 |
| An historic Pāhala wooden clapboard cottage at Ohia and Pikake Streets with its tin roof, Christmas decorations. Photo by Julia Neal |
The deadline to complete the survey is Feb. 1. OKK member Raylene Moses, who is spearheading the senior housing project, said the survey should take no more than five minutes and no contact information is needed. "The data will help to demonstrate a demand for senior housing," added Moses. For more information and to receive a survey contact Raylene Moses at 365-3788 or Nadine Ebert at 938-5124 or ebertn004@hawaii.rr.com.
O Kaʻū Kākou President Wayne Kawachi begins his 100 mile walk from Honoka`a to Nā'ālehu to raise money for the project on Jan. 2. The site is the old Nā'ālehu Fruit Stand, Santangelo store on the mauka side of Highway 11. It has been unused in recent years. Owner Asha Mallick has agreed to sell the 1.9 acre property at a discount for the senior housing. The plan is to build 25 to 30 units.
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.
STATE CABINET CHANGES WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR on Tuesday. Gov. David Ige is appointing Ryker Wada to serve as interim director of the state Department of Human Resources Development, The job will start Jan. 1, following the Dec. 31st retirement of Director James Nishimoto, who devoted over 40 years of his career to public service.
"Jim Nishimoto has been an outstanding leader in transforming state government. His innovative programs, including the multi-skilled pilot program, have expanded the use of technology and helped re-shape our workforce, and last year he was instrumental in renegotiating all fourteen collective
 |
| Ryker Wada is appointed to head the state Department of Human Resources Development. |
Wada has served as deputy director of the department since Dec. 2016. He is the former Certificated Personnel Regional Officer for the Windward District of the Department of Education where he was responsible for human resources and labor relations. Before joining DOE he served as the Managing Attorney for the Honolulu Office of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai`i. Wada earned a B.A. from the University of Washington and a J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of the Law.
Wada's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi Senate during the next regular session.
The governor is also appointing Laurel Johnston to become Director of Budget and Finance effective Jan. 1, 2018 following the Dec. 31st retirement of Wesley K. Machida, who has completed 30 years of service to the state. "Wes has been a true partner in managing the state's finances. Under his leadership, the State's General
Obligation bond credit ratings were raised, saving over $140 million taxpayer dollars. I'm grateful he chose to serve the people of Hawaiʻi," said Ige. "Laurel has been involved in the preparation of this year's budget and will provide steady direction for the department until a permanent replacement is named."
The governor is also appointing Laurel Johnston to become Director of Budget and Finance effective Jan. 1, 2018 following the Dec. 31st retirement of Wesley K. Machida, who has completed 30 years of service to the state. "Wes has been a true partner in managing the state's finances. Under his leadership, the State's General
 |
| Laurel Johnson is appointed to state Director of Budget and Finance. |
Machida leaves the position to spend more time with his family and anticipates doing some volunteer work with the state, especially in the area of retirement planning.
Johnston will serve in this capacity until the vacancy is filled by an appointment made pursuant to Article V, section 6 of the Hawai'i Constitution or 60 days after the vacancy, whichever occurs first. Johnston has served as the deputy director of the department since Dec. 2016.
During her 30-year career in Hawaiʻi, Johnston has worked as a public administrator, researcher, and writer in the diverse policy areas of education and health, criminal and social justice, economic development, and public finance. Prior to joining Ige's staff she was director of the University of Hawaiʻi System Budget Office. She earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology, both from Florida State University.
Ige also announced re-appointment of Sarah Allen to State Procurement Administrator effective December 1, for a term to extend through Oct. 3, 2021.
"Sarah has played a vital role in this position, and I appreciate the energy with which she serves the people of Hawaiʻi," said the governor. Allen's expertise is in contracting, acquisition and financial management. From 2007 to 2013, she was a Senior Manager for ASI Government Inc., during which time she acted as Executive Advisor to the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. Prior to that, she was a Senior Acquisition Analyst from 2006 to 2007 for CACI at the Pentagon, and served in the U.S. Air Force as a Commissioned Contracting Officer from 2004 to 2006 and a Non-Commissioned Officer at Hickam Air Force Base from 2000 to 2004.
Allen earned a Global Executive Master of Business Administration from George Mason University, a Master of Acquisition Management from the American Graduate University, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Auditing from the University of South Africa.
Allen's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi Senate during the next regular session.
Johnston will serve in this capacity until the vacancy is filled by an appointment made pursuant to Article V, section 6 of the Hawai'i Constitution or 60 days after the vacancy, whichever occurs first. Johnston has served as the deputy director of the department since Dec. 2016.
During her 30-year career in Hawaiʻi, Johnston has worked as a public administrator, researcher, and writer in the diverse policy areas of education and health, criminal and social justice, economic development, and public finance. Prior to joining Ige's staff she was director of the University of Hawaiʻi System Budget Office. She earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology, both from Florida State University.
