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| Healthy coral environments supports all kinds of marine life. Read what the Legacy Reef Foundation is doing - and what the public can do - to help support corals. Photo from legacyreeffoundation.org |
The founders are Bill Coney and Dr. Susanne Otero who aim to save coral reefs in Hawaiʻi and in far off places like New Guinea and Fiji. On the Board of Directors is state Sen. Russell Ruderman, who represents south-east Hawaiʻi island, from Pāhala through Puna. One aspect of taking care of coral is the statewide sunscreen ban, which Ruderman co-sponsored. The ban prohibits the sale or distribution of oxybenzone and octinoxate-containing sunscreens and cosmetics in the state, unless by prescription. The ban begins a year from tomorrow, on Jan. 1, 2021.
Comey posted on the website: "A few years ago, I realized that the reefs around Hawaiʻi – where I grew up swimming, sailing and diving – were no longer as full of life as they had been just a few decades before. To ensure that my grandchildren will enjoy what I experienced as a child, I dreamed of restoring some of the local reefs. That dream became a reality when I met Dr. Susanne Otero and we created a non-profit organization, called the Legacy Reef Foundation. We opened a world-class coral restoration lab at the NELHA marine facility in Kona, Hawaiʻi. Our mission is the restoration and conservation of coral reefs in Hawaiʻi and around the world, and to ensure critical food security for future generations. With the help of our community, we can rebuild coral reefs globally and feed coastal communities for generations to come.
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| A tour at some of the tanks at the Legacy Reef Foundation. Photo from legacyreeffoundation.org |
Launched in March 2018, after "a year of planning and an extensive site search," NELHA "allows easy access to the reefs our team is researching, as well as unlimited surface seawater and deep nutrient-rich seawater. Our location and determination to expand will allow Legacy Reef to grow into one of the top coral research centers in the world.
"Since the founding of Legacy Reef Foundation, we have built our coral research lab, our coral tank farm, and have begun the process of creating our first containerized coral nurseries. We also have established a passionate management team, a qualified national fundraising team, an educational center, and a community outreach effort."
Corals are marine invertebrates that live in compact colonies of identical, individual polyps – sac-like animals only a few millimeters wide and a few centimeters long. A set of tentacles surrounds a central mouth opening. A hard exoskeleton, made of calcium carbonate, is excreted near the base of the animal, and together, over many generations, the colony creates a large skeleton, which together make up coral reefs. Individual heads grow by asexual reproduction of polyps. Corals also breed sexually by spawning: polyps of the same species release gametes simultaneously over a period of one to several nights around a full moon.
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| Coral, being grown in tanks. Photo from legacyreeffoundation.org |
All stony corals feed on small plankton or dissolved organic matter that is in the waters. Most corals use their nematocysts on their tentacles to capture and sting their prey and feed at night. Other corals obtain the majority of their energy and nutrients from photosynthesis. These corals need sunlight and clear water less than 60 meters (200 ft) deep. The corals also need the algae that grows on and in them to survive, a symbiotic relationship: the corals give the algae a place to live and eat, and the algae photosynthesizes, supplying corals with glucose, glycerol, amino acids, and more. The algae also aid in calcifying the corals' skeleton and removing waste. Rich microbiomes are often found in corals with healthy algae. However, the algae also burden the corals somewhat, so when corals are exposed to stressors like warmer water, runoff from soil, and chemicals in the water, the coral expels the algae, and both algae and corals begin to die off.
Corals that survive bleaching events are good to propagate, as they are considered resilient.
According to an article today in West Hawaiʻi Today, the Foundation's Director of Operations, Sandra Romer, said one goal of the foundation it to "put everything you need to start a coral nursery in a container and send it off to islands in the Pacific that need reef restoration and then they would re-establish their own reefs and educate their community to keep the reefs from degrading further. We are trying to get a real simple system – as cheap as you can get that you can put in shipping containers and take to places who don't have as many resources."
The website states that a Legacy Reef Foundation program called Repairing Our Oceans will cost $1.25 million per year. This includes empowering shore communities, training local scientists, and providing support to locations away from Hawaiʻi Island. Donations can be made at interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E347254&id=2.
