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| Marine debris collected from Kaʻū shorelines by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund volunteers make up the bulk of the plastics exterior of Skyscraper, the Bruges Whale, an art installation made by Studio CA. See story below. Photo from studioca.com |
TWO NEW FAMILY COURT JUDGES for Hawaiʻi Island won confirmation by the state Senate this week. Confirmed are Mahilani E.K. Hiatt and Wendy M. DeWeese to the District Family Court of the Third Circuit. "The Family Court’s mission is to provide a fair, speedy, economical, and accessible forum for the resolution of matters involving families and children," said Sen. Kai Kahele.
Hiatt is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama. She received her Bachelor of Arts in History from The Colorado College and her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the William S. Richardson School of Law, where she was managing editor for the University of Hawai‘i Law Review. She earned the title of 1993 National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Woman Law Graduate from the University of Hawai‘i. Hiatt has been licensed to practice law in Hawai‘i since 1993 and has been in private practice in Honolulu, Kamuela, and presently Honoka‘a. Since 2017, she has also served as a Per Diem Judge for the District and Family Courts of the Third Circuit while continuing her private practice at Hiatt and Hiatt.
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| Senators Russel Ruderman, Lorraine Inuoye, and Kai Kahele flank the new judges for Hawaiʻi Island, Wendy DeWeese and Mahilani Hiatt. Photo from Kai Kahele |
Said Kahele, "It is my belief that both Ms. Hiatt and Ms. DeWeese are more than qualified to serve as District Family Court Judges for the Third Circuit. The sensitivities of dealing with legal cases concerning children, domestic relations and domestic violence is no easy task. I am confident that they will both serve in their new positions with humility and honor, while making fair and pono decisions that are in the best interest of those involved."
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.REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION. The cut off date to register online or by mail was yesterday, July 12. Residents can still register to vote at an Early Walk-In Voting site from Monday, July 30, to Thursday, Aug. 9 at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani Street Pāhala. The location is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except from noon to 1 p.m.
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MARINE DEBRIS AND CONSERVATION were discussed at a June’s Coffee Talk event at the Kahuku unit of Hawai‘i National Park. Megan Lamson, marine biologist and Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund’s President and Program Director, shared her experiences working with thousands of volunteers to remove marine debris from oceans and shorelines, and restore coastal ecosystems to protect native wildlife on Hawai‘i Island.
According to Lamson, HWF has removed over 240 tons of marine debris on Hawai‘i Island in the past 15 years, and has educated keiki and adults about the dangers of marine debris to native marine wildlife and the environment. She shared a power point presentation with scientific results of the total number of cleanups and what’s been collected - mostly plastic! - as well as pictures of animals endangered by marine debris. HWF has also collaborated with many different community agencies in their mission to conserve native wildlife through research, education, and advocacy.
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| Marine debris on Kaʻū shores. Photo from studioca.com |
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| Megan Lamson, marine biologist and Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund’s President and Program Director, speaks at June's Coffee Talk. Photo from Mattie Mae Larson / HWF |
For more information about how to help protect native wildlife, check out the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund website wildhawaii.org, Facebook page or Instagram accounts, or send an email to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
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Brian Kealoha, Hawai‘i Energy Executive Director, said EmPOWER is a formalized program to assist non-profits with energy efficiency so they can “redirect the money they’ll save and utilize it towards fulfilling their missions.” Shayna Doi, Hawai‘i Energy Marketing and Communications Manager, said, “We wanted to help nonprofit organizations beyond just changing out their lighting. We wanted to do more for the people that do so much for our community.”
The EmPOWER Hawai‘i Project will assist five qualifying nonprofit organizations with resources to purchase and install energy-efficient equipment to cut electricity costs, and equip them with practical knowledge to sustain operations for years to come.
- Solar water heating program rebate of $750, up from $500. This program provides incentives to trade allies and customers to facilitate the purchase and installation of solar water heating technologies, which can save an average household up to 40% on their electric bill.
