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| One of the 11 ʻAlalā released last Fall is thriving in the forest where more ʻAlalā were set free last week. More are scheduled to be turned out into the wild later in October. Photo from San Diego Zoo |
FIVE MORE ʻALALĀ ARE IN THE WILD AT PUʻU MAKAʻALA NATURAL RESERVE AREA. Another five of the critically endangered Hawaiian crows are scheduled for freedom later in October. The state Department of Natural Resources reports that two females and three males were released last Monday, Sept. 24, to join 11 ʻAlalā "already thriving in native forests on the windward slopes of Mauna Loa. "
DLNR reports that the captive-raised birds took 53 minutes to begin venturing outside their enclosure. Four of the five flew out of their cage, the last "strolled out and quickly joined the others already exploring their new home."
Earlier this year, the ten birds scheduled for release were placed in a large aviary where they could fly but remain in captivity in the forest. It was the same "flight aviary" that housed ʻAlalā before they were released in 2017. "This allows them to acclimate to the sights and sounds of the Hawaiian forest. Each cohort is then transferred to a smaller release aviary two weeks prior to their release. All of the released birds are tracked and fed routinely by a Hawaiʻi Endangered Bird Conservation Program field team. These daily efforts will continue for these and future release birds for as long as needed," promises DLNR.
ʻAlalā are highly social birds that live in groups and form complex hierarchies. All of this is taken into account when planning a reintroduction. Alison Greggor, PhD., a post-doctoral research associate from HEBCP, says, "The numbers of birds released will depend on how many show encouraging behaviors during wild food training and antipredator training, as well as pass the health exams performed by wildlife veterinarians."
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| Three newly freed ʻAlalā, one still hanging out in the open enclosure. DLNR photo |
In 2016, the ‘Alalā Working Group, a partnership coordinating the reintroduction, initiated a new strategy to return the birds to the forest. Biologists set out to incorporate the birds' personalities and group dynamics along with detailed habitat selection and an innovative approach to training the birds how to avoid predators.
Jackie Gaudioso-Levita, the ‘Alalā Project Coordinator, says, "This strategy is a three-pronged approach; groups are mixed-sex and comprised of birds that affiliate well together. The release sites are quantitatively chosen by experts familiar with the species' and habitat. Realistic antipredator training is used to evoke fear of their natural predator, the ʻIo."
Predator aversion training begins by presenting the birds with a mock attack, using a stuffed ʻIo on a pulley system to "fly" the predator through the air, using sound recordings of the Hawaiian hawk's cry. Then, sound recordings of ʻAlalā danger calls are played. While a hand-trained ʻAlalā - Kapono, from the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo - flaps his wings in a side aviary, a stuffed American crow is put in the stuffed ʻIo's talons, to mimic a successful hunt. This training is especially important, as the first released ʻAlalā were very affected by ʻIo attack. Without this training, captive-raised ʻAlalā have no way to know the ʻIo is such a danger.
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| One of four ʻAlalā who flew to freedom last week. The fifth one walked. DLNR photo |
On the day of the release, an oli (chant) was offered by members of the ʻAlalā Working Group, honoring the beginning of another chapter of the species' recovery. Last April, each of these birds was given a Hawaiian name by local school students and the community. Ulu (to grow or inspire), Kūʻokoʻa (freedom), Maikaʻiloa (good fortune), Aumoamoa (to care for), and Kaleo (the voice), are the names of the birds in the first group released this year.
Rachel Kingsley, Education and Outreach Associate for The ʻAlalā Project, says, "These names hold meaning for the individual birds. Having the students and community working together provides a way for connections to be formed with each other, as well as to the conservation work we are doing."
Bryce Masuda, Program Manager from the San Diego Zoo Global's HEBCP, says, "Hearing the voices of the ʻAlalā and seeing them forage in their native habitat after being gone for so long is an incredible feeling. It is a testament to the resiliency of the birds and the dedication of so many incredible partners that we have come so far."
The 11 birds released in 2017 have had a challenging year, says the DNLR release: "Their survival skills were tested through multiple storms including Hurricane Lane , the Kīlauea and Lower East Rift Zone eruptions, and as always seasonal weather patterns." As five new birds join them in the forest, their daily routines continue: foraging on native fruits, eating insects from the bark of trees, and agilely flying through the ʻōhiʻa-dominated forest.
Explained Greggor, "The Hawaiian forest, as well as the ʻAlalā, are very resilient. They have survived really well over this past year and it will be exciting to see this continue."
