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| Hannah's Mahana ‘Ohana Hālau from Ocean View danced for the Christmas Concert at Ocean View Community Center on Friday night. Photo by Ann Bosted |
The license plates were authorized by a 2015 state law to raise funds for resource protection and education projects at Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Haleakalā. The cost of these specialty plates is $40.50 for O‘ahu, Kauai and Hawai‘i Island, $41.25 for Maui, with a $25 annual renewal fee.
The program is administered by the DMV, and revenues generated are managed by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, a non-profit partner that supports six national park sites in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Plate monies are processed, and then donated to the national parks. Donations will be used for numerous national park projects, large and small.
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| Specialty license plates have raised $25,000 for Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Haleakalā National Parks in the first quarter of being available. To buy them, see hawaiiparkplates.com. |
"This is a great way to show state pride and support the protection of natural and cultural resources," said a statement from the Pacific Parks Association.
Other national parks that benefit from specialty license plate programs include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
For more information on how to purchase a specialty plate, visit hawaiiparkplates.com.
For more information on Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, visit hawaiipacificparks.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.
THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER on Friday night featured a bilingual visiting church choir from California. Also on the program were solos, duets, a piano recital and hula dancing, along with carols sung by the audience.
FIREWORKS PERMITS FOR THE UPCOMING NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION will be available for purchase at 15 location throughout the island beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26. Fireworks sales will begin Tuesday, Dec. 26, and will end at midnight on Dec. 31.
Setting off of Fireworks for the New Year celebrations are allowed between the hours of 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, and 1 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use, during the time of the firing.
Each permit costs $25.00 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older and are non-transferable, and non-refundable.
The Hawai‘i Fire Department announced the following sites: from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on December 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31;
The Hawai‘i Fire Department asks the community to "please Kokua in helping to prevent fires, and also to avoid the unnecessary injuries caused by fireworks each year.
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JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
A BELL CHOIR, MUSIC AND SINGING WITH GUITARS, ‘Ukulele other instruments are a highlight of the Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24, at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on Hwy. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE IS OFFERED TO ALL on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. The schedule includes carols and bells at 5 p.m., main service at 6:15 p.m., with a potluck after. For more details, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.
A CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET IN VOLCANO is offered Monday, Dec. 25, at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The café is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu includes Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Holiday Lamb Stew and much more. Entry fees are $27.95 per adult, and $14.50 per child (age 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356.
KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY offers free food to those in need on Tuesday, Dec. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
LEARN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COCONUT TREE and its myriad of uses in Hawaiian culture and the Pacific during Pulumi Nī‘au Demonstration on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entrance fees apply.
ALOHA FRIDAY: ‘OHE KAPALA WITH NOE NOE KEKAUALUA is Friday, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn about the various aspects of traditional hula arts - lei making, pa‘u styles, fabric stamping and more. For more details visit volcanoart
center.org or call 967-7565.
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, FEATURING THE ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBITION, BEGINS continues through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Christmas in the Country features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.
The concurrent Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional. “Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community, ” states gallery manager Emily C. Weiss. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565.
REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continued for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.
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Other national parks that benefit from specialty license plate programs include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
For more information on how to purchase a specialty plate, visit hawaiiparkplates.com.
For more information on Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, visit hawaiipacificparks.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.
THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER on Friday night featured a bilingual visiting church choir from California. Also on the program were solos, duets, a piano recital and hula dancing, along with carols sung by the audience.
The Christmas Concert entitled O’ Holy Night was hosted by the Lamb of God Baptist Church, and supported by the Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Nā‘ālehu.
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| A bilingual choir from California preformed in Spanish and English in Ocean View Friday night. Photo by Ann Bosted |
As visiting guests, the bilingual church choir from Inglesia Bautista Fundamental Buenas Nuevas, provided a variety of entertainment with a medley of songs in English and Spanish. They also performed an amusing skit. They were led by Pastor Jose Talavera. Pastor Tim Chace emceed the concert.
Hannah’s Makana ‘Ohana Hālau from Ocean View danced hula for the audience. Maria Miranda performed a piano solo entitled Ocean. Tim and Annette Chace sang duets, while other performers, including Debra, Crystal and Lee McIntosh, Nalani Stevenson, and Janette Kiesow also drew on their talents. The audience joined in with classic favorites, including Mele Kalikimaka and Angels We Have Heard on High. Silent Night, Holy Night was sung in both English and Hawaiian.
Hannah’s Makana ‘Ohana Hālau from Ocean View danced hula for the audience. Maria Miranda performed a piano solo entitled Ocean. Tim and Annette Chace sang duets, while other performers, including Debra, Crystal and Lee McIntosh, Nalani Stevenson, and Janette Kiesow also drew on their talents. The audience joined in with classic favorites, including Mele Kalikimaka and Angels We Have Heard on High. Silent Night, Holy Night was sung in both English and Hawaiian.
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.
FIREWORKS PERMITS FOR THE UPCOMING NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION will be available for purchase at 15 location throughout the island beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26. Fireworks sales will begin Tuesday, Dec. 26, and will end at midnight on Dec. 31.
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| Fireworks permits become available Dec. 26, the day after Christmas, and are good through 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve. Photo by Julia Neal |
Each permit costs $25.00 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older and are non-transferable, and non-refundable.
