The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Free cat spay and neuter services are available in Ka‘ū on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Ocean View Community Center by AdvoCATS, Inc.
On advocatshawaii.org the clinic states, "All cats deserve nine lives not nine litters."

THE KAʻŪ LEARNING ACADEMY PUBLIC MEETING WAS SHUT DOWN by Hawaiʻi State Charter Schools Commission Executive Director Sione Thompson on Monday, Jan. 29, before most people could be heard. The well-attended gathering at Discovery Harbour Community Association Assembly Hall, regarding the commission's threat to pull the charter from Ka‘ū Learning Academy, drew retirees, parents, school staff, families, and concerned community members. Only three persons were allowed to speak before everyone was asked to leave.

Community residents raised their hands to give over their two minutes
to Kaʻū Learning Academy's Executive Director Kathryn Tydlacka.

The meeting was called by the Commission after it issued a notice of possible charter revocation, which could lead to KLA shutting down. The commission quoted an independent audit that pointed to accounting practices. Ahead of the meeting, KLA administrators and auditors said the practices employed when starting up the school could be repaired. The reason for the audit was to identify problems and fix them, said school representatives.

The public meeting devolved into verbal chaos shortly after the state Charter School Executive Director's presentation on how charter schools work. When Thompson began the public input period, he said attendees could ask questions, but he could not answer them. He said he would hear objections to removal of the charter and closure of KLA. He then stated each speaker would have two minutes, saying there was quite a bit of time for public input.

Tommy Akin said Discovery Harbour, where KLA is located, is a retirement community.

Tommy Akin was chosen by Thompson to speak first, over objections that KLA representatives wanted to lead off the public input. Akin said children deserve a good education, and the charter school is a good idea, but doesn't belong in Discovery Harbour. He pointed out that the goal of KLA's board and administrators is to eventually build a school in Ocean View.
Akin claimed the school was only supposed to be in Discovery Harbour a year or two. He described Discovery Harbour as mainly a retirement community, a characterization met with dessention from several of the attendees. He complained of noise and traffic, said there is no school signage, claimed sex offenders live within one mile of the school, and that there was drug use and sale at the school - to which one man spoke up to say there was no proof of that.

Another man spoke next, asking for clarity on whether the Charter School Commission was having this meeting due primarily to the accounting issues. Thompson responded that the minutes of the meeting where the Commission decided to threaten to revoke the school's charter were available on the Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission's website.

Monique Wilson said she was there for
her daughter, a student at the school.
Film clips from KLA

Kathryn Tydlacka, founder and Executive Director Kaʻū Learning Academy, was allowed to speak. She said she was concerned about baseless allegations of drug use and abuse, and stated the community was not a retirement community. She did say there were errors made in the formation and running of the young school, which were described in the audit, but that there was no misappropriation, no embezzlement, and that the auditing firm had stated it was a clean audit with clean findings. The clerical errors, she said, were being corrected, with the help of a CPA.

Tydlacka said she sent several emails to Thompson, which explained the clerical errors that were found in the audit. She said it is difficult to communicate with the commission and that the KLA is required to travel to Oʻahu once a month, but is only allowed to talk for two minutes, which are timed by the Charter School Commission.

The statewide Charter School Executive Director interrupted her, saying that she reminded him of the two minute limit. He told her to stop talking. A man spoke up, saying hers was the other side of the story, and that the Hawaiʻi Attorney General pointed out that the Commission presented a one-sided narrative when deciding to threaten to revoke the school's charter. Attendees spoke up, saying they wanted to hear Tydlack, with some volunteering their minutes so she could speak.

It was at this time, with attendees asking to hear Tydlacka speak, that Thompson tried to shut the meeting down. Monique Wilson spoke up, saying she was there for her daughter, not for the politics of the situation. She attempted to continue, saying she did not like what was going on. Thompson cut her off and tried to shut the meeting down again.

One more man spoke up, asking why the audit process was done during the school year instead of in summer when there is more time to review. He was answered by Thompson, who stated that the Commission did not do the audit, that it was done by a third party.

The mother of the student again objected to stopping the meeting, saying the Commission did not understand the situation of the community, that KLA was helping people. Thompson shut the meeting down for a third and final time, ten minutes after the public input period began.

KLA has requested a more formal public hearing in its effort to defend its charter.

See video posted by the school at youtube.com/watch?v=yCobDUaAy2Y. View most of the meeting at facebook.com/krwhit/videos/884834285027859/ - however, volume is an issue.
See the Commission's site, with the minutes of the above-referenced meeting, at chartercommission.hawaii.gov/kau-info.

Read more on page 18 of the January edition of the Ka‘ū Calendar.

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Senator Mazie Hirono

A NATIONWIDE BAN ON ABORTIONS OF FETUSES 20 WEEKS AND OLDER is proposed by Pres. Donald Trump's administration. Currently, abortions are legal nationally but are restricted in various ways by individual states. Kaʻū's U.S. Senator, Mazie Hirono, spoke on the Senate floor on Monday, Jan. 29, on what she called "the latest attack on reproductive rights by the Trump administration: a 20-week abortion ban."
"Nearly 50 years ago," said Hirono, "I wrote my first letter to Hawaiʻi's congressional delegation in support of legalizing abortion. Choices about our bodies are ours to make, but now the Trump administration wants to undermine that freedom." She said, "I always speak out and fight for a woman's right to choose what's best for her and her family." She also asked for her constituents in Kaʻū and around the state to share how they feel about the proposal, by responding through this link.

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A FULL LUNAR ECLIPSE IS TUESDAY NIGHT, Jan. 30, and The Ka‘ū Calendar's astronomy writer Lew Cook offers an explanation:

Did you know that the Earth - the entire Earth we live on - casts a shadow into space? We are in that shadow every 24 hours. When this happens, we call it "NIGHT." This shadow continues out into space, well past the moon. Sometimes it actually hits the moon - or rather, the moon passes through our shadow. This is an eclipse.

Here's a NASA diagram of the eclipse: the red
circle shows where no light directly from the sun shines
in, only that which is scattered through our atmosphere.

You can witness the passage of the moon through this shadow - our earth's shadow - on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, Jan. 30/31. This is the second full moon of January 2018, and is called by some the "Blue moon." This "Blue moon" will turn RED in color. How red? Anywhere from orange through as red as the reddest sunset you've ever seen - or almost as dark as an unlit piece of charcoal.

If you look at the full moon in the very early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 31, it will begin to look strange at about a quarter before 2 a.m. (Tuesday night/Wednesday morning). As the night goes on, the full moon will appear as if a demon is eating it like a cookie - but you can still see the part of it that has been eaten; the whole, full moon will be visible throughout the eclipse.

The moon will be fully immersed in the shadow beginning at 2:52 a.m. Expect the bottom portion of the moon to be brighter than the rest of the moon at maximum eclipse, which occurs at 3:30 a.m. Then, the northern part comes very close to the center of the shadow, so that part should be darkest. The total eclipse ends at 4:08 a.m., but the moon won't return to its full brightness until an hour later. However, like during the first hour, you won't notice it much.
See Lew Cook's monthly column in The Kaʻū Calendar Newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

In Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Valentine's Day Card takes place from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park. The program is open to keiki ages 6 to 12 years. Register Feb. 7 through 13. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.
In Nā‘ālehu, Valentine's Day Card Making takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. The program is open to keiki ages 5 to 12 years. Register Feb. 1 through 9. For more, call Richard Karasuda at 939-2510.
In Pāhala, Valentine's Day Flower & Bear Craft takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The programs is open to keiki in grades K to 8. Register Feb. 5 through 13. For more, call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102.
For more about these programs and others at the county parks, visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY ANNOUNCES IT WILL HOST ITS FIRST VOLUNTEER WORKDAY of 2018 at on Friday, Feb. 9, at their Kaʻū Preserve, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The focus of the day will be to clear vegetation from the TNC's preserve fenceline. Tools, gloves, and "spectacular views' will be provided, states the event flyer.
Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC's Kona Hema Preserve.

Kalei Namohala, Clifton Johnson
and June Domondon with the
OKK Half Court Shot.

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TŪTŪ AND ME IS HIRING two "very special" people. Due to the growth of both Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, there are now two openings - one full-time, one part-time on-call - for teachers to join the team. The minimum qualifications include: High school diploma; ECE or related course work and/or experience working with children; vehicle with extended coverage. See pidfoundation.org/emploment for more details. To apply, email resumé to HR@pidfoundation.org or fax to 440-6619.

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.

FREE CAT SPAY AND NEUTER SERVICES IN KA‘Ū HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED by AdvoCATS, Inc., available at Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. 5 p.m. For more, call 895-9283.

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.

CLIFTON JOHNSON OF LPCS, THE JAN. 6 WINNER OF ‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S Half Court Shot - the first one this year - received the prize from June Domondon, of OKK, and Trojans Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Following tradition, Johnson donated the entire $250 of his winnings to Ka‘ū Athletics, which supports Trojan sports.

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

Boys Basketball: 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.

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.

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.

Palila from an original watercolor on silk by Gwendolyn O‘Connor. Learn how
to professionally document art for galleries and competitions on Feb. 3.
Event details at left. Image taken from gwendolynoconnor.com

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.

Learn about growing mushrooms in Hawai‘i using locally sourced, undesirable exotic trees on
Feb. 3, and take home two mushroom kits. See event details above. Photo from wikipedia.com

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Blood Moon over Kaʻū, as captured early Wednesday morning from a ranch in Ka Lae. The eclipse
happened during a Blue Moon, the second full moon of the month. Blue Moon turned red.
Photo by Richard Taylor

PROTECTING THE NATIONAL MARINE MONUMENTS in the Hawaiian Islands is the goal of Sen. Marzie Hirono and U.S. Senate colleagues. Hirono and New Mexico's Sen. Tom Udall introduced the ANTIQUITIES Act of 2018 this week. The legislation would enhance protections of national monuments, which, according to the Senators, are being threatened by the Trump administration.

The America's Natural Treasures of Immeasurable Quality Unite, Inspire, and Together Improve the Economies of States (ANTIQUITIES) Act of 2018 bolsters the ANTIQUITIES Act of 1906, which states that only Congress may modify a national monument designation.

"When the President and the Secretary of Interior abdicate their responsibility for protecting our public lands, it's up to Congress to act," said Hirono.

One of the monuments Hirono is seeking to protect with this act is Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, some 582,578 square miles of protected islands, northwest of the main islands of Hawai‘i. The protected area is larger than all other national parks combined, and represents a wide diversity of land and sea animals, flora, and natural structures.

Photos from papahanaumokuakea.gov and NOAA.gov

"PapahanaumokuakeaMarineNational Monument and HonouliuliNational Monument were established after years of review," said Hirono, "and the national monument designation assists efforts to combat climate change, preserves biodiversity, honors cultural traditions, and recognizes our nation's history."

"President Trump's unprecedented attack on public lands is not just an affront to the overwhelming majority of Americans who cherish these precious places - it's also illegal," said Udall. "This legislation makes it crystal clear that monuments designated through the Antiquities Act of 1906 may not be altered by future presidents because only Congress has the authority to change a national monument designation."

The 2018 ANTIQUITIES Act is being introduced as a response to an announcement made by Trump that he intends to remove the national monument status from an estimated two million acres in Utah's Bear's Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments - an act, says a statement made in a press release from Hirono, which would be the largest rollback in history of federally protected lands. It is also in direct opposition to the opinions of some 2.8 million Americans: The administration's public comment process saw a response where over 99 percent of the comments made spoke in favor of keeping the existing protections as they are. There have also been rallies to support the current protections.

Map from NOAA.org

"Our national monuments enjoy broad support and provide unmatched economic, recreational, and cultural value to... the nation. The ANTIQUITIES Act builds upon these existing protections, ensuring that we keep our public lands in public hands and stop the president's politically motivated attempts to sell off our public lands to the highest-bidding special interests."

Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region are host to many national monuments, including: PapahanaumokuakeaMarineNational Monument, HonouliuliNational Monument, the World War II Valor in the PacificNational Monument, PacificRemoteIslandsMarineNational Monument, RoseAtollMarineNational Monument, and Marianas TrenchNational Monument.

The 2018 ANTIQUITIES Act is also cosponsored by 16 other Democratic Senators. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afqU9Sjw4TUto watch the statement made by Trump.

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RESPONSE TO PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S STATE OF THE UNION address Tuesday evening came from Hawaiʻi's U.S. Senators and Representatives. Sen. Mazie Hirono wore her TimesUp and Breaking the Glass Ceiling pins to the speech, she said, "to represent our fight for equality and an end to sexual harassment." She tweeted: "If @realDonaldTrump truly cared about expanding health care access, he wouldn't have spend the past year trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act." She also wrote, "Teleprompter Trump lies and sows fear about immigrants. There is no such thing as chain migration. It's called family, reunification." She later tweeted, "For all his talk of unity, @realDonaldTrump is highlighting again and again and again policies that divide our country."

Pres. Donald Trump, during his first State of
the Union address. Photo from PBS.org

Sen. Brian Schatz said, "Although there may be a chance for compromise on infrastructure and a solution for the Dreamers worked out in the Senate, much of the speech was disappointingly divisive."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard had this to say: "What I hear from folks at home is that they want solutions. They want action and results. There are a number of bipartisan areas of agreement that we can and should be providing those solutions to the people of Hawaiʻi and this country." And from a fundraising email sent out after the address: "Real change doesn't start on the House floor or in the Oval Office. It starts in our own communities."
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa's response was focused on immigration: "1.8 million are the Dreamers that he has a pathway to citizenship, but he's tied it four pillars. He's tied it to the wall, which we don’t know how much it's going to be. He's tied it to the reunification of families which he calls chain migration." Watch the entire State of the Union speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATFwMO9CebA&t=10s.

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Phillis May, HRRMC President

PHILLIS MAY IS NOW PRESIDENT of the Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corporation, replacing Mats Fogelvik who was the Corporation's President for the past five years.
May, a board member for the past five years, sees herself as a facilitator and counts herself lucky to be taking over from Fogelvik, whose organizational skills and accomplishments, according to her, have made the job "easy." The Road Maintenance Corporation is responsible for 45 miles of private roads. All the property owners in the Ranchos subdivision are automatically members. It is run by a Board of nine volunteers.
"Judging by the overwhelming support the membership gave us in voting to pass the 2018 budget and work plan, re-electing three board members, and approving the board's proposed bylaw change, I would say that most members are satisfied," May told The Ka‘ū Calendar.
"The corporation came in under budget on all items. Ranchos owners' annual road maintenance fee is very reasonable at $150 per year for three-acre parcel compared to our neighbors mauka of the highway, who pay $130.00 for one-acre parcels. I attribute this to the fact that we work efficiently, thus our community gets good value for their money. The roads are in good shape and the easements along the side of the road are regularly mowed.

"It is difficult to get big road contractors from Hilo or Kona to bid on the jobs we have for fogging or resurfacing. They say our projects are too small to make it worth the effort. The road committee assesses what road projects need to be done, and its report is put before the board, which then decides. In the last two years, we have chip sealed 45 intersections and four miles of road. Our goal this year is to chip seal two miles of road, given our budget.

Hawaiian Ranchos Road Maintenance Corp. maintains 45 miles
through the ranch like community on the makai side of Ocean View.
Photo by Ann Bosted

"Many board members regularly volunteer to do work that would otherwise be paid for, such as maintaining the office and road equipment, assessing conditions of roads, maintaining the corporate website, accounting and tax reporting. Our few hourly paid part-time employees are efficient and get their jobs done well, so we get the most for our funds," May said.
She added that the board welcomes property owners to submit questions or problems with roads by calling the HRRMC office at 808-929-9608.
When not volunteering for the HRRMC, May also volunteers for the Ocean View Senior Club, which supplements the County's nutrition program for seniors at St. Jude's Church. She says she retired to Hawai‘i in 2010 to escape the crowded San Francisco Bay Area, for "the laid back ambiance" in Ranchos and Ocean View, and the weather. Before that, she worked in Corporate Communication, Human Resources, and as an office manager.

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A LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED by Volcano Art Center for Thursday, Feb. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at their Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Big Island Invasive Species Committee will inform the community about the most effective treatments and how to use them for the best results to control little fire ants.

Volcano Art Center offers a BIISC presentation on Little Fire Ants Thursday, Feb. 15,
will offer effective treatment instructions, and states that "Little Fire Ants have been
found in Volcano."Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

The event description on volcanoartcenter.org states, "You've heard the horror stories of infestation from neighbors and friends. You've seen how they've clouded the vision of others' beloved pets. Or perhaps you've experienced firsthand the perils of living with Little Fire Ants. Now Little Fire Ants have been found in Volcano."
Learn how the behavior and biology of little fire ants affect treatment, and how to create a plan for the best long-term control and prevention. The description urges prospective attendees to "survey your property" before the event, and to "bring frozen ant samples to be identified."
Attendees may also find out how to get a free demo day with pesticide application for their neighborhood. As part of VAC's Thursday Night at the Center program, this presentation is free, although a $5 donation to Volcano Art Center is suggested.
Thursday Night at the Center was made possible through funding from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the Hawai‘i County Council, and the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council. It takes place once a month at the Volcano Art Center, with focus on art, Hawaiian culture, and the environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections, says the event description.

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

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: 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.

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 tomorrow, 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.

‘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.

Koa Finch and O‘u Birds, original watercolor on silk
by Gwendolyn O'Connor.
Image taken from gwendolynoconnor.com

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.

A SUPER BOWLEVENT, 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.

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.

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

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

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nāʻālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

Join Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret as she gives a presentation

about the Preservation of Stone

Architecture and Landscape at Pu‘uhonua O Hōnauau

National Historic Park on Feb. 6 at Hawai‘i

Volcanoes National Park. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

KONA HEMA PRESERVE is holding a volunteer workday on Friday, Feb. 9, from 8 to 3 p.m. The workday will focus on removing vegetation from the fence line. Gloves and tools will be provided. Reservations are needed for transportation to the preserve, and space is limited. There will be another workday on March 23. Contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.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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We Stand Tall and other original glassworks by Heather Mettler are available for viewing at Volcano Art Center Gallery in
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Parkuntil Sunday, Feb. 11. See event details below. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

PUBLIC IS INVITED TO KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY Monday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m., at the school. The KLA board meeting follows this week's Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission's public meeting in Discovery Harbour, concerning the possible revocation of the school's charter. KLA Executive Director Kathryn Tydlacka noted that few people were allowed to talk at the meeting on Monday, Jan. 29, attended by members of the Charter School Commission and its Executive Director, who flew in from O‘ahu.

KLA Executive Director Kathryn Tydlacka and
Managing Director Joe Iacuzzo invite the public to
Monday's board meeting. Photo from KLA

In a text sent to school families and community members, Tydlacka said, "I can't express how sorry I am that everyone did not get an opportunity to speak at the meeting. It seemed to me that the commission had a very few people they intended to call up front to say negative things. It was obvious they did not want the truth to be told.

"This is a meeting with our own KLA board, so this will be a friendly environment."

Tydlacka and Managing Director Joe Iacuzzo said on Wednesday that they invite any community member who would like to voice an opinion on the situation to attend next Monday's meeting. Tydackla said that testimonies will be filmed and presented during a future public hearing on the school's status, and possibly a Board of Education appeals meeting. "Negative or positive - we want to hear from everyone," she said.

"I know the commission provided a website, but I am afraid they will pick and choose which testimonies they will read into record. This has happened in the past. We have had KLA parents take their precious time and resources to fly over to O‘ahu to be heard, and the commission dragged out the time until the parents couldn't testify at all," said KLA's founder.

Tydackla stated "we are running out of time," and asked that those who cannot attend the Feb. 5 meeting make a two-minute recording of themselves and email it to kaulearning@gmail.com.

Tydlacka closed her message by saying "People on O‘ahu have got to see that we care about our school. Our children are devastated right now. They are afraid. Please come and hear the truth. We will answer any question. We have nothing to hide."

Kaʻū Learning Academy teaches about 95 students. Photo from KLA website.

In its notice of possible revocation of the school's charter, the Commission noted accounting practices, which KLA administrators and auditors have claimed to be repairable, following the start-up period for the new school.

The board meeting will be held at the school campus at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle in Discovery Harbour, in the old Discovery Golf Course Clubhouse.

The Charter School Commission has provided a portal for community input. See documents regarding their concerns about KLA. View the wind-up of the Jan. 29 meeting. Read more on page 18 of January's Ka‘ū Calendar or Jan. 30 Kaʻū News Briefs.

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HAWAI‘I ISLAND POSTED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN VISITOR SPENDING, VISITOR ARRIVALS, AND VISITOR DAYS in 2017. The report this week from Hawai‘i Tourism Authority shows that visitors spent $2.4 billion on Hawai‘i Island alone, an increase of 14.7 percent. The number of airline seats increased 15.5 percent to Kona, and 7 percent to Hilo. The total number of visitor arrivals to Hawai‘i Island reached 1,762,914, a 13.7 percent increase, influenced by more direct air service from Japan and the mainland US, and more cruise ship arrivals. The average number of visitor days on Hawai‘i Island expanded by 11.2 percent.

The state as a whole saw an increase for the sixth consecutive year in key areas: jobs, tax revenue, visitor spending, visitor arrivals, and airline seats serving the Islands, HTA reported.

Crowd gathered to view lava going into ocean at Kamokuna, as visitation to
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and other natural treasures soars.

Photo from kilaueamilitarycamp.com

The report stated that jobs increases were strong, with 204,000 direct (e.g. more hospitality employees hired), indirect (e.g. more drywall persons hired due to more lodging being built), and induced (e.g. a boat captain buys more groceries because their income has increased, so the market hires a new person) jobs being generated during the year - a 5.2 percent jump from 2016.

Bringing the Islands $1.96 billion in tax revenue, visitors spent $16.78 billion in 2017, which is an increase of 6.2 percent over 2016. Visitor spending grew most on the four main islands, with Hawai‘i Island showing the largest increase, followed by 9.6 percent for Kaua‘i, Maui with 5.2 percent, and 3.9 percent for O‘ahu.

Air and sea arrivals both increased statewide last year, with a 4.9 percent increase for air arrivals, and 12.2 percent increase in cruise ship arrivals - bringing cruise ship tourism to make up 126,225 of the year's visitors. This much larger increase was heavily influenced by 12 new tours from out-of-state cruises. Air travel increased by 1.8 percent, bringing the total out-of-state seat count to 12,235,608.

In 2016, 8,934,277 visitors landed in the state. 2017 saw 9,382,986 visitors, an increase of 5 percent. The length each visitor stayed decreased 0.3 percent, but the end result is that there were 230,113 visitors on the Islands each day during 2017.

Promoted in Wikipedia with this photo, as one of the four green sand beaches on the planet, is the Green Sand Beach at
Papakolea, South Point. With the number of visitors increasing dramatically, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
is coming up with a management plan. Photo from Wikipedia

Despite the positive economic news these numbers represent, concerns are being voiced by government officials, environmentalists, and the general public. Surveys across the years - going back as far as 1975 - have shown that the response to the question "Has tourism been 'mostly positive' for you and your family?" slipped from more than 70 percent saying yes in the 70s, to about 40 percent in 2015 (source: http://www.uhero.hawaii.edu/news/view/317).
Under study are carrying capacities of popular beaches and such visitor destinations as Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. HaleakalaNational Park on Maui is now taking reservations for those wanting to experience sunrise from the rim of the crater, and limiting the numbers who can go there.

Papakolea Green Sand beach at South Point in Ka‘ū has so much traffic that Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which owns the property, and trails and dirt roads going there, is making a management plan.
Read the HTA report. Plan your sunrise visit to Haleakala.

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Opening day, 2018 Hawai‘i State Legislature. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

OPENING DAY OF HAWAI‘I STATE LEGISLATURE began Jan. 17. Non-administration bill packages - which are bills sorted by association with common interest groups - submission cut-off date was Jan. 24.
February begins with triple referral and first lateral bill filings, on the 8th and 16th, respectively.
As 2018 is the second year of the two-year legislative session, there are some bills - sometimes referred to as "zombie bills" - that are left over from the 2017 session, that may be addressed during this session.
New bills introduced during this session will have numerical designations that indicate their submission date: Senate bills will begin with 1602 or higher, and House bills will begin with 2001 or higher. Each bill gets its own webpage, with information like: status, history, title, if there is a companion bill, who introduced the bill, hearing notices, reports, testimonies, and the ability to submit testimony if a hearing has been scheduled. Search for specific bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.
Learn more at Hawai‘i Legislature's Public Access Room.

