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| An opportunity to travel the old Peter Lee Road between Pāhala and Volcano is offered in August. See story below. Photo from Volcano Community Foundation |
THE ʻŌHIʻA CHALLENGE AWARD goes to Dr. Ryan Perroy, of University of Hawaiʻi Hilo . He wins a $70,000 prize for his innovations to combat Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Ecologist David Benitez announced the winner at the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in Honolulu this afternoon, saying, "Innovative solutions such as Dr. Perroy's are a key to stopping the spread of ROD and saving our cherished ‘ōhiʻa for future generations. The ecological and cultural importance of ʻōhi‘a cannot be overstated. We were encouraged by the many high-quality submissions we received for this Challenge."
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| Closeup of an ʻōhiʻa blossom unfurling. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS |
In addition to Perroy's winning solution, two non-monetary Honorable Mentions were awarded: Lauralea Oliver, with K9inSCENTive, LLC, for her proposal to use trained dogs and handlers to detect ROD; and Miguel Castrence, with Resource Mapping Hawaiʻi, for his proposal to use fixed wing airplanes and high-resolution sensors to map ROD across large areas.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, one of the partners in the Challenge, issued a statement today, describing Perroy's work as "an innovative strategy to use unmanned aircraft systems and remote sensing devices to detect a fungus decimating Hawaiian forests."
Since 2014, when it was first discovered, Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death has killed hundreds of thousands of mature ‘ōhi‘a trees (Metrosideros polymorpha) on Hawai‘i Island. The fungus was recently detected on Kaua‘i and Maui . ROD is caused by two invasive fungi, Ceratocystis huliohia and Ceratocystis lukuohia, that if left unstopped, could irreversibly change Hawaiian ecosystems and cultural traditions by eliminating the keystone native tree in Hawaiian forests.
Perroy is an associate professor at UHH, and principle investigator with the Spatial Data Analysis & Visualization lab, a research unit applying geospatial tools to local environmental problems in Hawai‘i and the Pacific region. Perroy's solution uses high-resolution cameras and other sensors to improve early detection of ROD across forests, including areas where signs of ROD may not yet be visible to the naked eye. "This solution will buy managers precious time to respond to outbreaks, and will give scientists better information on how the disease spreads," says the statement.
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Dr. Ryan Perroy (center) wins the $70,000 ‘Ōhi‘a Challenge at the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference this afternoon. To his right is Hawai‘i Volcanoes ecologist David Benitez. On his left is Stanton Enomoto of the Dept. of the Interior's Office of Native Hawaiian Relations. NPS photo |
A second component to his solution is to use a drone to collect samples from the canopy of suspect trees for laboratory analysis, thus increasing the chances of detecting the fungus, and saving time and effort of crews sampling on the ground in often challenging environments.
Susan Combs, U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget, said, "The best answers to problems are not always the ones we think up on our own. We need innovative solutions like Dr. Perroy's submission to help us nurture the land for the next generations. Collaborative conservation is an important tool for successfully fulfilling our responsibilities to protect our nation's forests, watersheds, and other natural resources."
Conservation X Labs, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, the National Invasive Species Council Secretariat, and the National Park Service partnered on the ʻŌhiʻa Challenge to identify novel technological solutions to ROD. The $70,000 challenge was offered to create innovative and low-cost solutions to detect the invasion pathways and the spread of ROD-causing fungi in the environment. Fifty-six applications were received from solvers across multiple U.S. states as well as from European and African countries.
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| Young ʻōhiʻa tree in bloom. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS |
Alex Deghan, CEO and founder of Conservation X Labs, praised Perroy's innovative solution: "We believe that exponential technologies and novel innovations are necessary to turn the tide on the growing rate of biodiversity loss. Open innovation competitions like The ‘Ōhi‘a Challenge provide an opportunity to source and scale such transformative solutions. Dr. Perroy's solution deploying multi-spectral imaging to detect asymptomatic trees at a landscape level has the potential to help save ‘ōhi‘a from extinction. Not only could his work tackle a critical problem in Hawai‘i, but it could also yield incredible new developments in tracking fungal pathogens that threaten vital plant and agricultural species globally," Deghan said.
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CONSTRUCTION OF THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE ON MAUNA KEA BEGINS MONDAY, announced Gov. David Ige today. The telescope project has weathered opposition all the way to the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, with a group of Native Hawaiians and their supporters contending that the telescope will desecrate a spiritual site. Many opponents of TMT spoke at the Hawaiʻi County Council meeting on Monday, July 8.
