 |
Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Nihipali Sesson rode on a coffee truck in the Independence Day Parade in Nāʻālehu last Saturday. On July 4, she joins Kaʻū Coffee princesses at the July 4 parade in Volcano, along with riders and horses from Kaʻū. See more photos and info on the parade, fest, and craft fair in |
A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY UPDATE in the world of local agriculture came today from Andrea Kawabata of University of Hawaiʻi. Kawabata, who works extensively with farmers in Kaʻū, reports that "sunny mornings and overcast, rainy afternoons have been a welcomed relief for farming, and I hear this weather is similar to that of the early 80's and pre-Kīlauea eruption timeframe." She asks Kaʻū farmers to let her know, "Is that true?"
Even with the rain that has nourished local farms, Kawabata writes that "as much rain as we've received, we still need to be on the lookout for hot, dry weather conditions. The Southwest U.S. , which includes Hawaiʻi, is currently in an El Niño Advisory status." She recommends that farmers and ranchers see Hawaiʻi's drought conditions as of July 2, 2019 , and view more short-term outlooks by visiting the NOAA's National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center." She warns of the June through November hurricane season and prompts, "please be prepared."
 |
| Examples of diseases to look for in local orchards. Photo from UH |
For macadamia growers, Kawabata urges them to "stay vigilant for any new infestations of macadamia felted coccid and to contact the nearest Extension agent for ID and treatment options. Early symptoms include bark bleeding, leaf speckling (yellowish spots), and branch death. Heavy infestations can cause total tree and crop loss. MFC can be found on the trunk, branches, leaves, and husk, and can potentially be spread with the transport of in-husk mac nuts and mulch made from mac nut.
 |
| Uncared for coffee can result in early ripening cherries, raisins, and mummified berries in a cluster. Photo from UH |
For coffee growers, Kawabata notes that the harvest is "just around the corner, it's time to sanitize the field of early ripening cherries, raisins, and mummified berries." She recommends that farmers complete a pre-harvest or early season strip pick to remove and destroy these berries. "Often, they are infested with coffee berry borer and, if left on the trees, will continue allowing CBB to reproduce and infest neighboring berries. If diseased, these berries may provide continual inoculums (spores) in the field. Continue to treat for CBB as necessary and also fertilize the crop. Often, yellowing of the leaves and tip burning from a lack of nitrogen and potassium, respectively, is observed during the summer to fall months. As coffee matures and ripens, greater berry loads require greater quantities of nutrients.
"It's also a good idea to remove and bag branches with damages from black twig borer and anthracnose. BTB-damaged branches have a hole (~1.0 mm in diameter) on the underside of the branch and closer to the base of the lateral. Trim, don't snap off, to remove the hole and branch. Anthracnose-damaged branches typically do not have this hole, but berries often do not ripen properly. Diseased and infested branches should not remain in the field."
Fruit trees are common on ranches, farms and many yards of homes in Kaʻū. Kawabata notes that "Summer is a time for abundant fruit. Unfortunately, fruit flies and other pests/diseases also enjoy the bounty. Pick up fallen, rotten, stung, and infested fruit from the ground and in the tree. Compost properly or discard in the trash, but don't allow the pests to escape back into the orchard."
July is the month for orchard and crop grower conferences and festival, with the Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association Annual Meeting and ConferenceJuly 13 in Kona, Hawaiʻi Coffee Association Conference July 25-27 on Oʻahu, A Seed to Cup Festival Aug. 4 on Maui and Hawaiʻi, and Tropical Fruit Growers ConferenceSept. 27-29 in Kona.
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.
July is the month for orchard and crop grower conferences and festival, with the Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association Annual Meeting and ConferenceJuly 13 in Kona, Hawaiʻi Coffee Association Conference July 25-27 on Oʻahu, A Seed to Cup Festival Aug. 4 on Maui and Hawaiʻi, and Tropical Fruit Growers ConferenceSept. 27-29 in Kona.
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.
A FOURTH OF JULY BREAKFAST AT
Adults are $12.50, children ages
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.
 |
| Hawaiʻi County Marching Band walks through Nāʻālehu during every Independence Day Parade and will stroll through Volcano Village in the Fourth of July Parade tomorrow. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
 |
| Kaʻū's County Council member, Maile David. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
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.
A FOURTH OF JULY MESSAGE FROM KAʻŪ'S MEMBER IN CONGRESS was released today. Tulsi Gabbard, also a candidate for U.S. President, wrote:
"Since 9/11, I've watched as patriotism was used as an excuse for disastrous regime change wars and surveillance of the American people, as a euphemism for bigotry, and as a cover for McCarthyist hysteria and the lead up to a new Cold War and nuclear arms race.
 |
| Kaʻū Baseball Club celebrates Independence Day. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
"But that's not what patriotism is, and it infuriates me to see it abused. Patriotism is the reason I and so many of my fellow soldiers put our lives on the line to defend our country. Patriotism is not about symbols or fake outrage. It's about love – real, active love.