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Learn All You Ever Wanted to Know About Bonsai and How to Grow Them
at three classes in Volcano. Image from Volcano Garden Arts

VOLCANO GARDEN ARTS HAS ANNOUNCED AN All You Ever Wanted to Know About Bonsai and How to Grow Them workshop, with three classes taking place in February. The course will be taught by well-known Bonsai Sensei Bill Newton, who has over 30 years experience.
The class is held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village (19-3834 Old Volcano Road) on Saturdays; Feb. 10, 17, and 24. A fee of $36 per person is charged per session. Those who sign up for all three classes will receive a complimentary meal at the award winning Cafe Ono. Space is limited. For more, call 985-8979 or visit volcanogardenarts.com.

Left: June Domondon with Carlo Manantan
Right: June Domondon and Makana Kamahele
with Kaikea Kaupu-Manini. Photo from Ka‘ū Athletics

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NĀ‘ĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY HAS ANNOUNCED a new, free event to take place on Friday, Feb. 9. Make a Valentine for Your Valentine! begins at 2:30 p.m. For more details, call 939-2442.

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KA‘Ū HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL CONTINUES its busy schedule, with two Varsity wins out of three games in the last five days: Jan. 27, 29, and 31.

Saturday, Jan. 27, saw Ka‘ū go up against HPA in a home game, with their opponents winning by 7 points, at 47 to 40.

Jan. 29 was Ka‘ū at Parker, with a Varsity win of 49 points, scraping ahead by four points.

Ka‘ū next hosted Kealakehe. Last night, JV saw some strong scoring from Kyson Toriano, with 16 of the 35 points scored; however, Kealakehe did secure the win.

Ka‘ū Varsity closed Senior Night with another win, 51 to 44. Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley lead the scoring with 15, followed by Andre Carvalho with 12, Madito Tamayo with 10, and five points scored each by Nainoa Ke, Mason Dacali, and Janslae Badua.

The last scheduled game of the season happens this coming Saturday, Feb. 3, at Kamehameha.

DOUBLE-HEADER AT ‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S half court shot on Jan. 10. June Domondon of OKK and Makana Kamahele were on hand to present Kaikea Kaupu-Manini and Carlo Manantan $250 each. Keeping the tradition strong, both young men donated the entirety of their winnings to Ka‘ū Athletics.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at

kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januaryevents.html.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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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.

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.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

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

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā’ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

Wauke Navigation Cylinder by Heather Mettler.
See this and more at the Volcano Art Center Gallery.
Event details below. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, 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.

TŪTŪ AND ME IS HIRING two people. Due to the growth of both Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, there are now two openings - one full-time, one part-time on-call - for teachers to join the team. The minimum qualifications include: High School diploma; ECE or related course work and/or experience working with children; vehicle with minimum coverage. See pidfoundation.org/employment for more details. To apply, email resume to HR@pidfoundation.org or fax to 440-6619.

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Fees collected through TriPark passes have contributed to projects at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including replacement of lighting in
Nāhuku-Thurston Lava Tube. See story on the proposed Tri-Park Pass cost hike, below. Photo from NPS

TOXIC FUMES FROM VOLCANIC STEAM IS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF DEATH of Sean King on Thursday morning. The tour guide-photographer, owner of Hawai‘i Stargazing Adventures, was found unresponsive, separated from the tour group of three that he was leading near Kalapana lava viewing area. His tour customers were found with minor injuries, but safe, and removed by helicopter.
Hawai‘i County Managing Director Wil Okabe said "We don't believe there was any foul play," and confirmed that there will be an autopsy.

Lava entering the ocean can create hydrochloric acid fumes that
can overcome the ability to breathe. Photo by Jessica Ferricane/NPS

In an interview with Hawai‘i News Now, friend of King, Ikaika Marzo, of Kalapana Cultural Tours, said: "We had a terrible, dumping rain this morning... I'm assuming that, that amount of rain, it got into all the crevasses where the lava is, and with that amount of rain, created a white-out - a blanket of steam - a massive amount of steam. Stretched for a couple miles. I haven't seen it that bad.
"He's a well-loved person in our community, and I can't believe something like that happened. One of the best photographers out there," said Marzo.
This is not the first time that a hiker has died from being overcome by volcanic steam on Kīlauea Volcano. In the year 2000, two hikers were found dead by rangers. Autopsies showed they died from swelling of the lungs - pulmonary edema caused by inhaling hydrochloric acid. Their bodies were found in a stage of advanced decomposition from being exposed to acid rain.
As volcanic geotourism becomes more popular, and adventure tourists push the envelope in their explorations, managers of parks with volcanoes, worldwide, continue to plan for more safety precautions. For more info on gases created in and around volcanoes, go to volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/gas.html.

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A PROPOSED TRIPARK PASS FEE INCREASE FOR HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES and Haleakalā National Parks, and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is open for comment through Friday, Mar. 2. The TriPark pass fee is set to go up from $30 to $50 per year on May 1. This annual pass allows unlimited entry to the three parks in Hawai‘i that charge for entry. None charge entrance fees to keiki under 16, nor to holders of America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access, or Military passes.

Example of a TriPark pass. Photo from NPS

During 2017, the number of TriPark passes purchased reached 13,413, a fee revenue of $6,787,910. This allowed Hawai‘i Volcanoes to engage in ongoing projects that protect native plants, animals, and structures. Hawai‘i Volcanoes worked to provide visitor safety; improve trails and accessibility - like adding wheelchair access to Mauna Loa Lookout; and maintain viewing areas - specifically, a new summit eruption viewing area at Jaggar Museum. Volcanoes installed new lighting n Nāhuku-Thurston Lava Tube. Park staff worked to add and maintain exhibits - such as the ancient Hawaiian Footprints in the Ka‘ū Desert. Volcanoes also worked on restoring the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing of the 1932 Administration Building into a cultural museum.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes encourages public input on increasing the TriPark pass fee. Comments may be submitted online. The public can also address comments to: Superintendent, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawai‘i National Park, HI 96718. Comment cards are also available at Kīlauea Visitor Center seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to a statement from Hawai‘i Volcanoes, the increase would bring Hawai‘i's parks in line with other parks with similar visitor amenities. The fee program, in place since 1997, sees 80 percent go directly to the park for which it was collected. The remaining 20 percent goes to fund the other six national parks in Hawai‘i that do not collect entrance fees. Half are on Hawai‘i Island: Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. The others are: Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Honouliuli National Monument, and WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
Comments made, along with name, address, phone number, and email address, may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to have personal information withheld may be submitted, but cannot be guaranteed.

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KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY, the Charter School in Discovery Harbour, invites the public to its board meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. School administrators plan to film testimony to provide to the Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission and the state Department of Education. The meeting, to be held at the school, located in the old Discovery Harbour Golf Clubhouse, follows a Commission meeting that was cut short last Monday, Jan. 29. See more on Ka‘ū News Briefs on Thursday, Feb. 1, and Tuesday, Jan. 30, and in the January edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar print newspaper and online at kaucalendar.com.

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SUPPORT FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View in Ka‘ū can be raised by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration. It will be held Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The Boys & Girls Club has served Hawai‘i Island for 66 years. Its outreach to Ka‘ū provides a safe and educational place for children after school.
During Youth of the Year, Boys and Girls Club members will perform ‘oli, mele, mo‘olelo, and kalena, to celebrate ‘ohana, community, and ‘āina. The event will include a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honoring outstanding community supporters.

Keiki and staff of BGCBI clean up a beach.

One highlight will be hearing from the 2018 Youth of the Year, selected for leadership, academic achievement, and community service.
The honored member will receive an academic scholarship and will serve as spokesperson for BGCBI in the coming year. BGCBI's Youth of the Year winner will represent Hawaiʻi Island at the state competition in the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, and has the chance to compete at the regional and national levels; earn additional scholarships; and possibly visit the White House.
Learn more about how the Youth of the Year program is helping to create Great Futures at bgca.org.
The adult Honoree of the Year will be William Walter, who served as Chief Volunteer Officer of BGCBI from 2009 – 2011. "He helped bring stability and executive expertise to BGCBI during his terms on the Board and continues to serve as a valued adviser," says a statement from the organization. Walter is Chairman and CEO of W.H. Shipman, Ltd.

BGCBI keiki collaborate on an art project.

The Youth Champion Award will go to Russell Chin, who served on the BGCBI Board for over 10 years and headed up the Annual Tee Off for Kids Golf Tournament Fundraiser. In 2013, he led the development of the Youth of the Year on Hawai‘i Island. Chin is Matson District Manager, Hawai‘i Island.
Tickets range from $80 for one seat, to $3,500 for a Premier 8-person table with many perks.
To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

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STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG CHIN WILL STEP IN AS 13th LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR of Hawai‘i, filling the place vacated by Shan Tsutsui on Jan. 31.
Chin is known nationally for challenging the Trump administration in federal court on its travel ban and other immigration policies. He is also running for Congress.
"Public service is a privilege," said Chin. "This was not my plan, but it is the order of succession and I am answering a call to serve. In 18 years, I have been a prosecutor, and the managing director for the City and County of Honolulu, and Hawai‘i attorney general. Each opportunity has shown me how important and valuable the people of Hawai‘i are, and how critical it is for our leaders to find solutions and preserve Hawai‘i's values."

Doug Chin left the AG post to become Lt. Governor and
is also running for Congress.

Gov. David Ige, who appointed Chin to AG in 2015, has appointed First Deputy Attorney General Russell Suzuki to serve as Acting Attorney General, a position which he may hold for up to 60 days, by which time the next Attorney General must be appointed and confirmed by the Senate. Suzuki has been deputy for 36 years.
Chin plans to continue his campaign to replace Colleen Hanabusa, to serve as the First District Representative in the US House. Hanabusa is challenging Ige for the governorship.
"My family and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support since I announced my campaign for Congress," Chin added. "Today, I am more motivated than ever to be Hawai‘i's strong voice in Washington, D.C."

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WITH THE HAWAI‘I STATE LEGISLATURE opening on Jan. 17, many bill packages associated with common interest groups have been proposed.

Opening day, 2018 Hawai‘i State Legislature.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

In this second year of the two-year legislative session, some bills - sometimes referred to as "zombie bills" - left over from the 2017 session, are also being considered.
Learn more at Hawai‘i Legislature's Public Access Room. Search for topics of interest found in bills. Key words like surf, guns, forest, air and taxes will always bring up a bill. Search for lobbyists, sponsors and other interested parties associated with bills.
New bills have numerical designations indicating submission date: Senate bills begin with 1602 or higher, and House bills begin with 2001 or higher. Each bill has its own webpage, with status, history, title, and indicating whether there is a companion bill. It names who introduced the bill, provides hearing notices, reports, testimonies, and provides the ability to submit testimony if a hearing has been scheduled. Search for specific bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GEOCHEMICAL TOOL TO PREDICT VOLCANIC UNREST AND EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY is discussed at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's After Dark at the Park program on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
Dissolved gasses in groundwater can sometimes precede volcanic unrest or earthquake activity. Previously, portable instruments to measure these gases have not been reliable, says an event description on nps.gov/HAVO.
Starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, Dr. Gary McMurtry of SOEST, University of Hawai‘i, describes a brand new means of sampling in the field to detect any rapid changes, in time for effective hazard response and planning. If successful, this new Helium isotope instrument could help save lives and mitigate societal costs of volcanic eruptions and major earthquakes.
Free; suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. Park entrances apply.

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PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING, an arts and crafts class hosted at Pāhala Community Center, has been announced for Wednesday, Feb. 21. The free class is scheduled to take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is open to keiki grades K-8. Register Feb. 12 to 20. For more, call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102, or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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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.

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.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative meets Tuesday in Pāhala.
Event details below. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

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.

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

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

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Moli Navigation Cylinder by Heather Mettler is available
for viewing at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
Event details below. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, 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.

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Dissolved gasses in groundwater can sometimes precede volcanic unrest or earthquake activity. Learn about the Development of a New Geochemical
Tool to Predict Volcanic Unrest and Earthquake Activity on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

BRENDA FORD PULLED PAPERS ON FRIDAY TO RUN FOR STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. She campaigns as a Democrat for the District 5 seat, which covers the communities of Honu‘apo through Nā‘ālehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Ocean View and Ranchos, up the coast through Miloli‘i, into Kona, to Hōlualoa.
Primary Election is Saturday, Aug. 11. General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Ford served as a Hawai‘i County Council member for eight years. During her first three, two-year terms, she served Kona. After redistricting placed her home in Council District 6, she ran and became the Council member serving parts of Kona through Ka‘ū into Volcano. However, County Council members are allowed only four successive terms and Ford was unable to file for reelection in 2014. She was succeeded by County Council member Maile David.

Brenda Ford

The House seat that Ford seeks is held by Dr. Richard Creagan - who announced he is running for the state Senate seat held by Dr. Josh Green, who is campaigning for Lt. Governor.
Ford, 70, said she is eager to get back to work for Ka‘ū. As a County Councilwoman, she focused on such projects as constructing a second well for Ocean View, adding fire hydrants, upgrading water lines, the new permanent transfer-reuse-recycling-mulch center in Ocean View, the Ka‘ū interactive communication site where citizens can testify and listen to public meetings, and more.
She said she plans to work toward "permanent low-income rental housing, maximum funding for studies of Rat Lungworm Disease, emergency housing for the homeless, faster State responses to medical emergencies like Dengue, a new South Kona Police Station, and Statewide legal reapportionment and redistricting for a fair and equal vote.
"I believe we need funding for anti-abuse training for teen dating violence, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. More rehabilitation centers and support will help those who are caught in the cycle of drug abuse," said Ford.

Regarding allowing houses on farm and ranch lands, Ford said she supports permitting one extra dwelling on each farm for long-term rental income, workers, or family, but opposes using farms for vacation rentals. She also advocates for truth in labeling for Ka‘ū and Kona Coffee, and other local produce, with country origin labeling.

Ford and her husband Larry live on a small farm in South Kona, where they are retired from growing coffee but still manage their fruit trees.

Find out more about her campaign at votebrendaford.com.

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DRU KANUHA PULLED AND FILED PAPERS ON FRIDAY TO RUN FOR STATE SENATE. He will run as a Democrat in the primary against Dr. Richard Creagan, who serves in the state House of Representatives for west Ka‘ū into Kona, and has announced his own bid for state Senate.

Dru Kanuha

The Senate District 3 seat, sought by Kanuha, spans from Honu‘uapo through Nā‘ālehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Ocean View and Ranchos, up the coast through Miloli‘i, and through all of Kona. It is now held by Dr. Josh Green, who is running for Lt. Governor.
Kanuha has held the County Council seat representing Kona since 2012. He noted his efforts on projects related to traffic congestion in Kona, like La‘aloa Avenue, and recreation, like Ali‘i Kai.
He is the chair of the statewide Hawai`i Association of Counties, and lobbies for its agenda before the Hawai'i Legislature. This year's initiatives include affordable housing funding through the property conveyance tax, a higher share for counties from the Transient Accommodations Tax, and additional funding for ambulance services for Hawai'i Island.
"I believe my experience working for my constituents at the state and federal levels will make me a more effective state Senator, fighting for access to quality education and health care, building a stronger economy, and making more affordable housing available to local families," Kanuha said.
Kanuha has worked for Kamehameha Schools Land Assets Division and as a legislative aide at the Hawai'i Legislature. He grew up in Kona, and graduated from Kealakehe High School and University of San Diego. He is a longtime member of Kai 'Opua Canoe Club.
Find out more about his activity at Kanuha's facebook page.

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PROTECTING SEA GRANT is a continuing focus of Sen. Mazie Hirono, who has joined Democrat and one Independent Senators to write to Pres. Donald Trump. Efforts led by Hirono and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) last year helped to prevent proposed cuts to the university-based program.

"Sea Grant is vital to local businesses and an important part of preserving coastal communities for generations to come," Senators wrote to Trump. "Sea Grant's work supporting waterfront and maritime businesses speaks for itself. The federal investment in Sea Grant centers yields $611 million in economic benefit, an 825 percent return on federal investment. We encourage you to provide robust support for the program in your final Fiscal Year 2019 budget."

Sea Grant initiatives related to Ka‘ū include the Coastal Storms Program to help reduce and mitigate risks from storms, weather and climate change; the Voice of the Sea television program and the study and protection of wetlands. The Sea Grant Extension Agent who serves Ka‘ū is Pelika Andrade who can be reached at 329-2861 and at pelikaok@hawaii.edu.
A statement from Hirono's office says: "Deep cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which administers the Sea Grant College Program, would disproportionately hurt Hawai‘i and other coastal states."University of Hawai‘i received $1 million from Sea Grant in 2017, according to an announcement made by Hirono in July of last year.

The letter to the President also says, "We urge you to fund the National Sea Grant College Program at no less than current levels. The National Sea Grant College Program is a federal-local partnership that funds 33 university-based research, extension, and education centers. These centers are results-driven and provide vital resources to local businesses and communities in our states."

Sea Grant Extension Agent
Pelika Andrade.

The Senators wrote that 2016 saw the program staff help "300 communities improve coastal resiliency, aided 494 communities in adopting sustainable development practices, and supported 4,600 resource managers in using ecosystem-based management strategies. They also helped preserve or protect 1,400,000 acres of wildlife habitat."

The Senators stated that "Sea Grant is helping to educate the next generation of freshwater and marine scientists. Last year, Sea Grant programs reached 781,000 K-12 students and in 2016 Sea Grant supported over 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students.

"Sea Grant is vital to local businesses and an important part of preserving coastal communities for generations to come."

Twenty-one other senators also signed the letter, including former Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders. Read the whole letter online(pdf download).

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VOLCANO WATCH ENTERED ITS 27th YEAR of publication in November 2017. Here is this week's Volcano Watch:

The long history of this column is, in large part, thanks to the USGS's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates who write the weekly articles, Hawai‘i newspapers and online news outlets that print and post the column, and the dedicated readers who peruse it each week.

Given the longevity of HVO's weekly column, two milestones are noteworthy. The first may be of interest to readers who refer to the Volcano Watch archive for information.

This past week, more than a hundred Volcano Watch articles that were written between 1991 and 1995, but had not been available online, were posted to the HVO website. The entire catalogue of articles can now be accessed and searched at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hvo_volcano_watch.html.

Figure from the first Volcano Watch, Nov. 11, 1991. From Volcano Watch archives.

Starting in 1991, the articles were simply titled Volcano Watch, and described lava flows erupting from the Kupaianaha vent, the lava pond in Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, and earthquakes beneath the Island of Hawai‘i and the Lō‘ihi submarine volcano. As activity of Kīlauea waxed and waned in subsequent years, topics covered by the weekly column expanded.

Through the years, articles have included insights from ongoing volcanologic research, eruption and earthquake histories of Hawaiian volcanoes, noteworthy eruptions elsewhere on Earth, tsunami that affected the Hawaiian Islands, and emerging technologies for monitoring volcanoes. HVO's Volcano Watch archive can now serve as a starting point for anyone who is interested in knowing more about how volcanoes work, especially about Hawaiian volcanism.

The second milestone will likely be of interest to people who are interested in Yellowstone- its remarkable eruptive history, fascinating hot springsand geysers, earthquake activity - and what is being learned by scientists who monitor and study Earth's largest volcanic system.

On January 1, 2018, a new weekly column inspired by HVO's Volcano Watch was launched by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO). This new column - the Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles - is posted each Monday on the homepage of YVO's website, https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/. Like HVO's Volcano Watch series, the YVO chronicles are peer-reviewed and edited before publication.

Halemaʻumaʻu crater on Jan. 30. Arrows indicate scarring on
the crater rim from rockfalls. Photo from USGS.gov

YVO's new column was launched soon after Dr. Mike Poland, a former HVO staff geophysicist (2005–2015) and author of several dozen Volcano Watch articles, was appointed YVO Scientist-in-Charge in late 2017. Poland's enthusiasm and commitment to write about the science of volcanoes, in addition to the widespread, and often intense, public interest in the geologic activity at Yellowstone, motivated him and his colleagues to start the chronicles.

The inaugural issue of the Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles reviewed activity that occurred in Yellowstone during 2017. It was followed by an article titled, "Just what is the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory?" Topics covered by YVO's chronicles in the weeks since include Yellowstonegas emissions, a history of Yellowstone earthquakes, and what is known about the calderas in Yellowstone.

YVO scientists are also responsible for monitoring volcanic fields in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. So, in future editions of the Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles, you can expect to read about past volcanism in those states. Future articles will also address new efforts to learn more about volcanic centers and potential hazards in the western United States, as well as updates and geologic history related to Yellowstone Caldera.

HVO's time-tested Volcano Watch and YVO's new Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles will challenge scientists to be creative as they select subjects for these weekly columns. Readers can look forward to updated information on continuing and new volcanic activity, reports on recent discoveries, accounts of past eruptions, and descriptions of monitoring techniques and what they reveal about volcanoes and potential hazards. Stay tuned and read on!

Early evening view of the lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano on January 30, 2018, when the lake level was 27 m (88 ft) below the crater floor. The bright yellow area of spattering marks the location where the circulating lava descends into the lake, thereby releasing gases trapped beneath the solid black crust on the lake surface. The area around Halemaʻumaʻu remains closed due to ongoing volcanic hazards associated with the lava lake, including high levels of sulfur dioxide gas and unexpected rockfalls and explosions. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

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TWO FREE GIRL'S DAY ARTS AND CRAFTS ACTIVITIES have been announced by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation - one in Pāhala and the other in Ocean View.
A Girl's Day Paper Flower class, for keiki grades K-8, takes place Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center, with registration from Feb. 20 to 27. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102.
A Girl's Day Headbands class, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, takes place Friday, Mar. 2, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, with registration from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1. Call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.
For more about these and other recreation programs, visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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June Domondon, Masen Dacalio,
Andre Carvalho, and Kalai Namohala

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S HALF COURT SHOT WINNERS from Jan. 15 - Masen Dacalio and Andre Carvalho - are shown receiving their $250 prizes from June Domondon of OKK and Trojans Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Like the other winners of the January shots, these young men donated their winnings to support Trojan Athletics.

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.
February 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.

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.

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.

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

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.

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

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā’ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS ARE DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 9, for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations, for 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in July. For more, visit hawaiconservation.org.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at their Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC's Kona Hema Preserve.

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Kaʻū Learning Academy students on a field trip to Kilauea Volcano with their Every Kid in a Park passes.
The public is invited to the school's board meeting on Monday, 4 p.m., at its campus, the old
Discovery Harbour Golf Course, concerning KLA's future. Photo from NPS

PUBLIC RESPONSE TO SHUTTING DOWN A MEETING LAST WEEK about the future of Ka‘ū Learning Academy public charter school is flowing onto the school's and The Ka‘ū Calendar's web and social media sites. KLA invites more public comment Monday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m., during a gathering at the school campus at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle, in the old Discovery Golf Course Clubhouse. The event is a KLA board meeting, with public invited to give opinions on video, to be provided to Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission, and possibly the State Board of Education.

KLA Executive Director and founder Kathryn Tydlacka wrote, "This is a meeting with our own KLA board, so this will be a friendly environment. Negative or positive - we want to hear from everyone. We are running out of time." She requested that those who cannot attend the meeting make a two-minute recording of themselves and email it to kaulearning@gmail.com.

Tydlacka is responding to Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission's public meeting of the future of the school, held last Monday at the Discovery Harbour Community Association Assembly Hall. Only three community members were allowed to testify before the Commission's Executive Director, Sione Thompson, shut down the meeting, when KLA supporters asked him to give the school administration more time to talk.

At risk is Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission possibly shutting down the school. The commission put KLA on notice that its charter could be rescinded, pointing to accounting practices that the school administration promises to repair.

