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The native wiliwili tree, Erythrina sandwicensis, also known as the Hawaiian Coral Tree, is in danger from a wasp pest. One wasp species was already brought to Hawaiʻi to help control the pest, but adding another wasp species is being suggested. Submit comments and questions by Wednesday, Jan. 22. Photo from Hawaiʻi Dept. of Ag |
SAVING THE COLORFUL, NATIVE WILIWILI TREE is the aim of a plan to introduce a wasp from Africa that will kill off the wasp that damages wiliwili. The biological control plan issued by the state Department of Agriculture and Department of Land & Natural Resources seeks to protect the native wiliwili tree – Erythrina sandwicensis, also known as the Hawaiian Coral Tree – and other native trees from an invasive erythrina gall wasp, Quadrastichus erythrinae. This gall wasp has attacked and killed many hundreds of trees.
Those who live in or frequent Kaʻū and the rest of Hawaiʻi will recognize the wiliwili in bloom, usually with red/orange flowers and a spreading canopy. Red wiliwili seeds are valued among Native Hawaiians for making leis and other uses.
Those who live in or frequent Kaʻū and the rest of Hawaiʻi will recognize the wiliwili in bloom, usually with red/orange flowers and a spreading canopy. Red wiliwili seeds are valued among Native Hawaiians for making leis and other uses.
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| A second biocontrol agent, Aprostocetus nitens, is suggested to help save the wiliwili from invasive pest wasp EGW. Photo from waspweb.org |
Comments and questions regarding introduction of the wasp are due by Wednesday, Jan. 22. Submit online at dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/biocontrol/contact-us, or by mail to: Attn: State Protection Forester, Div. of Forestry and Wildlife, Kalanimoku Bldg., 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 325, Honolulu, HI, 96813. Read the whole Draft Environmental Assessment at oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/Doc_Library/2019-12-23-ST-DEA-Erythrina-Gall-Wasp-Biological-Control.pdf.
The damaging gall wasp was discovered in the islands in 2005. A Tanzanian wasp, Eurytoma erythrinae, was brought to Hawaiʻi for biocontrol in November, 2008, "following rigorous specificity testing," according to DLNR. E. erythrinae attacks the gall wasp pest by feeding on its larvae. Six months after release, states DLNR, E. erythrinae established successfully and wiliwili trees began to recover.
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| Invasive erythrina gall wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus erythrinae, have attacked and killed many hundreds of native wiliwili trees. Photo from Hawaiʻi Dept. of Ag |
However, states DLNR, damage by gall wasps to flowers, seed pods, and seedlings of wiliwili persists, because the galls formed on flowers and seedling are usually small and scattered, and E. erythrinae does well only on large galls. The Draft EA supports release of a second biocontrol agent, Aprostocetus nitens, another kind of non-endemic wasp, to complement E. erythrinae in controlling the gall wasp pest. Collected in its native region of Africa , A. nitens can complete development on a single wasp and survives well on small and large galls. Testing has proven A. nitens to be host specific to the gall wasp pest, which means that it will not predate on other gall wasps that are not harming native plants.
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A Tanzanian wasp, Eurytoma erythrinae was brought to Hawaiʻi for biocontrol of the erythrina gall wasp in November, 2008. Photo from Hawaiʻi Dept. of Ag |
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF HAWAIʻI HAS ANNOUNCED CHANGES TO METHODS for the 2020 elections. Changes to the Presidential Primary include:
The Precinct meetings – where Precinct and District officers, and delegates to state and county conventions, are elected – will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at various locations across the state. A complete listing of those locations will be put on the Party's website, hawaiidemocrats.org, later this month. These meeting were previously held along with the PPP.
All enrolled members of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, with current mailing addresses, will be able to vote by mail in the Party-run Presidential Primary.
Update membership information at hawaiidemocrats.org/join and registration at olvr.hawaii.gov by Feb. 18. Ballots will be mailed. A second mailing will happen after March 8 for anyone that joins between Feb. 19 and March 8. Those that join after March 8 will have to go to a polling location on April 4.
DPH's Party-run Presidential Primary will offer Rank-Choice Voting: Every voter will be able to vote for up to three top candidates.
Same-day voter registration, Party enrollment, and in-person voting will be available for those who miss the vote-by-mail deadlines or chose not to vote by mail. This service will be available on Saturday, April 4 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at locations on every island except Niʻihau. The complete list of polling locations will be available on the Party's website hawaiidemocrats.org later in January.
THE NEXT MAUNA LOA ERUPTION and the 2018 Kīlauea eruption are the subjects of a talk that will be given on Thursday, Jan. 30, to close out the 11th annual Volcano Awareness month. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal and Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno will come to Ocean View Ocean View Community Center – 92-8924 Leilani Circle – from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The event will also focus on the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for Hawaiʻi Island, and comments from the community will be welcome at the meeting.
Neal and Magno will talk about the current status of Mauna Loa, hazards of future eruptions, experiences from Kīlauea 2018 eruption, preparing for next Mauna Loa eruption, and how communities can stay informed. The meeting is free and open to public. More info at "HVO News" at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/, (808) 967-8844, or askHVO@usgs.gov.
The event will also focus on the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for Hawaiʻi Island, and comments from the community will be welcome at the meeting.
Neal and Magno will talk about the current status of Mauna Loa, hazards of future eruptions, experiences from Kīlauea 2018 eruption, preparing for next Mauna Loa eruption, and how communities can stay informed. The meeting is free and open to public. More info at "HVO News" at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/, (808) 967-8844, or askHVO@usgs.gov.
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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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
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SATURDAY, JAN. 4
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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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ʻŌhiʻa Lehua, Sunday, Jan. 5, 9:30-11a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free. nps.gov/havo
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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
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Bookstore and Thrift Shop, Tuesday-Saturday, 8-11:30a.m. , and Sunday, 6:30-10a.m. , weekly, Cooper Center
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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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
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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 2, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m. , Volcano Art Center
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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
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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.
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
Soccer
Wrestling
Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm
Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA
Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm
Sat., Jan. 11 @HonokaʻaWrestling
Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe
Swimming
Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center
THURSDAY, JAN. 2
Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 9:30a.m. , Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road
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
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
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
Stewardship at the Summit 8:45a.m. -noon , meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center
Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 10-11a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
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
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
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
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Jan. 5 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park
or sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
or sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
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
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
Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 2, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 3, Tuesdays, Jan. 7-Feb. 4, 6:30-8p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Jan. 7– 1st Tuesday, monthly – 6-8p.m. , Pāhala Community Center
After Dark in the Park - Transitions: What's Next for HVO and the Volcanoes it Monitors?, Tuesday, Jan. 7, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8
Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Wednesday, Jan. 8 (Hilo ālehu State Office Building
ʻAi Pono: Healthy Hawaiian Foods, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10a.m. -noon , Kīlauea Visitor Center
Restoring Hope Group, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 – every Wednesday, monthly – 4-6p.m., PARENTS Inc. Office, Nā‘ālehu. For families with keiki ages ages 3-17. Free, dinner included. Registration required. For more info, 333-3460
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.
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