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| Kaʻū High graduating seniors danced and sang for the community last night at their commencement ceremonies. Photos by Julia Neal |
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| Kevin Sun created poetry as the keynote address at the Kaʻū High graduation on Saturday. |
When you hear the name Kaʻū, of what does it remind you? Black rock, vog that spews, black hole of hope behind you?
When you hear the name Kaʻū, how much does it move you? Ground you and sooth you, sound of the breeze that calms you.
When you hear the name Kaʻū, does it radiate light? Appreciation in flight, soaring in all its might.
It is dimmed in the dark? Its former glory peeling like bark, so many silent stories, leaving no mark.
When you hear the name Kaʻū, is it a faint and distant noise? Or is it loud and in your face, so close, you can almost taste.
Like the sulfur and ash in the sky, no matter how hard you try, the lungs strain, eyes burn and cry; but what happened when Phoenix birds die?
It's from the ash they are born into a landscape charred and torn, facing a foreign world, strange and forlorn, one resistant to change and full of scorn.
Now, when I hear the name Kaʻū, I think of this ash from which you rise. To me, it's no wonder and no surprise, how you could just might revolutionize the name Kaʻū and what it means to you.
But dreams of change are never 100 percent, they're alternate realities that minds invent, evaporating in thin air if you take no action or have no intent.
When you hear the narrative of Kaʻū, whether it's from outsiders or from you, do we often hear, "the grass is greener on the other side? And every strategy we've tried and tried."
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| The huge Kaʻū District Gym and disaster shelter hosted the celebration for Kaʻū High's class of 2018 on Saturday. |
When you hear the narrative of Kaʻū, Let me share with you a little tidbit. The grass is greener where you water it. Actions and strategies you must commit.
Years from now, when you have a kid or a few, how will this place look to you? For Hawaiʻi and for Kaʻū, tell me what you will do?
Will you say, "It's good enough?" Or will you say, "I've had enough" of complacent inaction, and underserved satisfaction.
Will you sigh and shrug your shoulders? And say these problems are immovable boulders? Or will you look them in the face, and say, "We will do better," without fear, not a trace.
Will you look away and make some excuse or be bold, let your activism run loose? And it might give some people a shock, the boldness of you, the people of this rock.
When I hear the name Kaʻū, I want the voice in my head to be you. Drowning out the echoes of doubt, establishing a narrative of great clout.
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| The entire student body, getting ready to receive their diplomas from Principal Sharon Beck, left. |
I'll remind you as I have before, you are powerful and you are strong. And anyone who doubts you, they are dead wrong.
So if you hope, in the ensuing years, not let the history of your people disappear. You must not have fear, and your determination clear.
Years from now, when you hear the name Kaʻū, know that people are already looking to you, to lead Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū, what will you do?
Know that we are so proud of you, so this is one more congratulations, I known that we can count on you.
Most of the students knew Sun as their teacher, and many are going off to college with hope and scholarships.
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| Ezra James Ramones wants to return as a teacher. He's headed to U.H. Manoa on Oʻahu. |
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| Valedictorian Rowlie John Flores heads to Georgetown University. |
Ezra James Ramones plans to attend University of Hawaiʻi and return to become a teacher. He earned Maga Cum Laude and Academic Honors, is a member of the National Honor Society and an SBG Officer.
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| Malie Ibarra will attend University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo. |
Malie Ibarra is Cum Laude, in the National Honor Society, earned a Real Trojan Award and CTE Honors. She received a scholarship from Citizen Award, Harry McKee Scholarship Foundation, and ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. She also received the Salute to the Graduates-Literary & Artistic Performance Award and was named Principal Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Dacy Davis Andrade earned a B Plus State Scholarship, is Magna Cum Laude, won a Real Trojan Award and CTE Honors.
Hayden Hanshaw is Suma Cum Laude and in the National Honor Society. She earned an Arizona State University New American University Scholar-Dean's Award.
Hayden Hanshaw is Suma Cum Laude and in the National Honor Society. She earned an Arizona State University New American University Scholar-Dean's Award.
Keosokin Kheng, Student Body Government President, earned a Harry McKee Scholarship and ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Scholarship.
Daniel Savage earned an Iowa State University Dean's Scholarship. He is Magna Cum Laude and earned Academic Honors.
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| A life of hula, community, and graduation. |
Sheena Marie Flores is Cum Laude and a member of the National Honor Society.
Analei Emmsley earned the Salute to the Graduates-Leadership award and was named Female Athlete of the Year.
