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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 |
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.
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| Kaʻū Coffee Farmer and Kaʻū Pageant Director Trini Marques. |
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.
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.
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| 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.
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.
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| 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."
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.
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.
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| Paula Chun, Jessie Marques, Tanya Ibarra, Malie Ibarra, Gov. David Ige and Dr. Virginia Pressler. Photo from the Governor's Office |
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.
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.
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| Tita the Turtle |
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.
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.
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| Learn to make a feather standard at Hawaiian Kāhili Demonstration on Wednesday, April 25. Event details, left. Photo by Janice Wei, National Park Service |
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. 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: Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū
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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
‘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
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, 967-8222The 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
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.
WEDNEDAY, APRIL 25Kōkua 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
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.
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
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.
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