The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Destruction caused by the 1868 great Kaʻū earthquake included the Waiʻōhinu Congregational Church. With a
magnitude estimated at 7.9, the earthquake was the largest in Hawaii's recorded history. Photo by Henry L. Chase,
published in Volcanoes of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa on the Island of Hawaiʻi by W.T. Brigham,
Bishop Museum Press, 1909. See story below.

SPINLAUNCH HAS WIDENED ITS SEARCH FOR A SPACE LAUNCH FACILITY. In a bill that would help raise $25 million for the company through tax incentives, the list of possible Hawaiian sites to locate the business has been broadened from Hawaiʻi Island to all of Hawaiʻi. Recently mentioned locations have included South Point, Molokaʻi and Kauaʻi. The possible use of Pohuʻe Bay in Kaʻū, for sale for $18 million, is in retreat.

The Senator from Oʻahu who proposed the SpinLaunch Special Purpose Revenue Bond for the project, released a news statement on Friday. "I heard from the people in Kaʻū. I don't want to give residents the impression that any future launch site was destined for their neighborhood."

Hawaiʻi Island Economic Development Board posts "Respect for native culture" on its website. The organization
was retained by SpinLaunch to help with community outreach.

Sen. Glenn Wakai chairs the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology, and looked at SpinLaunch as an economic development opportunity. He visited the SpinLaunch headquarters in California to see its model for a spinning machine. SpinLaunch aims to fling small satellites and packages into space at a much lower price than using solid fuel rockets, giving more access to space for research and commerce.

However, the Aha Moku local Kaʻū advisory group to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources wrote to the legislature, objecting to funding the project before talking to the people here.

On Thursday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee recommended approval of HB2559. In his Friday press release, Wakai said that he asked SpinLaunch to search for sites other than Pohuʻe Bay. “I sincerely apologize for alarming the people of Kaʻū," he said. "I still believe Hawai‘i can play a role in the global aerospace industry, but not at Pohuʻe Bay.”

Liz Kuluwaimaka, Council member Maile David, and Darlyne Vierra asked SpinLaunch
to talk to Kaʻū before asking for funding. They are shown here with famed paniolo
Winslow Vierra at a Kaʻū Multicultural event in 2014. Photo by Julia Neal

Even with Pohuʻe Bay likely off the SpinLaunch radar, Wakai and SpinLaunch representatives plan to keep their meeting with the Kaʻū community on Saturday, April 14, at 10 a.m.
Also expected to attend is Jacquie Hoover, Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Island Economic Development Board, who works with private enterprise and is contracted by SpinLaunch for community outreach. The non-profit organization's website at hiedb.org states that one of its values is "Respect for Native Culture."
Hosting the meeting will be the Ahu Moku group, including Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka, who head up the Kaʻū Multicultural Society and experienced long careers in Kaʻū with the Office of Economic Opportunity, which assists the underprivileged.

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THE SEISMIC EVENT THAT DEVASTATED KA‘Ū 150 YEARS AGO is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

The Catholic church built by Sacred Heart fathers, including Saint Damien,
was destroyed by the Great Kaʻū Earthquake in 1868. The remains of the
building have been recovered. It is a garden for native Hawaiian
and canoe plants.

This week marks 150 years since the largest earthquake to strike Hawai‘i in the last two centuries. Estimated to have been at least magnitude-7.9, this earthquake struck near Pāhala in the Ka'ū District of the Island of Hawaiʻi on April 2, 1868.

Known as the Great Kaʻū Earthquake, the event had the same maximum intensity as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, defined as "extreme shaking" on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. It was felt as far away as Kauaʻi and stopped clocks on Oʻahu. In Kaʻū, where people were bounced like balls from shaking that went on for several minutes, the destruction was nearly total. Stone buildings and walls were destroyed as far away as Hilo.

The shaking caused landslides from Kaʻū to Hawaiʻi Island's northern Hāmākua coast, and induced a small eruption on Kīlauea Volcano's Southwest Rift Zone. A mudslide in WoodValleynorth of Pāhala buried 31 Hawaiians. A tsunami, consisting of at least eight waves over several hours, was estimated to be more than 6 m (20 ft) high in Kaʻū. The waves caused damage from South Point (Kalae) to CapeKumukahi (Kapoho), destroyed more than 100 structures, and took 47 lives.

If it happened today, the great Kaʻū earthquake would be one of the world's strongest earthquakes of this past year. Its size would also rival two of the most deadly events of the past decade: the magnitude-7.8 Nepalearthquake, which killed more than 8,000 people on April 25, 2015, and the magnitude-7.9 Sichuan, China, earthquake, which killed nearly 90,000 people on May 12, 2008. Because the Island of Hawaiʻi was sparsely populated in 1868, the loss of life from the Kaʻū earthquake was limited.

In Hawaiʻi, the most destructive earthquakes occur along a gently sloping fault between the base of the volcanoes and the ancient ocean floor on which they are built. This fault, located at a depth of approximately 11 km (7 mi), is known geologically as a décollement, from the French word "décoller," which means "to detach from."

Left: This cross-section through the south part of the Island of Hawaiʻi illustrates the hypocenter of the 1868 great Kaʻū earthquake (red star), located
on the décollement (bold black line) between Mauna Loa (brown) and the ancient ocean floor (tan). Earth's lithospheric mantle and the ocean are
represented in green and blue, respectively. Right: The striped pattern on this map of Hawaiʻi Island indicates the areas of Mauna Loaand Kīlauea
that must have moved along the décollement to produce the magnitude-7.9 Kaʻū earthquake in 1868. Red lines depict the rift zones on Mauna
Loa (left) and Kīlauea(right). The approximate epicenter of the earthquake is shown as a yellow dot, and the direction of slip along the
décollement is shown with black arrows. Graphics are modified from Max Wyss, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 1988

A large part of the Island of Hawaiʻimoved during the 1868 event. Based on measurements of how much the earth moved during Hawaiʻi's magnitude-7.7 Kalapana earthquake in 1975, which also occurred on the décollement, the entire island south and east of Mauna Loa's summit and rift zones moved seaward and subsided several yards during the great earthquake.

The 1868 Kaʻū earthquake was part of a larger volcanic crisis that unfolded over 16 days. On March 27, an eruption quietly began in Mokuʻāweoweo, the caldera at the summit of Mauna Loa. Seismic activity increased through the day, and by the afternoon of March 28, a magnitude-7.0 earthquake occurred in Kaʻū, which caused extensive damage from its own very strong to violent shaking.

During the following four days, nearly continuous ground shaking was reported in Kaʻū and South Kona. Earthquakes continued at rates of 50 to 300 per day, including a magnitude-6.0 each day, leading up to April 2, when the great Kaʻū earthquake, 15 times stronger than the magnitude-7.0 foreshock, occurred at 4 p.m. A severe aftershock occurred on April 4, and aftershocks of decreasing magnitudes continued for decades.

The Great Kaʻū Earthquake unlocked Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone, and on April 7, 1868, an eruptive fissure opened low on the mountain, just above today's Highway 11 and east of Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. This eruption and the lava flows it produced will be the focus of next week's Volcano Watch.

Though scientists do not know how often events as large as the great Kaʻū earthquake occur, they do know that, in Hawai‘i, active volcanoes drive the stresses that generate the largest earthquakes. Mauna Loa's hazards, therefore, include eruptions, as well as large earthquakes along the décollement in Kaʻū and South Kona - for example, the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that occurred near Captain Cook in 1951.

Because of this, Hawai'i Island residents are encouraged to be prepared for both volcanic eruptions and potentially damaging earthquakes.

Visit HVO'swebsite for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlaueadaily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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

See public 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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala

Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea

Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1
EASTER BRUCH, Sun, Apr 1, 7 a.m. to noon. Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Main entrees: Ham, Beef Pot Roast, and Breakfast Veggie Stir Fry. No reservations required. $17/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

EASTER EGG HUNT, Sun, Apr 1, 9 a.m., ‘Ōhi‘a Room, Kīlauea Military Camp, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to keiki 10 years and under. Registration accepted from 7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Bring a basket. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Pre-register children: 967-8352, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

FOURTH ANNUAL KA‘Ū COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT, Sun, Apr 1, 1 - 3 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Park. Over 6,000 candy filled eggs, over 300 prizes. Free chili & rice bowls. Donations welcome. Free; open to all ages, infants to adults. Pam/Lance, 929-8137, Henri, 464-5042

MONDAY, APRIL 2

SLOGAN/MOTTO CONTEST - Pāhala Public & School Library, continues through Mon, Apr 2. Submit ideas to Nā‘ālehu or Pāhala Library. $55 grand prize awarded on Fri, Apr 13. Friends of Ka‘ū Libraries President Sandra Demouruelle, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com, 929-9244

EASTER EGG HUNT, Mon, Apr 2, noon, Flyin' Hawaiian Coffee, CU Hawai‘i lawn, Nā‘ālehu. Judy Knapp, 640-4712

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING, Mon, Apr 2, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 3
SPECIAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL EVENTS, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 3, 4 & 5, 11 - 1 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Honoring 55th Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, live music. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETINGS & TRAININGS, Tue, Apr 3 & 24, 4 - 6 p.m., Apr 17, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Apr 3, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
AdvoCATS, Wed, Apr 4, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283

Open Mic Night, Wed, Apr 4, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in 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. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5
Veteran's Center & VA Medical Services, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 7
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Training, Sat, Apr 7, 14, 21 & 28, 8:15 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency Community Emergency Response Team training. Free, limited seating, open to public. Bill Hanson, 937-2181. Pre-register online, certkau.eventbrite.com

Stewardship at the Summit, Apr 7, 13, 21 (fee-free day), & 27, 8:45 a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native, plant species. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat, Apr 7, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Hawai‘i Democratic Pre-Convention Meeting, Sat, Apr 7, 11 - 3 p.m., Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. hawaiidemocrats.org

ONGOING

ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

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Egg hunt around the flagpole this morning at Kaʻū Military Camp parade ground. The Easter event was open to
locals and visitors. Photo by Eric DeJesus

A VACATION RENTAL ADVOCACY GROUP URGES OWNERS TO TURN IN TESTIMONY ASAP to the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Rental by Owner Awareness Association released a statement of concern about SB2963 and HB2605; the House bill is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, April 3, by the House Ways and Means Committee.

According to the RBOAA, the bill would require owners to provide proof of compliance with all zoning, land use, and tax laws. Violations of any tax or zoning laws would result in a $25,000 fine if not responded to within seven days. The bill would provide for seizure of the property and all income earned from operating a vacation rental with violations.
Counties could change the zoning to declare a property to be ineligible for vacation rentals and then seize the property if the owner were to continue using it for vacation rentals. Such vacation rental companies as AirBnb and Homeaway would be required to immediately cease doing business with any owner who isn't compliant with all regulations.
The bill originally included language creating a felony for non-compliance, but it was changed to a $25,000 fine.

The bill would make agencies like AirBnB jointly responsible for collecting the Transient Accommodations Taxes. If one party would fail to pay taxes correctly, both rental company and owner would be liable. Counties would be allowed access to information that normally requires at least a subpoena, including 1099 information - "The State Department of Tax is, by federal law, strictly forbidden to release this information to anyone," states RBOAA.

House committees were slow in considering the bill. However, the Senate has rewritten the bill twice and it now goes to hearing on Tuesday.

RBOAA also reports that "On the BigIsland, the County Council was considering a regulatory framework around vacation rentals on the island. The proposal hit a bit of an obstacle, but in general, the proposals were fair and balanced. Not perfect, but a good starting point. Hopefully the proposals come back for further reasoned discussion." See an update on the proposed county ordinance in an upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.
A call to action from RBOAA: "Please, sometime before 10 a.m., Hawaiian time, April 2, 2018, go to https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/submittestimony.aspx. You will need to sign in / create a sign in, and then enter HB2605. At the very least, click on the button which says Oppose. If you want to write any comments, you can say you support the testimony provided by RBOOA or you can write any comment you want. Please keep it polite!"

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LOWER ELECTRIC BILLS for Hawaiʻi Island residential customers are on the horizon, if the Public Utilities Commission approves a rate adjustment proposal from Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co.

The proposal would lower the typical bill for a residential customer using 500 kilowatt hours by $4.97 a month. As of 2017, the utility reported the average rate for a residential customer was 34.20 cents per kilowatt hour, nearly six cents higher than O‘ahu, and 3.56 cents higher than Maui.

The effective date of the new rate will be determined by the Commission. Changes in federal tax law reduced Hawaiʻi Electric Light's corporate tax bill, HELCO reports.

In January, the company announced it planned to pass on the savings to customers, saying it was reviewing the impact of the new tax law, and an updated rate adjustment proposal would be filed when the amount to be returned to customers was calculated. The proposed amount reflects the full year of tax savings. The company made similar rate reductions in 1987 and 1989, following changes to federal tax law.

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Lt. Gov. Doug Chin

THE PAID FAMILY LEAVE BILL PASSED THE STATE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE last week. Lt. Gov. Doug Chin issued a statement:

"I support Senate Bill 2990, S.D.2, H.D. 1 to chart a path for Hawai‘i's future where every ‘ohana and every worker will have the opportunity, and the financial security, to take time off from work to care for a loved one. In this measure, the Hawai‘i State Legislature can affirm and renew our state's commitment to economic justice for working families.

"Hawai‘i's high cost of living means too many of our working families are just surviving instead of thriving. We see families faced with the heartbreaking choice between taking care of themselves or their loved ones and economic ruin. We can – and we must – do better. Not just for today, but for the next generation of innovators, doctors, and scientists who will benefit from parents having the choice to take time off from work to put their ‘ohana first."

Senate Bill 2990 - also supported by Gov. David Ige, and several unions and nonprofits - would make it so that all employees in Hawai‘i have access to leave benefits when they need to provide care for a family member: the birth or adoption of a child, or a spouse or parent with a serious health condition. Amendments were added by the House Finance Committee, but have not yet been published.

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act already provides for 12 weeks of unpaid leave under these circumstances, for companies with 50 or more employees, with Hawai‘i adding a four-week extension for those who work at companies with 100 or more employees.

David Shulkin was fired by Pres.
Trump, drawing concern from
Sen. Mazie Hirono.

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAS REACTED TO THE FIRING OF THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS last week. Pres. Donald Trump fired David Shulkin and nominated White House physician, Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson, to replace him.
Last June, Trump promised that Shulkin, would have a long tenure. Referring to his reality TV line, "You're Fired," the President remarked, "We'll never have to use those words on our David. We will never use those words on you. That's for sure."

The White House Doctor, Adm.
Ronny Jackson, is Trump's nominee
to head the VA.

Hirono stated, "The chaos continues in the White House with the continuous shuffling of cabinet secretaries, the latest being Secretary of Veterans' Affairs David Shulkin. The Department of Veterans' Affairs is an agency already rocked by scandals and reports of infighting, and I had hoped that Secretary Shulkin would have brought the kind of stability and commitment necessary to improve services that our veterans deserve and earned."
Hirono said the new nominee "has led a distinguished military career, but I am concerned about how his lack of management experience will impact his ability to lead our government's second largest agency - with more than 350,000 employees and a nearly $200 billion annual budget. I am also concerned about whether Admiral Jackson will be a rubber stamp for the President's desire to privatize VA health care.

"Admiral Jackson deserves an opportunity to address these concerns directly. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I look forward to reviewing his qualifications, hearing how he plans to address the specific needs of Hawaiʻi veterans, and will hold him to a commitment to strengthen - not privatize - the VA."

According to a Trump quote recorded by NPR, Robert Wilkie of the Department of Defense will serve as acting secretary of the VA.

Basketful of colored eggs at KMC hunt
this morning. Photo by Eric DeJesus

Jackson presided over Trump's first presidential physical, during which he gave the president a clean bill of health. Jackson has been with the White House medical unit since 2006, having served the Bush and Obama families. He specializes in emergency medicine.

Jackson's nomination requires confirmation by the Senate in order for him to take the position.

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MANY EASTER SERVICES AND GATHERINGS were held throughout Kaʻū today, including a morning Easter egg hunt around the flagpole at Kilauea Military Camp. KMC invited the public and its guests to join in the fun, including keiki receiving prizes for finding the most eggs. KMC also offered up an Easter dinner.

PATCH OFFERS TWO CLASSES ON FRIDAY, APRIL 6, AT P.A.R.E.N.T.S, INC., in Nā‘ālehu.

From Sand to Snow, which teaches attendees about sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers, is offered from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Creating Supportive Environments II, which teaches attendees about developing strategies that support children's positive social behavior, is offered from noon to 3 p.m.
Both classes are for adults only with no childcare provided. Those interested in attending are asked to sign up in advance by contacting Rochelle Hall, PATCH, at 238-3472. A $5 refundable registration deposit fee is required.
For more details about the classes and other opportunities through PATCH, visit patchhawaii.org. For more details about P.A.R.E.N.T.s, Inc., visit hawaiiparents.org.

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

See public 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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala

Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea

Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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

MONDAY, APRIL 2

LAST DAY TO ENTER SLOGAN/MOTTO CONTEST: Pāhala Public & School Library continues the contest through tomorrow, Mon, Apr 2. Submit ideas to Nā‘ālehu or Pāhala Library. $55 grand prize awarded on Fri, Apr 13. Friends of Ka‘ū Libraries President Sandra Demouruelle, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com, 929-9244

EASTER EGG HUNT, Mon, Apr 2, noon, Flyin' Hawaiian Coffee, CU Hawai‘i lawn, Nā‘ālehu. Judy Knapp, 640-4712

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETINGS & TRAININGS, Tue, Apr 3 & 24, 4 - 6 p.m., Apr 17, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Apr 3, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

HOW THE PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER WORKS, Tue, Apr 3, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Nathan Becker, Senior Oceanographer describes PTWC operations. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
ADVOCATS, Wed, Apr 4, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Apr 4, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in 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. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 6
FROM SAND TO SNOW - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, 8 - 11 am, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

CREATING SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS II - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, noon - 3 pm, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about developing strategies that support children’s positive social behavior. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

OCEAN VIEW C.E.R.T. TRAINING, Sat, Apr 7, 14, 21 & 28, 8:15 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency Community Emergency Response Team training. Free, limited seating, open to public. Bill Hanson, 937-2181. Pre-register online, certkau.eventbrite.com

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Apr 7, 13, 21 (fee-free day), & 27, 8:45 a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native, plant species. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat, Apr 7, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

HAWAI‘I DEMOCRATIC PRE-CONVENTION MEETING, Sat, Apr 7, 11 - 3 p.m., Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. hawaiidemocrats.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 8
PALM TRAIL, Sun, Apr 8, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

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.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Saturday, Mar. 31, to Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration is open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com.

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Learn about the conservation practices, successes and challenges, of restoring the dry forests with Division of
Forestry and Wildlife Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Coordinator Elliot Parsons Tuesday, April 10,
at After Dark in the Park. See story below. Photo by Elliot Parsons

MAZIE HIRONO OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES HER 2018 REELECTION CAMPAIGN for U.S. Senate Wednesday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m., at the State Office Tower on O‘ahu After filing her nomination papers, Hirono and supporters will speak about her advocacy on behalf of Hawai‘i families, states the announcement.

Hirono's early endorsers for her 2018 reelection include the Hawai‘i State AFL-CIO, the Hawai‘i Democratic Party LGBT and Labor Caucuses, International Longshore & Warehouse Union, Local 142, EMILY's List, Americans for Democratic Action, Democracy for America, the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, MoveOn Political Action, the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and End Citizens United.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, who will submit
reelection papers on Wednesday.

"In Congress, Mazie has been a leading voice for immigration policies that keep families together; health care as a right and not a privilege; preserving the programs our kupuna rely on; and increasing access to quality, affordable education. She is running for reelection to the U.S. Senate to continue her fight for Hawai‘i families and people across the country whose voices are often not heard loud enough in Congress," states the release.

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THE LAST HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT of the season, Saturday, drew more than 442 volunteers statewide to the shores: from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to Punaluʻu, South Point and Miloliʻi, all the way up the chain of inhabited Hawaiian Islands. It was the final of three events of the 2018 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count.
Volunteers collected data from 43 sites statewide on March 31. A total of 34 whale sightings were recorded during the 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count. Conditions were great for viewing whales on Hawaiʻi island, but poor for Oʻahu and Mauidue to inclement weather and resulting poor visibility; many of those sites cancelled their counts.

Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. The sanctuary holds Ocean Count three times each year during peak whale season. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.

The last NOAA whale count of the season was Saturday, and mother
humpbacks and calves will soon be heading north for the summer.
Photo from NOAA

Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location are available at http://www.
sanc tuary ocea n count.
org/resources/. Additional information is available on the sanctuary's website at http://hawaii
humpback whale.noaa.gov.
The sanctuary, which is administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources. See NOAA's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
other social media channels.

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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MAUNA LOA STRIP ROAD, due to 55th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, through April 8. The road in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will be restricted to hiking, biking, and official motor vehicle traffic only.

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FUNDS TO OPERATE HAWAI‘I ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, groups that maintain and protects the natural resources of the islands, are being requested in a bill that goes to hearing in front of the Senate Ways and Means Committee Wednesday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m.

HB2101: "Makes an appropriation to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the operational expenses and staffing costs of the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts."

Hawai‘i Farmers Union United urges residents to submit testimony in support of the bill.

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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER FOR KA‘Ū HIGH announces the Hawai‘i National Guard Youth Challenge Recruiter will be on campus Tuesday, April 3 to speak with students who are interested in learning about and possibly participating in the program. Signing up with Ms. Strand in room 28 is required.

Ka‘ū High Senior fundraising with Krispy Kreme started March 30, and continue through Friday, April 13.

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PU‘UWA‘AWA‘A AHUPUA‘A: SUCCESSES & CHALLENGES OF RESTORING DRY FORESTS OF KONA, with Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Coordinator Elliott Parsons from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, is the presentation on Tuesday, April 10, at After Dark in the Park in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Parsons reviews threats to the endangered lowland dry forests and how new technology is being used to mitigate those threats. The public is invited to learn more about the area’s rich biological diversity and how they can help conserve Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a for future generations.
The After Dark in the Park presentation, held in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, begins at 7 p.m. Free; suggested $2 donation helps support park programs. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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KA‘Ū GIRLS SOFTBALL was highlighted in the Hawai‘i Tribune Herald last week, with an article about pitcher Silva-Kamei, whom coach Donovan Emmsley credited for the March 22 win. Silva-Kamei the Tribune Herald reporter that favorite moment is when the Trojans accomplished the win against Hilo, 22 to 11.

March 27 saw another big victory for the Ka‘ū team, taking Pāhoa down 20 to 0.

March 29, a game against Kealakehe, was not a win, but Ka‘ū made a good effort with 14 to 4. Same with the March 31 game against Honoka‘a, at 10 to 4.

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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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea

Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 3
SPECIAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL EVENTS, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 3, 4 & 5, 11 - 1 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Honoring 55th Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, live music. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETINGS & TRAININGS, Tue, Apr 3 & 24, 4 - 6 p.m., Apr 17, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Apr 3, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

HOW THE PACIFIC TSUNAMI

WARNING CENTER WORKS, Tue, Apr 3, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Nathan Becker, Senior Oceanographer describes PTWC operations. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
ADVOCATS, Wed, Apr 4, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Apr 4, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in 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. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 6
FROM SAND TO SNOW - PATCH class, Fri, Apr 6, 8 - 11 am, P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc., office in Nā‘ālehu. Learn about sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Class for adults only. No childcare provided. $5 refundable registration deposit fee. Sign-up in advance with PATCH, Rochelle Hall 238-3472. patchhawaii.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 7
OCEAN VIEW C.E.R.T. TRAINING, Sat, Apr 7, 14, 21 & 28, 8:15 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency Community Emergency Response Team training. Free, limited seating, open to public. Bill Hanson, 937-2181. Pre-register online, certkau.eventbrite.com

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Apr 7, 13, 21 (fee-free day), & 27, 8:45 a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native, plant species. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat, Apr 7, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

HAWAI‘I DEMOCRATIC PRE-CONVENTION MEETING, Sat, Apr 7, 11 - 3 p.m., Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. hawaiidemocrats.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 8
PALM TRAIL, Sun, Apr 8, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun, Apr 8, noon - 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MASS TRANSIT MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING, Sun, Apr 8, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Meeting regarding public transit and paratransit system on the Big Island. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Saturday, Mar. 31, to Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com. Click on forms below to make larger and print.

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Billy Kenoi, who is known in Kaʻū for bringing department heads out to the country to meet the people when he served two
terms as mayor, is receiving many messages from those wishing him well with his cancer challenge. Photo by Julia Neal

A GET WELL CARD TO BILLY KENOI came from performers and many others who gathered at the opening of the Merrie Monarch Festival on Sunday in Hilo. The former mayor, who left office after serving the maximum two terms ending December of 2016, is 49 years old. Kenoi is battling a rare leukemia, myelofibrosis. Until recent days, Kenoi kept his challenge private, having fought the disease since 2015, while still serving as mayor. Kenoi is receiving treatment at City of Hope in Duarte, Southern California.

Well-wishers send encouraging notes on a giant card to former Mayor
Billy Kenoi who battles cancer. Photo from Big Island Video News

Billy Kenoi
Photo by Julia Neal

On Easter Sunday, participants at Merrie Monarch opening festivities signed a giant card to send to Kenoi, who is Hawaiian and has long supported the festival.
Kenoi is known in Kaʻū for bringing the heads of county departments - from water to police and planning - out to the country to meet the people. He is known for taking up the cause against building a biofuel refinery in Wood Valley. A beachboy in his youth, who grew up surfing, Kenoi supported the transition of Kāwā and other strands of Kaʻū Coast from private ownership to county and local stewardship.

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BRING IN MEDICATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY, Saturday, April 28, urges the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Hawaiʻi Attorney General, County Dept. of Environmental Management, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. The event legally accepts controlled substances like opioid pain medications. However, no illicit drugs nor needles will be accepted. "With the rise of prescription drug abuse, this is one effort to combat that problem. Spring Clean your Medicine Cabinet," says a statement from Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist, with the county.