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| ʻAlalā, the endangered Hawaiian crow, are very observant, but must be taught how to handle predators like ʻIo, the Hawaiian hawk. DLNR photo |
Michelle Bogardus , U.S.
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case commented, "Although bringing the ‘Alalā back to the wild will take decades of work and perseverance, the people of Hawai‘i and many agencies are dedicated to saving this unique species for the perpetuation of Hawaiian ecosystems."
In partnership with DLNR, USFWS, and others, the bird conservation program reared the ‘Alalā at its centers on Hawai‘i Island and on Maui . In addition to these major funders of the project, cooperative partners include Kamehameha Schools
Many interested people and groups have asked the ʻAlalā project if there is any chance of being able to visit the birds. An open house is set to be scheduled by January, says a video release on dlnr.hawaii.gov/alalaproject. It is projected to happen one time per year, and once a date and other details are settled, an announcement will be posted to the website.
See a video of the release at vimeo.com/291637316. See more and follow updates at facebook.com/alalaproject.
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| The pink line, under hurricane watch, represents the northern islands of the Hawaiian chain that are in the path of Category 5 Hurricane Walaka. Image from prh.noaa.gov/cphc |
Khan concluded that its is taken a long time to "run through all 48 names because the Central Pacific is one of the sleepier tropical cyclone basins: Upper level wind conditions just aren't that conducive to storms spinning up."
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| At the top of the swirl, a tendril of Walaka is near to the northern Hawaiian Islands in the path of the hurricane, all part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Image from prh.noaa.gov/cphc |
WALAKA INTENSIFIED TO A CATEGORY FIVE hurricane today. Its path at 5 p.m. would take it over the abandoned military - and former nuclear, agent orange, and other toxic wastes storage and demilitarization - facility at Kalama Atoll, also known as Johnston Island, which is operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Walaka is expected to head north through parts of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument,
where a team of scientists on board the Nautilus research vessel just wrapped up two weeks of exploring the bottom of the ocean with underwater robots and their scientific sensors and cameras. They headed toward Honolulu and out of the path of Walaka. See the Nautilus reports and the videos of rare underwater life at Papahānaumokuākea, plus their recent documentation of the seamount Loʻihi off the coast of Kaʻū.
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SYNERGISTIC HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURE COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE more than $483,000 in federal funding to assist in volcano recovery efforts, announced Sen. Mazie Hirono today. The grant comes from the Minority Business Development Agency.
SYNERGISTIC HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURE COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE more than $483,000 in federal funding to assist in volcano recovery efforts, announced Sen. Mazie Hirono today. The grant comes from the Minority Business Development Agency.
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| Orchids are one of many crops affected by the recent eruption that may now get aid to begin again. Photo from Wikimedia Commons |
The MBDA disaster relief grant, says the release, "will fund the creation of a business recovery hub that will provide assessments, financial planning resources, and marketing and skills training to agricultural businesses who need assistance in returning to production." A central quarantine location "to facilitate importation of new seeds and plants material" is also planned. Funds will also go toward a training center "to expand international sales," and to set up a "baseyard to bring down the costs of materials for individual farmers."
Hirono wrote to the MBDA in support of the SHAC's grant application. In June, she secured a provision in the Senate Farm Bill that would allow volcano-impacted farmers to retroactively apply for coverage under the Non-insured Crop Assistance Program.
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PAR's staff will be at Ocean View Ocean View Community Center 92-8924 Leilani Circle . A Beginner's presentation runs from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. This workshop is an intro to legislative process, "basics to get you ready for session." An Advanced presentation from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., called Advocating in the Capitol, covers understanding deadlines, power dynamics, lobbying, and "how things work at the capitol." Additional presentations will be in Kona, Waimea, Pāhoa, and Hilo .
For more, call toll free to 808-974-4000, ext. 7-0478, email Keanu Young at k.young@capitol.hawaii.gov, or go to lrbhawaii.org.
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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, Oct 6, 12pm , host Kohala
Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
Girls Volleyball:
Tues, Oct 2,6pm , @ Kealakehe
Sat, Oct 6,2pm , @ Kealakehe
Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
Sat, Oct 20, BIIF Finals - Higher
Tues, Oct 2,
Fri, Oct 5, 6pm , host Keaʻau
Wed, Oct 10, 6pm , @ Parker
Fri, Oct 12, 6pm , host St. Joseph
Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Higher
Wed, Oct 17, BIIF DII Semi-Finals @ Kona
Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Sat, Oct 6,
Sat, Oct 13, BYE
8:30am , HHSAA
Sat, Oct 20, 9am , BIIF @ HPA
Sat, Oct 27, NEW and UPCOMING
ZEN PEN - WRITING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE WITH TOM PEEK, award-winning novelist and longtime Big Island writing teacher, is offered Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
"Writing is a potent way to understand the human spirit, increase our awareness, examine our lives and foster compassion for others and ourselves," says Peek, on the event description at volcanoartcenter.org. Peek's techniques and exercises "have helped hundreds of islanders explore their creative minds and unique voices. Students always go home enthused, praising his workshops as enlivening, revelatory, and the best Saturday I've spent in a long time," states the event description.