"So let me tell you why I love my country.
"I love our land - our forests and mountains, our rivers rolling through vast wilderness, our canyons, deserts, swamp lands and prairies – the places that have formed us in all their disparate beauty.
"I love our people – drawn from every corner of the planet, every creed and every color, pulled by a promise of a better life, a new beginning, a recognition that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
 |
| Coed Kaʻū recreational Skate Club skates at Ocean View Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Photo by Peter Anderson |
"I love our heritage – the tradition of representative democracy embodied in our indigenous communities that served as a model for our first Congress, those who fought to defeat the institution of slavery as former slaves, abolitionists and soldiers, the strength of our movements for women’s suffrage, labor rights, civil rights and environmental justice.
"Most of all, I love our freedom. The freedom endowed by our creator. The freedom that is enshrined in our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. The freedom we fight to protect: Freedom of speech and of the press; freedom of religion; the right to bear arms; freedom from unreasonable search and seizure; the right to a fair and public trial; freedom from cruel and unusual punishment
"It's easy to take our freedoms for granted until they get taken away. Until you see women who are not free to move outside of their own homes without a male chaperone. Until you see children who are not free to play without the threat of land mines in their backyard. Until you see people who are not free to worship, not free to speak and publish the truth, not free to love who they love, without the threat of imprisonment.
 |
| Hokulele Basketball Club walks for Independence Day, ran and shine. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
"Freedom is a real and precious thing. It is alive - in our streets, in our schools, in our houses of worship, and we must protect it. We must protect our freedom from those who seek to remove it through the violence of terrorism. We must protect our freedom from the quiet violence of surveillance and censorship. And we must protect this freedom within our own hearts and minds, our families and communities.
"So this July 4th, let's celebrate by remembering why we love our country, and commit to standing up to protect our freedoms – to live, think, worship, and love in peace."
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.
 |
| Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū improvised a canopy in their convertible during Saturday's parade with sunshine and rain. Photo by Peter Anderson |
ON THE EVE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono encouraged eligible veterans to apply for the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program during a meeting with the Milla Family – the first family to benefit from the program in Hawaiʻi. Hirono successfully lobbied the Obama Administration to establish the FWVP program in 2016. The program, which has successfully reunited hundreds of families in the United States , will expire in June 2021.
Said Hirono, "Facing a decades-long visa backlog, thousands of our aging Filipino World War II Veterans have been unable to reunite with their family members still living in the Philippines . But thanks to the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, nearly 300 families have been reunited in America . It is inspiring to see the impact of the FWVP program on the Milla family, and I encourage every eligible veteran to apply for the program as soon as possible."
 |
| Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Photo by Peter Anderson |
Today's visit in her office at the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building
Filipino veterans were granted citizenship in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II. Many of their children, however, were not. Due to the volume of immigrant visa applications from the Philippines , it can take more than 20 years for families to be reunited. Under the FWVP program, the adult children of Filipino World War II veterans, along with their spouses and children under age 21, can finally be together in the United States while they await an available immigrant visa.
 |
| A bagpiper, having just passed the historic Nāʻālehu Theatre and post office, is followed by Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, promoting the Obon Dance on Aug. 31. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
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.
 |
| People with pups and America flags followed Most Patriotic float winner Thy Word Ministries. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
A QUESTION ABOUT CITIZENSHIP being part of the 2020 U.S. Census is still up in the air. The supreme court ruled last week that the question, "Is this person a citizen of the United States ?" would not be allowed to be added.
Sen. Brian Schatz said the decision, made by "thousand of people" who "fought hard and smart" made him "grateful and happy… What a great result before Independence Day."
Schatz said there is still an "enormous amount of work to do" to ensure a full count. He called the decision to not include the citizenship question "a win for the good guys and for the Constitution."
On Tuesday, major news outlet report the Justice Department and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce agreed to beginning printing the census without the citizenship question.
 |
| Kaʻū Auto Repair's big red flatbed truck with blue flames took a break from coming to the rescue to participate in the parade and encourage kids to stay off drugs. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
Today, Pres. Donald Trump tweeted, "we are absolutely moving forward, as we must." DOJ assistant attorney general for the Civil Division, Jody Hunt, later said the DOJ were "instructed to examine whether there is a path forward consistent with the Supreme Court's decision that would allow us to include the citizenship question on the census."
