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| Wood Valley Road overflowing with flood water today. The road was closed for hours. Photo by Julia Neal |
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| Rushing waters next to Olson Trust Farm on Wood Valley Road this morning. Photo by Julia Neal |
Ka‘ū High School and its Intermediate School, which serves all of Ka‘ū sent students on busses to spend the rest of the day in the Nāʻālehu School gym to prevent them from being trapped on the Pāhala side of Kāwā Flats after school.
Wood Valley residents reported some trees falling. Fallen trees and residue were scattered along Hwy. 11 in all directions. Heavy fog covered Wood Valley. In Volcano, the fog mixed with thick vog that reached hazardous levels of SO2 in some places along the edge of Kīlauea Crater.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park closed Mauna Loa and Hina Pali Roads, and Mauna Loa backcountry hiking trails. Into Puna, the county closed the makai lava viewing areas. Jagaar Museum closed early, but the viewing area remains open. On Mauna Kea, the Visitor Information Station shut down. Winds on the summits reached 55 to 75 mph.
The National Weather Service lifted the Flash Flood Warning for the entire Big Island at 3:30 p.m.
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| Broken guard rail over swollen stream along Wood Valley Road today. Photo by Julia Neal |
Nāʻālehu Elementary is among schools and organizations selected by the state Office of Hawaiian Education to field a HĀ Community Day Design Team. Representatives from the design team, including Student Council President Kaelyn Medeiros-Shibuya, spent a day on Oʻahu, over Fall Break, meeting with OHE members and other school and community organizations to further plans for the event. OHE also awarded Nāʻālehu a $1K grant to go toward the community day.
The state Department of Education webpage describes HĀ as a “department-wide framework to develop the skills, behaviors and dispositions that are reminiscent of Hawaiʻi’s unique context, and to honor the qualities and values of the indigenous language and culture of Hawaiʻi.” The HĀ framework has six components: Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-Being and Hawaiʻi. These first-letter of each of these components spell BREATH, which is also the English translation of HĀ.
To encourage belonging during the HĀ Commumity Day and Friendraiser, there will be several carnival-style games and activities, such as coin toss, splash booth, duck fishing, penny drop, face painting and bounce house, as well as game prizes. A raffle will be held throughout the day with prizes such as a Body Glove Cruise for two ($284 value); two ʻImiloa family passes with admission and planetarium show ($70 value of each); Grand Naniloa Hotel one-night stay; round of golf for two and more. Participants must be present to win. Games and raffle tickets are 50 cents each.
Sixth graders will raise money for their graduation banquet and excursion by hosting a bake sale with homemade items including cookies, cupcakes and brownies, as well as a food booth with chili, hotdogs, popcorn and drinks. To align with the HĀ component of responsibility, the school will give out seedling starters for families to care for or start their own home gardens.
Excellence will be highlighted as game players are encouraged to exhibit sportsmanship. The school information booth will share about the Challenge Five, a program challenging students families to keep absences to under five days per year.
Aloha will be shared at the gathering area, where people can enjoy music and talk story. Total Well-being will be the focus of booths hosted by health and wellness organizations, such as Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, HMSA, United HealthCare Alliance, Pacific Islander Mobile screening clinic, Kamalama Parenting program, Makana Financial Literacy and the Fitness Challenge. "A sense of Hawaiʻi will abound as Makahiki games are explored by players," says a statement from the school.
The event design team shared the vision for the day as "to increase sense of belonging within our community and make all feel welcome at Nāʻālehu Elementary." A special activity will challenge participants to visit each HĀ component area and learn about HĀ to receive a free raffle ticket. Any proceeds from the community day will go toward student activities during the school year.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event. Anyone wanting to volunteer or make a donation should call Student Council Advisor Amber Keohuloa at 345-9283.
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The Planning Department encourages Ka‘ū residents to share this opportunity "within your personal and professional networks."
The Action Committees are a follow-up to the Steering Committee, who worked for years with the Planning Department to develop the Ka‘ū Community Development Plan. The Action Committee helps to implement it.
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A TROJAN STOPPED IN HIS TRACK TO HELP A FALLEN RUNNER during the B.I.I.F. Cross Country finals at Kamehameha School on Saturday. Revis Petitt, along with a Kea‘au High and a Christian Liberty High School runner, “felt the need to stay and help and not continue the race until medical help arrived," said Ka‘ū Cross Country Coach Erin Cole. “While the three good samaritans, all from different schools, were disqualified after running across the finish line side by side nearly seven minutes late, they made the right decision. Parents and other fans thanked them from helping their fellow cross country racer," said the coach.
The Ka‘ū Cross Country team is comprised of senior Revis Petitt, senior Daryl Moreira and freshman Bernadette Ladia. During the season, they ran five races at venues far away: Kamehameha School, Kea‘au High School, and at Waiakea High School. Also participating in the season were freshmen Amber Sugrue and Angel Dahlstedt.
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| Ka‘ū High's Cross Country Team wrapped up the season last Saturday at Kamehameha School with Revis Pettit stopping his race to help a fallen runner. Above are Coach Erin Cole, and team members Daryl Moreira, Revis Pettit and Bernadette Ladia. |
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| Bernadette Ladia, freshman, heads for the finish line at Kea‘au in Cross Country. Photo by Erin Cole |
The coach described the Ka‘ū High Cross Country team as "a small but solid group of athletes." The team started training in mid-August. "They were strong and ready," she said. They trained for the 5K - approximately 3.2 miles on the school campus, which measures almost one mile when running all the way around. "It is a beautiful campus and the varied terrain best mimics race conditions," said Cole.
A practice may consist of running 3.5 times around the campus, then some speed or hill drills, Cole explained. She said she often sends them four times around, then to the weight room for muscle strengthening and stretching and "I don't get too many complaints; so I can tell they are strong mentally, which is important for Cross Country."
