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Operations Services Supervisor Erin n Santos, winner of Inspiration With Aloha award, with new CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union Mark Peters and the team who serve at Nāʻālehu, Pāhala, and Ocean View. Photo from CU Hawaiʻi |
NEW CU HAWAIʻI FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MANAGER FOR KAʻŪ, Mark Peters, said he is thrilled with the team of seven working at Nāʻālehu, Pāhala, and Ocean View. On the job for several months, Mark moved to Kaʻū for the position, after decades of work in finance, much of it with credit unions including the one originally organized by Pacific Bell employees in California .
Peters also worked in consumer and real estate lending. He lived for the last 21 years in the San Francisco Bay
Peters said he feels at home in Kaʻū, having grown up in a farm town. His wife, Diane, has kamaʻaina roots and for years the couple knew they would live in Hawaiʻi.
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CU Hawaiʻi Credit Union branches include three in Kaʻū. Map from cuhawaii.com |
Peters said he is particularly pleased to work with Kaʻū's Operations Supervisor Erinn Santos, who recently won the Inspiration With Aloha Core Value award, bestowed on her by the CU Hawaiʻi family of credit unions. He called her help with his integration into the Kaʻū community positive and amazing. Said, Peters, "I feel like I won a lottery to land here in this beautiful place" to work with such enthusiastic people who serve their community.
He said more innovations in CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union services are on their way to Kaʻū members, with guidance from CU Hawaiʻi President and CEO James Takamine. The message from the CU Hawaii website is that "We never deal with customers. We serve members, help neighbors, and support communities. From paying for everyday expenses to saving for retirement, our checking and savings accounts will help you realize more possibilities."
CU Hawaiʻi also offers online/mobile banking and bill pay; personal, auto, home, vacant land, and business loans; debit cards, Master Card credit cards, and lines of credit; as well as money market and IRA savings accounts, and more.
Branches are in Kona, Ocean View, Nāʻālehu, Pāhala, Pāhoa, Keaʻau, and Hilo. Board members of the islandwide CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union are: Chair Eric Tanouye, Vice Chair Toby Taniguchi, Financial Officer Francis Tsunezumi, Secretary Katherine Hirayama, and Directors Takashi Sasaki, Dr. Donn Ouye, and Christine Takahashi.
See cuhawaii.com for the history of the organization and its quarterly newsletter, as well as more details on services and community activities. This summer, CU Hawaiʻi was a sponsor of the winner's buckle for the July 4 Rodeo, held at Nāʻālehu Rodeo Arena by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association.
CU HAWAIʻI FEDERAL CREDIT UNION'S Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative. The person will 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.
Hand deliver to the Nāʻālehu branch, or mail or fax an application, to: CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street , Hilo , HI 96720
AN UPDATE ON SUNDAY'S FATAL CAR ACCIDENT on Kamaʻoa Road reveals the name of the 35 year old man from Nāʻālehu as Paul Ray Roby. He died following a single-vehicle collision on Kamaoa, .7 miles east of the South Point Road.According to the police report, "Responding to a 9:55 a.m. call, police determined that a white 2000 Mercedes-Benz convertible heading east had run off of the right shoulder (Makai side) of the roadway." The vehicle traveled onto an 8-foot embankment and struck several trees before overturning on its top. "The male driver was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 4:27 p.m. Police do believe that speed and alcohol are factors in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death."
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner's Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229. This was the 22nd traffic fatality this year on the island - the 23rd happened this morning on the north end of the island - compared to 28 at this time last year.
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HAWAIʻI BIRD CONSERVATION MARATHON will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, beginning at 6 a.m. The third annual event supports endemic birds of Hawai‘i through the Hawai‘i Forest Institute for the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest
The second annual Hawai’i Bird Conservation Marathon last year raised $5,915 in donation for KBCC Discovery Forest
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Those who donate $100 or more to the Hawai‘i Forest Institute are invited to a special behind the scenes tour of the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest in Volcano from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 14. Add a comment on the Hawai‘i Forest Institute donation page that the donation is associated with the HBC Marathon. To mail a check and avoid credit card fees, make payable to Hawai‘i Forest Institute and mail to Alan Ryan, P.O. Box 89 , Laupahoehoe , HI 96764
The USA Track & Field Certified Course (HI17001BK) is a Boston Qualifier. The race is sanctioned by USA Track & Field (C17055419). The course is rated as the 2nd Fastest Marathon Course in the United States by FindMyMarathon.com. The course begins at Volcano Golf and Country Club, then heads downhill to Hilo along Volcano Road/Mamalahoa Highway until mile marker 26.06. Runners then turn left onto Stainback Highway to finish in front of the Boy Scouts' Kīlauea Camp. Total drop is 3,792 feet, total gain is 54 feet, and average grade is 2.72 percent. For the first 15 miles, the course was surrounded by a mixture of Hawaiian hāpuʻu and ‘ōhi‘a rain forest, residential areas, and agricultural land. On a clear day, the course offers a view of Hawaiʻi's highest volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
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HOLIDAYS AT KAHUKU, presented by Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Highway 11 at mile marker 70.5. This second annual event is free and open to the public. Music all day featuring the Shootz band playing rock & roll and motown, the Queen of Opera, D’Andrea Pelletier, and a surprise guest performing Hawaiian music.
Food will be available for purchase by Volcano House. Friend's will be selling shave ice, drinks, chips, and logo merchandise, with proceeds supporting park projects and educational programs.
