Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Exploring Pu`u o Lokuana at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is one activity of the park's free Summer Junior Ranger Program. See more below. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE’S $389 million capital improvements budget includes projects in Ka`u.

The state Legislature's budget includes funds to repair
and/or replace Ninole Bridge. Photo by Julia Neal

The budget calls for $150,000 for design and construction of walkway lighting, ground and site improvements, and equipment and appurtenances at Ka`u High School.

Na`alehu Elementary School would receive $290,000 to address repair and maintenance projects, including repairing and resurfacing wood hallways, improving drainage, constructing a wheelchair lift and replacing gutters, downspouts, basketball poles and hoops.
Eight million dollars is allocated for rehabilitation and/or replacement of Ninole Bridge along Hwy 11.
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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers free Summer Junior Ranger Programs beginning June 7 and June 14. Keiki from ages seven to 13 years old are invited to “Find Your Park” and become junior rangers through the park’s free Keiki o Hawai`i Nei summer program during the park’s centennial year. A fun-filled, three-day program for keiki ages seven to 10 is June 7-9, and a program for youngsters ages 11 to 13 is June 14-16.

Ranger Noah teaches keiki how to play the Hawaiian
game konane. Photo from NPS

Each age group begins Tuesday and ends on Thursday. For the first two days, Keiki o Hawai`i Nei begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. On the last day (Thursday), the program begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. The programs start and end at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.

Keiki o Hawai`i Nei is designed to encourage a child’s enthusiasm for discovery by connecting the child with the park’s resources and staff, and to inspire his or her appreciation of what is uniquely Hawaiian by exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai`i.
Participants must bring and be able to carry their own day pack with water, snacks, lunch and raingear, and hike up to three miles over uneven terrain at a leisurely pace. All interested applicants must submit an application to register. Download the application form here, or contact Education Specialist Lanakila Anderson at 985-6020 or emailgwen_anderson@nps.gov for information and an application.
Applications are due by noon on Monday, May 16. Selections will be made, and parents notified, on Wednesday, May 18.
The program is co-sponsored by Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Roberts Hawai`i.
Founded on Aug. 1, 1916, Hawai`i Volcanoes was the 15th national park established in the U.S. and celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, along with the National Park Service itself, which turns 100 on Aug. 25, 2016. The goal for both anniversaries is to connect with, and create, the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates.
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Sen. Mazie Hirono and Gov. David Ige honor active duty personnel,
veterans and military families. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

MAY IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono joined Gov. David Ige in expressing their gratitude for the hard work and dedication of service members. “This time each year, our nation recognizes the service and sacrifices made by our active duty personnel, veterans and military families,” Hirono said.

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THIS MONTH BEGAN with the U.S. Travel Association celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, May 1-7.

George Szigeti

Congress endorsed this annual salute to tourism in 1983 as a reminder of the industry’s economic and social benefits to communities nationwide.

“Hawai`i sees the benefits of our state’s largest industry every day in the approximately 180,000 jobs that support families and communities on all islands,” said George Szigeti, President and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority. “Hawai`i’s tourism industry came through the first quarter, traditionally an off-peak period, in good shape, and the year-to-date visitor statistics show we are slightly ahead of last year’s record-setting pace for arrivals and expenditures.

“Those results are especially heartening considering the economic struggles of some key international markets and the negative publicity generated by the dengue fever outbreak on Hawai`i Island.
“Nevertheless, visitors continue to crave the authenticity of the Hawai`i experience and embrace how the Aloha Spirit guides the way we live and the goodwill we show everyone coming to our islands.
“Mahalo for supporting Hawai`i’s tourism industry.”

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Tutu & Me is selling Big Island Candies' chocolate bars as a fundraiser.

TUTU & ME IS HAVING ONE LAST fundraiser before closing for the summer.

Representatives are selling ono chocolate bars from Big Island Candies. The cost per bar is $3.50.
“These bars are available only through fundraisers, and I’ve been told on good authority that they freeze well, so this is your chance to stock up!” site manager Betty Clark said.
To purchase, call 929-8571 or 430-1802.

Tom Peek Photo by Julia Neal

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AUTHOR TOM PEEK discusses his novel Daughters of Fire this evening at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support After Dark in the Park programs; park entrance fees apply.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE the traditional haku-style of lei tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

THIS MONTH’S THURSDAY NIGHTS at the Center on May 12 features the `Alala Project at 7 p.m.

Hawai`i’s endemic Hawaiian crow, the `alala, once made its home across the length and breadth of Hawai`i Island. In the fall, `alala will be restored to their natural habitat, and these very intelligent birds will take their place once again among the fauna of Hawaiian forests.

Learn about The `Alala Project Thursday.
San Diego Zoo Global photo from VAC

Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village welcomes Lea Ka`aha`aina of Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources’ `Alala Project, who will relate the amazing account of the `alala’s recovery and plans for its upcoming release.

Volcano Art Center and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research are proud to announce a statewide Call to Artists: All `Alala! for the exhibit, Return of `Alala: Restoring the Voice Of Hawai`i’s Native Forests. Open to Hawai`i artists, 18 years and older, working in all media who choose to represent the `alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) in their art work. VAC’s Gallery Manager, Emily C. Weiss, will share details about the Call to Artists: All `Alala!
Thursday Nights at the Center is a series at focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series is intended to inspire, enhance art and life experiences and foster community connections. The event is free; $5 donations are greatly appreciated.
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS ATPAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM ANDKAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.