The Take-Back locations to receive the drugs will be in Kona at Hawaiʻi Police Department, 74-0611 Hale Makai Place, and in Hilo at Ka Waena Lapaʻau Medical Complex, upper parrking lot at the corner of Ponahawai and Komohana Streets, 670 Ponahawai St.

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POLICE CHIEF PAUL FERREIRA WANTS MORE POLICE OFFICERS FOR KAʻŪ. While Mayor Harry Kim's budget doesn't call for more officers, Ferreira plans to appeal to the County Council as it goes through the proposed 2018-2019 budget. Kaʻū, for many years, has been asking for more and more police officers, due to the long distances between Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View communities, and the growing population.

Ocean View residents want more than a Mini-Station and
the police chief asked for it. Photo by Ann Bosted

Ferreira told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald reporter John Burnett that one of HPD's most pressing priorities and toughest challenges is acquiring those additional officer positions and recruiting to fill existing officer vacancies. The budget proposal submitted by the mayor to the council would increase by $2 million over the 2017-18 budget of $65,529.60. In contrast, the 2017-18 budget rose by about $3.3 million over the 2016-2017 budget.

The Police Chief told the Tribune Herald, "We've been operating for years with a status quo budget. People can promise us, 'Oh, we're going to give you 60 more officers,' but sPhoto by Ann Bostedomebody's gotta pay for it." Ferreira pointed out that 450 sworn officers serve in the HPD. At the end of 2017 there were 34 vacancies. They will be filled mostly by 30 new recruits and another eight to 10 officers to be hired in April, said the chief, noting the nine month training time before they can "hit the streets."

Police Chief Paul Ferreira joined police officers in Ka`u
last October to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the police
station on the edge of Na`alehu. Photo by Patti Mlarkar

The police chief also told the Tribune Herald that the improving economy is providing jobs that pay as well as policing. "As the economy gets better, nobody wants to be a police officer. They'd rather be in construction or other jobs that pay just as much and don't have the challenges that being an officer does. So when the economy gets good, recruitment falls. When the private sector economy is good, the public sector suffers."

The KPD budget proposed to the mayor asked for seven new supervisory positions and five additional officers for each of the growing Puna and Ka‘ū districts. It also asked for a new police station in Ocean View, but the mayor's budget was unable to accommodate the requests, leaving Ocean View its "mini station" that is used only for its bathroom, said the chief.

The mayor wrote to the County Council, saying he asked every department in county to cut their budgets and "we're still $7 million short." Kim said the budge cuts are motivated largely by forces beyond his control.

Salaries and benefits to employees are adding $12.7 million. County contributions to the employee pension plan total $4.4 million, with other post-retirement benefits adding an additional $5.9 million. An additional $1.5 million in raises recently were awarded to top officials by the Salary Commission. Debt payments by the county will total $49 million.

Mayor Harry Kim talks to Ocean View residents about the need for more police officers.
Photo by Ann Bosted

Kim said he is sympathetic to the plight of rural district residents: "Ka‘ū is one of the fastest growing districts on the island; the fastest is Puna," Kim said. "Ka‘ū is growing because of Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and that area becoming the bedroom community of Kona, which is very surprising to people."
The mayor emphasized that the budget cuts were done by department heads, under his orders. "When you tell them 'no' and you tell them why - and the responsibility is mine - you're the one that's saying 'no,' not the chief of police. Because I made a policy (of) no increase in personnel. And it's not easy. But that's the blanket that went to every district, not just Ka‘ū."

The County Council scheduled reviews of the Kim budget, department by department, April 17 through 19. Department heads, including the police chief, will present their priorities to the County Council.

Ferreira told the Tribune Herald that in smaller districts - Ka‘ū, North Hilo, Hamakua, North Kohala - adding on supervisors is important: "by adding another sergeant, we're adding another body on the watch. It's a supervisory position but it's another officer on the road."

Kim's final proposed budget will be released by May 5, to go into effect July 1, once amended and passed by the council.

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SPRING FUND DRIVE FOR HAWAIʻI PUBLIC RADIO, with stations 89.1 FM and 91.3 FM serving Kaʻū, begins its ten-day run this Wednesday, April 4. The goal of $865,000 marks the station's seventh consecutive semi-annual campaign of raising less money than the preceding year, despite steadily rising costs. The downward trending goals are offset by a growing number of Sustaining Members whose monthly contributions provide the station a steady income stream. Nearly half of HPR's 14,200 donor-members are Sustainers, says an HPR statement.
HPR's mission is to serve the entire population of Hawaiʻiwith FM radio. HPR-1, found in Kaʻū at 89.1 FM KANO radio, features news, talk, entertainment, jazz, blues, and world music. HPR-2, heard in Kaʻū at 91.3 FM KAHU radio, broadcasts classical music.

HPR's President and General Manager José A. Fajardo describes the station's on-air fund drives as "a time for us to celebrate our Sustainers and those who gave early, but primarily an opportunity to reach listeners who are ready to become new members with our message that 'you are HPR.'"
HPR is a private, nonprofit organization which broadcasts classical, jazz, and international music; and in-depth news and informational programming from National Public Radio, American Public Media, Public Radio International, and other local, national, and international program sources, as well as programs produced by Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

HPR pledge drive scene, President &
General Manager José A. Fajardo (foreground on phone), with
Executive Producer, Talk Programs Beth-Ann Kozlovich
and News Director Bill Dorman. Photo from HPR

In August 2017, Charity Navigator, the premier charity evaluator, awarded HPR its sixth consecutive four-star rating for exceptional fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. HPR was named one of the 2015 Best Places to Work in Hawaiʻi by Hawaiʻi Business magazine and Best Places Group. In the same year, it was awarded the Cades Schutte - The Cades Foundation Nonprofit Leadership Award, administered by Pacific Business News. The station won two National Edward R. Murrow Awards for its news coverage of the 2014 Pāhoa lava flow, and most recently won a third National Murrow Award for its series on the Thirty Meter Telescope.
During the fundraiser, the live pledge-table conversations are enriched by visits from community guests representing groups such as Sustainable Coastlines, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library, and Planned Parenthood Young Leaders, as well as numerous local businesses and arts organizations. Many of these community partners also contribute unique thank you gifts for those donating or grand prizes for one-day sweepstakes. HPR's classical music stream, HPR-2, also features a day-by-day countdown of the Top Ten Magical Maestros, favorite conductors who were selected in a listener poll.

Contributions to HPR may be made online at hawaiipublicradio.org or through the HPR mobile app. Volunteers will staff phones starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, when the fund drive goes on the air. Call in the day to (808) 944-8800, toll-free (888) 970-8800; after 8 p.m. at (808) 941-3689, toll-free (877) 941-3689. HPR is online and streaming at hawaiipublicradio.org; as well as on Facebook (FB/hawaiipublicradio), Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms (@WeAreHPR™). Free iOS and Android™ apps for Hawaii Public Radio are available from the App Store or Google Play™. HPR-1 and HPR-2 may also be heard via cable broadcasts from Spectrum (channels 864 and 865) or Hawaiian Telcom TV (channels 661 and 662). Recently, Hawaiʻi Public Radio became an Amazon Echo skill.

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.

Photo from St. Jude's

MONDAY AFTERNOON HANDBELL CHOIR performs at St Jude's Episcopal Church, Thursday, April 12, 1:30 p.m."We are looking forward to entertaining with a variety of music that will include selections written specifically for handbells, as well as familiar tunes. We are also pleased to welcome a quartet of guest musicians, who will entertain with selections of Baroque music. Come and help us celebrate as we end our handbell season!" states the announcement. Free.

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See Dirty Cello in Concert on Tuesday,
April 10. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT takes place on Tuesday, April 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., announces VolcanoArtCenter. Tickets are $20 per Volcano Art Center Member, $25 per non-member.

From Chinato Italy, and all over the U.S., Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues and bluegrass. "Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you've never heard before. From down home blues with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin' bluegrass, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!" states the event description.

Lou Fancher, Oakland Magazine, says, "Dirty Cello's music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical."

Good Times Santa Cruz writes, "The band plays every style imaginable, and does some fantastic covers. (Their rendition of "Purple Haze" is incredible.) But what is most spectacular about them is hearing the depth of soul in Roudman's playing - it goes beyond what most people would expect from the instrument. She plays it with so much heart, you’ll wonder why more bands don’t have a cellist."

Dirty Cello comes to Volcano. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

LA Times adds, "The group seamlessly careens from blues to bluegrass and rock in a way that really shouldn’t make sense but somehow does."

See video examples of their work on YouTube: Devil Went Down to Georgia; House is a Rockin'; and Don't Call Me Honey.

For more about the concert or to buy tickets, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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/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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat, Apr 7, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

HAWAI‘I DEMOCRATIC PRE-CONVENTION MEETING, Sat, Apr 7, 11 - 3 p.m., Waimea Elementary School cafeteria. hawaiidemocrats.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 8
PALM TRAIL, Sun, Apr 8, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun, Apr 8, noon - 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MASS TRANSIT MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING, Sun, Apr 8, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Meeting regarding public transit and paratransit system on the Big Island. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 10
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL Meetings, Tue/Wed, Apr 10 (Committees)/11 (Council), & Tue/Wed, Apr 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, Apr 10, 4 - 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

PROPOSED NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TALK STORY, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 10, 11 & 12, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. County asks those planning to attend contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com, Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083, or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

PU‘UWA‘AWA‘A AHUPUA‘A: Successes & Challenges of Restoring Endangered Dry Forests of Kona, Tue, Apr 10, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Elliott Parsons, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, discusses ongoing conservation efforts and lessons learned. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

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View from the top of the ladder at South Point, where a woman was stuck then rescued on Monday.
See story, below. Photo from highwaysandblueskys.com

THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MURDER OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., the famed civil rights leader, has drawn Kaʻū's member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tulsi Gabbard, to ask constituents to sign up for peace.

Gabbard writes: "Fifty years ago today, tragedy struck in Memphis, Tennessee when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. He was survived by his wife, Coretta Scott King, and four young children. Dr. King's life continues to inspire people around the world. In Hawai‘i, children are raised learning about the aloha spirit - a deep and abiding love, compassion, and respect for all human beings. Dr. King was the living embodiment of that teaching through his relentless pursuit of fairness, equality, justice, and peace for all. Dr. King's dream has not yet been realized. We are still fighting some of the same battles he began.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. is commemorated by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard with a
call for peace. Image from Gabbard

"Dr. King spoke out against the war machine that fueled the war in Vietnam, and to this day spends trillions of dollars on counterproductive regime change wars, while our veterans and communities face neglect and hardship here at home. We are still fighting for Medicare for All, long-overdue criminal justice reform, fair housing and employment, and putting people and our planet before profits.Dr. King once said, 'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.' As a nation, we are capable of realizing Dr. King's dream, but this can only happen when we respect all people as children of God, when we agree and when we don't, and treat each other with compassion, love, and aloha.

"Dr. King's aloha - respect, compassion, and love for all people - can heal the divisions in our society and bring people of all walks of life together if we choose to carry on his legacy. When we all come together, we can make that dream a reality."

Gabbard suggests: "In honor of Dr. King's legacy, will you join my Campaign for Peace?"

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MALIE IBARRA AND BAY CLINIC ARE TWO OF NINE honorees to be recognized by Gov. David Ige for "embracing their voice" to prevent sexual violence.
A student at Ka‘ū High School, Ibarra is author of Tita the Turtle children's book. She was nominated for the recognition by Ka‘ū Sexual Violence Prevention Community Action Team led by Ka‘ū Rural Community Health Association's Executive Director Jessie Marques. After reviewing Ibarra's book, the Hawai‘i Attorney General's office released a statement: "In an effort to promote healthier relationships in her community, Malie created Tita the Turtle, a book for children that teaches aloha by modeling positive behaviors."

Tita the Turtle, created by Malie Ibarra to help teach young
children about healthy relationshps.

Bay Clinic serves Ka‘ū with its Ka‘ū Family Health & Dental Center in ‘ and education on such health topics as sexual violence.
On April 13, the Governor will proclaim April 2018 Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawai‘i and recognize Ibarra, Bay Clinic, and the other seven honorees:
Dr. Virginia Pressler, state Department of Health; Jennifer Pagala Barnett, University of Hawai‘i; Lisa Charles, United States Air Force; Matthew Houck, YWCA of Kaua‘i; David Rosen, Shooters Film Production; Ken Kazuma, Waipahu Intermediate School; and Deonne Carden, Waianae.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawai‘i joins a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The Hawai‘i Attorney General's office, Hawai‘i Department of Health, and Hawai‘i Coalition Against Sexual Assault, are partnering to combat the risk of sexual violence through conversations, programs, policies, and research-based tools that promote safety, respect, and equality.

This year's theme, Embrace Your Voice!, "aims to inform individuals on how they can use their words to promote safety, respect, and equality to stop sexual violence before it happens. Individuals can embrace their voices to show their support for survivors, stand up to victim blaming, shut down offensive jokes, correct harmful misconceptions, promote everyday consent, and practice healthy communications with children," states the AG's release.

Bay Clinic will be honored for its work in preventing sexual violence.
Photo from Bay Clinic

During April, community partners working with the Department of Health on its community mobilization efforts will host activities statewide to bring awareness to the issue of sexual violence.

In addition to Ibarra, honorees are: Dr. Virginia Pressler, Department of Health; Jennifer Pagala Barnett, University of Hawai‘i; Lisa Charles, United States Air Force; Matthew Houck, YWCA of Kaua‘i; David Rosen, Shooters Film Production; Ken Kazuma, Waipahu Intermediate School; and Deonne Carden, Waianae.

The AG's statement says, "One month isn't enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of sexual violence. Nevertheless, awareness efforts in April provide an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts. There's no better way to expand the scope of Sexual Assault Awareness Month than by reaching out to a broader audience."
The statement points to the 2015 Hawai‘i Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which reports that 12.7% of Hawai‘i's high school students reported being forced to do sexual activities in the last 12 months. "Anyone can experience sexual violence, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. We encourage everyone to 'Embrace Your Voice!'" Go to ag.hawaii.gov to see a list of activities.

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A RESCUE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LADDER AT SOUTH POINT was accomplished Monday. The site was the ladder at South Point in the fisherman's mooring area where people jump off the cliff into the ocean. A woman hung on to the ladder but was unable to pull herself out of the surging water. A call went to the Hawai‘i Fire Department just before 4 p.m. A rescue firefighter entered the water and stayed with the woman, who was in her 30s, until a helicopter lifted both of them out of the water. According to the Fire Department, she suffered minor scrapes on her legs.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono

THE PUBLIC SHOULD HEAR THE ARGUMENTS IN A CASE OF TRUMP V HAWAI‘I, urges Sen. Mazie Hirono. The Supreme Court case, filed by Trump in January, will address the State of Hawai‘i's objections against Pres. Donald Trump's proclamations on barring visitors, immigrants, and refugees from entry into the U.S. The Hawai‘i Attorney General contends that the Office of the President lacks authority to make such rules.
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Ranking Member Hirono and Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) want audio recordings of oral arguments in the case to be made available immediately after arguments conclude on April 25. Both Senators call the tapes a valuable resource for the public.
The Senators wrote to Chief Justice John Roberts, saying: "Releasing same-day audio has proven to be a valuable resource for individuals who are interested in listening to the arguments, as demonstrated in cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges and D.C. v. Heller. Giving the public access to a primary source of information as soon as possible allows more citizens to participate in our democratic system and illustrates the care with which the Court considers the issues that matter to the people of the United States." Read the full letter here. Read the case 17-965.

Shootz band kicks off Ka‘ū Coffee Week at Pāhala
Plantation House on Friday, April 27. Photo by Tanya Ibarra

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PA‘INA AND OPEN HOUSE to kick off Ka‘ū Coffee Week, will light up Pāhala Plantation House at 6 p.m., Friday, April 27. Meet Ka‘ū Coffee Farmers, and the 2018 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Miss Peaberry, and Miss Coffee Flower.
Enjoy entertainment with the band Shootz, featuring Tui Masaniai, Harry Evangelista, and Cheryl and Gabriel Cuevas. The event is free.

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AMATEUR RADIO TECHNICIANS CLASS is scheduled for Ocean View Community Center on five consecutive Tuesdays - May 1 thru May 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The testing session is Tuesday, June 5. The class is free. However, a $15 fee will be charged for administering the FCC exam.

Rick Ward will provide ten hours of training. The accelerated course will require additional self study to complete successfully. The instructor recommends that students purchase/borrow/share The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 3rd Edition, by Ward Silver N0AX, ISBN-10: 1625950136. The paperback is about $30 on Amazon, Kindle is cheaper.
The book includes the complete question pool for the exam with explanation. The teacher recommends reading it before class, so the lecture and discussion can be used to reinforce the concepts.
He said that it is important to register for the class in advance, so organizers can prepare the handouts. Students can register for the free class now and decide later about taking the exam.

To pre-register for the class, contact Rick Ward, wh6fc at reward20a@gmail.com, or Greg Guithues, wh6eph at greg.guithues@gmail.com or 445-0300.

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Learn about silk scarf painting and color theory from
Patti Pease Johnson at Volcano Art Center.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

PATTI PEASE JOHNSON OFFERS HER PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF workshop on Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center.

Participants paint a 8" x 53" scarf using three colors of their choice, which will create many more colors on the silk. Using one main color, then two more, after learning about color theory. Students will learn to create new colors by pre-mixing the four process colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The event description states, "Students from previous classes have been amazed by what they refer to as 'happy color accidents.'"
Johnson says the class is about playing with colors. Cost for the workshop is $45 for Volcano Art Center Members and $50 for non-Members, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists are welcome. Register at volcanoartcenter.org.
Johnson's artwork can be found at galleries and shops across the state and in collections around the world. She "has a designer's ability to distill natural subjects into their most essential forms and to rearrange them in her paintings," states the event description. Johnson lives in Kea‘au with her family and teaches painting at her home studio.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS SPORTS had a rough start in April, with losses for both girls softball and boys volleyball.
April 2 saw the girls team go up against Kohala, ending at 9 to 0. April 3 saw the Varsity boys team go up against Waiakea, scoring 22, 21, and 18, during the three games.
See the full schedule, below.

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

See public 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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 9, Christian Liberty @ Ka‘ū
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

LAU HALA DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Apr 11, 10 - noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn to weave leaves from the hala tree into many useful and beautiful items. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

Elgon Villanueva's Ka`u Coffee Garlic Furikae Wings were a hit during

the 2017 Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest. Photo by Julia Neal

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration is open through Friday, April 20.
The event will be open to the public to observe the judging, taste the variety in coffee cuisine, and enjoy Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions will be judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee.
There is a imit one entry per category, per contestant. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com
or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market. Click on entry forms below to enlarge and print them. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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Endemic and endangered Hawaiian Crow, the ʻAlalā, shown here in the wild at a supplemental food hopper. The scale - facing away from the camera -
helps Project members monitor the birds' weight, which helps monitor their health. See ʻAlalā stories, below. Photos from San Diego Zoo Global

SPINLAUNCH ISSUED A LETTER TO KA‘Ū this week ahead of its meeting with Ka‘ū residents, set for Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. The California company proposed opening a space launch facility, with Pohu‘e Bay as one of the possible sites. The letter gives an update, saying that Hawai‘i, the state, is "one of six potential launch sites in the United States that SpinLaunch is currently evaluating."
The letter addresses concerns about SpinLaunch's untested new technology that would spin satellites and other space-bound packages thousands of miles per hour, to fling them beyond the Earth's atmosphere. SpinLaunch states that Hawai‘i "is not under consideration for the prototype development. We have already selected a non-Hawaiian launch site for development of the first launch system, which will identify and mitigate all potential environmental risks."
The letter also states that SpinLaunch has "been working with each respective community, their leaders, and environmental experts to determine the best fit for the launch sites. We believe we have designed the safest, most environmentally-friendly system that will dramatically lower the cost of access to space, thus enabling many new related businesses and economic growth for each community."

The letter addresses conservation and preservation concerns: "Like you, we recognize there are many cultural, historical, environmental, societal and economic implications to assess and consider in proposing a possible launch site in a location such as Hawai‘i. In fact, it is FAA/AST and NEPA regulation that these factors be analyzed in any location proposing orbital launch activity. During the next year, we look forward to meeting with and hearing from the local community of Hawai‘i, as this thorough assessment is conducted."

Signed simply "SpinLaunch," on SpinLaunch letterhead, the letter opens with,"We look forward to meeting many of you at the upcoming gathering," and "we want to sincerely thank you for your comments and legislative testimony regarding SpinLaunch. We are, indeed, listening intently, and look forward to addressing your concerns regarding SpinLaunch in person."

The letter also addresses state Sen. Glenn Wakai from Honolulu, and Rep. Cindy Evans, who represents North Kona and Kohala. They proposed that the state issue $25 million through a Special Purpose Revenue Bond to help fund SpinLaunch. The SpinLaunch letter states that the bond is "in the interest of bringing an environmentally friendly technology to the Hawaiian people, something they feel is in line with continuing to create a sustainable, healthy Hawaiian future."

Representation of Aha Moku, the group that requested the
community meeting with SpinLaunch.

The letter states that the bond, "was never intended to be site-specific, or to suggest a particular location for the facility on the Big Island, but a proposal for consideration by all the islands of Hawai‘i. There are multiple locations in Hawai‘i where this technology could be established and SpinLaunch would like to meet with each respective community to hear their thoughts on what a business like SpinLaunch could mean for their community."

The letter concludes with SpinLaunch's gratitude to Wakai and Evans for proposing the Special Purpose Bond bill, saying that would be paid for by private investors, not Hawai‘i taxpayers; the bond would be a "low-interest loan for infrastructure development, and would not, in any way, affect Hawai‘i state credit."
The meeting in Nā‘ālehu was called for by Aha Moku Advisory Committee to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, including members Darlyne Vierra, Liz Kuluwaimaka, Jefferey Kekoa, and Aloha Beck. The group asked for SpinLaunch representatives to talk to residents who live near proposed SpinLaunch sites, and called for the state Senate to hold the funding bill until they do. The group will oversee the meeting at Nā‘ālehu Community Center.

Read history of the proposed launch facility and the Special Purpose Bond bill in previous Ka‘ū News Briefs and in the Ka‘ū Calendar.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono filed for reelection,today, surrounded by her husband, friends,
and supporters. Photo from Hirono

MAZIE HIRONO FILED FOR REELECTION to the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, with her husband Leighton, friends, and supporters alongside her. She released this statement: "Every day that I have the privilege of serving the people of Hawai‘i, I know who I'm fighting for and why. I'm fighting for families who deserve to have quality, affordable health care that is a right and not a privilege, our kupuna who depend on Social Security and Medicare, families working two and three jobs to make ends meet, working people fighting to organize for better wages and benefits, and immigrants who came here in search of a better life. We are in this fight together."

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THE JAN. 13 FALSE MISSLE ALERT that terrified Ka‘ū and most Hawaiʻi residents brought Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to question state and federal leaders during a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee field hearing today on Oʻahu. Gabbard and the Hawaiʻi congressional delegation questioned leaders from the Federal Communications Commission, United States Pacific Command, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and Hawaiʻi Association of Broadcasters.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard questiond state and federal leaders today
on Hawaiʻi's false missile alert. Photo from Gabbard

Gabbard issued a statement: "Nearly three months after Hawaiʻi's false ballistic missile alert, many questions remain unanswered. Today's hearing was an important opportunity to dig deeper into the gaps that still exist across every level of government, and what needs to be done going forward. One takeaway that is abundantly clear is that the status quo is both outdated and inadequate given the serious nuclear threat Hawaiʻi faces from North Korea. We must work to address the problems that have been identified, strengthen our missile defense system, and exhaust all diplomatic means to denuclearize North Korea peacefully and remove this threat."

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ALLAN SIMEON IS THE NOMINEE TO DIRECT THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. Mayor Harry Kim nominated Simeon, who has served as Deputy Director, and more recently as Acting Director since October, following the resignation of Frank DeMarco.
Simeon has worked with the Department of Public Works since 1997, having joined as a third level civil engineer. He came from Okahara and Associates in Hilo. Simeon graduated from high school in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, and earned a bachelor's in civil engineering from UH-Mānoa.
The nomination requires confirmation by the County Council. Acting Deputy Director Merrick Nishimoto is also awaiting confirmation to the permanent Deputy Director position. The council meeting to confirm both positions will be held April 11.

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IT'S BREEDING SEASON FOR THE ENDANGERED ‘ALALĀ. The ʻAlalā Project recently announced that the endangered Hawaiian crows released in 2017 in the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve near Volcano Village are just reaching two years of age - old enough to possibly start building nests, finding mates, and laying eggs in the wild.

ʻAlalā egg, chick hatching, newborn chick, and feathered brood.

Those ʻAlalā living in captivity in the Keauhou conservation breeding facilities near Volcano Village are already building nests "which will lead to the next generation of ʻAlalā," states The ʻAlalā Project Facebook.

In Springtime, ʻAlalā start to lay eggs and raise chicks. The female incubates the eggs for between 20-25 days, until they begin to hatch, which can sometimes be a slow process - taking up to a day for the chick to finally emerge from the shell.
ʻAlalā chicks are altricial, which means that when they hatch, they need their parents to care for them. The young gradually grow until they fledge, leaving the nest at about 45 days old. After the birds fledge, they are mobile and start to feed themselves, but have been known to depend on their parents for up to eight months.

In other news, The ʻAlalā Project has announced one way the team monitors health of ʻAlalā released into the forest. "When the bird comes down to get some of the supplemental food, they land on a perch that is connected to a scale. We have also incorporated a motion-sensor camera into the feeding stations, which help the monitoring team collect information such as weights when they might not be able to take these observations themselves. The weights that are taken are compared to the same birds' weight before release so we can track the change in body weight over time and throughout the release process. This is great information about the birds' health!"