On The Ka‘ū Calendar Facebook, regarding shutting down last Monday's meeting, Sel Danslard commented, "Shameful, let the parents be heard!" Cherub Akin posted, "Let the residents be heard!" Peggy Souza said, "I've attended many public hearings/meetings and this did not remotely resemble any of them... shameful."

Regarding a comment during last Monday's Commission meeting - when Tommy Akin objected to the school being located in Discovery Harbour, which he described as a retirement community - Melissa Ann Swinsen posted on The Ka‘ū Calendar: "I live in DH. I’m not retired; my 23 year old daughter isn't retired nor are my grand kids." David DeMello posted that DiscoveryHarbour"is not a retirement community; never has been. I grew up in Ka‘ū. I remember back when Mister Lum ran the golf course." Brucke M. Sene wrote, "I was under the impression that DiscoveryHarbor was just a beautiful subdivision, not anything specifically catering to any one demographic."

Community member Rachel Ballesteros Velez defended Discovery
Harbouras a family community, not just a place for retirees.

Rachel Ballesteros Velez posted, “I was born and raised in Ka‘ū and as far as I remembered DiscoveryHarbor never was a retirement community. It used to be a place where mostly elderly couples lived because they usually were the ones that could afford it; but since then there have been tons of families who have raised their kids there. DiscoveryHarbor has stricter rules than the surrounding areas like Mark Twain, but it's never been known as a retirement community. And as far as the school being and eyes sore(sic), it looked way worse before the school started. It was a clubhouse for the golf course, but sat vacant for years. At least it's not there rotting."

Rachel Fitzner posted statistics about DiscoveryHarbour to show that it is not a retirement community.

Part of a comment left by Marcia Duncan on the KLA comment site read, "Some parents were sporadically vocal about their displeasure but in no way was the meeting 'out of control' or needing to be shut down." and that the meeting was "bizarre". Other comments described the meeting as "absolutely infuriating" -Andy Charles, "completely outrageous" -A. Bradford, and "a joke and an insult"–Mike. Priscilla H., Nicholas Bordonaro, and Shirley M. referred to the Hawai‘i State Charter School Executive Director as a "bully". Bonnie and Harold S. wrote, "It makes us pause and wonder just what is this investigations true objective. It certainly does not have the best interest of the students or the families of Ka‘ū! We strongly support the states continuation of Ka‘ū LearningAcademy's charter."

From Rachel Fitzner's post showing Discovery

Harbour is more than a retirement community.

KLA administration posted the following on the school website, concerning last Monday's meeting: "The commission promoted the meeting as an opportunity for the parents of the school and other community members to get information about the commission actions to revoke the school's charter, effectively closing the school. The meeting was set up the previous Wednesday. The school found out about the meeting not from the commission, but from a community center staff member. On Thursday, the commission posted a notice on their website. They did not directly contact any of the families of our school as they had previously done when sending out notices of the possible revocation. However, they did provide notice of the meeting to several individuals whom they knew would provide negative comments."

See KLA's public comment page and the Charter School Commission's portal for community input. See documents regarding Commssion's concerns about KLA. View the wind-up of the Jan. 29 meeting and read more on the KLA website. Read more on page 18 of January's Ka‘ū Calendar, Jan. 30 Kaʻū News Briefs, or Feb. 1 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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IN THE WAKE OF THE FALSE BALLISTIC MISSILE ALERT Jan. 13, Vern T. Miyagi resigned his state position as Hawaiʻi Emergency Agency Administrator as of Tuesday, Jan. 30. When the false alert of an incoming nuclear missile blared on cell phones throughout the state, panic lasted 37 minutes, the time it took for HI-EMA to send out an official correction. The mistake was made during an unannounced internal practice drill at HI-EMA.

Vern T. Miyagi stepped down after false missile alert led to a terrified population.

Prior to Miyagi's resignation, actions by HI-EMA included: Drills suspended until a full analysis of the mistaken event completed; implementation of a two-person activation/verification rule for tests and real missile launch notifications; set up of an automatic cancellation command to be triggered within seconds of an error.

The employee who erroneously implemented the alert is terminated from his job. The other members of the State Warning Point team are offered mental health counseling to help recover from the trauma. The warning system that allowed the error is new, installed in mid-December. A federal analysis states: "No technical training was provided to the SWP, only basic application. Many SWP personnel felt this training was inadequate."

The official report points out several areas where protocols and SOPs were not followed, or not updated sufficiently. The report notes that thorough training and procedure practice is planned for the resumption of drills. Many official recommendations are on record, says the federal report.

Miyagi closed his resignation announcement with this message: "And to the people of Hawaiʻi, recent events have cast a bright light on our emergency preparedness, and caused many of you to consider whether you are ready for the emergencies we will surely face. Don't let that feeling pass without taking action. Here it is from me one last time: Know where to go, what to do, and when to do it. Have a plan. Be safe, and know that whatever happens, good and courageous people will be there to help."

Young members of Halau Hula O Leionalani, which is open for new registration, with
practice each Wednesday at PāhalaCommunity Center. Photo by Julia Neal

Read more on the DOD website or the Jan. 14, 16, and 25Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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REGISTRATION FOR HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI classes, led by Kumu Hula Debbie Leionalani Ryder, is open for new students. Ryder teaches Wednesdays at PāhalaCommunity Center. Keiki classes are 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., adult beginners 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and adult advanced 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Register by coming to class or call 649-9334.

AJ Libunao, pictured with June Domondon of OKK and Trojans

Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Photo from Ka‘ū Athletics

KA‘Ū ATHLETICS RECEIVED DONATION OF ANOTHER $250 prize, won this time by AJ Libunao, during the ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou half-court shot Jan. 20. So far, 2018 has seen Ka‘ū Athletics, which supports Trojan Sports, receive $1,500 in prize monies, donated by six talented young men.

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OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

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
on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

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.

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

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

AdvoCATS, Inc. comes to Ocean View Community Center and offers free
cat spay and neuter services. Image from adovocatshawaii.org

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS ARE DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 9, for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations for 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in July. For more, visit hawaiconservation.org.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at their Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC’s Kona Hema Preserve.

A PERFORMANCE OF NORA EPHRON'S LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Kīlauea Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to raise funds for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. The play is based on a best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman. Tickets are $20 per person. For reservations or more info, call 982-7344.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, a workshop taught by well-known Bonsai Sensei Bill Newton, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, 17, and 24, at Volcano Garden Arts. Sign up for all three classes and receive a complimentary meal at award winning Cafe Ono. Space is limited. For more, call 985-8979 or visit volcanogardenarts.com.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAWAIIAN HOSPOT AND CREATION OF KAHUKU on a hike, Birth of Kahuku, on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, arranged by Mā Mamo o Kāwā, is hosted Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. Sign up with James Akau by emailing namamookawa@gmail.com or calling 430-3058.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND A RAFFLE are offered at by Ocean View Community Association at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To volunteer, call 939-7033. Visit ovcahi.org for more.

Example of a Zentagle-inspired frame. Image from pinterest.com

LEARN SOMETHING NEW OR WORK ON A FORGOTTEN PROJECT at The Art Express on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com. See discoveryharbour.net/art-express for future dates.

ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn how to use tangles for boarders and how to create elegant frames to hold Zentangle art with Lois & Earl Stokes. Zentagle Basics is recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. Class fees are $30 for VAC members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

Mauna Ulu and Pu‘u Huluhulu. Photo from NPS.gov

JOIN VOLCANOLOGIST CHERYL GANSECKI for a Friends of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational ParkSunday Walk-in-the-Park event, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This moderate three-mile hike explores the Mauna Ulu area, a landscape that was transformed during a five-year eruption, which tells the story of one of the longest-known rift-zone eruptions of Kīlauea. The course skirts gaping fissures, traverses massive lava fields, and features spectacular visuals like lava trees.

Due to the fragile nature of this significant cultural area, space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. The hike is free for, but restricted to, members of Friends of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. If you are not a member, you can join at https://www.fhvnp.org/become-a-member/join-or-renew/. Call 985-7373 or visit their website to reserve a spot. www.fhvnp.org

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The cliffs at South Point proved deadly on Monday for a man who jumped off to help his lady friend. Photo from Pinterest

AN ADVENTURE TOURISM DEATH TRAGEDY befell Ka‘ū on Monday, when a man jumped off SouthPointCliff to help his friend; she was unable to come to shore in rough waters. The woman survived after a fisherman threw her a cooler, but her friend perished, his body recovered, according to witnesses at the scene.

Bruised bodies, broken backs, and other injuries to visitors and locals are reported by people frequenting the area, as visitation to South Point and GreenSandBeachsoars.

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SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN's bills regarding health, environment, energy, housing, and other issues can be followed on the Hawai‘i Legislature website. Click on each bill to read testimony and reports, and to give testimony. Bills introduced by Ruderman, who represents east Ka‘ū into Puna, include the following:

SB829 would establish a community food forest program in the Department of Land & Natural Resources and require DLNR to work collaboratively with local government and community organizations to provide sources of healthy food statewide. The bill would also appropriate funding.

State Sen. Russell Ruderman has introduced
numerous bills into the Hawaiʻi Legislature.
They can be followed online.

SB830 would create an income tax credit based on real property taxes paid for landowners to incentivize leasing land for community food forests.

SB809 would allow a county to enact and adopt local laws, rules, and policies that regulate pesticides use within its own jurisdiction under certain conditions.

SB810 would prohibit application of neonicotinoid insecticides without a permit after 6/30/18 to protect honeybees and other pollinating animals.

SB3095 would establish disclosure and public notification requirements for outdoor application of pesticides in various sensitive areas or by large-scale, outdoor commercial agricultural operations. It would also set up a pilot program that creates a vegetative buffer zone around five selected schools near a commercial agricultural production area.

SB823 SD2 would require insurers, mutual benefit societies, fraternal benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for health care services provided by a naturopathic physician. Requires the insurance commissioner to receive and investigate complaints regarding discrimination with respect to participation under a health insurance plan against any health care provider.

SB821 would provide an income tax credit to taxpayers who install or operate an electric vehicle charging system that is available for use by the public, unless otherwise required by law.

SB822 would require the state Department of Transportation to install and operate public electric vehicle charging systems on Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, and the Island of Hawai‘i. Appropriates moneys to fund installation and operation of the electric vehicle charging systems.

SB3098 would authorize construction of tiny homes for residential use within agricultural districts, on farms that are engaged in agricultural production. Provides that a tiny home shall be subject to county ordinances or permitting requirements that are directly applicable to residential uses of tiny homes in agricultural districts. A similar bill passed the legislature last year but was vetoed by Gov. David Ige and opposed by County of Hawai‘i Planning Department.

A prepared family wearing headlamps prepares to enter the Nāhuku,
Thurston lava tube during its dark, natural state. NPS Photo/Janice Wei

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NEW LIGHT IS SHINING FROM WITHIN Nāhuku, the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Visitors can choose to the explore the cave in the dark with their own light source, or time their trip to coincide with a new lighting schedule.

Park staff installed a new electrical system with 12 energy-efficient amber LED lights to illuminate the 400-foot-long lava tube - plus an additional amber spotlight to shine light on a low part of the cave ceiling. The lights automatically turn on every day at 10 a.m., and go out at 8 p.m. The cave will remain open overnight. It remains pitch black inside from 8 p.m.until 10 a.m. the next day.

Visitors must carry their own light source if planning to explore the lava tube in its dark, natural state: before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.Park rangers recommend head lamps and flashlights; cell phones are not recommended as the only light source.

"When we turned the lights off to install the new electrical system, visitors told us they were in favor of leaving an option for a 'lights out' natural cave experience in Nāhuku," said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. "We're excited that the new lighting schedule satisfies visitors, is better for the environment, and supports our goal for a sustainable future," she said.

The new lighting system also increases visitor safety by illuminating the interior, and protects the cultural integrity of the ‘ana (cave) by inhibiting the growth of non-native plant and algae species.

A family explores interior of Nāhuku during illuminated hours. NPS Photo/Janice Wei

Located near the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, off Crater Rim Drive, Nāhuku and its lush rainforest trail are popular features in the park. An eruption from Kīlauea 550 years ago produced vigorous streams of lava, and the long, hollow tunnel was left behind when the molten rock drained away.

The native rainforest surrounding Nāhuku is home to endemic plant, bird and insect species, like the Happyface Spider. Visitation is heaviest between 10 a.m.and 2 p.m., and parking is limited to 30 minutes.

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SECOND ANNUAL MAULI OLA FESTIVAL, put on by Malian Lahey, Ka‘ū Coffee broker and owner of the Wood Valley Farm venue, will be dedicated to Healing, Art and Music, says its poster. It begins this Friday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. with activities scheduled 5 p.m. Friday until early morning Sunday. Campers will be allowed to stay until 2 p.m.

"Mauli Ola Festival brings together a global tribe to celebrate, learn and generate new conversations about coffee, human rights, and earth-friendly practices like permaculture and Leave No Trace. Conversations like these are powerful force multipliers that can create real shifts in how the world works,” says the festival description on http://mauliolafestival.com/.

Tickets for one day are $30, $60 for two days, and camping passes are $10, which includes hot showers. Organizers suggest bringing warm clothing for nighttime, layers for daytime. Vendor spaces are still open. Sponsors are welcome. Kids under 12 are free. Purchase tickets, see the schedule, and get more info at http://mauliolafestival.com/.

Malian Lahey, Ka‘ū Coffee broker, owner of the Wood Valley Farm,
and founder of Mauli Ola Festival. Photo from mauliaolafestival.com

Lahey said, "Every day, I find my inspiration in people who dare to create from the best of who they are, to express their inner beauty and see the beauty in others. The greatest experience of our own happiness comes about when we live in a happy world. So, here's to music that makes us think of something greater than ourselves. Here's to music that brings us out of our personal pain and inspires us rise to co-create something higher and more connected than ever before. Here's to music that talks back to our demons and wins. This music is a love offering to the sublime spark within you."

The website invites attendees to: "Dance your prayers into the earth, where the roots of malama ‘āina get mycelial on a beautiful, remote permaculture farm & soul sanctuary in the sacred WoodValleyarea of the BigIsland. Healers of the land, culture, economy, body, mind, & spirit come together to give and receive in sacred reciprocity with Gaia. The purpose of the Mauli Ola Festival is to create a living culture based upon New Paradigm spiritual principles. Dance, Camp and Immerse into the healing vibes."

Music headlinners are Jamaican singer Clinton Fearon, Mike Love, Mishka, Youssoupha Sidibe, Jamie Janover, Dragonfly, Tubby Love and Amber Lily, Love Eternal, Carl John, Green Machine with David Laurence, Love Lena, Yaima, Dread Ashanti, Faye Adinda, Heartifact, Diane Patterson, Nerissa, One Love, Rootz Within, Malian, Prema Rasa, Trill, Drew Daniels, Kaila Weaver, Selassie Ites, AhluxAh, Gaia Experiment, and Keyframe.

Also promoted is a Wisdom Keeper Gathering with Honourable Guest Elders: Grandmother Flordemayo, Chase Iron Eyes, Delbert Black Fox Pomani, Youssoupha Sidibe, Laulani Teale, Liko Martin, Maria Owl Gutierrez, Jose Federico Munoz, Mazatzin Acosta, and Ketzali Acosta.

Workshops include: Pagan George: Expanding the Wings of your Prana; Aeo Wildflower: Kundalini Yoga; Devin Fredericksen: Successional Food Forests, Resilient Relations; Kaila Weaver: Vocal Empowerment: Becoming our own Tuning Forks; Nico Van Engelen: Resilience Through Empowering Local Communities; Leila Wright: Herbal Magic Remedies; Shane Bee Charmer Lee: Bee Charming 101; Drake Weinert: Seed Starting With Korean Natural Farming; Clinton Fearon: Reggae Songwriting Workshop ($35 fee); Jamie Janover: Unified Field Theory; Maria Owl Gutierrez: Transforming Grief to Gratitude; Julian Reyes: Reinhabiting the Village; Chase Iron Eyes: Legal Update on Standing Rock; Mazatzin Acosta: Aztec Calendar Keeping; Jose Federico Munoz: Mayan Calendar Keeping; Tuvasana Maya: Yoga and Cosmic Consciousness; Lydia Kindheart: Feeding The Festivals: How I Started Lydia's Kind Foods; Alaina Hernandez: Festival Ecology; and Lee Walczuk: Kiddie's Corner.

Other activities include: Alchemeyez will be curating the Visionary Art Temple; Keyframe presents a VR experience, including opportunity to paint ideas in 3D; Film screening of Amplify Her; Keiki-friendly activities, includeing Lizard Tag, Puppet Making with Lee Michael Walczuk, Coloring, Bubbles, Alphabet with Youssoupha Sidibe, Kite flying, and T-shirt block printing.

The website states there is "a lot of space" for camping; composting toilets and port-a-johns; hot shower passes; "abundant", non-chlorinated, fluoride-free spring water; and hand washing and dishwashing stations, in which they ask that only all natural, eco-friendly soap is used. Vendors will offer "locally crafted organic, locally grown food and of course, award-winning ethical coffee." There will be limited cooking space available, one catered meal offered for purchase each day, and a ticket type that includes meals (not listed on website). Camping alternatives include nearby bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals.

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HAWAIIAN STORYTELLING, a performing arts event for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, has been announced for Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Register from Feb. 21 to 26. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

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.

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

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā’ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS ARE DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 9, for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations for 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in July. For more, visit hawaiconservation.org.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at their Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC’s Kona Hema Preserve.

ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn how to use tangles for boarders and how to create elegant frames to hold Zentangle art with Lois & Earl Stokes. Zentagle Basics is recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. Class fees are $30 for VAC members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

THE VITAL ROLE OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower, are presented on a free, easy, one-mile, guided walk on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 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.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K THROUGH 8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT class held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

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Learn about the vital role of ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower,
on an easy walk. See event details below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

IN RESPONSE TO THE FALSE BALLISTIC MISSLE ALERT sent out across Hawaiʻi on Jan. 13, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Civil Defense Accountability Act of 2018 on Tuesday. A statement from her office says that it would: "Address the vulnerabilities that allowed the false alert to go out to more than a million people across the state and go uncorrected for 38 minutes; ensure transparent investigations into the incident through online public disclosure requirements; establish best practices to strengthen state and national preparedness and disaster communications plans; and valuate and strengthen preparedness nationwide to respond to biological,

chemical, radiological, or nuclear attacks to the United States." Hawaiʻi Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Alaska Rep. Don Young are original cosponsors.
The Civil Defense Accountability Act of 2018 would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Defense,and Federal Communications Commission to publicly disclose incident and recommendation reports about the Jan. 13 false alert. It would also compel ballistic missile civil defense agencies to review the current notification protocols for ballistic missile threats, and study the best practices regarding civil defense emergencies to prevent a similar catastrophic mistake. In addition, the bill would instruct the Department of Health and Human Services to publicly detail the ability of HHS and health care providers to respond to a biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear weapons attack.

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THREE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DEATHS OCCURRED IN THE LAST DOZEN DAYS, one in the ocean off South Point Landing, another in fumes from a lava flow, and the third at a waterfall. At South Point Landing, on Monday, a man in his 20s died after trying to help his female companion make it back to shore in rough waters with a strong current. She was assisted by a fishermen who tossed her a cooler to keep her afloat.
Hawaiʻi Fire Department responded to an alarm at 1:59 p.m. and reached South Point Landing at 2:28 p.m., finding the woman with mild injuries on the shore, according to the report by Capt. J. Souza. A helicopter, fire engine and medic unit responded, along with four police officers.

South Point Landing boat ramp, near the site of the drowning on Monday.

A fisherman helped the rescue personnel to find the last place where the man surfaced in the water. A rescue free-diver recovered the body in 50 feet of water.
In the waterfall incident, the county called off a search for missing traveling nurse, Kelly Mrowinski, who was swept down WailukuRiver Jan. 26. "The helicopter was used today to do a final aerial search of the shoreline and WailukuRiver," said Hawai‘i Fire Chief Darren Rosario on Monday. Mrowinski's body was not recovered.

In a third tragedy, photographer and tour guide Sean King's body was recovered Thursday, Feb. 1. He was apparently overcome by volcanic fumes after a heavy rain, while leading visitors through Kalapana lava viewing area, near RoyalGardens.

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KUPUNA CAREGIVERS BILL PASSED UNANIMOUSLY MONDAY, in a joint hearing of the state Senate Committees on Human Services, and Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health. Senate Bill 2988 would fund the program at $4 million for the coming year. Introduced Jan. 24, the bill now goes to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for a hearing.
Kupuna Caregivers was launched in 2017, providing caregivers with up to $70 a day to take care of elder family members in their homes. The funding is provided to people who are already working and need to take care of kupuna. The Hawaiʻi program attracted the attention of The New York Times. Read the story and see the video.

The New York Times featured a story on the Kupuna Caregiver movement in Hawaiʻi. See the story and video.
Photo from The New York Times

Sen. Josh Green, who represents west Ka‘ū and is Chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, wrote, "Funding Kupuna Caregivers will help our families all across the state. It's so much better for us to provide support to help people stay in their homes, rather than seeing people move to nursing homes."

Testimony from dozens of community members bolstered the approval. Hawai‘i Advocacy Director Pedro Haro said, "Kupuna Caregivers has been remarkably popular since enrollment began in December, and we are counting on the legislature to fund the program at a level that meets the demonstrated need in our communities."

Lead sponsor of the bill, and vice chair of the Consumer Protection and Health Committee, Sen. Jill Tokuda, stated, "It's essential that we build on the momentum that was created last year when Hawai‘i was the first state in the nation to put in place real support for caregivers." The bill is also supported by Rosalyn Baker, Stanley Chang, Kalani English, Breene Harimoto, Les Ihara, Gil Keith-Agaran, and Karl Rhoads.

Follow the progress and read the bill.

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HAWAI‘I FARMERS UNION UNITED SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE AND ORGANIC AG at the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature. Senate Bill 2075 would fund a University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources program. The bill's language points to "nontraditional education" in the agricultural community; $250,000 would fund three new full-time "equivalent" agricultural extension officers for the BigIsland, O‘ahu, Maui, and Kaua‘i. A statement from HFUU says the bill would provide more "readily available advice and lead to research that will benefit our members who practice sustainable and organic agriculture. It will also benefit our more conventional farmers to enable them to incorporate more sustainable practices on their farms if they so desire. We believe these practices will reduce costs of all farmers and lead to better economic results."

HFUU represents more than 1,300 family farmers through 14 Chapters in Hawai‘i. Ka‘ū Chapter President is Kyle Studer, Secretary/Treasurer is Raina Whiting. For more info, or to support the 501(c)3 organization, go to https://hfuuhi.org/.

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VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES TWO JAZZ IN THE FOREST PERFORMANCES for Saturday, Feb. 10, with Fuego!, and Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones.

Photo from Volcano Art Center

Fuego! is a Latin dance band featuring lots of percussion with trumpet and sax/flute rhythms.
Jean Pierre Thoma is a world traveled professional musician on flute, saxophone, clarinet, and piano, with experience throughout America, France, Japan, India, and Israel. He holds two masters degrees in music, and has been a public and private school teacher, as well as a member of numerous jazz and classical ensembles, such as the Maui and Marin Symphonies. Thoma's experience includes leading The Jazztones; Raga Jazz with Sarangi, synth guitar and bass; a member of Royal Kona Harp Ensemble with three harps, two flutes and winds; Volcano Trio with two flutes and piano; a performer at Holy Cross Church in choir and as an instrumentalist; and a pianist at restaurants, and charity performances at

Jean Pierre Thoma

Hospice and Life Care Centers. Now a music teacher in Hilo at The Pacific Academy of Music, and the Kukuau Studio, he lives in Hilo.
The Wine and Beer Room will be open for attendees to enjoy before and after the concert. An area has been set aside for dancing.
A matinee begins at 4:30 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 per VAC member and $20 per non-member. Ticket holders will be able to purchase Volcano Red Ale and Mauna Kea Pale Ale from Mehana Brewing Company, as well as wine, before each performance. Pupu by ʻŌhelo Café will also be available for purchase.
Tickets are available for sale online at volcanoartcenter.org until Friday, Feb. 9. Tickets are also available at VAC's Administration Office in Volcano Village and VAC Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets will be sold at the door if the show isn't sold out. Tickets will be held at Will Call on the day of the show or can be picked up any day before the show at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS' HAWAIʻI CAMPUS summer innovations academy. Hālau Kupukupu is for students entering grades K–12, including current Kamehameha Schools students, and students attending the State of Hawaiʻi DOE, public charter schools, and other private institutions. The campus is located in Keaʻau.

