DACA and the Paris Climate Accord – and stop what is wrong, such as the travel ban and stopping transgender members of the military from defending our flag and our freedoms."
The governor also listed Hawaiʻi's domestic challenges: "So many of us are living paycheck to paycheck, relying heavily on our extended family to make ends meet. Owning a home is out of reach for many families, with housing costs rising faster than wages. Too much of our time is spent in traffic, affecting our families and quality of life.
"The growing gap between those doing well and those who are not should concern all of us. We depend too heavily on imported food and fuel. We must find a just place in our relationship with our own history and with the people of the first nation of Hawaiʻi. And the challenges to our island environment, such as global climate change, stare us in the face every single day."

A 7.9 earthquake Tuesday morning generated at tsunami warning for Hawaiʻi,
which was cancelled within an hour.

Read more of the State of the State in Wednesday's Kaʻū News Briefs, including the Governor's message on housing and other issues.

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A 7.9 EARTHQUAKE IN THE GULF OF ALASKA GENERATED A TSUNAMI WATCH for Hawaiʻi at 12:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23. The estimated time of arrival was at 4:15 a.m. While such large earthquakes are capable of causing devastating tsunamis, the location of the the quake was south of the Aleutian Trench, where the floor of the Pacific slides under the North American Plate in Gulf of Alaska. The quake was on a smaller horizontal fault, perpendicular to the main fault line. Such quakes are called strike-slip earthquakes. See more details at The Verge.

The Hawaiʻi watch was cancelled at 1:13 a.m. Alaskans and residents of British Columbia, however, evacuated the coast in the middle of the night. When a destructive tsunami failed to arrive, the alert was cancelled. Small waves of around a half foot were registered.

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS AKS FOR INPUT FROM KA‘Ū this evening, Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The public is invited to learn about Kamehameha School's Strategic Plan 2015-2020. Representatives will be on hand to take community input for future planning. See ksbe.edu for more information.

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Photo taken along Saddle Road. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

VOLCANIC GEOLOGY ALONG SADDLE ROAD is the topic of an After Dark in the Park presentation announced for Tuesday, Jan. 30, starting at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
The new Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Route 200, commonly called the Saddle Road, crosses the center of the Island between its two largest volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. The road takes travelers through a varied landscape of historically interesting geological features, including large and young lava flows, cinder cones, kīpuka, and ancient ice age dune fields. "This contrasting scenery shows outstanding examples of how Hawaiian volcanoes mature and age," says a press release issued by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Join Rick Hazlett, affiliate geologist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, as he describes this "outdoor classroom" in which visitors can learn more about how the Islands aloha ‘āina (precious land) came to be. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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A PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR ARTISTS WORKSHOP with Artist Gwendolyn O'Connor has been announced by Volcano Art Center for Saturday, Feb. 3. The class, which is open to artists of every medium, takes place from 9 a.m. to noon.

Gwendolyn O'Connor teaches a Professional Documentation
for Artists workshop in Volcano. Photo from Volcano Art Center

O'Connor's art is exhibited in public and private collections in over 15 Countries, and in 33 of the United States. She is internationally renowned for her award-winning Watercolour on Silk. Raised in the Islands, Gwendolyn is a resident of the Big Island. Self-taught, she was influenced by art in the Honolulu Academy of Arts on O‘ahu, the Louvre Museum, and Musee d’Orsay in France.
The event description says, "Are you aware of all of the proper professional documentation necessary for selling your art in Hawai‘i? Artist Gwendolyn O'Connor will show you how to professionally prepare your art for galleries and competitions. Discover how the backside of art is presented and so much more."
The emphasis of the workshop is on learning how to prepare a Certificate of Authenticity, an Artist Biography, and an Artwork's Title & Description. Each participant will partake in hands-on, step-by-step preparation of their own individual documentation, regardless of the art medium. "In the instance of three-dimensional art, one should provide the same documentation in a folder to be given to the art patron. Next to the original artwork itself, good documentation is the best long-term investment you can make in your art practice," states the event description.
Attendees are asked to bring a laptop or other device with a word processor or Photoshop, or a notebook for writing. Artists should also provide a photograph of themselves that they are happy with, or prepare to be photographed. Professional photographer Lester Brandt will be on hand to take photographs for artists' biographies. Class fee is $35 for Volcano Art Center members and $40 for non-members. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Soccer: Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.
Monday, Jan. 29, @ Parker.
Wednesday, Jan. 31, Kealakehe @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.
Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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

AUDITIONS CONTINUE WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24, for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's performance of How the Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn. There are parts for three women and three men. Auditions begin at 6:30 p.m. at Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. The show will play Mar. 9 - 25. For more information, call 982-7344.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL meets Wednesday, Jan. 24, in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

REGISTER KEIKI BY WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24, FOR ‘O KA‘Ū KAKOU'S 10TH ANNUAL Keiki Fishing Tournament, held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. The event is open to keiki from one to 14 years old, with pick-up & drop-off locations for registration forms at: Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Pre-registration ends at 4 p.m. tomorrow, Jan. 24. Register at the event this coming Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with fishing until noon, then lunch and prizes. Every participant gets a prize. Grand and mini-grand prize drawing - including personal tablets. For more, call Guy Enriques at 217-2253, Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773, or visit okaukakou.org.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

U.H. COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES Kona Cooperative Extension Service will reschedule its Jan. 25 and 27 Coffee Berry Borer 101 Workshops for New and Beginning Coffee Farmers. The free two-hour class teaches the basics of coffee berry borer identification, biology, and management. Extension Service Agent Andrea Kawabata says classes will be rescheduled for February, at the Kona Cooperative Extension Service office at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua. Kawabata will be in Honokaʻa this Sunday, Jan. 28 at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers Market with a CBB presentation. For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AND DISCUSS THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM USED IN PRE-CONTACT HAWAI‘I during Coffee Talk on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (entrance located south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11).
During the January event, Farming the Rock in Ka‘ū: The Agriculture Field System of Kahuku, University of Hawai‘i Professors Seth Quintus and Noa Kekuewa Lincoln discuss their work uncovering the Ka‘ū field system at Kahuku, as well as how this knowledge might serve Hawai‘i in the future. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

MUSICIAN AND TEXTILE ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE GIVE A DUAL PERFORMANCE on Friday, Jan. 26, starting at 6 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Will Oldham (performs as Bonnie "Prince" Billy) will sing and play music, and his wife, fiber/textile artist Elsa Hansen Oldham, stitches on stage as her handiwork is projected on a movie screen. Oldham is an acclaimed singer/songwriter whose music has been described as an alternative blend of country-folk and punk; Hansen-Oldham's quilting and cross-stitch work puts a folksy pop-art spin on history and modern culture. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION offers a free informational and educational presentation, Crystal Meth Addiction in Communities, as part of their Call to Action Prevention Campaign. Certified Prevention Specialist Gary Shimabukuro will give the presentation on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Ka‘ū Gym & Disaster Shelter's multi-purpose room. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Ka‘ū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 26, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

MAKE LEI WITH KAIPO AHCHONG AT VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ALOHA FRIDAY event on January 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the VAC Gallery porch.

Tropical Agriculture farmer AhChong shares his expert lei-making skills. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions.
Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week. These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Dept. of Research and Development, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

A BUILD YOUR OWN MINI ORCHID DISPLAY workshop is offered by Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Hilo Orchid Society's Shelby Smith and Donna Barr will be on hand to answer questions and show tips, tricks, and their orchid "know-how." Different categories of mini orchid displays will be covered, including Garden, Flower Arrangement/Cut Flowers/Ikebana, and Keiki.
Pre-registration is required. Volcano Art Center members pay $20 and non-members pay $25.
The event description on volcanoartcenter.org says, "Not only will you learn a thing or two, but also, thanks to the Hilo Orchid Society, you'll be able to take home an orchid."

COUNT HUMPBACK WHALES FOR THE SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at one of four locations along the coast in/near Ka‘ū District: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Ka‘ena Point - end of Chain of Craters Road; Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park; Ka Lae Park - at the end of South Point Road; and Miloli‘i Lookout - from Hwy 11, continue makai towards Miloliʻi Beach Park, 1.9 miles down, turn left on Awapuhi and continue to dead end.
Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides valuable data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time for orientation. Register at sanctuaryoceancount.org. Free; park entrance fees apply. Count will be held again on Feb. 24 and Mar. 31. Read more about the locations at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

U.H.-CTAHR EXTENSION AGENT ANDREA KAWABATA offers a Coffee Berry Borer Identification and Management Presentation at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers' Market on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn about identifying CBB and how to manage this coffee pest. "This class will be fairly basic, but see me after the presentation if you have specific questions," says Kawabata. The market is located a the intersection of Mamane Street and Hwy 19. For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

JOIN ASTRONOMER AND CO-HOST OF PBS STAR GAZERS, DEAN REGAS, as he hosts Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's first-ever Star Party at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum) on Monday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Explore nearby planets and deep-space celestial wonders above the glow of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Dark Skies Rangers will answer questions. Powerful telescopes will be available at the event, Kīlauea Star Party. Free, but subject to weather conditions; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Double rainbows over Pāhala Community Center as Kamehameha Schools holds a community outreach meeting inside. Photo by Shalan Crysdale

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS REACHED OUT TO KA‘Ū Tuesday evening, Jan. 24, holding an open house at Pāhala Community Center to share information about the organization's vision and strategic plan, its current work and lands in Ka‘ū, and to talk story with the community. Ideas included fitting education to Ka‘ū young people, as well as their locally learned skills and desires to help their ‘āina and community.