Nainoa Ke received the Salute to the Graduates-Athletics award and was named Male Athlete of the Year.
Junialla Manantan is Cum Laude, a member of the National Honor Society and earned academic honors.
Junially Manantan is Mangna Cum Laude, a member of the National Honor Society and earned academic honors.
Darryl Moreira is Magna Cum Laude, in the National Honor Society, an SBG officer, won a Real Trojan Award and Academic Honors.
Revis Petitt received the Salute to the Graduates-Information Technology Award. He is Summa Cum Laude, in the National Honor Society and won Academic Honors.
Madito Tamayo is Cum Laude.
Janslae Badua is Cum Laude.
Janslae Badua is Cum Laude.
Senior Class President Shailei-Marie Penera presented a graduating speech to the community. Also speaking were the Student Body President, Valedictorian, and Principal Sharon Beck.
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| Mark Galacio is Cum Laude and earned a scholarship from the Pāhala Filipino Community Association. |
The Principal presented the diplomas with Vice Principal Deisha Davis and Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Trini Hironaga, Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa School Renewal Specialist, accepted the Class of 2018 on behalf of the Superintendent of Schools.
Graduates also included:
Jasmine Arguello, Romela Byubay, Junel Candaroma, Deslyn Dacalio-Camba, Masen Dacalio, Jim Esquida, Jeremiah Eva, Emily Gouveia, Davidson Kawaauhau, Micah Koi, Savannah Lavergen, Nathaniel Lindsey, Cassidy Louis, Donald Mello, Maria Miranda, Isaiah Naboa, Rodel Pascua, Ikaika Salmo-Grace, Samson Santiago, Sky Sarme, Sheylah Silva and Annika Snow.
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THE VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCESʻ DISTANCE-LEARNING PROGRAM is accepting students grades 1 through 8 for fall. Volcano School's program, called Kula ‘Amakihi Community-Based Education, is designed as an innovative combination of distance learning, classroom work, and experiential learning trips.
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Workshop at the Hōkūleʻa.Photos from Volcano School of Arts & Sciences |
The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences is a Hawaiian-Focused Public Charter School serving over 200 students on two campuses in Volcano Village; its Kula ‘Amakihi program was launched in 2016. Lead Teacher and Program Coordinator Lisa Barnard says that advantages include a planned curriculum using digital and printed material (tailored to each individual student’s needs), project-based learning, weekly face-to-face meetings with a licensed teacher, as well as collaborative learning and weekly outings.
“When a new student joins our program, we begin by conducting assessments,” says Barnard. Assessment results are combined with input (from parents and students themselves) of the student’s needs, to create a Personal Learning Plan, an individualized educational roadmap modeled on the Volcano School’s place-based curriculum.
Most of the learning happens at home. The parent (or other adult) works with the student as a learning coach. Barnard recommends parents spend four hours per day on instruction. “We’d like to see an hour a day on math, another hour on language arts, as well as more time for independent practice,” she says.
Principal Kalima Kinney elaborates: “We have seen this program work very well for families who would otherwise homeschool, for parents who want a lead role in educating their children, for students who want to work at their own pace, and for students with different types of special needs.”
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Lilly Koskik, Jane Saarinen, and Isabella Koslik at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. |
Consider the McQueen family. New to the area, Janie McQueen enrolled her son John in the regular third grade class, while she put his twin sister Sophia in the CBE program. “I always considered homeschooling for my kids, but never actually did it,” she says. “This program is not homeschooling, but is excellent for us.”
McQueen notes that Sophia is covering the same material as John does in the regular class, but as her mother and primary instructor, Janie has the freedom to add to or modify content to fit Sophia’s learning style, while receiving solid support from the school. She also says that CBE brought an unexpected benefit.
“Our kids were always in a regular classroom, and Sophia always did well,” she says. “But through working with Lisa, we discovered something about her. It wasn’t dyslexia, but it was a related problem with the way she processed information on the page.”
McQueen says that her daughter’s problem was never identified by a classroom teacher who had so many other kids to deal with. “But Lisa saw what was happening and worked with Sophia. She is now reading quite well,” McQueen says.
Students who struggled in a traditional classroom now thrive in Kula ʻAmakihi, say their parents and grandparents. “My grandson Silas has been in the program for three months,” says Doris Santiago of Pāhala. “He had such a hard time in his other school that he even stopped talking. But now he’s doing really well. He’s learning, he’s really happy – and you can’t stop him from talking.”
