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| Keauhou Ranch fire rages through more than 3,200 acres on Mauna Loa, above now-quiet Halema`uma`u Crater. Both are in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the fire starting outside park boundaries and burning native forest. See stories, below. USGS photo |
A FIRE HEADED TOWARD KAPĀPALA RANCH, and also within .2 miles of Kīpuka Kī Special Ecological Area, doubled in size, burning over 3,200 acres by this morning and coming within two miles north of Hwy 11. Called the Keauhou Ranch Fire after its place of origin, it burns mainly within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. According to the National Park Service, no structures are threatened and a crew from the mainland arrived today to help fight the fire.
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Flames in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park approach Kapāpala Ranch. NPS photo |
Kīpuka Kī Special Ecological Area is one of the rarest old-growth native forests of its kind in the world. It is comprised of tall `ōhi`a, koa, and mānele trees that are essential for the survival of threatened and endangered native plant and animal species, says a statement from NPS. One mānele, soapberry tree, within the park, earned the title of Hawai`i Big Tree Champion in 2017, standing 71 feet tall. It is currently the National Champion.
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| National Park Service fire crew fights the Keauhou Ranch Fire today, which threatens some of the oldest and tallest native trees in Hawai`i. NPS photo |
Fire Management Officer Matt Desimone said, "We are focusing our suppression efforts on Kīpuka Kī and are working carefully to back the fire up against a natural barrier of wide hardened lava flow so it doesn't progress further downslope." The fire was 5 percent contained this afternoon, progressing through native forest, as strong, gusty winds and dry conditions at the 4,500- to 4,800-foot elevation made the fire difficult to control with limited resources. It continued to burn both upslope and downslope on Mauna Loa , on both sides of Mauna Loa Road .
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This native mānele, like those threatened in the Keauhou Ranch Fire, won Hawai`i Big Tree Champion for 2017, standing 71 feet. It also won National Champion. Photo from DLNR |
Tackling the fire is a blended Type III Incident Management Team with Hawai`i County, state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, volunteer, and National Park Service firefighters. NPS flew in 30 additional firefighters from the mainland today. The team employs six engines, a bulldozer, two helicopters, and a water tender.
The cause of the fire, which started August 5 outside the park on Keauhou Ranch, is under investigation. Mauna Loa Road and most of the park remain closed and have been off limits to the public since May 11 due to hazardous seismic activity.
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HURRICANE HECTOR PASSED 170 MILES BELOW SOUTH POINT MIDDAY, with winds of 115 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts that on Thursday, Hector will pass south of Maui County around 2 a.m., O`ahu at 8 a.m., and Kaua`i by 2 p.m.
On Tuesday, Hector's impacts were expected on all of Hawai`i Island. By 11 p.m. yesterday, only half the island was expected to be affected. At 5 a.m. today, only South Point was in the cone of affect. Ka`ū residents experienced a few bands of light rain and short periods of gusty winds, but there were no reports of damage.
As a precaution, Punalu`u, Whittington, and Miloli`i Beach Parks were closed today, as were the Pāhoa and Pāhala early voting stations. Tomorrow is the last day for early voting -- see more, below. The first day of the whole student body attending Ka`ū High and Pāhala Elementary school was today. Nā`ālehu Elementary and Volcano School of Arts & Sciences also held classes. Civil Defense would like to remind the public that high surf warnings are still in effect for the southern coasts of Hawai`i Island.
Tropical Storm Kristy, with 45 mile an hour winds, is about 1,700 miles east-southeast of South Point. Kristy's forecast trajectory will take her north of her current position, with a downgrade to tropical depression in a few days.
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KĪLAUEA REMAINED QUIET TODAY, as did the lower East Rift Zone and Pu`u `Ō`ō. Though there is still seismic activity at the summit, the quakes are few and of a low magnitude. Deformation at the summit as measured by tiltmeter and GPS instruments has "virtually stopped," reports Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. HVO field crews overnight reported a lava pond confined to Fissure 8. Laze from oozing ocean entries is greatly reduced, and Poho`iki boat ramp is still there.