For more on ʻAlalā, and updates on breeding season, see The ʻAlalā Project Facebook and DLNR page.

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PAST AND UPCOMING ‘ALALĀ REINTRODUCTION EFFORTS will be covered in a Coffee Talk, Friday, April 27, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park near Ocean View.
Rachel Kingsley, education and outreach associate for The ʻAlalā Project, will talk about the most recent efforts to reestablish a wild population of the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. Until recent releases of young ʻAlalā, who were bred in captivity, the species has been extinct in the wild. The ʻAlalā is an integral part of Hawaiian ecosystems and culture.

Kingsley's update will cover the 2017 release and status of the ʻAlalā in the wild, and what that release has taught the Project members to help in planning future releases.

Endemic and endangered Hawaiian Crow, theʻAlalā, shown here as nestling
(first photo), juvenile (second and third photos), and fully adult
(final photo). Photos from San Diego Zoo Global

The first release of the Alala into Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve was made in winter of 2016, but the surviving birds were recovered and returned to captivity after an attack from an ʻio (hawk). ʻAlalā were again released in September and October 2017, bringing the total in the wild to seven male and four females - all hatched in 2016.
The Reserve, on land owned by Kamehameha Schools, is located near Keauhou Forest, near Volcano Village. The Kūlani-Keauhou area has been managed for many years to promote native forests, is fenced and free of ungulates, including cows, pigs, and sheep. It offers a dense understory, with many ʻAlalā food plants.

Alalā, Corvus hawaiiensis, in the wild, were known to eat over 30 species of native fruits. Having fruit as a main part of its diet sets the ʻAlalā apart from other crows and ravens, as most eat an omnivoruous diet tending toward animal proteins. By consuming these fruits, ʻAlalā play an important role in Hawaiian forests as a seed disperser. ʻAlalā will also eat insects, eggs and nestlings of other birds, nectar, flowers, and other parts of plants.
ʻAlalā released in 2017 have been observed spending quite a bit of time foraging through different native plants, searching for insects, and consuming different parts of the plants.

The difference between adult male and female ʻAlalā cannot be seen just by looking at them, but differences between juveniles and adults can: Juveniles have pink mouths, both inside and on the gape (small outside area at the corner of their beak), and their eyes are blue. As the bird ages, the gape and inside of the mouth will turn black, and their eyes will turn brown. These changes typically occur along with the birds reaching an age when they can start breeding. The field monitoring crew has started to notice some of these changes occurring in the birds that were released in 2017.

Find out more at The ʻAlalā Project Facebook and DLNR page.

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The Miss Ka‘ū Coffee contenders recently visited Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and its manager, Louis Daniele.
Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and its founder Edmund C. Olson are major sponsors of the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee
Scholarship Pageant, Ka‘ū Stargazing, \the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, Ka‘ū Mountain
WaterSystem Hike, and the entertainment for the Ho‘olaulea on Saturday, May 5.
Photo from Trinidad Marques

MISS KA‘Ū COFFEE CANDIDATES are heading to the 55^th annual Merrie Monarch Parade in Hilo this Saturday, May 7, to represent Ka‘ū.
The Miss Ka‘ū Coffee pageant takes place on Saturday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m., in the Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets and sponsorships are being sold throughout the community. The pageant is under the directorship of Trinidad Marques, herself a Ka‘ū Coffee producer and marketer. The winners will receive scholarships and trophies.

Candidates for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee are: Reishalyn Kekoa Jara, 16, Karlee Fukunaga-Camba, 16, Helena Nihipali-Sesson, 16, and Sheri Lynn Freitas, 18. Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Junior Miss candidates are Jacie Umemoto, 12, and Cristina Kawewehi, 12. Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry candidates are Jadelyn Kekoa Jara, 10, and Tenielle Blanco, 8. Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Candidates are Kysha Manini-Kaupu, 3, Telia Espejo-Navarro, 5, and Lilianna Marques, 5.

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/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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 9, Christian Liberty @ Ka‘ū
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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The late Sen. Dan Akaka, who died today, became the first recipient of the Aloha Award of Merit in 2013, congratulated by
then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie. See story below. Photo by Shane Tegarden

BRENDA FORD WILL RUN FOR STATE SENATE AND REP. RICHARD CREAGAN WILL RUN FOR REELECTION, the two announced today. They seek to represent west Kaʻū into Kona as a team at the legislature. Previously, Ford said she would seek the House seat, and Creagan the Senate.
The two issued statements today explaining the change. Ford said that Creagan "maintaining his House seat is best for all of us as it will allow him to continue his important legislative work. I have deep respect for Rep. Creagan, who previously endorsed me for Representative; however, it does not serve the public well to have two candidates with similar viewpoints running against each other. That is the reason I've decided to enter the Senate race."

Brenda Ford will run for state Senate.

Senate District 3, encompassing most of Kailua-Kona through Nāʻālehu to Honuʻapo, is currently represented by Sen. Josh Green, who is running for Lt. Governor and unable to run for reelection.

Ford previously served as a County Council member, reaching the maximum number of terms, and states, "Having worked as a Council member for eight years, I know how to research, draft, and pass legislation, and I understand how government works. I know the needs of our district, and people are comfortable in calling me to let me know of any issues that should be addressed. I believe my years of experience will help me succeed in assisting the people of my district and the Big Island. West Hawaiʻi needs experienced, hardworking, strong, and proven leaders in both House and Senate seats to maintain the continuity of support, protection, and leadership for the people.

"Many problems face our island and I will work on solutions," Ford says. "I will fight for a $15 minimum wage, permanent low-income rental housing, protection of our heritage coffee, maximum funding for studies of Rat Lungworm Disease, faster State responses to medical emergencies like Dengue Fever, a new South Kona Police Station, and a state-of-the-art hospital near the Kona Airport to serve West Hawaiʻi."

Ford and her husband, Larry, have been married for 26 years and have three grown children. They own a small farm in Captain Cook where Larry grows lychee, papaya, bananas, and a little coffee for personal use. They have lived on the Big Island for 23 years. Ford has a long history of community involvement, having volunteered for many years as a member and Director of the Citizens for Equitable & Responsible Government, and the nonprofit environmental group Plan To Protect. She is a Volunteer Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, and volunteer with the South Kona Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Brenda Ford served Volcano, Kaʻū into Kona as a County Council member, seen
here riding in a Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Ford's accomplishments on the Hawaiʻi County Council include helping fund the West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center Keiki Dental Clinic, helping fund the battered women's shelter, funding training for teens to recognize and avoid teen dating violence, helping start Ke Kama Pono (Boy's Safe House in Captain Cook), voting for a bond to build the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, and purchasing land for a new South Kona Police Station. She continued the work of previous Council Members to get the Laʻaloa Street extension completed. She filed a redistricting lawsuit in 2001, which resulted in a fourth State Senator for Hawaiʻi Island in 2011.

More information can be found at votebrendaford.com and facebook.com/VoteBrendaFord.

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"KEEP A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE" IS DR. RICHARD CREAGAN'S headline announcing he will seek reelection to the state House of Representatives. He writes:

Rep. Richard Creagan seeks relection.

"After careful deliberation with my colleague Brenda Ford, I have decided to ask your support to keep me in my House seat. At the time I made my decision to run for the Senate seat being left vacant by Dr. Josh Green, there were good reasons to do so."

Creagan explains that a power struggle in the House, following his and other Neighbor Island Reps' opposition to a tax requiring Neighbor Islanders to help pay for the rail in Honolulu, drew him to conclude that a fresh start in the Senate would be the best for his community. "I asked Brenda Ford who had represented me for eight years on the Hawai'i County Council to consider running for my House seat and she enthusiastically joined that race.

"Brenda has always been viewed by her constituents, including me, as honest, ethical and hard-working. She did not shrink from a fight for what she tenaciously believed. She had been a proud union member and union steward in her work on the mainland and has continued to support hard working union families in Hawaiʻi, as I proudly have." She also "understands, as I do, the rewards and challenges of being farmers."

Creagan writes that he has been able to keep his position as Chair of Agriculture in the House and is "nearing the end of a successful legislative session. We worked with House leadership to pass a House bill to greatly increase the Neighbor Isles' share of the TAT tax. As a physician, I supported the Our Care, Our Choice Act, helped remove the roadblocks that had stalled that legislation last year, and I was at our governor's side when he signed that bill into law yesterday."

Rep. Richard Creagan wants to remain the Doctor in the House of Representatives,
seen here in a Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Creagan talks about other likely success during this session. "We are hopeful that we will make our environment and our food safer by banning and phasing out the use of a toxic and unsafe pesticide, chlorpyrifos, that the EPA was poised to ban until President Trump appointed Scott Pruitt. The bill to do that will pass out of the House this week and will cross over to the Senate next week where we expect it will pass. I met with the governor yesterday and am very hopeful he will sign that bill into law when it reaches his desk.

"Rat lungworm disease is another challenging issue that is threatening our health and our small farmers," proclaimed Creagan. "This legislative session I employed, part-time, a recovering victim of that illness to help me build a data base of rat lungworm research. I feel confident that at long last the legislature will provide substantial funding to Dr. Susan Jarvi and her colleagues at UH Hilo to allow them to continue their rat lungworm research."

Creagan observes that the "turmoil in the House has abated, and I anticipate if reelected to be able to continue to fight for small farmers as Chair of Agriculture. As a physician I will also continue my fight for a new teaching hospital and medical center in West Hawaiʻi.

"It would be irresponsible, given the new realities, for me to leave my strong position in the House at this time. Brenda Ford and I hope to gain your support to work as a team to improve our agriculture, our health care, our educational systems, and economic opportunities for House District 5 and Senate District 3."

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Sen. Dan Akaka, who passed away
today at 93. Photo by Julia Neal

ALOHA IS THE WORD USED MOST TO DESCRIBE SEN. DANIEL KAHIKINA AKAKA as news of his passing rippled through the state today. The 93-year old Democrat, who retired from the U.S. Senate in 2013, was famous for his slogan, "The World Really Needs Aloha." Akaka was the only Native Hawaiian to have served in the U.S. Senate. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools and a World War II veteran, he received a masters degree in education from University of Hawaiʻi. Akaka served as a teacher, principal and Department of Education programs administrator.

In 1976, he won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 13 years before becoming a U.S. Senator. In Congress, Akaka led a successful campaign which drew an official apology from the U.S. President for the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy by the U.S. government. He was known for the Akaka Bill, which he first introduced in the year 2000, for federal recognition of Native Hawaiians, similar to status given to Indian tribes. He brought the bill back to the Senate time and again. It never passed. He was also known for fighting for more services for veterans.

After learning of Akaka's death, Gov. David Ige ordered U.S. and Hawaiian flags to fly half-staff immediately at all state facilities until sunset on the day of Akaka's interment. Said Ige, "Our beloved Sen. Akaka lived a life of service and aloha, and each of us in Hawaiʻi has benefited in countless ways. Our state mourns the loss of this man of upright character. While we celebrate his military service and dedication to our nation's veterans, his advocacy of the Hawaiian language and culture, and his work in Congress to recognize Filipino veterans, he was first and foremost a family man. Dawn and I send our condolences to Auntie Millie and the entire Akaka ʻOhana. A hui hou, Sen. Akaka."

Lt. Gov. Doug Chin wrote: "Akaka epitomized the true meaning of aloha. He treated everyone with genuine kindness, grace and compassion."

Sen. Dan Akaka at a Hilo Bandstand rally for Democrats. Photo by Julia Neal

Sen. Mazie Hirono wrote that Akaka "embodied the Aloha Spirit. He dedicated his life to serving the people of Hawaiʻias an educator, and in the U.S. Army, state government, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate. In Congress, Sen. Akaka's care, empathy, and collegiality served as an example for us all. It's an honor to sit at his desk in the Senate chamber, and we continue his work to improve the lives of veterans and the Native Hawaiian community. As he so often said, mahalo nui loa, my friend."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released this statement: "My heart is heavy today as we remember my dear friend and mentor, Sen. Daniel K. Akaka. With a servant's heart full of aloha, Sen. Akaka dedicated his life to serving the people and our nation, in the U.S. Army, as a public school teacher, in the U.S. House of Representatives, and in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful to have worked with and known Sen. Akaka over the years, and to have witnessed firsthand how he truly embodied the aloha spirit - treating all with kindness, respect, and love. His legacy of service and aloha will continue to inspire each of us to live aloha every day - serving others, protecting our planet, and fighting for justice, equality, and peace."
Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted, "Daniel K. Akaka was beloved by everyone in Hawaii, and his colleagues of both parties in Washington DC. A pure heart, a determined warrior for native Hawaiians, and a true public servant. We will miss you, Senator Akaka. Aloha."
Services are pending.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, who has made a
call to action for the Mueller
investigation into Pres. Trump's
campaign. Photo from civil.services

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CONTINUATION OF SPECIAL COUNSEL ROBERT MUELLER'S INVESTIGATION INTO PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S activities during his presidential campaign is of concern to Sen. Mazie Hirono. In a release, Hirono stated: "Everyone should be alarmed by what Donald Trump is doing to undermine Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
"Mueller is investigating Russia’s interference in our democracy and the Trump campaign's ties to that effort. Instead of allowing the investigation to proceed without interference, Trump has continued attacking the Special Counsel and his investigation, and many fear he is planning to fire Mueller.
"The American people deserve the truth, and I will not sit idly by while the Trump administration seeks to silence and distract us. Add your name to send a message to the White House: We must protect Robert Mueller and his investigation.
"Mahalo for helping hold the Trump administration accountable," stated the Senator.

Hoʻaikane is headliner band for the Kaʻū
Coffee Festival. Photo from Hoʻaikane

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HOʻAIKANE WILL RIDE THE HŌKŪʻLEA FLOAT IN THE MERRIE MONARCH PARADE on Saturday in Hilo. The band will play its music for the crowds and the original crew of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's Hōkūleʻa sailing canoe, which is now in Hilo for community education.
Hoʻaikane is the headliner band for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolaulea on Saturday, May 5, at Pāhala Community Center. In the Merrie Monarch Parade, the Kaʻū Coffee industry will be represented by the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Scholarship Pageant contenders, who are looking forward to their Saturday, April 21, event at Kaʻū District Gym. Riding for Kaʻū in the parade will be paniolo Kehau Ke and her attendants on horseback.

Kaʻū Hospital clerk Kegan Grace.
Photo from Kaʻū Hospital

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KA‘Ū HOSPITAL SPOTLIGHTS CLERK KEGAN GRACE IN THEIR APRIL NEWSLETTER: "Grace has been employed by the hospital as a clerk in the Nursing Department for many years, and has demonstrated natural skills towards nursing. She is a full-time mother of two girls, is a full-time hospital employee, and attends Hawai‘i Community College in Hilo part-time, completing her pre-requisite courses for her R.N."
Grace says, "It's been a challenge to juggle work, school, and being a mommy but I know this hard work will be all worth it in the end."

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Attend a Lau Hala Demonstration in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National
Park on April 11. Photo by Janice Wei, National Park Service

LEARN TO WEAVE LEAVES FROM THE HALA TREE (Pandanus) into many useful and beautiful items on Wednesday, April 11, during a Lau Hala Demonstration, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The event, part of the park's ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops, takes place from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com

/janfebmar/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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 9, Christian Liberty @ Ka‘ū
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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TUESDAY, APRIL 10
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL Meetings, Tue/Wed, Apr 10 (Committees)/11 (Council), & Tue/Wed, Apr 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

ONGOING

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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As visitors and halau hula members during Merrie Monarch week travel to the edge of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, an ash
plume rises on Friday, showing what some see as two faces of Madame Pele, one dark, one light, both looking left with
shoulders above the crater's ledge, a huge plume above her heads. See story below. Photo by Judy Weitz, HVNP

BRINGING TOGETHER PROPONENTS OF HAWAIIAN CULTURE AND SCIENCE at Maunakea, a sacred Hawaiian site and international telescope campus, is a role that state Sen. Kaialiʻi Kahele embraces. He recently hosted community meetings on Maunakea across the state, presenting the history of management of the mountain.
The native Hawaiian of Miloliʻi roots, himself a military and commercial airline pilot, Kahele, who represents Hilo in the Hawaiʻi Senate, has negotiated a bill, under consideration in the legislature, to transfer management of lands at the summit of Maunakea from University of Hawaiʻi and the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, to a new Maunakea Management Authority.

Mauna Kea summit, whose management may soon be under a new group.
Photo from bigstockphoto

The Authority would be nominated by the newly formed Mauna Kea Candidate Advisory Council of 11 members. The Advisory Council would nominate seven of the nine Authority members; Office of Hawaiian Affairs would nominate the other two. It would be comprised of nine residents of Hawaiʻi Island chosen for specific skills: land management, education, environmental sciences, Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, business with a finance and innovation focus, and astronomy. Five of the nine members would be native Hawaiian. On Friday, the Senate added language that would put a representative of the state Board of Land & Natural Resources on the Maunakea Candidate Advisory Council.
The bill also calls for some percentage of revenue to be transferred to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
Maunakea Management Authority would set up an administrative department to handle leases, access, care of Maunakea, and other duties. It would be funded by general revenues of the State of Hawai‘i, with $800,000 made available for fiscal year 2018-2019 for start up costs for the Authority, with up to $250,000 for administration, capital improvement projects, and other purposes as needed.

Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele comes from both an aeronautics and
Hawaiian background, and has positioned himself to
attempt to make peace in the management of Maunakea.
Photo from senkahele.com

Proponents of the bill include Office of Hawaiian Affairs, local businessman and telescope advocate Richard Ha, former state Sen. Malama Soloman, and Thirty Meter Telescope opponent Walter Ritte. Opposing the measure are Mayor Harry Kim, University of Hawai‘i and Maunakea Observatories, and some telescope opponents who would prefer no astronomy center on Maunakea.
According to the bill, the number of telescopes on Maunakea would be restricted to 13, to be taken down to nine by 2028. The bill would limit the footprint of development to no more than the land being used as of Dec. 2031.
Kahele said, "In recent memory, few issues of land management have divided and polarized Hawai‘i like Maunakea. It may be the Kaho‘olawe of our generation," referring to the uninhabited island off Maui that was used by the U.S. military for bombing practice until native Hawaiians objected and occupied the island.
Said Kahele, "The journey to a peaceful solution for Maunakea cannot be measured by any Western poll, it has to be nurtured by the greatest gift Hawai‘i has to offer - aloha. What is aloha? Aloha is reciprocity, balance."
In reference to native Hawaiian groups who stand against the planned 30 Meter Telescope and other expansion of the astronomy campus on Maunakea, and accusations that the University and state have mismanaged the stewardship of the mountain, Kahele said, "Maunakea's recent past must not be a blueprint for our future."

The Senator said: "Only by protecting and preserving our ‘āina and perpetuating our unique and special culture can we make Hawai‘i a strong place for all our keiki."

State House Bill 1985 HD1 SD1 passed Senate Committees on Ways and Means, Higher Education, and Water and Land on Thursday, taking it to a third reading. If approved, it would move to the full Senate.

Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele says he is trying to bring science and Hawaiian cultural
concerns together. Photo from Big Island Video News

According to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HB1985 HD1 SD1 would change how the public accesses Maunakea. Hawaiian traditional and customary practitioners would be allowed to travel to the summit in four-wheel-drive private vehicles. Other local residents would access the summit via a shuttle with no entrance fee. Non-residents and commercial tour operators would register and pay a fee at Hale Pōhaku, after receiving an orientation regarding safety, environmental protection, and cultural traditions and sensitivities.
The bill would require the Management Authority to conduct a comprehensive review of all existing commercial tour permits, fees, and associated environmental impacts. There would also be the possibility of eliminating commercial tours to the summit by Jan. 1, 2020.
Another House of Representatives bill is being considered that would leave University of Hawaiʻi in charge for now, but require an audit and new plan for Maunakea. See Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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OCEAN VIEW TO NĀʻĀLEHU FIBER OPTICS TELCOM COMMUNICATIONS were in a blackout from Thursday morning through Friday evening. The blackout left the many residents, who recently opted for the new system, without internet and phone services. According to one Ocean View resident, a Hawaiian Telcom representative said that there was a fault in the Nāʻālehu switch which needed repair. The blackout involved the new fiberoptic network installed in recent months, with new lines strung along telephone poles. It provides a much higher speed internet, unavailable through the traditional phone lines, which continued to work through the blackout.

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Teachers for the House, at the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association Convention on O‘ahu:
Micah Pregitzer, Raina Whiting, Justin Hughey, Amy Perruso. Photo from Raina Whiting

RAINA WHITING IS ONE OF FOUR TEACHERS RUNNING FOR THE STATE HOUSE of Representatives. They are on O‘ahu today, among the 226 delegates at the statewide Hawai‘i State Teachers Association Convention. The other three are Micah Pregitzer of Kailua, O‘ahu, District 50; Amy Perruso of Mililani, O‘ahu, District 4; and Justin Hughey of Wailuku, Maui, District 8. Whiting is hoping to unseat Rep. Richard Onishi, who covers District 3 from Honu‘apo through Punalu‘u, Pāhala, Volcano into Hilo.
Whiting said, "The four teachers are committed to working towards the schools our keiki deserve and education is the strongest campaign platform issues for them. Their campaigns are part of a national movement of teachers working towards improving education and resources available for students nationwide by running for office."

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Geologists arrived at Halema‘uma‘u about 40 minutes after the explosive

event to document the deposit and check on the webcams and other

monitoring equipment. Upon arrival, the surface of the lava lake remained

disturbed from the rock fall impact. Photo from volcanoes.usgs.gov

THE ROCKFALL AT HALEMAʻUMAʻU FRIDAY at 10:28 a.m. was a partial collapse of the southern overlook crater wall. It triggered an explosive event at Kīlauea Volcano's summit lava lake. A large plume of gas, ash, and lava fragments rose from the lava lake below the Jaggar Museum overlook. The explosion threw debris - including hunks of rock and molten lava - onto the Halema‘uma‘u crater rim at the old visitor overlook, which has been closed due to ongoing volcanic hazards such as this explosive event.
The event damaged the solar panels which power the webcams on the Halemaʻumaʻu crater rim; these cameras are offline and should be repaired in several days, said Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park officials.

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STORY OF DEVASTATION OF KA‘Ū IN the 1868 Great Kaʻū Earthquake, with a series of quakes estimated to have been as strong as 7.9, continues from last Saturday's Volcano Watch, a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

Already reeling from a destructive earthquake and deadly tsunami and mud flow on April 2, 1868, Kaʻū residents on the Island of Hawaiʻi hoped for a reprieve, but it was slow to come.

The events began on March 27, 1868, with an eruption in Mokuʻāweoweo, the caldera atop Mauna Loa. Several people reported hearing an explosion, then seeing a column of smoke rising thousands of feet above the summit, and some could see molten lava. Soon afterward, a roaring sound was heard and Pele's hair began falling in Kaʻū.

Most of the lava flow (dark black) produced by the April 1868 Mauna Loa eruption can be seen in this aerial photo on the
west (left) side of the prominent fault scarp, known informally as the Kahuku pali (formal names are Pali o Mamalu for the
upper half and Pali‘okūlani for the lower half of the scarp). The large littoral cone that formed during the eruption, now
named Pu‘uhou, is visible on the lower left coastline. Kalae (South Point) is not visible, but is to the right of the photo.
The summit areas of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes can be seen in the distance.
Aerial photo from U.S. Geological Survey, 1954

On March 28, a strong earthquake toppled the walls of four or five stone churches and destroyed Captain Robert Brown’s stone house in Kahuku; the exact location is unknown, but his house was possibly in the vicinity of mile marker 71 on today’s Highway 11.

Over the next few days, gas plumes could be seen from locations migrating down Mauna Loa’s Southwest Rift Zone until, on March 29, they seemed to be issuing from a location just above the site of Captain Brown’s house. It appeared that volcanic gas, but no lava, was being released from a fissure as it slowly opened to the southwest. Frequent earthquakes were also felt.

An 1868 ad in the Pacific Commercial Advertiser newspaper in Honolulu
for the Odd Fellow, the schooner with crew and passengers who
witnessed the devastation of the Great Kaʻū Earthquake.

On April 2, the Great Kaʻū Earthquake struck, and the subsequent tsunami and mud flow took the lives of 77 Hawaiians. Aftershocks continued in Kaʻū and Kona. But the drama was not yet over.

The schooner Odd Fellow, cruising along the Puna and Kaʻū coast after the great quake, reported nearly complete devastation of coastal settlements. On April 6, it anchored on the Kahuku coast, where, the next morning, passengers found the deck covered with "very fine ash."

After sailing northwest to Kailua, the same passengers saw the start of an eruption: "At six p.m. … a volume of flame shot up from the mountain Loa… It reached the sea … at nine and a half p.m. when an immense body of steam at once arose, through which flashes resembling lightning were constantly daring as long as we were in sight."

The eruption started 15 km (10 mi) from the coast, with lava flows apparently advancing to

Capt. Robert Brown at Kahuku before the Great Kaʻū Earthquake
of 1868. Photo from Brown Family Archives

the ocean west of Kalae (South Point) at a rate of 4.3 km per hour (2.7 mi per hour) - nearly the speed of a brisk walk!

On the evening of April 7, Captain Brown and his family, already displaced by the March 28 earthquake, were awakened by "an explosion and a terrific roar. Lava was seen coming down rapidly upon their doomed dwelling. The family, and the natives about the premises, ran for their lives."

What was left of their house was quickly consumed by lava. Fountains of lava were estimated to vary from 150 to 300 meters (500 to 1,000 feet) high just upslope of the Brown residence. The entire island "was enveloped in smoke" and tephra was deposited inches deep within 16-24 km (10-15 mi) of the eruption site along Mauna Loa’s lower Southwest Rift Zone. The eruption lasted four to eight days and built a large cone at the coast, now named Puʻuhou.

Fortunately, the eruption took no lives, but over 100 head of cattle were lost, and all of Captain Brown’s ranch buildings and many acres of valuable grazing lands were destroyed. Within days, "volcano smoke" - what we now call vog - reached Honolulu.

