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| See the drone footage taken by University of Hawaiʻi researchers with a permit from NOAA, showing a humpback whale calf shortly after birth. Video from University of Hawaiʻi. |
Humpback whale season in Hawaiʻi runs from about November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months. Thousands of humpback whales return to Hawaiian waters each year to breed, give birth, and nurse their young.
With recent reports of multiple mother/calf pairs in Hawaiʻi, ocean users are reminded to keep a safe distance from these annual visitors. Collisions with vessels are a risk to both the animals and humans.
Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times throughout the year, not just when whales are visiting Hawaiian waters. An extra set of eyes scanning the waters ahead and to the side of a boat can prevent collisions with marine life, obstructions, divers, and other vessels. Slower speeds may also reduce the risk of collisions with the animals.
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| Humpback mother and calf within 20 minutes of birth last year, as captured by a crew from University of Hawaiʻi. Photo from University of Hawaiʻi |
Ed Lyman, Natural Resources Specialist for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, said, "Ocean users are a great resource in helping monitor the humpback whales in the sanctuary and nearby waters. By locating distressed animals, reporting, and providing the initial documentation and assessment on the animal, ocean users are the foundation of our conservation efforts."
The National Marine Sanctuary staff urges those who come across an injured or entangled marine mammal to maintain the required safe distance and call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline at 1-888-256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF channel 16. If reporting a suspected approach zone violation, call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaiʻi through the Division of Aquatic Resources. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. See Facebook.
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| Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will receive a half million dollar upgrade in its air cleaning, cooling, and heating system, with installation from March into summer. NPS photo |
Work on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) project is scheduled to start in early March with a completion date in summer 2020, although dates are subject to change. Visitors and tour operators will
Tentative dates are below with updates on the park website:
March 4 – 25, 2020: The Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association park store in Kīlauea Visitor Center will close and relocate to an alternate location nearby. Details such as location and operating hours will be shared once they are finalized.
March 16 – 20: New front doors will be installed, visitors may be directed to enter and exit Kīlauea Visitor Center through the auditorium door.
March 26 – June 30: The auditorium will be closed, but the visitor center will remain open. Park films, including Born of Fire, Born of the Sea, will not be shown. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will continue to be shown on a television in the exhibits area, and is available online for free download. Some After Dark in the Park and other special auditorium programs will be rescheduled, or relocated to Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus.
In addition to providing a comfortable temperature in the most-visited facility in the park, the new HVAC system will be equipped with air purifiers that reduce sulfur dioxide and other harmful volcanic gases when Kīlauea erupts again.
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| Infographic from ballbearingsmag.com |
ADDRESSING THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF BULLYING by servicing needs of the homeless and LGBTQIA+ communities is the focus of three bills introduced into the 2020 Hawai‘i Legislature. Rep. Ryan Yamane introduced the following:
HB2038 would establishes a two-year mobile facilities pilot program for the Department of Human Services to purchase, staff, and operate mobile facilities on Department of Education property to provide services including laundry, showers, oral hygiene, and food for homeless children and their family members. The bill passed the House Human Services & Homelessness and Lower & Higher Education committees last Thursday.
HB2483 is about bullying and requires all entities that provide educational or recreational activities to youths to establish, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures on bullying, harassment, and retaliation, and provide staff with appropriate annual training, regardless of whether the entity receives any government funding. The bill passed the House Human Services & Homelessness and Lower & Higher Education committees last Thursday.
HB2037 establishes the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission and the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission Trust Fund. The bill passed the House Committee on Human Services & Homelessness on Wednesday.
Yamane said, "My commitment to tackling the issue of bullying has led me to discover that the two groups most frequently targeted in these acts are members of the homeless population and of the LGBTQ+ community. We have talked to students and community members who share our deep concerns of the impact of bullying on our children. I hope these measures will help ensure our children have a safe place to learn, play, and grow.
Michael Golojuch, Jr., Chair of the LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, said, "Far too often when people look at bullying it is only addressed after the fact but with these bills they look at how to try to stop bullying before it starts and address the causes. They address the needs of Hawaiʻi's most vulnerable community the homeless to LGBTQIA+ community. We at the LGBT Caucus are really appreciative of Representative Yamane's leadership in introducing these bills."
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| The inaugural Volcano's Ōhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon donated a potion of its proceeds to research on Rapid Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. Photo from Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon |
The Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. , with the other distances to follow shortly after. The Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on the grounds where the other races begin. The race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa .
Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
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| Baby ʻōhiʻa were given as prizes to overall and age group winners at last year's race. Photo from Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon |
All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 inHilo ; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in
Last year, overall and age group winners won baby ʻōhiʻa trees as their prizes.
