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| Today's state holiday honors King Kamehameha, who united the Hawaiian Islands. |
Kamehameha’s great-grandson, Kamehameha V, established the holiday in 1871, and Kamehameha Day quickly grew to include such events as carnivals, horse and foot races, parades featuring paʻu riders – the flower-bedecked horseback contingents representing each island – hula competitions, and hoʻolauleʻa. The holiday continued as Hawaiʻi became a part of the U.S. It was one of the first holidays to be written into law when Hawaiʻi became a state in 1959.
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| King Kamehameha statue in the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Julia Neal |
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DURING KAMEHAMEHA DAY celebrations on Sunday, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard honored Sen. Daniel Akaka at the 49th Annual Lei Draping at the U.S. Capitol. Also on hand were the parents of the late Rep. Mark Takai, who passed away in 2016 while in office. Hawaiʻi's Congressional Delegation and the Hawaiʻi State Society sponsored the event.
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| Senator Hirono speaks with Naomi and Erik Takai, parents of the late Rep. Mark Takai, who passed from pancreatic cancer in 2016 while in office. Photo from Hirono's office |
“Senator Akaka understood the obligation we all have to care for our fragile planet and the people who call it home. He brought this spirit with him to Washington , D.C.
She pointed to Akaka's "strong, bipartisan relationships and his tireless work ethic. In his persistent advocacy, he was unfailingly kind. He even treated those who disagreed with him with aloha.
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| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard honors Sen. Dan Akaka at Kamehameha Day Lei Draping Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, June 10. Photo from Gabbard's office |
“Our Congressional Delegation is committed to carrying forward Senator Akaka’s work—despite these efforts to erase Native Hawaiians from the federal record,” said Hirono.
Gabbard said Akaka "dedicated his life to serving the people of Hawaiʻi and our nation with a servant's heart of aloha. Senator Akaka's legacy is deeply rooted in how he lived aloha every day, showing kindness to all, and uniting people around a common mission of service to the people and our planet.”
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"IT HURTS LIKE HELL TODAY," said Mayor Harry Kim today at a press conference with FEMA representatives. "It's been a real hard month, not for me, but for all those who have been affected."
Kim estimated the number of homes in lower Puna lost to lava since May 3 now totals 600 to 700. He and FEMA representatives said they are here for the long term to help with recovery. The mayor said they are "Not just 'Hi, I'm here, see you later.'" They are here for the emergency response, short term, and long term recovery.
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| With Kapoho Bay filled, the lava, as shown in an overflight today, piles high and expands into the ocean, creating a lava delta about 250 acres in size. USGS photo |
FEMA Region Nine administrator Robert Venton said he flew today over lower Puna to look at the impacts and was "just amazed at the amount of devastation, the number of homes destroyed from the lava, and the complexity of this event with the potential for additional threats from gasses and other things as this event continues to move on. And not knowing exactly how long this will continue or who may be affected next, it is important that we all continue to watch for warnings and messages so that we stay safe." He said the mayor, county, and local responders "have done an unbelievable job" at keeping people safe.
Venton said short and long term recovery will take a lot more than FEMA, the county, and state to coming together. He said he sees that it is already happening, in the aloha spirit with the building of tiny homes, with volunteers, and donations of supplies from private companies. "Neighbor helping neighbor," through these times, said Venton, praising volunteer organizations for "their initiative." He said FEMA doesn't have the ability to "make everyone whole."
He said there are triggers to federal programs, which include the number of houses lost, the value of the damage, and the overall damage to the community.
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| Bob Venton, Regional 9 Administrator for FEMA, is on the ground with a team to evaluate the situation, to seek FEMA help for individuals Image from Big Island Video News |
He explained there are six factors to trigger individual assistance: trauma to individuals, insurance availability, how many houses destroyed or damaged, volunteer agency assistance, income level of those impacted, and special needs. Once the assessment is made, it will be provided to the governor, who will ask the president for more FEMA assistance.
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ULUA CHALLENGE FISHERMEN WEIGHED IN ON SUNDAY for the ulua competition with their giant trevally and for the omilu competition with their bluefin jack. Ka`u's cliffs of Ka Lae at South Point were favorite spots during the event sponsored by Tokunaga Store. Contestants started camping at Ka Lae, and other coveted spots around the island, early last week to save the best places to fish during the annual Friday through Sunday contest.
Kyle Castro won the Ulua Challenge with a 91.4 lb. fish. Scott Yamamoto took second with a weigh in of 74.3 lbs. James Hirayama was third, bringing home an ulua of 66.2 lbs. Paul Cabuag III scored fourth with a weigh-in of 64.6 lbs. Austin Bloch took fifth with a 59.6 lb. ulua. Ian Caravalho took sixth with a 57.4 weigh-in. Donny Souza took seventh with a 52.9 lb. ulua. Keoki Ah Chin was eighth, with a 49.8 lb. fish. Waye Cypriano came in ninth with a fish weighing 49.6 lbs. Gilbert Feliciano took tenth with an ulua weighing 49.3 lbs.
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| Kyle Castro, right, landed the winning Ulua, weighing in at 91.4 pounds. Photo from Tokunaga Store Facebook page |
In the Omilu division, first place went to Nathan Bloch at 20.6 lbs. In second was Christina Martin with an 18.5 lb. fish. Third was Marizel Derla with an 18.1 lb. omilu. Fourth was Adrian Medallia at 17.3 lbs. Fifth was Izaya Naboa with a fish weighing in at 17.1 lbs. Sixth was Tommy Cabantina with a 16.9 lb. fish. Seventh was Eric Nishioka with a 16.8 pounder. Eighth was Brandon Lopes with a fish weighing in at 16.6 lbs. Ninth was Scott Oshiro with a 15.8 lb. omilu. Tenth was Curtis Higashi with a 15.6 pounder.