Read Hālau Kupukupu Innovations Academy 2018 Summer Catalogue.
Deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 15.

Elementary courses are full-day experiences. Middle School programs include morning and full-day options. High School courses include morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions. Class sizes are limited to ensure optimal teacher-to-student ratios.

The program offers credit advancement for high school students seeking to earn required and/or elective credit(s) for the 2018-2019 school year. KS also offers college courses that will allow high school students the opportunity to earn both college and high school credits simultaneously. It is recommended that students obtain pre-approval for course credits from their home schools before registering for KS summer classes, to ensure acceptance of credit(s) earned.

An integral part of Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, the summer academy promises to ignite passion for learning, curiosity, innovative thinking, and ʻōiwi Hawaiʻi consciousness. In collaboration with local and global industry leaders, community practitioners, scientists, engineers, and artists, a team of educators "is re-imagining, researching, and designing incredible learning opportunities for students in grades K-12," says a statement from Kamehameha Schools.

The program will run from June 14 to July 12. Applications are due by Thursday, Feb. 15. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at www.ksbe.edu/admissionsor call (808) 982-0033 for more information.

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HAWAIʻI YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS SUMMER PROGRAM KUPU is open to young adults 17 and up, who are interested in an outdoor field experience in environmental work and education. Youth Conservation Corps interns are often placed in Ka‘ū, leading to college education and employment. Deadline to apply is Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Julia Espaniola, a Ka‘ū High School graduate, landed an internship with KUPU
and works in Ka‘ū with The Nature Conservancy. Photo by Shaylan Crysdale

"Established in 2007, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i. We provide hands-on training programs that educate and mentor youth to become stewards of our culture and environment, helping them develop a strong connection to the place in which we live," says the Kupu website. "In doing so, we strive to fulfill our mission to empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage pono (integrity) with Ke Akua (God), self, and others."

The program lasts seven weeks, during June and July, is 40 hours per week, and gives participants an opportunity to earn college credits through UH Mānoa, or earn a monetary volunteer award or an AmeriCorps educational award. Qualifications include being able to perform physically demanding work, providing own housing and transportation, being drink/drug/tobacco-free, and being able to supply two non-relative references. For more info and to apply, go to http://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/.

Albert Salmo, with Trojans Athletic Director Kalei Namohala
and June Domondon of OKK. Photo from Ka‘ū Athletics

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ALBERT SALMO, JAN. 31 WINNER OF ‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU'S Half Court Shot, received his prize from June Domondon, of OKK, and Trojans Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Following tradition, the $250 was donated by Salmo to Ka‘ū Athletics, which supports Trojan sports.

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TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS. Tūtū and Me provides caregiver support to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available
on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7, in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

SECOND ANNUAL MAULI OLA FESTIVAL at Wood Valley Farm will be a leave-no-trace event beginning Friday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., with activities scheduled 5 p.m. Friday until early morning Sunday. Campers will be allowed to stay until 2 p.m.

Music, workshops, and other activities, including keiki-friendly activities. Eco-friendly toilets, showers/hand and dishwashing stations (bring only all natural, eco-friendly soap), and limited cooking space available. Spring water and various food options, including vendors offering "locally crafted organic, locally grown food and of course, award-winning ethical coffee," available. Camping alternatives include nearby bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at their Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC's Kona Hema Preserve.

A PERFORMANCE OF NORA EPHRON'S LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, to raise funds for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. The play is based on a best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman. Tickets are $20 per person. For reservations or more info, call 982-7344.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, a workshop by Bonsai Sensei Bill Newton, is Saturday, Feb. 10, 17, and 24, at Volcano Garden Arts. Sign up for all three classes and receive a complimentary meal at Café Ono. Space is limited. For more, call 985-8979 or visit volcanogardenarts.com.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAWAIIAN HOSPOT AND CREATION OF KAHUKU on a hike, Birth of Kahuku, on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, arranged by Mā Mamo o Kāwā, invites the public to help out, Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. Sign up with James Akau by emailing namamookawa@gmail.com or calling 430-3058.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND A RAFFLE are offered by Ocean View Community Association at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To volunteer, call 939-7033. Visit ovcahi.org for more.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW OR WORK ON A FORGOTTEN PROJECT at The Art Express on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com. See discoveryharbour.net/art-express for future dates.

ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn how to use tangles for boarders, and how to create elegant frames to hold Zentangle art, with Lois and Earl Stokes. Zentagle Basics is recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. Class fees are $30 for VAC members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

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

From volcanoartcenter.org

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is offered on Monday, Feb. 12, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. The class is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels and is offered again on Feb. 26. Class fees are $15 per VAC member and $20 per non-member, per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

Cheryl Gansecki leads the Friends walk on Sunday, Feb. 11.
Photo from HFVNP

JOIN VOLCANOLOGIST CHERYL GANSECKI for a Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Sunday Walk-in-the-Park event, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This moderate three-mile hike explores the Mauna Ulu area. Due to the fragile nature of this significant cultural area, space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. The hike is free for, but restricted to, members of Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. If you are not a member, you can join at https://www.fhvnp.org/become-a-member/join-or-renew/. Call 985-7373 or visit their website to reserve a spot.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K THROUGH 8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT class held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

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West Hawaiʻi Fishery Council invites those interested in ocean resource management to a meeting at Pukaʻana Church Hall,
across from Fujihara Store on Hwy 11, on Thursday, Feb. 15. Photo from West Hawaiʻi Fishery Council

The Miloli‘i FMA area - which runs 18.6 miles

down the South Kona/Ka‘ucoastline - starts in

waters just south of the National Historical Park

at Hōnaunau, at the edge of the Ki‘ilaeahupua‘a

boundary with Keokea ahupua‘a, and ends

at the border of the Kapua ahupua‘a boundary

with Kaulanamauna ahupua‘a.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL, WITH MANAGEMENT AREAS DOWN TO MILOLI‘I AND INTO KA‘Ū, invites the public to a meeting. Venue is Puka‘ana Church Hall near Capt. Cook - across from Fujihara store - on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Learn about managing the near-shore environment. Share opinions and concerns. Ask questions. Main focus will be rules for marine mammal interactions; what they are, why they exist, and who enforces them. On-hand will be representatives from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Fishery Council encourages new membership - especially recreational, commercial and regional fishers, who can provide feedback for the council on a regular basis. The West Hawaiʻi Fishery Council is an advisory group on resource replenishment, reef health, user conflicts, and more, to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

From its website: "Despite the impression that West Hawai‘i has a lot of space where fishing isn't allowed, this is actually not true. Almost the entire coastline is open to some kind of fishing. Fishery Management Areas, like other types of Marine Managed Areas, usually restrict only one or two types of fishing, often prohibiting certain gear types or palu (bait). Each one has different rules, so be sure to check each one."

Pukaʻana Church Hall will be the venue for the public
Fishery Council meeting on Thursday, Feb. 15.

In the Miloli‘i Fishery Management Area, to "fish for or take ‘opelu with fish or animal bait, except with hook and line," is prohibited. This is the only rule listed that is specific to the area.

Fishery Council meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. Visit West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

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A PUSH FOR TRUTH IN LABELING OF KA‘Ū AND KONA COFFEE, and other ag products, has been introduced to the Hawai‘i Legislature by east Ka‘ū Rep. Richard Creagan. It is supported by the Kona Coffee Farmers Association in two bills before the House of Representatives - HB1757 and HB256.

HB1757 concerns ready-to-drink coffee; labeling laws do not require manufacturers to disclose the source or what percentage of any regional coffee is used to make the product - if any. The Ka‘ū, Kona, Maui, or other origin name can be used for any pre-made coffee drink, without oversight. This bill would "require the same label disclosure of the percentage as is currently required for roasted and instant coffee," says the language of the bill.

Kona Red and other Ready-to-Drink coffee products would be required
to be comprised of at least 51 percent of the origin coffee named, such as
Kaʻū Coffee and Kona Coffee. Photo from konared.com

Chief of the state Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Scott Enright testified, "Many ready-to-drink coffee beverages sold at retail are manufactured and packaged outside of Hawai‘i, in which the Department has no enforcement jurisdiction." Per a recent article by Max Dible, Bruce Corker - board member and former president of Kona Coffee Farmers Association - said, "The original legislation didn't include RTDs because they weren't pervasive at the time it was passed." The HDOA's notion that its hands are tied when it comes to regulating out-of-state manufacturers is "nonsense," said Enright. He put forth examples like the Idaho Potato Commission, which protects farmers by "issuing cease and desist orders and filing litigation in instances of trademark infringement, both within Idaho's borders and without." He also quoted Corker as saying, "While said companies claiming associations with Kona coffee aren't in direct competition with any local farmers as far as RTD market share is concerned, the lack of labeling regulations still creates a negative and meaningful economic impact felt across Hawai‘i Island and the state."

Eighteen other Representatives co-sponsored the bill. Testimonies are being accepted. Read and track the progress here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1757&year=2018

Truth in labeling is back at the legislature, with
two bills supporting it for the coffee industry.
Photo by Julia Neal

HB256 would require origin-labeled coffee to be made up of no less than 51% coffee from the place of origin named, in order to use the origin name - a substantial increase from the current 10% rule. Introduced last session - also by Creagan - the bill was given a hearing, and passed by the House Ag Committee, but the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee did not schedule a hearing, so it was continued into this session.

The bill's language gives the Kona example, saying, "Existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee causes consumer fraud and degrades the 'Kona coffee' name" and "Confusion as to the difference between Kona coffee and Kona coffee blends caused Consumer Reports magazine to rate Kona coffee as 'second rate.'" The language continues in this vein, stating the current labeling is "inherently deceptive" unless "at least the majority of the coffee is from that region."

If passed, this bill would affect roasted and instant coffee. If HB1757 is passed, it would also affect RTD coffee.

Ten other members of the House of Representatives co-sponsored this bill. Testimonies will be accepted once a hearing is scheduled. Read and track the progress here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=256

Looking Down by Steve Irvine. Photo from Volcano Art Center

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TĪ AND SEAS, A NEW ART EXHIBIT announced by Volcano Art Center, features a new collection of oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine. The exhibit is scheduled to open to the public Saturday, Feb. 17, and be available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Sunday, Mar. 25, at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Irvine came to Hawaiʻi to attend college, and graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies specializing in Fine Arts from UH Hilo. Irvine has been "painting and surfing ever since," says the event description featured on volcanoartcenter.org. His work has appeared in the annual juried Spring and Fall Arts Exhibit at Wailoa Center and East Hawaii Cultural Center almost every year since 1986. Volcano Art Center also featured Irvine's work at two previous exhibits, in 2004 and 2009. To date, he has received twelve awards in recognition of his artistic merits.

Tī by Steve Irvine. Photo from Volcano Art Center

"Volcano Art Center is glad to feature Steve's work again in a solo exhibition," states Gallery Manager, Emily C. Weiss. "His work has always appealed to collectors for its distinctive high quality, use of bright primary colors and affordability. Stylistically, Irvine's paintings blend impressionistic principles into a unique form of expressionism. While focusing on the realistic representation of Polynesian Tī plants and the ever-changing ocean, Steve's primary focus for this exhibit is actually on the quality of light present in both subjects."
"For his last exhibition at VAC, Where Lava Meets the Sea, Irvine hiked the Puna coastline searching for land-and-seascapes. Those same long views and high horizon lines are present in the new works, juxtaposed to a magnified focus on the light, shadows and color of the subjects. The subjects appear to contain a glow from within which Steve achieves by creating a unique orange undercoating as his first layer of paint," says the event description.
Irvine hosts an oil painting workshop at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani campus in Volcano Village on Mar. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Basic artistic concepts including color, composition, and contrast, in addition to Irvine's techniques, will be discussed before students embark on their own oil painting. Class fee is $60 for non-members and $55 for VAC members. Class supplies must be provided by the student; a full list will be provided upon registration. To register for the class, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily,
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February 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.

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ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS ARE DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 9, for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations, for 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in July. For more, visit hawaiconservation.org.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at its Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC's Kona Hema Preserve.

Music, workshops, and other activities, including keiki-friendly activities. Eco-friendly toilets, showers/hand and dishwashing stations (bring only all natural, eco-friendly soap), and limited cooking space available. Spring water and various food options, including vendors offering "locally crafted organic, locally grown food and of course, award-winning ethical coffee", available. Camping alternatives include nearby bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals.

Take a workshop to learn All You Ever Wanted to Know About Bonsai
and How to Grow Them in Volcano this month, starting Saturday, Feb. 10.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND A RAFFLE are offered by Ocean View Community Association at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To volunteer, call 939-7033. Visit ovcahi.org for more.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW OR WORK ON A FORGOTTEN PROJECT at The Art Express on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com. See discoveryharbour.net/art-express for future dates.

ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn how to use tangles for boarders, and how to create elegant frames to hold Zentangle art with Lois and Earl Stokes. Zentagle Basics is recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. Class fees are $30 for VAC members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

FUEGO! WITH JEAN PIERRE THOMA AND THE JAZZTONES give two Jazz in the Forest performances on Saturday, Feb. 10, at Volcano Art Center. The matinee starts at 4:30 p.m. and the evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 per VAC member and $20 per non-member. The Wine and Beer Room will be open, and an area will be set aside for dancing. Tickets are available online until Friday, Feb. 9. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more details.

A PERFORMANCE OF NORA EPHRON'S LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, to raise funds for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. The play is based on a best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman. Tickets are $20 per person. For reservations or more info, call 982-7344.

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

JOIN VOLCANOLOGIST CHERYL GANSECKI for a Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Sunday Walk-in-the-Park event, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This moderate three-mile hike explores the Mauna Ulu area. Due to the fragile nature of this significant cultural area, space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. The hike is free for, but restricted to, members of Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. If you are not a member, you can join at fhvnp.org/become-a-member/join-or-renew/. Call 985-7373 or visit their website to reserve a spot.

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.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is offered on Monday, Feb. 12, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. The class is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels, and is offered again on Feb. 26. Class fess are $15 per VAC member and $20 per non-member per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K THROUGH 8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT class held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12 YEARS, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Free. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

VOLUNTEER TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROTECTING vital and threatened native ecosystems by signing up for Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's February Forest Restoration Project event, held Friday, Feb. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Mauna Loa strip. Enjoy hands-on learning about native plant restoration by planting native seedlings and about invasive weed control by clearing invasive weeds. Volunteers should be at least 12 years old, and be able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain - through brush - in an area with a moderate slope. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To volunteer, contact Linda Schubert at forest@fhvnp.org or 756-3694 by Monday, February 12, 2018. www.fhvnp.org

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Flowering Hō‘awa on the 222 acres turned over by The Nature Conservancy to Kahuku Unit of
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from The Nature Conservancy

"ALOHA! YOUR PARK JUST GOT BIGGER!" begins today's announcement from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, reporting that The Nature Conservancy has transferred 222 acres to the Kahuku Unit. The land, once part of Kahuku Ranch, runs along 1.6-miles of Hwy. 11 between Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, a stretch of highway that sees an estimated two million visitors a year, according to the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism.

"Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is thrilled to add this priority conservation habitat to our Kahuku Unit. The parcel contains rare dryland forest plants, native birds and insects, and a lava tube system," said Superintendent Cindy Orlando. "This action supports our mission to protect the natural and cultural resources, and biodiversity of Hawai‘i Island. We are exploring ways to make it accessible for park visitors," she said.

Figure from TNC

The Nature Conservancy conducted biological surveys and found that, despite impacts by invasive weeds and mouflon (big-horned) sheep, the site is home to many native plants. They include lama and ‘ōhiʻa trees, ʻūlei (a flexible hardwood with fragrant blossoms), pūkiawe (a shrub with colorful berries), hō‘awa (a common food for ʻalalā, the Hawaiian crow) and aʻaliʻi (a flexible shrub with colorful seed pods). Native animals found in the parcel include the endangered ʻio (Hawaiian hawk), ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat), several species of rare insects, and two honeycreepers, the ʻapapane and ʻamakihi.

In addition to natural resources, the Kahuku parcel contains cultural and historical assets, such as the old Mamālahoa Highway, a historic road bordered by a four-foot high rock wall that is an artifact of former cattle ranching in the area. It also includes a trailhead for the historic Kahuku-ʻAinapō trail network.

"This property is a gem that links two types of forest habitat that are increasingly rare in Hawaiʻi: lowland mesic (or temperate) forest and lowland dry forest. These forest areas tend to coincide with where people like to live, so they are threatened globally and here in Hawaiʻi," said Shalan Crysdale, The Nature Conservancy's Hawaiʻi Island Program Director. "We have been working to control invasive weeds such as Christmas berry, and have cleared more than 40 acres through volunteer and staff efforts," he said.

Hawaiian rock walls conserved at property transferred from The Nature
Conservancy to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kahuku. Photo from TNC

The Nature Conservancy has a long history of cooperation with private, state and federal partners to link lands together for conservation management. In 2003, TNC and National Park Service jointly purchased the 116,000-acre Kahuku Ranch. It was the largest conservation land transaction in the history of the State of Hawaiʻi, and doubled the size of the park to over 333,000 acres. A statement from TNC says, "The Conservancy also works with landowners, communities, cooperatives, and businesses, to establish local groups that can protect land. Examples include watershed partnerships, land trusts, conservation easements, community-based management agreements, and private reserves. These combined efforts help preserve natural areas and important landscapes in Hawai‘i and around the globe. To date, the Conservancy has protected 21 million acres in the U.S., and 103 million acres globally."

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916, and its 333,308 acres stretch from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa. The park's mission is to protect, conserve, and study the volcanic landscapes, associated natural and cultural resources and processes, and to facilitate safe public access to active volcanism, diverse geographic settings, and wilderness, for public education and enjoyment. More than two million people visited the Park in 2017.

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KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING will focus on families and communities coping with drug addiction and helping to solve the problem. The gathering will be on Friday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. It is funded, in part, by County Council member Maile David.
Register by March 9, by calling Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.

Organizers promise Real Life Experiences. Speakers include Gary Shimabukuro, a Laulima Hawai‘i Certified Prevention Specialist, and Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth.

The 2017 Hawaii State Epidemiological Profile study for 2011-2015, shows a stable number of people using drugs in the state. In both youths and adults, use of various illicit drugs - marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, ecstasy, methamphetamine, injection drugs, and use of prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription - is highest among Native Hawaiians, Caucasians, and 'other' Pacific Islanders, and the number of drug users in the LBGTQ+ youth demographic has been rising. Though the total numbers are not going up, they aren't going down. Drug use in the state of Hawaiʻi remains high in comparison to the rest of the country.

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Chinese New Year Guided Hikes, in Chinese, through the Sulphur Banks

and the Steaming Bluff, start Tuesday. Photo by Janice Wei, NPS

CHINESE NEW YEAR GUIDED HIKES - IN CHINESE - to celebrate the Year of the Dog, have begin Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. On this easy, two-mile round trip, Volunteer Janice Wei guides Chinese-speaking visitors through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff).
The park is a popular destination for Chinese who travel for the annual Chinese New Year holiday. Janice was born in China and speaks Mandarin fluently. The press release reminds the public that "people with respiratory or heart issues, infants, young children, and pregnant women should avoid Sulphur Banks due to high levels of naturally occurring volcanic gas."
The free hike is offered Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon. Those interested should meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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

ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS ARE DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 9, for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations, for 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in July. For more, visit hawaiiconservation.org.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at its Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC's Kona Hema Preserve.

Music, workshops, and other activities. Tickets $30 per day; camping passes $10, includes hot showers. Vendor spaces still open. Sponsors welcome. Kids under 12, free. Purchase tickets, see the schedule, and get more info at mauliolafestival.com.

PUBLIC IS INVITED TO MILOLI‘I-KA‘Ū VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT, set for this 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. Organizers and coaches are Yolanda Kuahuia and Kaimi Kaupiko. Food concessions both days support the effort.

Coach Yolanda Kauhuia and her Miloliʻi Volleyball girls.
Photo from Kaimi Kaupiko

Volunteer with Nā Mamo o Kāwā on Saturday. Event details below.
Photo from facebook.com/namamoo.kawa

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAWAIIAN HOSPOT AND CREATION OF KAHUKU on a hike, Birth of Kahuku, on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

CELEBRATE MĀLAMA ‘ĀINA AT KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, organized by Mā Mamo o Kāwā, this Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 9:30 a.m.; following events will be second Saturday of each month. The public is invited to help take care of this land. The county-owned parkland between Punaluʻu and Honuʻapo in Ka‘ū, depends on community stewardship. Sign up with James Akau by emailing namamookawa@gmail.com or calling 430-3058.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND A RAFFLE are offered at by Ocean View Community Association at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To volunteer, call 939-7033. Visit ovcahi.org for more.

See Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones perform live at Volcano Art
Center with Fuego! Event details below. Photo from Volcano Art Center

ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn how to use tangles for boarders and how to create elegant frames to hold Zentangle art with Lois and Earl Stokes. Zentagle Basics is recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. Class fees are $30 for VAC members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

FUEGO! WITH JEAN PIERRE THOMA AND THE JAZZTONES give two Jazz in the Forest performances on Saturday, Feb. 10, at Volcano Art Center. The matinee starts at 4:30 p.m., and the evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 per VAC member and $20 per non-member. The Wine and Beer Room will be open, and an area will be set aside for dancing. Tickets are available online until Friday, Feb. 9. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more details.

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

JOIN VOLCANOLOGIST CHERYL GANSECKI for a Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Sunday Walk-in-the-Park event, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This moderate three-mile hike explores the Mauna Ulu area. Due to the fragile nature of this significant cultural area, space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. The hike is free for, but restricted to, members of Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. If you are not a member, you can join at fhvnp.org/become-a-member/join-or-renew/. Call 985-7373 or visit their website to reserve a spot.

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.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is offered on Monday, Feb. 12, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. The class is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels and is offered again on Feb. 26. Class fess are $15 per VAC member and $20 per non-member per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR/NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public is invited to come see what C.E.R.T. is about, as well as participate in training scenarios. For more, contact Dina Shisler at dinashisler24@yahoo.com or 410-935-8087.

LEARN ABOUT A BRAND NEW MEANS OF SAMPLING IN THE FIELD for dissolved gasses in groundwater, that can sometimes precede volcanic unrest and earthquake activity, at an After Dark in the Park event on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The presentation, Development of a New Geochemical Tool to Predict Volcanic Unrest and Earthquake Activity, begins at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Gary McMurtry of SOEST, University of Hawai‘i, describes its use in detecting any rapid changes, in time for effective hazard response and planning. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT class held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12 YEARS, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Free. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

A VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is hosted by Kīlauea Military Camp's 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. $28.00/adult and $14.50/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.

HFS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS OPEN to Big Island High School Seniors seeking a two or four-year degree at a College, University, or Vocational-Technical school in the 2018-19 academic year. Qualifications include: HFS member (in good standing), minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, full-time school schedule, and financial need. Applications due Wed., Feb. 28, available at hfsfcu.org/news/2018Scholarship or at any branch location: Kea‘au, Hilo, and Kona.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS'SUMMERINNOVATIONSACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu, for students entering grades K–12, in Keaʻau, is still accepting applications for summer 2018. The program will run from June 14 to July 12. Applications are due by Thursday, Feb. 15. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at www.ksbe.edu/admissions or call 982-0033 for more information.

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The church dedicated to Henry ‘Opukaha‘ia above Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach will be the site of services on
Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19. Henry O grew up in Punalu‘u and Ninole. He left on a ship to New England
and helped bring Christianity to Hawai‘i. Photo by Julia Neal

CELEBRATIONS AT PUNALU‘U WILL HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA with a bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel above Punalu‘u at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea.