Mayor Harry Kim came to Pāhala, Tuesday evening, to take in the interaction
between Kamehameha Schools and the Ka'ū community. Photo by Julia Neal

Leadership from Kamehameha Community Engagement & Resources Group included Hawaiʻi Island Director Alapaki Nahale-a and both East and West Hawai‘i Directors Kilohana Hirano and Kaimana Bacarse.
Both principals of Ka‘ū High & Elementary and Nā‘ālehu School attended, as did the administrator of the Tūtū & Me program in Ka‘ū for keiki and their caregivers. Both principals voiced their support for continuation of KS Kealapono services in their schools. The Kealapono Department fields four staff in Ka‘ū, who collaborate with the schools to provide science and literacy support, reading and writing intervention, and ‘Ike Hawai‘i. Mayor Harry Kim came to listen. Graduates of Ka‘ū schools talked about their love of place, the kūpuna, and the history residing within the people living in Ka‘ū.

KS Kealapono Kumu Joni Shibayton discusses rock classification with
Nā‘ālehu Principal Darlene Javar and student Kamaha‘o Alcoran.

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder talked about learning from the elders who have so much knowledge about the land and culture here. "When they're gone, they're gone," she proclaimed. Donna Kekoa recalled her class at Ka‘ū High School in 1975 going into homes to document the knowledge of kūpuna in the 1970s. Ka‘ū High Principal Sharon Beck recalled teacher Maile Moulds Carr organizing students to take oral histories in the 1990s. Beck said she would look into bringing it back.
One woman proclaimed that Ka‘ū doesn't need Walmart and other such establishments. She talked about there being much land, but a need for education and training in sustainable practices to grow food.
KS Director of East Hawai‘i, Kilohana Hirano, talked about building an economy that works with the place, and the talents and desires, of the local people. He mentioned young people who like to hunt and use their skills. He also mentioned fishing.

The idea of a Hawaiian-based charter high school was mentioned in the audience, and the mayor brought up the idea of working through existing schools that have Kamehameha outreach programs.
Representatives of Kamehameha Schools talked about wanting to connect with those who know about the ‘āina and the community, and those connected to important Hawaiian cultural sites, and families related to them.

Student displays and projects were shown around the room during the outreach program.

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U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD ENDORSED U.S. REP. COLLEEN HANABUSA, on Wednesday, for Governor of Hawai‘i. Hanabusa has announced she is running against incumbent Gov. David Ige in the Democratic primary race in August.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa will run against Gov.
David Ige. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard endorsed
Hanabusa on Wednesday.

Gabbard said she has worked with Hanabusa for many years and has seen "firsthand her love and commitment to serving the people of Hawai‘i. She grew up in Wai‘anae and is proud of her roots. No matter where she has gone - to Honolulu to serve in the State Senate or to Washington, D.C. to serve in Congress - she has carried her values with her, working with aloha and fighting for what's right and best for our state."

Said Gabbard, "Colleen asks the tough questions, and she makes the tough calls. When she sees a problem, she takes action to solve it. We don't always agree on every issue, but we have always been able to work together for the people of Hawai‘i. Colleen's experience and proven record of leadership have prepared and equipped her to be the effective Governor that Hawai‘i so desperately needs right now."

Gabbard said that she knows and respects Hanabusa and Ige. "Both are good people, and both have spent their lives serving the people of Hawai‘i. But we live in a time of unique challenges. What has become abundantly clear, now more than ever, is that Hawai‘i needs a strong, dynamic leader at the helm of our state. I'm endorsing Colleen Hanabusa for Governor because she is the right leader for Hawai‘i in these times. Not only when dealing with terrifying crises like the false missile alert earlier this month, but in taking on the tough challenges we face like homelessness, lack of affordable housing, crumbling infrastructure, the need to strengthen our economy and food security by supporting local farmers, and so much more," said Gabbard.

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HOMELESSNESS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS were key topics in Gov. David Ige's State of the State address to the Hawai‘i Legislature this week.

Robert Taylor, of Taylor Built Construction Co., Inc.; Arnie Koss, Managing Partner of Punalu‘u
Bake Shop; General Manager Connie Koi; Architect Lloyd Sueda; and owner Duane Kurisu at
the opening of Cookie Kitchen in 2015, in Nā‘ālehu. Kurisu was honored by Gov. David Ige
Monday, Jan. 22, during the State of the State address for his work toward ending homelessness.

Photo by Pamela Taylor

During his speech, the Governor recognized Duane Kurisu, who has grown Punalu‘u Bake Shop in Nā‘ālehu to employ many more people in recent years, and expand it from its Portuguese sweetbread beginnings to include a Cookie Kitchen. Kurisu - who grew up in a sugar plantation camp on Hawai‘i Island to become a successful business person statewide - has been working on plantation-style housing for homeless people, with the first in Honolulu opening late last year.

Regarding the homeless, Ige started by saying, "When we say ʻohana, we truly mean nobody gets left behind. For those who want to live in Hawai‘i, probably no issue is more challenging than finding a decent, affordable place to live. And probably no issue challenges us as a society more than the daily sight of those who are now living on our streets and in our parks.
"We have dedicated more money to mental health treatment and services, including to our homeless population. We have initiated the largest annual increase in production of affordable housing, with thousands of new units. We're on track to meet our goal of 10,000 new housing units by 2020, with at least 40 percent affordable."
The Governor said he is requesting $100 million from the Hawai‘i Legislature this session "to maintain the momentum and produce more affordable homes across the state." He said, "Our 'Housing First' policy focuses on transitional housing as a way to get people into permanent housing. The New Kaka‘ako Family Assessment Center (on O‘ahu) moves families off the streets and into permanent housing in less than 90 days. A 'special team' in public housing reduced the vacant unit turnaround time from 267 days to just 7 days.

Housing is in short supply and many homeless people have jobs. Graph from Homeless in Hawai'i

"And our landlord summits increased the number of landlords willing to rent to families transitioning out of homelessness," Ige said. "Even in the tragedy that is homelessness, there are significant signs that these policies are starting to work. Homelessness is down 9 percent statewide – the first decline in eight years."
The Governor said his budget request also includes $15 million in additional funding for Housing First initiatives, outreach services, and "maintaining safety in our public places."
Pointing to Kurisu, Ige said, "We also know how important community partners have been in tackling this challenge. Take Kahauiki Village, a permanent housing project for homeless families launched by local businessman and philanthropist Duane Kurisu. Duane brought together city, state, nonprofits, and businesses, to make the village a reality in record time. The first 30 families recently moved in." He then asked Kurisu to stand and be recognized.

The Governor continued the subject of housing with regards to Hawaiian Home Lands: "It has been my firm belief that the state must remain committed to developing and delivering Hawaiian homelands to beneficiaries. In 2016, we provided $24 million in funding to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. This was the highest level of funding in the department's 95-year history and more than double what had been set aside previously," the governor said. "For its part, Hawaiian Home Lands has been ramping up development of vacant and turn-key lots. More than 220 lots were awarded in 2017, and that number will more than double in 2018."

He said his administration has "worked hard with the department to spend down federal funds and identify alternative sources of revenue that can be used to sustain the agency over time."
See more about the 2018 State of the State address in Thursday's Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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KA‘Ū RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION invites the public to register today to give input this Friday during its informational and educational presentation, Crystal Meth Addiction in Communities.
The session is part of KRHCA's Call to Action Prevention Campaign. Certified Prevention Specialist Gary Shimabukuro will give the presentation this Friday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Ka‘ū Gym & Disaster Shelter's multi-purpose room.
Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Ka‘ū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.

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REGISTER TODAY TO HELP DOCUMENT HUMPBACK WHALES FOR THE SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT this Saturday, Jan. 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Ka‘ena Point on Crater Rim Drive in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one site of the annual

Sanctuary Ocean Count of humpback whales. HIHWNMS photo by Thomas C. Stein

Registrations help the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whales National Marine Sanctuary staff ensure that the south end of Hawai‘i Island will be covered by volunteers. There are four locations along the coast in and near Ka‘ū District: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Ka‘ena Point - end of Chain of Craters Road; Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park; Ka Lae Park - at the end of South Point Road; and Miloli‘i Lookout - from Hwy 11, continue makai towards Miloliʻi Beach Park, 1.9 miles down, turn left on Awapuhi and continue to dead end.
Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides valuable data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time for orientation. Register at sanctuaryoceancount.org. Free; park entrance fees apply. Count will be held again on Feb. 24 and Mar. 31. Read more about locations at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

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A FREE PERFORMANCE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, JAN. 26, at 6 p.m. is offered by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's 2018 Artists in Residence. The event will be held in Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Park entrance fees apply.

Musician Will Oldham - who performs under the name Bonnie "Prince" Billy - and his wife - textile artist Elsa Hansen Oldham - will present a dual multimedia performance. Oldham will sing and play music while Hansen Oldham stitches on stage, as her handiwork is projected on the auditorium's movie screen.
The couple lives in Louisville, KY, and will reside in the park for a month. Oldham has performed since 1998 as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and prior to that as Palace Brothers, and Palace Music. His songs have been performed by Johnny Cash, Marianne Faithful, and others. His new record, Best Troubadour, is a collection of Merle Haggard songs.
Hansen Oldham's textile art is displayed at the Dickinson Roundell Gallery in New York, and she was recently profiled in the New York Times.
The non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation announced the selection of singer/songwriter Oldham - whose music is described as an alternative blend of country, folk and punk - and his wife - whose quilting and cross stitch work puts a folksy pop-art spin on history and modern culture - in October of last year.
The project is supported by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and other benefactors. National Parks Arts Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the national parks, through creating dynamic opportunities for artwork based in the natural and historic heritage of America. All of its programs are made possible through the philanthropic support of donors. Visit nationalparksartsfoundation.org for details.
For more information about the event, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

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STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AND DISCUSS THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM USED IN PRE-CONTACT HAWAI‘I during Coffee Talk on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (entrance located south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11).
During the January event, Farming the Rock in Ka‘ū: The Agriculture Field System of Kahuku, University of Hawai‘i Professors Seth Quintus and Noa Kekuewa Lincoln discuss their work uncovering the Ka‘ū field system at Kahuku, as well as how this knowledge might serve Hawai‘i in the future. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

MAKE LEI WITH KAIPO AHCHONG AT VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ALOHA FRIDAY event on January 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the VAC Gallery porch.
Tropical Agriculture farmer AhChong shares his expert lei-making skills. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions.
Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week. These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Dept. of Research and Development, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

‘O KA‘Ū KAKOU'S 10TH ANNUAL Keiki Fishing Tournament is held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. The event is open to keiki from one to 14 years old. Pre-registration has ended. Register at the event on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with fishing until noon, then lunch and prizes. Every participant gets a prize. Grand and mini-grand prize drawing - including personal tablets. For more, call Guy Enriques at 217-2253, Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773, or visit okaukakou.org.