Kula ʻAmakihi is not an online learning program. “Most people think of distance-learning programs as taking place primarily online,” says Kinney. “Some distance-learning programs use technology as a primary means to instruct students. These are often great programs, but our program is different.”
Kula ʻAmakihi is rooted in Volcano Schoolʻs place-based, experiential curriculum. Technology is used as a tool for learning to the extent that it works for the student. For example, the school’s math curriculum has both digital (online) and textbook formats to choose from. “Some of our students thrive when using technology and do most of their learning using various digital tools,” Kinney notes. “We also have students who rarely use a computer.” The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with projects that students complete both at home and on campus.
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Kula ‘Amakihi students visit the NASA/UH Hilo Mars Lab research project. |
“All Community Based Education students meet together once per week,” Barnard explains. “We have cross-age groups of students working together.” This collaboration is especially evident in the science and culture learning trips.
On one excursion students visited Mars Lab, a research project jointly operated by NASA and the University of Hawaiʻi. In this simulation of a mission to Mars, six scientists lived in a geodesic dome on Mauna Loa for over a year, extracted their own water, and only went outside wearing space suits.
“I really liked going to Mars Lab,” says Nick, a seventh grader. “It was really cool seeing how scientists could someday live on other planets.”
In another trip, students went on a guided tour of the Polynesian sailing vessel Hōkūleʻa, including a workshop conducted by the captain. This was the culmination of significant preparatory work prior visiting the vessel, including going to the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, where they learned about astronomy and the oceans, with a focus on the Pacific. Students also studied the history of both European and Polynesian explorers of the region. In addition, they learned geography through age-appropriate cartography and mapmaking.
“We were able to address all levels of understanding by providing hands-on activities illustrating the concepts,” says Barnard.
“At Volcano School, we know that peer collaboration is essential for learning and social-emotional development,” says Kinney. “So, we made group collaborative learning experiences a foundational aspect of the program.”
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Lisa Barnard and 6th grader Kahane Stroud at the UH Hilo history fair. |
She recommends Kula ʻAmakihi as a good solution for parents who have the interest, and the time, to focus more deeply on their child’s education. “It is also possible for parents to hui together to share learning coach responsibilities” Kinney says. “Although the learning coach is usually a parent, it may also be another adult.”
Regular physical proximity to Volcano School is not required. Barnard notes that one student lives in Kona. They meet via Google Hangout twice weekly.
“Next school-year, we are planning to add staff and expand collaborative and project-based learning experiences, including more frequent excursions to field study sites,” says Kinney. “If we have the enrollment, we hope to be able to provide transportation on Friday collaborative learning and excursion days for Kaʻū families.”
Some Community Based Education students transfer into the regular Volcano School campus program if space is available, but the McQueens are happy as things are.
“John will move on with his class, but [twin sister] Sophia will stay in CBE. They offer so much. The individual attention of face-to-face meetings with Lisa at least once per week – that’s like gold to me.”
For further information on the program, call The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences at 985-9800 or email kulaamakihi@volcanoschool.net. volcanoschool.net
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AIR QUALITY INDEX REPORTING IS DOWN AGAIN late in the day.
SO2 levels in Pāhala were good for most of the day, with moderate levels from 1:45 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. Ocean View had multiple spikes of unhealthy for sensitive groups and moderate levels, with the highest recorded as 0.78 at 10:30 a.m. Volcano, at monitoring locations of Jaggar Museum and the Visitor's Center recorded unhealthy for sensitive groups spikes between 10:30 a.m. and noon - otherwise, showing good. Kona recorded as good all day.
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.
AIR QUALITY INDEX REPORTING IS DOWN AGAIN late in the day.
SO2 levels in Pāhala were good for most of the day, with moderate levels from 1:45 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. Ocean View had multiple spikes of unhealthy for sensitive groups and moderate levels, with the highest recorded as 0.78 at 10:30 a.m. Volcano, at monitoring locations of Jaggar Museum and the Visitor's Center recorded unhealthy for sensitive groups spikes between 10:30 a.m. and noon - otherwise, showing good. Kona recorded as good all day.
