 |
| Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū founder Debbie Ryder, warming up dancers for tomorrow's Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival at Pāhala Community Center. Come enjoy hula and other dance, live music, and cultural demonstrations at the free event, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Purchase ono grinds and crafts, and play games. See more, below. Photo from hookupukau.com |
Said Hirono, "The first contract laborers from the Philippines who arrived in Hawaiʻi over a hundred years ago played a key role in the struggle for workers' rights and thousands more Filipino soldiers fought alongside the United States military to defend our country. Thanks to their efforts, Filipino Americans have made so many important contributions to the diverse tapestry of our nation – from serving in uniform and elected office to leading our business communities. I am proud to see Congress come together on a bipartisan basis to honor and reflect on the many contributions by Filipino Americans to our country."
 |
| A resolution to make October Filipino American History Month was submitted this week. Photo from American Immigration Council |
Read the full text of the resolution here.
The Senate resolution is co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Sen. Brian Schatz; presidential candidates Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA); and 13 others.
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.
 |
| Sen. John Mizuno |
Rep. John M. Mizuno (Kalihi Valley Kamehameha Heights Lower Kalihi ) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr, asking that his agency investigate New York City 's policy of sending homeless citizens to other states across the nation.
The article alleges that New York Mayor Bill de Blasio's "Special One-Time Assistance Program" (SOTA) has, since its inception in August, 2017, exported 12,482 homeless individuals to 32 states.
Mizuno said, "The SOTA program, to my knowledge, fails to comply with ensuring the safety, well-being, and continued support, which is needed for a homeless individual or family being displaced. The SOTA program is a recipe for disaster and inhumane to the homeless being exported out of New York ."
Mizuno acknowledged that Hawaiʻi has a program called "Return to Home," for sending homeless individuals to the mainland, but only "if we have a confirmed strong support unit, meaning a family agreeing that they are willing to accept their homeless family member from Hawaiʻi."
In his letter, Mizuno wrote, "I ask that your agency conduct a legal review and investigation into this matter, as many Hawaiʻi residents have serious concerns that this illegal program could exasperate an already tragic situation here in Hawaiʻi. I believe this issue is compelling enough to warrant an inquiry and full investigation into New York City 's SOTA program."
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.
THE INVASIVE QUEENSLAND LONGHORM BEETLE IS NOT YET IN KAʻŪ, but researchers from Big Island Invasive Species Committee say it is only a matter of time unless measures are taken to prevent its spread. The USDA Agricultural Research Service recently received a grant to hire a temporary worker to focus on the beetle problem.
The beetle, Acalolepta aesthetica, is damaging trees like cacao, citrus, ulu (breadfruit), avocado, sago palm, trumpet tree, the culturally significant koa, and the official state tree, kukui. Initially established in Puna in 2014, the invasive pest can be found as far away as Hilo . BIISC recently reported infestation in kukui trees near the Keaʻau campus of Kamehameha School
The Hawaiʻi Island cacao industry is under such a threat from the pest that there is a $20 reward for the first ten beetles caught and turned in, alive, to the Department of Agriculture, according to servicewithaloha.com.
Believed to have been accidentally introduce to Hawaiʻi via imports from Queensland , Australia , the beetle is between .75 to 1.8 inches long, with a dark brown, velvet-like appearance; long antennae, up to two times the length of the body; no patterns or spots on the body; and two spines on the side of the thorax. While the adults don't harm trees, the larve, laid in the trunks of trees, tunnel through wood so extensively, they can kill the tree, depriving the tree of nutrients and water. The eggs are usually laid in already-weakened trees.
Signs of infestation include: sawdust-like frass coming out of holes in the trunk; sap oozing from area where eggs were laid; round exit holes, about .5 inches in diameter; girdling on the trunk; and branch die-back and dropping.
Spread of the beetle has been slow, according to BIISC. Measures taken to halt the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death may help reduce the spread of the beetle, said BIISC. "That could all change if someone accidentally moves infested wood, which we have been actively recommending against since the start of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, but of course folks may not think about other types of wood being a risk."
Report beetle sightings by sending an email with a photo to biisc@hawaii.edu. Beetles, preferably alive, can be dropped off at BIISC's office, 23 E. Kawili Street , Hilo
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.
KEAʻAU SPACEPORT IS A NO-GO. Perhaps the first space launch proposal beyond the borders of Kaʻū, where many plans have been abandoned, Pacific Spaceport Complex-Hawaiʻi will not go forward on W.H. Shipman land.