The Hawai‘i Fire Department announced the following sites: from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on December 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31;
- KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako Street, Hilo;
- KTA Kona; Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd. Kailua Kona;
- KTA Keauhou, 78-6831 Alii Drive, Keauhou Kona;
- Pacific Fireworks Kona, 74-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 155, Kailua-Kona;
- J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy Kurtistown, HI;
- BJ Alan Tent Kona, 74-5586 Palani Rd. Kailua Kona;
- BJ Alan Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd. Kailua Kona;
- BJ Alan Tent 75-1000 Henry St. Kailua-Kona;
- BJ Alan Tent 325 Maka‘ala St. Hilo;
- BJ Alan Tent Hilo, 111 E. Puainako St. Hilo;
- Long’s Puainako 111 E. Puainako St. Hilo;
- TNT Tent Hilo 381 E. Maka’ala St. Hilo;
- Fire Administration Office located at the Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2501, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on December 26, 27, 28, and 29;
- Kona Fire Prevention Office, located at the West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Bldg E, second floor from, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on December 26, 27, 28, and 29.
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| Ka‘ū Coffee farmers, like Leo Norberte, are getting ready to celebrate the end of the coffee picking season with New Year's Eve parties. Photo by Julia Neal |
"Help by using extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children playing with fireworks should be under an adult’s close supervision at all times. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries that will quickly ruin the Holidays. Please help us, to help you, start the New Year off safely.
"Fireworks should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials.
"Be sure Fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed of.
"And most importantly, have a fire extinguisher and/ or a water hose ready to use in the event of an unplanned or unexpected fire. Be sure the water hose(s) can reach all areas of where fireworks activities are being conducted, especially around the entire house. It’s also a great idea to wet down any dry, grassy area before and after setting off Fireworks. Doing it before will also let you know the capability of your water source."![]()
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Hawai‘i Fire Department Fire Chief Darren Rosario reminds the public that it is illegal for anyone to: remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework; throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle; offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors; or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult; set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawai‘i Lanterns; or any other aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells.
Additionally, it is illegal to set off any firework: at any time not within the specified time periods; within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church when services are held; on any school property without authorization from the said school official; on any Public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park. ![]()
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Hawai‘i Fire Department Fire Chief Darren Rosario reminds the public that it is illegal for anyone to: remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework; throw fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle; offer for sale, sell, or give any fireworks to minors; or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell, or set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult; set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawai‘i Lanterns; or any other aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells.
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| Fire Departments are sending out statements on the rules and safety practices for using fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo by Julia Neal |
For more information on the purchasing of Fireworks permits, or the use of Fireworks, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 in Hilo or 323-4760 in Kona.
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.
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.
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 YEAR'S PARTY HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AT THE DISCOVERY HARBOUR Community Centera at Kahiki and Makali‘i Streets, on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. A potluck dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.
The Robert Thomas Band Trio will entertain from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Pre-sold tickets are $15 per person. Seating is limited to 72 persons; first come, first serve. To purchase tickets or for more information call Elaine at 805-479-6266 or Sue at 310-770-9644. R.S.V.P. by Thursday, Dec. 28. The event is B.Y.O.B.
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| See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html. December 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
Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
Saturday, Dec. 30, @ Kamehameha.
Saturday, Jan. 6, @Kamehameha.
Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 27, @ Pāhoa.
Friday, Jan. 5, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.
Tuesday, Jan. 2, @ Kea‘au.
Saturday, Jan. 6, Laupahoehoe @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 6, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.
Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 6, @ Kea‘au.
Saturday, Dec. 30, @ Kamehameha.
Saturday, Jan. 6, @Kamehameha.
Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 27, @ Pāhoa.
Friday, Jan. 5, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.
Tuesday, Jan. 2, @ Kea‘au.
Saturday, Jan. 6, Laupahoehoe @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Soccer: Saturday, Jan. 6, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.
Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 6, @ Kea‘au.
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.
VOLUNTEER WITH HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in at two remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Saturday, Dec. 23, with the event also taking place Dec. 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
A BELL CHOIR, MUSIC AND SINGING WITH GUITARS, ‘Ukulele other instruments are a highlight of the Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24, at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on Hwy. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE IS OFFERED TO ALL on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. The schedule includes carols and bells at 5 p.m., main service at 6:15 p.m., with a potluck after. For more details, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.
A CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET IN VOLCANO is offered Monday, Dec. 25, at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The café is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu includes Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Holiday Lamb Stew and much more. Entry fees are $27.95 per adult, and $14.50 per child (age 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356.
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| Learn the significance of the coconut tree in Hawaiian culture and in the Pacific on Wednesday in Volcano. See event details above. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
ALOHA FRIDAY: ‘OHE KAPALA WITH NOE NOE KEKAUALUA is Friday, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn about the various aspects of traditional hula arts - lei making, pa‘u styles, fabric stamping and more. For more details visit volcanoart
center.org or call 967-7565.
KANE PŌ GOES TO WASHINGTON is the featured topic for Coffee Talk at Kahuku this Friday, Dec. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located near the 70.5 mile marker on Hwy. 11. Kane Pō is the name of a large pōhaku (stone) from the Ka‘ū Desert on loan to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. It was shipped to D.C. for the dedication of the Museum in 2004. Learn more about this pōhaku and the role it has on the National Mall. Keola Awong, former Cultural Anthropologist at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, will share her experience of this special event. Coffee Talk is free to attend. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, FEATURING THE ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBITION, BEGINS continues through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Christmas in the Country features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.
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| View unique wreaths and Christmas decor at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from Volcano Art Center |
REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continued for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the UH Cooperative Extension Office.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.
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.
