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Humpback whales may be coming to Hawai‘i in smaller numbers, staying for shorter durations, and singing less in the sanctuary See more about declining humpback numbers in Hawai‘i, below. Photo from Ed Lyman/NOAA, under NOAA permit #15240 |
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono, asking Kavanaugh about his opinion on Native Hawaiian's status in federally funded programs. Photo from Hirono's Twitter |
She also tweeted: "These are the docs that R(epublicans) don't want you to see—because they show that Judge Kavanaugh wrongly believes that Native Hawaiian programs are Constitutionally questionable. I defy anyone reading this to be able to conclude that it should be deemed confidential in any way, shape, or form."
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| Judge Brett Kavanaught, answering Hirono's queries. Photo from Hirono's Twitter |
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.
FOOD SHORTAGES FOR HUMPBACK WHALES in their summer feeding grounds in Alaska may reduce their populations there and in their wintering waters in Hawaiʻi. The number of humpbacks wintering in Hawaiʻi in 2006 was estimated to be about 10,000. Observers noticed a decline in arrivals to Hawaiʻi beginning in 2014 and the whale count continued to dwindle last winter. This summer, observers reported lower numbers of humpbacks in Alaska .
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Around 80 percent of mother and calf pairs in Hawaiian sanctuary waters are accompanied by a single male whale, known as an escort. Photo from caringforcalves.org |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Elizabeth Weinberg, of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, reports in her story Humpback Whales: Navigating an Oceanof Change, that food for whales may be in smaller supply with warming of Alaska waters.
See sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news
/sep18/humpback-whales-navigating-an-ocean-of-change.html and the Aug. 26 Kaʻū News Briefs.
/sep18/humpback-whales-navigating-an-ocean-of-change.html and the Aug. 26 Kaʻū News Briefs.
Weinberg writes that "Over the last several years, three oceanographic conditions have conspired to warm Alaskan waters, which has affected the availability of humpback whale food sources like krill." She pointed to three probable causes:
El Niño: Every two to seven years, warm water in the western tropical Pacific Ocean shifts east, triggering warmer temperatures in the northeastern Pacific, including waters off Alaska .
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation: Every 20 to 30 years, the Pacific Ocean shifts between a warm and cool phase, bringing higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures to the northeastern Pacific.
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A mother humpback whale supports her calf in the warm waters of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Photo from J. Moore/NOAA, under NOAA permit #15240 |
The Blob: An extreme marine heatwave. A giant blob of warm water showed up in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska in 2013, eventually expanding until it was more than 2,000 miles wide. While its cause is unclear, it may be connected to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, or may be linked to a persistent high pressure weather pattern over the northeastern Pacific Ocean . See Aug. 26 Kaʻū News Briefs for more.
All three appear to have converged to warm Alaskan waters. The Blob formed in 2013, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation shifted to a warm phase in 2014, and the most recent El Niño cycle began in 2015. The warm water spells bad news for krill, the main food source for humpbacks. "Krill are especially sensitive to warm water. Krill eggs hatch at a narrow temperature range, and rely on strong upwellings to bring nutrients into the surface area of the ocean. Warmer waters reduce the strength of these coastal upwellings, impacting krill production. That leaves humpback whales without their primary food source," writes Weinberg.
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The SPLASH survey conducted between 2004 and 2006 estimated that approx. 10,000 humpback whales visited Hawai‘i each year. Photo from J. Moore/NOAA, under MMHSRP permit #18786-02 |
She notes that humpbacks winter in Hawaiʻi to calve and mate, the warm waters providing protection for their young that are born with little blubber, and from orca killer whales, which have a much lower population in Hawaiian waters than in Alaska .
A survey called The Structure of Population, Level of Abundance, Status of Humpback Whales predicted in 2006 that the humpback population would grow by 5.5 to 6 percent per year. From 2006 to 2016, the recovery of the Hawaiʻi-Alaska humpback population was so great, they were taken off the endangered species list. However, humpback numbers in Hawaiʻi decreased by about half between 2014 and 2017, while accounting for random fluctuations, reports Weinberg. Mother-calf pairs were down an additional 35 percent.
Ed Lyman, the large whale entanglement response coordinator for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, has heard of lower numbers of wintering humpbacks in Hawaiian waters since 2015, says the article. He said tour operators, fishermen, researchers, and other members of the on-water community reported numbers of adult humpbacks and calves declining sharply.
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| NOAA says: "It is now more important than ever to give whales plenty of space in and outside of the sanctuary. Do not approach a humpback whale within 100 yards. This photo depicts kayakers who are too close to a whale." Photo from Ed Lyman/NOAA, under NOAA permit #20311 |
Dr. Marc Lammers, research coordinator at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and former president of the Oceanwide Science Institute and an associate research professor at the University of Hawaiʻi
The Sanctuary Ocean
In Alaskan waters, says Christine Gabriele of HMMC, lower numbers and thinner humpbacks have been seen for two summers: 2016 and 2017. However, the lower number of whales from summer 2018 look to be slightly less thin.