Debbie Wong Yuen, Kahu of Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church in Wai‘ohinu, announced that the church will celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the life and death of ‘Opukaha‘ia, "Hawai‘i's first Christian, who was born in Ninole, Ka‘ū - yes a Ka‘ū boy."
On Sunday, the service at Punalu‘u will replace the regular worship service in Wai‘ohinu, she said.
Hokuloa Chapel was dedicated to ‘Opukaha‘ia by the Women's Board of the United Church of Christ in Hawai‘i in 1957. The walk up the unpaved drive takes visitors to the chapel, mauka of Punalu‘u black sand beach park. From the rock wall gate at the chapel, one can look down upon ‘Opukaha‘ia's childhood home, that stretches from Punalu‘u to Ninole.
‘Opukaha‘ia was born at Ninole in 1792. After spending an early childhood in this native Hawaiian fishing village, ‘Opukaha‘ia was orphaned when his father, mother, and brother, were slaughtered during Hawaiian tribal warfare. After living with his captors, he was eventually adopted by his kahuna uncle, a native Hawaiian priest.
In 1808, ‘Opukaha‘ia left on a ship, and landed in New England where he was taken in by families, educated in American schools and churches, and became an orator. He translated the book of Genesis from Hebrew into Hawaiian. He urged Christian church congregations to go to Hawai‘i, and help Native Hawaiians whose ways had become corrupted with the arrival of trading ships and contact with the outside world. He wrote the booklet Memoirs of Henry Obookiah, and was groomed to lead missionaries to Hawai‘i, but died of typhus in New England before missionaries set sail. See more in the book by Christopher Cook, entitled The Providential Life and Heritage of Henry Obbkiah. See the blog at www.obookiah.com.

The open cross in the Henry O Church at Punalu‘u.
Photo by Julia Neal

In Hilo, also on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m., a special worship service will be held at Haili Congregational Church, 211 Haili St. In Kona, at 10 a.m., an ‘Opukaha‘ia Memorial Plaque Dedication will take place at Mokuaikaua Church, followed by a memorial concert. The church will also honor him during services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
In Honolulu, a 10 a.m. service on Saturday, Feb. 17, will be at Kawaiaha‘o Church, followed by special activities at the adjacent Hawaiian Mission Houses. On MissionHouses.org, the organizers state: "This important celebration honors the man who inspired the Sandwich Island Mission, and is the first event in the bicentennial of the arrival of the American Protestant mission to Hawai‘i in 1820." The Mission Houses and grounds will be open, free of charge. Hawaiian Mission Houses printing press will be continuously operated and interpreted, with the Ho‘onani Doxology and the Hawaiian Primer, the first print struck in Hawai‘i, printed all day, for participants to take home. Activities include those used in Hawaiian Mission Houses School program. One will emphasize the distance between Hawai‘i and the Eastern U.S., another will offer the opportunity to create one's own work on an individual mini printing press, and another will allow users to experience writing with a quill pen while copying a letter from one of the ali‘i from Hawaiian Mission Houses archives.

Cynthia Lehua Nani Hoʻomanawanui-Akiu, left, and cousin Deborah

Liʻikapeka Lee, at ʻŌpūkahaʻia Memorial Chapel during a history tour.

Photo by Chris Cook

On the mainland, a remembrance of ‘Opukaha‘ia will take place at his original grave site in Cornwall, Connecticut, where he died in 1818, with a service on Sunday, Feb. 18, at United Church of Christ in Cornwall.

On Hawai‘i Island on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., a commemoration service will be held at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd. where his body was reinterred in 1993.

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U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO VOTED AGAINST THE BUDGET that reopened the federal government before dawn, Friday morning. She explained: "Throughout the debate on government spending, I have consistently supported efforts to fund critical domestic priorities without pitting groups against one another. A lot of hard work and compromise went into this budget deal, which includes a number of provisions I strongly support.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

"However, Dreamers were left out of the bill to allow this deal to go forward. I voted against this legislation because Dreamers are not included in it," she said, referring to the 800,000 young people who grew up in the United States after being brought here illegally by their families. They could be deported.
"An overwhelming majority of the public supports legislation to protect Dreamers, and Democrats will be fighting hard for them during the upcoming debate on immigration," said Hirono.
Thursday evening, after Sen. Rand Paul held up a vote on the budget over increasing the country's debt, the White House notified federal agencies to be ready to close down at midnight. The Senate passed the budget bill after 1 a.m., and the House took the vote early Friday morning, passing it by a vote of 240-186.
Approval of the budget prevented days of closure for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and other federal entities, and loss of work and income for numerous federal employees and Ka‘ū and Volcano businesses.

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Arch on the way to Kaʻawa campsite where Hawaiʻi Volcanoes crew will fly in by
helicopter, for maintenance and to survey a lava flow. Photo by Nash Rambla, MD

CONTROLLING INVASIVE GRASS, SURVEYING A LAVA FIELD, AND CLEANING A REMOTE CAMPSITE, are some of the jobs by helicopter at Hawaiʻi National Park through February. Here is the schedule:
· Feb. 16, between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., for invasive fountain grass surveys and control from Kīlauea southwest boundary to Keauhou, below 2,500-ft. elevation.
· Feb. 20 and 27, between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., from the summit area of Kīlauea to the coastal Ka‘aha campsite, to haul rubbish and to survey lava flow fields.
· Feb. 22, from 7 a.m. to noon, to shuttle crew to the coastal flats at Kamo‘oali‘i between 200- and 600-ft. elevation, for control of invasive fountain grass.
· Feb. 26, between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., to haul material off Mauna Loa Road at the 7,000-ft. elevation.

Servicing a compost toilet at Kaʻawa campsite is one of the
tasks when cleaning up the area with crew lifted in by
helicopter. Photo by Nash Rambla, MD.

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

A statement from Hawai‘i Volcanoes says, "The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.

"Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

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TWO NEW PRIVATE ROOFTOP SOLAR PROGRAMS are offered by Hawai‘i Electric Light Co, with applications being accepted starting Feb. 20, through the Customer Interconnection Tool. Feb. 6 saw Public Utilities Commission approve the new programs - Smart Export and Customer Grid-Supply Plus - designed to help maintain service reliability and stability, as the Islands move toward more renewable energy usage.

Smart Export would see HELCO customers receive credits at 11 cents per kilowatt hour on their electric bill, for exporting energy during peak hours - 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Other hours would not be credited.

Photo from hawaiianelectric.com

Customer Grid-Supply Plus - an addition to the program that reached capacity last fall - would see HELCO customers receive credits at 10.55 cents per kilowatt hour on their electric bill, based on grid needs.

To learn more about these and other programs available locally, go to hawaiielectriclight.com/renewableprograms or call 969-0358.

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SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, March 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. For 66 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs on Hawai‘i Island have provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

During Youth of the Year, Boys and Girls Club members will perform ‘oli, mele, mo‘olelo, and kalena, to celebrate ‘ohana, community, and ‘āina. The event will include a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honoring outstanding community

Boys & Girls Club members marching in a Ka‘ū parade. Youth of the Year celebration is Friday, March 2. Photo by Julia Neal

supporters. One highlight will be hearing from the 2018 Youth of the Year, selected for leadership, academic achievement, and community service. Learn more about Youth of the Year helping to create Great Futures at bgca.org.

To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

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Jerry Savelle will preach during a Faith
Crusade in Pāhala, March 8-10.

BIG ISLAND FAITH CRUSADE IS COMING TO KA‘Ū, announcing it will kick off four days of praise and worship on March 8 at Ka‘ū District Gym, next to Ka‘ū High School, at 96-1219 Kamani St. in Pāhala.

The four admission-free services for the public will be held: Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 10, at 9:30 a.m.; and Sunday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m. Doors open one hour beforehand. International speaker Jerry Savelle is on the agenda. Contact Thy Word Ministries Pastor Bob Tominaga at 936-9114 or Herb Schneider at 327-9739 for more information.

AUNTY EDNA BALDAD EXPLAINS ‘AI PONO, how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit), announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free program is offered Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. The event is part of the parks ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Aunty Edna Baldad explains how to eat healthy using native Hawaiian foods.
Photo from National Park Service

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HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE is featured Volcano Art Center's weekly Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations program, on Feb. 16, hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery - located within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Kumu hula of Hālau Ke Ola o Ka Lani, Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe shares his extensive knowledge to teach the basics of hula, language, and chant from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The 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. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ENJOY THE MILOLI‘I-KA‘Ū VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT, Saturday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 11, from 8 a.m.to 3 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. Miloli‘i Volleyball Team, in this second annual tournament, will host Keaukaha Cuzins, KS Southside, Mauloa, Nawahi Na‘auao, Yosh, Big Island Boys, Nawahi Hanohano, and Hi-Intensity.

Organizers and coaches are Yolanda Kuahuia and Kaimi Kaupiko. Food concessions both days support the effort.

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, arranged by Mā Mamo o Kāwā, is hosted Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. Sign up with James Akau by emailing namamookawa@gmail.com or calling 430-3058.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAWAIIAN HOSPOT AND CREATION OF KAHUKU on a hike, Birth of Kahuku, on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn how to use tangles for boarders, and how to create elegant frames to hold Zentangle art with Lois & Earl Stokes. Zentagle Basics is recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. Class fees are $30 for VAC members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW OR WORK ON A FORGOTTEN PROJECT at The Art Express on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com. See discoveryharbour.net/art-express for future dates.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, a workshop taught by well-known Bonsai Sensei Bill Newton, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, 17, and 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Garden Arts. Sign up for all three classes and receive a complimentary meal at award winning Café Ono. Space is limited. For more, call 985-8979 or visit volcanogardenarts.com.

FUEGO! WITH JEAN PIERRE THOMA AND THE JAZZTONES give two Jazz in the Forest performances on Saturday, Feb. 10, at Volcano Art Center. The matinee starts at 4:30 p.m. and the evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 per VAC member and $20 per non-member. The Wine and Beer Room will be open and an area will be set aside for dancing. Tickets are available online until Friday, Feb. 9. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more details.

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.

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

Volunteer at Kāwā Saturday.
Event details above. Photo by Nalani Parlin

JOIN VOLCANOLOGIST CHERYL GANSECKI for a Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Sunday Walk-in-the-Park event, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This moderate three-mile hike explores the Mauna Ulu area. Due to the fragile nature of this significant cultural area, space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. The hike is free for, but restricted to, members of Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. If you are not a member, you can join at fhvnp.org/become-a-member/join-or-renew/. Call 985-7373 or visit their website to reserve a spot.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is offered on Monday, Feb. 12, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. The class is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels and is offered again on Feb. 26. Class fess are $15 per VAC member and $20 per non-member per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

LEARN ABOUT A BRAND NEW MEANS OF SAMPLING IN THE FIELD for dissolved gasses in groundwater that can sometimes precede volcanic unrest and earthquake activity, at an After Dark in the Park event on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The presentation, Development of a New Geochemical Tool to Predict Volcanic Unrest and Earthquake Activity, begins at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Gary McMurtry of SOEST, University of Hawai‘i, describes its use in detecting any rapid changes, in time for effective hazard response and planning. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12 YEARS, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Free. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K THROUGH 8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT class held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

CHINESE NEW YEAR GUIDED HIKES - IN CHINESE - to celebrate the Year of the Dog are offered in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. On this easy, two-mile roundtrip, hike, Volunteer Janice Wei guides Chinese-speaking visitors through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff).
People with respiratory or heart issues, infants, young children and pregnant women should avoid Sulphur Banks due to high levels of naturally occurring volcanic gas.
The free hike is offered Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon. Those interested should meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is hosted by Kīlauea Military Camp's 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. $28.00/adult and $14.50/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.

Little Fire Ants have reportedly reached Volcano.
The pest has been linked to pets losing sight from
repeated exposure. Attend a presentation and learn about
how to effectively control them. Photo from biisc.org

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME takes place on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

FAMILY READING is hosted at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO CONTROL LITTLE FIRE ANT, which has recently been found in Volcano, at a free presentation at Volcano Art Center on Thursday, Feb. 15. Little Fire Ant Presentation with Big Island Invasive Species Committee is part of the Thursday Night at the Center program and takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free; suggested donation of $5. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

VOLUNTEER TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROTECTING vital and threatened native ecosystems by signing up for Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's February Forest Restoration Project event, held Friday, Feb. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Mauna Loa strip.

Volunteers should be at least 12 years old, and be able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain - through brush - in an area with a moderate slope. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To volunteer, contact Linda Schubert at forest@fhvnp.org or 756-3694 by Monday, February 12, 2018. www.fhvnp.org

FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS. Tūtū and Me provides caregiver support to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

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Help remove invasive plants from native Hawaiian forest in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See story below.
Photo from National Park Service

LOWERING HIGHER EDUCATION COST is a goal of state Sen. Kai Kahele, who represents Hilo but has family roots in Miloli‘i, where he works on education and cultural programs. Kahele is pushing for reduced financial burdens for students attending schools in the University of Hawai‘i system, where enrollment has dropped over 12 percent since 2012. University of Hawai‘i-Hilo experienced a decline of 5.8 percent between last spring and this spring.

According to Kahele, even textbooks are a serious financial impediment for attending college. He said he spoke to hundreds of students who shared that textbooks, cost an average of $1,200, annually. His bill in the legislature calls it "a barrier to their higher education aspirations."

Kai Kahele encourages more affordable college education in the University of Hawaiʻi system, for
students from his remote family community of Miloliʻi to urban areas of the islands. Above, he
was joined by Rep. Richard Creagan and County Council member Maile David when the
Malolo koa canoe was rededicated at Miloliʻi in 2016. Photo from Maile David

In a statement this week, regarding SenateBill 2328, Kahele stated, "I promised students I would research the issue and as a result I am proposing the University of Hawaiʻi Open Resources Educational Task Force and a one year pilot project grant program to incentivize the faculty to convert general education 100 level course textbooks throughout the UH system to an open educational resource." In the bill's language, "Open educational resources offers learning, teaching, and research resources that are either in the public domain or have been released with an intellectual property license that permits free reuse and repurposing." The legislature has debated SB 2328, where it is in process.

SB 2329, also making its way though the legislature, seeks to cap increases in tuition based on Hawaiʻi's median household income. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13, and testimony is welcome online, through the mail, and in person.

"Together," said Kahele, "these two senate bills are a culmination of the idea in which reasonable access to higher education is not only needed, but feasible. By easing the financial burden of receiving a higher education, one can focus on what is more important: an affordable, accessible, and quality education here in Hawai‘i."

He invites residents to provide testimonies via the capitol site, and to contact him or his staff with any questions at 586-6760 or senkkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov.

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GRID MODERNIZATIONS FOR HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES that serve the counties of Hawai‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu, won approval from the Public Utilities Commission on Feb. 7. The PUC described the plan as "a holistic view of how Hawaiʻi's electric grid can evolve." According to HECO, it will improve reliability and develop island grids that are ready for more renewable energy sources, including rooftop solar adoption.

Photo from hawaiianelectric.com

Senior vice president for planning and technology at Hawaiian Electric, Colton Ching, called the plan "customer-focused" and said they participated, along with technical experts and other stakeholders from Hawai‘i and the mainland. The PUC called for more customer participation and HECO complied.

Photo from hawaiianelectric.com

The cost of carrying out the first segment of the plan is $205 million over the course of the next six years.
HECO first plans to acquire: more voltage management tools, to handle circuits with heavy solar penetration; advanced inverter technology, so more private rooftops can be integrated; enhanced outage management and notification technology; and strategic distribution of advanced meters for more accurate usage data. This will serve customers who want to participate in demand-response and variable rate plans, and those who seek usage data.

Learn more and read the plan at hawaiianelectric.com/gridmod.

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"SOUNDS WE CAN'T HEAR TEACH US ABOUT LAVA LAKES," declare USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists in this week's Volcano Watch:

Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Jaggar Museum Overlook when the wind is calm might be able to hear the sounds of gas bubbles bursting and lava splashing in the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea. What is heard is only part of a rich chorus of sounds emitted from many processes near the surface of an active lava lake.

While some lava lake sounds are audible, most of them are at frequencies below what humans can hear, called infrasound. As with the electromagnetic spectrum, in which long-wavelength infrared is just below the visible light range, infrasound is at frequencies below 20 Hz (Hertz, a measure of audio frequency), which human ears cannot hear.

Mene Array-generated Kīlauea infrasound. Figure from isla.hawaii.edu

It's known that many other natural processes make sounds that travel through both the ground and the air. For example, atmospheric sounds, such as thunder, can transfer into the ground and produce seismic waves. Conversely, small, shallow earthquakes can produce low-frequency booming sounds when seismic waves reach the surface and vibrate the air. In fact, P-waves, the fastest type of seismic waves, are just sound waves traveling through the solid Earth.

Active volcanoes produce abundant sounds at or near Earth's surface. So, it can be beneficial to record those sounds using both seismometers for the seismic waves and microbarometers for the infrasound. Microbarometers are similar to sensors that measure pressure changes from passing weather fronts, but detect much smaller-scale changes in pressure.

So, what's the connection to lava lakes? At Halemʻaumʻau, the loudest sounds are about 1 Hz and can only be captured with dedicated infrasound recording equipment. A frequency of 1 Hz is about the same as that of strong seismic tremor produced at the volcano's lava lake and within the magma plumbing system. Seismic and infrasound sensors record different versions of this tremor and can be used together to better understand it.

One important difference between seismic and infrasound recordings is the pathway between the source and the recorder. Imagine all the layers of old lava flows off which a seismic wave echoes as it travels through the ground. Each of those echoes arrives at the seismometer at a different time and may result in a complex signal even if the source is simple.

On the other hand, the sound wave in the air has a much simpler path, as long as it doesn't have too far to go. For a source that sends waves through both the ground and the air, this means that infrasound signals are often much easier to interpret.

A bursting bubble on the surface of a lava lake produces an impulsive signal on an infrasound recording. This photo shows a group of bubbles, about 16 ft across, bursting on the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. The blue line is an infrasound recording of 50 seconds of similar activity. Each peak in the graph represents the sound made by such a bubble burst. USGS photo by M. Patrick; infrasound data courtesy of G. Waite

At Kīlauea's summit lava lake, there are times when each big bubble burst can be distinguished individually on an infrasound recording, but the overlapping seismic recordings of the same processes are much too complex to interpret alone. In this way, joint recordings of waves through the air and the ground can be used in the identification of small events in the seismograms.

Another way infrasound and seismic data can be used together is in monitoring the rise and fall of the lava lake. Since sound waves travel more slowly through the air than through the earth, the change in source location as the lake goes up or down means that the time it takes an infrasound signal to arrive at the recorders will change more than the change in time for the seismic wave. Using a little algebra, the change in the depth of the lava lake can be easily calculated. This is especially useful at volcanoes where the lava surface is not visible and cannot be measured more directly.

Infrasound has many applications on volcanoes beyond studies of lava lakes, as described in a previous Volcano Watch (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hvo_volcano_watch.html?vwid=128 ). In particular, infrasound can aid monitoring by continually tracking the directions from which sounds originate, potentially alerting scientists to the onset of new eruptive activity.

It takes a wide array of sensors to monitor an active lava lake. The ability to capture sounds we can't hear provides a wealth of information we wouldn't know we were missing.

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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Ka Lae Quilters, with a Ka‘ū Officer.

KA LAE QUILTERS MAKE TIME TO COVER KEIKI. Meeting each Thursday at Discovery Harbour Community Hall, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the volunteers sew quilts for keiki who have suffered trauma or who have been taken from their homes. Last week, they met with the Ka‘ū Police Department to present 74 quilts, plus 60 stuffed animals - and more quilts are on their way.

"This last year, all the quilts that were donated were given out. So sad that there were so many needed, but so glad the Ka Lae Quilters make them," said Donna Masaniai, one of the quilters.

74 quilts and 60 stuffed animals,
donated by the Ka Lae Quilters.

Open to the public, beginner and experienced quilters are welcome. Bring supplies. For more, contact Barbara Beatty at 929-9072, Diane Farrar at 939-8720, go to discoveryharbour.net/ka-lae-quilters/, or email pahalaquilting@gmail.com.

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STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU, a Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park volunteer program, is twice more in February. Meet Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Help remove invasives from an area famous for its diversity of native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes. Note that clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteers should contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

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A SLOGAN CONTEST FOR PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY has been announced by Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries. The deadline to turn in a slogan is Monday, April 2. Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries is sponsoring the contest: to find a slogan or motto to encourage reading. Grand prize of $55 will be awarded at Pāhala Library's 55th anniversary celebration on Friday, April 13th. Everyone is encouraged to submit their ideas at either the Nā‘ālehu or Pāhala Library. For more information, contact FOKL President Sandra Demoruelle at naalehutheatre@yahoo.comor 929-9244.

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MILOLI‘I-KA‘Ū VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT CONTINUES SUNDAY, Feb. 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. The public is invited to join Miloli‘i Volleyball Team, in this second annual tournament. Teams playing are Miloli'i, Keaukaha Cuzins, KS Southside, Mauloa, Nawahi Na‘auao, Yosh, Big Island Boys, Nawahi Hanohano, and Hi-Intensity. Organizers and coaches are Yolanda Kuahuia and Kaimi Kaupiko. Food concessions support the effort.

THE MANY FORMS OF ‘ŌHI‘A LEHUA, the tree and its flower, and the vital role it plays in native Hawaiian forests, are presented on a free, easy, one-mile, guided walk on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Sunday Walk-in-the-Park event, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., features volcanologst Cheryl Gansecki. This moderate three-mile hike explores the Mauna Ulu area. Due to the fragile nature of this significant cultural area, space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. The hike is free for, but restricted to, members of Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. If you are not a member, you can join at fhvnp.org/become-a-member/join-or-renew/. Call 985-7373 or visit their website to reserve a spot.

THE LAST DAY OF DISPLAY FOR HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased at Volcano Art Center Gallery during normal gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibit: Passage and Place, 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.

ACRYLIC PAINTING CLASS, PAINTING WITH PEGGY, with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is offered on Monday, Feb. 12, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. The class is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels and is offered again on Feb. 26. Class fess are $15 per VAC member and $20 per non-member per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR - NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public is invited to come see what C.E.R.T. is about, as well as participate in training scenarios. For more, contact Dina Shisler at dinashisler24@yahoo.com or 410-935-8087.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Chinese-language guided Chinese New Year hike, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. On this easy, two-mile round trip hike, Volunteer Janice Wei guides Chinese-speaking visitors through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). The free hike is offered Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m., starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center.
Those with respiratory or heart issues, infants, young children, and pregnant women should avoid Sulphur Banks due to high levels of naturally occurring volcanic gas. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK ON TUESDAY, FEB. 13, at 7 p.m., will cover a brand new means of sampling in the field for dissolved gasses in groundwater that can sometimes precede volcanic unrest and earthquake activity. The presentation, Development of a New Geochemical Tool to Predict Volcanic Unrest and Earthquake Activity, begins at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Gary McMurtry of SOEST, University of Hawai‘i, describes its use in detecting any rapid changes, in time for effective hazard response and planning. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

‘AI PONO EXPLAINED BY AUNTY EDNA BALDAD; how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). The free program is offered Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Register Keiki, aged 6-12, by Feb. 13. Free. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT class held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register Keiki, grades K-8, by Feb. 13. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

Join Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me for Story Time.

CRATER RIM CAFÉ VALENTINE’S DAY BUFFET, Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hosted by Kīlauea Military Camp, the main entrees will be Prime Rib au Jus, Lemon Butter Fish with Tropical Salsa, and Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com or call 967-8356.

FAMILY READING is hosted at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

YOO-HOO, LADY BUG! is the featured story this month at Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Thursday, Feb. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

LITTLE FIRE ANT, NEWLY DISCOVERED IN VOLCANO, will be featured at Volcano Art Center on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Little Fire Ant Presentation with Big Island Invasive Species Committee will provide advice on controlling the pests. Free; suggested donation of $5. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

Learn more about controlling Little Fire Ants, which have recently been found in Volcano.
Event details above. Photo from biisc.org

A FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU is offered on Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. A master practitioner demonstrates Hawaiian massage, and discusses the important spiritual and physical components of lomilomi. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE is hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, located within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, on Friday, Feb. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kumu hula of Hālau Ke Ola o Ka Lani, Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe shares his extensive knowledge to teach the basics of hula, language, and chant For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOSTS MARDI GRAS Friday, Feb. 16, with dinner taking place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Dinner includes Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Cornbread, Drink and Dessert. Tickets are available at the door: $5/person, $15/two, $20/family. Pre-purchase during Aloha potluck after Sunday services or from Thom White, Beverly Nelson or Cordelia Burt. For more, call 939-7555.