Said Gov. David Ige today, "At this time our number one priority is everyone's safety. As construction begins, I continue to be committed to engaging with people holding all perspectives on this issue and to making meaningful changes that further contribute to the co-existence of culture and science on Mauna Kea."
The state Department of Transportation reported today that to "ensure the safety and security of the public and personnel involved in moving equipment," Mauna Kea Access Road, and other roads or lanes, will close to the public starting July 15, with no end date given. Some hunting areas in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve area will also close.
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A new ʻahu, erected near Summer Solstice, the day after four other Hawaiian cultural structures were removed by the state. Photo from Leinaʻala Sleightholm |
Hawaiʻi County Police Chief Paul Ferreira said road closures and other actions made by law enforcement due to the project "will be in the best interest of the community, the safety of the community, the protectors, the protesters, the construction workers, and more so our law enforcement officers that are on scene."
A group against the TMT project, led by Kealoha Pisciotta of Mauna Kea Ainaina Hou, filed a lawsuit on July 8 to demand the project be stopped until a security bond of between $1.4 and $2 billion is submitted for the project. Said Pisciotta, "By failing to post the bond, they have laid all financial liability on the People of Hawaiʻi, in the event the TMT doesn't get full funding."
Pisciotta also said project managers may not be able to "return the land back to its original state" if the bond isn't submitted. The suit names the State of Hawaiʻi, Board of Land and Natural Resources and the individual governors, the University of Hawaiʻi, the TMT International Observatory, Ige, Attorney General Clare Conners, UH President David Lassner, and Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim.
Chair of the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory Board of Governors, Henry Yang, Ph.D., said the project has "all the necessary clearances." He said TIO has reached out to the community, learning of the "unique importance of Maunakea to all." He said they are committed to "being good stewards" and being "inclusive of the Hawaiian community." He referred to Hawai‘i's long history of pioneering in "the art and science of astronomy and navigation. We are deeply committed to integrating science and culture on Maunakea and in Hawai‘i, and to enriching educational opportunities and the local economy.
"We acknowledge those who disagree with our project and express our respect for their views," said Yang.
The $1.4 billion telescope is designed to be the most powerful and advanced telescope on the planet. See more at tmt.org, facebook.com/TMTHawaii or @TMTHawaii. |
| Details of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Image from tmt.org |
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Martha Hoverson, retired librarian and a volunteer for the Cultural Resources Management Division of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, researched the history of the road and the man who
built it. She will give a presentation entitled Peter Lee and the Road Ahead at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8 at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
built it. She will give a presentation entitled Peter Lee and the Road Ahead at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8 at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
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| Peter Lee. Photo from Volcano Community Foundation |
The presentation, sponsored by Volcano Community Foundation in conjunction with Volcano Art Center, will provide a glimpse of the Volcano area and Kaʻū during a pivotal time in Hawaiʻi's history. There is no charge for this program, although donations will be accepted.
A tour of Kapapala Ranch on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 9:30 a.m., hosted by Volcano Community Foundation, will give participants a chance to experience parts of the Peter Lee Road firsthand and learn more about the rich history of both the ranch and the road. The program will conclude with a catered gourmet lunch and an optional walk on a portion of the Peter Lee Road. Fee for the tour and lunch is $50. Limited spots available; advance registration required. Email volcanocommunity@gmail.com or call (808) 895-1011. A signup sheet will also be available at the Aug. 8 Peter Lee presentation. Registration confirmation and additional program information will be emailed prior to the tour.
The Volcano Community Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable organization.
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The new law allows adults 21 and over to possess up to three gram of marijuana, without a medical marijuana prescription, and suffer only a $130 fine instead of criminal prosecution and jail time. The law will allow criminal record expungement for possession adult possession of 3 grams or less of pot. It will also set up and pay for a temporary task force to evaluate and recommend changes to marijuana use penalties.
RECREATIONAL PAKALOLO IS DECRIMINALIZED in Hawaiʻi as of Jan. 11, 2020 . Gov. David Ige allowed House Bill 1383 to become law without his signature, on Tuesday. West Kaʻū 's Rep. Richard Creagan helped introduce the bill.
