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Employees of the Federal Highway Administration and National Park Service plan repairs to the road leading to Kīlauea Overlook. NPS photo |
REPAIRS TO INFRASTRUCTURE TORN APART BY 2018 EARTHQUAKES in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
The work is a big step toward restoring visitor access to sections of the Park. Closed for public safety since May 2018 are Crater Rim Drive and Crater Rim Trail between Kīlauea Military Camp and Kīlauea Overlook. Waldron Ledge and Crater Rim Trail, a.k.a. Earthquake Trail, between Volcano House and Kīlauea Iki are also closed. Other repair sites include the five-mile section of Hilina Pali Road from Kulanaokuaiki Campground to Hilina Pali Overlook currently closed to vehicles, the road to the Park's water catchment system, pavement near the entrance station, and Chain of Craters Road.
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Park employees were able to repair areas like this sink hole near Trail Marker 4 on Kīlauea Iki Trail. NPS photo |
Work is expected to finish this summer. Funding comes from Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads and Trails Fund, Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019, and the Federal Lands Transportation Program.
Extended closures of Chain of Craters Road below Puhimau Crater parking area and Hilina Pali Road of up to three weeks are anticipated during the work, but specific dates have not been set. All repair-related closures in the Park will be communicated to the public in advance.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Acting Superintendent Rhonda Loh said, "We're very excited to see this project moving forward. There's been a lot of planning and preparation to get to this point. When complete, the road and trail repairs will restore access to some truly spectacular views and unique backcountry experiences. We thank the public for their patience as we continue with park disaster recovery efforts."
Additional disaster recovery continues in the Park, which sustained significant damage from the 60,000 earthquakes that shook Kīlauea between April 30 and Aug. 4, 2018 . The Park's recovery progress is regularly updated on the park website at nps.gov/havo/recovery.htm.
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| Randy Cabral supported Mayor Harry Kim's veto on the County Council ban on using pesticides on county lands. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Bill 101 would have barred use of 23 herbicides, including Roundup, in Hawaiʻi County parks, roads, bikeways, sidewalks, trails, drainageways, and waterways.
Mayor Harry Kim vetoed Bill 101 in December, explaining that he had "regulatory, operational, and other concerns." He said the county "does not have the level of expertise to identify herbicides as causing 'high risk of exposure,' as 'dangerous chemicals,' or as 'harmful chemicals.'"
The council listened to one hour of testimony before casting votes today. The majority of speakers urged the council to override the veto. Among them was Randy Cabral, statewide President of the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Kaʻū rancher, and former manager of macadamia orchards and their processing plant in Pāhala.Cabral said that farmers are hurting in countries that banned the targeted herbicides. He said that recent national studies showed that pesticides can be safe and that people should be trained to use them. He said pesticides protect the watershed, public health, and crops, and said he feared the ban would lead to a ban of all pesticides. He also talked about the fiscal implication of the cost to taxpayers for maintaining roads and other public places without pesticides.
Some spoke with emotion, saying that loved ones lost their lives due to herbicide exposure. At least one spoke about the harm herbicides can do to bees. One woman said she was proud of mothers who recently came together to weed a public space. She said she didn't know any mothers who would want herbicides around their children.
Joseph DeFrank spoke in favor of continued use of the herbicides, saying that he has prepared roadways to be planted with native Hawaiian plants by using some of the herbicides the bill would ban. He also said his research, funded by tax dollars, would be worthless if the bill passed, and that the "potential loss of lives" if the bill passed would be caused by county workers spending more time along roadsides, "a dangerous place to work," he stated.
See the testimonies at bigislandvideonews.com/2020/01/08/council-vote-fails-to-override-veto-on-herbicide-use-ban/.
FREE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM BASIC TRAINING will be held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hilo , starting Jan. 11 through Feb. 1, and at Ocean View Community Center
Bill Hanson, administrative officer for Hawaiʻi Island CERT, told The Kaʻū Calendar the training helps people "learn to face an emergency in a calm, cool, logical manner." He said another important thing is to learn about emergency communications. He said there are courses to obtain an amateur radio operator technician license, learn how to do damage assessment after a disaster, or learn how to do hands-only CPR, "which is gaining popularity and is a skill we would like everyone to know." He said there are more courses available to residents and businesses, all of which are free. A radio course is set for six Thursdays, starting Feb. 6 in The CERT Program provides residents and businesses with the basics in how to properly prepare and respond to an emergency at home, at work, or in the community.
Hawai‘i Island has 11 of the 13 climate zones of the world and Hawai‘i County leads all 3,140 U.S. counties in multi hazards potential, with Kaʻū ranking very high on that list. Residents and businesses should be prepared, CERT addresses those needs, states the website, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/hawai-i-county-cert.