A BUILD YOUR OWN MINI ORCHID DISPLAY workshop is offered by Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

U.H.-CTAHR EXTENSION AGENT ANDREA KAWABATA offers a Coffee Berry Borer Identification and Management Presentation at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers' Market on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn about identifying CBB and how to manage this coffee pest. "This class will be fairly basic, but see me after the presentation if you have specific questions," says Kawabata. The market is located at the intersection of Mamane Street and Hwy 19. For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

JOIN ASTRONOMER AND CO-HOST OF PBS STAR GAZERS, DEAN REGAS, as he hosts Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's first-ever Star Party at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum) on Monday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Explore nearby planets and deep-space celestial wonders above the glow of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Dark Skies Rangers will answer questions. Powerful telescopes will be available at the Kīlauea Star Party event. Free, but subject to weather conditions; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, INC., distributes Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-Mauka, Ocean View, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All participants are asked to respect the grounds where this will be held. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 8:30 a.m., on the last Tuesday of each month.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

VOLCANIC GEOLOGY ALONG SADDLE ROAD is the topic of an After Dark in the Park presentation given by Rick Hazlett, affiliate geologist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hazlett describes the "outdoor classroom" along Saddle Road, in which visitors can learn more about how the Islands aloha ‘āina (precious land) came to be. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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Students gather at Kāwā for a workday mentored by Nā Mamo o Kāwā, the local-based non-profit that partners with the County of Hawai‘i
in stewarding 7.5 acres of 775 Kāwā acres preserved along the Ka‘ū Coast. See story below. Photo by Nalani Parlin

A MEETING ON THE FUTURE OF KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY has been called for next Monday, Jan. 29, by KLA and the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission. The commission announced Wednesday that it invites Ka‘ū Learning Academy families and community members to the community meeting Monday at Discovery Harbour Community Association Assembly Hall at 94-1604 Makaliʻi Street in Discovery Harbour.

The meeting will take place from from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Commission will be on hand to "talk with the community about the Commission, its oversight duties of all public charter schools, including KLA, and to explain the Commission's recent action in issuing the Notice of Prospect of Revocation, the first step of a multi-step process. The Commission will provide information and also receive feedback from the KLA and Kaʻū community," said the statement from the Charter School Commission.

KLA requested a public meeting after the Commission suggested withdrawing its charter. See the story on Dec. 8 Kaʻū News Briefs and on Page 18 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, January edition, at kaucalendar.com.

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Sen. Brian Schatz urged missile alerts be carried out through

federal channels, via many ways that people communicate.

See and hear the hearing.

THIS IS NOT A DRILL: AN EXAMINATION OF THE WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM is the title of a hearing held Thursday by the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. Hawaiʻi Sen. Brian Schatz is the lead Democrat on the committee, and promises a field hearing in Hawaiʻi later this year to review the false missile alert that terrified many people throughout the state earlier this month.
Schatz proposes that such missile alerts be carried out by federal rather than state governments, and has introduced legislation to prevent states from giving out such alerts. During the hearing, Schatz brought up the many ways people communicate, from radio in rural places to television and social media and said alerts need to reach "cord cutters" and other people not watching TV, listening to radio, or using telephones in traditional ways. See and listen to the hearing.

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Mapping archaeological and cultural sites is part of the work with mentors and students at Kāwā.
Photo by Nalani Parl

COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO KĀWĀ to join Kaʻū-based, non-profit Nā Mamo o Kāwā, in a weekend work day on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 9:30 a.m. Open to people of all ages, the workday continues stewardship efforts at Kāwā, the county-owned land between Punaluʻu and Honuʻapo, which has long been a site popular for surfing, walking, fishing, and recognition of significant archaeological sites.

Nā Mamo o Kāwā - translated as the descendants of Kāwā - is working in concert with the county, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, and Honoliʻi Paka, to build community capacity in conservation efforts, and intends to host monthly workdays at Kāwā.
In mid-January, more than 80 people converged at Kāwā for a work day led by Nā Mamo o Kāwā executive director James Akau. The entire Volcano School of Arts and Sciences middle school, and Kaʻū High and Middle school students, worked alongside field experts from county, state, federal, and private entities. Akau said the event was meant to "start off the new year on the right foot, celebrate mālama ‘āina and all the people that have been a part of work, as well as provide recognition to all of our collaborators."

Students help maintain Hawaiian rock walls at Kāwā.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

Supporters of Nā Mamo's stewardship efforts include County of Hawaiʻi Parks and Recreation Department, County Department of Finance, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, U.S. Forest Service, County Fire Department, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Honoliʻi Paka, and many community members.

Several work groups were formed and given tasks, with students working alongside experts in their respective fields. One group used tools to control invasive species, wililaiki and haole koa, encroaching on remnant existing populations of native alaheʻe and cultural features. Another group removed trash and debris along the coast, and raked and cleaned around recreational areas. Others watered and collected native seeds of plants on site, such as milo, kou, kūkui, and ‘aʻaliʻi, and transplanted keiki milo into pots. Students also set out bait to test for Little Fire Ants, outplanted naupaka they grew from cuttings, and harvested more cuttings for future outplanting activities. Another group reinforced rock walls around the springs and other areas to control sand inundation, and removed sand from clogging springs.

Archaeologist Matthew Clark, who compiled an archaeological report for Kāwā, led students on hikes to identify cultural sites. Another highlight included Keone Kalawe, a kuhikuhi pu‘u one (Plain Table mapper) and apprentice Britni Kuali’i, sharing how to create a detailed map of components of a heiau at Kāwā.

Nā Mamo o Kāwā, formed in 2012 and founded by Pueo Kai McGuire-Turcotte, of Waiʻōhinu, has been working hard for several years to forward their mission, which is "to curate and steward the natural and cultural resources of Kāwā to honor the past, provide for the present and preserve for future generations." Board members, including McGuire-Turcotte who serves as chair, are: Kauʻi Kaupu Felder, a lineal descendant of Kāwā; Ryan Kanakaʻole, from Waiʻōhinu, and his wife Kaipo; and Koa Morris, of Kahuku.

Native lineal descendent of Kāwā families, Kauʻi Kaupu Felder, left, serves on the board of Nā
Mamo o Kāwā, and welcomes experts in archaeology and other fields to help lead area
students in stewarding the land. Photo by Nalani Parlin

Nā Mamo o Kāwā is contracted by the county as area stewards, and is funded by the County Department of Finance PONC Grant and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. The County also provides support with two portable bathrooms housed on site. The group services and cares for about 15 acres of the some 775 Kāwā acreage acquired by the county.

County Department of Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Maurice Messina, who visited Kāwā during the workday with Department of Finance Business Manager Reed Sewake, said "It is amazing what is happening here. Coming out here and seeing the partnership that has developed, not only with Parks and Recreation, but also with the schools, we are going to throw our support behind Nā Mamo o Kāwā 100 percent."

Over the past few years, Nā Mamo o Kāwā has helped several hundreds of students, of all ages, to engage in place-based learning and mālama ʻāina at Kāwā. In addition to students from Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, and Kaʻū High and Middle School, Nā Mamo o Kāwā has hosted and helped many learners from Youth Challenge, University of Hawaiʻi PIPES interns, UH STEM Manowaiohanakahi and Maʻa, Kua o Ka Lā Charter School site at Miloliʻi, the Hipuʻu, and Queen Lili'uokalani Childrens Trust programs to engage in learning about and caring for Kāwā.

Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences volunteers one day a month at Kāwā.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

Akau said the organization seeks to form more partnerships with other area schools and programs, including Nāʻālehu Elementary. Akau is also helping schools start native plant nurseries for eventual outplanting at Kāwā, and provides educational assistance through classroom visits. Another future Nā Mamo o Kāwā initiative will be to "outfit community members with grow back materials, so they can be involved with Kāwā stewardship efforts from their own homes," added Akau.

For the students of Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, who visit weekly, teacher Tamara Morrison said she has already seen the positive impact. She shared that students who may have met with challenges in a traditional classroom setting have flourished since coming to Kāwā. She added that as these students get to showcase their talents in the outdoor classroom, their self-confidence has increased and so have their scores in other content areas, such as reading. Volcano School has taken advantage of the opportunity to work with Nā Mamo and anchor student learning around the place of Kāwā to create cross-content lessons which include language arts, science, social studies and math knowledge and skills, and continue on back at their Volcano campus.

Driftwood and found wood become building materials at Kāwā.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

Akau pointed to what he feels is one of the most important lessons that students can gain from visits to Kāwā. He said, "Students need to create their own relationships with the space. Go enjoy yourself and love this place."

For more information about the Feb. 10 workday or to engage with Nā Mamo o Kāwā, contact James Akau at namamookawa@gmail.com or call 430-3058.

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GOV. DAVID IGE'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS this week took up education; Kūpuna care; environmental responsibility and sustainability; growing food; and diversifying the economy.
Regarding education, Ige said, "It is one thing to say our children matter; it is quite another to do something about it. We have invested more widely in classrooms than in previous years." He mentioned the 1,200-and-counting classrooms that now have cooling, and the more than 3,000 community members who came together to create "a new Blueprint for Education. This blueprint for change is now in the hands of new DOE leadership." Said the governor, "I also recognized that it is not enough just to say to our teachers, 'We respect how hard you work.' That's why we have given our educators the pay raises they have long deserved."
Ige brought up care of the elderly: "I am proud that together we were able to pass Kūpuna Caregiver legislation that provides assistance for full-time family caregivers who also have full-time jobs. This is a win for Hawaiʻi's families."

