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Donna Gascon draped herself in Kaʻū Coffee beans in last year's Pāhala Christmas Parade, with Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba to her left. Coffee farmers, celebrating a banner year, will parade again this Sunday. The 41st annual Christmas Parade begins at Pāhala Armory at 1 p.m. and travels through the village. See more details below. Photo by Julia Neal |
STREAMLINING THE COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT AND PLANNING PROCESS is the aim of a new online program that should be available to the public in March. County Planning Director Michael Yee, along with staff of the Department of Public Works Mass Transit, Department of Information Technology, and the Mayor's office, delivered the news to the County Council on Tuesday.
The $2.3 million program was slated to be available this year, but the end of March is the new target to "go live," they told the Council. The plan is for central access to zoning, land classifications, specific property information, infrastructure, and permits needed, in process and completed. This would allow owners and inspectors to keep track of the process and ease the lines at county offices where people carry applications and proof of approvals from one office to another.
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| County Planning Director Michael Yee |
The new Energov system allows inputting old paper records into the system, which makes much work for county employees, said county Information Tech Director Jules Ung. The county staff is also stretched by new Transient Vacation Rental permit processing, helping victims of last year's volcano eruption and flooding, as well updating the General Plan for the county.
Once the system is fully populated with information and running smoothly, those renovating homes and businesses and proposing new construction should be able to save a lot of time, said county officials.
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A NAVY SUBMARINER KILLED TWO CIVILIAN PEARL HARBOR SHIPYARD WORKERS, injured another, and fatally shot himself today. The shootings, at around 2:30 p.m., led to a lockdown at the nearby U.S.S Arizona Memorial and naval museum, and across the Pearl Harbor-Hickam Navy and Air Force Base on Oʻahu.
The New York Timesreported that the unidentified gunman's motivation – whether he targeted the three or fired indiscriminately – is unclear.
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The New York Timesreported that the unidentified gunman's motivation – whether he targeted the three or fired indiscriminately – is unclear.
Identities of the victims and shooter will be released after next of kin are notified. The injured shipyard worker is in stable condition, according to Rear Admiral Robert B. Chadwick II, commander for the Navy in Hawaiʻi. Chadwick told reporters that the shooter was assigned to the U.S.S. Columbia, a submarine docked at the shipyard for maintenance.
Said the Rear Admiral, "The role that the shipyard played in World War II is pretty legendary, and the shipyard is well known for the amazing work they did then and the amazing work they continue to do. This is certainly a tragedy for everyone here, and certainly our sincere thoughts are with the families of the victims and everyone involved."
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| Pearl Harbor Shipyard, where a crew member of a submarine under repair shot and killed two civilian workers and injured another. File photo from U.S. Navy |
Sen. Mazie Hirono issued the following statement following the shooting: "While the investigation into this incident continues, my thoughts and aloha are with the victims of the terrible tragedy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and with their families. I join all of Hawaiʻi in expressing our gratitude to the first responders who rush toward danger every day to keep us safe."
Said Gov. David Ige, "I join in solidarity with the people of Hawai‘i as we express our heartbreak over this tragedy and concern for those affected by the shooting. Details are still emerging as security forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam investigate. The White House has reached out to offer assistance from federal agencies, and the state is standing by to assist where necessary."
The incident took place three days before the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor , on Dec. 7, 1941 .
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VISITORS TO HAWAIʻI ISLAND SPENT $177 MILLION IN OCTOBER, an increase of 3.9 percent over last year, according to preliminary statistics from Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Hawaiʻi Island saw a 14.5 percent increase in visitor arrivals, compared to arrivals just after the end of last year's eruptive events. However, visitors spent 4.7 percent less per day. So far in 2019, visitor spending on Hawaiʻi Island has decreased 3.6 percent, with a year-to-date increase of 2.8 percent in visitor arrivals.
Visitor spending includes interisland airfare, lodging, car rental, food, shopping, and other expenses while in the state.Statewide, visitors spent $1.33 billion in October, an increase of .9 percent over last year. Average daily visitor spending declined 2.4 percent from last year, largely due to a 15.2 percent drop in expenditures from international markets, not including
On a bright note, more Japanese visitors went to multiple islands (+8.5%) year-over-year, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth in multiple-island visitation compared to the same timeframe a year ago.
In October, spending from the western part of the
For the state for 2019 through October, visitor spending rose .2 percent, to $14.67 billion. Total average daily spending decreased by 2.6 percent, to $195 per person. Total visitor arrivals increased by 5.5 percent.
So far in 2019, total visitor arrivals increased by 4.8 percent, reflecting a 5.2 percent increase in air arrivals versus an 8.3 percent decrease in cruise ship arrivals. Total visitor days increased by 3.4 percent. The average daily number of visitors also increased by 3.4 percent.
See more in the October report at hawaiitourismauthority.org/research/monthly-visitor-statistics/.
See more in the October report at hawaiitourismauthority.org/research/monthly-visitor-statistics/.
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| A webcam shot from the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu this morning shows the growing pond. USGS photo |
THE HOT, GREEN POND IN HALEMAʻUMAʻU Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, continues to grow. First observed July 25, the pond grew to measure about 236 ft. by 518 ft. by the end of November.
U.S. Geolagical Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick gave a presentation to Hawaiʻi County Council members on Tuesday. Patrick stated that the pond is stable with a slow and consistent rate of water level rise. He said there have been no "obvious changes" in surface activity or color. He said a low rate of sulfur emission, about 45 tons per day, is released from the pond into the air, but that some SO2 is being absorbed by the pond and groundwater.