- AC Tune-Ups rebate of $100 to include completion of a multipoint tune-up checklist for both indoor and outdoor central and split air conditioning units.
- Rid-A-Fridge program rebate of $75 to encourage homeowners and renters to get rid of the second refrigerator or freezer, saving hundreds of dollars per year on their electric bill. To assist businesses, Hawai‘i Energy announced expansion of its Continuous Energy Improvement program, part of Strategic Energy Management. It creates cohorts of Hawai‘i businesses, for education and tools to improve their companies’ energy performance.
CEI is a long-term approach to energy efficiency that includes setting goals, tracking progress, and reporting results. CEI allows for continuous energy performance
CEI is a long-term approach to energy efficiency that includes setting goals, tracking progress, and reporting results. CEI allows for continuous energy performance
For more information on Hawai‘i Energy programs, visit hawaiienergy.com. Interested nonprofit organizations can apply for the EmPOWER Hawai‘i Project at hawaiienergy.com/nonprofit.
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BUILD OCEAN VIEW SKATEPARK is a new facebook group initiated by Travis Aucoin and Paul Pamburn, both skateboarders sponsored by AFU and PUEO. To build momentum, Ka‘ū resident Aucoin recently gave away three new skateboards at a Skateboarding Sessions event at the basketball courts of the county's Kahuku Park in Ocean View.
Aucoin said he put on the event to promote a skateboard park and skateboard safety, as well as to create interest for a possible skate shop in the area. Aucoin said he volunteered his time, built the three boards and two ramps, and paid for supplies. He said he enjoyed the expressions of the keiki who participated - “so happy to have their freedom.”
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| An effort to build a skateboard park, create teams for competition and teach safety, and clean fun includes a Build Ocean View Skatepark Facebook page and Skateboarding Sessions. Photo from Troy Aucoin |
Fierra Roberts, of Ocean View, one of the free skateboard recipients, said, “It was so much fun and you can learn so much about skateboarding. I hope that lots of people come next time to have a ton of fun.” Her younger brother Izzy Roberts said, “I had a lot of fun and did a bunch of cool tricks and I got to make new friends.” Their mother, Laura Roberts, said it was a “great event where the kids could feel the support of adults and have fun in a safe, drug-free environment. Travis was quite generous with his time and funds in sharing it with our community so openly. It was also a special treat to listen to Lopaka Rootz sing and play his guitar while we skated. We really enjoyed his music and his positive vibes.”
Aucoin said he has sponsored skateboarding events in Kona and would like to offer more to Ka‘ū. Parents and other volunteers are welcome to join in. He said he hopes to start a skate team in the area, teach the children skateboard skills and tricks, take them on field trips, and possibly organize sponsorships for competitions. Volunteers and donations would be needed.
The aim of the new Facebook group, Build Ocean View Skatepark, is to raise awareness and gain assistance to build a skatepark that is a safe, drug-free, environment. Aucoin said he is seeking help to write grant applications to such non-profits as the Tony Hawk Foundation.
The June event featured a demo and skills development portion, as well as a friendly competition. It was free, with live music by Lokapa Rootz. Signed waivers were required for all minors skating and a $1 million liability policy was provided for the event by SurfRider Foundation. Attendees were asked to bring a pack lunch and water. For more or to volunteer, call 494-5192.
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NEW and UPCOMING
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| Jelena Clay leads a lauhala weaving workshop on July 28. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
LAUHALA WEAVING WORKSHOP WITH JELENA CLAY is offered at Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village on Saturday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The hands-on workshop teaches participants the traditional Hawaiian method of weaving to create bracelets and earrings - with participants welcome to take home their creations.
