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| All quiet for the 14 Tawhiri windmills at South Point with a calm sunset Saturday. See story, below. Photo by Julia Neal |
This the first year that Pacific Whale Foundation is expanding their Great Whale Count on Maui from one month to three. It is also the first year that both counts are coordinated on the same days, ensuring the data from all main islands is collected simultaneously.
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A humpback coming up for air off Maui. This year is the first for the Maui Great Whale Count to span the same three months as the Sanctuary Ocean Count. NOAA photo |
During the 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. time period, 73 whales were seen at the 42 sites on Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
On Maui , 36 whales were counted during the 10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. time periods – a tie – the most of any time period throughout the day's count for that island.
According to reports from organizers, weather conditions across the islands were sunny, with light trade winds – very good conditions for viewing whales. A variety of other species were also spotted during the count including sea turtles, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, flying fish, multiple sea bird species, and more. |
| Mother and calf humpbacks. NOAA photo |
The annual Great Whale Count by Pacific Whale Foundation brings volunteers together on Maui to count whales from shore as part of a long-term survey of humpback whales in Hawai‘i, with 12 survey sites along the shoreline. This event provides a snapshot of trends in relative abundance of whales and is one of the world's longest-running citizen scientist projects.
Preliminary data detailing Sanctuary Ocean Count whale sightings by site location will be available at oceancount.org/resources. Additional information will be available on Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's website at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. Pacific Whale Foundation's Great Whale Count data may be found at mauiwhalefestival.org/greatwhalecount, with additional information at pacificwhale.org.
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| Breaching humpback are often seen during the Sanctuary count. NOAA photo |
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CARDIAC CATH LAB BILL passed its final committee on Thursday, March 28. SB 911 SD1 would fund a lab at Hilo Medical Center
The House Finance Committee passed the bill, with amendments, and will next go to its third reading in the state House of Representatives. If it passes there, it will go to Gov. David Ige's desk for final approval.
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HEALTHCARE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE, said Sen. Mazie Hirono. In a message sent to her supporters, she said she is "appalled that Republicans and the Trump administration are once again threatening health care for tens of millions of Americans by urging a federal court to completely overturn the Affordable Care Act."
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HEALTHCARE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE, said Sen. Mazie Hirono. In a message sent to her supporters, she said she is "appalled that Republicans and the Trump administration are once again threatening health care for tens of millions of Americans by urging a federal court to completely overturn the Affordable Care Act."
"Two years ago, I went in for a routine physical and was diagnosed with kidney cancer. This was a shock. I was fortunate to have health insurance so I could receive the care I needed without worrying if I could afford it – but for millions of people in this country, a serious health diagnosis could turn their world upside down, threatening their ability to pay their bills and provide for their families.
"No one should be susceptible to financial ruin due to injury or illness, and that's why I have proudly fought to defend the Affordable Care Act and cosponsored legislation to make health care even more accessible and affordable for every American.
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono. Photo from Hirono's Facebook |
"Last week, Trump reiterated 'The Republican Party will be the party of great health care,' when in actuality the GOP have offered absolutely nothing as an alternative. It's clear: their shamelessness knows no bounds.
"With your support, we have successfully blocked every single effort to repeal health care from millions of Americans. Now, we have to band together to do it again."
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A BREAK IN WINDY WEATHER FOR KAʻŪ will come to a close, with winds forecast to pick up during the next week, reaching eight to 14 miles per hour. The past few days have been calm, with power producer Tawhiri's windmills at a standstill last night. Thunderstorms are forecast for tonight through Tuesday.
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KAʻŪ TROJANS TEAMS traveled this week for Volleyball, Softball, and Baseball. On Friday, March 29 Boys Volleyball was at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy. Trojans lost each set to the Ka Makani, 25-5, 25-13, and 25-19.
On Saturday, March 30 at Konawaena, Girls Softball was played in the morning. The ladies suffered a 22-2 loss.
In the afternoon, Boys Baseball faced off with the Wildcats, losing 9-5.
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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 Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m. , @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., April 6, 11 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Sat., April 13, 3 p.m. , @Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Semi-Finals
Softball:
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Fri., April 5, 3 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals
Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Finals
Boys Volleyball:
Wed., April 3, 6 p.m. , host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m. , @Christian Liberty , Varsity
Tue., April 9, 6 p.m. , host Waiakea
Fri., April 12, 6 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Wed., April 17, 6 p.m. , Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, 6 p.m. , host Honokaʻa
Track:
Sat., April 6, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., April 13, 9 a.m. , @HPA
Sat., April 20, 9 a.m. , @Kamehameha
SKATEBOARD MOVIE NIGHT open to all ages at Ocean View Community Center 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sponsored by South Hawaiʻi Skatepark Advocacy Group, free popcorn and snacks will be provided at this free event. For info, call Kaimi Kaupiko at 937-1310.
UPCOMING
MONDAY, APRIL 1
Scholarship Application Deadlines for American Association of University Women-Kona, Three $2,000 awards for college-bound high school students: Monday, April 1. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.com
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.
AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
Finger Puppetry, Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register through April 1. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
Arts and Crafts Activity: Plastic Spoon Flowers, Wednesday, April 3, 3:30-5p.m. , multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki grades K-6 March 25-April 2. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
Women's Support Group, Thursday, April 4, 1st Thursday monthly, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, April 5 and 26, Saturday, April 13 and 20, 8:45 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive plants. Gloves and tools provided. Free; park entrance fees apply. RSVP to Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu. nps.gov/havo
Skateboard Movie Night, Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
yART Sale, Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Gigantic rummage sale with proceeds to benefit VAC programs and workshops. Accepting donations of garden, kitchen, art, collectables, tools, appliances, and furniture. All items clean and in working condition. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, April 6, 1st Saturday monthly, 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, eight week workshop starts Sunday, April 7. Morning session, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; afternoon session, 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Handmade functional pottery art – max. eight wheel throwers and three hand-builder spots per session. All skill levels. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 supply fee per person. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, April 7, 1st Sunday monthly, noon – 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
ONGOING
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Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus . Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10. Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.
Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.
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Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See
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Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.
Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208 , Pāhala , HI 96777
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