On April 9, news of the extensive damage and loss of life on the Island of Hawaiʻi also reached Honolulu. In response, Kamehameha V personally led a relief effort that landed in Hiloon April 15, the first of several stops along the Puna and Kaʻū coastline. At each stop, victims sought comfort, both spiritual and financial, directly from their sovereign.

Five different flows - two erupted prehistorically and three others erupted in 1855,
1880, and 1899 - are visible in the lower two-thirds of this image of Mauna Loa's
Northeast Rift Zone. Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth.
Photo from usgs.gov

Kamehameha V granted aid to an estimated 800 individuals before returning to Honoluluon April 23. Private and public aid followed with Dowager Queen Emma, the King’s sister-in-law and founder of Queen's Hospital, raising thousands of dollars for the "Kaʻū Relief Fund."

Over the next few months, the Kaʻū Hawaiian community rebuilt what they could from the aid provided. But Captain Brown and his family, as well as many other foreign families, left the island after the Great Kaʻū Earthquake, never to return.

Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlaueadaily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITS VOLCANIC PLATES, HAWAI‘I ISN'T TOO STRESSED, says a recent report from WalletHub. April is Stress Awareness Month, and "American stress levels have been on the rise since 2016," says the release with the report. WalletHub compared the 50 states and D.C. across 38 key metrics. The data set ranges from average hours worked per week to personal bankruptcy rate to share of adults getting adequate sleep.

Stress Levels in Hawai‘i overall placed the island state at 43rd least stressed, with Money matters placing 26th, and other matters such as Family, Work, Health, and Safety stresses placing in the mid-40s.
Hawai‘i placed at 18th for Crime Rate per Capita, 21st for Average Hours Worked per Week and Job Security, 37th for Percentage of Adults in Fair or Poor Health, 44th for Psychologists per Capita, 46th for Percentage of Population Living Below Poverty Line, 47th for Divorce Rate, and 48th for Median Credit Score.
See the full report.

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The Wellness Fair was a success, with community members enjoying information from 16 local vendors, such as HSTA,
United Health Care, and Bay Clinic. Photos from Angie Miyashiro

THE SECOND ANNUAL GET YOUR SPRING WELLNESS FAIR held last Saturday, March 31, had great success, with even more people than last year. Over 16 vendors from the community participated.

Ann Fontes, sitting, and Doris Davis make more Friends
of the Ka‘ū Libraries.

Blue Zone focuses on health lifestyles.

The multi-purpose room at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala hosted adults and children from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a Healthy Fun-Run-Walk, a Blue Zones Purpose Workshop, Book Time - Read A-Loud with Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries, and a presentation from P.A.T.H. at different times of the morning. Throughout, Ka‘ū Public Health offered Vision Screenings, Keiki I.D.s, and Biometrics, and several organizations provided information booths for the event: Bay Clinic, Ka‘ū Rural Health Clinic, Ka‘ū Rural Hospital, Project Aware - Your Mental Health First Aid, HSTA, Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool and Home Visitor Program, and more.

An Easter Egg Hunt entertained
during the Get Your Spring Fair.

Health and social services groups
joined Get Your Spring.

"Thank-you to everyone who participated and see you next year," wrote Angie Miyashiro, teacher, track coach, and wellness chair.

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Attend Zentangle Dingbatz class on April 14 in Volcano.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES ZENTANGLE DINGBATZ: Creating Ornamental Stamps for a Commonplace Book with Lois and Earl Stokes to take place on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
During the class, participants: create Dingbatz or ornamental designs using the Zentangle Method; learn how to create a book from envelope - a thought catalog or hodgepodge book where you can add letters, poems, proverbs, quotes, reading & personal notes, recipes, or other information; transfer their designs to foam stamp; use Distress ink; and get inspiration to use Dingbatz to decorate personal Zentangle art, journals, plain notecards, envelopes, bookmarks, tags and more.
"Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It is the repetitive nature of these patterns that brings us into a state of relaxed focus that some call meditation. If you can draw a dot, line, curved line, S shape and circle ~ you can create Zentangle art," says the event description.
A basic knowledge of Zentangle is recommended but not required. The class is $30 per Volcano Art Center Member and $35 per non-Member, plus a $10 supply fee per person. To register or for more details, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS SOFTBALL played a strong game today, though opponent Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy took the win, with a final score of 16 to 9.
Lead pitcher CeAndrea Silva-Kamei batted in one run. Analei Emmsley slammed an infield home run and two doubles. She batted in two runs. Lei Chun Galban Kin In hit a double and batted in one run. Tiare Wong-Yuen hit a single and batted in one run. Chaunalisa Velez batted in three runs, and Mei Lin Galban Kin In hit a single.
The next girls softball game and boys volleyball game are both on Monday; see the full schedule, below.

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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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 9, Christian Liberty @ Ka‘ū
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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SUNDAY, APRIL 8
PALM TRAIL, Sun, Apr 8, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/HAVO

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun, Apr 8, noon - 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MASS TRANSIT MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING, Sun, Apr 8, 3 - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Meeting regarding public transit and paratransit system on the Big Island. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 10
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL Meetings, Tue/Wed, Apr 10 (Committees)/11 (Council), & Tue/Wed, Apr 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market” - $10 for 10’ X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOU OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL PUBLIC MEETING, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman come to talk with Ka‘ū Community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Apr 14, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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The strong people of Ka‘ū were celebrated last night at Merrie Monarch with Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi taking
second place overall in the Kane division, dancing to the Mary Pukui song Ka‘ū Nui. Punalu‘u, shown above, Kāwā,
Palahemo and Kīlauea crater are sites honored in the song. Painting by Herb Kawainui Kane

KA‘Ū NUI WAS CENTER STAGE IN THE AT 55th MERRIE MONARCH hula competition in Hilo Saturday night. Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi took second place overall in the men's division, with the kane celebrating Ka‘ū through dance and song.

"Distinguished in the wind," are the people of Ka‘ū, says the

song for the kane hālau that won second overall at Merry Monarch

last night. See the performance at k5thehometeam.com

Kumu Hula ‘Iliahi Paredes described Ka‘ū, where his family has roots, as a people who are strong, standing up to powerful winds and other adversities. The kane danced to Ka‘ū Nui, the famed song by Mary Pukui and Maddy Lam, describing Ka‘ū as "A home where the woman dwells," referring to Pele and Kīlauea volcano. It also describes South Point, Kalae: "Cherished is the pool of Palahemo where fresh and salt water mix." The lyrics honor Punalu‘u, its cold spring Puhau, and "the swaying surf of Kāwā." It describes Ka‘ū as "distinguished in the wind, A land loved by her people."

Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi is led by ‘Iliahi and Haunani Paredes, and is based in Wailuku, Maui. See the dance online.

Also at Merrie Monarch festivities yesterday were Ka‘ū Coffee princesses riding in the annual Merrie Monarch Parade. The Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, under the direction of Trini Marques, will be held Saturday, April 21, 5:30 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym. Tickets are being sold throughout the community.

Miss Ka‘ū Coffee candidates at the
Hilo Merrie Monarch parade, Saturday.
Photo from Trini Marques

Candidates for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee are Reishalyn Kekoa Jara, 16, Karlee Fukunaga-Camba, 16, Helena Nihipali-Sesson, 16, and Sheri Lynn Freitas, 18.
Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Junior Miss candidates are Jacie Umemoto, 12, and Cristina Kawewehi, 12.
Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry candidates are Jadelyn Kekoa Jara, 10, and Tenielle Blanco, 8.
Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Candidates are Kysha Manini-Kaupu, 3, Telia Espejo-Navarro, 5, and Lilianna Marques, 5.

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A BILL TO KEEP MAUNA KEA UNDER STATE AND UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT is alive at the Hawaiʻi Legislature. HB1585 HD1 SD1 passed the Senate Ways and Means committee on Wednesday, April 4, and will be given a third reading, scheduled for this Tuesday, April 10. If it passes, it will go on to the full Senate.

House Bill 1585 HD1 SD1 would leave University of Hawaiʻi, for the time being, in charge of Maunakea lands with its astronomy campus of telescopes. It would require "a financial, performance, and management audit of the University of Hawai'i's activities related to Mauna Kea." It would require the UH Board of Regents to design rules to "regulate public and commercial activities on Mauna Kea lands." The bill would require the UH Office of Maunakea Management to "complete management actions established by the various comprehensive

University of Hawaiʻi is hoping to keep its management of the astronomy campus

at Maunakea, which includes hosting Keck Observatory, which regularly makes history

in astronomy discoveries and recently received a National Science Foundation grant.

See University of Hawaiʻi News. Photo from U.H. by Andrew Hara

management plans, complete an environmental impact statement for land authorizations regarding long-term continuation of astronomy within the Mauna Kea science reserve area, and secure a new master lease regarding Mauna Kea." The bill would also place a moratorium on construction of any kind until the actions were completed.
A separate bill would take management away from the University and put it under a new Maunakea Management Authority, comprised of Hawaiʻi Island residents with a majority of them native Hawaiian. See yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs for more.

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A RALLY ON MONDAY TO BAN THE CHLORPYRIFOS CHEMICAL IN HAWAIʻI will be hosted by Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, who chairs the state House of Representatives committee on agriculture. SB 3095 SD1 HD1 is being considered by the state Senate after passing the House of Representatives unanimously. Creagan, a physician who says the chemical is particularly harmful to children, said he reserved the state Capitol Rotunda for the rally scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. tomorrow, followed by grassroots lobbying from 2 to 3 p.m.

According to a statement from a group supporting the bill, called Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, "Chlorpyrifos is known to cause permanent neurological damage to fetuses and childrenʻs developing brains, even at very low levels. The EPA was poised to ban chlorpyrifos for outdoor use prior to the Trump administration. It was banned for indoor use in 2001. Hawaiʻi could make history by being the first state to ban chlorpyrifos for outdoor use."
The bill calls for mandatory disclosure of pesticide use; no spray zones for certain pesticides around schools; and the ban on chlorpyrifos, described as a neurotoxin.
The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau opposes the legislation. The Farm Bureau is led by its president Randy Cabral, former manager of macadamia operations in Kaʻū and owner of a small ranch here. Also opposing is the Hawaiʻi Crop Improvement Association and the state Department of Agriculture - recommending leaving the decision to the EPA. Dow Agro-Sciences, which manufactures chlorpyforis, opposes the ban. Clorpyrifos is sprayed on many food crops grown in Hawaiʻi and opponents said it would be difficult and more expensive to fight pests without the pesticide.

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Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa
introduce the Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018.

INCREASING HAWAI‘I AND NATIONWIDE CIVIL DEFENSE PREPAREDNESS is the goal of a bill recently introduced by U.S. Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa. The Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018, HR 5399, would expand existing Department of Homeland Security terrorism and catastrophic event grant programs to include improving nuclear, biological, and chemical attack preparedness, issuing grants which would be used for training, protective equipment, building reinforcements, and other community preparedness measures, states the release.

In response to the false missile alert in January, Gabbard also introduced bipartisan legislation "that would improve accountability by ensuring transparent investigations and disclosure into the incident and establish best practices to strengthen state and national preparedness and disaster communications plans, among other measures."

Read the Civil Defense Preparedness Act of 2018 Here

Read a One Page Summary of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Bill Here

Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo, who represents Guam.
Photo from Wikipedia

Gabbard said, "The false ballistic missile alert sent out in Hawai‘i earlier this year, and the threat of nuclear attack from North Korea, reveal major gaps in preparedness measures and alert plans across all levels of our government. Addressing this must be taken seriously and made a priority in Hawai‘i and across the country. My bipartisan legislation provides the means to support state and local governments to make these critical investments for our communities."

"More than two months have passed since the false ballistic missile alert revealed significant failures in our preparations for a possible attack and we are still seeking a full, transparent accounting of what went wrong for 38 minutes on January 13th. We must review HI-EMA's Attack Warning Signal system and our community response plan in the event of a biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear attack as part of the process to restore the public trust," said Hanabusa. "This bipartisan bill will help prioritize Department of Homeland Security grant funding for communities that need to improve training, fortify or create shelter space, and purchase new equipment. Hawaii and many other municipalities around the country will benefit from increased access to federal funding to support community preparedness and response."

Other supporters of the bill chimed in: "Failure of successive administrations to prevent North Korea from obtaining nuclear weapons creates a need to ensure preparedness even for the unthinkable. Congresswoman Gabbard and I are leading on this issue," said Rep. Tom Garrett (R-VA).

Rep. Aumua Amata, who represents American Samoa.
Photo from Wikipedia

Rep. Madeleine Z. Bordallo, who represents Guam, said, "We need better preparedness in Guam, Hawai‘i, and other areas in our country that are especially susceptible to threats from weapons of mass destruction. North Korea directly targeted Guam last year, and while our people are confident in our island's defenses, more needs to be done to inform the public, harden facilities, and enhance coordination between our military, civilian, and law enforcement partners."

"The U.S. States and Territories throughout the Pacific are at the forefront of a range of potential threats, and Congresswoman Gabbard's bill will help ensure the training, infrastructure and equipment is there if needed," said Rep. Aumua Amata, who represents American Samoa. "It's essential to have a well-planned response ready to go in the event of a sudden threat."

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Smaller Hele-On bus. Photo from heleonbus.org

FUNDING FOR ADA-ACCESSIBLE BUSES FOR HAWAI‘I COUNTY is coming in from the federal government. Sen. Brian Scahtz announced last week that $567,000 has been awarded.
County of Hawai‘i will put up $144,000 to match the U.S. Department of Transportation funding to purchase up to six mid-duty ADA-accessible buses that will carry 15 to 26 passengers each. Hawai‘i County Mass Transit Agency, which operates the Hele-On bus system islandwide, will be in charge of the purchases.

"This investment in public transportation will improve people's commutes, reduce traffic and costs to road maintenance, and help shrink our carbon footprint," stated Schatz. "These funds come at a very critical time for us, as we are trying to improve our level of service to the people who rely on our Mass Transit system."
Mayor Harry Kim stated. "We are really grateful to the Senator for seeing the need and securing the funds to help achieve this."

According to Mass Transit Administrator Maria Aranguiz, the County was in dire need of these smaller-sized buses. The vehicles will replace existing ones that have exceeded their useful life due to age and mileage, and which were prone to breakdowns. The assumed cost of the buses is $120,000 to $140,000 each, according to a release from the County.

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REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12, THROUGH APRIL 9, FOR SPRING COLLAGE, an Arts & Crafts activity at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. The program takes place Tuesday, April 10, from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Kini Ka‘awa and Kua O Ka La Public Charter Perform Hula Kahiko on
April 14 in Volcano. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

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KINI KA‘AWA WITH KUA O KA LA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL PERFORM HULA KAHIKO on Saturday, April 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the kahua hula (platform) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, announces Volcano Art Center.
The performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula hālau from across Hawai‘i are invited to perform each month.
The presentation will be presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
The free 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 and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center’s ʻohana. However, park entrance fees apply.

Kaho‘okele Crabbe of Hālauolaokalani.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

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KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE AND MEMBERS OF HĀLAUOLAOKALANI present a display of Nā Mea Hula (all things hula), on Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m. 1 p.m., announced Volcano Art Center.
Nā Mea Hula, held once a month in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance, is offered on the lānai of the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner are shared. The demonstration is hands-on and family friendly. Free; however, park entrance fees apply.

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ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH CALLS FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.

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/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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa

Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 9, Christian Liberty @ Ka‘ū
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOU OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH WILL MEET WITH THE PUBLIC, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman, who are looking for a location for a space launch facility, plan to talk with Ka‘ū community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.
The meeting will be hosted by the Aha Moku Advisory Committee to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, which asked the state Senate to hold back a $25 million Special Purpose Revenue Bond until the company talks to the community about the possibility of Pohu`e Bay becoming the location.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Apr 14, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 15
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Apr 15, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. nps.gov/HAVO

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

ONGOING

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NPS Photo/Joan Wasser

Photo from Hawaiian Horse
Owner's Association

Ka`u Rides in the Merrie Monarch Parade
Kaʻū's marchers, paniolo riders, and Hōkūleʻa supporters traveled in the Merrie Monarch Parade on Saturday. Above, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park shows off the conservation ethic with costumes and wings representing endangered species. At left, youth paniolo Lorilee Lorenzo (far right), who lives in Pāhala, and Blayk and Kassey Hanoa, who spend weekends on their family ranch up at Wailau, rode with Hawaiʻi Horse Owners. Below is the Hoʻaikane band playing for the Hōkūleʻa float. The band will be the headliner at the Tenth Annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolaulea at Pāhala Community Center on Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. See more Kaʻū paniolo at Merrie Monarch Parade, below.

Photos captured from Big Island Video News video

A BILL TO FUND SCHOOLS THROUGH PROPERTY TAX hikes on investor homes worth more than a $1 million, and through taxing visitor accommodations, will go to a third vote in the state House of Representatives on Tuesday. The measure passed a second reading on April 5, with west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan voting yes, without reservations, and east Kaʻū Rep. Richard Onishi voting yes, with reservations.
SB2922, SD1, HD1 would send the decision to the voters for a state constitutional amendment. The amendment would be required, since only counties are allowed to levy property taxes under the Hawaiʻi Constitution.
Hawaiʻi is the only place in the U.S. where school funding is unattached to property tax revenues. It has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country.
The language of the bill states that funding would go to "recruitment and retention of teachers, public preschools, reduction in class sizes, special education programming, career and technical education, art, music, Hawaiian studies, Hawaiian language instruction and after-school programs."

Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, the union for public school teachers in the islands, came up with the property tax
idea to help pay for public schools. HSTA held its annual convention over the weekend, attended by teachers
from Kaʻū public schools. Photo from HSTA

The bill contends that "public education in Hawaiʻi is not adequately funded. According to a 2017 analysis of real property tax in Hawaiʻi performed by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Hawaiʻi's education expenditures, as a share of combined state and local government expenditures, is 27.3 per cent and ranks as the lowest in the nation. At $12,855 per child, Hawaiʻi trails mainland school districts of similar size when adjusting for cost of living. This inadequate funding of Hawaiʻi's public education system has played a role in driving many Hawaiʻi families to enroll their children in private schools, leaving Hawaiʻi with one of the highest rates of private school enrollment in the nation, according to the United States Census Bureau."
The bill states: "The legislature finds that after adjusting for the high cost of living in Hawaiʻi, teachers are faced with the lowest pay in the United States. According to a 2016 study performed by WalletHub.com, Hawaiʻi ranks fifty-first out of the fifty states and District of Colombia in starting and median teacher salaries when adjusted for cost of living;"
The legislature also finds that "chronic underfunding of public schools undermines the State's goal of providing a quality education to all of Hawaiʻi's children. Insufficient funding results in delayed repairs to school facilities, overheated classrooms, larger class sizes, a lack of adequate classroom supplies, elimination of arts and career and technical education courses, budget cuts for special education and English language learner programs, and an increasing number of vacant teacher positions statewide."

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KAʻŪ PANIOLO REPRESENTED LANAʻI in the Merrie Monarch parade on Saturday, wearing the colors and flowers of the island. Led by Kehau Ke, as Princess of Lanaʻi, the contingent wore the color of the Kaunaʻoa orange vine of Lanaʻi. The riders allowed representation of the pineapples, long grown on Lanaʻi, with a sign on their pooper scooper cart saying Dole 1922-2012. Leis for horses and humans were made from many plants, including kaunaʻoa, moa, aʻalilʻi, croton, ti leaf, lawaʻi, heleconia, and uki grass.

Above left is Lanaʻi Princess Kehau Ke and her attendent Denecia Deresin. Lady attendants, above right) included Denecia Deresin, Merle Becker from Aikane Plantation, and Elaine Togami. Paniolo male attendants (left) included Colton Wong, Kai Oliveros, and Mana Ke (not shown). Kehaulani Ke, Laa Ke, and Pomai Ke took charge of the pooper scooper cart. Photos from the Ke ʻOhana.

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VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & SCIENCES STUDENTS are partnering with U.S. Forest Service volunteers to study ambrosia beetles, a potential vector of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death.

Ambrosia beetles, a possible vector
for ROD. Photo from hawaii.edu

Hawai‘i Tribune Herald reporter Kirstin Johnson reported last weekend that from as early as first grade, students capture the beetles at home in handmade traps - made from empty soda bottles filled with hand sanitizer - and bring them in to study under microscopes.

U.S. Forest Service volunteer Kenneth Puliafico told Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald that students hail from a wide geographic area spanning from "Discovery Harbour to lower Puna to everywhere in between." Samples collected at their homes give scientists "an opportunity to get a more systematic coverage of the area," which would otherwise take, "hiring 60 people to put out traps ourselves. This way, we can teach the kids about some insects and give them a hands-on look at what we are trying to do, and also help them collect some data for us about where the insects occur and how many." He also said it's an opportunity to teach the students about a conservation issue present in their own backyard.

The beetles don't carry the disease, states the article, but researchers think they might spread the fungus via windborne sawdust from beetles drilling the dead and dying trees. Puliafico told the reporter that about six ambrosia beetle species have been linked to dead and dying ‘ōhi‘a trees.

Fifth-grader Kalea Smith, 10, told the reporter she observed "more beetles (collected in her trap) when it was sunnier," She hung her trap in an ‘ōhi‘a tree in her yard; her favorite part was "having the responsibility of having to scoop out the trap every day."

Read the Tribune Herald article.

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death is an islandwide issue with concerns the disease could spread to other islands through airborne means. With infestation in Kohala on the northwest side of Hawaiʻi Island, Maui is only 40 miles away from the closest infected area, according to scientists at College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, which urges the community to help prevent spreading Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death by practicing these rules: Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Don't move ʻōhiʻa wood or ʻōhiʻa parts. Don't transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island. Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes, before and after entering forests. Wash the tires and undercarriages of vehicles to remove all soil and mud.

Find out more about this disease at cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod or rapidohiadeath.org.

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REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, THROUGH APRIL 10, FOR SILLY SNAKE, an Arts & Crafts activity at Pāhala Community Center. The program takes place Wednesday, April 11, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Kaʻū District Gym hosts a wide selection of community events,
including sports and the upcoming Miss Kaʻū Coffee
Scholarship Pageant. Photo by Julia Neal

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KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM OFFERS A BASKETBALL CLINIC on Saturday, April 14. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old and those in high school are welcome.
Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Those interested in participating are asked to register through Friday, April 13. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL at Christian Liberty today was a valiant but disappointing effort, with three of four games going to the host team. Kaʻū's final scores were 25, 19, 19, and 21.
Kaʻū Trojans Girls Softball at Pāhoa today was a valiant effort with an inspiring outcome, with a game that ended 23 to 11.
The Spring sports season is drawing to a close; see the remaining schedule, below.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, THROUGH APRIL 10, FOR SILLY SNAKE, an Arts & Crafts activity at Pāhala Community Center. The program takes place Wed, April 11, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

DIRTY CELLO IN CONCERT, Tue, Apr 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Unique spin on blues and bluegrass. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM BASKETBALL CLINIC Sat, April 14; register through Friday, April 13. 9 to 11 a.m., registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old and those in high school are welcome. Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market" - $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOU OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL PUBLIC MEETING, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman come to talk with Ka‘ū Community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Apr 14, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 15
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Apr 15, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. nps.gov/HAVO

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

MONDAY, APRIL 16
DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

ONGOING

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A fish collector scoops up fish in Hawaiian waters to sell to the aquarium industry. Input is requested by DLNR to decide
whether to end a moratorium on new and renewing permits for aquarium fish collecting. See story below.
Photo from Earth Justice.

VOTERS WILL DECIDE WHETHER PROPERTY TAXES CAN BE TAGGED TO HELP FUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, should the state Senate decide to put the Constitutional Amendment on the ballot this year. Hawai‘i State Teachers Association reported that the state House of Representatives unanimously approved its proposed Constitutional Amendment today. The proposal goes to the Senate for a vote on Thursday. Listen to the overwhelming support among House members for the bill here.

The bill reads: "The legislature may establish a surcharge on visitor accommodations and on residential investment property valued at one million dollars or more for which the owner does not qualify for a homeowner's exemption, as provided by law, to fund public education for Hawai‘i 's children. Proceeds from the surcharge may be used for recruitment and retention of teachers, public preschools, reduction in class sizes, special education programming, career and technical education, art, music, Hawaiian studies, Hawaiian language instruction, afterschool programs, and such programs and projects as the legislature may authorize by law."
Hawai‘i is the only state where property taxes are not charged to fund schools.

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MEETINGS ON THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT proposal continue on Wednesday, April 11, and Thursday, April 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Find out the proposed location, the scope of the plan, and the homes and other buildings it would serve. The County asks those planning to attend to contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com; Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083; or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

DEADLINE FOR INPUT ON ENDING THE MORATORIUM ON NEW COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM FISH COLLECTING permits involving the use of fine mesh nets, is May 8. The state Department of Land & Natural Resources published a study this week from the Office of Environmental Quality Control. It concluded that collecting aquarium fish could resume without damaging the fish population. DLNR will decide whether to repeal the moratorium on new and renewal of permits that began last September.

Achiles Tang, one of 47 While List species for the
commercial aquarium trade. Photo from Wikipedia

The notice for public input says that the "proposed action is to create a program under the DLNR which helps to facilitate the permitting process for Aquarium Permits for the island of Hawai‘i including the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area," which includes the west coast of Kaʻū to South Point. It proposes to issue permits "to continue commercial aquarium fishers' livelihoods in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the industry." Read the notice.

The moratorium was put in place after the state Supreme Court sided with plaintiff environmental groups, citing a lack of studies to verify the aquarium trade is not harmful to nearshore habitats. At the time, over 200 permits were valid for aquarium trade collection. A study was solicited by Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, and performed by Iowa-based Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. The draft can be viewed here.

