 |
First Place in the Twelve and Under Division at the islandwide Hokulele Basketball Tournament at Kaʻū District Gym last weekend was NSP from Kohala, at left. Second, on the right, was Hokulele Girls from Kaʻū. See stories, below. Photo by Sasha Kaupu, Hokulele Basketball Club |
THE VACATION RENTAL BILL, which seeks to prevent vacation rentals from taking over affordable housing in neighborhoods in Hawaiʻi County, while grandfathering in existing units, may face new scrutiny from owners of condominiums in residential areas, some of them on the shoreline.
A story by Nancy Cook Lauer in West Hawaiʻi Today on Sunday reported that condo owners, many of them with units in oceanfront buildings that are run like hotels in Kona, are likely to voice concern at this Thursday's Leeward Planning Commission meeting at 9:30 a.m. at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center. Some oceanfront condos are zoned residential and others resort. The resort-zoned condos would not be subject to new rules that would prohibit vacation rentals on residential zoned property. Unless grandfathered in, condos on residential zoned property would be permitted to rent only for a month or longer.
According to the West Hawaiʻi Today story, "Kona Isle, Kona Pacific, Kona by the Sea, Jeff King, who lives in Kona Isle, told West Hawaiʻi Today that his condo building has been used for vacation rentals since it was built in 1972.
Kona Council member Dru Kanuha and North Kona Council member Karen Eoff are sponsors of the bill that is going between the Windard and Leeward Planning Commissions, the County Council, county administration, and the public for input.
The West Hawaiʻi Today story also quotes Kona by the Sea association President Todd Miller, who said the 88 units are a "condotel," with a front desk and 17 full-time staff.
Condominiums in Punaluʻu are located on Resort zoned land and many are operated as time shares. However, many homes on residential properties in Volcano and Kaʻū bring income to local residents when used as vacation rentals. See more at West Hawai`i Today.
 |
| The Nature Conservancy stewards Kaiholena, the most important hawksbill turtle nesting site in the U.S. It is located makai of Pāhala. Photo from TNC |
HAWAI`I COMPANIES DONATED $177,000 TO THE NATURE CONSERVANCY in fiscal year 2018. Hawaiʻi's Corporate Council for the Environment, a group of local business leaders "who recognize the vital link between Hawaiʻi's environment and its economy," states A TNC release, has raised over $4 million to protect Hawaiʻi's natural resources since 1987.
Kaʻū locations include Kamehame, the small beach below Pāhala, which is the single most important nesting site in the U.S. for the endangered hawksbill turtle, as well as a refuge for the threatened green sea turtle. TNC also manages the Ka`u Preserve, with valleys between Pāhala and Na`alehu containing intact native forest, and Kaiholena mountain.
Kaʻū locations include Kamehame, the small beach below Pāhala, which is the single most important nesting site in the U.S. for the endangered hawksbill turtle, as well as a refuge for the threatened green sea turtle. TNC also manages the Ka`u Preserve, with valleys between Pāhala and Na`alehu containing intact native forest, and Kaiholena mountain.
Said Ulalia Woodside, the Conservancy's Hawai‘i Executive Director, "In Hawai‘i, the environment is the economy. These companies know the importance of protecting the lands and waters that sustain Hawaiʻi's people, economy and island way of life."
"Leadership supporters" with donations of $10,000 or more are: ABC Stores, Alaska Airlines, Alexander & Baldwin, Skyline Eco-Adventures, The Shidler Family Foundation, and Zipline Franchise LLC.
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.
U.S. SUPREME COURT NOMINEE BRETT KAVANUGH will testify under oath in a public hearing, along with his accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. The hearing, on Monday, Sept. 24, will take place in front of Sen. Mazie Hirono and the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ford accused Kavanaugh of both sexual and physical assault that allegedly occurred at a party when they were in high school. Kavanaugh denies the accusations. The Senate Judiciary proceedings on Kavanaugh's nomination are delayed.
 |
First place in the Six and Under Division at last weekend's Hokulele Basketball Tournament was the Hustle Tribe, left. Second is Hokulele from Kaʻū, right. Photo by Sasha Kaupu, Hokulele Basketball Club |
RESULTS ARE IN FROM THE GYM-FILLING HOKULELE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT last weekend.