Training through the CERT Program provides a learning platform in: basic disaster response, fire safety, light rescue, team and responder coordination, and basic medical care. Using the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom and reinforcing those modules with practical application through role playing and exercises, the CERT Program provides fundamental skills and understanding to make meaningful decisions in responding to incidents in the community, workplace, or home.
CERT encourages community participation and provides support to emergency response organizations when the need arises.
Basic CERT training is a 27-hour FEMA certification course. Class attendance requires personal commitment as the course takes 4 consecutive Saturdays to complete.
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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| USGS HVO records all earthquakes in Kaʻū. Red and orange epicenter dots are from quakes that have happened within the last two days. USGS HVO image |
HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS for Kaʻū are expected to last through Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service. The Flash Flood watch is in effect from tomorrow at 6 a.m. through Saturday at 7 p.m. The Wind Advisory is in effect through tomorrow at 6 p.m. The High Surf advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. on Friday.
TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL traveled to Kohala yesterday to face off with the Cowboys in a Varsity game. Kaʻū came away with 24, but Kohala took the game with 48.
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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Beginning Improv for Adults, Thursday, Jan. 9 through Feb. 13, 1-3p.m. Learn to live more in the moment, think on your feet, let go of self-judgment, bring more joy in your life, and recapture your playful spirit in the 6-week workshop series with improv legend Keli Semelsberger. Attendance to all 6 classes is not required – classes may be attended individually. No prior experience is necessary. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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FRIDAY, JAN. 10
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Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Jan. 12 and 26 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m. , Volcano Art Center
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Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Jan. 14 – second Tuesday, Monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
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WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15
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
Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa
Tue., Jan. 14 host Konawaena
Thu., Jan.16 @Kealakehe
Boys Basketball
Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena
Mon., Jan. 13 host Hilo
Wed., Jan. 15 host Kealakehe
Soccer
Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa
Wed., Jan. 15 @Konawaena
Wrestling
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe
Swimming
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center
UPCOMING
THURSDAY, JAN. 9
A Walk Through Kīlauea Volcano's Summit History, Thursday, Jan. 9, Friday, Jan. 17, Wednesday, Jan. 22, Saturday, Jan. 25, 8-10a.m., Devastation Trail Parking Lot. Join USGS HVO scientist emeritus Don Swanson on a two-hour walk. Learn about the past 500 years of Kīlauea Volcano's history. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Jan. 9 – second Thursday, monthly – 6:30p.m. , United Methodist Church
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Jan. 10 – second Friday, monthly – 9a.m. -noon , Ocean View Community Center
SATURDAY, JAN. 11
Nā Mamo o Kāwā Community Access Day, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – gates open 6a.m.-6p.m., Kāwā. All cars must park at end of road fronting Kāwā Flats. Dogs must be on leash. No driving through fish pond. 557-1433, nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Swap Meet, Saturday, Jan. 11 and 25 – second and fourth Saturday, monthly – 8-12:30p.m., Cooper Center in Volcano. thecoopercenter.org
Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning Exhibit, Saturday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 16, daily, 9a.m.-5p.m. Volcano Art Gallery features works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins. Join the artists for an opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 7p.m. Live woodturning demonstration will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 11a.m.-2p.m. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Stained Glass Basics I with Claudia McCall, Saturday, Jan. 11, 18, and 25, 9a.m.-1p.m. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Hike the Path on Mauna Loa's 1868 Lava Flow, Saturday, Jan. 11, 10a.m.-1p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. RCUH-HVO geologists Katie Mulliken and Lil DeSmither lead this guided hike along the Pu‘u o Lokuana trail. Free; bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo
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Zentangle Embedded: It Grows Like Coral!, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Creative tangle techniques inspired by Gustav Klimt and Keith Haring. Art supplies provided. Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Hula Kahiko - Kumu Kapuaikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a Nā Kumu Pelehonuamea Harman & Kekoa Harman with Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo and Nā Mea Hula with Loke Kamanu & ʻOhana, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
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Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Hula Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Sounds at the Summit: Muriel Anderson Live in Concert, Saturday, Jan. 11, 6:30p.m. The guitarist/harp-guitarist leads a journey in music and stories, with a backdrop of visuals artfully compiled by award-winning photo-artist, Bryan Allen. Tickets available online or at any VAC location. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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Girls Night Out Band, Saturday, Jan. 11, 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. 12
SATURDAY, JAN. 11
Nā Mamo o Kāwā Community Access Day, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – gates open 6a.m.-6p.m., Kāwā. All cars must park at end of road fronting Kāwā Flats. Dogs must be on leash. No driving through fish pond. 557-1433, nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Swap Meet, Saturday, Jan. 11 and 25 – second and fourth Saturday, monthly – 8-12:30p.m., Cooper Center in Volcano. thecoopercenter.org
Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning Exhibit, Saturday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 16, daily, 9a.m.-5p.m. Volcano Art Gallery features works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins. Join the artists for an opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 7p.m. Live woodturning demonstration will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 11a.m.-2p.m. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Stained Glass Basics I with Claudia McCall, Saturday, Jan. 11, 18, and 25, 9a.m.-1p.m. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Second Saturday in Volcano Village, Saturday, Jan. 11 - second Saturday, monthly - 10a.m.- 4p.m . Each month, the entire Volcano area hosts a wide array of entertaining, engaging, educational, and delicious activities from Free family fun, open to the public. For more details and information, call (808)985-8979 or visit experiencevolcano.com, volcanogardenarts.com, or cafeono.net.