Gov. David Ige brought up the importance of protecting thousands of acres of watershed,
with one of the most important on state land. It's called the Kaʻū Forest Preserve.

On taxes, Ige stated, "Together we have made tremendous strides in this task – rebuilding our Rainy Day fund to $310 million. We have gone after the tax cheats and collected millions from those who were not paying their fair share. And we are working to modernize our tax collection system to make it easier and fairer for the people of Hawaiʻi. We made needed changes to improve the system so we can collect the tax revenues we rely on for state services. I believe we're on the right track to accomplish this major task."
Ige spoke about environmental responsibility and sustainability: "We're also making great strides in protecting our ʻāina and ocean resources. To date, we have protected over 40,000 acres of watershed forests on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi islands... We helped preserve and protect Turtle Bay lands (on O`ahu) from development. A joint agreement with the US Navy is helping us reach our renewable energy goals. And together, we've established guidelines to use recycled water on food crops."
"Hawai‘i is a leader in solving the issues of our time... Hawai‘i is home to many talented individuals breaking new ground every day." He talked more about diversifying the economy. "I hope you'll leave today knowing that we have laid important groundwork and that Hawai‘i is on the edge of something exciting. Imagine a future economy for Hawai‘i that isn't reliant solely on tourism and the military. Imagine a future where local entrepreneurs are inventing useful products and services that are sold across the globe.

"Imagine that we use our temperate weather and four growing seasons to develop new high-tech agricultural tools that increase yields for farmers from Hawai‘i to India. Imagine that we farm our nearshore ocean waters, too, feeding our own communities and the growing global demand for seafood. And with these new businesses, there's new demand for scientists, technicians and marketing professionals.

Learn the art of playing the ‘ukulele with Wes Awana in Volcano on Feb. 2.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

"And what does this mean for the people of Hawai‘i?" he asked. "It means a healthier economy with quality jobs that enable us to improve our schools, take care of our kūpuna, and provide more affordable housing. This future Hawai‘i isn't as far off as it seems."
Read the governor's entire speech here: 2018-Gov-Ige-STATE-OF-THE-STATE.pdf.

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VOLCANO ART CENTER HAS ANNOUNCED ‘UKULELE WITH WES AWANA as next weeks'Aloha Friday cultural demonstration on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volcano area musician Awana shares his love of ‘ukulele and Hawaiian music by giving family-friendly lessons on Friday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The free cultural event is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Dept. of Research and Development, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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A FUNDRAISING DINNER FOR KĪLAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK is hosted by Almafatano's Italian Restaurant, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 2, in Hilo. The event, KDENte, offers musical entertainment by Karl Halemano, and a buffet including pasta, lasagna, and salad.
KDEN is a non-profit community theater organization founded by experienced community theater organizers and performing artists. KDEN's mission is "to provide and promote top quality community theater in East Hawai‘i, seeking to enrich and unite our community through participation in the performing arts."
KDEN produces a summer musical, winter production, and sponsors the Living History program in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Volcano Festival Chorus. Proceeds will go towards KDEN's next production, Alan Ayckbourn's comedy, How The Other Half Loves, which plays in March at Kīlauea Miltary Camp's Kīlauea Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $20 per person, available at the door. Reservations may be made by calling KDEN at 982-7344.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Swimming: Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.
Monday, Jan. 29, @ Parker.
Wednesday, Jan. 31, Kealakehe @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.
Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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MUSICIAN AND TEXTILE ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE GIVE A DUAL PERFORMANCE in Friday, Jan. 26, starting at 6 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Will Oldham (performs as Bonnie "Prince" Billy) will sing and play music, and his wife, fiber/textile artist Elsa Hansen Oldham, stitches on stage as her handiwork is projected on a movie screen. Oldham is an acclaimed singer/songwriter whose music has been described as an alternative blend of country-folk and punk; Hansen-Oldham's quilting and cross-stitch work puts a folksy pop-art spin on history and modern culture. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 26, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION offers a free informational and educational presentation, Crystal Meth Addiction in Communities, as part of their Call to Action Prevention Campaign. Certified Prevention Specialist Gary Shimabukuro will give the presentation on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Ka‘ū Gym & Disaster Shelter's multi-purpose room. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Ka‘ū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AND DISCUSS THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM USED IN PRE-CONTACT HAWAI‘I during Coffee Talk on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (entrance located south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11).

Make lei with Kaipo AhChong in Volcano Friday.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

During the January event, Farming the Rock in Ka‘ū: The Agriculture Field System of Kahuku, University of Hawai‘i Professors Seth Quintus and Noa Kekuewa Lincoln discuss their work uncovering the Ka‘ū field system at Kahuku, as well as how this knowledge might serve Hawai‘i in the future. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

MAKE LEI WITH KAIPO AHCHONG AT VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ALOHA FRIDAY event on January 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the VAC Gallery porch.
Tropical Agriculture farmer AhChong shares his expert lei-making skills. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions.
Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week. These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Dept. of Research and Development, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

COUNT HUMPBACK WHALES FOR THE SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at one of four locations along the coast in/near Ka‘ū District: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Ka‘ena Point - end of Chain of Craters Road; Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park; Ka Lae Park - at the end of South Point Road; and Miloli‘i Lookout - from Hwy 11, continue makai towards Miloliʻi Beach Park, 1.9 miles down, turn left on Awapuhi and continue to dead end.
Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides valuable data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time for orientation. Register at sanctuaryoceancount.org. Free; park entrance fees apply. Count will be held again on Feb. 24 and Mar. 31. Read more about locations at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

A BUILD YOUR OWN MINI ORCHID DISPLAY workshop is offered by Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Pre-registration is required. Volcano Art Center members pay $20 and non-members pay $25.

The event description on volcanoartcenter.org says, "Not only will you learn a thing or two, but also, thanks to the Hilo Orchid Society, you'll be able to take home an orchid."

Learn about Coffee Berry Borer with Andrea
Kawabata. Photo from cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, INC., distributes Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-Mauka, Ocean View, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All participants are asked to respect the grounds where this will be held. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the last Tuesday of each month.

VOLCANIC GEOLOGY ALONG SADDLE ROAD is the topic of an After Dark in the Park presentation given by Rick Hazlett, affiliate geologist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hazlett describes the "outdoor classroom" along Saddle Road, in which visitors can learn more about how the Islands aloha ‘āina (precious land) came to be. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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Volunteer to help scientists count humpback whales this Saturday. See event details below. Photo from NOAA

KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY IS ASKING FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS who support the Charter School to attend a public meeting this Monday, Jan. 29, called by the Hawai‘i State Public Charter School Commission. After the Commission gave notice in December that it was considering withdrawing KLA's charter, KLA asked for a public hearing, according to its Managing Director Joe Iacuso. The gathering on Monday, announced by the Commission, is less formal. The community

meeting is open to the public from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Association Assembly Hall at 94-1604 Makaliʻi Street, in Discovery Harbour.
Read more on Dec. 8 Kaʻū News Briefs, Jan. 27 Ka‘ū News Briefs, and on Page 18 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, January edition, at kaucalendar.com.

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ELEVEN ‘ALALĀ THRIVE IN THE NATIVE FOREST near Volcano Village, and those working on reintroducing the native Hawaiian crow into the wild are monitoring and preparing to release more. Usually heard before seen, there is no mistaking the loud and often times synchronized cacophony of caws from the 11 ‘Alalā, which were released into a Hawai‘i Island Natural Area Reserve last fall.
These birds, seven young males and four young females, represent what conservationists hope is the beginning of a recovered population of the endangered Hawaiian crow on the island. ‘Alalā have been extinct in the wild since 2002. Since the birds took flight from a remote forest aviary in September and October 2017, they've been under the daily, watchful eyes of a monitoring team from the Hawai‘i Endangered Conservation Program, a field program of the San Diego Zoo Global. In partnership with Hawai‘i Department Land & Natural Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and others, San Diego Zoo Global reared the ‘Alalā at its centers on the Big Island and on Maui.

‘Alalā are thriving in the forest near Volcano Village for the first time since they became
extinct in the wild in Hawai‘i in 2002.
Watch video released by Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources

The ‘Alalā are tracked daily by using signals from the lightweight radio transmitters each one wears, or simply by seeing them with the naked eye or through binoculars. Their movements, their flights, what they eat, where they roost, their behaviors; virtually everything about these birds is closely monitored and carefully recorded. Of high interest to all the folks involved in The ‘Alalā Project is how the birds individually and collectively react to threats from predators. An initial release of ‘Alalā in 2016 was temporarily halted and surviving birds were brought back into the aviary after two were attacked by another native bird: their natural predator, the ‘Io or Hawaiian hawk. Prior to their release, the birds now living in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve received extensive anti-predator training.

"Similar to any predator-prey interaction, there's a lot that goes on that we don't necessarily see, but the observations we've made indicate that the birds do identify ‘io as a predator and can take evasive action when needed," explained Alison Greggor, a post-doctoral research associate with San Diego Zoo Global. Last week, the project team saw this in action. Two members heard an eruption of ‘Alalā alarm calls and heard quick wing flapping. "A dark morph ‘io darted across an opening. Immediately after, a light morph ‘io crossed the opening with four ‘Alalā following it or chasing it above the canopy. All four ‘Alalā disappeared for about 15 seconds before the ‘Alalā came back to the release-feeder area." Greggor added, "At this stage we can't be certain that the training is the crucial piece of the puzzle, but we like to hope that it helped. Actually, being in the wild around predators, observing other forest birds and interactions with predators, is the best training they can possibly get."