Said Schatz, "They are so dedicated to undercounting people of color that they are ignoring the Constitution and a ruling from the Supreme Court… Three courts have ruled against Trump on the Census. They can't jam this question back in without defying the rule of law and wasting taxpayer dollars. There is nothing left for them to do other than accept defeat and move forward with counting everyone in the country
 |
| A youth, walking in the parade with a sign that reads "It can wait!" referring to cell phone use while driving. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
"Just to be clear SCOTUS called BS on the citizenship question and DOJ said 'yeah you've got us.' And then Stephen Miller and Donald Trump got angry and decided to try to defy the courts. They. Are. Getting. More. Unlawful.
"This is what it looks like. The most powerful people in the world are defying the Constitution and the courts in service of making sure the census inaccurately undercounts people who are not white."
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.
MAJOR HURRICANE BARBARA, category 4 with 130 mile per hour winds, was 1,800 miles east southeast of Hawaiʻi at 5 p.m., traveling west northwest at 12 miles per hour. She is forecast to be downgraded to a tropical storm by Friday, and to a Tropical Depression, with winds less than 40 mph, by Sunday. Forecasts indicate east facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island may see some wind effects from the storm by Sunday, possibly with higher surf.
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.
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.
Football, Division II:
Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
MAJOR HURRICANE BARBARA, category 4 with 130 mile per hour winds, was 1,800 miles east southeast of Hawaiʻi at 5 p.m., traveling west northwest at 12 miles per hour. She is forecast to be downgraded to a tropical storm by Friday, and to a Tropical Depression, with winds less than 40 mph, by Sunday. Forecasts indicate east facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island may see some wind effects from the storm by Sunday, possibly with higher surf.
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 |
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.
Football, Division II:
Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty
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., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty
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.
UPCOMING
THURSDAY, JULY
July 4th Breakfast Buffet, Thursday, July 4, 6:30-11a.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Includes: Waffles with Toppings, Omelet Station, Meats, Breakfast Potatoes, Steam Rice, Fresh Fruit, Assorted Baked Breads, and a beverage. $12.50/Adults, $6.50/Child, ages 6-11. No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, July 4 and 18 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9-10:30a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, July 4 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org
FRIDAY, JULY
Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association 42nd Annual 4th of July Buckle Rodeo, Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7. Slack starts 8a.m., show starts noon, at rodeo grounds behind Nā‘ālehu Park. Tickets available at gate, $8/person. Pre-sale tickets available $7/person around town from Rodeo Queen contestants. Ralph or Tammy, 929-8079
Stewardship at the Summit, July 6, 12, 20, and 26, 8:45a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18 yrs. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo
Alternative Handbuilding - East African Pottery with Erik Wold, Saturday, July 6 through August 31, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No class August 24. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Zentangle Inspired Labyrinth Cartouches with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, July 6, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no experience necessary. Potluck - bring dish to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, July 6 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
Postcards from the Edge - Painting Workshop with Artist-in-Residence Alice Leese, Sunday, July 7, 10a.m.-noon, edge of Kīlauea, behind Volcano House. Meet and paint with Leese. Limited to 12 people. Attendees receive a postcard-sized blank canvas but must bring their own paints and a small travel easel. $75/person includes lunch at Volcano House. Register, fhvnp.org/events/postcards-from-the-edge-painting-workshop-with-artist-in-residence-alice-leese. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, July 7 to Sept. 1, morning session 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m., or afternoon session 2:45-5:45p.m., Volcano Art Center. No class Aug. 25. Eight wheel-thrower and three hand builder slots per session. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee, per 8-week session. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, July 7 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.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/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
Head Coaches Wanted for Ka‘ū High School, 2019-2020: Coed Judo, Coed Swimming, and Boys Basketball. Applications due Monday, July 8 - pick up at school office weekdays, 8a.m.-4p.m. Must pass criminal background check. Athletic Director Kalei Namohala, 313-4161
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, July 8, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Couples Dinner, Monday-Friday, July 8-12, 4:30-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Followed by Couples Engagement, 6-8p.m. Hosted by Ocean View Baptist Church. Open to the public.
TUESDAY, JULY 9
After Dark in the Park - New Insights from Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tuesday, July 9, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS HVO geologist Matt Patrick describes expected and unexpected aspects of the eruption and how the activity might be used to improve his and other scientists' ability to forecast future hazards on Kīlauea. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Kui Kalo Demonstration, Wednesday, July 10, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Ranger Keoni Kaholo‘a‘ā shares knowledge of kalo and making poi. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
ONGOING
Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through July 11; no meal Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.
Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
![]()
Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.
Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.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.