See webscorer.com/register?raceid=206844&fbclid=IwAR3oW9xsDz-C-e9yba1vSHNLczaaL86d2osh__CkWrJKdGnCkc5piQEL2kUto register.
The race is held the same weekend as the second annual Experience Volcano Festival, which hosts an array of events spanning the whole of Volcano Area, from Akatsuka Orchid Gardens Volcano Village
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7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center
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ranger, Diana Miller. From her early days as an art major, to her career with the U.S. Air Force painting nose-art on aircraft, to her works celebrating native Hawai‘i, learn what inspires this local artist. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5
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SUNDAY, FEB. 9
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 Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, bi-weekly, and weekly recurring events. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.
Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball
Wed. thru Sat., Feb. 5-8 HHSAA on Oʻahu
Boys Basketball
Tue. and Wed., Feb. 4 and 5 BIIF @ Kealakehe
Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 HHSAA on Oʻahu
Soccer
Wed. thru Sat., Feb. 5-8 Girls HHSAA on Oʻahu
Sat., Feb. 1 and 8 Boys BIIF
Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 Boys HHSAA on Oʻahu
Wrestling
Sat., Feb. 8 BIIF @Konawaena
Fri. and Sat., Feb. 21 and 22 HHSAA
Swimming
Fri. and Sat., Feb. 14 and 15 on Maui
UPCOMING
TUESDAY, FEB. 4
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5
OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Wednesdays beginning Feb. 5, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., mauka on Hwy 11 at the old Nāʻālehu Fruit Stand and future home of the Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.
THURSDAY, FEB. 6
Hula Voices, Thursday, Feb. 6, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Presents an engaging, intimate talk story session with Hawai‘i Island kumu hula and features Volcano musician Joe Camacho. volcanoartcenter.org
FRIDAY, FEB. 7
Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū - Community Mtg. andMembership Drive 6:30 p.m. at the
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Nāʻālehu Community Center. Topics include revival of annual Prince Kūhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa, to be held Saturday, March 28 at Nāʻālehu Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature music and hula, food, arts and crafts, and Hawaiian cultural activities. Anyone wanting to be a vendor, host a booth, and become a member should also come to the meeting. The annual membership dues are $10 per person or organization. Contact Terry-Lee Shibuya at terrylshibuya@gmail.com or treasurer Kehau Ke at hunneygurl15@gmail.com.
Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū - Community Mtg. and
SATURDAY, FEB. 8
16th Annual Love the Arts Volcano Arts Center Fundraiser Gala, Saturday, Feb. 8, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Theme is The Roaring 2020s, highlighted by unique decorations, decadent food, fine wines and beer, and dancing. Features appearances by members of Harmony on Tap and opera singer D'Andrea Pelletier. Live and silent auctions: bid on artwork, jewelry, hotel stays, restaurants, local products, services, and gift certificates to businesses and attractions. Tickets $70, $65 VAC Members. Purchase at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus in the village or Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Kaʻū Clean-Up with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, Sunday, Feb. 9, and Saturday, March 21. Volunteer spaces limited. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
ONGOING
Beginning Improv for Adults, Thursday, through Feb. 13, 1 p.m. to 3 p.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
Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning, Volcano Art Center Gallery exhibit, featuring the works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins, continues daily,9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , through Feb. 16. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū, Thursday afternoons, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. , through Feb 20, Kaʻū Resource Center, 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pāhala. The free class series on Chronic Kidney Disease lead by retired kidney doctor Ramona Wong. Bring a pen and whomever cares/cooks/shops for the person(s) with CKD. See alohakidney.com. Call (808) 585-8404 to enroll.
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
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Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, Sunday March 8, 6:30 p.m. , Pāhala Plantation House. The concert will feature music that will celebrate native plants of the Kaʻū Dryland Forest and will raise funds for Hoʻomalu Kaʻū.
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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 p.m. to 4:30 pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.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
Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning, Volcano Art Center Gallery exhibit, featuring the works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins, continues daily,
Register for a Free CERT Basic Training Course, four Saturdays starting Feb. 22 through March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center
Register for ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's 12th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament and Canned Food Drive through Wednesday, Feb. 19 at noon . Event takes place Saturday, Feb.
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22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Poles, gear, and bait, and lunch for all, provided. Each child receives a prize, chosen during registration, in the order they register; register early. Keiki one to 14 years old register online at okaukakou.org, or pick up form at Nāʻālehu Elementary School, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School
Clay – High Fire!, Sunday, through Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. 8-week morning or afternoon pottery series with Erik Wold. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
Performers will include: Maya Hoover , Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org
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.