With two days of Three-on-Three competition between 37 youth teams from all over the island, in six divisions, Kaʻū District Gym saw one of its biggest draws in community sports since its opening. |
First place in the Eight and Under Division are the Stringrays from Kona, left. Second is Hokulele, from Kaʻū, right. Photo by Sasha Kaupu, Hokulele Basketball Club |
In the Eight and Under Division, first went to the Stingrays from Kona. Hokulele from Kaʻū came in second.
In the Ten and Under Division, first went to NSP from Kohala. Warriors from Hilo took second.
In the Twelve and Under Division, NSP from Kohala took first. Hokulele Girls from Kaʻū took second.
In the Fifteen and Under Division, Hi Life from Hilo took first. Hokulele from Kaʻū took second.
 |
| First place in Ten and Under Division is NSP from Kohala, right. Second is the Warriors, of Hilo, left. Photo by Sasha Kaupu, Hokulele Basketball Club |
The Hokulele Basketball Club will host its First Annual Super Saturday Five-on-Five Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Kaʻū District Gym. Admission to watch the tournament is free.
Hokulele has 71 youth members from five years old through high school. The club and its tournaments are solely sponsored by families of the players. To join the club, register for a tournament, volunteer, and sponsor, contact Hokulele Basketball Club President Ravel Kaupu by text or phone at 808-319-0687.
 |
First place in the 15 and Under Division, left, was Hi Life from Hilo. Second was Hokulele, from Kaʻū. Photo by Sasha Kaupu, Hokulele Basketball Club |
After School All Stars Keaʻau and Pāhoa Middle schools hold sporting and other events on Sept. 29.
Both Trojans Boys and Girls high school basketball seasons start in late October, with practice and games in the Kaʻū District Gym.
 |
| Team Hokulele from Kaʻū took the men's division. Photo by Sasha Kaupu, Hokulele Basketball Club |
HOKULELE BASKETBALL CLUB is invited for the first time ever to tournaments off-island. Hokulele Twelve and Under Girls and Fourteen and Under Boys will fly to Kauaʻi for competition on Nov. 10 through 12 and to Maui for its tournament on Nov. 23 through 25. Both tournaments are invitational. Hokulele Basketball Club members said they would greatly appreciate sponsors. Call or text Hokulele Basketball Club President Kavel Kaupu at 808-319-0687 to sponsor the keiki for these off-island tournaments.
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.
 |
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 |
Football:
Sat., Sept. 22, 3:30pm, host Lanai @ Keaʻau
Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
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. 22, 9am, @ HPA
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
Sat, Oct 6, 12pm , host Kohala
Girls Volleyball: Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
Sat, Oct 20, BIIF Finals - Higher
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
Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Finals @
Wed, Oct 17, BIIF DII Semi-Finals @ Kona
Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
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
8:30am , HHSAA
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.
Sat, Oct 20, 9am , BIIF @ HPA
Sat, Oct 27, 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.
NEW and UPCOMING
EVENTS IN HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
 |
| Entrance fees will be waived Sept. 22, for the reopening of some areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. NPS photo |
- ʻIke Hana No ʻEau: Cultural demonstrations and activities each Saturday throughout the month of October. These are free programs and supplies will be provided.
When: Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station
- Kahuku Orientation Talk: Come meet with a ranger.
When: Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. , and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station
- Guided Hikes: Come explore your park with a ranger and discover an ever changing landscape, learn about the Hawaiian culture, and understand the ecosystem around you. Bring sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack. nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm
Where: Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (uphill) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area.
- Coffee Talk at Kahuku: How did people get to Hawaiʻi? Many cultural groups across the broad Pacific were known for transporting themselves, plants, animals, and their culture in ocean-going canoes, often across great distances. A spectacular example of the Polynesian double hulled canoe is still crafted and used today. Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa will share his knowledge and experience of these marvelous canoes.
Coffee Talk at Kahuku is an opportunity to get to know your park and your neighbors, and join an informal conversation on a wide variety of topics on the last Friday of every month. Coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase.