Looking Down, Steve Irvine

TĪ AND SEAS, A NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 17. It will be available daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Sunday, Mar. 25.
Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

ALL INTERESTED ARE WELCOME TO KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S COUNCIL meeting at Punalu‘u Bake Shop on Thursday, Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The goal of the meeting is to provide a local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The following meeting will take place on Mar. 22. For more, visit ccco.k12.hi.us.

BIG ISLAND SENIORS PLANNING ON SEEKING a two or four-year degree at a College, University, or Vocational-Technical school in the 2018-19 academic year are encouraged to apply for HFS Federal Credit Union Scholarship Program. Qualifications include: HFS member (in good standing), minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, full-time school schedule, and financial need. Applications due Wed., Feb. 28, available at hfsfcu.org/news/2018Scholarship or at any branch location: Kea‘au, Hilo, and Kona.

Boys & Girls Club members, with staff, at a
beach clean-up. Photo from Boys & Girls Club

KAʻŪ'S BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS NEED SUPPORT. Those who want to help can purchase tickets and sponsor persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The evening includes a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honors will be presented. Learn more about helping to create great futures at bgca.org.
To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

FOUR DAYS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP COMING TO KA‘Ū, with Big Island Faith Crusade, starting March 8 at Ka‘ū District Gym, next to Ka‘ū High School, at 96-1219 Kamani St. in Pāhala.
The four admission-free services for the public will be held: Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 10, at 9:30 a.m.; and Sunday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m. Doors open one hour beforehand. International speaker Jerry Savelle is on the agenda. Contact Thy Word Ministries Pastor Bob Tominaga at 936-9114 or Herb Schneider at 327-9739 for more information.

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Participate in training scenarios and learn what Community Emergency Response Team is all about in Discovery Harbour
on Tuesday. Event details below. Photo from discoveryharbour.net

TESTIMONY FOR A BILL THAT WOULD REGULATE HOME SCHOOLING is due on Wednesday, Feb. 14. The Coalition for Responsible Home Education, which supports the measure, says Bill 2323 "would create a screening process designed to ensure that children with elevated risk factors are not removed from school to be homeschooled." Sen. Kai Kahele introduced the bill in response to the 2016 starvation death of nine-year-old Shaelynn Lehano, who was homeschooled in Hilo. Kahele's aim is to protect those children with abusive parents who want to keep them home from school.

Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaiʻi advocate Lora Burbage takes a different view. She recently told Hawaiʻi News Now, the "proposal is flawed and unfairly singles out home-schooling families without including all parents of school-age children. If you begin to allow the government to begin policing - and they're not looking at the net of the biggest group of child abusers - then we're being targeted, we're being discriminated against."
Attorney Peter Kamakawiwoole, representing the Home School Legal Defense Association, said the bill "would radically alter Hawai‘i's homeschool statute by requiring all homeschool families to submit to an annual social services check and background check before they can receive 'approval' from their public school superintendent to homeschool." He plans to attend the joing hearing before the state Senate Education Committee and Senate Human Services Committees.
Interested persons can send in testimony by regular mail, online, or attend the hearing on Feb. 14 at 2:55 p.m., in conference room 229, at the Capitol Building on O‘ahu Read Senate Bill 2323.
Kamakawiwoole said he is interested in those who want to testify. To reach him, click here. For more from HSLDA, click here. To read more from CRHE, click here.

Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Xochitl Amador Aznar, of San Juan, Puerto Rico,
treated dental patients in Pāhala at no charge as team member of Tropic Care.
Photo by Julia Neal

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TROPIC CARE IS RETURNING TO HAWAIʻI ISLAND. Tropic Care 2018 is an 11-day event providing medical, dental, and eye care for any community member, free of charge. Held in 2013 and 2016 in Pāhala and Ocean View, this year's event lasts Mondays through Fridays, June 18 to 28, at Kea‘au High School.
Kalei Namohala, Athletic Director for Kaʻū High School, which housed and fed Tropic Care health providers in the past, recommends that Kaʻū families make the drive this year to Keaʻau. Less than an hour from Pāhala and half hour from Volcano, Tropic Care will offer free health care to anyone, with or without insurance.

Army Reserve Innovative Readiness Training, in cooperation with Hawaiʻi state Dept. of Health and County of Hawai‘i, organizes Tropic Care to provide medical services to underserved communities. Health care providers - optometrists, dentists, hearing specialists, family physicians, and more - from military reserve units around the country - travel to Hawaiʻi to practice field medicine with the local Army Reserve. They set up camp and hone their skills for working in remote places, not only during wartime, but also in natural disasters.

During Tropic Care, health experts see members of the public on a first come-first served basis. They ask that people bring with them any current prescriptions or eye glasses, and a list of any current medications being taken.
As long waits are expected, they recommend bringing water and snacks. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided to those age 3 to 18. Food carts may be on site for purchases throughout the event.
Adria Medeiros, Vice Principal of Kea‘au High School, asks for community members to spread the word, and offers to schedule blocks of time for larger groups coming in from communities outside Kea‘au. "For example, if your school were to arrange a bus to bring in a large group, I would assist by setting aside blocks of time for services with the medical professionals to ensure they could be seen," she stated. "It really is a great opportunity to receive free services, and I'd like to make it even more successful this year than it has been in the past."

Questions can be directed to Medeiros at 313-3333.

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THE PENDING MERGER OF THE MONSANTO AND BAYER COMPANIES is the subject of a survey recommended for farmers by Hawai`i Farmers Uinon United. Participation is available until midnight Feb. 12. It is open to farmers of all types of crops, all sizes of operation, and all areas of the U.S.

The survey is organized by Friends of Earth and the Organic Seed Growers Association, who say the results "will be used to inform policymakers and law enforcement officials in D.C. and in state capitols, about the impact of corporate power on farming." Changes in the farming community in the last year, specifically the merger of Dow and DuPont, and Syngenta and ChemChina, have an effect on those who depend on larger corporations for chemicals and seeds, says the message about the survey.

Survey sponsors promise that survey participation is confidential and that results will be shared with the U.S. Department of Justice and state Attorneys General, who are reviewing the merger. Per the Hawai'i Farmers Union United message: "The survey will take about 12 minutes to complete, and was designed to help DOJ and agriculture policy makers understand the structure of the market and how farmers make some key decisions." Link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZHXFB8B.

Take part in a lomilomi demonstration in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit.
Photo from National Park Service

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LOMILOMI AT KAHUKU, a free demonstration of Hawaiian massage and discussion of the important spiritual and physical components of lomilomi, will be on Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The lomilomi style of massage incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha, which means to love, unify, and breathe; to promote personal harmony.
The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance, near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11. The program is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

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PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton, is offered on Monday, Feb. 12, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. The class is part of an ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels and is offered again on Feb. 26. Class fess are $15 per VAC member and $20 per non-member per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

VOLUNTEER TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROTECTING vital and threatened native ecosystems by signing up by Monday, February 12, for Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Forest Restoration Project, held Friday, Feb. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Mauna Loa strip. Pre-registration required, space is limited. To volunteer, contact Linda Schubert at forest@fhvnp.org or 756-3694. Volunteers should be at least 12 years old, and be able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain - through brush - in an area with a moderate slope. www.fhvnp.org

CHINESE NEW YEAR GUIDED HIKES - IN MANDARIN - to celebrate the Year of the Dog, are offered in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free hike is offered Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon. Those interested should meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. This easy, two-mile round trip hike, guided by Volunteer Janice Wei, goes through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). People with respiratory or heart issues, infants, young children, and pregnant women, should avoid Sulphur Banks due to high levels of naturally occurring volcanic gas. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

LEARN ABOUT A BRAND NEW MEANS OF SAMPLING IN THE FIELD. Learn how dissolved gasses in groundwater can sometimes precede volcanic unrest and earthquake activity. The presentation at After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, Feb. 13 is called Development of a New Geochemical Tool to Predict Volcanic Unrest and Earthquake Activity. It begins at 7 p.m., in Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Speaker is Dr. Gary McMurtry of SOEST, University of Hawai‘i.
Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6-12, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Free. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT class on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Free. For more, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

‘AI PONO EXPLAINED BY AUNTY EDNA BALDAD; how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). The free program is offered Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the KīlaueaVisitorCenterlānai. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is hosted by Kīlauea Military Camp's 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. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com or call 967-8356.

DENNIS & CHRISTY SOARES AT LAVA LOUNGE Wednesday, Feb, 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Award-winning singer-songwriters will perform contemporary Hawaiian music, folk, and slack-key, on Valentine's evening, with no cover charge. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

KAMEHAMEHASCHOOLS' SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu in Keaʻau, for students entering grades K–12, is accepting applications until Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer 2018. The program will run from June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at www.ksbe.edu/admissions, or call 982-0033 for more information.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU, a Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park volunteer program, will be on Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Help remove invasives from an area famous for its diversity of native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes. Note that clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteers should contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME takes place on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

Join Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me for Story Time.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church Hall near Capt. Cook - across from Fujihara store - on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn about managing the near-shore environment. Share opinions and concerns. Ask questions. New membership encouraged - especially recreational, commercial and regional fishers, who can provide feedback for the council on a regular basis. Fishery Council meetings happen on the third Thursday of each month. For more, visit West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

FAMILY READING is hosted at Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO CONTROL LITTLE FIRE ANT, which has recently been found in Volcano, at a free presentation at Volcano Art Center on Thursday, Feb. 15. Little Fire Ant Presentation with Big Island Invasive Species Committee takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free; suggested donation of $5. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU is offered on Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. A master practitioner demonstrates Hawaiian massage, and discusses the important spiritual and physical components of lomilomi. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE is hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, located within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, on Friday, Feb. 16. Kumu hula of Hālau Ke Ola o Ka Lani, Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe shares his extensive knowledge to teach the basics of hula, language, and chant from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH is hosted Friday, Feb. 16, with dinner taking place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Dinner includes Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Cornbread, Drink and Dessert. Tickets are available at the door: $5/person, $15/two, $20/family. Pre-purchase during Aloha potluck after Sunday services or from Thom White, Beverly Nelson, or Cordelia Burt. For more, call 939-7555.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM on Saturday, Feb. 17, 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. 19.

WELL-KNOWN BONSAI SENSEI BILL NEWTON, with over 30 years experience, teaches a course, All You Ever Wanted to Know About Bonsai and How to Grow Them, at Volcano Garden Arts on Saturday, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited. For more, call 985-8979 or visit volcanogardenarts.com.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, A BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, meets twice more this month in Pāhala at Ka‘ū District Gym. Class is held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 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.

The chapel on the hill at Punalu'u Beach where youth have volunteered
to repair the rock walls, will be the site of two services to honor the life of
Henry 'Opukaha'ia Feb. 17 and 18. Photo by Myra Sumida

TĪ AND SEAS, A NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 17. The exhibit will be available daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Sunday, Mar. 25.
Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U with a bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea. On Sunday, the service at Punalu‘u will replace the regular worship service in Wai‘ohinu. A commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

PANIOLO FROM KA`U HEAD TO PANA`EWA for the annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain. See www.HawaiiRodeoStampede.com

A MONGOLIAN BBQ is offered at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, a popular game played with nine dice, is hosted Saturday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share. For more, call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

TAKE A FREE, RANGER-GUIDED HIKE, PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU, on Sunday, Feb. 18, 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 over rugged terrain, focuses on the area's human history. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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Learn about the human history of Kahuku on a 2.5-mile moderately-difficult hike over rugged terrain on Saturday.
See event details below. Photo by Janice Wei of National Park Service

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HIKING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT WILL BE IN VOLCANO AND NĀʻĀLEHU THIS WEEK. The hearings are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in Nāʻālehu Community Hall and Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in Volcano Cooper Center. The half percent hike in general excise tax, now 4 percent, would generate funds to revamp the county's transportation system, including the Hele -On Bus fleet. The county predicts extra income of $25 million per year. The hike would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030. The additional sales tax would be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi, to be used for transportation only.

Hele On Buses would be upgraded and repaired
through a sales tax increase to support transportation.

The Hawaiʻi Legislature passed an act allowing the counties to add onto the sales tax for their local expenditures, but gave a deadline of March 31 to approve the measure. Mayor Harry Kim, a supporter of expanding public transportation, is campaigning for it.

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NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, are due Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Applications for suggestions for new properties to be purchased by the County of Hawaiʻi can be found online and emailed to the Commission Secretary Maxine Cutler at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.

Suggestions can be made for properties to be acquired for preservation. The Commission prioritizes the suggestions and those that make the list are put before the County Council. Properties must have a willing seller and price can be no higher than determined by an independent valuation.
Money to buy PONC properties is raised through 2 percent of collected county property taxes and funding from federal and private partners. See the application here.
Stewardship grants are also available to help the county take care of PONC properties. See the application here.
One such stewardship grant was recently provided to Mā Mamo o Kāwā for care of Kāwā, the local surf spot with many archaeological sites, an estuary, and a pond. See the county's Kāwā Resources Management Plan here. Volunteer to help care for Kāwā the second Saturday of each month. Contact James Akau at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.
PONC welcomes a new Chair for 2018, Kekaulike Tomich, and Vice Chair, René Siracusa. All commissioners are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the County Council. They are: Timothy DeLozier, Kaʻena Bisha II, Dr. Wayne Frank, Rick Warshauer, Cynthia Nazara, and Susan Wells Fischer. The next meeting is on Monday, March 12, at 10 a.m., at 25 Aupuni St, Hilo Council Chambers, Suite 140.

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KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL WELCOMES ALL INTERESTED to monthly meetings. The next is at Punalu‘u Bake Shop on Thursday, Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m.
The local Council serves Ka‘ū High, Pāhala Elementary, Nā‘ālehu Elementary, and Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences. The parent co-chair is currently vacant; the Professional co-chair is Zoe Shih. Staff contact Chad Domingocan be reached at 305-0697 or chad_domingo@hawaiidoe.org.
There are 17 Community Children's Councils statewide, with a mission to "provide local forums statewide for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families and communities." Working together with the State departments and service providers, the CCCs collaborate to improve system delivery at school and complex levels.
An informational flyer states that the CCC's duties and responsibilities include: "the identification, recruitment and retention of broad-based group of community opportunities; to link with family support groups and parent training opportunities; to inform community members and parents about State policy and support community feedback on such policy; to identify specific needs, gaps in services and barriers that have not been met through the local system of care by providing data to the State policy makers; to develop strategies to assure quality of services; and to separate and support systemic concerns from individual concerns."

In addition, it suggests that the benefits of the CCCs provide an: "opportunity to share information and learn about community resources; opportunity to represent the family and community perspective regarding services delivered in your community; and opportunity for parents to gain support from other parents." The flyer also states that the CCC's link with: schools through their Quality Assurance Meetings; family-based organizations; private child-serving agencies; and military networks and support services.
The Ka‘ū council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The following meeting will take place on Mar. 22. For more, visit ccco.k12.hi.us.

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FORMER HAWAI‘I ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK BENNETT is nominated to serve in the open Hawai‘i seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz support the nomination.

Said Hirono, "Attorney General Bennett has extensive experience practicing law in the public and private sectors in Hawai‘i and at the federal level. Mark is a well-qualified nominee to serve on the Ninth Circuit."

Former Hawai‘i Attorney General Mark Bennett is
nominated to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Said Schatz, "Mark Bennett has a long and distinguished career as a lawyer and public servant in Hawaii that makes him well-qualified to serve as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. With more than two decades of public service, Mark has a reputation as a highly competent, principled attorney – something I saw first-hand when he served as Attorney General. I am confident that he will be a fair, dispassionate jurist who will carefully follow the rule of law while reflecting Hawai‘i's values."

Bennett has been a director at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, where he has specialized in civil and appellate litigation, and government relations, since 2011. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Bennett served for nearly eight years as Hawai‘i's Attorney General under Republican Gov. Linda Lingle from 2003-2011.

Prior to his service as Attorney General, Bennett was a partner at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP, and an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Hawai‘i.

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TUESDAY, FEB. 13

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6-12 YEARS, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD Arts & Crafts class Wed., Feb. 14, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Free; Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 13, FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER & BEAR CRAFT Wed., Feb. 14, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., PāhalaCommunity Center. Free; Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). The free hike is offered Tuesday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center- nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERYHARBOUR - NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM Tues., Feb. 13, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what C.E.R.T. is about, and participate in training scenarios; Dina Shisler at dinashisler24@yahoo.com or 410-935-8087.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GEOCHEMICAL TOOL TO PREDICT VOLCANIC UNREST AND EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY at After Dark in the Park Tues., Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, suggested donation $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

AUNTY EDNA BALDAD EXPLAINS ‘AI PONO, how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). Free program offered Wed., Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon on the KīlaueaVisitorCenter lānai - nps.gov/HAVO.

VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, Wed., Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Crater Rim Café. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests - kilaueamilitarycamp.com or 967-8356.

DENNIS & CHRISTY SOARES AT LAVA LOUNGE Wednesday, Feb, 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free. Award-winning singer-songwriters perform contemporary Hawaiian music, folk, and slack-key, on Valentine's evening - kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS' SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu applications due by Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer program 2018, June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at www.ksbe.edu/admissions or call 982-0033 for more info.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Remove invasives; bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes - clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com - nps.gov/HAVO for more.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME Thurs., Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library - 929-8571.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘anaChurch, Thurs., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Fishery Council meetings happen third Thursday of each month - West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

FAMILY READING is hosted at OceanViewCommunity Center on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - 939-7033 or ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at UnitedMethodistChurch in Nā‘ālehu - Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION WITH BIG ISLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE at VolcanoArtCenter on Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free, suggested donation $5 - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU from master practitioner, Fri., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11 - nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, Fri., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH hosted Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $5/person, $15/two, $20/family - 939-7555.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, VolcanoGarden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea. On Sunday, the service at Punalu‘u will replace the regular worship service in Wai‘ohinu. A commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, OceanViewCommunity Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū HEAD TO PANA‘EWA for annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain - www.HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

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Learn the at of making Lei Haku at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See story below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO IS URGING THE VA TO PAY for veteran's emergency medical costs at non-VA hospitals, as ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Hirono said in a statement Tuesday that 46,000 veterans in Hawaiʻi could be affected. She and her colleague Jon Tester, both serving on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, wrote a letter to VA administrator David Shulkin.
On Jan. 9, the VA announced its refusal to retroactively reimburse veterans for emergency treatment - despite the court ruling that the VA is responsible for emergency medical costs at private, non-VA hospitals, when veterans are not otherwise insured.

The senators wrote to the VA saying, "Between 2010 and April 16, 2016, the VA erroneously denied thousands of veterans' claims for emergency treatment. With the VA's recent interpretation of this ruling, veterans who filed claims before April 16, 2016, would see no relief from the VA's wrongful application of the law and would be stuck paying medical bills that Congress intended that the VA pay. We ask that the VA include those veterans whose claims were decided before April 16, 2016, so that all veterans can fully take advantage of a benefit Congress intended they receive."

VA Hospital on Oʻahu. Photo from hawaii.va.gov

The Expansion of Veteran Eligibility for Reimbursement Act, of 2010, directed the VA to pay for veteran's emergency treatment at non-VA facilities, unless the veteran has another form of insurance that entirely covers their medical costs. Since 2010, the VA has denied thousands of claims because a veteran's other insurance partially paid for their treatment, leaving veterans to cover the difference for costly emergency care, said the statement from Hirono.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, on April 16, 2016, ordered the VA to begin paying the claims. "Despite that, the VA has chosen not to pay veterans who filed before the 2016 court ruling," the senators state.

Hirono also worked to lessen red tape for veteran health care, by waiving a requirement that only allowed veterans reimbursement for non-VA emergency care if they had received VA care in the past 24 months.

Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI.), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Steve Daines (R-MT) also signed the letter. Read the full letter here.

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‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU IS ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships are available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 deadline, application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.

Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū Volleyball Tournament saw the 14u first place go to Ho‘opa; 14u second place to Cuzins;
16u first place to Cuzins; 16u second place to Cuzins; 10u first place Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū;
12u first place Cuzins; and 12u second place Nawahi Na‘auao.

Taylor does a jump serve.

THE SECOND ANNUAL MILOLI‘I-KA‘Ū VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT drew 12 teams and local spectators each day to the Ka‘ū District Gym last weekend. They traveled to Pāhala from afar. Teams included Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū, Keaukaha Cuzins, Hoopa, KS Southside, Mauloa, Nawahi Na‘auao, Yosh, Big Island Boys, Nawahi Hanohano, and Hi-Intensity.

Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū, which hosted the tournament, won first place in the 10u.

The big winner was Keaukaha Cuzins club, winning first and second place in the 16u, second place in the 14u, first place in the 12u, and second place in the 10u. Playing together for many years, the team is called Cuzins because all the players are family from Keaukaha.

First place for 14u, long-time team Ho‘opa from Kona, is under the direction of coach Ainsley, who also coaches the girls at Konawaena high school.

Taylor from 16u passes a ball.

Second place 12u was Nawahi from Hilo, coached by Kamalei, with coach Aoloa. The Nawahi team comes from the Hawaiian immersion school Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u, where there are many teams, all coached in the Hawaiian language.

Tournament coaches include Ka‘imi Kaupiko, Auntie Tene Kaupu, Auntie Carol, Auntie Shonda, April Pana, Ainsley, Aoloa, Kamalei, Erica, and Darion.

Kaupiko, who organized the event, wrote: "Mahalo and thank you to all those who came and supported our second annual tournament. The funds will help us as we travel this summer to Kaua‘i and Anaheim, CA." Plans are to have another tournament in April; dates coming soon. Food concessions both days supported the effort.

Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū 10u and Cuzins 10u slap their hands to

begin championship games.

Organizers Yolanda Kuahuia and Kaupiko give the history of the Miloli‘i-Ka‘ū team that, "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." 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 Mauiand Kaua‘i. Last year we took our girls to play in the Anaheimvolleyball tournament in which we placed 10th in the 12U in a tournament with over 400 teams."

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AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL, this Thursday, Feb. 15, will see Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm representing Ka‘ū. Phil and Merle Becker have been showing and serving their Ka‘ū Coffee at the Capitol Since Ag Day began.
The event, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., is cosponsored by west Ka‘ū's state House of Representatives member Dr. Richard Creagan, who chairs the House Ag Committee.

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION'S BEGINNING FARMER INSTITUTE program applications are available, reports Hawai‘i Farmers Union United. Those selected to participate travel to the Mainland three times, to three sessions. One will be in September in Washington, D.C.; another in November in Northern California; and the third in March 2019, outside of Seattle.

Most of the travel, lodging, and meals are covered for those selected.
The Farmers Union expectation is for institute graduates become an inspiration and mentor new farmers at home, and to become candidates for local boards and other community positions. The Farmers Union provides ongoing support to participants after they return to their farms.
"National Farmers Union's ability to reach out to a broad cross section of farmers makes it different than other organizations. They teach at a level that opens eyes to a broader picture of where our farm fits into agriculture," says Erin, an NFU BFI alum, who is quoted on the application available here. "It's the content of their classes, the small group in a close-knit setting, visiting innovative farmers, talking with experts and learning from my peers from a diverse variety of farms across the country that gives me the opportunity to learn different solutions. The NFU Institute makes a person think beyond his or her own farm. The NFU Institute is where 'top down and bottom up' come together. It’s a powerful experience."
The program is sponsored by the National Farmers Union Foundation, Farm Credit, FUI Foundation, CoBank, Farm Aid, and CHS Foundation.

Lei Haku. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

Deadline to apply is April 30. Eligible are: persons age 18 or older, who are currently or plan to start farming within the next year, of any operation size or type - ownership not necessary - who reside in any of the 50 US states, D.C., or Puerto Rico. Classes will be announced by May 31. Application and more info here.