Young ‘Alalā raised in captivity. The state Department of Land & Natural Resources, San Diego Zoo Global,
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation program and others.
Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

Another sign of how well they've accepted their new home in the forest is that they are being observed foraging more often from native fruits, instead of relying on feeders placed strategically outside the release aviary. Joshua Pang-Ching, Research Coordinator for the Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program noted, "In the beginning they would spend much more time at or around the feeders. Now we see birds coming to feeders much less. We have seen an anecdotal shift in their use of the feeders and see birds daily foraging on the fruits and foliage of native trees." The supplemental feeders will remain in place for at least a year to ensure the newly "wild" birds have that extra helping hand they might need.
Greggor, Pang-Ching, and Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, project coordinator of The ‘Alalā Project, said they are all hopeful, given how this released group of ‘Alalā is doing. Gaudioso-Levita said, "These birds have adjusted very well to their forest home and it's just been really inspiring for all of us on the project to see and hear ‘Alalā in the wild again."
They said that it is a sweet sound for the many people who've worked for decades to get to this point. They said they hope the distinctive caw of the ‘Alalā will again be heard loud and clear across broad landscapes of Hawai‘i island. Plans are underway to release additional birds in the Hawai‘i Island Natural Area Reserve later this year.
Watch video released by Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.

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‘O KA‘Ū KAKOU'S 10TH ANNUAL Keiki Fishing Tournament offers marine education and competition tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along the rocky shore and tidepools at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. The event is open to keiki from one to 14 years old.
Pre-registration has ended, but registration will be extended from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Those fishing receive a welcome at 9 a.m., with poles and bait distributed at 9:30 a.m. The fishing time is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
A free lunch will be served to participants and families from noon to 12:30 p.m. Awards and prizes will be given out at 1 p.m.
Fishing guidelines allow: Hand Pole Fishing with barbless hooks only; bringing own personal hand poles; providing hand poles, fishing gear and bait to those without fishing equipment, on first to register-first to receive basis. There will be no chumming or using palu (bread mackerel or other fish attractant). All fishing is Catch and Release. Prizes are for size and the kinds of fish caught.
The Keiki Fishing Tournament is sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, Pacific Quest, Hawai‘i State Department of Land & Natural Resources Marine Wildlife Program, County of Hawai‘i, S. Tokunaga, Suisan Co., Ka‘ū Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, and Ka‘ū Mahi.
Every participant gets a prize. There will be grand and mini-grand prize drawing - including personal computer tablets. For more, call Guy Enriques at 217-2253, Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773, or visit okaukakou.org.

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A SUPER BOWL EVENT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED BY KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP, to take place at KMC's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 11 a.m., with kick-off at 1:30 p.m., and quarterly prize give-a-ways. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more details, call 967-8365 after 4:00 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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A YEAR OF THE DOG WALL HANGING ARTS AND CRAFTS CLASS has been announced to take place Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. The free class is open to keiki in grades K through 8. Register Jan. 29 through Feb. 6. For more, contact Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102, or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

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PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: PU‘UHONUA O HŌNAUAU NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK is the subject of an After Dark in the Park presentation set for Tuesday, Feb. 6, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
MaryAnne Maigret, Archaeologist at the Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, will present an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of the historic scene at Hōnaunau, as well as 50-plus years of preservation at the park under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. "Take a peek into the work that goes on behind-the-scenes to preserve these wahi pana for future generations," says the event description.
A donation of $2 per person is suggested to support park programs; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Swimming: Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.
Monday, Jan. 29, @ Parker.
Wednesday, Jan. 31, Kealakehe @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.
Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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VOLUNTEERS TO COUNT HUMPBACK WHALES FOR THE SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT are still being accepted for tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 27. The count is from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Volunteers can arrive at four locations along the southern coast of Hawai‘i Island: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Ka‘ena Point - end of Chain of Craters Road; Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park; Ka Lae Park - at the end of South Point Road; and Miloli‘i Lookout - from Hwy 11, continue makai towards Miloliʻi Beach Park, 1.9 miles down, turn left on Awapuhi and continue to dead end.
Participants record sightings of humpback whales and document surface behavior during the survey to provide data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time for orientation. Register at sanctuaryoceancount.org. Free; park entrance fees apply. Count will be held again on the last Saturdays of the next two months, Feb. 24 and Mar. 31. Read more about locations at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

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A BUILD YOUR OWN MINI ORCHID DISPLAY workshop is offered by Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Hilo Orchid Society's Shelby Smith and Donna Barr will be on hand to answer questions and show tips, tricks, and their orchid "know-how." Different categories of mini orchid displays will be covered, including Garden, Flower Arrangement/Cut Flowers/Ikebana, and Keiki.
Pre-registration is required. Volcano Art Center members pay $20 and non-members pay $25.
The event description on volcanoartcenter.org says, "Not only will you learn a thing or two, but also, thanks to the Hilo Orchid Society, you'll be able to take home an orchid."

JOIN ASTRONOMER AND CO-HOST OF PBS STAR GAZERS, DEAN REGAS, as he hosts Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's first-ever Star Party at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum) on Monday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Explore nearby planets and deep-space celestial wonders above the glow of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Dark Skies Rangers will answer questions. Powerful telescopes will be available at the Kīlauea Star Party event. Free, but subject to weather conditions; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, INC., distributes Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-Mauka, Ocean View, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All participants are asked to respect the grounds where this will be held. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the last Tuesday of each month.

Geologist Rick Hazlett.
Photo from U.H. Hilo

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

WITNESS THE LUNAR ECLIPSE WITH ASTRONOMER DEAN REGAS, co-host of PBS Star Gazers, as he guides event participants through the total lunar eclipse expected Tuesday, Jan. 30, atop Kīlauea Volcano. Meet Regas at 8:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's event description says "the park will provide an excellent vantage point to view the spectacle – weather permitting." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA VOICES WITH KUMU HULA STEPHANIE APOLO and Desiree Moana Cruz moderating takes place Thursday, Feb. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free, educational event occurs the first Thursday of each month - excluding April and December for 2018. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Desiree Moana Cruz moderates Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Stephanie Apolo Thursday.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S SENIOR CITIZEN SURVEY's are due Thursday, Feb. 1. Senior citizens over the age of 62, who are interested in the Nā‘ālehu Senior Housing Project, are asked to fill out a quick five-question survey to help OKK gather general data essential to the planning of the project. To get a survey or for more information, contact Raylene Moses, 365-3788, or Nadine Ebert at 938-5124 or ebertn004@hawaii.rr.com.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU MEETS Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the former Aspen Institute Building, located near the SeaMountain Golf Course at Punalu‘u. For more, contact Secretary Nadine Ebert at okk-secretary@okaukaou.org.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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Keiki and families braved a stormy seashore for the tenth annual Keiki Fishing Tournament, presented by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou on Saturday at Punaluʻu. See Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs for results. Photo by Jana Kaniho

THE WHALE COUNT on Saturday drew more than 557 volunteers statewide to the shores from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to Punaluʻu, South Point and Miloliʻi, all the way up the chain of inhabited Hawaiian Islands. It was the first event of the 2018 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count.
Volunteers collected data from 46 sites statewide on January 27. A total of 172 whale sightings were recorded during the 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count. Weather conditions were ideal for viewing humpback whales across the majority of the state. Rain did affect a few sites on Hawaiʻi Island.

Volunteers look for whales off the Punaluʻu shore on Saturday at the first
2018 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Count of the year. The others
will be the last Saturdays of February and March. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. The sanctuary holds Ocean Count three times each year during peak whale season. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.
Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location are available at:
http://www.sanctuary
oceancount.org/resources/. Additional information is available on the sanctuary's website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
The sanctuary, which is administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources. See NOAA's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels.

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THE FUTURE OF THE KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY is at risk and a public meeting will be held by the Hawai‘i State Public Charter School Commission this Monday, Jan. 29, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Association Assembly Hall at 94-1604 Makaliʻi St. in Discovery Harbour. The school serves 95

KLA serves 95 students with classrooms in
Discovery Harbour.

students, grades three through seven.
Managing Director Joe Iacuso said the board and administration would "greatly appreciate the support of the families and students of the community." He said he encourages them to attend the meeting.
The Charter Commission is pointing to accounting practices as reasons for the notice of possible revocation of the school's charter. The school administration and its accountants say that the audit shows how the school can improve and come into compliance, following its startup period.

Read more on Dec. 8 Kaʻū News Briefs, Jan. 26 Ka‘ū News Briefs, and on Page 18 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, January edition, at kaucalendar.com.

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WHY DO SOME EARTHQUAKES HAVE NEGATIVE DEPTHS? That is the question answered in this week's Volcano Watch written by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists:
Astute visitors to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website may have noticed that some recent earthquakes have negative depths. This does not indicate a change in seismicity but, rather, an upgrade in HVO's seismic data processing system.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists provide Volcano Watch
each week for readers of The Kaʻū Calendar's Kaʻū News Briefs

The new system reports earthquake depths with respect to the common reference elevation, or datum, of sea level. When set to display earthquakes by depth, the HVO website map now includes a dark red color to indicate earthquakes that occur above sea level but below the ground surface. In the earthquake list to the right of the map, some events are now reported with negative depths.

To understand negative depth, imagine a number line with zero in the middle, positive numbers going one direction, and negative numbers going the opposite direction. For Hawaiʻi earthquake depths, the zero point is now sea level. Positive depths indicate downward from sea level, and negative depths indicate upward from sea level.

This common reference elevation is known as the geoid, an imaginary surface that approximates the ocean surface influenced by Earth's gravity and rotation. This surface extends inland to where sea level would be if land were not present. Thus, the geoid is equivalent to sea level, and the new earthquake depths are called "geoid depths."

Prior to the new system, HVO reported "model depths" with respect to the ground surface above the earthquake hypocenter (point of origin). This model surface was not the actual ground elevation but, instead, was the average elevation of the five closest seismic stations.

Geoid Depths are now used to measure the depth of earthquakes. The above figure illustrates the difference between measuring the depth of earthquakes that are above sea level vs. those below sea level. The model depths shown are the previous way earthquakes were measured. Figure via USGS.com

Since the earth's surface is not flat, model depth approximations did not always represent the true depth of an earthquake below ground. More importantly, it meant that there was no uniform frame of reference for comparing depths of different earthquakes. The zero elevation was different for every earthquake. This made it challenging to rigorously compare shallow earthquakes in HVO's earthquake catalog.