When: Friday Oct. 26 - 9:30 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Center
- After Dark in the Park: Ōpe‘ape‘a: The Hawaiian Bat. Hawai'i has a single native land mammal, the Hawaiian hoary bat, known to Hawaiians as Ōpe‘ape‘a. Join Corinna Pinzari, bat biologist with Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit, and Kristina Montoya-Aiona, zoologist with the U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, as they present recent scientific findings on what is known about the elusive behavior of Ōpe‘ape‘a including colonization history, life history, ecology, and diet. We will also talk about a newly described but extinct bat, Synemporion keana, known only from lava tube fossils, and share some of the latest research investigating the daytime lives of our tree-roosting bats.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center
- ʻIke Hana No ʻEau: ‘Ai Pono - Healthy Eating. Come and visit Aunty Edna Baldado as she discusses eating and living healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro) the staple of Hawaiians, uala (sweet potato), and ulu (breadfruit).When: Wednesday Oct. 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center
- After Dark in the Park: Join Martha Noyes, Author of Then There Were None, for Woven Strands and Braided Cords: Philosophy and Metaphysics in Precontact Hawaiian Astronomy. Hawaiʻi's precontact cultural astronomy was complex, with multiple strands of information braided and woven into an elaborate web of knowledge. Among the braided strands that make up this web are philosophical and metaphysical insights, recognitions, and perceptions represented by celestial objects. This presentation addresses essential elements of Hawaiian philosophy and metaphysics embedded in precontact Hawaiian cultural astronomy.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center
- ʻIke Hana No ʻEau:Pāʻani. Makahiki season is the ancient Hawaiian New Year festival. It is celebrated in three phases. One phase involves playing games. Come join Amy Ka’awaloa as she shares her knowledge of these events and the importance to the culture.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center
See the park's event calendar at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.
Hawaiʻi County Council Meetings, Tue./Wed., Sept. 18 (Committees)/19 (Council), Kona. Kaʻū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nāʻālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tue., Sept. 18, 4-7pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village Hilo . $30/VAC member, $35/non-members, plus $17 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed., Sept. 19, 12:30pm , Ocean View Community Center
Arts and Crafts Activity: Friendship Bracelets, Wed., Sept. 19, 3-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. For all ages. Register Sept. 10-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
THURSDAY, SEPT. 20
Hawaiʻi Disability Legal Services, Thu., Sept. 20, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center
SATURDAY, SEPT. 22
5th Annual Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run, Sat., Sept. 22, 7am , Kaʻū Coffee Mill, Wood Valley midnight , Sept. 20. Fees: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Fees increase Sept. 10: $55/person; 10K, $65/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $75/person. Race day registration ends at 6:30am; all fees increase to $75/person. kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, okaukakou.org.
Stained Glass Basics II: Exterior Lamp Project w/Claudia McCall, Sat./Sun., Sept. 22, 23, 29, and 30, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Sept. 22, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Exhibit - One Lucid Dream: A Retrospective of Art Works by Ken Charon, Mon.-Sat., Sept. 22-Oct 6, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Centers Niʻaulani Campus, Volcano Village. Original paintings, drawings, and other objects. Public invited to free opening reception Sat., Sept. 22, 5-7pm. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Suadades, The Longing: 2018 Commemoration of the 140th Anniversary of the Arrivals of Hawaiʻi's First Portuguese Immigrant Families is being celebrated by islandwide traveling presentations that are free and open to the public. Kaʻū location: Pāhala Community Center 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Flameworking - An Introductory Class w/Nash Adams-Pruitt, Sat., Sept. 22, 2-4:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus, Volcano Village. Students complete workshop with a finished design of their own and basic skills to continue flameworking. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Class sized limited. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
SUNDAY, SEPT. 23
People and Land of Kahuku 9:30-12:30pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
MONDAY, SEPT. 24
Kaʻū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Sept. 24, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Kaʻū. Contact prior to attending to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Disaster Recovery Center Closes Sept. 29. 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. Survivors who have left the area, call 800-621-3362.
5th Annual Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145. Fees through Thursday, Sept. 20: 5K, $55/person; 10K, $65/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $75/person. On Race Day, $75 per person, any race. Race Day is Saturday, Sept. 22, 7 a.m.. Races begin and end at Kaʻū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, okaukakou.org.
- Park Beautification Day: Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Registration open Sept. 19 through 26.
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.
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.
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. 19: Handprint Tree Art. Register through Sept. 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.
![]()
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.
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. 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 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.
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.
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.