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LEARN LEI HAKU, lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves. The workshop is sponsored by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work." The free demonstration takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

‘ULU MAKUAKANE's HULA WERK! CLASS runs Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. Makuakane employs hula, Tahitian, Samoan, and Hip Hop dance moves for the workout.
Makuakane was the first Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, served as Miss Hawaiian Islands representing Hawai‘i in the Miss South Pacific Pageant, and moved back to Ka‘ū last year.
Makuakane recommends that participants dress comfortably, bring a pareo (sarong), water, and shoes. Participants need to sign a release form before joining the class. Class is free but donations are accepted - 640-9694.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14

AUNTY EDNA BALDAD EXPLAINS ‘AI PONO, how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). Free program offered Wed., Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai - nps.gov/HAVO.

VALENTINE'S DAY BUFFET, Wed., Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Crater Rim Café. $28.00/adult and $14.50/child (6-11 years old). KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests - kilaueamilitarycamp.com or 967-8356.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS SUMMER INNOVATIONS ACADEMY Hālau Kupukupu applications due by Thursday, Feb. 15, for summer program 2018, June 14 to July 12. Students can apply and find the course catalog online at ksbe.edu/admissions or call 982-0033 for more info.

STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU Thursdays, Feb. 15 and 22, at 9:30 a.m., at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11. Remove invasives; bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes - clothing could be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com - nps.gov/HAVO for more.

February 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.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME Thurs., Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library - 929-8571.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church, Thurs., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Meetings happen third Thursday each month - West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

FAMILY READING hosted at Ocean View Community Center Thurs., Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - 939-7033 or ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thurs., Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu - Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION WITH BIG ISLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE, Volcano Art Center, Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free, suggested donation $5 - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU from master practitioner, Fri., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11 - nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, Fri., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei. The free hike is offered Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH hosted Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $5/person, $15/two, $20/family - 939-7555.

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON RAISING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The increase would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17
WARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

Henry ʻOpukahaʻia

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public Sat., Feb. 17 to Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult, hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY AT PUNALU‘U. The Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at the tiny Hokuloa chapel above the sea. The service will replace the regular worship service in the Wai‘ohinu church. An additional commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a free, Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUESDAY, FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū; residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

UPCOMING

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Justin Kripps, center, is a bobsleigh pilot, born in Nāʻālehu, who guided Canada to a sliver medal in the 2017 International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Championships. He competes in his third Olympics in the four-man bobsled starting on Thursday. Photo from easternontarionetwork.com

KAʻŪ-BORN JUSTIN KRIPPS WILL COMPETE IN BOBSLED at the Olympics. Vying for medals in the two-man and four-man competitions on team Canada, Kripps will pilot the bobsled in his third Olympics. Bobsled training heats begin tomorrow, Feb. 15, in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and continue until the final race on Feb. 25.

Justin Kripps

Kripps went to Nā‘ālehu School through seventh grade. After high school in British Columbia, Canada, he picked up bobsledding, which he considers "a mix of track and field, and race car driving." He names his sleds after Hawaiian Goddesses; last Olympics, his two-man sled was named Poli‘ahu - the goddess of ice - and the four-man sled, Pele - the goddess of fire.
His first time at Olympics, he was a crewman, but soon after was offered coaching to be pilot - the front man for a team of two or four - by retired sledder Pierre Lueders, who has an impressive record of two Olympic medals, eight World Championships, and 11 World Cup overall titles during his 20 years.
After his bobsled overturned during the four-man race in the last winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, he planned to come back to Ka‘ū to recuperate, and hunt pig.

Kripps, at front.

Kripps piloted a Silver medal win in the two-man race at the 2017 International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Championships.
He piloted his two-man team, with Alexander Kopacz - his most consistent brakeman - into third place at two-men bobsled World Cup in Königssee, Germany, on Jan. 20.
Kripps is hopeful that this third trip to the Olympics will be his time to win gold. He and Kopacz are favored to place Bronze in the two-man competition.

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HALTING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST IMMIGRANTS was on Sen. Mazie Hirono's mind this week. She retweeted a photo of Korean American Olympic snowboard gold medalist Chloe Kim presenting the American flag. Hirono shared Sen. Dick Durbin's remarks from the Senate floor: "Olympic gold medalist @chloekimsnow is the daughter of a immigrant father who came to America determined to make a better life for his family. Their story is the story of immigration in America. My Senate colleagues should keep it in mind this week," said Durbin. He made the point as discussion in the Senate began toward solving policy problems that could lead to deportation of many DREAMers, the working and student immigrants, brought here illegally by their parents as children.

Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted the photo of Olympic gold medalist and
Korean American Chloe Kim.

Hirono also encouraged constituents to continue to fight against Pres. Donald Trump's Muslim ban this week. She spoke at a ceremony to honor the late civil rights fighter Fred T. Korematsu in Washington, D.C.
Korematsu took the federal government to the Supreme Court when it interred Japanese Americans during World War II. Though he lost that court battle, his own conviction for evading internment was overturned decades after the war.
Earlier this year, Hirono joined Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to introduce a resolution that commemorates Jan. 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution and denounces any effort to discriminate against any individual based on national origin or religion.

Don Tamaki, coram nobis attorney for Fred Korematsu; Sen. Mazie Hirono;
and Karen Korematsu. Photo from Hirono

"Fred Korematsu, Gordon Hirabayashi (a sociologist who resisted internment), and Minoru Yasui (an attorney who resisted internment) fought the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and dedicated their lives to defending civil rights," said Hirono. "However, history can repeat itself if we are not vigilant, and these times call for our vigilance. This country is worth fighting for and I thank you for fighting for justice." Her remarks accompanied a screening of a new film, And Then They Came for Us. See the trailer. See more at the Fred T. Korematsu Institute.

Fred Korematsu, civil rights activist
for immigrants to the U.S.

Last December, on the anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Korematsu's case, Hirono also joined Duckworth to announce the introduction of the Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act – a bill that prohibits any individual from being imprisoned or detained based solely upon a protected characteristic such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Last January, Hirono joined 29 Senate Democrats in demanding that Trump rescind his executive order establishing the Muslim Ban, the statement said.

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HULA KAHIKO AND NĀ MEA HULA SERIES CONTINUE inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National on Saturday, Feb. 17. Sponsored by Volcano Art Center, the free hula performance and demonstration occur once a month.
Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Kahelelani Lyons Dudiot with Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani perform Hula Kahiko on the kahua hula (platform) near the Volcano Art Center Gallery, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Kahelelani Lyons Dudiot.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

Both native residents of Kalaoa, Kona, Dudiot and Lyons come from a family of hula dancers and musicians and are “proud to have the opportunity to carry on this legacy that was gifted to them by their mother Sally Alohikea-Toko,” says the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. Their hula years span their lifetime, each with over 35 years of experience. As students of Halau Nā Lei ‘O Kaholoku they participated in the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, traveled to Japan, New Zealand, Tahiti, Taiwan and all across the U.S.

The Hula Kahiko performance will be presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
These events are 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.

Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani. Photo from Volcano Art Center

In conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance, the public is invited to join Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe and mebers of Hālauolaokalani on the lānai of the Volcano Art Center Gallery, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They present and share a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. The demonstration is hands-on and family friendly.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 15

February 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.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME Thurs., Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library - 929-8571.

WEST HAWAI‘I FISHERY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING at Puka‘ana Church, Thurs., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Meetings happen third Thursday each month - West Hawai‘i Fishery Council website.

Volunteer with Hawai‘i Volcaneos National Park to remove invasive
species from native forest habitat. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HIKING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Thurs., Feb. 15, 6 p.m., at Nāʻālehu Community Hall and Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The hike would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

FAMILY READING hosted at Ocean View Community Center Thurs., Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - 939-7033 or ovcahi.org.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thurs., Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu - Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

LITTLE FIRE ANT PRESENTATION WITH BIG ISLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE, Volcano Art Center, Thurs., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free, suggested donation $5 - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

Kaho‘okele Crabbe

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU from master practitioner, Fri., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11 - nps.gov/HAVO.

Henry ʻOpukahaʻia

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. Space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitary
camp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

Chinese New Year Guided Hikes - in Mandarin Chinese - are offered at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park this weekend.
See event details below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a free, Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MONDAY, FEB. 19

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM Volunteers meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Mon., Feb. 19. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meets Monday, Feb. 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

UPCOMING

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Ka‘ū's own queen of paniolo parades and rodeos, Lorilee Lorenzo, heads to the Pana‘ewa
Stampede Rodeo onSaturday, Sunday, and Monday. Photo by Chuck McKeand

TO HONOR VICTIMS OF THE MASS SHOOTING WEDNESDAY AT A FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOL, Hawaiʻi and U.S. flags are flying half staff until sunset on Monday. Gov. David Ige ordered all state and Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities to comply, and Pres. Donald Trump ordered all federal and military facilities, including naval vessels, to comply.
Said a statement from the governor's office: "This action is a mark of respect for the victims of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida."

Candlelight vigil in honor of those killed and wounded
during the Feb. 14 school shooting in Florida.

On Wednesday, 19-year-old expelled student, Nikolas Cruz, took an Uber ride to the Parkland High School of 3,000 students. He carried an AR-15 and extra magazines of ammunition and proceeded to murder 17, and injured at least 14 students and staff. He left the school, was arrested nearby, and admitted to the crime.
Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted, "It is one of the great moral failures of American society that we allow kids to get killed in schools. No one thing can fix this, but doing absolutely nothing makes it worse."

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MEASURES BEFORE THE U.S. SENATE TO PROTECT DREAMers, young working and student immigrants brought illegally to the U.S. as children, failed on Thursday. Sen. Mazie Hirono released a statement explaining her votes to help prevent their deportation. "I have consistently supported a clean DREAM Act, and voted in favor of the Coons-McCain amendment today that came very close to it. And while it earned the support of a bipartisan group of 52 senators, the vast majority of Republicans blocked this effort."

Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke on the Senate floor ,
urging passage of measures to protect DREAMers.

When Coons-McCain failed, she voted for another measure, the Rounds-King amendment, which included DREAMer protection, but also funding for Pres. Donald Trump's wall. Said Hirono, "We were left with only one option to protect the 800,000 current" - recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - "DACA recipients and an additional one million DREAMers who the President has threatened with deportation. It's for them that I voted for the Rounds-King amendment." Hirono said she voted aye, even though it includes provisions she strongly opposes, including $25 billion for Trump's wall.
"The Republicans also sought to dismantle our legal, family-based immigration system," said Hirono. "Democrats fought hard to limit the damage. President Trump created this crisis when he cancelled DACA and threw 800,000 young people under the bus. And with his recent veto threat, he has made it abundantly clear that protecting Dreamers is the farthest thing from his mind."
Two other immigration measures also failed to pass on Thursday. The deadline imposed for replacing DACA is March 5.

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DENNIS "FRESH" ONISHI will become the governor's liaison for East Hawaiʻi beginning Friday. Gov. David Ige announced the appointment on Thursday.

Fresh Onishi is Gov. David Ige's new liaison for East Hawaiʻi, which
includes Volcano, Pāhala, and Punaluʻu to Honuʻapo.

Onishi worked for the County of Hawai‘i for 29 years, including eight years on the Hawai‘i County Council. From 2008 to 2016, Onishi served as chair of the council's Committee on Environmental Management; chair of the Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development; and Vice Chair of the Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation.
Onishi has also worked for the Hawai‘i State Association of Counties, and most recently as interim president and chief professional officer of the Hawai‘i Island United Way.
"Fresh was born and raised in Hilo and has spent most of his life serving the people of Hawai‘i Island. I know that he will continue his exemplary service through the Office of the Governor," said Ige.
"I will always work hard for the people to make the Big Island a better place to live," Onishi said. Onishi is a graduate of Hilo High School and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

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A BILL THAT REP. TULSI GABBARD DESCRIBES AS UNDERMINING THE AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT received her no vote on Thursday in Congress. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed with bipartisan support and signed by Pres. George H. W. Bush in 1990. The new measure, HR620, would place "burdensome requirements on individuals with disabilities, making it

more difficult for them to access equal rights protections," said Gabbard. Nevertheless, HR620 passed the House by a vote of 225-192.
According to the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, 15 percent of Hawai‘i residents are disabled - higher than the national average. The National Federation for the Blind of Hawai‘i also reported that Hawai‘i is home to roughly 22,700 people with a visual disability.
Gabbard said, "For more than 25 years, the American Disabilities Act has been instrumental in expanding and protecting fair, equal opportunities for disabled Americans. HR620 unravels this progress, making it easier for employers to skirt around discrimination laws and requiring people with disabilities to jump through hoops for the equal access protections to which they are entitled. I've heard from many community organizations in Hawai‘i that shared how this legislation would hurt our more than 210,000 disabled residents. I stand with them in strong opposition to this harmful legislation."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, speaking on HR620, which she voted against on Feb. 15.

National Federation of the Blind of Hawai‘i issued a statement saying the bill would "diminish the rights of blind people by eroding the foundation of the ADA." The ADA assures that all Americans with disabilities "have the right to live free from exclusion and discrimination in any way in American society. The ADA ensures that anyone with a disability can enjoy the benefits of living in our free and open state and country alongside all other citizens. In short, the ADA is the persons with disabilities equality act, which must not be diminished in either its force or effect. We call upon everyone in Hawai‘i and throughout the U. S. to join us in opposing HR620, which is a deceptive attempt to repeal the ADA."
Aloha State Association of the Deaf issued a statement saying it "strongly opposes this bill because it will affect Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing citizens of Hawai‘i."

Special Olympics Hawai‘i issued a statement, saying that it "strongly supports legislation that guarantees the rights, full participation, and integration of people with intellectual disabilities. We appreciate the progress that has been made towards eliminating the stigma, stereotypes, isolation, and discrimination that people with intellectual disabilities face - most importantly around access to sport, health, and education. We ask Congress to remain vigilant against any erosion of any provisions that have made a substantial difference in the lives of people with disabilities."
HR620 is opposed by numerous civil rights, disability rights, and other organizations including AARP, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, NAACP, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Association of Justice, ACLU, AFSCME, National Disability Rights Network, American Association of People with Disabilities, National Council of Disability, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Easterseals, National Foundation of the Blind, and United Cerebral Palsy.

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.

February 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.

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

FREE LOMILOMI DEMONSTRATION AT KAHUKU from master practitioner, Fri., Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, near mile marker 70.5 on Hwy 11 - nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA & OLI WITH KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE hosted on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery, Fri., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei. The free hike is offered Friday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MARDI GRAS AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH hosted Friday, Feb. 16; doors at 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets at the door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family - 939-7555.

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON RAISING THE STATE SALES TAX TO 4.5 PERCENT Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., at Volcano Cooper Center. The increase would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and sunset Dec. 31, 2030, be collected by the State of Hawaiʻi, and turned over to the County of Hawaiʻi - to be used for transportation only.

Hele On buses would be upgraded with new tax hike.
See details on public hearing tomorrow, left.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE AND NĀ MEA HULA HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Sat., Feb. 17. Free. Hula Kahiko on kahua hula (platform) near Volcano Art Center Gallery, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Nā Mea Hula from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai. Sponsored by Volcano Art Center, volcanoartcenter.org.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū HEAD TO PANA‘EWA for annual Stampede Rodeo, Feb. 17, 18, and 19. Rodeo Grounds open at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will protect the paniolo and entertain - HawaiiRodeo
Stampede .com.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitary
camp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY AT PUNALU‘U. The Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at the tiny Hokuloa chapel above the sea. The service will replace the regular worship service in the Wai‘ohinu church. An additional commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

People & Land of Kahuku hike. Photo by Dave Boyle, National Park Service

MONDAY, FEB. 19

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

Photo from wikihow

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUESDAY, FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

UPCOMING

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The Chinese dragon dance comes to Kaʻū during festivities throughout the years. Friday is Chinese New Year, with 2018 the Year of the Dog.
See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

A BILL THAT WOULD LIMIT INDUSTRIAL-SCALE SOLAR DEVELOPMENT in residential subdivisions passed another hurdle in the state House of Representatives on Wednesday. House Bill 2665 would require that future solar developments exceeding 15 kW in "non-conforming subdivisions" like those in Ocean View and Puna, obtain a county permit, with public input for the decision-making.

The idea for the bill developed after SPI Energy acquired the rights to install a 6.75 MW solar project, on 26 house lots among homes in Ocean View subdivisions Ranchos, Kona South, and Kula Kai. ʻŌhiʻa and other trees would be cut and solar panels installed to cover the lots, surrounded by chain-link fencing.

The project faces strong opposition from the community. More than 650 residents signed a petition and sent in approximately 90 letters to the Public Utilities Commission. The majority of people attending four community meetings opposed the project.

County Council's Maile
David, who supports HB 2665.
Photo by Ann Bosted

The development is allowed under current law. While Ocean View is home to an estimated 7,000 residents, it is zoned Agriculture and solar development is a permitted activity on certain agricultural lands without a county permit. The need for a county permit, which is required for many businesses on agricultural land, was waived by the legislature to fast track bringing renewable energy to Hawai‘i, to wean the state from reliance on imported fossil fuels. However, the Ocean View project is over five years past the time it was going to be built, and the cost-benefit of alternative energy programs has changed.

HB 2665 was introduced to the House by Rep. Richard Creagan and is strongly supported by County Council Member Maile David. The bill passed its first reading in the House Jan. 24, and was unanimously passed, with a modification by the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection on Feb. 6. The bill unanimously passed the Agriculture and Water & Land Committees, which met jointly on Wednesday, Feb. 15,

The bill's next hurdle will be the House Finance Committee. Once a hearing date is set, the public will have two days to submit testimony. If the committee, chaired by Rep. Sylvia Luke, approves the bill, it will go to the Senate for hearings by state Senate committees.

Testimony in support of the bill was submitted to the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection by Daniel Orodenker, Director of the Land Use Commission, and Ka`u's County Council member Maile David. Supporting testimony also came from Sandy Shelton, Philip Flanders, Ann Bosted, Larry D. Shelton, Stanley Troeller (owner of South Point U Cart), Verna Loosli, Joan Gunnon, Betsy "Sparow" Guyre-Allen, and Linda Raquinio.

Rep. Richard Creagan,
who introduced HB 2665.
Photo by Ann Bosted

The joint hearing by the committees for Agriculture and Water & Land received supporting testimony from Orodenker, David, Bosted, Robert and Susan Werner, Raquinio, Anitra Pickett, Diane Ware, and Greta Pickett.

In testimony to the Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, Philip Flanders wrote: "HB 2665 will protect residential communities from industrialization. The future growth of solar installations is inevitable. County permitting will help prevent mismatches between infrastructure and solar development projects. It is a sensible bill."

Stanley Troeller, the owner of South Point U-Cart for 35 years, wrote: "If [the developer] would have applied for the proper use permit at the start, we would not have the problem presented to the County today, as it would have been obvious that this was not feasible at that time."

Verna Loosli wrote: "There are many reasons why this project is not suitable. Public Safety being number one. We do not have fire safety in place. Fire fighters aren't trained for electrical producing facilities. We have no public water or fire hydrants."

Betsy Guyre-Allen wrote: "I acquired a special use permit for a veterinary clinic as required, despite the fact that veterinary clinics are specified as permitted in ag. zoned/residential neighborhoods. I greatly respect the special use permit process as a fair and balanced way for planning commission and residents alike to make appropriate decisions for commercial businesses operating in a neighborhood. It is a reasonable requirement for any corporate business operating within a residential community."

An example of what the lots might look like, after being covered with solar panels.

In testimony to the committees on Agriculture and Land & Water, Bob and Sue Werner wrote: "While large scale solar projects might have, at the time, been appropriate for large agricultural tracts of limited utility, it is certainly not appropriate for residential communities."

Linda Raquinio, owner of Sunlines Hawai‘i, submitted testimony about public health and safety issues, widespread community opposition, lawlessness, and predicted a "freefall of property values." She concluded: "Please know that I am not anti-solar. I am simply pro-residential and pro-agriculture. I simply recognize the need and indeed fairness that industrial solar entities should be required to adhere to the same rules as other businesses like Bed & Breakfasts, commercial kitchens, water hauling companies, Real Estate companies, and restaurants, etc., as regarding special use permits.

"This bill is fair, no cost to the state, and protects residents of non-conforming subdivisions (mostly in agricultural areas) the same protections they would receive if located in a Rural District. No one chooses to reside in country communities to live next door or opposite to three acres of eight-foot chain link fence, with ugly signage Danger high voltage keep out where beautiful ʻŌhiʻa trees once stood!"

Anitra Picket submitted testimony saying that she was forced to leave her Ranchos property and business when the project came to light. She wrote: "In no way is it acceptable for them to be installed in communities with houses. As in other jurisdictions around the world, they are responsibly placed only in areas with no immediate communities or human habitation. Hawai‘i should pass this bill to ensure that our communities are not taken advantage of by speculators, or outside investors seeking loopholes in state laws."

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2018 USHERS IN THE YEAR OF THE DOG TODAY, and there are a lot of ways to celebrate, including going on a hike in Volcano with a Mandarin-speaking guide (see event below). More traditional ways include: setting off firecrackers; cleaning the living space; gifting young relatives with money-stuffed with li see (lucky red envelopes); "feeding" the dragon or lion - dancers in an elaborate costume - money, for good luck; making special foods, such as sesame balls or mochi; visiting temple; ringing bells; and wearing and decorating with a lot of red, which is said to bring happiness.

The Year of the Dog is so named because of the Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao, which has twelve animals, each taking over from the previous animal between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian (standard) calendar, as Chinese New Year is based on lunar cycles.

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Isolated in an abandoned quarry on the northern slope of Mauna Loa, HI-SEAS 2018 Mission VI began its eight-month long, UH and
NASA research project this week. See story below. Photos from HI-SEAS

A NEW HI-SEAS CREW BEGAN EIGHT MONTHS OF ISOLATION on Thursday, to simulate space travel and life on Mars. The international crew dwells in a geodesic dome at 8,000 feet in an abandoned quarry on Mauna Loa. HI-SEAS means Hawaiʻi Space Exploration Analog and Simulation. The sixth mission began Thursday around 5 p.m., when four crew members entered the dome. The crew is sponsored by University of Hawaiʻi, NASA, and other institutions, and will gather information on human behavior and performance, in hopes of determining team and individual requirements for lengthy space travel, especially to Mars.

This year's crew members are "the most international crew in the history of the research project," says the statement from UH-Mānoa. They come from Korea, Scotland, Slovakia, and Australia. They began nine days of training and briefings on Feb. 7.

Sukjin Han is an assistant professor in

economics at University of Texas at
Austin, specializing in econometrics.
His research focuses on developing
statistical methods to evaluate causal
effects of treatments or interventions,
such as medical interventions, social
programs or economic policies. He is

particularly interested in settings where

treatments are endogenously determined
by agents in the system, due to the

optimization and interaction of the agents.

Sukjin Han is an assistant professor in economics at University of Texas at Austin. Calum Hervieu is an astrophysicist and systems engineer from rural Scotland. Michaela Musilova is an astrobiologist with a research focus on life in extreme environments. Lisa Stojanovski is a professional science communicator, who manages the Australian chapter of the Space Generation Advisory Council. Read more about HI-SEAS Mission VI and its crew.

Calum Hervieu is an astrophysicist and

systems engineer, who grew up in

rural Scotland. Prior to joining HI-SEAS

Mission VI, He was part of the

Spaceship EAC initiative at European

Space Agency's European Astronaut

Centre, Germany, where he was working

to develop goals and best practices for

future human and robotic missions to the

lunar surface.

Professor Kim Binsted of UH- Mānoa, Principal Investigator of HI-SEAS, stated, "This is the first time we've selected a crew that includes members from four different countries of origin. As HI-SEAS is an international collaboration between researchers, mission support, and crew, it is great to see this diversity reflected in the Mission VI crew. For humans to successfully undertake a long-duration spaceflight to Mars, it will require a global collaboration, and so it seems appropriate that our Mission VI begins with this spirit of internationalism."