S. Tokunaga Store in Hilo sponsors Ulua Challenge and held weigh-ins Sunday morning at the Aufuk-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. See Tokunaga Store Facebook page.
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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 |
TUESDAY, JUNE 12
Special Event: Hawai‘i Opera Theatre, Tue, June 12, 3pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. HOT has been producing opera in Hawai’i for 33 years - Broadway and classical favorites. 939-2442
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue, June 12, 4-6pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087
THURSDAY, JUNE 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thu, June 14, 10:30 -noon , Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View, on Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.
Meeting on Ash and SO2 will be held at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View, on Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will bring together health, science, and Civil Defense officials to meet with the public.
FRIDAY, JUNE 15
‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, Fri, June 15, 10-noon, Kahuku Unit. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Father’s Day Card, Fri, June 15, 2-3pm , Kahuku Park
For more information, contact Galimba at mgalimba@kuahiwiranch.com or 808-430-4927.
4-H Livestock Show & Sale is Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16, at Anderson Arena, also known as Rocking Chair Ranch, at 47-5124 Hawaiʻi Belt Road in Waimea. Open to the public, the annual event supports young farmers and ranchers. This year marks a century of 4-H in Hawai‘i; the state’s first 4-H livestock club opened in 1918.
Friday’s events begin at 3:30 p.m. and include shows for rabbits, poultry, and goats. Saturday’s large animal activities kick off with an 8 a.m. welcome, followed by 4-H participants showing lambs, hogs, steers, and heifers. Competition continues for top showmanship honors in the Round Robin Showmanship Class. Buyer’s registration and lunch is at 12:30 p.m., with the sale of 4-H animals at 2 p.m., including beef steer and heifer, hog, lamb, goat, and possibly poultry and rabbits.For more information, contact Galimba at mgalimba@kuahiwiranch.com or 808-430-4927.
SATURDAY, JUNE 16
Nature and Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, June 16, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture, observe catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Hands-On Fermented Foods Workshop: Sauerkraut and Kombucha w/ Jasmine Silverstein, HeartBeet Foods, Sat, June 16, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. $50/VAC Members, $55/non-Member. Pre-registration required. Supplies and organic ingredients provided. No cooking skills necessary. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat, June 16, 10-1pm , Ocean View Community Center
Hula Kahiko - Hope Keawe w/Hula Hālau Mana‘olana Sat, June 16, 10:30-11:30am, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Hale Hoʻomana at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Hula performance. Free. volcanoartcenter.org
Bunco and Potluck, Sat, June 16, 6pm , 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
SUNDAY, JUNE 17
People and Land of Kahuku, Sun, June 17, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. nps.gov/HAVO
MONDAY, JUNE 18
A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP TO MAKE SAUERKRAUT AND KOMBUCHA is offered on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods, announces Volcano Art Center.
“Our digestive system is home to a complex diversity of living microorganisms, which are impacted by what we eat and drink. These microorganisms, which include probiotics, directly influence our own health; from aiding digestion, to clearing skin, to boosting our energy. We can nurture the health of these internal microorganisms by eating probiotic-rich, fermented foods,” states the event description.
Fermented foods have been a part of ancient cultures throughout history. Sauerkraut, pickles, and yogurt are a few of the many traditional live-cultured, fermented foods. These foods developed out of the need to preserve food, before refrigeration was possible.
Fermented foods have been a part of ancient cultures throughout history. Sauerkraut, pickles, and yogurt are a few of the many traditional live-cultured, fermented foods. These foods developed out of the need to preserve food, before refrigeration was possible.
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| Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
Hands-On Fermented Foods Workshop: Sauerkraut and Kombucha with Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods students learn the basics of culturing cabbage and various vegetables into probiotic-rich Sauerkraut, as well how to make your own Kombucha. Each participant takes home their own finished products and teaches skills that can be used at home.
Participation in the workshop costs $50 for Volcano Art Center Members and $55 for Non-Members. Pre-registration is required. All supplies and Organic ingredients provided. No cooking skills necessary. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
Silverstein is a holistic chef and retreat caterer. She began experimenting with fermentation in 2011, shortly after being diagnosed with a severe autoimmune condition. “The benefits she has received from discovering and engaging in the world of microbes has proven to be invaluable. She hopes to share her experience and inspire others to cultivate their own health,” states the event description. Find more information about Silverstein and her services at heartbeetfoods.com.
Silverstein is a holistic chef and retreat caterer. She began experimenting with fermentation in 2011, shortly after being diagnosed with a severe autoimmune condition. “The benefits she has received from discovering and engaging in the world of microbes has proven to be invaluable. She hopes to share her experience and inspire others to cultivate their own health,” states the event description. Find more information about Silverstein and her services at heartbeetfoods.com.
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ONGOING
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will take sign-ups in Kaʻū, through June 29 (closed June 11).
In Nā’ālehu, it will take place at the Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council office, back of Senior Center, Wed-Fri, 8-1pm, 929-9263.
In Ocean View, it will take place at Ocean View Community Center, Mon and Tue (except Mon, June 11), 8-4:30pm.
In Pāhala, it will take place at the Edmund Olson Trust Office, Tue and Wed, 8:30-12:30pm. See more for eligibility requirements and application.
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through July 14, statewide and online. Register and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, and adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
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.
Two Park Rangers are stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room - as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
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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