Daryl Moreira, the most experienced runner, was team captain, a senior, in his fourth year running for the Trojans. "He is solid, cool under pressure and ran some good times even though he was dealing with a minor ankle injury," said the coach.
Senior Revis Petitt was new to the team. He moved up 14 places between a race at Kamehameha School and the next race at Kea‘au High. The coach praised "his positive attitude and willingness to train."
A practice may consist of running 3.5 times around the campus, then some speed or hill drills, Cole explained. She said she often sends them four times around, then to the weight room for muscle strengthening and stretching and "I don't get too many complaints; so I can tell they are strong mentally, which is important for Cross Country."
Daryl Moreira, the most experienced runner, was team captain, a senior, in his fourth year running for the Trojans. "He is solid, cool under pressure and ran some good times even though he was dealing with a minor ankle injury," said the coach.
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| Pick up the October edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com |
Freshman Bernadette Ladia who competed throughout the season, and freshmen Angel Morton-Dahlstedt and Amber Sugrue, who worked out with the team, "trained well, learned a lot about a healthy body and are getting stronger," said Cole.
Anyone interested in running on the team next year should start running at the spacious Ka‘ū High & Elementary School campus and work out at the gym, said the coach. Call Coach Erin Cole at 808-938-4037.
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REGISTER KEIKI AGES 6-12 FOR A BAT FINGER PUPPET class at Kahuku Park scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Register until Friday, Oct. 25. For more, call 929-9113.
VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This Stewardship at the Summit is Friday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m.
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Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required. It is free, but park entrance fees apply. See more at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
COFFEE TALK in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National park is Friday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join rangers and other community members in an informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase. Free.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets Friday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. in Hawaiian Ranchos office.
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VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCT. 27, for community members interested in hosting a booth at the Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Pāhala Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc., the festival is directed by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, who teaches hula on Wednesday evenings to all ages at Pāhala Community Center.
There are openings for craft vendors, food vendors, informational booths, and game vendors for children. Craft vendors fee is $50.00. Food vendors fee is $75.00. Game Vendors fee is $50.00. Informational booths are free. Call 649-9334 for an application.
A HALLOWEEN PARTY FOR ADULTS is offered at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Friday, Oct. 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Attendees must be 21 years and older and must pay a cover charge of $5 per person. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is accepting reservations for a volunteer day at the Ka‘ū Preserve for Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserving a spot in advance to go to the remote location in The Nature Conservancy's trucks is necessary. Anyone interested in more information, and/or to reserve a spot can contact Linda Schubert at lschubert@tnc.org, or call 443-5401.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
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Anyone interested in running on the team next year should start running at the spacious Ka‘ū High & Elementary School campus and work out at the gym, said the coach. Call Coach Erin Cole at 808-938-4037.
LEARN THE TRADITIONAL ART OF WEAVING, ulana lau hala, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free Lau Hala workshop takes place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful, artistic items for centuries. Those learning to weave lau hala can take home their own peice of lau hala art. The class in one of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Park entrance fees apply.
SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN hosts a Town Hall Meeting at Volcano Art Center's campus on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. A statement from the state Senator says it will be "An evening of legislative discussion and insight. Take advantage of this opportunity to weigh in on the 2018 Legislative Session. Additional information will be provided about participating directly in the legislative process."
SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN hosts a Town Hall Meeting at Volcano Art Center's campus on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. A statement from the state Senator says it will be "An evening of legislative discussion and insight. Take advantage of this opportunity to weigh in on the 2018 Legislative Session. Additional information will be provided about participating directly in the legislative process."
REGISTER KEIKI AGES 6-12 FOR A BAT FINGER PUPPET class at Kahuku Park scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Register until Friday, Oct. 25. For more, call 929-9113.
VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This Stewardship at the Summit is Friday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m.
Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required. It is free, but park entrance fees apply. See more at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.COFFEE TALK in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National park is Friday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join rangers and other community members in an informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase. Free.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets Friday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. in Hawaiian Ranchos office.
VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCT. 27, for community members interested in hosting a booth at the Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Pāhala Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc., the festival is directed by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, who teaches hula on Wednesday evenings to all ages at Pāhala Community Center.
There are openings for craft vendors, food vendors, informational booths, and game vendors for children. Craft vendors fee is $50.00. Food vendors fee is $75.00. Game Vendors fee is $50.00. Informational booths are free. Call 649-9334 for an application.
A HALLOWEEN PARTY FOR ADULTS is offered at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Friday, Oct. 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Attendees must be 21 years and older and must pay a cover charge of $5 per person. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is accepting reservations for a volunteer day at the Ka‘ū Preserve for Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserving a spot in advance to go to the remote location in The Nature Conservancy's trucks is necessary. Anyone interested in more information, and/or to reserve a spot can contact Linda Schubert at lschubert@tnc.org, or call 443-5401.
The following volunteer workday will be Saturday, Nov. 18. Details to come.
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HIKE TO THE TOP OF THE GRASSY CINDER CONE PU‘U O LOKUANA from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a ranger in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The hike is a short 0.4 miles. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike will also take place on Nov. 5.
JOIN RANGERS FOR A GUIDED HIKE, REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the “talk story” segment of this hike. The event will also be offered Nov. 11 and Dec. 16.
HIKE TO THE TOP OF THE GRASSY CINDER CONE PU‘U O LOKUANA from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a ranger in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The hike is a short 0.4 miles. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike will also take place on Nov. 5.JOIN RANGERS FOR A GUIDED HIKE, REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the “talk story” segment of this hike. The event will also be offered Nov. 11 and Dec. 16.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