The workshop cost is $65 per Volcano Art Center member or $75 per non-member. No writing experience is necessary. Students are asked to bring a personal object from home, car, workshop, office, or boat, a handheld mirror, and a lunch. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
"Peek has taught his popular workshops since 1991 through the Volcano Art Center, U.H. Hilo, and other venues on the islands of Oʻahu, Maui, Lānaʻi and Hawaiʻi, as well as in Canada. He's written for three decades, both professionally and to process and guide the experiences of his life," states the description. His work ranges from university publications to late night radio comedy, and includes fiction, newspaper commentaries, magazine articles, national park exhibits, and award-winning video productions. His Hawaiʻi novel Daughters of Fire won a Benjamin Franklin Award from the national Independent Book Publishers Association.
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| Award-winning novelist and longtime Big Island writing teacher, Tom Peek. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
"Peek has taught his popular workshops since 1991 through the Volcano Art Center, U.H. Hilo, and other venues on the islands of Oʻahu, Maui, Lānaʻi and Hawaiʻi, as well as in Canada. He's written for three decades, both professionally and to process and guide the experiences of his life," states the description. His work ranges from university publications to late night radio comedy, and includes fiction, newspaper commentaries, magazine articles, national park exhibits, and award-winning video productions. His Hawaiʻi novel Daughters of Fire won a Benjamin Franklin Award from the national Independent Book Publishers Association.
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue./Wed., Oct. 2 (Committees)/3 (Council), Hilo, Tue./Wed., Oct. 16 (Committees)/17 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Oct. 2, 4-6pm, Oct. 16, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Oct. 2, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
Family Yoga Class, Tue., Oct. 2, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Wonderful way to embody connection. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Open Mic Night, Wed., Oct. 3, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. For patrons 21+. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Oct. 4, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
Annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Fri., Oct. 5, 5pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Tickets: Singles $8, doubles $15, family $20. stjudeshawaii.org, 939-7000
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Oct. 4, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
Annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Fri., Oct. 5, 5pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Tickets: Singles $8, doubles $15, family $20. stjudeshawaii.org, 939-7000
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Fri., Oct. 5, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat., Oct. 6, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
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The Art Express, Sat., Oct. 6, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran, 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express
Keiki Science Class, Sat., Oct. 6, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores Islandwide, including Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Sat every month. acehardware.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Kamilo Point Clean-Up with Hilo Bay Café, Sun., Oct. 7, contact in advance for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle only. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
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Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Oct. 7, 9:30-11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time. Enjoy breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Volcano Village Health and Safety Fair at the Cooper Center, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7. Healthy food demonstrations and free food tastings, how to make a "go bucket," info on advance directives, free flu vaccinations (conditions apply), free testing for HepC and HIV, and more. Free event, open to the public. Sponsored by the Volcano Community Association.Contact Sher Glass at 967-8553, vcainfo@yahoo.com.
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Oct. 7, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amateur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Oct. 8 and 22, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
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ONGOING
CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies.
CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat., Oct. 6, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Kāwā Community Workday, Sat., Oct. 6, Meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. Sign-up w/James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.org
Keiki Science Class, Sat., Oct. 6, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores Islandwide, including Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Sat every month. acehardware.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Kamilo Point Clean-Up with Hilo Bay Café, Sun., Oct. 7, contact in advance for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle only. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
Volcano Village Health and Safety Fair at the Cooper Center, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7. Healthy food demonstrations and free food tastings, how to make a "go bucket," info on advance directives, free flu vaccinations (conditions apply), free testing for HepC and HIV, and more. Free event, open to the public. Sponsored by the Volcano Community Association.Contact Sher Glass at 967-8553, vcainfo@yahoo.com.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Oct. 8 and 22, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies.
CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html
One Lucid Dream: A Retrospective of Art Works by Ken Charon. Exhibit open Mon.-Sat., through Oct. 6, 10-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Original paintings, drawings, and other objects. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.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.
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.
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.
Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services through Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can contact Ranya Williams, rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798. harmonyed.com/hawaii
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.