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| Greatly reduced laze at ocean entries near Isaac Hale Park. Poho`iki boat ramp still remains, though active lava lurks close by. USGS photo |
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SILVER CLOUD COFFEE FARM took first place in the Ka`ū District Division competition in the recent tenth annual Statewide Cupping Contest of the Hawai`i Coffee Association. Grown on the Silver Cloud Farm in Wood Valley
Second Place went to William Tabios' Rising Sun coffee of the Typica variety, Washed and Conventional methods. Third went to Miranda's Farms, with Typica variety, Wet Fermented and Conventional Growing methods.
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| Miles Mayne of Silver Cloud Coffee Farm |
Mayne is a member of the Ka`ū Coffee Growers Cooperative, which will hold a coffee qulaity workshop this weekend. It "will enable our members to produce high quality coffee and superior profits," says a statement from the cooperative. Supported by funding from a HI USDA-SDGG grant, members can attend at Pāhala Community Center 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Potluck at 1 p.m.
Keynote speaker and presenter is Dr. Shawn Steiman, PhD. He is the owner, co-founder, and Chief Science Officer of Daylight Mind Coffee Company.
Members are encouraged to bring 165 grams of green bean, which will be roasted and cupped by Steiman. Samples should be placed in zip lock bags, labeled with the farmer's name, telephone number, and email address. The results will be discussed with each farmer.
Steiman will make farm and processing facility visits to evaluate and guide farmers who "are interested in implementing a quality programme."
For more information on Mayne's coffee farm, the workshop, and the evaluations, call 928-0106.
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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.
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.
LAST DAY FOR WALK-IN REGISTRATION AND EARLY VOTING IS TOMORROW, Thursday, Aug. 9. Locations to register and vote island-wide are:
- Pāhala Community Center 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. ), at 96-1149 Kamani St .;
- West Hawai`i Civic Center community Room, Bldg G, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. , at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy ;
- County of Hawai`i 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. , at 101 Pauahi St., Suite 1 ;
- Waimea Community Center 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. , at 65-1260 Kawaihae Rd.
Election Day is Saturday, Aug. 11, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registered voters can mail their ballots until Aug. 11. Local polls are open at:
- Cooper Center 19430 Wright Road in Volcano
- Ka`ū High & Pāhala Elementary, 96-3150 Pikake Street
- Nā`ālehu Elementary School, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy
- Ocean View Community Center 15-3022 Kauhale Street
- Miloli`i Halau Pavillion, off Hwy 11 in theVillage of Miloli
- Miloli`i Halau Pavillion, off Hwy 11 in the
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.KA`Ū HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS IS NOT WORKING WITH SPARTAN SPORTS. D. Kalei Namohala, KHPES Athletic Director and BIIF Football Coordinator, wants to let the public know that business in the Ka`ū District have been receiving phone solicitations regarding sponsoring Ka`ū High School Athletic Department from Spartan Sports. However, Ka`u Athletic is not working with Spartan Sports.
"We appreciate all the sponsorship we've received from numerous businesses in the past," says Namohala. Questions? Contact Namohala at 313-4161.