To illustrate the difference between model and geoid depths, consider an earthquake beneath Mauna Loa, with its summit about 4 km (2.5 mi) above sea level. The model depth of this earthquake would have been previously reported as 3 km (1.9 mi), but with the new system, the geoid depth is now 3 km minus 4 km, or negative 1 km (‒0.6 mi).

One advantage of geoid depths is that systematic bias caused by mountain topography is corrected. HVO can now essentially "straighten out" depth profiles beneath the island to more accurately present where earthquakes occur.

By adopting the common reference datum of sea level, earthquakes reported nationwide are now more consistent and comparable. Regional seismic networks around the country have been migrating from model depth to geoid depth over the past few years. HVO's adoption of the sea level reference brings it in line with this standard.

It's important to note that the absolute location of earthquakes being computed in three-dimensional space has not changed. The only difference is the point at which zero depth is assigned. All that has changed is how the depths are described.

On this chart, which shows the depth and magnitude of earthquakes during the last week,
the earthquakes measured above geoid depth are shown in black. Figure via USGS.com

It is also important to remember that earthquake locations are mathematical models of where an earthquake occurs within the earth. Accurate locations depend on precise measurements of seismic wave arrival times at seismometers, accurate positions of those seismometers, and a realistic model of the speed at which seismic waves travel through the Earth. HVO's seismic processing system receives real-time seismic data from about 100 stations, and computes locations automatically to track seismicity in Hawaii around the clock.

Earthquake monitoring equipment installed by Hawaiian
Volcano Observatory. Photo from HVO

Occasionally, the automatically-posted earthquakes with negative depths seem to be "floating" above the ground surface. This, of course, is not physically possible. Rather, it is a reflection of imperfect Earth velocity models, which HVO intends to improve in the months and years to come. Once a seismologist reviews these events, the depths should go beneath the surface, where earthquakes really occur.

Earthquake depth is an important parameter for volcano monitoring because it can be a clue to changing magmatic activity. A shallowing of earthquakes, with time, can indicate magma moving toward the surface to erupt. This is why HVO's seismologists want to accurately determine and describe earthquake depths, and inform the public about what's shaking beneath Hawaiʻi Island.

Go to volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories for recent earthquake measurements. For more, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo, or email HOV at askHVO@usgs.gov.

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ONE SPACE IS LEFT FOR AN INTRODUCTION TO ENCAUSTIC WORKSHOP offered by Artist Mary Milelzcik at Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Encaustic is a mixture of beeswax, damar resin, and pigment, which is applied to a solid absorbent surface. Each time a new layer is applied, it must be fused. The layers can be enhanced by carving with tools or drawing with pigment, oil sticks, etc. Photographs can be transferred and other materials embedded to create a variety of results.

Encaustic artwork by Mary Milelzcik.
Take a class to learn how to make encaustic paintings on
Feb. 17. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

In this hands-on class, participants will learn safe studio practices, all the encaustic painting basics, and how to make his or her own medium. A shellac burn will be demonstrated. After instruction and experimenting, participants will have the opportunity to create a small finished encaustic painting or two to take home.
Milelzcik will provide an assortment of marking tools and brushes, papers, photographs, minerals, fibers, and other natural and found materials for students to incorporate into their paintings. Students are encouraged to bring other items they would like to use. The class fee is $50 per Volcano Art Center members and $55 per non-member, plus a $15 supply fee. As there is only one space remaining, call 967-8222 to register.
Milelzcik's artwork has been shown internationally. She has a B.A. degree from Sonoma State University's School of Expressive Arts, "a radical two-year upper division interdisciplinary experimental program that existed for several years in the 70's," says the event description. "This transformative educational experience set the path for an interesting career as a mixed media artist and photographer; as the Curator at Highways Performance Space and Gallery in Santa Monica, CA; and teaching experimental mixed media art and printmaking." The event description states that photography is an "important tool in her creative and documentary projects as well as for capturing images to use as a base for mixed media encaustic paintings and prints."
Milelzcik also gathers pigments and organic materials to incorporate into her work, and experiments with local minerals and plants in her encaustic paintings. In her spare time, she provides strategic consultation and grant writing for small to medium sized nonprofits in Hawai‘i and California. She has a studio in Pāhoa, and specializes in mixed media art and printmaking.
Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.

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kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Monday, Jan. 29, @ Parker.
Wednesday, Jan. 31, Kealakehe @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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U.H.-CTAHR EXTENSION AGENT ANDREA KAWABATA offers a Coffee Berry Borer Identification and Management Presentation at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers' Market tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn about identifying CBB and how to manage this coffee pest. "This class will be fairly basic, but see me after the presentation if you have specific questions," says Kawabata. The market is located at the intersection of Mamane Street and Hwy 19. For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

JOIN ASTRONOMER AND CO-HOST OF PBS STAR GAZERS, DEAN REGAS, as he hosts Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's first-ever Star Party at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum) on Monday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Explore nearby planets and deep-space celestial wonders above the glow of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Dark Skies Rangers will answer questions. Powerful telescopes will be available at the Kīlauea Star Party event. Free, but subject to weather conditions; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, INC., distributes Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-Mauka, Ocean View, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All participants are asked to respect the grounds where this will be held. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the last Tuesday of each month.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

VOLCANIC GEOLOGY ALONG SADDLE ROAD is the topic of an After Dark in the Park presentation given by Rick Hazlett, affiliate geologist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hazlett describes the "outdoor classroom" along Saddle Road, in which visitors can learn more about how the Islands aloha ‘āina (precious land) came to be. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

WITNESS THE LUNAR ECLIPSE WITH ASTRONOMER DEAN REGAS, co-host of PBS Star Gazers, as he guides event participants through the total lunar eclipse expected Tuesday, Jan. 30, atop Kīlauea Volcano. Meet Regas at 8:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's event description says "the park will provide an excellent vantage point to view the spectacle – weather permitting." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA VOICES WITH KUMU HULA STEPHANIE APOLO and Desiree Moana Cruz moderating take place Thursday, Feb. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free, educational event occurs the first Thursday of each month - excluding April and December for 2018. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S SENIOR CITIZEN SURVEYs are due Thursday, Feb. 1. Senior citizens over the age of 62, who are interested in the Nā‘ālehu Senior Housing Project, are asked to fill out a quick five-question survey to help OKK gather general data essential to the planning of the project. To get a survey or for more information, contact Raylene Moses, 365-3788, or Nadine Ebert at 938-5124 or ebertn004@hawaii.rr.com.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU MEETS Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Aspin Institute Building near Punalu‘u Black Sands Beach Park. For more, contact Secretary Nadine Ebert: okksecretary@okaukaou.org.

A FUNDRAISING DINNER FOR KĪLAUEA DRAMA AND ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK will be hosted at Almafatano's Italian Restaurant on Friday, Feb. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event, KDENte, offers a buffet dinner and music entertainment. Tickets are $20 at the door. Call KDEN for reservations, 928-7344.

HUI MĀLAMA OLA NĀ ‘OIWI has announced a new beginner-level La‘au Lapa‘au class, shared by Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues, to be held in the Ka‘ū District Gym - across the street from Ka‘ū High School in Pāhala - starting next weekend, Feb. 3, and continuing for 2 more weekends: Feb. 17 and Feb. 24. The class, which will be held from 9 to noon on these days, is free, and open to the public.
For more info, and to sign up, contact the Traditional Health team at 808-969-9220. You can learn more about the organization at hmono.org.

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Winners of Largest Kuipi, from left: Jyzeiah Garcia, 1st; Rylan Egusa, 2nd; and Evelynn Ornellas, 3rd.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

SOME 1,000 KEIKI AND FAMIY MEMBERS WERE DRAWN TO PUNALU‘U on Saturday to ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's 10th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament, The community group announced an increase in participation of 16.2 percent.

Winners of Largest Po‘opa‘a, from left: Rain Nihipali-Sesson, 3rd; Anjahlee
Garcia, 2nd; and Kendall Akana-Avenue, 1st. Photo by Lee McIntosh

The catch-and-release tourney was open to keiki up to 14 years old - with keiki doing the fishing and parents assisting. ‘O Ka‘ū Kakou reported 376 participants total, with 70 being under the age of three. A free lunch, along with music and shaved ice, was offered to keiki and their families - about 1,000 people including volunteers - as judges ran scores.
For Largest Aholehole, first place went to Desirae Barrios, second to Isaiah Pascubilo, and third to Hulali Torres. For Largest Hinale‘a, first place went to Ocean Nihipali-Sesson, second to Jezekial Jara, and third went to Lily Dacalio. For Largest Kuipi, first place went to Jyzeiah Garcia, second to Rylan Egusa, and third to Evelynn Ornellas. For Largest Po‘opa‘a, first place went to Kendall Akana-Avenue, second to Anjahlee Garcia, and third to Rain Nihipali-Sesson.

Winners of Largest Hinale‘a, from left: Lily Dacali, 3rd; Jezekial Jara,
2nd; and Ocean Nihipali-Sesson, 1st. Photo by Lee McIntosh

For Most Fish Caught, first place went to Loa‘a Kaupu, second to Jycetin Mukini, and third to Andrea Antonio. The 15 prizes awarded to these winners were donated by S. Tokunaga Store, Inc., in Hilo.
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou supplied the awards for a newly added category, Other Fish, which saw Grace Smith taking first place and Kircia Derasin taking second. Every participant at the event received a participation prize. ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou supplied them with: bamboo hand poles, barbless hooks, lines, sinkers, and wheels, donated by S. Tokunaga Store, Inc.; shrimp bait donated by Suisan Company, Ltd.; and buckets.