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| Hurricane Norman, left, and Olivia, right. Image from prh.noaa.gov/cphc |
CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE NORMAN, reports Central Pacific Hurricane Center, was 275 miles northeast of Hilo, with sustained winds of 100 mph, moving northwest at 9 mph, as of 5 p.m. It is not forecast to directly affect the Hawaiian Islands.
The National Weather Service reports that a High Surf Warning has been issued for the north and east facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island, from South Point to Upolu Point. Winds may also increase in localized areas today.
Due to the forecasted weather conditions, the following closures and recommendations are now in effect, per Civil Defense:
- All County
- Boat owners should take measures to secure their vessels until the danger passes. (Hilo Area)
Oceanfront residents are urged to be on alert for high and dangerous surf conditions through Friday.
- All schools and roads are open at this time. Closures will be updated in real time at hawaiicounty.gov/2018-hurricane-map.
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| Five-day forecast for Hurricane Olivia sees her heading directly for Hawaiʻi. Image from ssd.noaa.gov |
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CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE OLIVIA IS INCREASING IN STRENGTH, with winds at 130 mph, reports the National Hurricane Center 5 p.m. , Olivia is forecast to head directly for Hawaiʻi, traveling at 14 mph.
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.
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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| Image from Kaʻū Trojans Twitter |
KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL first game of the season, delayed by Hurricane Lane , was held Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Hilo . Kaʻū gave it a good shot: JV with 8 in both games and Varsity scoring 7, 10, and 17. However, Hilo won every game.
In the second game of the season, Wednesday, Sept. 5, Kaʻū hosted Pāhoa. JV fought hard, with 10 points for each game. Varisty won all three of their games, with the third game being a tie breaker, ending in 24 to 26.
See the next games to be played for all Fall sports, below.
See the next games to be played for all Fall sports, below.
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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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
Sat., Sept. 15, 1pm, @ Kohala
Sat., Sept. 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Keaʻau
Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, 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, @ Honokaʻa
Tue., Sept. 25, 6pm, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat., Sept. 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha
Sat., Sept. 15, 10am, Keaʻau
Sat., Sept. 22, 9am, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat., Sept. 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Keaʻau
Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
Sat, Oct 6, 12pm , host Kohala
Girls Volleyball: Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
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, @ Honokaʻa
Tue., Sept. 25, 6pm, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Tues, Oct 2, 6pm , @ Kealakehe
Fri, Oct 5, 6pm , host Keaʻau
Wed, Oct 10, 6pm , @ Parker
Fri, Oct 12, 6pm , host St. Joseph
Sat., Sept. 8, 10am, @ Kamehameha
Sat., Sept. 15, 10am, Keaʻau
Sat., Sept. 22, 9am, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat, Oct 6, 2pm , @ Kealakehe
Sat, Oct 13, BYE
NEW and UPCOMING
GIVE ALOHA, FOODLAND'S ANNUAL COMMUNITY MATCHING GIFTS PROGRAM - with several participating Hawai‘i non-profit organizations active in the Ka‘ū community - is underway, and will continue through Sunday, Sept. 30. Foodland Maika‘i members are encouraged to make donations - up to $249 per person, per organization - at a Foodland's checkout counter to one of the many non-profits participating.
The program was created in 1999 in honor of Foodland's founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan.
The program was created in 1999 in honor of Foodland's founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan.
Participating Hawai‘i non-profit organizations active in the Ka‘ū Community are listed here, with their corresponding tracking codes: AdvoCATS, 77404; American Red Cross of Hawai‘i, 77010; Food Basket, Hawai‘i Islands Food Basket, 78348; Habitat for Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Island, 78553; Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, 77053; Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, 78764; Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo, 78760; Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i (Big Island), 78360; PARENTS, Inc., 7725; Partners in Development Foundation (Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool), 78385; Special Olympics Hawai‘i, 77129; Volcano Art Center, 77000; and more at foodland.com/files/uploads/Organizations%20List%202018_0.pdf.
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"Donations to each organization are tracked, and Foodland's matching gift is divided proportionately among all participating organizations based on customer donations to the organizations," says the program description on foodland.com. The site states, "Each year, Foodland contributes more than $250,000 to match customer donations for all organizations combined. Since the program began in 1999, a total of more than $29.1 million has been raised for Hawai‘i's charities." With the Western Union Foundation donating $50,000 to add to Foodland's donations this year, the total gift will be $300,000.
Customer donations and Foodland's matching gift will be received by the organizations by Oct. 31. Donations made without a Maika’i card will not be matched. Those who wish to participate but do not have a Maika’i account may establish one with the cashier by using an unique 10-digit number, like a phone number.