The draft, submitted to DLNR March 13, found - through investigation of 257 Hawai‘i Island NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystems Program-studied sites - that the commercial aquarium trade impacts less than 1 percent of the overall island populations for 37 of the 40 White List species in Hawaiʻi Island nearshore waters, including Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby (puffer), Potter's Anglefish, and Lemon Butterflyfish, which are all endemic. The draft says the fish collecting industry impacts less than 5 percent of three species, which make up 93.3 percent of all commercially collected species. They are the Achilles Tang, Yellow Tang, and Kole (endemic). The draft concludes that between 5 and 25 percent collection of each species per year is appropriate for sustainability.

DLNR requests community input and is particularly interested in the state of the Achillies Tang. DLNR states it also wants feedback on the adequacy of the information in the study, and opinions on whether a 5 or 25 percent per year take should be used as guidelines for collection of certain species. DLNR also asks for comments regarding interpretation of the information in the study and suggestions on how best to conserve those species in the wild that are being taken by aquarium fish collectors.

Comments should be sent to DLNR, attn: David Sakoda, 587-0104, david.sakoda@hawaii.gov, or 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 330, Honolulu, HI, 96813.

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CONCERN ABOUT POSSIBLE CENSORSHIP OF SCIENCE IN THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE has drawn a statement from Sen. Mazie Hirono and four other Senate Democrats. Today, they called for Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall to conduct an investigation into potential alterations to a scientific report. The report, Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Projections for the National Park Service, may have been altered by Department of the Interior employees, who are suspected to have removed references to human-caused climate change, the Senators suggest.

Hirono and her colleagues wrote, "During a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on March 13th, Secretary (of Interior Ryan) Zinke defended his department's respect for scientific integrity, and challenged Senators and the public to find evidence that his department was editing so much as a comma in scientific reports for political purposes. Subsequent media reports indicate that National Park Service

The National Park Service came up with the above scenarios, predicting the
rise in water at anchialine pond sites north of Kaʻū at Puʻuhonua National
Historic Park. NPS conducts these studies around the country. NPS images

documents relating to the risk of sea level rise and storm surge on coastal national park sites are being edited for any mention of anthropogenic climate change. If true, this situation "casts doubt on the accuracy of the Secretary's comments, and raises serious concerns with respect to how the Department is - or is not - applying its scientific integrity policies to publicly released scientific reports."

Last month, during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Department of the Interior's budget, Hirono questioned Zinke about the Department's censorship of the words "climate change" from documents relating to a United States Geological Survey report on the impacts of sea level rise on coastal flooding that was released last year. Zinke denied changing report language, and said, "there was no incident - no incident, at all, that I know of, that we ever changed a comma on a document itself."

The statement from Hirono points to an article by Reveal published last week, from the Center for Investigative Reporting, which suggested that Department of the Interior employees internally edited out mentions of anthropogenic climate change from a National Park Service scientific report. This runs counter to Zinke's statement during the hearing and undermines the public trust, the announcement states.

The letter to the Deputy Inspector General requests that the investigation include any instances when Department of the Interior employees, who are not subject matter experts, edited the report, and identify under who's direction those edits were made; the cause and impacts of the report's delayed release; any other instances of interference with scientific reports or scientific communications by the Department; and any activities that violate the Department's scientific integrity policy.

Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-Il), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) also signed the letter. Click here to download a copy of the letter.

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DEFINING "AGRICULTURAL HUB" AND "FOOD HUB" is the subject of a hearing tomorrow, Wed, April 11, on SCR164. Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United urges community members to submit input to the House committee on Agriculture, as its members decide what areas in the state "are potentially suitable to becoming agricultural hubs or food hubs."

The subject has come up, states the bill, "in response to the fading of the sugar and pineapple industries that negatively impacted the State's agricultural industry and resulted in lost jobs," which caused the State to establish the Agribusiness Development Corporation in 1994. The Corporation's mission is to "acquire, and manage in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture groups, selected high value lands, water systems, and infrastructure for commercial agricultural use, and to direct research into areas that will lead to the development of new crops, markets, and lower production costs," and to "help with the transition of former plantation lands and water systems to diversify the State's agricultural industry; initiate the development and support of agricultural facilities to assist farmers in Hawaiʻi; and provide solutions to issues facing the State's agricultural industry."

Submit testimony here.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is championing
equal gender pay.

TODAY IS EQUAL PAY DAY, HIGHLIGHTING THE GENDER WAGE GAP. It sparked an invitation from Sen. Mazie Hirono: "On average, women are paid 80 cents on the dollar for the same work as men, and this inequality persists regardless of education level or industry. One thing is clear: Women deserve better, and right now they're not getting it.

"I have fought for women's equality my entire life, and I will keep fighting until the gender pay gap is closed. When women are paid unfairly, we all suffer.

"In the Senate, I'll continue fighting to ensure equal pay for equal work, but will you join me in signing my petition to demand equal pay for women? Add your name by clicking here: https://petitions.signforgood.com/hirono-equal-pay-day.

Together we can make progress that benefits all women. Mahalo."

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Kaʻū Mountain Water Systems Hike is taking reservations
for Wednesday, May 2, as part of Kaʻū Coffee Festival. It is
sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Photo from Kaʻū Coffee Fest

RESERVATIONS ARE BEING TAKEN FOR THE KA‘Ū MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEMS HIKE AND LUNCH Wednesday, May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day of exploration in Wood Valley is an official activity of the Kaʻū Coffee Festival. Ride through the coffee plantation, up the mountains, and into the rainforest to walk along waterways from sugar days of old. Sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Mill, reservations required; $45 per person, includes lunch. Call 928-0550.

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Laulima, meaning cooperation or many

hands. Photo from kohalacenter.org

KOHALA CENTER'S RURAL AND COOPERATIVE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TEAM, dedicated to strengthening Hawai‘i's rural and agricultural businesses, has compiled a list of opportunities and upcoming events, including a Coffee Berry Borer subsidy program, Kiva microloans matched by Hawai‘i Food Producers Fund, USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance, GoFarm Hawai‘i AgCurious seminar, Business Center Action Days, employment with Hawai‘i Community College and Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, and more. Information on two new scale insects identified on O‘ahu that are infesting papaya, honey bee health, and more, is also available.

Visit kohalacenter.org/business for more.

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Audrey Wilson's Cooking Show

COOKING, CRIME PREVENTION, BIIF SPORTS SCIENCE, and UKULELE are shows promoted in this month's Nā Leo TV online publication. They are available here in Ka‘ū on cable and On Demand. See below for a short list of current options:

● Audrey Wilson's Cooking Show, featuring Dean Shigeoka of AJ & Sons Catering, and Elena Cabatu of Hilo Medical Center, who produces the quarterly Ka‘ū Hospital and Rural Clinic news.

Crime Stoppers

● Crime Stoppers, featuring a police report by HPD, Hawaiʻi Island's Most Wanted, and the Prosecutors Corner with County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, who has led many meetings in Ocean View concerning crime prevention. Each month's new episode premiers the second Friday, airing every Friday on Channel 53 at 5:00 p.m., and every Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on Channel 54.

The Huddle

● The Huddle, with exclusive interviews featuring the Head Coach of the fiery hot Waiākea Boys Volleyball Team, Napua Canda, and Head Coach of Kamehameha Waterpolo, Dan Lyons. Both coaches share their insights and analysis on past opponents and on the league in general.

● All Things Ukulele with BJ Soriano, with two episodes available now. One episode is with the talented Seizen Ochi, the other featuring the veteran musician Rick Jitchaku.

All Things Ukulele with BJ Soriano

● Expeditions by NASA Astronaut Jack D. Fischer, from a January presentation at Hilo Studios. He was in town with the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial, starting off Onizuka Science Week.

● Nā Leo on the Go with Stacy Higa, featuring Bill Walter, President of the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce.

Expeditions by NASA Astronaut Jack D. Fischer

Nā Leo TV won 1st place in the "Informational Lifestyle - Professional" category - with the submission of the first episode of ʻIke Pono, an original program covering the good news and uplifting stories throughout Hawaiʻi Island - at the 2018 Alliance for Community Media, Western Region Conference and WAVE Awards show, which took place in Sacramento, California on March 17. The Western Access Video Excellence (WAVE) awards program is a prestigious competition of the best TV and new media programming from a six-state western region.

Nā Leo ʻO Hawaiʻi, Nā Leo TV (NLTV), is one of four independent PEG (Public, Education, Government) entities in the State of Hawaiʻi, which has responsibility for providing such services for the Island of Hawaiʻi.

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PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS CLOTHESPIN PLANE AND CAR, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wednesday, April 18. The program takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., with registration from until Tuesday, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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.

300 METER RACES FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Friday, April 20, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., announces Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration is open through Wednesday, April 18. Athletic shoes are required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH

Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

ONGOING

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Sen. Brian Schatz grilled Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during Senate hearings. See CNBC

THE $25 MILLION BILL TO FUND SPINLAUNCH passed third reading in the state Senate Tuesday, with all three Senators who represent Ka‘ū and places closest to Ka‘ū voting, "No." Senators Russell Ruderman, serving east Ka‘ū and Puna, Josh Green, representing west Ka‘ū and Kona, and Lorraine Inouye, representing Hilo, were the sole votes against the measure to set up $25 million in Special Revenue Bonds that would give tax breaks to investors in the proposed space launch facility. The vote was 21-3.
Initial reports were that Pohu‘e Bay and its 16,455 acres for sale for $18 million were under consideration. However, language in the bill was changed to make the location nonspecific in the state of Hawai‘i.
Before casting his "No" vote, Ruderman said, "I rise in opposition.... Everybody who's come to Hawai‘i to look at a rocket launch facility ends up looking at Ka‘ū. It's got many geographical advantages that nowhere else in the state has - particularly water on three sides, a lot of empty land, and pointing towards the equator. In the past, Ka‘ū has rejected several rocket launch facilities and they rejected them very vehemently. That's because the nature of the community is agricultural based and it cherishes its clean environment."

Rusell Ruderman explained his "No" vote on SpinLaunch
funding Tuesday. Photo from Big Island Video News

Referring to the SpinLaunch concept of using electricity to power the spinning of satellites thousands of miles an hour, at the end of a mechanical arm, to catapult them into space, Ruderman said, "An electric launching facility- I wonder if they realize that Hawai‘i Island has one of the most expensive electricity costs in our nation; and I wonder how that's going to work out.
"I also hope that one day, those who propose and advocate for controversial lifestyle changing major projects, with environmental and cultural impacts, will talk to the people impacted, and or their representatives, before they proceed with the proposal. As the Senator from the district that this always seems to happen to, I will oppose any such projects."
Sen. Glenn Wakai, of Waikiki, who proposed the measure in the Hawai‘i Senate, testified, "I rise in support of this measure. The opportunities for our aerospace growth are limitless and this measure in front of us simply allows for us to say, 'Go ahead SpinLaunch. Test your new and innovative way of launching small satellites some place in Hawai‘i.' So, in the Ways and Means Committee, there (were) changes to the language of this measure, which doesn't say that it's going to be on the Big island, doesn't say it's going to be in Ka‘ū, doesn't say it's going to be anywhere specifically in Hawai‘i, but just simply that we embrace this idea, this innovative approach, and would like to see it hopefully tested some place in the state. So there's misconception that somehow that this particular project will end up in Pohu‘e Bay.

The Senator from O‘ahu said, "It's certainly been made clear to myself and to the proponents of SpinLaunch that this (Pohu‘e Bay) is a highly inappropriate area. But I would hope that my colleagues would see the huge opportunities that stand in front of us with the number of small satellites that will need to be launched into space in the very near future and see that Hawai‘i could play a significant role in this for economic benefits as well as scientific discoveries. So rather than be closed minded to saying not in one place, let's be open minded to say somewhere in the state of Hawai‘i."
More can be read on the progression of this bill and the testimonies of Ka‘ū residents objecting to the proposed facility being placed in Ka‘ū, in past Ka‘ū News Briefs and Ka‘ū Calendar print and online newspaper issues. Saturday, Apr 14, at 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center will host SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman, along with Wakai, at a talk with Ka‘ū community members about the proposed facility.

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SENATORS MAZIE HIRONO AND BRIAN SCHATZ QUESTIONED FACEBOOK CEO MARK ZUCKERBERG in a joint Commerce and Judiciary committee hearing yesterday in the U.S. Capitol. Hawaiʻi senators expressed concerns about Facebook's policies on privacy, and use and abuse of data collected from those using Facebook.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, under fire for possible
misuse of personal information posted on the social
media platform. Photos from Big Island Video News

Schatz pointed out that each Facebook user is asked to ok an agreement with more than 5000 words and more than 50 links in order to set up an account. "People really have no earthly idea what they're signing up for," said Schatz, who asked whether Zuckerberg "could explain, to the billions of users, in plain language, what are they signing up for?"

Zuckerberg hesitated before responding that it was a "good and important question," and described Facebook as, "You get the ability to share the information you want with people - that's what the service is."

"What about the part that people are worried about - not the fun part?" asked Schatz.

"What's that?" asked the CEO, which sparked a bemsued response from Schatz: "The part that people are worried about," responded the Senator, "is that the data is going to be improperly used."

Asked Schatz, "What exactly are you doing with the data, and do you draw a distinction between data collected in the process of using the platform, and that which we clearly volunteer to the public, to present ourselves to other Facebook users?"

Zuckerberg said he did not understand the question, which caused Schatz to ask whether emails (messages) are farmed for details about people. Is the personal information used for marketing purposes? Zuckerberg said private messages sent by What'sApp "would not inform any ads" - meaning the applications on Facebook used for messaging do not give info to the applications that shuttle ads to users - and were not viewed by Facebook staff.

Sen. Brian Schatz, inquiring about the usage
of personal information posted on Facebook.

Schatz also questioned the ownership of personal info on Facebook. Since Facebook earns money from the info provided by users, and users do not "get a cut" of the income, who actually owns the information? Zuckerberg responded that any info placed on Facebook licenses Facebook to "show it to other people," but all info posted can be taken down by the user at any time.

Hirono spoke about the new Trump administration Immigration and Custom Enforcement plan, using a "new extreme vetting initiative," Visa Lifecycle Vetting. She asked whether Facebook plans to cooperate with the initiative, which seeks to use various methods - including social media like Facebook - to help assess people possibly entering the country.

Zuckerberg responded, "We would not proactively do that; we cooperate with law enforcement in two cases," saying Facebook reaches out to law enforcement in cases of "imminent threat of harm," and responds when law enforcement submits "a valid legal subpoena or request for data," but that Facebook would "push back aggressively" if concluding the request is "overly broad or we believe it's not a legal request."

Sen. Mazie Hirono, inquiring about Facebook's intentions
regarding government collection of personal info
and action on discriminatory ads on Facebook.

Hirono also asked about discriminatory advertising, which Facebook promised to bar in February 2017. Hirono stated, "It was discovered that you could, in fact, place those kinds of ads... Have you followed through on your... promise to address this problem, and is there a way for the public to verify that you have - or are we just expected to trust that you've done this?"

Zuckerberg responded, "Those are all important questions. In general, it is against our policies to have any ads that are discriminatory."

Hirono responded that the public was still able to post discriminatory ads even after Facebook promised to disallow them, to which Zuckerberg responded that Facebook "removed the ability to exclude ethnic groups and other sensitive categories from ad targeting... We review ads; we screen them up front... most of the enforcement today is still that our community flags issues for us," which leads to the taking down of such ads, he said.
In looking toward solutions, Schatz asked whether Zuckerberg would consider Yale professor Jack Balkin's idea of information companies like Facebook adopting the responsibility of becoming an "information fiduciary" with users of its platform. In other words, Facebook and other platforms would adopt the duties of loyalty and care when it comes to using a person's information. Zuckerberg acknowledged Balkin's thinking about the subject and said he would consider it.
See Information Fiduciaries in the Digital Age.

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KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY has a new Acting Executive Director. According to a letter to the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission, the school's founder Kathryn Tydlacka submitted her resignation in early April. She is on leave and Assistant Director Josh Deward was voted by a newly reorganized KLA Governing Board.

Kathryn Tydlacka and Joe
Iacuzzo, founders of
Ka`u Learning Academy.

The letter from the KLA Board to the Commission states, "Our Board of Directors understands the importance of resolving any concerns that the Charter School Commission has regarding Ka‘ū Learning Academy. As a plan of action we have implemented the suggestions that were outlined in the 2016-2017 audit report. It is our intent as the Governing Board to have direct contact and work closely with the Charter School Commission, be available to help the school staff in any way possible and most importantly be diligent in making sure KLA is being held to the highest standards possible to ensure our students education.
"We are looking forward to a terrific new school year and are excited to continue our goals for a better education for the children of Ka‘ū."
The KLA Board is comprised of Pres. Doug Flaherty, Treasurer Jack Richard, Secretary Kailani Toriano, Harry McIntosh, Duane Kerr, Nick Sokash, and Becky Valverde.
The school remains on notice of its charter possibly being revoked by the Commission, as the new board and staff aim to keep the school open. The commission cited irregularities in accounting, which Tydlacka and the board said they have repaired.

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MEETINGS ON THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT proposal continue on Thursday, April 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Find out the proposed location, the scope of the plan, and the homes and other buildings it would serve. The County asks those planning to attend to contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com; Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083; or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

KEIKI, GRADES K - 8, INVITED TO MAKE PAPER FLOWER WREATHS during a free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program at Pāhala Community Center. The class takes place Wednesday, April 25, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., with registration from Monday, April 16, to Tuesday, April 24. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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Learn about recent conservation efforts to save ‘Ōhi‘a

Lehua from Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death during an After Dark in

the Park presentation at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Photo by J.B. Friday

GETTING A HANDLE ON RAPID ‘ŌHI’A DEATH WITH J.B. FRIDAY, extension forester with the University of Hawai‘i, takes place on Tuesday, April 24, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Rapid ‘Ōhia Death is a threat to ‘ōhi‘a forests island wide, including many heavily visited areas in the park. Scientists working on the disease have now learned a lot about the fungus, how it spreads to new areas, and how it might be treated. On Tuesday, Apr. 24, Friday shares the current understanding of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, how affected forests are being managed, and what people can do to avoid spreading the disease.
The After Dark in the Park program starts at 7 p.m. and is freely offered at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Suggested $2 donation helps support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 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.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT public meeting Thursday, April 12, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM BASKETBALL CLINIC Sat, April 14; register through Friday, April 13. 9 to 11 a.m. Registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old, and those in high school are welcome. Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market" - $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL PUBLIC MEETING, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman come to talk with Ka‘ū Community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended but not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

MONDAY, APRIL 16
DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETINGS, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS CLOTHESPIN PLANE AND CAR, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 METER RACES FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

ONGOING

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard visited Syria and met with women whose husbands were dead or away fighting, sometimes
on different sides of the battles. She concluded that there is no win for Syrian people through war escallation.
Photo by Abraham Williams

PEACE, NOT WAR IN SYRIA, is what Kaʻū's Representative in Congress, Tulsi Gabbard, is pushing, with a letter to Pres. Donald Trump. She asks Kaʻū residents to sign it. Gabbard visited Syria and met with religious leaders and people living in shelters, camps, and bombed out homes, in January 2017. With Trump threatening to strike Syria following apparent use of chemical weapons there, Gabbard sent out an online appeal this morning:

"The people of Syria have suffered through years of brutal civil war, and all they want more than anything is peace. If President Trump decides to launch a U.S. military attack against Syria, it will not bring them peace - it will only bring more devastation to their war-torn country. Terrorist forces like ISIS, al-Qaeda, Jaysh al-Islam and others will be resurrected and reinvigorated, increasing suffering, death, and destruction, and causing more innocent civilians to flee the violence and seek refuge in other parts of the world.

Gabbard said that many children living in shelters she visited, like this
one in Allepo, have only known war in their lives. However, they
know the peace sign. Photo by Abraham Williams

"We cannot keep repeating the same mistakes of the past and expect a different outcome. I've sent this letter to President Trump to urge him to work for peace, rather than escalating and expanding the war through a military attack against Syria. This is not a partisan issue. Will you join me in calling for peace today?

"Launching a U.S. military attack against Syria spells further suffering for the Syrian people, prolongs and escalates the war, and continues to strip away American taxpayer dollars that are needed in our communities right here at home. If President Trump truly cares about mitigating the suffering of the Syrian people, he must work toward peace.

"Co-sign my letter to President Trump and urge him to resist the calls for war with Syria.

"We must end our costly, counterproductive regime change wars. War, violence, chaos, and destruction is what terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda in Syria want - because it makes them stronger in their quest. Speak up now to stop the march toward war. Add your name to my letter to President Trump today."

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A MORATORIUM ON NEW ACTIVITIES ON MAUNAKEA passed the state Senate today through House Bill 1585, with a 15 to 8 vote. In the meantime, the board of directors for the planned Thirty Meter Telescope is determining whether it should take its project to the Canary Islands in Spain.

Canary Islands, with its own astronomy campus, waits for the opportunity
to host the Thirty Meter Telescope. Photo from TMT

Hawaiʻi Public Radio issued a news headline today, saying, "Mauna Kea Bill Could Spell the End to TMT."

The TMT group set April as a deadline to settle the matter on whether it could situate the world's most powerful telescope on Maunakea. The board was considering extending its deadline past April to allow legal proceedings to reach completion. The addition of the new moratorium by the Hawaiʻi Legsilature, however, could seal the deal for Spain, reported HPR.

In the House, the bill could draw opposition from both pro-TMT and anti-TMT organizations. Richard Ha, a board member of PUEO, which stands for Perpetuating Unique Educational Opportunities, supports TMT. "If we impose a moratorium so what happens to the Thirty Meter Telescope? Are we saying we're just going to kill it? I don't think that's what we want to do," said Ha.

Kealoha Pisciotta, president of Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, said she opposes the moratorium because it could wind up with the management of Maunakea "back in the hands" of the University of Hawaiʻi.

According to the HPR report, "The board of directors for TMT is expected to announce it's decision tomorrow on whether Mauna Kea is worth a longer wait."

The bill also calls for an audit of U.H., concerning its management of Maunakea, and a review and updating of rules on activities at the summit and its campus of telescopes.
After passing the bill today, the Senate sends it back to the House.

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Observatories atop Maunakea. Bills passed today in the state Senate would either require auditing of University of Hawaiʻi, the current management, or hand over management to a new Authority. Photo from bigstock

A BILL TO REMOVE MAUNAKEA MANAGEMENT FROM U.H. and the state Department of Land & Natural Resources also passed the state Senate today, with a 21 to 2 vote. House Bill 1985 would give over responsibility to Maunakea Management Authority. Members would be selected by a new Mauna Kea Candidate Advisory Council and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The Authority would be funded by the State, with $800,000 for fiscal year 2018-2019. It would include start up costs and up to $250,000 for administration, capital improvement projects, and other purposes.
The bill would also restrict the number of telescopes on Maunakea to 13, limit the footprint of development to no more than the land being used as of Dec. 2031, and change how the public accesses the summit. The bill would require the Management Authority to conduct a comprehensive review of all existing commercial tour permits, fees, and associated environmental impacts, and there would be the possibility of eliminating commercial tours to the summit by Jan. 1, 2020.
After passing the bill today, the Senate sends it back to the House.

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Allan Simeon is confirmed as new Public Works Director

for County of Hawaiʻi. Photo from DPW

NEW COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR received confirmation from the County Council on Wednesday. Allan G. Simeon, P.E., previously served as the Department's Deputy Director, and has served as the Acting Director of the Department of Public Works since October 1, 2017.

"Each day is a blessing and each blessing is an opportunity to do something good for the people of our Hawai‘i Island Community, for our families, and for ourselves," Simeon said.

Simeon is a licensed professional engineer and joined the county as a civil engineer in 1997. He has appointed Merrick H. Nishimoto as his Deputy Director. Nishimoto previously served as a civil engineer stationed at the West Hawai‘i office and has been with the county since 2007.

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HAWAI‘I'S TAX BURDEN IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE U.S., according to a new WalletHub study. With Tax Day fast approaching and a new tax code recently signed into law by President Trump, WalletHub has just made its 2018 Tax Burden by State report and 2018 Tax Facts infographic available. In order to determine which states tax their residents most aggressively,

WalletHub compared the 50 states based on the three components of state tax burden - property taxes, individual income taxes, and sales and excise taxes - as a share of total personal income.

Hawai‘i is second-highest overall, second only to New York. Hawai‘i is highest in the nation in Total Sales & Excise Tax Burden at 6.52 percent, and second highest in the nation in Overall Tax Burden at 11.57 percent. The Individual Income Tax Burden is still high, ranking tenth at 2.85 percent. Property Tax Burden is fairly low, ranking 41st at 2.2 percent, but that may change if Senate Bill 2922 becomes law. It aims to raise money through taxing expensive investment properties and vacation rentals. See the full report.

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Park Ranger demonstrates Tī Leaf Sledding.
NPS Photo

RACE DOWN PU‘U O LOKUANA IN A TĪ LEAF SLED and join Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff at Kahuku in a test of courage, will, speed, and agility in a traditional Hawaiian game using he‘e hōlua kī. The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Apr. 20.
The event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance. Enter Kahuku near mile marker 70.5 on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

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KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12, WELCOMED TO PAINT A RAINBOW, a free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program, on Tuesday, April 24, at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. The class runs from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register on Wednesday, April 18. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL games on Wednesday against Keaʻau were a solid wall of victories, with both JV games and all three Varsity games being won by the Trojan boys; four of five games were won while the Trojans were 12 or 13 points ahead.
Three Spring season games remain; see below for full schedule.

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

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market" - $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOU OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL PUBLIC MEETING, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman come to talk with Ka‘ū Community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, APRIL 16
DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETINGS, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS CLOTHESPIN PLANE AND CAR, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 METER RACES FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12, WELCOMED TO PAINT A RAINBOW. Register by Wed, April 18. Free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program, Tue, April 24, Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 19, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 19, 9 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Apr 19, 10:30 - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

FAMILY READING, Thu, Apr 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū, Thu, Apr 19, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

ONGOING

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"Captain Mark" Jeffers of Kauaʻi's Storybook Theatre Hawaiʻi, with his inflatable tiger shark, interacts with and teaches
students about the marine animal. Jeffers visits Pāhala Elementary, giving his educational presentations to Pre-K through
3rd grade classes on Tuesday, April 17. See full story, below. Photo from Storybook Theatre of Hawaiʻi

SPINLAUNCH MEETS WITH KAʻŪ RESIDENTS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, 10 a.m., at Nāʻālehu Community Center. The Sunnyvale, Calif., tech company is searching in Hawaiʻi for a place to launch small satellites into space. When Kaʻū residents, who advise the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, learned that land above Pohuʻe Bay was being considered as a possible location, their Aha Moku Advisory Committee called for SpinLaunch to meet the people.

