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| During Thanksgiving week, one of the many things to be thankful for in Ka`u is the program that provides free food for seniors at Pahala Community Center. Myra Sumida, at right, helps other volunteers with distribution. Photo by Julia Neal |
MORE LENDING IS AVAILABLE FOR SOUTH POINT & OCEAN VIEW HOMES. HomeStreet Bank is offering mortgages on owner-occupied, second homes and investment properties located in Lava Zones 2 through 9. Lava Zone 2 is the second highest lava risk area on the island and has been out of reach for mortgages from banks and credit unions.
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| Hawai`i Island lava zones from USGS |
In Ka`u, it includes the lands west of South Point Road and all of Kahuku and Ocean View, except for two narrow strips of land in Lava Zone 1, the highest risk for lava flow. Lava Zone 1 extends from the caldera on the top of Mauna Loa down the side of the volcano through Ocean View. On the east side of Ka`u, Lava Zone 1 extends from Halema`uma`u to the coast in two directions.
The United States Geological Survey came up with the lava hazard zones based on historic lava flows through 1974. The Island is comprised of zones ranked through 1 through 9 – the least risky, based on probability of the land being covered by lava.
For more information, visit homestreet.com or the bank location in Hilo.
To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
WOOD VALLEY WATER & FARM COOPERATIVE held its annual meeting recently and elected directors and officers. The new board is president Ron Neely, vice president Tuie Strong, secretary/treasurer Vanessa Guy, director Michael Schwabe, director Jeff Silva, director Tim Benko and director Jay Failing. The cooperative provides domestic water for homes and farms in Wood Valley.
To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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The Bay Clinic's Ka`u Family Health & Dental Center is comprised of the historic building and the new structure next to the highway. The expansion was made possible through the support of state of Hawai`i Grant in Aide, HRSA ARRA, Atherton Family Foundation, Matson Foundation, an `O Ka`u Kakou-sponsored Ka`u Family Fun Fest and individual donors.
RECENTLY RELEASED DRAFT DOCUMENTS for Ka`u Community Development Plan discuss various sectors of the local economy. One sector it considers is payment for ecosystem services, or benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Appendix V4C: Local Economic Development Analysis says that active efforts to receive payments for ecosystem services complement growth in the agriculture and renewable energy sectors and could attract valuable research and educational opportunities. It suggests that Ka`u could attract research and educational initiatives focused on developing models, frameworks and processes to establish ecosystem services as a viable economic option for rural communities.
THE ART OF LEI MAKING is the topic Wednesday at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Patricia Kaula shares her knowledge from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.
THANKSGIVING FEASTS ARE AVAILABLE throughout Ka`u this Thursday.
Ocean View Community Association offers its annual meal, open to the entire community, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the community center.
In Na`alehu, Hana Hou Restaurant presents a buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. along with dinner from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 929-9717.
Also in Na`alehu, South Side Shaka’s Restaurant begins serving its Thanksgiving dinners at 11 a.m. Call 929-7404.
Kilauea Military Camp’s buffet is from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, featuring roast turkey, green bean casserole, corn chowder and more. Call 967-8356.
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A CRÈCHE FESTIVAL will be held for the entire community this Saturday from noon until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Mamalahoa Hwy in Na`alehu. The church invites the community of Ka`u to “celebrate the birth of the Christ child with more than 100 nativities from around the world in an artistic setting and with live music.” The celebration includes local crèche artists, a gallery of nativities, a children’s room with costumes and fun activities “and wholesome activity for the entire family,” says a statement from the church.
For more information, call 339-7402.
PAHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE takes to the streets of the village on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m., starting at the old Pahala Armory at the corner of Pikake and Pakalana Streets. Organizer Eddie Andrade said it will be the 35th anniversary, and all participants and parade-goers are invited to enjoy refreshments after the parade at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Pikake Street.
The parade includes Santa and his sleigh and many community groups who weave through the town and stop to wish long-term residents of Ka`u Hospital Happy Holidays.
To participate, call Andrade at 928-0808.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.
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THE BAY CLINIC, INC. will host its blessing and open house for the public on Friday, Dec. 6 starting at 10 a.m. The new facility is located along Hwy 11 on the makai side of the street in Na`alehu, on the Pahala side of the 76 station and Wiki Wiki Mart.
The Bay Clinic's Ka`u Family Health & Dental Center is comprised of the historic building and the new structure next to the highway. The expansion was made possible through the support of state of Hawai`i Grant in Aide, HRSA ARRA, Atherton Family Foundation, Matson Foundation, an `O Ka`u Kakou-sponsored Ka`u Family Fun Fest and individual donors. See bayclinic.org for information about its services.
To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
RECENTLY RELEASED DRAFT DOCUMENTS for Ka`u Community Development Plan discuss various sectors of the local economy. One sector it considers is payment for ecosystem services, or benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Appendix V4C: Local Economic Development Analysis says that active efforts to receive payments for ecosystem services complement growth in the agriculture and renewable energy sectors and could attract valuable research and educational opportunities. It suggests that Ka`u could attract research and educational initiatives focused on developing models, frameworks and processes to establish ecosystem services as a viable economic option for rural communities.
According to the analysis, Ka`u’s ecosystem services assets are tied to the richness and diversity of its natural and cultural resources, including Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, state and county conservation land, mauka forests, watersheds and riparian corridors, agricultural lands and coastline and off-shore waters.