Any donation must be made payable to Foodland or Sack N Save. Donor names will not be released. All Hawai‘i 501 (c)(3) organizations are invited to participate each year. For more, see foodland.com/our-community/give-aloha, call Community Relations at 732-0791 or email givealoha@foodland.com.
"Donations to each organization are tracked, and Foodland's matching gift is divided proportionately among all participating organizations based on customer donations to the organizations," says the program description on foodland.com. The site states, "Each year, Foodland contributes more than $250,000 to match customer donations for all organizations combined. Since the program began in 1999, a total of more than $29.1 million has been raised for Hawai‘i's charities." With the Western Union Foundation donating $50,000 to add to Foodland's donations this year, the total gift will be $300,000.Customer donations and Foodland's matching gift will be received by the organizations by Oct. 31. Donations made without a Maika’i card will not be matched. Those who wish to participate but do not have a Maika’i account may establish one with the cashier by using an unique 10-digit number, like a phone number.
Any donation must be made payable to Foodland or Sack N Save. Donor names will not be released. All Hawai‘i 501 (c)(3) organizations are invited to participate each year. For more, see foodland.com/our-community/give-aloha, call Community Relations at 732-0791 or email givealoha@foodland.com.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 7
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Sat., Sept. 8, 8-11am , Ocean View Community Center
Hiʻiaka and Pele, Sat., Sept. 8, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
SUNDAY, SEPT. 9
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua, Sun., Sept. 9, 9:30-11am , Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ʻōhiʻa lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ʻōhiʻa tree and its flower, on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO
5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival, Sun., Sept. 9, 4-7pm , Volcano Winery. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). Purchase tickets in advance. 967-7772, volcanowinery.com
Kaʻū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Sept. 10 and 24, 1pm , Ocean View Community Center
TUESDAY, SEPT. 11
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nāʻālehu, Tue., Sept. 11, 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
Arts and Crafts Activity: Dove Foldable For Peace, Wed., Sept. 12, 3:30-5pm, Pāhala Community Center. For keiki in grades K-8. Register Sept. 4-11. Free. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102
THURSDAY, SEPT. 13
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thu., Sept. 13, 10:30-noon, Nāʻālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, Thu., Sept. 13, 6:30pm , United Methodist Church
ONGOING5th 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
5th Annual Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145. Fees through Sept. 10: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Fees Sept. 11-20: 5K, $55/person; 10K, $65/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $75/person. On Race Day, $75 per person, any race. Race Day is Sat., Sept. 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Kaʻū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, okaukakou.org.
Activities at Kahuku Park - within Hawaiian Ocean View Estates - over the next two months, include two physical activities, three arts and crafts activities, and a Park Beautification Day.
For all ages:
Activities at Kahuku Park - within Hawaiian Ocean View Estates - over the next two months, include two physical activities, three arts and crafts activities, and a Park Beautification Day.
For all ages:
- Friendship Bracelets: Wed., Sept. 19, 3 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept. 10 through 14.
- Park Beautification Day: Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept. 19 through 26.
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Activities are free to attend. For more, call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113 or visit the park during business hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
- Park Beautification Day: Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept. 19 through 26.
Free Arts and Crafts Activities at Pāhala Comunity Center happen on Wednesdays in September, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., through the end of Sept., for keiki in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
- Sept. 12: Dove Foldable For Peace. Register through Sept. 11.
- Sept. 19: Handprint Tree Art. Register Sept. 13 through 18.
- Sept. 26: Beaded Wind Chime. Register Sept. 19 through 25.
For more, call 928-3102 or visit the community center during business hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., or Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
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Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool’s Temporary Nāʻālehu Location is Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 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.
- Sept. 19: Handprint Tree Art. Register Sept. 13 through 18.
- Sept. 26: Beaded Wind Chime. Register Sept. 19 through 25.
For more, call 928-3102 or visit the community center during business hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., or Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
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 community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "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.
Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.
Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Pāhoa Neighborhood Center at 15-3022 Kauhale St. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at fema.gov/disaster/4366. If you are a survivor who has left the area, call 800-621-3362. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.
Free of charge, with no entry fees, rangers offer new and familiar programs at Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.
Kahuku Unit
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.
Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 9:30 a.m. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent. Can't make a guided hike but want to get to know Kahuku better? The Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will tailor a customized trek just for you. Contact Friends through their website. Proceeds support Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Ranger Talks introduce the natural, cultural and historic attributes of Kahuku 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.
Picnic in the Park: Join Kahuku for Hawaiian music and hula. Bring a picnic lunch or opt to buy lunch from food trucks on this family-friendly day. Supported by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus
Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus
Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani 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.
After Dark Near the Park at the Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.
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 Hawaiʻi 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, Hawaiʻi 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 ʻImiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.