See AirNow. See Hawaiʻi Short Term SO2 Advisory. Also see the University of Hawaiʻi
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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. |
SUNDAY, MAY 27
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, 27, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO
MONDAY, MAY 28
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Memorial Day Ceremony, Mon, May 28, 3pm , Kīlauea Military Camp front lawn, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Memorial Day Buffet, Mon, May 28, 4-7pm, Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Campy, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes BBQ Kalua Pork, Local Styles Fried Chicken with Gravy, Salads and more. $19/Adult, $10/Child (6-11 yrs). Open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.comTUESDAY, MAY 29
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue, May 29, 11:30-1pm , St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, May 30, 9-11am, 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
Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Wed & Thu, May 30 & 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177
VA Medical Services, Thursdays, May 31, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Thu, May 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177
FRIDAY, JUNE 1
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Jun 1-29 (closed Jun 11), Ka’ū. Nā’ālehu: Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263. Ocean View: Ocean View Community Center, Mon & Tue, 8-1pm. Pāhala: Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue & Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See hceoc.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-LIHEAP-APPLICATION.pdf for eligibility requirements and application.
23rd Annual Kona Classic Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series, Fri-Sun, Jun 1-3, Honokōhau Club House. All profits go towards marine conservation and youth educational programs in and around Miloli‘i. $300 entry fee, 4 per boat, $25 additional. Cash prizes $100-$3,000. Qualifying weights: Marlin, 100lbs; Ahi, 50lbs; Mahi, 15lbs; Ono, 15lbs. Grand Prize qualifies for Las Vegas Trip. Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org
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SATURDAY, JUNE 2
“Libraries Rock” Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, Jun 2 - Jul 14, statewide & online. Register (starting Jun 2) and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, & adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
yART Sale! Gigantic Rummage Sale, Sat, Jun 2, 8:30-2pm, Volcano Art Center’s Hale Ho‘omana. Benefits VAC programs and workshops. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Stewardship at the Summit, Jun 2, 8, 16, 23, & 29, 8:45am, meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
Stained Glass Basics II, Sat & Sun, Jun 2, 3, 9 & 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Jun 2, 9:30-11:30am, 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 snack.
Summer Learn-To-Swim Registration, Thu, May 31, 1-4pm, Pāhala Swimming Pool (Ka‘ū High School Campus). hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics/, 928-8177
23rd Annual Kona Classic Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series, Fri-Sun, Jun 1-3, Honokōhau Club House. All profits go towards marine conservation and youth educational programs in and around Miloli‘i. $300 entry fee, 4 per boat, $25 additional. Cash prizes $100-$3,000. Qualifying weights: Marlin, 100lbs; Ahi, 50lbs; Mahi, 15lbs; Ono, 15lbs. Grand Prize qualifies for Las Vegas Trip. Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org
“Libraries Rock” Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, Jun 2 - Jul 14, statewide & online. Register (starting Jun 2) and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, & adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
yART Sale! Gigantic Rummage Sale, Sat, Jun 2, 8:30-2pm, Volcano Art Center’s Hale Ho‘omana. Benefits VAC programs and workshops. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO PARK CLOSURE: Stewardship at the Summit, Jun 2, 8, 16, 23, & 29, 8:45am, meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
Stained Glass Basics II, Sat & Sun, Jun 2, 3, 9 & 10, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center. Prerequisite: Stained Glass Basics I. $90/VAC Member, $100/non-Member, plus $30 supply fee. Register in advance. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, Jun 2, 9:30-11:30am, 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 snack.
GROW ME THE MONEY: RECORD-KEEPING PRINCLPLES AND BEST PRACTICES for farmers and food producers, Saturday, June 30, 3 to 6pm , at Kaʻū District Gym.
Learn practical tips and key steps for organizing and maintaining a record keeping system for your agribusiness, including seed (bean)-to-sale tracking and developing standard operating procedures. Maile Woodhall, agricultural outreach specialist at The Kohla Center, will be the keynote speaker.
Tuesday, July 17, Kaʻū District Gym will host another Kohala Center
Free; registration required. Contact Megan Blazak, 887-6411, or koha.la/growmoney
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ONGOING
Park Rangers invite the public to downtown Hilo to learn about the volcanic activity, to get their NPS Passport Book stamped, and to experience the Hawaiian cultural connection to volcanoes. Rangers are providing programs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center at 76 Kamehameha Avenue, Tuesday through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
5th Annual Harvest Festival Fundraiser for The 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 464-9634.
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m. ; begins and ends at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Register online before Mon, July 9: 5K, $25/person; 10K, $35/person; and 1/2 Marathon , $45/person. From July 9 to Aug 11: $30/person, $40/person, and $45/person, respectively. From Aug 13 to Sept 20: $35/person, $45/person, and $55/person. Race day registration ends Sat, Sept 22, at 6:30 a.m. Event organizers, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou; start location, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.
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