As the research and experienced mission control teams watch and support them, the crew will spend the next eight months performing research, exploration tasks, and daily routines.

Michaela Musilova is an astrobiologist

with experience working at the NASA

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; University

of LondonObservatory; on European

Space Agency’s and UK Space Agency's

projects; leading numerous expeditions

to extreme environments and being an

analogue astronaut and commander at the

Mars Desert Research Station. She is

currently the chair of the Slovak Organisation

for Space Activities, a visiting professor at

the Slovak University of Technology and a

lecturer for the InternationalSpaceUniversity.

Multiple primary and opportunistic research studies, conducted by scientists from across the U.S. who are "at the forefront of their fields", focus on behavioral research. This includes a shared social behavioral task for team building, continuous monitoring of face-to-face interactions with sociometric badges, a virtual reality team-based collaborative exercise to predict individual and team behavioral health, and performance and multiple stress and cognitive countermeasure and monitoring studies.

The exploration tasks will be held under strictures designed to emulate the isolated and confined conditions of real space travel and planetary surface exploration. Specifics, like a twenty-minute delay on all outside communications, mirror what present technology would be like in Earth-to-Mars communication.

Lisa Stojanovski is a professional science

communicator who is passionate about making

humanity a spacefaring civilization. In 2017,

She toured remote and regional Australia

with the Shell Questacon Science Circus to earn

a master of science communication outreach.

She creates content for the live web show

TMRO, while managing the Australian chapter

of the Space Generation Advisory Council.

Mundane daily tasks, such as eating and food preparation - from shelf-stable sources only - and exercise, and other tasks, such as research and field work, will be undertaken to align with NASA's planetary exploration expectations.

HI-SEAS Mission VI continues a series of successful 8-month and 12-month missions that place HI-SEAS in the company of a small group of analogs capable of operating very long duration missions in isolated and confined environments such as Mars500, Concordia, and the International Space Station.

Video from HI-SEAS Mission V, which ended in Sept. 2017, can be viewed here.

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TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR COMES TO PĀHALA, Sunday, Mar. 11, at 10 a.m., River of Life Assembly of God has announced that the group will minister through song and testimony, as well as spread awareness of the Teen Challenge Program. To find out more, visit rolhawaii.com, or call 443-9394.

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OCEAN VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH ANNOUNCES BASKETBALL CAMP for keiki in 1st through 6th grade at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. The week-long camp, scheduled for Monday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., kicks off with pizza the first day. The event flier states that campers will be able to learn the skills of basketball in a "fun environment." The Ocean View Baptist Facebook page suggests that bible lessons will also be part of the program. Space is limited. Register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

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February 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.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, with Paul and Jane Field, Sat., Feb. 17 and Mon., Feb. 19, 8:45 a.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public Sat., Feb. 17 to Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Irvine shares his inspirations and techniques at an opening reception on Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

CELEBRATIONS HONOR HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA AT PUNALU‘U. Bell ringing ceremony and gathering will take place at Hokuloa Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. A Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., also at the tiny chapel above the sea.

THE ART EXPRESS, Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 20; Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com - discoveryharbour.net/art-express.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

Stampede .com.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ at Crater Rim Café, Sat., Feb. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests; park entrance fees apply - 967-8356 or kilaueamilitary
camp.com.

BUNCO & POTLUCK, Sat., Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Bring a dish to share - call Margie Hack at 541-954-8297.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

MONDAY, FEB. 19

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

Volunteers from Japan help clear invasive ginger from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
lands at Stewardship at the Summit. Join the effort on Monday, Feb. 19.
Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUESDAY, FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū; residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

UPCOMING

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One of the largest masses of discarded fishing nets to ever wash up on Hawaiʻi's shores rolled
into Kamilo and will be cleaned up by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund. Photo from International Pacific Research Center/UH

FOURTY TONS OF NET AT KAMILO BEACH will be one of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund's largest single cleanup efforts to date. HWF has removed about 230 tons of marine debris, including many nets from the Ka‘ū Coast, during the last 15 years. The multi-colored mass of nets that washed up recently will be a huge challenge, given the remote location and size.

The International Pacific Research Center at University of Hawai‘i, which studies climate and environment, sent representatives to Kamilo and they saw the nets. One scientist, Sarah-Jeanne Royer, who made the estimate of the nets weighing 40 tons, said the mass of netting is likely the largest to wash up on Hawai‘i shores in recent times.

The institute, which is part of the UH School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, researches movement of ocean debris and uses GPS trackers to follow nets, plastics, and other rubbish in the Pacific.
Reports of new nets and other large masses of debris floating ashore can be reported to Megan Lamson of Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund at megan@wildhawaii.org, or to the DLNR and IPRC.

Many community groups from home schoolers to regular volunteer coastal cleanup volunteers
have pulled plastics and ,other rubbish off the Kaʻū Coast for decades. Photo from HWF

Nets and other debris endanger seabirds, hawksbill turtles that nest on the Ka‘ū Coast, Hawaiian monk seals that haul out onto the Ka‘ū Coast, and humpback whales that live and give birth offshore.

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LOCKDOWN EXERCISES AT LOCAL SCHOOLS will begin soon, as the state Department of Education sends a letter home with students on Tuesday to ask parents to talk with children about staying safe. The letter, released Friday online, comes in the wake of the Parkland Florida high school slaughter of 17 students and staff members on Wednesday.
The letter from state Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto, says: "The horrific event that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida has had an impact on many parents, teachers, and students. Across the country, school districts are dealing with rumors or threats against school safety that is spread via social media. The Hawai‘i State Dept. of Education is no exception and an investigation is launched."
Kishimoto goes on to say, "The safety and security for students and staff are top priorities for HIDOE schools," and that all those schools are required to create and update a safety plan, and to conduct five emergency preparedness drills, which include lock-down exercises. She also stated that HIDOE works with county police departments in conducting active-shooter drills.

Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto

She outlines the penalties for "terroristic threats," which are considered Class A student conduct offenses, with school-led consequences ranging from detention, to dismissal with the possibility of arrest and serious criminal charges.
"We encourage you to talk with your child and emphasize the seriousness of these types of threats. If you need assistance in determining what is appropriate, the National Association of School Psychologists provides resources," available here. "The well-being of our students is a community effort and we appreciate your help as we work together to keep all our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's school."
At the legislature, Senate Bill 2576 would require all public schools to carry out surprise emergency practice drills, update emergency management plans annually, and provide teachers and other staff with emergency preparedness training. It passed a second reading on Thursday, and is going before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. However, the Superintendent has asked the legislature to hold off for Department of Education assessments and planning.

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FEDERAL RESPECT FOR STATE MARIJUANA LAW is in legislation, supported by Sen. Mazie Hirono. She joins Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and other senators to urge Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to include the provisions on marijuana in fiscal year 2018 appropriations. Deadline to finalize those appropriations bills is March 23.

Hawai‘i state has legalized marijuana for medical use.

Hirono and senators wrote that a majority of states - including Hawai‘i - have some form of reduced restrictions on marijuana. The Department of Justice, under Pres. Barack Obama, issued guidance memoranda to provide state and local governments, and citizens, a framework for legitimate businesses. However, on Jan. 4, 2018, the Attorney General under Pres. Donald Trump, rescinded this guidance.

The senators contend that taking away federal consideration of state law creates "disruption, confusion, and uncertainty throughout the country. Citizens who have been acting in good faith based on federal and state assurances now feel exposed. This disruption may deny medications to the sick, push individuals back into illicit markets, and nullify the previously-effective regulations - all while thwarting the democratically-expressed will of the states.

"It is our hope that the fiscal year 2018 appropriations will alleviate the turbulence the Attorney General's abrupt decision has caused and that the appropriations will help preserve the strong regulatory frameworks the states have created," the senators continued. "Doing so will provide the opportunity to pursue federal legislation that both protects the legitimate federal interests at stake and respects the will of the states - both those that have liberalized their marijuana laws and those that have not."

The letter was also signed by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Edward Markey (D-MA).

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS' ANNUAL HŌʻIKE at its Kea‘au campus will be a rock opera called Kū I Ka Mana. With libretto written by theater kumu Eric Stack and music by choir director Herb Mahelona, the production will be presented in Hawaiian and English.
It opens to the public for two performances: Thursday, March 15, and Friday, March 16, both at 6 p.m., in Koaiʻa Gymnasium. Tickets are $5, available online, at the door, or from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on school days at the high school office or Student Activities Center.
The performances showcase talents of the entire school body - as actors, dancers, musicians and crew - with the Elementary School Keiki Choir and the Mamalahoe Chapter of the Kamehameha Alumni Chorus joining in.
The Steampunk-themed rock opera follows the aftermath of the 1874 death of King William Charles Lunalilo, which left the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi without an appointed successor to the throne. The political intrigue and personal drama behind the election that followed, between King David Kalākaua and Queen Emma Rooke, is dramatized in music and dance.

"Hōʻike productions focus on some aspect of Hawaiian history or culture presented to the public with the goal to educate our haumāna and to share with the community," says the Kamehameha Schools website. "It is a unique opportunity to celebrate Hawaiian culture, history, and language, and to instill pride and appreciation for things Hawaiian."

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WHY ARE HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY SCIENTISTS TALKING SO MUCH ABOUT MAUNA LOA? This is the question answered in this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey HVO scientists and affiliates:
In recent weeks, USGS HVO joined forces with several other agencies to talk about Mauna Loa at community events and other public meetings. Unfortunately, some information presented at these gatherings has been misinterpreted. This article will explain why HVO is talking so much about a volcano that hasn't erupted in more than three decades, and to clarify a few facts.

Mauna Loa, Earth's largest active volcano, has erupted 33 times since 1843, producing the lava flows shown in black. All of these historic eruptions started at the summit of the volcano. From there, the eruptions either stayed in the summit area or migrated down the volcano's Northeast or Southwest Rift Zones. Some Mauna Loa eruptions occurred at radial vents, indicated by red squares, scattered across the north and west flanks of the volcano. Map from volcanoes.usgs.gov

In 2013-2014, HVO started seeing more earthquakes and an increase in swelling at Mauna Loa. By September 2015, this unrest - indicators of magma on the move - was persistent enough for HVO to change the Volcano Alert Level for Mauna Loa from normal to advisory. However, this alert level does not mean that a Mauna Loa eruption will happen in the near future.
Mauna Loa's earthquake and swelling rates have slowed in recent months, but they are still above the pre-2013 rates and could increase again. So, for now, the volcano's alert level remains at advisory, defined at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/notifications.html.
Population on the Island of Hawaiʻi has essentially doubled since Mauna Loa's most recent eruption in 1984, almost 34 years ago. So, a generation of kamaʻaina, as well as numerous malihini, have not experienced a Mauna Loa eruption, which can produce large, fast-moving ʻaʻā flows.
Consider these examples: During the 1984 eruption, Mauna Loa erupted in about 20 minutes the same volume of lava that Kīlauea erupts, on average, in one day. A 1950 Mauna Loa lava flow traveled 13 mi - from its Southwest Rift Zone to the South Kona coast - in just over 3 hours. In contrast, the 2014 Kīlauea lava flow that threatened Pāhoa took four months to travel a similar distance. So, experiencing Kīlauea pāhoehoe flows does not necessarily prepare anyone for Mauna Loa ʻaʻā flows.

Mauna Loa tends to erupt large, fast-moving lava flows. About 36 hours
after the 1984 eruption began on March 25, lava flowed downstream
(toward bottom-right of photo) through this ʻaʻā channel down-rift from
the main vent. For scale, note the USGS scientists at work on the left
side of the 77-yard-wide lava channel. Photo from volcanoes.usgs.gov

Given the volcano's past eruptions and recent unrest, it's wise to talk about Mauna Loa now - well before an eruption is about to happen. Thus, HVO is informing residents about the eruptive history, hazards, and current status of Earth's largest active volcano. The challenge is to increase awareness of Mauna Loa and how to prepare for a future eruption, without creating unnecessary anxiety.
With that in mind, here are some facts about the volcano:
● Mauna Loa, which covers more than half Hawaiʻi Island's surface area, is an active volcano that has erupted 33 times since 1843. It will erupt again, but exactly when is not yet known.
● All 33 eruptions since 1843 started at the summit of Mauna Loa. About half of those eruptions began at the summit, stayed in the summit area, and posed no threat other than increased vog.
● What about the other half? About 24 percent started at Mauna Loa's summit, then migrated down the volcano's Northeast Rift Zone. Eruptions along this rift zone produce flows that could advance toward Hilo, as happened in 1984, but the slopes are gentle enough that it typically takes weeks to months for lava to reach the island's east coast.
● Around 21 percent started at the summit, then migrated to lower elevations along Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone. With steep slopes on both sides of this rift zone, lava flows can reach the ocean in a matter of hours to days. Fast-moving ʻaʻā flows reached the South Kona coast in 3 to 18 hours in 1950, 24 hours in 1919, and 4 days in 1926.
● The remaining Mauna Loa eruptions are from radial vents on the volcano's north and west flanks. In 1859, an eruption from a radial vent at 11,000 feet elevation sent an ʻaʻā flow to the coast in eight days.
● Mauna Loa eruptions have sent lava into both North and South Kona. However, Kailua-Kona is shielded from Mauna Loa flows by Hualālai. Hualālai is also an active volcano, but it is currently showing no signs of unrest.
The hope of USGS HVO is that Hawaiʻi residents will become more aware of Mauna Loa and how they can prepare for the volcano's next eruption without fear or panic. USGS HVO does not expect Mauna Loa to erupt in the near future. However, HVO and USGS continue to closely monitor the volcano, and will notify authorities and island residents of any changes.

Updates and monitoring data for Mauna Loa are posted on HVO's website https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/. Guidance on preparing a family emergency plan for natural hazards, including eruptions, is available from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense/.

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MOKUHANGA: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING, a five-session workshop with Sensei Glenn Yamanoha, starts Thursday, Mar. 8, announces Volcano Art Center. The weekly workshop, which takes place from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., continues every Thursday until Apr. 5.

Learn the art of traditional Japanese Woodblock printmaking with
Sensei Glenn Yamonoga. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

"Do you remember the Great Wave off Kanagawa or Red Fuji? They are classic images immediately recognizable, but did you know they are fine examples of Mokuhanga?" states the event description.

Traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking is a relief printing technique that uses Japanese tools and natural materials. Instructor Yamanoha will introduce the basic process in four hands-on sessions. Attendees will learn the fundamental techniques of Mokuhanga such as cutting with chisels, preparing blocks and paper, registration, and printing with a baren (printing pad).
Mokuhanga differs from western woodblock in that it is water-based printing with sumi ink, watercolor and nori (rice paste), so no toxic solvents are used; it is printed with a hand held baren rather than a press; and it employs the accurate "kento" registration method, cut directly into the block. By utilizing non-toxic, "green" materials, it readily combines traditional processes with new printing technologies.
Yamanoha studied woodblock printing in Kyoto, Japan, on a Monbusho (Japan Government) scholarship between 1988-90. He lives in Volcano Village and runs Volcano Gravel.
The course fee is $72 per VAC member, $80 per non-member, plus a $40 supply fee. No experience necessary. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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February 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.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, opens to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU FREE, GUIDED HIKE, Sun., Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., within Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 2.5-mile, moderately difficult, hike over rugged terrain, focusing on the area's human history - nps.gov/HAVO.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū ENTER THE SECOND DAY OF COMPETITION AT PANA‘EWA STAMPEDE Rodeo Grounds on Sunday. Grounds open at 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison protects paniolo and entertains - HawaiiRodeo Stampede .com.

HENRY ‘OPUKAHA‘IA WILL BE HONORED SUNDAY AT PUNALU‘U. The Remembrance Service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. at the tiny Hokuloa chapel above the sea. The service will replace the regular worship service in the Wai‘ohinu church. An additional commemoration service will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m., at Kahikolu Congregational Church on Napo‘opo‘o Rd., where his body was reinterred in 1993.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE DOG on a free, Mandarin-language, easy, guided, two-mile round trip, Chinese New Year hike, with Volunteer Janice Wei, through Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, starting at Kīlauea Visitor Center - nps.gov/HAVO.

MONDAY, FEB. 19

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM Volunteers meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Mon., Feb. 19.
Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū ENTER THE THIRD AND LAST DAY OF COMPETITION AT PANA‘EWA STAMPEDE Rodeo Grounds on Monday. Grounds open at 11 a.m. Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison protects paniolo and entertains - HawaiiRodeo
Stampede .com.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meets Monday, Feb. 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Call 929-9576 or visit discovery
harbour.net.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

SATURDAY, FEB.24

SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Feb 24, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

UPCOMING

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Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native, plant species from a Special Ecological Area, Kīpukapuaulu. See story below. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

YEAR OF THE HAWAIIAN is 2018 and it's official. Last week Gov. David Ige signed Resolution 74, passed by the Hawai‘i State Senate. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is cooperating to help bring the Hawaiian community together this year, with cultural and educational events.

There is much to celebrate, the Governor said, noting that "2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Hawaiian Language immersion programs that have brought the Hawaiian language back from the brink of extinction. Hawaiian language is now thriving, spoken by more than 20,000 people."
This year marks important anniveraries in Hawai‘i's history: It is the 100th anniversary of the first Hawaiian Civic Club, founded by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole - an association and movement which continues to this day; it is the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs by the 1978 Constitutional Convention; and it is the 25th anniversary of the formal apology from Congress and the President of the United States to the Hawaiian people, for America's role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17, 1893.

Senator Kai Kahele and family.

Sen. Kai Kahele, whose family roots are among outrigger canoe fishermen in Miloliʻi and Kaʻū, weighed in. "The ingenuity, knowhow, and brilliance of the Kānaka Hawai‘i has a legacy of creating great change, not just in Hawai‘i, but around the world. Designating 2018 as the Year of the Hawaiian is a good opportunity for the state to continue to recognize this and remind ourselves of our commitments to the Hawaiian community."

Sen. Brickwood Galuteria said, "It is important to me to continue to remind Hawai‘i and kānaka of our collective movements, successes, and goals we have yet to achieve. Our stories may have impacts across the globe, but hold the most meaning nowhere else in the world but here in Hawaiʻi."

The proclamation was signed during a ceremony, also attended by Former Gov. John Waihee, First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige, OHA Chair Colette Machado, and Hawaiian language students, who took part in the signing ceremony and festivities.

Kahele issued a statement about Year of the Hawaiian, saying, "Giving pause and recognizing the accomplishments of Native Hawaiians is important. Culture is the cornerstone of identity and language is how a culture is shared and communicated through. As a Hawaiian, I feel the need to communicate to my family the importance of learning and living in the language. By creating an environment of complete cultural immersion, our children are able to experience the Hawaiian culture in its most authentic form."

He shared that his children attend a Hawaiian language school, and concluded with, "Today was a great day for our community and I know there will be more to come. As the session continues, please don't hesitate to share your manaʻo on those issues you feel similarly passionate about. If you need help navigating the legislative process, don't hesitate to contact me or my staff at 808-586-6760 or senkkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov."

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Justin Kripps, front, in PyeongChang,
South Korea. Photo from Justin Kripps

KAʻŪ-BORN JUSTIN KRIPPS FINISHED SECOND IN TWO-MAN BOBSLEIGH heats at PyeongChang in the wee hours of Sunday morning. He piloted the team Canada sled twice to finish 0.10 second behind the first-place German team and 0.19 seconds ahead of the third place German team. In two races, the first place team sailed down the 1,376.38 meters (.86 miles) distance with an average time of 39.39 seconds.
After two more races early Monday morning, times for the four races will be averaged to determine the medal winners.
"I think we have a great shot," said Kripps. "I really like this track. It is fun to drive. I put together two pretty good runs - wanted a little bit better - but all-in-all a great start. We just have to put together two runs that are a little better tomorrow. We'll buckle down and get a few more hundredths out of the start."
The third and fourth two-man races will be Monday morning at 1:15 a.m. and 4 a.m. HST. They can be viewed live at http://stream.nbcolympics.com/bobsled-two-man-3-4.
Kripps' two man team for Canada is a favorite for the gold. He will also pilot the four-man races, which will culminate on Sunday, Feb. 25.

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A volunteer helps remove invasive ginger at Hawai‘i
Volcanoes National Park Stewardship event. Photo from NPS

MARCH DATES FOR STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site, have been announced. Both programs offer volunteers the opportunity to help native Hawaiian forest plant species thrive by removing invasive, non-native, plant species.

Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu, which takes place in an area said to be home to an astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants, is scheduled for every Thursday - Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 - at 9:30 a.m. Participants meet at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, on Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, in the park. Volunteers should: bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water; wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that you don't mind getting permanently stained from morning glory sap; and be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteers are asked to contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com for more information.

Stewardship at the Summit will take place on Mar. 3, 9, 16, 23, and 31. Participants meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should: wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants; and bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, is required for volunteers under 18. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

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Pratt residence exterior, one of the homes on the
Volcano Design and Wine Home Tour. Photo from VCF

VOLCANO DESIGN AND WINE HOME TOUR returns Saturday, April 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year's tour will feature five homes - two in Volcano Village and three in the Volcano Golf Course subdivision - that were all designed by noted Volcano architect Boone Morrison, and built over a span of several decades, "illustrating an evolution in architectural design," says a statement from Volcano Community Foundation, who organizes the event.
The architect will accompany the group to talk about each home, and point out special features that may be missed by the casual observer. The tour will conclude with an elegant catered bento lunch and wine at the Volcano Winery, and include a free optional tour of the winery.

Participants must be comfortable walking up and down stairs and on uneven ground and will be asked to remove shoes before entering the homes on tour. The cost per participant is $50, and includes transportation, the tour, lunch, and wine.

Hawk residence interior, one of the homes on the
Volcano Design and Wine Home Tour. Photo from VCF

Advance registration required. To reserve a space, contact Janet at Kilauea Lodge Monday-Friday at 967-7366 or email volcanocommunity@gmail.com. Payments should be made by check payable to the Volcano Community Foundation and mailed to the VCF at P.O. Box 94, Volcano Hawaii 96785, or dropped off at the Kilauea Lodge office. Please provide an email address along with payment. Registration confirmation and additional program information will be emailed prior to the tour date.

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MONDAY, FEB. 19

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM volunteers meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center Mon., Feb. 19, at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

PANIOLO FROM KA‘Ū ENTER THE THIRD AND FINAL DAY OF COMPETITION AT PANA‘EWA STAMPEDE Rodeo Grounds on Monday. Grounds open at 11 a.m.on Monday. Buster Barton is the announcer and Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison protects paniolo and entertains - HawaiiRodeo Stampede .com.

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, begins Mon., Feb. 19, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kicks off with pizza on the first day. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meets Monday, Feb. 19, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Call 929-9576 or visit discovery harbour.net.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

February 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.

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUES., FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day, Wed., Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū; residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

Ocean View Baptist Church offers
basketball camp all this week at Kahuku Park.

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

LAST DAY OF BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

There be whales in these here waters. Join the community for the
second of three weekends to count whale for sanctuaryoceancount.org.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

SUNDAY, FEB. 25

TRAVERSE SCENIC PASTURES ALONG AN ANCIENT CINDER CONE, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer, Sunday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Moderately difficult, guided, 2.6-mile hike along the Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

UPCOMING

ONGOING

TĪ AND SEAS, NEW ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

HULA WERK!, Mondays through Mar. 26, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Workout class that incorporates Hula, Tahitian, and Hip Hop. Bring pareo (sarong), water, and shoes (optional). Free; donations welcome. Ulu Makuakane, 640-9694.

YOGA IN THE PARK hosted Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Free, donations requested; open to all levels and taught by a Yoga Therapist and Pilates instructor - LaurieBoyle@AlohaTherapies.com.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI classes, led by Kumu Hula Debbie Leionalani Ryder, Wednesdays at Pāhala Community Center. Keiki classes are 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., adult beginners 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and adult advanced 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Register by coming to class or call 649-9334.

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, February 1, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, February 2, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, February 3, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, February 4, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, February 5, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday February 6, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, February 8, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, February 9, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, February 10, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, February 11, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, February 12, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, February 15, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, February 16, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, February 17, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, February 18, 2018