Crafters may apply for this event – $20 booth fee – by visiting fhvnp.org, emailing admin@fhvnp.org, or calling (808) 985-7373. Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a non-profit 501(c) 3, operating under a formal philanthropic partnership agreement with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Other activities at Kahuku Unit include:
Ranger Orientation Talk, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station.
Guided Hikes, Saturdays and Sundays (except Saturday, Dec. 14), starting at 9:30 a.m. at the VCS. Dec. 1, Pu’u o Lokuana Trail; Dec. 7, Realms and Divisions at Kahuku; Dec. 8 Pele and Hi’iaka; Dec. 15, ʻŌhiʻa Lehua; Dec. 21, Nature and Culture; Dec. 22, Palm Trail; Dec. 28 Birth of Kahuku; Dec. 29, People and Land.
Coffee Talk, Friday, Dec. 27 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. December's event is a special presentation by the National Park Service on the resident artist, landscape painter Dawn Waters Baker.
There are no entrance fees at Kahuku and all programs are free of charge. Kahuku will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 . See nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku.htm.
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.
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Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333
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THURSDAY, NOV. 28
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Kahuku Coffee Talk: Creatures that Have Evolved in the Dark, Friday, Nov. 29, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Join local experts to learn about lava tubes and some interesting animals that call them home. Free. nps.gov/havo
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Palm Trail, Sunday, Nov. 30, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo
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Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Dec. 1 – 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
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Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Dec. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
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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.
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NĀʻĀLEHU RODEO ARENA is seeing more action with the gymkhana in November and another coming up Sunday, Dec. 29 to be followed by an awards banquet and potluck dinner. The events are organized by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association. This past Sunday's gymkhana results are:
In Open Barrel Racing, Lorilee Lorenzo took first place, Mahina Lorenzo placed second.
In Junior Barrel Racing, McClellan Akana placed first, Kircia Derasin took second.
In Leadline Barrel Racing, Devyn Akana took first, Noah took second, Malia Masuko took third,
and Grayden Akana took fourth.
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More action is planned for Nāʻālehu Rodeo Arena on Sunday, Dec. 29. Photo by Julia Neal |
In Novice Horse Barrel Racing, Denicia Derain took first place on Uʻi, then she took second on Silver
In Keiki Barrel Racing, Teʻani Souza placed first, Molly Akana placed second, Ikaika Derasin placed third, Caya Wong placed fourth, and Quentin Lorenzo placed fifth.
In Keiki Single Stake Racing, Ikaika Derasin placed first, Molly Akana placed second, Caya Wong placed third, and Quentin Lorenzo placed fourth.
In Open Flag Racing, Mahina Lorenzo placed first. In Junior Flag Racing, Kircia Derasin took first place.
The final Gymkhana of 2019 on Sunday, Dec. 29 will start tentatively at 9 a.m. , with check-in and sign-up at 8:30 a.m.
Heading into Christmas, Kaʻū Roping & Riding will hold its second annual Lantern Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. on Hwy 11, the Main Street of Nāʻālehu. For the first time, horses will join in the procession.
NĀʻĀLEHU SCHOOL ACTIVITIES for December include Family Reading Nights on
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria, and Thursday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ocean View Community Center
Nāʻālehu Elementary School's Winter Break begins Monday, Dec. 23 and runs through Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 .
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.
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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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
UPCOMING
TUESDAY, NOV. 26
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - parking lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. 2 hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Nov. 26, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com
Guided Hike on a 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook parking lot, HVNP. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile hike (one way). $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
Trail Less Traveled, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 10:30a.m.-12:30p.m., Devastation Trail parking lot, HVNP. Moderate, 2 mile, two hour roundtrip hike. $40/person. Register online. Family friendly. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27
Pom Pom Wreath Registration, Nov. 27 - Dec. 4, program takes place Tuesday, Dec. 10, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
‘Ulu Maika Demonstration, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Play ‘ulu maika – which resembles American bowling but uses two stakes and a disc-shaped tone instead of pins and a ball – to celebrate the annual makahiki season. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, Nov. 27 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626, for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: 329-3910 ext. 925. tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org. legalaidhawaii.org
Free Thanksgiving Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 28, noon-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Thanksgiving Day Buffet, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2-6p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixin's. $23.95/adult, $13.95/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
FRIDAY, NOV. 29
Holiday Challenge, Friday, Nov. 29, through beginning of Jan. 2020. Community invited to come out and vote for their favorite decorated cottage/activity. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
12th Annual Kamahalo Craft Fair, Friday, Nov. 29, 9a.m.-4p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9a.m.-3p.m., The Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Food vendors, homegrown products, and quality homemade crafts for sale. 936-9705, thecoopercenter.org
Volcano Village Artists Hui 33rd Annual Studio Tour & Sale, Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, 10a.m.-4p.m., map available at volcanovillageartistshui.com. Meet artists and view wide variety of artwork on display and available for purchase.
Program Preview Exhibit, Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, 10a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. See what programs, events, and exhibits VAC has lined up for 2020. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
SATURDAY, NOV. 30
AdvoCATS, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
Girls Nite Out Band, Saturday, Nov. 30, 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
SUNDAY, DEC. 1
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Dec. 1, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo
sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
MONDAY, DEC. 2
Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Dec. 2, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Name that Holiday Tune Registration, Dec. 2-5, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Friday, Dec. 6, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
ONGOING
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.
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