The group also asked the Hawaiʻi Legislature to hold back on assisting SpinLaunch with $25 million in funding through Special Purpose Revenue Bonds until its plans could be further vetted. However, the state Senate voted on Tuesday to approve the bonds with the only Senators voting against it coming from districts closest to Pohuʻe Bay - those from Kona to Kaʻū, Kaʻū to Puna, and Hilo.
SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman are expected to talk with Ka‘ū residents, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu, who introduced the revenue bonds into the Senate.

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Officer Paul Mangus lights the Flame of Hope from a lava flow in Kalapana.
Photo from Hawaii Police

LAVA LIT THE HAWAI‘I SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLAME OF HOPE TORCH this week. Special Olympics Hawai‘i members, police officers from O‘ahu and here, and members of the Coast Guard took a seven-hour hike to find a lava flow On Kilauea Volcano to light the torch. It will be carried from place to place to "help light the journey for Special Olympics Hawaiʻi athletes participating in the State Summer Games," says a statement from Special Olympics Organizers.

The flame ignited by Kilauea Volcano lava will be transferred in miner's lamps around Hawai‘i Island. The Flame of Hope will make an appearance this Saturday, April 14, during the East Hawaiʻi Law Enforcement Torch Run, and on Saturday, April 21, during the West Hawaiʻi Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The flame will be transported to Kaua‘i, Maui and, O‘ahu, carried by the crews of the USCG Cutter Oliver Berry and the USCG Cutter Ahi, as they conduct operational duties and training.

Malia Conner, shown with her participation ribbons
and gold, silver, and bronze medals from Special
Olympics events participated in over ten
years. Photo by Cate Brooks

Later this month, police officers will carry the flame during their annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on O‘ahu, where statewide law enforcement officers from federal, state, and county agencies will run to raise awareness, funds, and hope for people with intellectual disabilities. The First Hawaiian Bank Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run is named after Troy Barboza, a Honolulu Police Department officer who spent his off-duty time coaching Special Olympics athletes. This is the only Torch Run program in the world named after a fallen officer. Since it was first established, the Torch Run has raised over $7,297,442 for Special Olympics Hawaiʻi.
Cindy Ujimori, Special Olympics Hawaiʻi vice president of community outreach, said the organization "has helped bring intellectual disabilities out of the darkness and into the light, creating a community of understanding and respect.

"Since 1968 Special Olympics has helped change attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities, creating a more inclusive, welcoming world for all," she said.

Mary Ann "Malia" Conner - who participated in Special Olympics Hawaiʻi for ten years, doing bowling, soccer, t-ball, and bocce ball - and her mother, Colleen, volunteered for the yearly Cop on Top fundraiser, to help fund the trips to Oʻahu for Hawaiʻi Island participants. Malia said being in the Special Olympics was a "phenomenal experience, lots of friends. I felt like a winner and an athlete."

For more information on Special Olympics Hawai‘i please contact (808) 695-3533 or visit sohawaii.org. Also, follow Special Olympics Hawai‘i on Twitter @sohawaii, on Facebook at facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsHawaii, and on Instagram at instagram.com/sohawaii.

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"Captain Mark" with his giant inflatable tiger shark, teaching
students about the marine animal. Photo from Jeffers

TIGER SHARK IS THE STORYBOOK THEATRE OF HAWAI`I'S attraction at PāhalaElementary School next Tuesday, April 17. Director and storyteller Mark Jeffers as come with his cast of characters from Russell the Rooster to whales and dolphins to Kaʻū for many years. He shares his story telling around the state and as far south as the Cook Islands. Storybook Theatre og Hawai`i is based in Hanapepe, on Kauaʻi .
The presentation on Monday includes education about the life of sharks, and their place in the health and ecosystem of the oceans.
With children sitting inside the belly of his blow-up shark, Jeffers will offer stories to Pre-K students from 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Kindergarten from 12:15 - 12:45 p.m., Grade 1 from 12:45 - 1:15 p.m., Grade 2 from 1:15 - 1:30 p.m., and Grade 3 from 1:30 - 2 p.m.

Pāhala Plantation Cottages is helping to sponsor the Pāhala part of Story Book Theatre of Hawaiʻi's tour of this island.

To book a show, contact director@storybook.org or 808-335-0712.

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Glow from Halemaʻumaʻu in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Photos from nps.gov

HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES will increase, effective January 1, 2020, to $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per pedestrian or bicycle - each pass good for seven days. The National Park Service's announcement states the increase will provide additional funding for infrastructure and maintenance needs to enhance the visitor experience.

The annual TriParkPass, an annual pass that allows visitors unlimited entry to the three fee-charging national parks in Hawai‘i - Hawai‘i Volcanoes and HaleakalāNational Parks, and Pu‘uhonua o HōnaunauNationalHistoricalPark - will increase in phases. Starting June 1, 2018, the TriParkPass will go from $30 to $50, and to $55 in January 2020. Revenue from entrance fees remains in the National Park Service and helps ensure a quality experience for all who visit. At Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at least 80 percent of entrance fees stay in the park and are devoted to spending that supports visitors to that location. The other 20 percent of entrance fee income is shared with other national parks for their projects.

Lava flow eating a tree in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

In response to public comments on a fee proposal released by NPS in October 2017, the changes reflect a modest increase for all fee-charging parks, rather than the higher peak-season fees initially proposed for 17 highly visited national parks on the mainland.

"When I began my tenure at Hawai‘i Volcanoes in 2004, the park was approaching its 100th anniversary, but it already looked 100 years old. The Centennial and subsequent years have seen additional stressors to park infrastructure, trails and historic buildings, and the corrosive environment of an erupting volcano doesn't help. The $5 increase, effective in January of 2020, will mitigate these effects as we continue to address deferred maintenance within the park," said Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

National parks have experienced record-breaking visitation, with more than 1.5 billion visitors in the last five years. Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park had 2,016,702 visitors in 2017, and in 2016, visitors spent $159,195,500 in communities near the park. That spending supported 1,917 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $199,923,400. 2017 economic data is not yet available. Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park has had an entrance fee since 1987. The price of the annual Americathe BeautifulNational Parks and FederalLandsAnnualPassand LifetimeSeniorPass will remain $80.

Ribbons of lava, flowing in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Throughout the country, the combination of an aging infrastructure and increased visitation has put a strain on park roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and other visitor services, and led to an $11.6 billion deferred maintenance backlog nationwide. The additional revenue from entrance fees at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will include a new roof at Jaggar Museum, the rehabilitation of the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing into a cultural museum and archives, and improvements to the park's water system and park trails, including heavily used front country trails like Halema‘uma‘u and ‘Iliahi trails.

Visit nps.gov for more, or follow at facebook.com/nationalparkservice, twitter.com/natlparkservice, and youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

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A COFFEE BORER BEETLE CONFERENCE SEEKS COFFEE FARM HOSTS for extension agents, researchers, and farmers visiting from Puerto Rico. The conference organizers are looking for estate farmers who are willing to host a 1-2 hour coffee farm tour for the group on Thursday, April 26th. The group is specifically looking to tour farms that are vertically integrated, meaning that the farmer grows and processes their coffee on farm.

Farmers available to host a tour may email andreak@hawaii.edu with the following information: owner/operator name, farm name, physical farm address (to estimate travel time), email, phone number, how many acres of coffee, is a conventional or organic farming method used, is the coffee grown and processed on the farm, and is the farm accessible by 2-wheel drive car.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS SOFTBALL had a difficult game Wednesday against Kamehameha Schools, scoring just 1 point against their opponent's 11. The last Spring softball game happens tomorrow, April 14.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

Boys Volleyball has three more games, one today, two next week. See schedule, below.

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market", hot foods/plate lunches, baked goods, and more.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

THURSDAY, APRIL 19
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 19, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 19, 9 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Apr 19, 10:30 - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

FAMILY READING, Thu, Apr 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū, Thu, Apr 19, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, APRIL 20
HE‘E HŌLUA KĪ, TĪ LEAF SLED, Fri, Apr 20, 10 - noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Assoc. and race down Pu’u Lokuana using a tī leaf sled. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

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Mauna Loa's Moku-A-Weo-Weo caldera sketch from Lt. Wilke's journal of this 1840 expedition.
See Volcano Watch below. Art by Afred T. Akate

RESPONSE TO THE PREDAWN MILITARY STRIKE ON SYRIAN chemical warfare assets on Saturday morning came quickly from Hawaiʻi's Congressional delegation. They commented on Pres. Donald Trump's order to use the U.S. military.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote: "Bashar al-Assad has again used chemical weapons against his own people. This is another atrocity and breach of international law, and the international community must hold him accountable.

Sen. Brian Schatz: "This is a Syrian kid I met in a refugee camp in Jordan. He needs
to be safe, and he needs an education. He is no danger to anyone.

America

must return to being the 'indispensable nation.'" Photo from Sen. Brian Schatz

"While today's action was taken in concert with France and Great Britain, the President stated that 'we are prepared for a sustained response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents.' I am deeply concerned by the President's incoherent strategy in this critically important area of the world where there are layers of complexity and no easy answers.

"If the President is going to shift our mission in Syria, he needs to come to Congress for authorization and explain exactly what his strategy is, and how it supports U.S. national security interests and ends the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and refugee crisis."

Sen. Brian Schatz's response included a reaction to Trump's tweet: "I didn't think I could be shocked by a tweet anymore but 'mission accomplished' was so surprising I had to double check that it was not a spoof."

In an interview with Bill Maher, Schatz said, "I think he gets a day or two...and after that he has to come to Congress and ask for an Authorization of the Use of Military Force."

Schatz also tweeted, "Our military superiority is not in doubt. The question is what we are trying to accomplish in Syria. This strategic question will require Congressional oversight, a fully staffed Department of State, and an orderly and unemotional national security policy planning process."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard questioned Secretary of Defense James Mattis Thursday on what she called Pres. Donald Trump's lack of authority to attack Syria without Congressional authorization. The congresswoman emphasized that Trump must honor the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Resolution, which require the President to consult and obtain Congressional authorization before launching military action when there is no direct threat to the United States. She contended that to to date, Syria does not pose a direct threat to the United States, and Congress has not authorized the use of force or declared war against the Syrian Government.

After the predawn attack today, Gabbard, herself a veteran of Middle East wars, wrote, "The people of Syriadesperately want to live in peace and do not want their country to be taken over by genocidal terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. If we are truly concerned about the suffering of the Syrian people and bringing about peace and stability so refugees can return home and begin to rebuild their lives, then we should work for peace, end our policy of interventionist regime change wars and stop trying to be the policeman of the world.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard urged the Secretary of Defense to
go to Congress first and called for restraint.
Photo from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

"As a soldier, I know that the most basic requirement before taking military action is that you must have a clear, achievable objective, and a strategy to achieve it. You must analyze the situation, know what the risks are, and what the cost and consequences of your actions will be. Our actions in Syriamust be based on strategy, which is based on what our mission actually is. What are we trying to achieve? The neocons and neolibs calling on Trump to attack Syriaeither don't know what the mission is or are pursuing a mission that is contrary to U.S.interests. Actions that weaken or cripple the Syrian military will result in greater instability, more suffering of the Syrian people, and strengthen terrorist groups like al-Qaeda, ISIS, Army of Islam, etc. who are trying to overthrow the government. Is that our mission? Does this help the Syrian or American people?

"The weaker the Syrian government and military are, the more dependent they will be on assistance from Russiaand Iran, strengthening their positions and power in Syria. Is that our mission? Does that serve the interests of the American people? U.S.military action in Syriacould escalate into a war with Russiaand Iran. Russiastated they will respond to any U.S.military attack against Syria. Is this our mission? How does going to war with Russiaover Syriaserve the interests of the American people? Our troops put their lives on the line for our country. Their sacrifice must be honored by sending them on missions worthy of their sacrifice; not interventionist regime change wars that cost our country lives & resources, and increase the suffering of those in countries we attack."

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BUILDING THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE PROJECT IN SPAIN INSTEAD OF MAUNAKEA is a decision that was deferred this week after two bills gained track in the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Both would delay construction at Maunakea, with one enacting a moratorium until an audit is completed, the other turning management of the site over to a MaunaKea Management Authority.

The TMT Board released a statement. "We continue to assess the ongoing situation as we work toward a decision," said Ed Stone, Executive Director of the TMT International Observatory.

First of 492 Primary Mirror Segment Support active mechanisms and sensors
assemblies for the telescope at TMT Laboratory. TMT Opto-Mechanical and
Quality Assurance engineers from India and North America, from left: Nikhil
Naik, Alan Tubb, Varun Saraswat and Bryan Smith. Photo from TMT.org

There are also two appeals before the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Hawai‘i Board of Land & Natural Resources voted last fall to reissue a Conservation District Use Permit that would allow construction of the telescope on Maunakea, states the release. The matter was appealed before the Hawai‘i Supreme Court and legal briefs have been filed in that case. Oral arguments for the other court appeal, involving a consent to sublease, were held before the Hawai‘i Supreme Court in March and a decision is pending.

"TMT is grateful that the legal process is moving forward in Hawai‘i and we remain hopeful of court decisions that will allow us to resume construction on Maunakea," said TIO Board Chair Henry Yang. "We remain respectful of and will continue to follow the legal and regulatory processes."

TMT 's release states the environmental and permitting process required to build in the Canary Islands, at the La Palmasite, is continuing, with environmental impact assessment for the project having been submitted and, once the document is accepted, permits for construction and other clearances will be applied for.

"While Maunakea remains our preferred choice," Stone said, "we continue to work closely with planning officials at our alternative site in the Canary Islands."

Significant fabrication of the TMT's infrastructure and components continues off-site by the participating partners in the project, said the release. "With work progressing around the partnership, we are ready to initiate on-site construction," Stone added.

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WHEN DID EXPLOSIVE ERUPTIONS OCCUR AT MAUNA KEA SUMMIT?, asks this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

Three deposits from explosive eruptions at the summit of Mauna Loa are located west, northwest, and east of Moku‘āweoweo, the volcano's summit caldera. In map view, these deposits are fan-shaped. Along the ʻĀinapō Trail, 2.8 to 3.5 km (1.7 to 2.2 mi) southeast of the caldera, several kīpuka expose a fourth distinct explosive deposit.

This light gray block of rock (backpack for scale) is part of the approximately
830-year-old explosion deposit on the northwest rim of Moku‘āweoweo, the
summit caldera of Mauna Loa. USGS photo by F.A. Trusdell

Hawaiian volcanoes usually produce lava flows, which are generally benign, but a small percent of the volcanic products are explosive in character. Since risks associated with explosive eruptions are much greater than those associated with lava flows, investigating the deposits on Mauna Loa is an important part of understanding how Hawaiian volcanoes work, and the full range of hazards they pose.

In 1840, an expedition led by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes provided the first documented investigation of Mauna Loa's summit caldera. Assessing the area where today's Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park summit cabin is located, Wilkes stated, "Nothing can exceed the devastation of the mountain: the whole area of it is one mass of lava that has at one time been thrown out in a fluid state from its terminal crater. There is no sand or other rock; nothing but lava, on whichever side the eye is turned." This suggests that he saw no explosive deposits.

In 1885, surveyor J.M. Alexander made the first written description of deposits on the rim of the caldera. Thomas Jaggar, founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, later associated these scattered ash and blocks with the "extraordinary" eruption column in the opening phase of the 1877 eruption described by missionary Titus Coan: "It looked as if the summit of the mountain was melted,

Lt. Charles Wilkes led the first scientific
team to investigate Mauna Loa caldera.

as if the heavens were on fire. Vast columns of illumined steam rose liked flaming gases from the burning pit, rushing upward with fearful speed to the height of 14,000 to 17,000 feet…."

While ascending Mauna Loa in 1924, William O. Clark, a former U.S. Geological Survey geologist, noted explosion deposits in a kīpuka along ʻĀinapō Trail. He concluded that the eruptions producing the debris were phreatic (explosions produced by the interaction of groundwater and hot rock or magma) in origin.

In 1949, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Gordon Macdonald observed that "Angular blocks of rocks ejected by explosions are scattered about the rim of Moku‘āweoweo," with maximum diameters of 1.5 m (5 ft) on the northwest fan. At the National Park's summit cabin, he noted an abundance of ash, as well as blocks up to 1 m (3 ft) in size. He, too, concluded that the eruptions were phreatic and that the deposits were caused by a series of explosions from the summit caldera area.

Observations of explosive eruption deposits on Mauna Loa led to this question: When did the explosions occur?

Charcoal is normally used to date lava flows, but it is not found above tree line. Therefore, geologists use cosmogenic radionuclide (exposure) dating to establish reliable ages of the rocks around Moku‘āweoweo, which have been steadily exposed to cosmic rays.

In a study of the deposits, representative samples from each fan and the underlying lava flows (substrate) were collected. Rocks from all three fans near Moku‘āweoweo were processed using the exposure dating technique.

On March 14, HVO's webcam captured this image of a double rainbow, which seems
to end in Moku‘āweoweo, the caldera at the summit of Mauna Loa. Photo from USGS

Results from exposure age-dating of the three west fan ejecta samples yield an average age of 870 before present (BP). The average age of the underlying lava flows is 980 years BP.

From the northwest fan, a single block yielded an age of 830 years BP. The substrate age of 575 years BP was deemed a poor analytical result and discarded.

The east fan's exposure ages for two blocks are 220 and 150 years BP, making this deposit very young. The average age from five substrate samples near the summit cabin is 980 years BP.

The age of the deposit along the ʻĀinapō Trail was also deemed unacceptable.

Mauna Loa has had at least four explosive phreatic eruptions from the caldera region in the past 880 years, with at least one in post-contact time (since 1823). Although no one lives at the summit of Mauna Loa, additional explosive summit eruptions have the potential to pose a threat to people on the ground and to aircraft.

Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea daily eruption updates, Mauna Loa weekly updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call for summary updates at 808-967-8862 (Kīlauea) or 808-967-8866 (Mauna Loa). Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

Gary Johnson hard at work, starting the
St. Jude's computer lab construction
in January. Photo from St. Jude's

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ST. JUDE'S COMPUTER LAB is mostly complete; it has been painted, fans installed, surge protectors installed, and a storage cabinet installed for the supplies. "We plan on getting our broadband connection set up. Then we will make several flyers about the lab rules, to post on the wall. We still need to purchase a printer and supplies, but that won't stop us from opening the lab. The last and most important detail is to put together a team of volunteers to work in the lab. We already have a group of skilled people wanting to help; so, all we need to do is to pull them together and get them working toward a common goal. We plan on offering some training classes and at other times we will have the lab open for the public to use," states the St. Jude's latest newsletter.

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Pāhala Seniors Ukulele class members shown in the photo: Front Row (L-R): Leilani Aldaya
and Debi Avenue. Back Row (L-R): Rosalina Rosario, Mary Peralta, FelyVillegas,
DD Davis, Wendy Davis, Vivian Pascubillo, Sally Louis. Photo from Julie Pasquale

PĀHALA SENIORS UKULELE CLASS, under the direction of Brenda Domondon, performed at the Big Island Ukulele Festival in Hilo on Friday, April 13. Community members aged 55 or older who are interested in joining this free beginner's class can call Julie Pasquale at PāhalaSeniorCenter, 928-3101, for more information.

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SENATOR RUSSELL RUDERMAN WANTS YOU TO KNOW: If you know a college-bound high school senior looking for help to cover the cost of college, Scholars App (started by a local boy from Kaua‘i) is an easy, streamlined way for students to find scholarships they qualify for and apply. scholarsapp.com

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THE 2018 HAWAI‘I STATE LEGISLATURE is in its last month, with the session ending for the year on May 3. Final form of Constitutional amendments deadline is Friday, April 20. Last days to file bills are Thursday, April 26, for non-fiscal and Friday, April 27, for fiscal. Learn more about what's going on with current bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL played a mixed bag of games yesterday against Honokaʻa. JV played three games, winning two: one with 25, and scoring 15 against Honokaʻa's 10 in the third game. Varsity played four games, getting close in three with 24, 20, and 23, and winning one.

The last two Spring volleyball games happen next week. The last girls softball game happens today. See schedule, below.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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SUNDAY, APRIL 15

People and Land of Kahuku, Sun, Apr 15, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. nps.gov/HAVO

Ka‘ū High School Students Compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m.; re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch livestream on KFVE.com. More info.

MONDAY, APRIL 16
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
Hawai‘i County Council Finance Committee Special Meetings, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo, beginning at 9 a.m. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Pāhala Community Center Offers Clothespin Plane and Car, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 Meter Races for Keiki Ages 6 to 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Keiki, Ages 6 to 12, Welcomed to Paint a Rainbow. Register by Wed, April 18. Free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program, Tue, April 24, Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19
Veteran's Center & VA Medical Services, Thu, Apr 19, 8:30 a.m. - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, Apr 19, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Apr 19, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Family Reading, Thu, Apr 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, Apr 19, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, APRIL 20
He‘e Hōlua Kī, Tī Leaf Sled, Fri, Apr 20, 10 a.m. - noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Assoc. and race down Pu’u Lokuana using a tī leaf sled. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Sat, Apr 21. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Apr 21, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

Gold Leaf and Illumination w/Rose Adare, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Students learn how to use gold, copper or silver leaf. Includes metallic pigments and paints. Class fee $60/VAC member, $65/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The Art Express, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums; old or new projects. Monthly class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Bunco & Potluck, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets, $10 donation. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques. kaucoffeefestival.com

Ka‘ū High School Students Compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, re-air, Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

ONGOING

Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Ho’oku’i I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

College-bound High School Seniors looking for help to cover the cost of college can access Scholars App (started by a local boy from Kaua‘i). "It's an easy, streamlined way for students to find scholarships they qualify for and apply," says Sen. Russel Ruderman. scholarsapp.com

One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

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.

Kaʻū Coffee Recipe Contest registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/with questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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Valerie Gali urges residents to Hoʻolohe - Listen, then ask questions about SpinLaunch. She receives a round of applause
in the middle of residents who were overwhelmingly against locating a space launch facility in Kaʻū.
Photo from Big Island Video News

SPINLAUNCH WOULD CHOOSE KAʻŪ ONLY WITH COMMUNITY BACKING: The company's representatives made the promise to more than 100 people who attended the public meeting Saturday concerning the proposed space launch facility. Hawaiian cultural practitioner Nohea Kaʻawa's request for a show of hands resulted in about 99 going up in opposition to space launches from Kaʻū, with one in support. Veteran opponents of other space launch proposals and development along the Kaʻū Coast joined the opposition.

Signs at Nāʻālehu Community Center and on Hwy 11 carried such slogans as "No to SpinLaunch" and "Defend the Hawksbill." They referred to the Pohuʻe Bay hawksbill turtle nesting area at the bottom of the 16,455 acre Kaʻū property. The property, for sale for $18 million, is one of six considered for the SpinLaunch project site proposed for the Hawaiian Islands.

Maile David, who represents Kaʻū on the County Council, thanked
SpinLaunch and Sen. Glen Wakai, as she introduced them at the
community meeting on the space launch facility.
Photo from Big Island Video News

One opponent suggested a SpinLaunch location at Loʻihi Seamount, just offshore of Kaʻū, as the active underwater volcano will likely rise from the ocean to become an island some tens of thousands of years from now.

Kaʻū County Council member Maile David opened the meeting, thanking the SpinLaunch representatives and Sen. Glenn Wakai, who supports the technology, for making the presentations tot the community. The council member said the meeting was "necessary today." She looked forward to people leaving the meeting, with "some sense of either closure or I don't know what," she said, raising her arms, inviting the community to listen to the SpinLaunch presentation and decide.

SpinLaunch representatives and the state Senator from Oʻahu, who proposed a $25 million Special Revenue Bond at the Hawaiʻi Legislature to help finance SpinLaunch, answered questions. They shared SpinLaunch history, including the tract above Pohuʻe Bay becoming a possible location for new technology that would catapult small satellites into space at a lower cost than solid fuel rockets.

In reference to Pohuʻe as a possible site, Wakai said he came to the public meeting to apologize for "causing lots of trepidation in this community," which led the Aha Moku Advisory Committee to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to call for the public meeting.

Ryan Hampton of SpinLaunch promised that the space launch facility

would not come to Kaʻū without the community's backing.

Photo from Big Island Video News

Wakai explained that he met SpinLaunch representatives last year on Oʻahu, as chair of the state Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism & Technology. When they talked about how they would use electricity to spin and catapult satellites into space at an affordable cost, Wakai said, he was skeptical and visited them at their headquarters last October in Sunnyvale, CA. Wakai said he saw a prototype in a vacuum chamber and the SpinLaunch team "launch, through centripetal force, a projectile into a wall."

After seeing that the plan was serious and not just make believe or something on paper, or diagrams on a website, Wakai said, he proceeded to find out more. He said he was interested in opening up aerospace economic opportunities for Hawaiʻi. "I like innovation. I like making life better. More and more of our life is dependent on this," he said, pointing to his cell phone. "We are going to need more satellites," he said.

To connect with the community, Wakai said, he talked to the Sierra Club and The Nature Conservancy in Honolulu. "That was where my discussion with the community ended and that's where I was wrong in not coming here months ago to tell you about this proposal. Whether you agree with it or not - you are due that - and I apologize I was not here pre-January." the Honolulu Senator also emphasized to the Kaʻū crowd that Pohuʻe was only one of a number of possible Hawaiʻi locations.