The appendix suggests that ecosystem services can assist in preserving the values and rural character of Ka`u while directly providing economic benefits to the community. “Tools for measuring ecosystems services are available, and distinct markets for payments for those services are coalescing quickly,” it says. “Private landowners may already receive direct payments and tax incentives through federal, state and county government programs focused on preservation of ecosystem services.
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| Payments for ecosystem services are tied to Ka`u's rich and diverse natural and cultural resources. Photo from Ka`u CDP |
"Public landowners may also be able enter the market for carbon credits and other ecosystem services.”
The document considers the possibility that community-based organizations that assist in the monitoring and management of public lands may be able to receive a portion of payments made to government agencies.
The document considers the possibility that community-based organizations that assist in the monitoring and management of public lands may be able to receive a portion of payments made to government agencies.
“A more ambitious effort would involve local community organizations, businesses, landowners and farmers seeking compensation for their efforts to preserve, restore and manage natural resources through the markets for carbon credits, water quality trading and conservation banking,” the document says. It gives an example of a local carbon credits system that could be funded through ecotourism. Payments could also be received for protection of recreational assets, such as access for hiking, fishing, hunting or birding.
Another possibility mentioned in the analysis is a pilot study or project to explore the implications of a voluntary fee for access to specific lands. Local residents could serve as guides to assist with these recreational activities, and a fee could be charged for their services with an additional small fee to contribute to care of the land. “Part of the experience could include educational information on the threats to the natural areas and how the local community is trying to care for the area and protect it against those threats,” the document states. “As such, the community could simultaneously protect important resources, generate revenue to support those efforts and educate visitors.”
Appendix V4C is available to read at area libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. The public can submit testimony through Dec. 16 using a feedback form on the website.
Another possibility mentioned in the analysis is a pilot study or project to explore the implications of a voluntary fee for access to specific lands. Local residents could serve as guides to assist with these recreational activities, and a fee could be charged for their services with an additional small fee to contribute to care of the land. “Part of the experience could include educational information on the threats to the natural areas and how the local community is trying to care for the area and protect it against those threats,” the document states. “As such, the community could simultaneously protect important resources, generate revenue to support those efforts and educate visitors.”
Appendix V4C is available to read at area libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. The public can submit testimony through Dec. 16 using a feedback form on the website.
To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Wes Thelen |
WES THELEN, A SEISMOLOGIST WITH USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, presents an overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawai`i, including current theories on why they occur and what we need to know about future large earthquakes, tomorrow at After Dark in the Park. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donation supports park programs; park entrance fees apply.
THE ART OF LEI MAKING is the topic Wednesday at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Patricia Kaula shares her knowledge from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.
THANKSGIVING FEASTS ARE AVAILABLE throughout Ka`u this Thursday.
Ocean View Community Association offers its annual meal, open to the entire community, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the community center.
In Na`alehu, Hana Hou Restaurant presents a buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. along with dinner from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 929-9717.
Also in Na`alehu, South Side Shaka’s Restaurant begins serving its Thanksgiving dinners at 11 a.m. Call 929-7404.
Kilauea Military Camp’s buffet is from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, featuring roast turkey, green bean casserole, corn chowder and more. Call 967-8356.
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| South Point Silhouette, by Mary Goodrich, a member of Volcano Village Artists Hui. |
THE 27TH ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE ART STUDIO TOUR IS COMING UP Thanksgiving weekend. Each year, the tour is sponsored by Volcano Village Artists Hui. This self-guided tour includes stops at seven artists’ studios, all within the heart of Volcano Village. Participating members include Erik Wold, Randy Takaki, Debra Serrao, Ira Ono, Elizabeth Miller, Misato and Michael Mortara, Zeke Israel, Emily Herb, Mary Goodrich, Cynee Gillette-Wenner, Pam Barton, Margaret Barnaby and Lisa Louise Adams, along with guest artists Randal Sutton, Scott Mitchell, Chiu Leong and Charlotte Forbes Perry.
As in past years, a wide variety of items is on display and available for purchase. The artists present their newest work, including woodblock prints, handblown art glass, photography, quilts, handmade books, high-fired functional and sculptural pottery, as well as raku pottery, metal work, handcrafted clothing, paintings, stained glass, jewelry and more. “Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet and talk story with the artists,” said hui representative Emily Herb.
A special drawing for pieces contributed by each of the artists is held at the end of the sale. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Maps are available at Volcano Village businesses and at VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.
For more information, call 987-3472 or email eherb@hawaii.rr.com.
A special drawing for pieces contributed by each of the artists is held at the end of the sale. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Maps are available at Volcano Village businesses and at VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.
For more information, call 987-3472 or email eherb@hawaii.rr.com.
A CRÈCHE FESTIVAL will be held for the entire community this Saturday from noon until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Mamalahoa Hwy in Na`alehu. The church invites the community of Ka`u to “celebrate the birth of the Christ child with more than 100 nativities from around the world in an artistic setting and with live music.” The celebration includes local crèche artists, a gallery of nativities, a children’s room with costumes and fun activities “and wholesome activity for the entire family,” says a statement from the church.For more information, call 339-7402.
PAHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE takes to the streets of the village on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m., starting at the old Pahala Armory at the corner of Pikake and Pakalana Streets. Organizer Eddie Andrade said it will be the 35th anniversary, and all participants and parade-goers are invited to enjoy refreshments after the parade at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Pikake Street.
The parade includes Santa and his sleigh and many community groups who weave through the town and stop to wish long-term residents of Ka`u Hospital Happy Holidays.
To participate, call Andrade at 928-0808.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.