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Measured from a vertical distance of about 603 m (1978 ft) – from water surface to the top of the tripod on the crater rim – the ongoing rise in water level is noticeable when the two photos, taken three days apart, are compared. Learn more about the growing pond, below. USGS photos by D. Swanson |
Patrick said that, despite elevated Seismicity – compared to pre-2018 – and inflation of the summit – indicating magma continues to fill the chamber – magma remains deep in the system and there are "no detectable signs of imminent unrest at the summit."
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| During August, the pond grew from several disconnected pools to one larger body of water. USGS photo |
THE FORTY-FIRST PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE will roll through the hilly neighborhoods, down to Ka`u Hospital and onto Holy Rosary Church, this Sunday, Dec. 8, beginning at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Armory. More parade participants are welcome to join in by lining up at the Armory at noon. For more info, call the parade founder and organizer Eddie Andrade at 928-0808.
Those watching from the streets will see floats and trailers with Christmas characters and music, classic cars, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, schools, and community groups in the holiday spirit. Along the parade route, Pāhala residents and visitors gather in yards, on porches, and curbside to receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from his elves.
Eddie Andrade and his friends and family have organized the parade for the last 41 years. The community supports the event, which includes an annual donation from Ed Olson, founder of Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
After the parade,Holy Rosary Church
Those watching from the streets will see floats and trailers with Christmas characters and music, classic cars, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, schools, and community groups in the holiday spirit. Along the parade route, Pāhala residents and visitors gather in yards, on porches, and curbside to receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from his elves.
Eddie Andrade and his friends and family have organized the parade for the last 41 years. The community supports the event, which includes an annual donation from Ed Olson, founder of Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
After the parade,
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Characters are regulars in the Pāhala Christmas Parade this Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal |
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE ANNUAL MAKAHIKI that celebrates Hawaiian values, culture, talent, and food this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. Festivities begin at noon each day. Local bands volunteer to come out and play. Free food is on offer. Many people camp out overnight. Hawaiian crafts, including weaving coconut frond hats, are among the cultural practices that have been featured over the many years of the Makahiki.
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A PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP will be held at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo Campus Center 5:30 p.m. in room 301. Session 2 on Sunday, Dec. 8 begins at 2:30 p.m. in room 306. All levels of singers, actors, and dancers are welcome. Sessions are $25 for one, $40 for both, to participate; $15 for one and $25 for both to audit; and $30 to audit one session and participate in another.![]()
Pedro Kaʻawaloa and Paige Mason, experienced professionals, will lead the workshop. Both have done fundraising events for Kīlauea Drama and Entertainment. The workshop will cover Vocal, Acting, and Audition Technique; details about "The Biz;" and more. Participants will be worked with one-on-one on a prepared song or monologue. Bring material that is already familiar/is a favorite, a work-in-progress, or audition material. Write down questions to ask. "Get ready for a journey into the craft and business of professional performance," states the announcement. Auditors will be on hand to observe and ask questions of through the process.
Kaʻawaloa is a local boy who moved to New York to pursue performing as a career. Kaʻawaloa recently performed in the National Tour of The King and I as the King of Siam. He has worked for a number of theatre companies across the U.S. and actively auditions in New York City when not on a contract. He also has experience as a professional music director and audition/cabaret accompanist. Some of his notable roles are: El Gallo from The Fantasticks, Captain Hook from Peter Pan, and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast.
Mason is originally from Lexington , KY Florida for Disney World and done a number of large unified auditions. Some of her notable roles are: Millie from Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fiona from Shrek: The Musical, and Babette from Beauty and the Beast.
Visit pedrokaawaloa.com/workshops/ to register and pay for the workshop. Questions? Email contact@pedrokaawaloa.com or call/text (808) 333-6141. Leave contact info.
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See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
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T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration and First Practice: Ocean View Team - Monday, Dec. 2, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 5, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice and registration. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511
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 808-938-1088.
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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 |
UPCOMING
THURSDAY, DEC. 5
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Dec. 5 – 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, Dec. 5, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org
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Stewardship at the Summit, Dec. 6, 13, 21 and 28, 8:45a.m. , meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center
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SATURDAY, DEC. 7
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Realms and Divisions, Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo
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Blackwater Railroad Company Band, Saturday, Dec. 7, 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
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Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 11a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
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ONGOING
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Dec. 5, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 8-9a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 10-11a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
AdvoCATS, Saturday, Dec. 7, 7a.m.-4:30p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
Painting from Observation with Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9a.m.-3p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Dec. 7, 10a.m.-1p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Dec. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m. -noon , Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free.
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
41st Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1p.m. at Pāhala Armory. Parade participants can still sign up by calling Eddie Andrade at 928-0808. See floats and trailers with Christmas characters and music, classic cars, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, schools, and community groups representing the holiday spirit. Receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from his elves. After the parade, Holy Rosary Church
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Pele & Hi‘iaka, Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Dec. 8 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m. , Volcano Art Center
MONDAY, DEC. 9
Accordion Paper Reindeer Activity Registration, Dec. 9-17, Ka‘u Dist
TUESDAY, DEC. 10
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Dec. 10 and 24, and Thursday, Dec. 12 and 26, 8-10a.m. , Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park Volcanoes National Park
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Dec. 10, After Dark in the Park: 100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7-8p.m. , Kīlauea Visitor Center
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
Moa Pahe‘e Games, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10a.m. -noon , Kīlauea Visitor Center
Santa's Workshop Event Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30p.m. All ages. 928-31
Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Holiday Ornament Registration, through Dec. 16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees app
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration and First Practice: Ocean View Team - Monday, Dec. 2, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 5, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice and registration. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511Tūtū & 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 808-938-1088.
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.