Wakai said that Sen. Josh Green, who represents west Kaʻū and voted along with all other South Hawaiʻi state Senators against the SpinLaunch bond, let him know there was resistance here. Wakai said he quickly realized that Pohuʻe Bay could be inappropriate.

Nohea Kaʻawa called for a hands up on who opposed
SpinLaunch and who approved. About 99 persons
of 100 raised their hands against the project.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Wakai also said that he wanted to make sure people understand that the Special Purpose Revenue Bond is not money coming out of state tax coffers, but a mechanism to raise funding for the project through bond markets, the money coming from private investors. He said that after passing the Senate, the Special Purpose Revenue Bond is at a critical stage in its possible approval by the 2018 Hawaiʻi Legislature.

Representing SpinLaunch at the meeting were Raphael Feldman, a project manager, and Ryan Hampton, in charge of location and facilities. Hampton explained that SpinLaunch was interested in using a portion of the Pohuʻe property for launch site and buffer, while possibly turning over the rest of the property, including the Pohuʻe Bay area, to a conservancy or other entity acceptable to the community. He said he could envision Kaʻū residents having increased access to the shore around Pohuʻe Bay, which is currently limited with the existing owners blocking public access by road. However, if the community does not want to work with SpinLaunch toward mutual goals, Hampton insisted, the company will not attempt to come here.

Signs and speakers of opposition Saturday, as SpinLaunch and
an Oʻahu Senator make a presentation on the space launch possibility.
Photo from Big Island Video News

Hampton gave the history of SpinLaunch technology, saying the concept - to send up satellites affordably to make for better internet and other technological advances - faced "complete opposition in the aerospace community," before its initial testing. However, "We pulled it off," he said, describing the hands-on construction of the first testing site for the prototype.

He emphasized that the SpinLaunch team has "limited resources. We’re not Boeing, We’re not Raytheon. We're not part of the big six," he said, referring to large technology and aerospace companies. He said SpinLaunch is a very small company, with trusted friends, family, and experts helping. "We're privately funded. There was a point when we dipped down near zero before pulling back through with financing. To be able to get to a point that we can even stand in front of you guys right now is absolutely baffling to me that we made it this far," he told Kaʻū residents.

He again insisted that, "We would not and are not going to come to Kaʻū without community support. We don't have the resources to do it or the manpower. This is a group of guys and girls that have an amazing product to help propel space forward. But we need a community to get behind us or we can't even start."

When some community members interrupted the SpinLaunch presentation, proclaiming they don't want the space launches here, Darlyne Vierra, of the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, stepped in and asked for the public to allow SpinLaunch to make the presentation and then ask questions.

Peacekeepers Darlyne Vierra, left, and Valerie Gali, along with Sen.
Glenn Wakai, the Oʻahu legislator who proposed the SpinLaunch bonds.
Photo from Big Island Video News

When interruptions continued, Valerie Gali stepped forward and said, "We're not going to get anywhere if everybody keeps interrupting. Hui - Hoʻolohe - first, listen, then ask the questions," she said to a big round of applause. "Enough already. We want solutions and the only way we going get solutions is if we listen." She told the crowd, "Got to let them talk, then we can share our manaʻo. Why we love Pohuʻe, why we love Kaʻū, why we don't want them here. Why we want it for us too. We got to hear 'em from their mouths. I don't want to hear second-hand message. I want to hear it directly from the people who putting them out. That's why I’m here. I want to know what is it the truth. Then I can ask my question and everybody can do the same. But if we keep interrupting, we're not going to hear, we're not going to have our chance and the meeting's going to be forever like every other meeting. I don’t want our meeting to be forever. I want it to be concise. I want my questions answered. So enough already. Come on. Let's listen!" Most people again applauded.
See more on the SpinLaunch presentation, community questions, answers, and community and political leaders' statements of opposition and other proclamations in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

Watch and listen to more than an hour of the meeting presented by Big Island Video News.

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A SECTOR MAPPING TOOL to assist incoming students with making a better decision on their career path was presented last month by Peter Quigley, University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges' Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, to a delegation hosted by Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele. The tool provides an avenue for the business sector and UH to identify and address future workforce needs.

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Mini-Bazaar Fundraiser event at Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church on
Saturday, April 14. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER AT KAUAHA‘AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai‘ōhinu on Saturday, April 14, brought vendors of jewelry, original artwork, baked goods, chocolate, fruit and vegetables, filipino food, henna tattoos, solar lights, and second-hand items such as clothes, toys, and trinkets. O Ka‘ū Kakou sold shaved ice. The church sold canned beverages, baked goods - such as brownies and banana bread - and two plate lunch choices: smoked meat and rice with onion or roast chicken and rice. The Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church hosts is main Bazaar fundraiser annually in November.

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ROSE ADARE OFFERS A GOLD LEAF AND ILLUMINATION WORKSHOP on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Arts Center. The class is open to all levels of painters.

Learn about Gold Leaf and Illumination at a workshop in
Volcano. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

Students learn how to lay out and prepare their materials to implement gold, copper, or silver leaf in the most effective way possible. Tutorials include how to incorporate leaf with under-paintings and over-paintings, how to work highlights and shadows into their paintings, the distinction between warm and cool light, and how to seal leaf properly. Other topics include metallic pigments and metal paints.
Adare is a graduate of the San Francisco Academy of Art University, and trained under the esteemed living master David Hardy. Adare began her Fine Art career at The Muse Studio, founding the annual Muse Showcase: A Celebration in Art and Music, in Berkeley, California. Struck by a municipal train in 2005, Adare spent the following years in physical rehabilitation and retaught herself how to paint, returning to the art scene in 2009. Adare's portrait series Restraint & Revolution was featured as part of a three-woman concurrent solo show at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and went on tour throughout the states with 21 evocative oil paintings.
Students are asked to bring painting supplies (oils or acrylics, brushes, solvents, mediums if the artist chooses to use them, and cleaning supplies), including three different photos to work with and two small canvases, no bigger than 11"x14". The class fee is $60 per Volcano Art Center Member and $65 per non-Member, plus a $15 supply fee. The supply fee will be waived for those who bring their own gold leaf sizing and sealant. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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KA‘Ū TROJANS GIRLS SOFTBALL LAST SPRING GAME yesterday, April 14, was a loss at 5 to 18 against Kea‘au, but a good effort from the team. Lead Pitcher CeAndra Silva-Kamei scored 3 strike-outs during the game.

Analei Emmsley, Rebekah Polido-Kalili, Shanastie Hu Blanco, and Shaylani Viera each hit 1 Single, Tiare Wong Yuen hit 2 Singles, and Chaunalisa Velez hit a Double.

The last two Spring season games, boys volleyball, are this coming week. See full schedule, below.

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

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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

MONDAY, APRIL 16

Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
Hawai‘i County Council Finance Committee Special Meetings, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo, beginning at 9 a.m. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Pāhala Community Center Offers Clothespin Plane and Car, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 Meter Races for Keiki Ages 6 to 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Keiki, Ages 6 to 12, Welcomed to Paint a Rainbow. Register by Wed, April 18. Free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program, Tue, April 24, Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, Apr 19, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Apr 19, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Family Reading, Thu, Apr 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, Apr 19, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, APRIL 20
He‘e Hōlua Kī, Tī Leaf Sled, Fri, Apr 20, 10 a.m. - noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Assoc. and race down Pu’u Lokuana using a tī leaf sled. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Sat, Apr 21. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Apr 21, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

Gold Leaf and Illumination w/Rose Adare, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Students learn how to use gold, copper or silver leaf. Includes metallic pigments and paints. Class fee $60/VAC member, $65/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The Art Express, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums; old or new projects. Monthly class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Bunco & Potluck, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets, $10 donation. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques. kaucoffeefestival.com

Ka‘ū High School Students Compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, re-air, Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Apr 22, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Ho’oku’i I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

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.

Wastewater engineer Michelle Sorensen (left) shows preliminary plans for the Nāʻālehu wastewater treatment plant to community members.
Photo by Julia Neal

OPPOSITION TO LOCATING A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT NEXT TO NĀ‘ĀLEHU SCHOOL was the message delivered last week during three community meetings sponsored by the County of Hawai‘i. Many local residents said they opposed the county purchasing land for the project, next to the school campus, and also objected to the county buying the property from Souza family members who said they do not want to sell it.
The proposed location is makai of Highway 11 on the Hilo side of the school and involves Papa Souza Ranch, owned by the Souza family who keeps their horses and cattle there. It also involves adjacent acreage owned by the state.

Those who spoke against the location, including some Nā‘ālehu school teachers and parents of school children, said they worried about the possible fumes and odors from the facility and said it could sicken children, especially those with asthma and other ailments, who are already compromised by vog.
People talked about the wind that often comes from Volcano and blows through the town, possibly bringing any odors produced by the treatment plant with it. Odor control was discussed by the county representatives who said it will be a component of the design.

Souza family members have grown up practicing for rodeo on Papa Souza Ranch, which is
tagged as a possible place for the Nāʻālehu waste treatment plant. Photo from Souza family

Suggestions for other sites included lands makai of the town, which are all large parcels.

After the meeting, at lease one person suggested abandoning the community sewage treatment plant idea and providing individual septic systems for each lot in the old sugar camp housing. At question is whether individual septic installation would be legal and whether the small lots, with houses and other outbuildings such as carports and dog kennels, could accommodate space needed for septic systems with leach fields. Also at question is whether everyone in the camp housing would agree to septic tank installation and want responsibility for maintaining individual septic systems. In 2004, residents of the old plantation system, voted to switch to a county-owned and maintained sewage treatment system.

The sewage treatment plant is planned to take the camp housing off sewer lines going to Large Capacity Cesspools, which are illegal nationally. The county, which has taken over the plantation system, could face heavy fines by the Environmental Protection Agency if the old cesspools are kept online.

Aqua color house lots are served by Large Capacity Cesspools, which are now illegal. A sewage treatment plant - one of the proposed sites
in red - would be constructed to meet EPA requirements and accommodated future growth of the town.

Wastewater Engineer Michelle Sorensen, a member of the design team from consulting firm Brown & Caldwell, said that 28 sites have been considered for the facility since 2004. She said there is no perfect site. Locations above town would require expensive pumping of wastewater uphill. One site formerly under consideration on the Hilo side of Nā‘ālehu was found to be rich in archaeological and cultural sites.

The preliminary design calls for treating sewage through four lagoons with wetlands, using natural processes with aeration, microorganisms, plants, trees, and soil to absorb water and waste. Sorensen described the process as less mechanical and less labor and energy dependent than other wastewater treatment plant designs. She also predicted increased control over any odors.

Several attendees suggested making the sewage treatment plant into a park, a place with gardens and useful to the public. Sorensen said the treatment plant would ideally be on land large enough to accommodate some future growth in the town, as recommended in the Ka‘ū Community Development Plan.

Souza family members said they had initially thought of possibly selling the parcel to the county but the appraisal was lower than they expected and they changed their minds, hoping to keep the property for the children and grandchildren to use for paniolo activities after school and on weekends.

People attending last Thursday's meeting came up with slogans, such as Stand by the Souza's, and said it would be a loss for a local family to lose their land to a sewage treatment plant. Many people talked about moving the location farther from town, with more focus on the direction of prevailing winds between the site and the town.

Many sites have been studied for the Nāʻālehu wastewater treatment center.

In addition to the three meetings, the county sponsored interviews of family members, cultural leaders, school employees and business owners in Nā‘ālehu to ask for their suggestions. Berna Cabacungan Senelly, of E-Plan, which is working on the community outreach, said the county will come back to the community with responses to issues raised after processing all the information received.

See tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs for comments and suggestions from community members.

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.

BRENDA FORD OPPOSED LOCATING THE SPINLAUNCH FACILITY IN KAʻŪ during the public meeting with company representatives last Saturday in Nāʻālehu. Ford is a candidate for state Senate and would represent the area that includes Pohuʻe Bay, which as been on the SpinLaunch list of possible locations to establish a facility to hurl small satellites into space.

Brenda Ford, who is running for Senate, said the SpinLaunch facility would
bring safety issues to Kaʻū. Photo from Big Island Video News

Ford noted that she has served as County Council member for Kaʻū and is used to doing her homework. She noted that SpinLaunch would use not only electricity to launch the satellites but also rocket fuel. She said SpinLaunch would likely transport "highly explosive rocket fuel, from Kawaihae Harbor, down these crappy state roads - substandard; one accident - not only will people die, but you're going to incinerate our forests. You cannot do this."
SpinLaunch representative Ryan Hampton said that the amount of rocket fuel used would be "less rocket fuel than what you would have in four of your houses, heating your hot water tanks," which generated some grumbling.
Ford also contended that placing a rocket launch facility on Kaʻū land with high risk of earthquakes would be dangerous. She referred to space launch proposals by other groups. "We have killed rocket launch facilities here at least three times, and you guys keep coming back. These people don't want this here; it's not safe."

She contended the facility could add air pollution to the vog. "We have vog - you're just going to add to the vog. And we're going to have an accident - maybe at the launch pad - you're going to be shooting shrapnel 3,500 miles an hour all over Ka‘ū. This is not safe - you need to go elsewhere."
SpinLaunch representative Hampton said that there would be barriers to contain any accidents and emphasized that launches to test the technology will be done outside of the U.S. before going to any more permanent space launch facility, in Hawaiʻi or elsewhere.

SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman, as well as Sen. Glenn Wakai, answered questions about the proposed space launch facility. Photo from Big Island Video News

Ford also spoke to Sen. Glenn Wakai, who proposed a $25 million Special Purpose Revenue Bond at the Hawaiʻi Legisalture to help fund SpinLaunch. She noted that the bill contained language indicating that its purpose "'is for the public health, safety, and general welfare.' Nothing could be further from the truth, sir, and you need to amend that bill - take out language that is not true - before you try to put this on some other island. We don't want it here. We do not want it here. And I will not support it," she concluded, to thunderous applause.

A man in a red shirt, echoing Ford's sentiment, asked "Who came up with this idea?" to a tittering from attendees, referring to the fact that Pohu‘e Bay is in a Zone 2 lava danger area. "It's crazy - why would you want to invest millions of dollars in (this type of) area?"

Richard Abbett, who is running for County Council, said that Wakai, who chairs the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism & Technology should learn about the needs of Kaʻū residents. "We need economic development. We are farmers. We could grow hemp, we already grow weed," he said.
He pointed to the unique population of people who live here. "The Hawaiians that lived here have lived here forever; the rest of us came here for a reason, and it's not to be like the rest of you. This is the last place in the United Statesthat we have this freedom."

Richard Abbett, running for Council for Kaʻū, also spoke
up at the meeting, saying the economy would be fine if
left to farm in peace. Photo from Big Island Video News

Abbett said tax dollars in Kaʻū should go to "medical, for schools - for even bus stops. We are the poorest district in the poorest county in the poorest state." He told the Senator, "you could do a lot - and do a lot in your position as Chair, (of Economic Development in the Senate) after you have visited here and you take this experience and you educate your committee members."
He suggested that Wakai name whomever wins the Senate race to represent Kaʻū onto his Economic Development Committee. "You listen to them - or you make them Chair."
Wakai said that SpinLaunch is not only about Kaʻū, as there are other places being considered. He said that he was willing to change the language in the bill for the Special Purpose Revenue Bond that already passed the Senate and has moved to the House of Representatives. "How about I say 'Someplace in Hawai‘i, except Ka‘ū'?" which caused the attendees to voice some shouts for excluding Kaʻū and others for excluding the entire state.

A woman then stood to say, "What you seem to lack is the ability to know the needs for each... community that was struck with the closing of the plantations. We need better schools, we need a satellite office here - of state and county." She said needs of the community are about "health and welfare - not aerospace. Hawai‘i is not your experimental ground."

A woman of the community spoke against the proposed space launch
facility, saying the state should be focused on serving the people
of the land, not industry. Photo from Big Island Video News

"We are unique. We are pristine," she said, contending that the space launch "economy does not fit the model of Hawai‘i Island's aloha spirit, peace network, farmers... You think you can bring all the military here, all of the space industry here, astronomy here, and you think nothing about its people. You think nothing about its history... Trees that grow nowhere else in the world, insect(s) that grows nowhere else in the world, and every introduced, alien species kills what thrived here for millions of years."
She said people involved in the proposal, such as Wakai, were "not thinking ground level - people level....This is not people; this is industry that does not belong in Hawai‘i... We fish, we hunt, and we grow. The state is supposed to look after its people, not after industries," she said, as many in attendance applauded.
See more on the SpinLaunch presentation, community questions, answers, and community and political leaders' statements of opposition and other proclamations in yesterday - Sunday's and future Kaʻū News Briefs. Watch and listen to more than an hour of the meeting presented by Big Island Video News.

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

Kick off National Park Week with a fee-free day on Saturday, April 21.
Photo by Janice Wei, National Park Service

PARKS STARS, THEME OF THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL PARK WEEK, brings a variety of events to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The week kicks off with a fee free day - entrance fees are waived for all entering fee-charging national parks in the U.S. - on Saturday, April 21.
Four free programs are featured on the fee free day Saturday, April 21:
A Guided Hike to the Ka‘ū Desert Footprints is offered at 11 a.m., with participants meeting Park Ranger Jay Robinson at the Ka‘ū Desert Trailhead on Hwy. 11, about nine miles south of the park entrance. During the hike, see footprints left by Hawaiian families who were caught in volcanic ash fallout during the 1700s. Learn how the latest research has changed historians understanding about the footprints, and hear about the epic battles that raged between Hawaiian kingdoms on the flanks of Mauna Loa. Check out the new interpretive exhibit at the Footprints Shelter. This easy, three-mile (4.8 km) round-trip hike takes about two-and-a-half hours. Bring two quarts (two liters) of water, sun protection, snacks and ranger.

Be a Superstar on Volunteer Day (April 21 is also National Volunteer Day) is offered from 8:45 a.m. to noon, with volunteers meeting project leaders Paul and Jane Field at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. Join a superstar corps of National Park Service volunteers and help native plants survive by removing invasive, non-native plant species in the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Learn more about volunteering for public lands by visiting volunteer.gov.

Join Park Ranger Jay Robinson for a Guided Hike to the Ka‘ū Desert Footprints on
Saturday, April 21. Event details above.
Photo by J. Ferracane, National Park Service

Guided Hike in Kahuku: Realms & Divisions is offered, 9:30 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit - a 50 minute drive south of the park’s main entrance, located on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Participants meet near the parking area. Experience the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on Pu‘u Kahuku Trail. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.

Dark Night Skies at Kīlauea is offered at 7:30 p.m., at Kīlauea Overlook. April 21 is also the last day of International Dark Night Sky Week. Join Dark Skies Ranger Pascal Nelson for an evening of stargazing. Learn about the Hawaiian cultural connection to an endangered resource protected by the park: dark night skies. Journey through time and explore nearby planets and deep space celestial wonders above the glowing lava within Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Pascal will answer questions and guide visitors through the night sky with and without a telescope. Subject to weather conditions.
For more details, 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.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 17

Hawai‘i County Council Finance Committee Special Meetings, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo, beginning at 9 a.m. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Pāhala Community Center Offers Clothespin Plane and Car, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 Meter Races for Keiki Ages 6 to 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Keiki, Ages 6 to 12, Welcomed to Paint a Rainbow. Register by Wed, April 18. Free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program, Tue, April 24, Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Sat, Apr 21. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Apr 21, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

Gold Leaf and Illumination w/Rose Adare, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Students learn how to use gold, copper or silver leaf. Includes metallic pigments and paints. Class fee $60/VAC member, $65/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The Art Express, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums; old or new projects. Monthly class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Bunco & Potluck, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets, $10 donation. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques. kaucoffeefestival.com

Ka‘ū High School Students Compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, re-air, Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Apr 22, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, APRIL 23
Fishery Council Monthly Meeting, Monday, April 23; new membership encouraged - especially recreational, commercial and regional fishers - to provide feedback for the council on a regular basis, passed on to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Visit westhawaiifisherycou.ipower.com

ONGOING

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

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.

Storybook Theatre's Shark was a classroom within the old Pāhala Gym today. "Captain" Mark is seen here, with keiki, mimicking a shark fin.

See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

ABANDONING PLANS FOR A LAGOON STYLE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR NĀ‘ĀLEHU is an idea being circulated. Nā‘ālehu resident Sandra Demoruelle has suggested installing big gang septic tanks or individual septic systems for 193 homes within and adjacent to the old sugar camp housing mauka of Hwy 11, where the EPA has ordered the closure of Large Capacity Cesspools. In letters to numerous public officials, from EPA Chief Scott Pruitt to Mayor Harry Kim, County Council member Maile David and state legislators, Demoruelle expressed her objections to the county's preliminary plans to create a lagoon style wastewater treatment system.
Demoruelle said she will attend next week's county Environmental Management Commission meeting to raise her concerns. She said her opposition is three-fold. She objects to the wastewater plant being located next to Nā‘ālehu School, which parents, teachers, and other school employees expressed worry during last week's county outreach meetings in the community. She objects to possible condemnation proceedings to purchase Papa Souza Ranch, where the owners have decided they would prefer to keep the land for their family rather than sell to the county for the treatment plant. Her great grandson is one of the Souza children who benefits from the family owning a ranch with cattle, horses, and rodeo practice.

Sandra Demoruelle's great grandson Daniel points to his school. He is a member
of the Souza family who has decided to keep the land rather than sell to the
county for a wastewater treatment plant, shown above. His grandmother
has made it her mission to stop the plant from being placed there.
Photo from Sandra Demoruelle

Demoruelle said she is also concerned about the cost of the the wastewater treatment plant with the capital expense of creating and maintaining lagoons, and natural treatments through aeration and absorption by plants, trees, and soils. She contended that this design would be more expensive to build and more expensive to operate than septic tanks. While septic tanks would be regularly pumped, the solids likely trucked to Hilo for treatment and disposal, Demoruelle said that the lagoon system would also require hauling away solids.
To pay for the lagoon system, she contended, there are too few homes and businesses in Nā‘ālehu with existing cesspools to justify the expense. The 4,000 cesspools throughout Ka‘ū are mostly too dispersed and distant to use it, she said. She also pointed to a declining population in Nā‘ālehu, though said that surrounding communities may be growing.
Demoruelle said she is not confident that government will be able to come up with the money to build and maintain the $20 million lagoon wastewater facility, even though the cost would not be charged to Nā‘ālehu residents alone, but spread across the budget for building and maintaining all wastewater systems under county care.
Demoruelle said she has established a collection of research materials, documents, and letters on the sewage issue at Nā‘ālehu Library.

See more on the wastewater issue in yesterday's and upcoming Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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A POWER PLANT THAT WOULD BURN EUCALYPTUS TREES HARVESTED ABOVE PĀHALA was the subject of a state Supreme Court ruling yesterday. Hu Honua is a facility under
construction, north of Hilo, that recently received Public Utilities Commission approval for a purchase power agreement with Hawai‘i Electric Light Co. Life of the Land appealed, contending that the PUC failed to consider climate change and the high cost of the project. The Hawai‘i Supreme Court issued two rulings on Monday. Hu Honua argued that the Hawai‘i Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal, but the court denied the motion. Life of the Land asked that construction be halted until the Supreme Court rules on the case. Life of the

Land's motion for stay and relief was denied by the Supreme Court.

Hu Honua will determine whether to continue construction in the face of court proceedings that could cancel the contract with the electric company.

The eucalyptus trees above Pāhala are on Kamehameha Schools lands. They are among several plantations that Ho Hunua would harvest to feed its energy facility.

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

A NEW VENT ON KĪLAEUA VOLCANO'S EAST RIFT ZONE could form any time, if the increasing pressurization of the magma system beneath Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō continues, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory announced today. "A new vent located on the cone of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō would erupt lava flows onto one or more sides of the cone that would initially advance downslope rapidly within a few miles from the vent. Because of the potential for a sudden breakout anywhere on Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō, the cone is extremely hazardous. The location of a new vent or potential lava-flow paths cannot be estimated until such time that a new vent forms and stabilizes," the scientists reported.

Over the past month, HVO monitoring instruments have recorded a sharp
inflationary trend at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. Brighter colors in these thermal images
indicate the recent lava flows. Current activity indicates an increased
likelihood - but not a guarantee - of possible vent changes at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. S
See animated gif. Photo from USGS.gov

The Current Volcano Alert Level is Watch. The Aviation Color Code is Orange. As of April 13, geologists observed scattered breakouts from the 61g flow within about 2.2 km (1.4 miles) from Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and a sluggish breakout about 5 km (3.1 miles) from Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. During the past few weeks, lava flows have also erupted onto the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor.

The scientists' report states that "Since mid-March 2018, a tiltmeter and GPS station on Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō have recorded a pronounced inflationary trend of the cone, and recent webcam images have detected simultaneous uplift of the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor by several meters (yards). These observations provide evidence that magma is accumulating at shallow depths beneath Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō.

"Similar episodes of inflation and uplift of the crater floor at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō occurred in May - June 2014 and May 2016. These episodes preceded the opening of new vents on Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō that produced the June 27th flow (active 2014-2016) and the 61g flow (active since 2016), respectively.

Breakouts from the 61g lava flow are located close to Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and above the Pulama pali within the Kahaualeʻa Natural Area Reserve and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Because of volcanic hazards, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources has restricted public access to the Kahauale‘a NAR since 2007 (https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/nars/hawaii-island/kahaualea-2/). Areas within the National Park are also closed. See https://www.nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm for more info on these closures.

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HAWAI‘I RANKS 16TH GREENESTSTATE in the nation, according to a recent study by WalletHub. The top ranking state is Vermont, which took first in Environmental Quality and Eco-Friendly Behaviors, with Connecticut placing first in Climate Change Contribution.

Hawai‘i tied with four other states in the number of most LEED-Certified Buildings per Capita, fourth in Lowest Energy Consumption per Capita, seventh in Eco-Friendly Behaviors, tenth in Climate Change Contributions, and 28^th in overall Environmental Quality.
The rankings were based on scores "that speak to the current health of the environment and residents' environmental-friendliness. The data set ranges from total municipal solid waste per capita to energy-efficiency score to carbon-dioxide emissions per capita," according to WalletHub.