Topics covered in the workshop include collecting, prepping, and stripping lauhala. During the morning session of class, students create their own lauhala bracelet. “This simple project is a great introduction to lauhala weaving,” states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
Topics covered in the workshop include collecting, prepping, and stripping lauhala. During the morning session of class, students create their own lauhala bracelet. “This simple project is a great introduction to lauhala weaving,” states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
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| Learn to make lauhala earrings at a workshop in Volcano. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
During the afternoon session, students create a pair of earrings. All findings and tools along with sterling silver ear wires are provided. Simple stones and crystals will also be available to embellish the earrings.
Those interested can register for the class by calling 967-8222 or by visiting volcanoartcenter.org, and paying a class fee of $40 per Volcano Art Center member, or $45 for non-Members, plus a $35 supply fee. Pre-registration is required.
Those interested can register for the class by calling 967-8222 or by visiting volcanoartcenter.org, and paying a class fee of $40 per Volcano Art Center member, or $45 for non-Members, plus a $35 supply fee. Pre-registration is required.
Clay is “a master fiber artist and nationally recognized gourd artist who has produced an ever-increasing variety of contemporary and traditional work in every natural fiber she can find. Her interest in all Hawaiian art forms naturally led her to lauhala,” states the description.
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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 |
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Sat, July 14, 8-11am , Ocean View Community Center
Kāwā Volunteer Day, Sat, July 14, 9:30am , Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org
Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, July 14, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Zentangle: Ink-Blown ‘Ōhi‘a w/Dina Wood Kageler, Sat, July 14, 10-1pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Nature and Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sun, July 15, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
MONDAY, JULY 16
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, July 18, 12:30pm , Ocean View Community Center
THURSDAY, JULY 19
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu, July 19, 9-1pm , Ocean View Community Center
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu, July 19, 6:30pm , United Methodist Church
Thursday Night at the Center: The Joy and Challenges of Native Bird Photography in Hawai’i w/Jack Jeffrey, Thu, July 19, 7-8pm, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Photography and biologist Jeffrey shares his experiences and photos. Free; $5 donation suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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| Register by July 15 for the Volcano Rain Forest Run to be guaranteed a participant's t-shirt. 2016 Volcano Rain Forest Runs t-shirt design by Dietrich Varez |
1st Annual Hawaiian Wicked Tuna Jackpot - Classic Fishing Tournament Series, Fri-Sun, July 20-22, Honokahau 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 $100-4,000. Qualifying weight of 50lbs. Grand Prize qualifies for Las Vegas Trip. Contact Wilfred Kaupiko, 896-6272, kalanihale@gmail.com. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org
ONGOING
Volcano Rain Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Registrations received after July 15 are not guaranteed a t-shirt. 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 Wright Road in Volcano Village
Oliver!, a KDEN Production, through July 29; Fridays and Saturdays,
Exhibit, Birds of Hawai‘i
Paid Intern sought by The Nature Conservancy, to work from October 2018 through August 2019 with their Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which has native forest preserves located in Ka‘ū and South Kona. Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receive an entry-level conservation career experience. Applicants must be at least 17 years old by the program start date, October 2018, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applications must also have their own housing and transportation, a drivers license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an online application at kupuhawaii.org under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible, as spaces are limited; kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
Rangers offer new and familiar programs – free of charge, with no entry fees – for visitors at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.
Sneak Peek into next week: July’s Artist in Residence John Ferdico will showcase his multicolored model aircraft and discuss how they are made at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station, Friday, July 20, at 10 a.m. Supported by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the National Parks Arts Foundation.
In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Visitor Contact Station hosts ʻIke Hana Noʻeau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
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Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus
Find Park Rangers in Volcano at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., in Volcano Village. Rangers are there most days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.
The return of After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter, TBA.
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Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
The return of After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter, TBA.
Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., give a talk about all five of Hawai‘i Island’s volcanoes – including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
Prince Kūhio Plaza
Prince Kūhio Plaza
Find Park Rangers alongside the park’s non-profit partners, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Grand Naniloa Hotel
Grand Naniloa Hotel
Find Park Rangers 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.
Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.
Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.
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 319-8333.5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22,
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