The owners of the site pulled out of the project, reported Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald. Y
The owners of the site pulled out of the project, reported Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald. Y
The situation follows last year's plan for a SpinLaunch facility north of Ranchos in Ocean View. During informational meetings on SpinLaunch, the community presented opposition and concerns for safety, energy usage, noise, and more. The owners of the technology decided to put the site in Arizona.
At Keaʻau, Alaska Aerospace Corp. proposed to build the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Hawaiʻi on W.H. Shipman land. Alaska Aerospace also operates a satellite launch facility on Kodiak Island in Alaska .
Farias said that, while abandoning the spaceport concept, Shipman remains committed to developing educational and employment opportunities in Puna and advancing the Hawaiʻi aerospace industry, and that Hawaiʻi Space Flight Laboratory, Pacific International Space Center
At a community meeting in February in Keaʻau, residents voiced concerns about a 2016 launch at the Alaska facility that ended with the intentional detonation of a craft, damaging nearby facility buildings.
Terri Napeahi, a clean water advocate and vice president of the Pele Defense Fund, told HTH that such projects should be introduced by meeting with the community first. She objected to the state Legislature allocating $250,000 to fund an environmental assessment for the Keaʻau project ahead of announcing it to the public. The EA has not been released, reported the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald. Read the whole story on the newspaper's website: hawaiitribune-herald.com/2019/10/31/hawaii-news/shipman-pulls-out-of-planned-satellite-launch-facility-this-wasnt-the-right-fit/.
 |
| Still far above the water, a UAS on a mission to collect a sample of the water is dwarfed by the huge, hot, green pond at Kīlauea summit. Watch the USGS video |
RESULTS OF SAMPLING WATER FROM THE KĪLAUEA SUMMIT'S HOT GREEN POND, collected on Oct. 26 by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists, have been released. The scientists launched a specialized unmanned aircraft system that gathered photographs, gas measurements, and a water sample from the pond's scalding hot surface. The hexacopter drone, seen with scientists before launch, below, is dwarfed by the huge pond. The pond is much larger than a football field, and continues to grow.
HVO scientists performed some preliminary tests of the water at the caldera rim, minutes after it was collected in a sterilized plastic sleeve. Initial testing of the sample revealed a pH of 4.2. This value is acidic, though not as low as at some other volcanic lakes around the world, which can have pH values near or lower than zero. The conductivity of the water, related to the amount of dissolved solids, was above the upper limit of the available sensor. Scientists were unsuccessful in obtaining a direct measurement of the lake's temperature, but recent measurements by a thermal camera on the rim of the crater indicate a maximum water temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Celsius (149 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit). More in-depth analyses of the water will be conducted by USGS colleagues at the California Volcano Observatory. Once the data is analyzed, USGS will announce its findings.
A body of water like this has never been observed in Halema‘uma‘u crater in the history of monitoring Kīlauea Volcano.
See updates at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html. |
The USGS and OAS team prepares the sampling mechanism and inspects the unmanned aerial system a few minutes before mission start and takeoff. Precautions were taken to ensure the aircraft and sampling mechanism were sterile, and would return safely from the pond. USGS photo |
THE AGRICULTURAL DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE CENTER on Oʻahu, which is used by Kaʻū farmers, will be closed until further notice, Agriculture Extension Agency's Andrea Kawabata announced Thursday. She said that soil, tissue, and other samples cannot be completed at this time, but measures are being taken to help clientele have samples analyzed via other facilities and companies.
During this period, ADSC will work with clients on an individual basis to assist them with analytical needs. For samples that have already been processed, ADSC will work with DellaValle Laboratory in
 |
The late Uncle Jerry Kawanui, the kalo expert, will be honored as volunteers continue his teaching at Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival in Pāhala on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Photo from Agricultural Biodiversity Weblog |
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.
MAKE AND TAKE YOUR OWN POI with your ‘ohana at the ku‘i kalo, poi pounding, tent, tomorrow at the Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival, to be held at Pāhala Community Center, starting at 10 a.m.
Mālama Hāloa Hui Kuʻi Kalo, the organization sponsoring the booth, is dedicated continuing to share the teachings and legacy of the late Uncle Jerry Konanui, a native Hawaiian expert on kalo. Anyone interested in learning more about Mālama Hāloa, future kuʻi kalo events, or in volunteering, can see the organizers manning the booth.