The top ten greenest states are: VT, OR, MA, NY, SD, MN, CT, NH, CA, and RI. The bottom ten are: AR, IN, TX, OK, WY, AL, ND, KY, LA, with WV in 50^th.
See all the plusses and minuses for Hawai`i and other states at WalletHub.

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MAILE DAVID HAS THROWN HER SUPPORT BEHIND KEIKI SUMMER FUN. Hawai‘i

County Department of Parks & Recreation reports that the County Council member will pay $50 of the registration fee for each participant at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu Community Center.

The program is open to keiki who have completed grades K-6 by the end of the current school year. Each participant will be required to pay the remaining $40 at registration, which takes place Monday, April 23, to Thursday, April 26, for Ka‘ū District Gym and Monday, May 7, through Thursday, May 10, for Nā‘ālehu.
The program takes place 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 12 through July 20. For more, visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation or contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102 (Ka‘ū District Gym/Pāhala Community Center) or Richard Karasuda at 939-2510 (Nā‘ālehu Community Center).

Analei Emmsley's last game as a Lady Trojan was
commemorated by a bubbly water dump. Photo from Aunty Pam

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SECOND TO LAST TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL game against Hilowas an oddly balanced in the season. JV struggled, with 11 and 21 points scored during their two games. Varsity dominated two of the four full games played, scoring 19 and 21 in the first two, 25 each in games three and four, and 8 against 15 for the final, partial game.

The season-ending game is Friday, April 20, with Ka‘ū hosting Parker.

The last Trojans Girls Softball Game was Saturday, April 14, and Aunty Pam of Taylor Photography caught some great images of Analei Emmsley's "last game as a Lady Trojan," according to their Twitter feed.

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Mark Jeffers, director of Storybook Theatre of Hawai`i, tells the shark
tales in his inflatable nylon tiger shark inside the old Pāhala Gym today.
Photo by Julia Neal

STORYBOOK THEATRE OF HAWAI`I brought its inflatable classroom, a giant nylon tiger shark, to the old Pāhala Gym today.
Grade school children heard shark tales and learned about ocean ecology. Storybook director Mark Jeffers said that many of the young children he met from Pāhala Elementary School classes were well primed about the ocean, obviously living among family members who fish and spend time on the shore and in the water.
The activities were coordinated by Jen Makuakane and co-sponsored by Pāhala Plantation Cottages. See Storybook Theatre online at www.storybook.org.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Volleyball: Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, Apr 19, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Apr 19, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Family Reading, Thu, Apr 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, Apr 19, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, APRIL 20
‘Ohe Kapala, Hawaiian Bamboo Stamping, Fri, Apr 20, 10 a.m. - noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Sat, Apr 21. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

TUESDAY, APRIL 24
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, Apr 24, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, Apr 24, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

Getting a Handle on Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, Tue, Apr 24, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. J.B. Friday, extension forester with University of Hawai’i, shares current understanding, management, and how to avoid spreading the disease. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING
Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, June 30, looking for participants. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

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Last Night at Halemaʻumaʻu
Last Night at Halemaʻumaʻu, at about 7:30 p.m., with lava bubbling about 34 feet below the rim of the crater in Kīlauea Volcano.
Scientists report increased pressure in the volcano which could lead to breakouts of lava on the east side of Kīlauea. From above, Civil
Defense warns of lightning, heavy rains and flooding through Saturday. See story below. Photo by Peter Anderson

MAYOR HARRY KIM PRESENTED THE LATEST DRAFT OF THE COUNTY BUDGET TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL yesterday. The proposed fiscal 2018-2019 County of Hawaiʻi budget is almost $516 million. It's an increase of 5.1 percent over last year.
Pointing to his plan to cut 100 percent of each County Council member's discretionary funding for special projects that come up during the year, Kim said, "I know that's a hard pill to swallow." The discretionary funding for each council member was $90,000 in 2016-2017 and $75,000 for 2017-2018.
Maile David, whose council district runs from Puna through Ka‘ū and South Kona, will use part of her funds in the near future to subsidize the expense for the Summer Fun Program, build a Scenic Byways kiosk at Manuka State Park, and for an O Ka‘ū Kakou highway cleanup effort. She is also helping with transportation for Ka‘ū residents to travel to Keaʻau for Tropic Care medical services in June. All these happen before next year's budget period that begins in summer.

Mayor Harry Kim says he will adjust the
county budget if more tax revenues come
in from the state.

David has helped fund the Emergency Go Bags for keiki, with volunteers making them for the CERT team at Discovery Harbour. She helped with the Filipino Sakada Day celebration in Pāhala, provided vouchers for acquiring citric acid to fight coqui frog infestation, and helped fund a kiln for senior citizens in Nāʻālehu. She also helped fund the Veterans Day Parade, the Ka‘ū Police Station anniversary event, and the Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association's floating lantern ceremony at Punaluʻu Beach.
When Brenda Ford was a County Council member, she said, she gave to a program to train teens on dating violence, bought a new refrigerator for a battered women's shelter, gave $50,000 for West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center to start a keiki dental clinic, and gave $35,000 for the fire department to train CERT volunteers. She also paid for a refrigerator for Nāʻālehu and Pāhala Food Basket, and for air conditioning at an adult day care. At the request of the police union, she said, she provided $35,000 for radios and battery backup for every patrol officer in the county - so they could be safe, having a police radio with them at all times, on and off duty.

During Tuesday's Council meeting, the Mayor reviewed the budgeting process: For the first round of budgeting, the county Finance Department recommended "zero growth," in spending. During the second round, departments were advised to cut their budgets by 3 percent. For the third round, they were asked to come up with additional cuts. The mayor said the departments know what's best and were asked to cut budgets "with general guidance of, above all, no service cuts."

Kim said it was particularly difficult to hold down spending increases in the Hawaiʻi Police Department, where there is need for more officers in growing communities. He noted that Hawaiʻi Island is "the fastest growing island by county in the state of Hawaiʻi." Referring to a lack of large increases in tax revenues with people moving here, he said, "I think we know that that percentage of growth is not loaded with people of high revenues."
He stated he is grateful for outside help for needy families, including state Department of Education programs that supply free food for students whose families live at the poverty line.
He said he is also aware that most residents are concerned with the possibility of raising local taxes. The Mayor said the state could help with county expenses by providing counties with a larger share of tax revenues collected statewide, like the Transient Accommodations Tax and the General Excise Tax. He promised that if the County were to receive more tax revenue from the state, he would go to the Council with a revised budget.

Addressing an increase in the Mayor's office staff by one person, Finance Department Director Deanna Sako said the position was a lateral transfer from the Housing Department to the Mayor's Office. The position is for a Homelessness Coordinator. The Council will continue budget reviews over the next several days. See the meeting at bigislandvideonews.com.

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COFFEE WITH A COP happens tomorrow, Thursday, April 19, 8:30 to 10:3 a.m., at Miloli‘i BeachPark, at the bottom of Miloli‘i Road. Everyone is invited to this casual, no-agenda, talk-story opportunity to meet Kailua-Kona police officers that serve in Miloli‘i.

For more information, please call the Hawaii Police Department Kona Community Policing Section at (808) 326-4646 extension 259.

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Kaʻū photographer Peter Anderson caught this lava in

Halemaʻumaʻu last night. Photo by Peter Anderson

HAZARDS FROM ABOVE AND BELOW: While Hawaiian Volcano Observatory predicts possible lava outbreaks on the east flank of Kīlauea Volcano, the National Weather Service predicts rains and possible flooding through this weekend. A hazardous weather message from Civil Defense, issued at 2:20 p.m. today, says, " The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for Hawai‘i Island starting tonight through Saturday. This means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.
"Due to last week's heavy rain, residents in flood-prone areas are advised to be on the alert for possible flooding conditions. Motorists are urged to exercise caution while driving. Road closures may occur without notice. Thunderstorms are expected. If lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors."
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a statement yesterday concerning increased pressure in Kīlauea Volcano. See yesterday's Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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Brenda Ford, running for State Senate.

STATE SENATORIAL CANDIDATE BRENDA FORD has announced a Ka‘ū meeting for input from the community. The gathering will be held on Monday, May 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle.

Also a fundraiser, tickets at the door will be issued for donations of $1 to no more than $1,000. However, no tickets are required to participate.
Ford said she invites community members to come to the event, to meet her, and present requests for improvements in the Ka‘ū community, as well as to the County of Hawai‘i and the State of Hawai‘i. She promised to explain issues she views as important and initiatives that she supports.

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RAINA WHITING WAS SELECTED FOR THE NATIONAL RURAL SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY. An academy event was held last weekend in Idaho. Whiting is a kindergarten teacher at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, who came to Ka‘ū with Teach For America. A Pāhala resident, she is also running for state House of Representatives.
The RuralSchoolLeadershipAcademyis a cohort of 43 teachers from across the nation, all serving as teachers in rural regions. "RSLA recognizes that, in rural regions across the country, there is a strong demand for committed, effective school leaders. To respond to this need, Teach For America created the RuralSchoolLeadershipAcademy in 2013. The past four years RSLA has focused on growing and developing RSLA with TFA corps members and alumni," says a statement from Whiting.

Raina Whiting - back row, second to right from middle - with other members of the Rural School Leadership Academy in Idaho this past weekend. Photo from Whiting

Earlier this year, Whiting visited model Rural School Leadership Academy schools in New Mexicoand Eastern North Carolina. She said she plans to "continue her advocacy for our children in leadership, instructional strategies and professional development implementation skills learned through RSLA program through legislative, union community and school level advocacy."

RSLA's website describes the program as: "Two yearlong streams, both to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for school leadership roles, while building a powerful network of aspiring school leaders in rural communities." Learn more at teachforamerica.org.

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Susan Field Sensei teaching a section of a kata.
Photos from Karate League Ka‘ū Dojo

KA‘Ū INTERNATIONAL KARATE LEAGUE DOJO in Pāhala is wishing a farewell to Senseis Cliff and Suz Field. Dr. Field, who was medical director at Ka‘ū Hospital and Suz Field, a nurse practitioner, moved to the mainland after living here for nearly a decade, their home in the neighborhood mauka of Punalu‘u Beach.

The Fields founded the dojo in 2009 and held classes Tuesdays and Fridays at Pāhala Community Center. The new Sensei is Francisco Villa, who trained under the Fields.

Cliff Fields, himself a Rokyudan, Sixth Degree Blackbelt, IKL membership administrator, and member of the IKL board of directors, said: "I am proud of all my students that are in our dojo; especially those that have achieved higher rank and have assumed leadership roles. I am very confident the dojo will continue to flourish under the leadership of Villa Sensei."

Lt to Rt: Sensei Susan Field, Senpai Maiki Cofer,

Sensei Francisco Villa, and Sensei Cliff Field.

Villa is a Nidan Second Degree Blackbelt, training with the dojo since it opened in 2009. He served as Sensei of the beginner's class for the past year, taking over for Suz Field, who is a Sandan, Third Degree Blackbelt.
Maiki Cofer, who began to instruct the keiki class for the last two years, is promoted to Shodan, First Degree Blackbelt.
International Karate League Ka‘ū Dojo class is held Tuesdays and Fridays, open year-round to new students. The Kieki Class, from 5 to 5:30 p.m., physically and mentally prepares young learners to participate in beginner class, with instructor attention for children 5 - 10 years old; others are welcome, too.

Francisco Villa performing kata Wanshu for his Nidan. Villa

is the new Sensei in charge of the karate dojo in Pāhala.

Beginners Class, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., gives emphasis on basics, beginner karate techniques, kata, and kumite, for all ages. Advanced Class, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., gives emphasis on advanced karate techniques, self-defense, kata, and kumite, with instructor attention to Brown and Black belts; minimum green belt, sensei permission required.

The Dojo is one of 31 dojos in the IKL organization. IKL and the Pāhala Dojo are a nonprofit 501c3 organization.

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PARKS STARS, THEME OF THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL PARK WEEK, brings a variety of events to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The week kicks off with a fee free day - entrance fees are waived for all entering fee-charging national parks in the U.S. - on Saturday, April 21.
A free Guided Hike in Kahuku: ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua is offered, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., on Sunday, April 22, which is also Earth Day. Learn about this Hawaiian forest's most important tree, the ‘ōhi‘a, on an easy, one-mile walk in Kahuku. ‘Ōhi‘a are blooming now, but they are threatened by the new fungal disease, Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended. Kahuku is a 50 minute drive south of the park's main entrance, located on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11, near mile marker 70.5.
On Tuesday, April 24, two free programs are offered in Volcano:

A bell tower that was later used as a guard tower at Kīlauea Military Camp while it was
used as a detainment camp for Japanese-Americans. Join Park Ranger Keoni Kaholo‘a‘ā
for Guided Walking Tour: Kīlauea Military Camp Remembered on Tuesday, April 24.
Event details left. Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Mowrer

Guided Walking Tour: Kīlauea Military Camp Remembered is offered from 1 to 2 p.m., with participants asked to meet Park Ranger Keoni Kaholo‘a‘ā at the Kīlauea Military Camp Flagopole. During World War II, Kīlauea Military Camp was transformed overnight from a military recreation area to a detainment camp for Japanese-Americans. Follow in their footsteps with Kaholo‘a‘ā, a military veteran, on this easy, half-mile guided tour through Kīlauea Military Camp. Hear how detainees describe their experiences, and gain perspectives of those detained just hours after the war began. Park entrance fees apply.
Getting a Handle on Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, an After Dark in the Park presentation, is offered at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Rapid ‘Ōhia Death (ROD) is a threat to ‘ōhi‘a forests island wide, including many heavily visited areas in the park. Scientists working on the disease have now learned a lot about the fungus, how it spreads to new areas, and how it might be treated. J.B. Friday, extension forester with the University of Hawai‘i, shares the current understanding of Rapid ‘Ōhia Death, how affected forests are being managed, and what people can do to avoid spreading the disease. Park entrance fees apply.

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THE SANDALWOOD TRADE IN HAWAI‘I: UNFORESEEN CONSEQUENCES is Volcano Art Center's April 26 Thursday Night at the Center. Retired Professor of History at Windward Community College Paul Field leads the discussion from 7 to 9 p.m.

‘Iliahi, native Hawaiian sandalwood, was traded internationally in the
early nineteenth century. Learn about the historical consequences on
Thursday, April 26. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

‘Iliahi (sandalwood) trade in the early nineteenth century marked the Kingdom of Hawai‘i's first foray into international economic activity. The resulting destruction of the sandalwood forests is well known.
Field discusses how the sandalwood trade affected relations between commoners and chiefs, altered the concept of mana, and led to the first official interference of the United States government in the affairs of the Hawaiian Kingdom. "Hawaiian studies and history enthusiasts will enjoy this informative, engaging evening," says the event description.
Free once-a-month Thursday Night at the Center series at the Volcano Art Center focuses on art, Hawaiian culture and environment; it is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections. Suggested $5 donation to Volcano Art Center. volcanoartcenter.org

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

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Volleyball: Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 19

Veteran's Center & VA Medical Services, Thu, Apr 19, 8:30 a.m. - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, Apr 19, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Apr 19, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Family Reading, Thu, Apr 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, Apr 19, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, APRIL 20
‘Ohe Kapala, Hawaiian Bamboo Stamping, Fri, Apr 20, 10 a.m. - noon, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Sat, Apr 21. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2017 Jami Beck turns over the reign to the
new Miss Kaʻū Coffee this Saturday at Kaʻū District Gym.
Photo by Pamela Taylor

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Apr 21, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

Gold Leaf and Illumination w/Rose Adare, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Students learn how to use gold, copper or silver leaf. Includes metallic pigments and paints. Class fee $60/VAC member, $65/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The Art Express, Sat, Apr 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums; old or new projects. Monthly class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Bunco & Potluck, Sat, Apr 21, 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice, also known as Bonko or Bunko. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

MONDAY, APRIL 23
Fishery Council Monthly Meeting, Monday, April 23; new membership encouraged - especially recreational, commercial and regional fishers - to provide feedback for the council on a regular basis, passed on to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Visit westhawaiifisherycou.ipower.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 24
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, Apr 24, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, Apr 24, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

Getting a Handle on Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, Tue, Apr 24, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. J.B. Friday, extension forester with University of Hawai’i, shares current understanding, management, and how to avoid spreading the disease. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNEDAY, APRIL 25

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, Apr 25, 9 - 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors, 60 years & older, encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i; referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Kāhili Demonstration, Wed, Apr 25, 10 a.m. - noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn to make a small hand-held feather standard - an example of Hawaiian art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

ONGOING

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events (nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities) to be announced. nps.gov/HAVO

One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Hoʻokuʻi I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

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The reign of the 2017 Miss Kaʻū Coffee Court (above) will be transferred to the 2018 winners this Saturday during
the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant at Kaʻū District Gym. The pageant is the opener to the Tenth Annual Kaʻū
Coffee Festival. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are for sale through the community. Photo by Pam Taylor

MISS KA‘Ū COFFEE SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT will be held for the first time at the Ka‘ū District Gym this Saturday, April 21, beginning at 6 p.m. Previously staged at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, the historic school gym, and Pāhala Community Center, the pageant is the first event in the tenth annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival. Tickets are available in the community and at the door, $10 donation.
Each contestant will perform, showing her intelligence and grace, in three main categories: Talent, Speech, and Evening Wear. Contestants will also participate in Miss Popularity, Miss Congeniality, and Miss Photogenic contests.

Kaʻū Coffee Farmer and Kaʻū
Pageant Director Trini Marques.

Directed by Ali‘i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee grower Trini Marques, the pageant joins young women in performance, fashion, poise, and knowledge to celebrate the Ka‘ū Coffee industry. It also raises scholarship money for the young women and girls. Miss Ka‘ū Coffee will represent the industry at public events throughout the year, with funding sponsored by the Edmund C. Olson Trust II.
All contestants must have either been born, have grown up, or now live in Ka‘ū. Winners receive scholarships.
Anyone wanting to volunteer on pageant night, call Trini Marques at 928-0606, email trinidadmarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques. To donate for scholarships, call Scholarship Chair Julia Neal at 808-928-9811 or email mahalo@aloha.net.
For all the events, see kaucoffeefestival.com.

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‘ALALĀ THRIVE IN PU‘U MAKA‘ALA NATURAL AREA, AND MAY BE SENDING OUT MATING CALLS, reports The ʻAlalā Project, a partnership between state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and San Diego Zoo Global. An update this week says the newly introduced wild population of ʻAlalā, the endangered native Hawaiian Crow, are showing increased natural behaviors, foraging on native plants, and even challenging the occasional ‘Io, or Hawaiian Hawk.
The ʻAlalā were raised in captivity and reintroduced last year after becoming extinct in the wild. Seven males and four females are "foraging, interacting socially with each other, feeding on wild fruits and wild substrates, foraging for insects. They're flying around the forest, becoming more proficient fliers, and more proficient at being what they're supposed to be: wild birds," states Joshua Pang-Ching, Research Coordinator of the San Diego Zoo Global's Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program. In a video from San Diego Zoo Global, he says observers see movement and hear the birds developing their voices to communicate with other ʻAlalā.

ʻAlalā scans the sky in Puʻu Makaʻala. Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

Especially of note is a call "that we've labeled the monkey call," stated Pang-Ching. It is a type of "cooing-pulsing call" from some of the males, perhaps to solicit females for breeding. It may be a territorial call.
Pang-Ching said ʻAlalā are exhibiting behaviors that deal with changes and threats in natural habitat. "We are working on evaluating this scientifically to see if the birds' rich behavioral repertoire is being recovered now that they have been reintroduced into the forest." Behaviors include searching for insects within the bark of native trees, and interacting with ʻIo, the Hawaiian Hawk, the ʻAlalā's natural predator.

Donna Ball, a wildlife biologist with US Fish & Wildlife Service, said in a video from San Diego Zoo Global that in the 90s, ʻAlalā were released into habitat "occupied by wild birds." and experienced more territorial behavior than seen during the current release so far. She said she expects some territoriality with future ʻAlalā releases.

Conservationists are "cautiously optimistic" about ʻAlalā's continued success in native habitat and are working with researchers at University of Hawai‘i - Hilo to analyze vocalizations of the rare birds. Foraging and social behaviors are studied to determine if theses birds raised captivity are behaving like wild ʻAlalā observed in the past.

ʻAlalā perched in Puʻu Makaʻala. Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

"When the only existing ‘Alalā were living in the protected aviaries at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, we saw fewer types of alarm and territory calls in the population, and the frequency of alarm calls was greatly reduced," said Alison Greggor, Postdoctoral Associate, San Diego Zoo Global, in the release.

The 11 ‘Alalā were released into the reserve in September and October 2017. They represent what conservationists hope will be the beginning of a recovered population of the endangered crow species on the island.
Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, Project Coordinator of the ‘Alalā Project, said, "ʻAlalā are important seed dispersers of native plants, and also were dominant voices of the soundscape of Hawaiian forests and forest bird communities. The presence of ‘Alalā, back in their habitat, is a benefit and revitalization for ecosystem health of managed State lands and reserves, such as Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve."

‘Alalā have been extinct in the wild since 2002, preserved only at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers managed by San Diego Zoo Global's Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program, through a partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and state Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

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THE GOVERNOR RECENTLY WELCOMED KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MALIE IBARRA in Honolulu. She received the 2018 Sexual Assault Awareness Month award, presented by Gov. David Ige for, "embracing (her) voice" to prevent sexual violence, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawai‘i.

Paula Chun, Jessie Marques, Tanya Ibarra, Malie Ibarra, Gov. David Ige and
Dr. Virginia Pressler. Photo from the Governor's Office

Also attending the ceremony were Jessie Marques, executive director of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association; Tanya Ibarra, who works for University of Hawaiʻi and The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper; Paula Chun of Hawaiʻi Coalition Against Sexual Assault; and Dr. Virginia Pressler, Director of the state Department of Health.
Ibarra is author of Tita the Turtle, a children's book created to help teach about healthy relationships. She was nominated for the recognition by Ka‘ū Sexual Violence Prevention Community Action Team.

Tita the Turtle

In addition to Ibarra, honorees were: Dr. Virginia Pressler, Department of Health; Jennifer Pagala Barnett, University of Hawai‘i; Lisa Charles, United States Air Force; Matthew Houck, YWCA of Kaua‘i; David Rosen, Shooters Film Production; Ken Kazuma, Waipahu Intermediate School; and Deonne Carden, Waianae.

The AG's statement says, "One month isn't enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of sexual violence. Nevertheless, awareness efforts in April provide an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts. There's no better way to expand the scope of Sexual Assault Awareness Month than by reaching out to a broader audience."
The statement points to the 2015 Hawai‘i Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which reports that 12.7% of Hawai‘i's high school students reported being forced to do sexual activities in the last 12 months. "Anyone can experience sexual violence, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. We encourage everyone to 'Embrace Your Voice!'" Go to ag.hawaii.gov to see a list of activities.

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BOY'S DAY CRAFT AT KAHUKU PARK, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki ages 6 to 12 years old, takes place on Tuesday, May 1, from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Register for the free event Wednesday, April 25, through Monday, April 30. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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PARKS STARS, THEME OF THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL PARK WEEK, brings a variety of events to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The week kicks off with a fee free day - entrance fees are waived for all entering fee-charging national parks in the U.S. - on Saturday, April 21.

Learn to make a feather standard at Hawaiian Kāhili Demonstration on Wednesday,
April 25. Event details, left. Photo by Janice Wei, National Park Service

Hawaiian Kāhili (Feather Standard) Demonstration is offered on Wednesday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Create a small kāhili pa‘a lima, a hand-held feather standard. Kāhili are a form of Hawaiian feather-work that traditionally acknowledged a person’s status and genealogy, and offered spiritual protection. They are beautiful examples of Hawaiian art. The free program is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Park entrance fees apply.
Thursday, April 26, offers Guided Hike: Into the Volcano, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with participants meeting Park Ranger Dean Gallagher at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. Witness the eruptions from Kīlauea Volcano's not-so-distant past on this moderately difficult 2.7-mile (4.3 km) round-trip hike to the caldera floor. Discover how volcanologists study this remarkable landscape and what they have learned. Gallagher leads this free interpretive hike down and up one of the park’s most stellar trails, Halema‘uma‘u Trail. Revel in the rainforest and learn about the native plants, trees and rare birds that thrive here. Connect to Hawaiian history and culture in this beautiful, sacred place. Sturdy footwear, water, light raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended. Park entrance fees apply.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on

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

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Volleyball: Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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Ka‘ū High School Students Compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, re-air, Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Apr 22, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

MONDAY, APRIL 23
Fishery Council Monthly Meeting, Monday, April 23; new membership encouraged - especially recreational, commercial and regional fishers - to provide feedback for the council on a regular basis, passed on to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Visit westhawaiifisherycou.ipower.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 24
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, Apr 24, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, Apr 24, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

Getting a Handle on Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, Tue, Apr 24, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. J.B. Friday, extension forester with University of Hawai’i, shares current understanding, management, and how to avoid spreading the disease. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNEDAY, APRIL 25
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, Apr 25, 9 - 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors, 60 years & older, encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i; referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Kāhili Demonstration, Wed, Apr 25, 10 a.m. - noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn to make a small hand-held feather standard - an example of Hawaiian art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, Apr 26, noon - 1 p.m., Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

ONGOING

Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.

National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events - nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities - at nps.gov/HAVO.

One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Hoʻokuʻi I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

Kaʻū Coffee Recipe Contest registration open through tomorrow, Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/with questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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Ka‘ū News Brief Saturday, March 31, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Sunday, April 1, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Monday, April 2, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Thursday, April 5, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Friday, April 6, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Saturday, April 7, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Sunday, April 8, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Monday, April 9, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Thursday, April 12, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Friday, April 13, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Saturday, April 14, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Sunday, April 15, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Monday, April 16, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Thursday, April 19, 2018