Winners of Largest Aholehole, from left: Desirae Barrios, 1st; Isaiah
Pascubilo, 2nd; and Hulali Torres, 3rd. Photo by Lee McIntosh

Keiki were allowed to use their own hand pole rods as long as they used barbless hooks. The event was also supported by a grant from County of Hawai‘i. Participants under three years of age were given personal fishing ponds to “fish” little duckies.
The organization also collected cans as part of its Canned Food Drive. A date for next year's event has yet to be announced. Visit okaukakou.org to learn more.
For more photos from the event, visit Jan. 27 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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Winners of Most Fish Caught, from left: Andrea Antonia, 3rd; Jycetin
Mukini, 2nd; and Loa‘a Kaupu, 1st. Photo by Lee McIntosh

MEMBERS OF THE HAWAI‘I STATE CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION come to Ka‘ū on Monday for a public meeting on the future of Ka‘ū Learning Academy. The commission is expected to explain how it reached a decision to put charter school KLA on notice that it may rescind its charter. The school, with 95 students, operates in the former Discovery Golf Course Clubhouse. The meeting, however, will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Association Assembly Hall, at 94-1604 Makaliʻi Street in Discovery Harbour.
The administration and board members of KLA said they hope for strong community support at the meeting. KLA has also asked for a public hearing on the matter, which largely involves accounting practices.

Read more on Dec. 8 Kaʻū News Briefs, Jan. 26 Ka‘ū News Briefs, and on Page 18 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, January edition, at kaucalendar.com.

Second place winner of the newest OKK Keiki Fishing Tournament,

Other Fish, Kircia Derasin. Photo by Lee MacIntosh

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S SENIOR CITIZEN SURVEYS are due Thursday, Feb. 1. Senior citizens over the age of 62, who are interested in the Nā‘ālehu Senior Housing Project, are asked to fill out a quick five-question survey to help OKK gather general data essential to the planning of the project. To get a survey or for more information, contact Raylene Moses, 365-3788, or Nadine Ebert at 938-5124 or ebertn004@hawaii.rr.com.

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

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, A BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, meets three times in Pāhala at Ka‘ū District Gym in February. The class will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday - Feb. 3, 17 and 24. Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi leads and shares traditional health at this free class. To register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team. Visit hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

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

A VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., has been announced by Kīlauea Military Camp, to take place in the KMC Crater Rim Café, located in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The main entrees will be Prime Rib au Jus, Lemon Butter Fish with Tropical Salsa, and Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu. The buffet is $28.00 per adult and $14.50 per child (6 to 11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com or call 967-8356.

MILOLI‘I-KA‘Ū VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT IS SET for Saturday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ka‘ū District Gym. Miloli‘i Volleyball Team, in this second annual Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū Volleyball tournament, will host Keaukaha Cuzins, KS Southside, Mauloa, Nawahi Na‘auao, Yosh, Big Island Boys, Nawahi Hanohano, and Hi-Intensity.

Coach Yolanda Kauhuia and her Miloliʻi Volleyball
girls. Photo from Kaimi Kaupiko

Organizers and coaches are Yolanda Kuahuia and Kaimi Kaupiko. Kaupiko explained that "Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū Volleyball began five years ago. Our history in volleyball is long and extensive - we all grew up playing on a concrete court in the hot sun, but it has been a favorite pastime throughout the years in Miloli‘i."
He said the outreach started five years ago after making the team official. The team played Parks & Recreation games with Ka‘ū and Pāhala, and through that connection, "we started to practice at the Nā‘ālehu elementary gym. Many of the ‘ohana from Ka‘ū wanted to join our club as they saw our little village kids play volleyball at a high level. We invited and encouraged them to team up with us.

"Throughout the past three years, we have grown and built our club from its humble beginnings. We have participated and won numerous tournaments from the annual Haili tournament in the spring, the Moku o Keawe regionals, and tournaments in Maui and Kaua‘i. Last year we took our girls to play in the Anaheim volleyball tournament in which we placed 10th in the 12U in a tournament with over 400 teams." Food concessions both days support the effort.

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

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Monday, Jan. 29, @ Parker.
Wednesday, Jan. 31, Kealakehe @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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

JOIN ASTRONOMER AND CO-HOST OF PBS STAR GAZERS, DEAN REGAS, as he hosts Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's first-ever Star Party at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum) on Monday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Explore nearby planets and deep-space celestial wonders above the glow of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Dark Skies Rangers will answer questions. Powerful telescopes will be available at the Kīlauea Star Party event. Free, but subject to weather conditions; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, INC., distributes Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-Mauka, Ocean View, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All participants are asked to respect the grounds where this will be held. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the last Tuesday of each month.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

VOLCANIC GEOLOGY ALONG SADDLE ROAD is the topic of an After Dark in the Park presentation given by Rick Hazlett, affiliate geologist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hazlett describes the "outdoor classroom" along Saddle Road, in which visitors can learn more about how the Islands aloha ‘āina (precious land) came to be. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

WITNESS THE LUNAR ECLIPSE WITH ASTRONOMER DEAN REGAS, co-host of PBS Star Gazers, as he guides event participants through the total lunar eclipse expected Tuesday, Jan. 30, atop Kīlauea Volcano. Meet Regas at 8:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's event description says "the park will provide an excellent vantage point to view the spectacle – weather permitting." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA VOICES WITH KUMU HULA STEPHANIE APOLO and Desiree Moana Cruz moderating takes place Thursday, Feb. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free, educational event occurs the first Thursday of each month - excluding April and December for 2018. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S SENIOR CITIZEN SURVEY's are due Thursday, Feb. 1. Senior citizens over the age of 62, who are interested in the Nā‘ālehu Senior Housing Project are asked to fill out a quick five-question survey to help OKK gather general data essential to the planning of the project. To get a survey or for more information, contact Raylene Moses, 365-3788, or Nadine Ebert at 938-5124 or ebertn004@hawaii.rr.com.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU MEETS Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Aspen Institute Building near Punalu‘u Black Sands Beach Park. For more, contact Secretary Nadine Ebert at okk-secretary@okaukaou.org.

Photo from amalfatanos.com

A FUNDRAISING DINNER FOR KĪLAUEA DRAMA AND ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK is hosted at Almafatano's Italian Restaurant on Friday, Feb. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event, KDENte, offers a buffet dinner and music entertainment. Tickets are $20 at the door. Call KDEN for reservations, 928-7344.

FOOD FROM WOOD:GROWING EDIBLE & MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS ON LOGS, STUMPS, AND WOOD CHIPS Workshop takes place at Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Zach Mermel teaches the basics of mushroom cultivation using locally sourced, undesirable exotic trees. The class fee, $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, includes one shiitake mushroom log kit and one King Stropharia mushroom kit. Pre-registration is required. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN GODDESSES, HI‘IAKA & PELE, and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Learn how to make Zentangle frames at a class held at
Volcano Art Center on Feb. 10. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

A ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS class, with Lois and Earl Stokes, has been announced by Volcano Art Center to take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event description states, "Putting a frame around something makes whatever is inside important and special: a favorite photo, a child's name, a greeting card, a leaf or pressed flower, a feather, a page of poetry; even some of your Zentangle art."
The class teaches participants how to use tangles for borders and how to create elegant frames. "You will have something special to cherish or to give away," says the description. "Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns." The description adds, "If you can draw a dot, line, curved line, S shape and circle… you can create Zentangle art." Zentangle art uses a repetitive nature of these patterns that can be seen as meditative.
Zentagle Basics recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

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Outgoing Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui noted his work on the Farm-to-School and Farm-to-Cafeteria Initiatives, and
praised the Kohala Center for its help in linking farmers to feeding students and helping students to grow food.
Photo from Kohala Center

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SHAN S. TSUTSUI IS RESIGNING, he announced on Monday. His resignation, after 15 years in public service, will be effective Jan. 31. In a public statement, Tsutsui said he will return to Maui, to join Strategies 360 - a public affairs, strategic communications and research firm with offices in Hawai'i, 11 other Western states, and Washington D.C - as a Senior Vice President.

In his announcement, Tsutsui quoted Pres. Barack Obama's remarks commemorating the 75th Pearl Harbor anniversary: "We cannot choose the history that we inherit. But we can choose what lessons to draw from it, and use those lessons to chart our own futures."

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui steps down
at the end of January

Said Tsusui, "Accordingly, it's my hope that we will continue to acknowledge the rich history of our State, and remain grateful for the contributions and sacrifices of generations past; that we will explore new ways to invest in our residents, businesses, and communities to make them more sustainable, competitive, and economically robust. And as I leave public service, I look forward to continuing to be a part of Hawai‘i's future and helping to forge a new path that honors our shared beliefs and my continued commitment to improving the lives of the people of Hawai‘i."

Tsutsui noted that he served first as a State Senator from Maui, then Senate President, before becoming Lt. Governor. He noted multiple accomplishments. One of them, called REACH - Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, and Health - supports after-school programs in Ka‘ū and elsewhere, for middle and intermediate public school students. At Ka‘ū High and its intermediate school, REACH helps to fund Boys and Girls Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer. "As a father, I was especially concerned with ensuring that middle school students engage in positive activities and relationships during hours when many are left unsupervised because their parents are working," said Tsutsui.

Since 2013, REACH has invested approximately $2.75M in more than 40 public middle and intermediate schools - including charter schools - statewide, reaching thousands of students. Funds have helped to provide robotics programs; ‘ukulele and other music lessons; hula and other dance lessons; basketball, soccer, wrestling, and other sports; cooking, fishing, art, and hydroponics; and many other clubs and programs. "Participating students have shown improved attendance, attitude, behavior and even grades," said the outgoing Lt. Governor.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui's REACH initiative helped build Ka‘ū High's
soccer program. Photo by David Berry

Tsutsui took the reigns of the Farm-to-School Initiative, which developed into the ‘Aina Pono: Hawai‘i's Farm-to-Cafeteria Initiative, to increase the purchase and consumption of local food in school cafeterias. "With an enthusiastic team of advisors and 'doers', along with support from the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, private partners such as The Kohala Center, and many other generous donors, a burgeoning pilot project was launched to infuse local foods and flavors into our school menus, while providing healthier options for our keiki. As the project continues to grow and expand throughout the State, the effects will have a lasting impact on our keiki, the agriculture industry, and the state's procurement processes," said Tsutsui.