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.
 |
| Irene, left, and Bully, right, Davis will be at tomorrow's Hoʻokupu No Kaʻū Cultural Festival to share lauhala weaving. Photo from lanai96763.com |
LANAʻI LAUHALA WEAVERS IRENE AND BULLY DAVIS will share their skills at tomorrow's Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival at Pāhala Community Center 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. , and features a variety of craftspersons, showing off culturally significant skills such as hale building, poi pounding (see above article), traditional opelu fishing, carving, hula implement making, seaweed propagation, coconut weaving, and Laʻau Lapaʻau – traditional Hawaiian medicine from plants. The event also features a day-long schedule of live music, and hula and other dance.
The Davises spend much of their time sharing cultural skills like weaving lauhala, telling moʻolelo, stories, teaching hula and chants, and modeling Hawaiian values, to youth of Hawaiʻi and visitors. They have been part of the Lanaʻi Four Season's children's cultural program for over 25 years.
See hookupukau.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.
![]()
Stained Glass Basics I, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 9a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
![]()
Bring Micah Reep Home Prayer Vigil, Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. , Nāʻālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Mamalahoa Hwy. "Join us as we come together as a community and pray for the safe return of Micah Reep. 'The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.'– James 5:16."
![]()
Grand Slam Band, Saturday, Nov. 2, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
![]()
MONDAY, NOV. 4
![]()
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesdays, Nov. 5, 19, and Dec. 3, 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
![]()
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
![]()
ONGOING
![]()
Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21 .
![]()
Read To Me Activity Registration, through Wednesday, Nov. 6, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Thursdays, Nov. 7-21, 3:30-5p.m. , multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
West Hawai ‘i Master Gardeners Program Accepting Applications through Friday, Nov. 15, cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/whmgprogram/HOME/West-Hawaii. Classes take place Jan. 14 - April 17, 2020 , every Tuesday, 9a.m. -noon . $200/person.
![]()
Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
 |
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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
UPCOMING
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
Jumble, Plant Sale 8a.m. , St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. $3/person, $1/child (6-10), younger children eat for free. For sale: potted plants, kitchen tools, hand tools, home made cookies, gourmet whole grain mustard, St. Jude's Coffee, mac nuts, craft products, jam, jelly, and more. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
Stewardship at the Summit, Nov. 2, 8, 15, 23, and 30, 8:45a.m. , meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center
Palm Seed Stem (Inflorescence) Random Weave Baskets with Jelena Clay, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival, Saturday, Nov. 2, 10a.m.-10p.m. , Pāhala Community Center
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Nov. 2 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
Sounds at the Summit featuring Wendell Ing with the release of Jazz Avenue, Saturday, Nov. 2, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Ticket are $15/VAC member, $20/non-member; includes a free CD of Jazz Avenue. Purchase tickets online, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Pupu, wine and beer available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Night of the Dead: A Grateful Dead Tribute Experience featuring Bottle of Blue and Company, Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30-9:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. First concert takes place Friday, Nov. 1, Mahukona Beach Park. Two unique shows. $25 for one day or $40 for both days. Tickets available at door; pre-sale at eventbrite.com. Rocket and Rise Productions. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
Palm Trail, Sunday, Nov. 3, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo
Fused Glass Basics: Ornaments Workshop with Claudia McCall, Sunday, Nov. 3, 11a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. One day kilnforming workshop introducing basic techniques of glass fusing. $25/VAC member, $30/non-member, plus $20 fee, includes supplies. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Nov. 3 – 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
Fall Wreath Activity Registration, Nov. 4-12, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Cultural Understanding through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Nov. 4, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Nov. 4, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, NOV. 5
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Nov. 5 (Committees), Wednesday, Nov. 6 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Empower Meeting, Tuesdays, Nov. 5 and 19 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, Wednesday, Nov. 6 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. No December program. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Nov. 7 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Nov. 7, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Nov. 8, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Community Dance, Friday, Nov. 8, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. No alcohol. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival Booths can be reserved. The free event tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center, will feature cultural practitioners and demonstrators; workshops; crafts; food; music and entertainment from artists such as Bali Hai from Mexico, Vero Cruz Folklore Dancers, taiko drummers, UH-Hilo Filipino/Samoan dancers; and hula from Mexico, Japan, Virginia, ʻOahu, and Hawaiʻi Island. Interested vendors can apply for food, craft, or information booths. Email leionalani47@hotmail.com or call 808-649-9334. See hookupukau.com.
Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org
Paper Bag Pumpkin Activity Registration, through Tuesday, Nov. 5, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Nov. 6, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
P&R Track & Field Practice Registration, through Wednesday, Nov. 20, Kahuku Park
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale Holy Rosary Church Heart Church 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.
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.