Hike the Path on Mauna Loa's 1868 Lava Flow, Saturday, Jan. 11, 10a.m.-1p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. RCUH-HVO geologists Katie Mulliken and Lil DeSmither lead this guided hike along the Pu‘u o Lokuana trail. Free; bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo
Hula Kahiko - Kumu Kapuaikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a Nā Kumu Pelehonuamea Harman & Kekoa Harman with Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo and Nā Mea Hula with Loke Kamanu & ʻOhana, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
House Concert and Silent Auction Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Fundraiser, Saturday, Jan. 11, 6-9p.m. , 19-3938 Keonelehua Ave. off Wright Rd in Volcano Village Cooper Center
Entertainment will include Americana and World Music by Anomaly, Virtuoso Guitarist and Violinist, Lauren and Loren. $20 suggested donation includes heavy pūpū and refreshments, BYOB. Tickets available hawaiicountydemocrats.org/bw2020. For further information contact Ann Oshiro-Kauwe, 808-282-3107.Sounds at the Summit: Muriel Anderson Live in Concert, Saturday, Jan. 11, 6:30p.m. The guitarist/harp-guitarist leads a journey in music and stories, with a backdrop of visuals artfully compiled by award-winning photo-artist, Bryan Allen. Tickets available online or at any VAC location. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
SUNDAY, JAN. 12
Puʻu o Lukuana, Sunday, Jan. 12, 9:30-11a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, .4 mile hike. Bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo
Sunday Walk in the Park: Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, Sunday, Jan. 12 – second Saturday, monthly – 10a.m. -noon , meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center Volcanoes National Park
TUESDAY, JAN. 14
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesday, Jan. 14 and 28 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 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
Empower Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 14 and 28 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805
After Dark in the Park – What's Happening at Kīlauea Volcano's Summit 7-8p.m. , Kīlauea Visitor Center Kīlauea ’s summit? Could explosive activity return? What is known about the water lake? How is it monitored? Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists Matt Patrick and Tricia Nadeau as they answer these questions and more. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Jan. 15 – third Wednesday, monthly – 12:30-1:30p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
Family Reading Night, Wednesday, Jan. 15 – third Tuesday, monthly – 6-7p.m. , Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free,
ONGOING
Deadline to Sign Up for Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū is Friday, Jan. 10. Classes run Thursday afternoons, 1-3:30p.m. , Jan. 16 through Feb 20, at Kaʻū Resource Center, 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pāhala. The free class series on Chronic Kidney Disease is lead by retired kidney doctor Ramona Wong. Bring a pen and whomever cares/cooks/shops for the person(s) with CKD. Enroll online at alohakidney.com or call (808) 585-8404.
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Apply for Mosaics of Science by Monday, Feb. 3. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's 12-week paid summer internship position is designed to engage university students and recent graduates with on-the-ground work experience in the National Park Service. A $4,800 stipend, and all travel costs are covered, including a week-long career workshop in Washington , D.C. ![]()
T-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
Apply for Mosaics of Science by Monday, Feb. 3. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's 12-week paid summer internship position is designed to engage university students and recent graduates with on-the-ground work experience in the National Park Service. A $4,800 stipend, and all travel costs are covered, including a week-long career workshop in The internship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents ages 18-30, and to military veterans up to age 35. Funding is provided under a cooperative agreement for youth conservation activities as part of the Public Lands Corps program, which mandates that these age ranges are followed.
The selected intern will assist with the development of education curriculum for Kīpukapuaulu and Pu‘u Loa trails in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
For more information, contact Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Education Specialist Jody Anastasio by email at jody_anastasio@nps.gov. To apply go to go.nps.gov/mosaics or mosaicsinscience.org.
For more information, contact Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Education Specialist Jody Anastasio by email at jody_anastasio@nps.gov. To apply go to go.nps.gov/mosaics or mosaicsinscience.org.
T-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, 345-0511Tūtū & 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.