The Lt. Governor praised "businesses and farms using innovative and entrepreneurial ideas to revitalize family businesses. You have all inspired me and helped to make me a better person and leader. I will cherish these experiences and lessons and carry them with me throughout my life. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Hawai‘i for the opportunity to have served you all these years." He thanked Gov. David Ige for the privilege of serving in his Administration, and also the former Governor, Neil Abercrombie.

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SPI's ground-mounted solar arrays, which the company plans to install on lots
makai of Hwy 11 in Ocean View. See the company's website, spisolar.com.

STOPPING LARGE INDUSTRIAL SOLAR INSTALLATIONS from being built in residential subdivisions without special use permits has been introduced at the Hawai‘i Legislature by Rep. Richard Creagan and Sen. Josh Green, who represent west Ka‘ū into Kona.
County Council Member Maile David, who represents all of Ka‘ū into Kona and Volcano, said she supports both the bills and intends to propose a Council Resolution on the matter.
If passed, SB 3076 and HB 2665 would protect many thousands of residents and property owners who live in about 20 non-conforming subdivisions on the Big Island. While most of the sprawling subdivisions are in Puna, the community of Ocean View in Ka‘ū is made up of seven subdivisions.
These neighborhoods are called non-conforming subdivisions because they do not meet current subdivision standards. Most were created in the 1960s and 70s, and many were created in the Agricultural land use district where residential subdivisions are prohibited on Ag land. The bill would help eliminate loopholes related to the differing standards.

Residents met last April and told Chinese solar company representative
Rick White that the industrial solar installations would erode property
values, and destroy the ranch-like ambiance of Ranchos and other
affected neighborhoods. Photo by Ann Bosted

The bill was largely inspired by the industrial solar farms planned by a large Chinese corporation, SPI Solar, which proposes to build 26 separate solar installations that would cover 26 residential lots in the Ocean View Ranchos, Kula Kai, and Kona South Subdivisions, taking out native trees and forests between existing homes, substantially changing the landscape of the neighborhoods. The Kona South subdivision is an undeveloped 500-acre virgin ‘ohi‘a forest with no developed road access.
"The proposed bill is not anti-solar," explained the County Council member. "It simply protects the health and safety of residential communities in rural area subdivisions from proposals to develop industrialized solar farms with a capacity of 15 kW or more, without first obtaining a special use permit. This provision would allow communities that may be impacted by such a facility an opportunity to provide input," she said. Most households need a solar system of less than five kilowatts.
"It is a very fair law", continued David. "If a resident wants to run a B&B in his or her home, that resident must get a special use permit. Why not require big solar corporations to do the same? This bill does not affect solar developers who want to build large installations on real farm land."

Ranchos residents said they oppose leveling of the landscape for
industrial solar farms. Photo by Ann Bosted

The council member assisted with the drafting and filing of a formal complaint with the Public Utilities Commission in 2016 regarding the proposed Ocean View Solar project. The complaint, which is yet to be decided, asserts that HELCO and HECO, the utilities that would by the electricity from the solar farm, erroneously applied provisions of the Feed In Tariff program to the Ocean View project. The Ocean View solar project is on hold while the PUC considers the complaint. "Ocean View has a population of about 7,000 people, and the population has doubled each decade according to the census. Present and future residents of Ocean View and the large subdivisions in Puna deserve protection from incompatible uses of their neighborhoods," added David.
The Feed In Tariff program provides for the speedy introduction of renewable energy to Hawai‘i, but in Ocean View the program would appear to have been used to circumvent the bidding process that is required for projects over five megawatts. According to the FIT permit application, the installations should have been built in 18 months. Although the stated completion date was September 2012, the project is still in the Interconnection Requirements Study phase, and no site work has been done.
Said David, "I hope that the PUC will rule in favor of the citizens of Ka‘ū, and I also trust that the legislature will support the twin bills introduced by Sen. Green and Rep. Creagan. Both measures will provide our citizens with a process that allows the people an opportunity to provide input and prevent this type of situation from happening again."
In addition to Rep. Cregan, who proposed it, HD 2665 is also sponsored by State Representatives Tom Brower, Romy Cachola, Cindy Evans, Angus McKelvey, Takashi Ohno, Cynthia Thielen, Ken Ito, Lei Learmont, Bob McDermott, Nadine Nakamura, Richard Onishi, Joy San Buenaventura, Calvin Say, and Gregg Takayama.

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‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S SENIOR CITIZEN SURVEYs are due this Thursday, Feb. 1. Senior citizens over the age of 62, who are interested in the Nā‘ālehu Senior Housing Project, are asked to fill out a quick five-question survey to help OKK gather general data essential to the planning of the project. To get a survey or for more information, contact Raylene Moses at 365-3788, or Nadine Ebert at 938-5124 or ebertn004@hawaii.rr.com.

A FUNDRAISING PERFORMANCE OF NORA & DELIA EPHRON'S LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE is offered to support Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m. It takes place at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
The play is based on a best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman, and is comprised of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes, and memory. Five brilliant women from O‘ahu comprise the cast of the show, their stories revolving around the main character Gingy, played by Victoria Gail-White, and supported by world-class ensemble Lisa Barnes, Lauren Murata, Bree Kale’a Peters, and Stacy Ray. They make sure to cover all the important subjects: from mothers to prom dresses, buying bras, hating purses, and why we only wear black. The monologues focus on relationships and how a woman's wardrobe can be used as a time capsule to tell the stories of her life.
"The cast has performed this production together at a variety of venues across the islands and says that they are thrilled to bring this funny, touching, and relatable production to the Volcano," says a press release issued by KDEN.
Tickets, $20 per person, are available at Kīlauea Military Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at the door of the performance. For reservations or more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Wednesday, Jan. 31, Kealakehe @ Ka‘ū.
Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

VOLCANIC GEOLOGY ALONG SADDLE ROAD is the topic of an After Dark in the Park presentation given by Rick Hazlett, affiliate geologist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hazlett describes the "outdoor classroom" along Saddle Road, in which visitors can learn more about how the Islands aloha ‘āina (precious land) came to be. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

WITNESS THE LUNAR ECLIPSE WITH ASTRONOMER DEAN REGAS, co-host of PBS Star Gazers, as he guides event participants through the total lunar eclipse expected Tuesday, Jan. 30, atop Kīlauea Volcano. Meet Regas at 8:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's event description says "the park will provide an excellent vantage point to view the spectacle – weather permitting." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA VOICES, WITH KUMU HULA STEPHANIE APOLO and Desiree Moana Cruz moderating, takes place Thursday, Feb. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free, educational event occurs the first Thursday of each month - excluding April and December for 2018. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S SENIOR CITIZEN SURVEYs are due Thursday, Feb. 1. Senior citizens over the age of 62, who are interested in the Nā‘ālehu Senior Housing Project, are asked to fill out a quick five-question survey to help OKK gather general data essential to the planning of the project. To get a survey or for more information, contact Raylene Moses at 365-3788, or Nadine Ebert at 938-5124 or ebertn004@hawaii.rr.com.

Ulili Navigation Cylinder by Heather Mettler.
See this and more at the Passage and Place Exhibit.
Event details below. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU MEETS Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Aspin Institute Building near Punalu‘u Black Sands Beach Park. For more, contact Secretary Nadine Ebert at okk-secretary@okaukaou.org.

A FUNDRAISING DINNER FOR KĪLAUEA DRAMA AND ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK is hosted at Almafatano's Italian Restaurant on Friday, Feb. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event, KDENte, offers a buffet dinner and music entertainment. Tickets are $20 at the door. Call KDEN for reservations, 928-7344.

FOOD FROM WOOD:GROWING EDIBLE & MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS ON LOGS, STUMPS, AND WOOD CHIPS Workshop takes place at Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Zach Mermel teaches the basics of mushroom cultivation using locally sourced, undesirable exotic trees. The class fee, $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, includes one shiitake mushroom log kit and one King Stropharia mushroom kit. Pre-registration is required. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN GODDESSES, HI‘IAKA & PELE, and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, A BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, meets three times in Pāhala at Ka‘ū District Gym in February. The class is held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday - Feb. 3, 17 and 24. Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi leads and shares traditional health at this free class. To register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team. Visit hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

Help remove invasive plant species in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Event details below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

A PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR ARTISTS WORKSHOP is hosted at Volcano Art Center, from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Feb. 3. Class fee is $35 per VAC member and $40 per non-member. Artist Gwendolyn O'Connor shows how to professionally prepare art for galleries and competitions. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM on Saturday, Feb. 3, and help native plants grow by removing non-native plant species from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will be offered again on Feb. 9, 17, and 19.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 6, FOR A YEAR OF THE DOG WALL HANGING arts and crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, for more.

SOUTH POINT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB AND AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE sponsor a Ham Radio Potluck Picnic on Sunday, Feb. 4, from noon to 2 p.m., at Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. For more, call Rick Ward at 938-3058, or visit sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or
sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home.

LEARN ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS THAT PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN HAWAIIAN CULTURE in a free, moderate, guided hike along the Palm Trail - approx. 2 miles - on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, takes place in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A SUPER BOWL EVENT, WITH QUARTERLY PRIZES, IS OFFERED AT Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 11 a.m. and kick-off is at 1:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 967-8365 after 4:00 p.m. for more details. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

A MARDI GRAS FUNDRAISER AT ST. JUDE'S will be held on Friday, Feb. 16. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served starting at 6 p.m.The menu will include jambalaya, shrimp (served on the side), red beans and rice, cornbread, a drink, and dessert. Prices are: $8 per person, $15 per couple, or $20 per family.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, January 11, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, January 12, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, January 13, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, January 14, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, January 15, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, January 18, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, January 19, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, January 20, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, January 21, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, January 22, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, January 25, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, January 26, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, January 27, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, January 28, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, January 29, 2018