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| Recreational marijuana becomes legal in January. Adults over 21 can possess up to three grams - an amount much smaller than shown here. Image from DrugAbuse.com |
Hawaiʻi joins 25 other states to decriminalize pot, but at the lowest amount of any other state. Most states permit individual recreational possession of up to 28 grams, or one ounce. Washington , D.C.
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"Other bills passed in Congress address the painful realities of addiction. But what about the root causes of that addiction – corporate greed and corruption? The bill Bernie and I introduced goes after the companies that pushed doctors to overprescribe opioids, marketed them with lies, and hid the highly addictive nature of their drugs. Our bill would cancel the tax credits these companies currently get, and instead require them to pay the country back for the cost of the epidemic they caused. Our bill gives the fight against opioid addiction some teeth – and it's the kind of legislation I'd push Congress to pass and then sign into law as president."
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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
THE OPIOID CRISIS ACCOUNTABILITY BILL has been submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and to the U.S. Senate by Sen. Bernie Sanders. Gabbard released a statement today saying, "It's time to hold Big Pharma opioid pushers, like Purdue Pharmaceuticals, accountable for the opioid crisis they helped cause. That's why Senator Bernie Sanders and I have written and introduced a sweeping, bicameral bill to hold top pharma execs criminally liable for their role in creating the crisis.
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| Infographic from HHS.com |
Gabbard asks for supporters to sign on as a citizen co-sponsor of The Opioid Crisis Accountability Act.
She contended that "Every piece of Congressional legislation impacting the opioid crisis has been influenced by Big Pharma through lobbying. The drug industry's hijacking of our government has been extremely pervasive, with $102 million spent on lobbying in 2014-16 alone. Some members of Congress even allied with them to sneak an industry-friendly bill through Congress without a recorded vote that watered down the DEA's ability to crack down on the spread of opioids on the street."
"I'm not in the pocket of Big Pharma. I have the heart of a soldier, not a career politician," proclaimed Gabbard.
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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 |
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
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Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty
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UPCOMING
THURSDAY, JULY 11
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, July 11, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197
FRIDAY, JULY 12
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, July 12, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Community Dance, Friday, July 12, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., July 12 through 28 at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets are available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.orgSATURDAY, JULY 13
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, July 13, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, July 13, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii
38th Annual Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival at Kahuku Unit, Saturday, July 13, 10a.m.-3p.m. Free. Live music, hula, and hands-on Hawaiian cultural activities and demonstrations. Food available for purchase. Visitors welcome to bring picnic lunch. nps.gov/havo
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Discussion will also include progress on the building; securing additional in-kind donations; assistance from the County Department of Research and Development; recruiting farm worker families to participate in the program; and insurance coverage. Also on the agenda are the time-table for launching and starting the program; and planning the Grand Opening Celebration.
For more information, contact Diaz at 928-8188.
Meeting on Childcare for Kaʻū Coffee Farm Workers, the Keiki OʻPalehua ʻOhana Program, happens Saturday July 13, 3 p.m. , at Kaʻū District Gym's Activity Center
The meeting will discuss "how the community can help and why community cooperation is important," said childcare organizer Laura Diaz. "Are we ready and willing to commit to this project? This program benefits all of us coffee growers in the Kaʻū area. We need your support, and to do that you have to make an effort and attend this meeting. Attendance counts for requesting additional federal funding and monetary donations."
For more information, contact Diaz at 928-8188.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, July 14 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527
MONDAY, JULY 15
Monday Movie Night: Fire & Sand (Local Documentary), Monday, July 15, 7p.m., $5 donation suggested. Popcorn and snacks available for purchase. Bring cushion. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
TUESDAY, JULY 16
The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tuesday, July 16, 4-7p.m, Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, $17 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, July 17, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
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The session is free and open to all DHHL beneficiaries. RSVP by Sunday, July 14 to Tereariʻi at 808-956-4025 or nhlawctr@hawaii.edu. Include community name in RSVP. Dinner and refreshments are provided for those who RSVP.
Learn About Water Law and how to advocate for water at a Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries meeting at Pāhala Community Center 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ka Huli Alo will provide a brief overview of Hawaiʻi legal framework governing water resource management. It will be followed by a discussion on "how homestead communities can advocate for pono, righteous, use and protection of wai, water," says the announcement.
ONGOING
Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org
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 Friday, July 12. 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 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.
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
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