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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 |
Football:
Fri, Aug 17, 10am, Scrimmage @ Kea`au
Sat, Aug 25, 10am, Scrimmage @ Waiakea
Thu, Sept 6, 6pm, @ Pāhoa
Sat, Sept 15, 1pm, @ Kohala
Sat, Sept 22, 3:30pm , host Lanai @ Kea`au
Girls Volleyball:Tue, Aug 14, 6pm, host Waiakea
Fri, Aug 24, 6pm, @ Mauna Lani
Wed, Aug 29, 6pm, @ Hilo
Fri, Aug 31, Kamehameha Tourney
Sat, Sept 1, Kamehameha Tourney
Wed, Sept 5, 6pm, host Pāhoa
Wed, Sept 12, 6pm, @ Christian Liberty
Fri, Sept 14, @ Kamehameha
Mon, Sept 17, 6pm, host Lapahoehoe
Wed, Sept 19, 6pm, host Kohala
Thu, Sept 20, 6pm, @ Honoka`a
Tue, Sept 25, 6pm , @ HPA
Fri, Sept 28, 6pm , host Kona
Cross Country:
Sat, Aug 25, @ CLA (preseason)
Sat, Sept 1, 10am, @ HPA
Sat, Sept 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha
Sat, Sept 15, 10am, Kea`au
Sat, Sept 22, 9am, @ HPASat, Aug 25, @ CLA (preseason)
Sat, Sept 1, 10am, @ HPA
Sat, Sept 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha
Sat, Sept 15, 10am, Kea`au
BASKETBALL INSTRUCTION FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 at Hawai`i County Parks and Recreation's Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, from 2 to 3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 10 and Tuesday, Aug. 14. Balls provided. For more details, call 929-9113. Find a schedule of programs at hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
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.
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| USGS Wildlife Biologist Dr. Frank Bonaccorso speaks at Coffee Talk at Kahuku on Friday, August 31. Photo from USGS |
`ŌPE`APE`A: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HAWAIIAN HORAY BAT -- the only endemic land mammal in Hawai`i -- on Friday, August 31, for Coffee Talk at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center. The free event takes place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. USGS Wildlife Biologist Dr. Frank Bonaccorso, who has been studying the bat for the past 14 years, presents.
Bonaccorso will examine a typical 24 hour day and night in the life of Hawai`i's official state mammal, the `Ōpe`ape`a. According to the event flyer, he will answer the following questions and more: "How far do they fly each night? How do they find insects with echolocation? What is the reproductive cycle of the bat and how does it care for its pups? Where did Hawaiian bats come from, how long ago, and how are they surviving here? What are the emerging threats to bat populations of Hawai`i?"
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| `Ōpe`ape`a Hawaiian Hoary Bat. Photo from USGS |
Bonaccorso previously served as Chief Curator of Natural History at the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery, conducting research on marine mammals, bats, birds, and tree kangaroos.
Join the informal conversation with other park visitors and rangers on a wide variety of topics on the last Friday of every month. No entrance fees, no event costs. Ka`ū coffee, tea, and pastries are available for purchase. Find the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of the park located south of the 70.5 mile marker, mauka (mountain side) of Highway 11. For more about this and other Kahuku Unit programs, visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
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.
Join the informal conversation with other park visitors and rangers on a wide variety of topics on the last Friday of every month. No entrance fees, no event costs. Ka`ū coffee, tea, and pastries are available for purchase. Find the entrance to the Kahuku Unit of the park located south of the 70.5 mile marker, mauka (mountain side) of Highway 11. For more about this and other Kahuku Unit programs, visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
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.
VOTE: 2018 Primary Election Day Polling Places in Ka`ū, Sat, Aug 11, 7am-6pm. Senate District 2: Cooper Center on Wright Rd in Volcano Village, Ka`ū High/Pāhala Elementary School Cafeteria. Senate District 3: Nā`ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center, Miloli`i Halau Pavilion. elections.hawaii.gov/voters/polling-places
Kāwā Community Workday, Sat, Aug 11, meet at 9:30 am at Northern Gate, Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org
Zentangle: Color Stories, Sat, Aug 11, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Class is not about color theory, rather about "listening to the story that colors Whisper to you." $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.
Zentangle: Color Stories, Sat, Aug 11, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Class is not about color theory, rather about "listening to the story that colors Whisper to you." $30/Volcano Art Center Member, $35/non-Member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share.
`Ōhi`a Lehua, Sun, Aug 12, and Sat, Aug 25, 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
Ka`ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon, Aug 13 and 27, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka`ū. Contact prior to attending to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā`ālehu, Tue, Aug 14, 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
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed, Aug 15, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
ONGOING
Walk-In Registration and Voting Continues at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 9.
5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.
5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.
Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.
Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.
Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.
Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus
Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they 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
Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Grand Naniloa Hotel
Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown 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.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.