To become involved, volunteer in the lab or in the office at NEL. There is also a Pau Hana event on the last Friday of almost every month – call 808-664-5737 in advance.
The Legacy Reef Foundation website states that, in mid-2020, a Coral Education Center will open at the NEL location. The center will feature a large aquarium tank and interactive learning tools "that will merge ancient Hawaiians wisdom regarding the pivotal role of coral with our present understanding of its place in the food pyramid."
Corals that survive bleaching events are good to propagate, as they are considered resilient.
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| A healthy coral. Photo from legacyreeffoundation.org |
According to an article today in West Hawaiʻi Today, the Foundation's Director of Operations, Sandra Romer, said one goal of the foundation it to "put everything you need to start a coral nursery in a container and send it off to islands in the Pacific that need reef restoration and then they would re-establish their own reefs and educate their community to keep the reefs from degrading further. We are trying to get a real simple system – as cheap as you can get that you can put in shipping containers and take to places who don't have as many resources."
The website states that a Legacy Reef Foundation program called Repairing Our Oceans will cost $1.25 million per year. This includes empowering shore communities, training local scientists, and providing support to locations away from Hawaiʻi Island. Donations can be made at interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E347254&id=2.
To become involved, volunteer in the lab or in the office at NEL. There is also a Pau Hana event on the last Friday of almost every month – call 808-664-5737 in advance.
The Legacy Reef Foundation website states that, in mid-2020, a Coral Education Center will open at the NEL location. The center will feature a large aquarium tank and interactive learning tools "that will merge ancient Hawaiians wisdom regarding the pivotal role of coral with our present understanding of its place in the food pyramid."
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| Watch the Reefs at Risk film at thecoverupfilm.com/reefs-at-risk. |
The makers of Reefs at Risk urge educating others about the issue by sharing the documentary link, thecoverupfilm.com/reefs-at-risk, and to become a sponsor or make a tax-deductible donation to support the outreach and help the film be seen on more airlines – it is already featured on Hawaiian Airlines – on cruise ships, TV stations, at more film festivals, online, and at grassroots events.
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| Aerial fireworks are illegal for private use in Hawaiʻi. Photo by Kris Bakken |
A WARNING ABOUT ILLEGAL FIREWORKS was issued by Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, leading up to celebrations tonight for New Years Eve. The warning addresses how illegal fireworks impact the community, pets, and livestock. County officials report many complaints "about fireworks and homemade explosive devices that disturb residents and their animals," and address the negative affect these have on older people in the community, and those who are ill or suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
Fire Chief Darren Rosario said, "The problem seems to be growing in various neighborhoods, and it poses a potential hazard. We urge the community to be considerate of their neighbors by not using illegal fireworks or explosives."
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| Ground fireworks, like these set off in Kaʻū, are legal fireworks for private use. Photo by Michael Worthington |
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SUGGESTIONS FOR LANDS TO BE PRESERVED by the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission are open through Friday, Feb. 28. The next meeting of the commission is Monday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. , in Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center
The goal of PONC is to acquire land or easements for public outdoor recreation and education, including mauka/makai access, historic or culturally important areas and sites, natural resource, significant habitat or eco-systems, forests, beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty, agricultural lands, and watersheds. Learn more at hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/property-management. Suggestions from the community for lands to be preserved provide the Mayor of the County of Hawai
In 2019, PONC preserved 2,317 acres of Kaʻū, which included Kaunāmano, 1,363 acres between Nāʻālehu and Honu‘apo, fronting four miles of Ka‘ū coastline and reaching up to the 600-foot elevation; Kiolaka‘a, 1,840 acres stretching over four miles inland to the 700-foot elevation; and Manaka‘a, 348 acres just south of Nā‘ālehu, with remains of the Manāka‘a Fishing Village on cliffs overlooking Waikapuna.
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.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER IS CLOSED through Sunday, Jan. 5 for septic tank work. See ovcahi.org/calendar.
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.