Ige also announced re-appointment of Sarah Allen to State Procurement Administrator effective December 1, for a term to extend through Oct. 3, 2021.
 |
| Sarah Allen is reappointed as State Procurement Administrator. |
"Sarah has played a vital role in this position, and I appreciate the energy with which she serves the people of Hawaiʻi," said the governor. Allen's expertise is in contracting, acquisition and financial management. From 2007 to 2013, she was a Senior Manager for ASI Government Inc., during which time she acted as Executive Advisor to the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. Prior to that, she was a Senior Acquisition Analyst from 2006 to 2007 for CACI at the Pentagon, and served in the U.S. Air Force as a Commissioned Contracting Officer from 2004 to 2006 and a Non-Commissioned Officer at Hickam Air Force Base from 2000 to 2004.
Allen earned a Global Executive Master of Business Administration from George Mason University, a Master of Acquisition Management from the American Graduate University, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Auditing from the University of South Africa.
Allen's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi Senate during the next regular session.
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 Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 27, @ Pāhoa.
Friday, Jan. 5, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.
Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 30, @ Kamehameha.
Saturday, Jan. 6, @Kamehameha.
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.
GET FIREWORKS AND A FIREWORKS PERMITS now until midnight on Sunday, 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.
For more information on the purchasing of Fireworks permits, or the use of Fireworks, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona). For a list of places to purchase fireworks permits visit Dec. 23 Ka‘ū News Briefs.
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.
TAI CHI CHUAN: YANG LONG FORM 108 is offered at Discovery Harbour Community Hall on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A $5 donation is asked of attendees. For more, call David at 785-6644.
BUY TICKETS FOR DISCOVERY HARBOUR'S NEW YEAR'S PARTY by Thursday, Dec. 28. The party will be held in Discovery Harbour Community Center (Kahiki & Makali‘i Streets) on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (or later for those who wish to stay). A potluck dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. for those who wish to participate.
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. The event is B.Y.O.B.
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 volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.
OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Monday, Jan. 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033, or ovcahi.org.
A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.
EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku.
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ASKS VOLUNTEERS to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing at a Stewardship at the Park event Saturday, 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.
LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS BEDECK THE STONE AND WOODEN COTTAGES at Kīlauea Military Camp. They are open for outdoor strolling within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Friday, Jan. 1.Vote on the best decorated cottage. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8371 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.
KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S CRATER RIM CAFÉ hosts a New Year's Day Brunch to take place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1. Celebrate the new year over Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, Pancakes, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Brownies and Beverage. Attendees pay an entry fee of $16.95 per adult and $9.50 per child (6-11 yrs). KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more details.
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 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. |
Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 27, @ Pāhoa.
Friday, Jan. 5, Konawaena @ Ka‘ū.
Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 30, @ Kamehameha.
Saturday, Jan. 6, @Kamehameha.
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.
GET FIREWORKS AND A FIREWORKS PERMITS now until midnight on Sunday, 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.
For more information on the purchasing of Fireworks permits, or the use of Fireworks, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 (Hilo) or 323-4760 (Kona). For a list of places to purchase fireworks permits visit Dec. 23 Ka‘ū News Briefs.
 |
| Learn about the significance of the coconut tree in Hawaiian culture at a Pulumi Nī‘au Demonstration Wednesday. See event details at left. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
TAI CHI CHUAN: YANG LONG FORM 108 is offered at Discovery Harbour Community Hall on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A $5 donation is asked of attendees. For more, call David at 785-6644.
BUY TICKETS FOR DISCOVERY HARBOUR'S NEW YEAR'S PARTY by Thursday, Dec. 28. The party will be held in Discovery Harbour Community Center (Kahiki & Makali‘i Streets) on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (or later for those who wish to stay). A potluck dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. for those who wish to participate.
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. The event is B.Y.O.B.
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 volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.
 |
| Learn about the various aspects of traditional hula arts at Aloha Friday. See event details above. Photo from Volcano Art Center |
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.
OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Monday, Jan. 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033, or ovcahi.org.
A FREE PUBLIC HEALTH SHOWER WITH HOT WATER, soap, shampoo and clean towels is offered at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a free hot meal.
EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku.
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ASKS VOLUNTEERS to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing at a Stewardship at the Park event Saturday, 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.
 |
See unique wreaths like this Fall Turkey, by Lanaya Deily, on display at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Photo from Volcano Art Center |
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 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continues 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.
A NEW YEAR'S EVEN TOAST is hosted by Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details call 967-8356 or 967-8371.
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 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continues 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.
A NEW YEAR'S EVEN TOAST is hosted by Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details call 967-8356 or 967-8371.
 |
Kīlauea Military Camp invites Ka‘ū residents to vote for their favorite decorated cottages until Dec. 31. Photo by Dave Berry |
KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S CRATER RIM CAFÉ hosts a New Year's Day Brunch to take place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1. Celebrate the new year over Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, Pancakes, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Brownies and Beverage. Attendees pay an entry fee of $16.95 per adult and $9.50 per child (6-11 yrs). KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more details.
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.
 |
| Laurel Johnston is Gov. David Ige's choice for Director of Budget and Finance, |
 |
| Ryker Wada is Gov. David Ige's choice for Director of Human Resources Development. |