Girls Basketball
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UPCOMING
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Kahuku Orientation Talk, Thursday and Friday, Jan. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31, 10-10:30a.m., HVNP Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo
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Stewardship at the Summit 8:45a.m. -noon , meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center
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Movie Matinee, Friday, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 – every Friday, monthly – 2-4p.m. , Pāhala Public Library. Free entry and popcorn. Keiki must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org/events
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Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Jan. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m. -noon , Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
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Clay – High Fire!, Sunday, Jan. 5 through Feb. 23, 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m. or 2:45-5:45p.m. 8-week morning or afternoon pottery series with Erik Wold. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Jan. 6 – first Monday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Family Yoga Class, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 – every Tuesday, monthly – 9:30-10:30a.m., PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 0-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can - supplies limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
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Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 1, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m. , Volcano Art Center
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Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 3, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, 6:30-8p.m. , Volcano Art Center
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Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tues
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ONGOING
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 |
See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
2019-2020 Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball
Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala
Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa
Boys Basketball
Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA
Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa
Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena
Wrestling
Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe
Soccer
Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm
Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA
Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm
Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa
Swimming
Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
Read, Build, and Play LEGO, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2:30-4p.m. , Pāhala Public Library. All ages; young keiki must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. No personal LEGO. 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org
Hula Voices with Hawai‘i Island Kumu Hula - Featuring Miss Aloha Hula Brenda Alidon Kanehailua, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. "Talk Story" session. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Hula Voices with Hawai‘i Island Kumu Hula - Featuring Miss Aloha Hula Brenda Alidon Kanehailua, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. "Talk Story" session. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
THURSDAY, JAN. 2
Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 9:30a.m. , Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m. , PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Craft Day, Thursday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 – every Thursday, monthly – 3:30-4:30p.m. , Pāhala Public Library. Ages 3 and up. 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org
CANCELED due to septic work at OVCC: Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 6-7p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 6:30-8:30p.m. , Aspen Center
FRIDAY, JAN. 3
Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 8-9a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 10-11a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
SATURDAY, JAN. 4
Free Hot Shower and Hot Lunch Day, Saturday, Jan. 4, 11, 18, and 25, 9a.m.-2p.m. , St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Last Saturday of the month, Kady and Drew Foster give haircuts – 12 slots available – and Big Island Giving Tree hands out clothes and items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Saturday, Jan. 4, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo
Grand Slam Band, Saturday, Jan. 4, 7-10p.m. , Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge, free to in-house guests. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
SUNDAY, JAN. 5
Farmers Market, Sunday, Jan. 5, 12, 19, and 26 – every Sunday, monthly – 6-10a.m. , Cooper Center
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua, Sunday, Jan. 5, 9:30-11a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free. nps.gov/havo
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Jan. 5 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park
MONDAY, JAN. 6
Guided Hike of Kīlauea Iki Crater, Monday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 10a.m.-1p.m. Meet Ranger Mike at Kīlauea Iki Overlook Parking Lot. Iconic four mile, moderately difficult hike, with an elevation gain of 400 feet. Crosses steaming crater floor through the intersection of eruption and native rainforest. Free; Park entrance fees apply except Jan. 20. nps.gov/havo
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Jan. 6 – first Monday, monthly – 4-6p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
TUESDAY, JAN. 7
Hawai‘i County Council Committee Mtgs., Tuesday, Jan. 7 (Hilo ālehu State Office Building
Bookstore and Thrift Shop, Tuesday-Saturday, 8-11:30a.m. , and Sunday, 6:30-10a.m. , weekly, Cooper Center
Blended Learning Computer Class, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – every Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly – 8a.m.-3p.m. , St. Jude's computer lab. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 10a.m., noon, and 2p.m. One hour performance includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center Visitor Center Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network. Free; Park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 2, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m. , Volcano Art Center
After Dark in the Park - Transitions: What's Next for HVO and the Volcanoes it Monitors?, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Tina Neal, Scientist-in-Charge of HVO, describes the current status of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and what might be coming next, and gives update on HVO's new volcano observatory. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
ONGOINGT-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. 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.
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.
