Apply for help paying for repairs of flash flooding damage to farms and ranches in Kaʻū. See details, below. Photo by Julia Neal |
The Hawaiʻi International Music Festival concert will be held Sunday March 8, 6:30 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House. The concert will feature music that will celebrate native plants of the Kaʻū Dryland Forest. Performers will be: Maya Hoover, Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at Universityof Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Jonathan Korth, Hawaiʻi based Pianist and Professor at UH-Mānoa; and Joshua Nakazawa, Cellist from Hawaiʻi Symphony. They will be joined by the three HIMF co-founders: Amy Shoremount-Obra, Internationally Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Soprano; Eric Silberger, Internationally Acclaimed Prize-Winning Virutuoso Violinist; and Carlin Ma, Multi-Media Artist and Pianist. Tickets are $30 and are available at kauconcert.bpt.me. See himusicfestival.com for more.
Operations Manager for the festival, Taylor Yasui, states, "We are excited to showcase the music and stories of acclaimed international and local artists, which adds to the unique and diverse musical landscape we have here in Hawaiʻi. Each year, HIMF strives to build upon our mission of presenting unique interdisciplinary classical music events and educational outreach programs for the community of Hawaiʻi."
Hoʻomalu is a community nonprofit based in Nāʻālehu, committed to protecting archaeological, cultural, and historical treasures of Ka‘ū. Its mission statement says the organization vows "to perpetuate, protect, and conserve the lands, knowledge, cultures and history of Kaʻū and its people." This mission statement inspired the donation of 14.992 acres of land on the main highway in the Manuka area of the District of Kaʻū, to the organization in 2011. The property contains a near-pristine Native Hawaiian dryland forest and is adjacent to the State of Hawaiʻi's Manuka Natural Area Reserve.
Board President Wendy Vance said that "Believing that education is one of the keys to involving people in conscientious conservation, this booklet was conceived as a guide to 15 of the dominant trees, shrubs and vines in the Hoʻomalu Kaʻū dryland forest. While there are many more species to be found in dryland forests throughout the islands, this booklet describes some of the many plants growing at the Hoʻomalu site located about 1,800 feet above sea level on Māmalahoa Highway near Kaʻū's border with South Kona. The Hawaiian name, the scientific name, plant description, Hawaiian medicinal uses, cultural information, and propagation techniques are included for each species."
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PRESIDENT'S DAY is a federal holiday, observed tomorrow across the U.S. Post offices, banks, and state and federal offices will be closed.
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Board President Wendy Vance said that "Believing that education is one of the keys to involving people in conscientious conservation, this booklet was conceived as a guide to 15 of the dominant trees, shrubs and vines in the Hoʻomalu Kaʻū dryland forest. While there are many more species to be found in dryland forests throughout the islands, this booklet describes some of the many plants growing at the Hoʻomalu site located about 1,800 feet above sea level on Māmalahoa Highway near Kaʻū's border with South Kona. The Hawaiian name, the scientific name, plant description, Hawaiian medicinal uses, cultural information, and propagation techniques are included for each species."
Hoʻomalu was recently awarded stewardship of the Kahua Olohu, the ancient Makahiki grounds in Nāʻālehu, acquired by the County of Hawaiʻūi through its Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund.
An additional 772 acres located in Kāwala ahupua‘a, Ka‘ū Moku, have been placed in a Conservation Easement dedicated in perpetuity to agricultural and cultural preservation uses. Hoʻomalu Kaʻū will co-hold the easement with The Aka Kahakai Trail Association.
Hoʻomalu's Board of Directors is comprised of: Wendy Scott-Vance, President; Charmaine Keanu, Vice President; Keoni Fox, Secretary/Treasurer; Willie Iaukea, Director; Lehua Lopez-Mau, Director and Blossom DeSilva, Director.
An additional 772 acres located in Kāwala ahupua‘a, Ka‘ū Moku, have been placed in a Conservation Easement dedicated in perpetuity to agricultural and cultural preservation uses. Hoʻomalu Kaʻū will co-hold the easement with The Aka Kahakai Trail Association.
Hoʻomalu's Board of Directors is comprised of: Wendy Scott-Vance, President; Charmaine Keanu, Vice President; Keoni Fox, Secretary/Treasurer; Willie Iaukea, Director; Lehua Lopez-Mau, Director and Blossom DeSilva, Director.
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.
PRESIDENT'S DAY is a federal holiday, observed tomorrow across the U.S. Post offices, banks, and state and federal offices will be closed.
Shawn Beckwith, 11th grader at Kaʻū High, will compete in the state championship for wrestling next weekend, on Oʻahu. Photo by Jazzmine Beckwith |
KAʻŪ HIGH WRESTLING TEAM MEMBER SHAWN BECKWITH HEADS TO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP on Oʻahu next weekend. Beckwith traveled to Konawaena on Feb. 8 to compete in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation wrestling tournament. Teammate Luke Wilson is also going to compete – see Friday'sKaʻū News Briefs.
Beckwith moved with his family from Kona to Nāʻālehu after his freshman year at Konawaena. His father, Justin Tooker, wons South Point Plumbing. His mother, Jazzmine Beckwith, told The Kaʻū Calendar that Shawn's "favorite part of playing is winning, and he is excited because he gets to go to states. He qualified because not many other kids were in his weight class. He lost his first match and won his second at BIIF, so he would have qualified regardless of wins." She said Shawn's hobbies are mainly wrestling, and other sports like soccer and judo. He owns a dirt bike that he rides quite frequently."
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HAWAIʻI COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS MAY BE ELIGIBLE for Emergency Conservation Program Assistance. An announcement from Hawaiʻi County Farm Service Agency states that farms and ranches suffering severe damage from flash flooding in the Pāhala and Windward areas of the County may be eligible for assistance under the Emergency Conservation Program, administered by FSA.
Flash flooding in Kaʻū last month was the highest on record since November of 2000. Photo by Julia Neal |
To be eligible, the natural disaster must create new conservation problems that, if untreated, would: be so costly to rehabilitate that Federal assistance is or will be needed to return the land to productive agricultural use; is unusual and is not the type that would recur frequently in the same area; and affected the productive capacity of the farmland impair or endanger the land.
A producer qualifying for ECP assistance may receive cost-share levels not to exceed 75 percent of the eligible cost of restoration measures. Eligible socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers can receive up to 90 percent of the eligible cost of restoration. No producer is eligible for more than $500,000 cost sharing per natural disaster occurrence.
The following types of measures may be eligible: removing debris from farmland; grading, shaping, or releveling severely damaged farmland; and restoring permanent fences; restoring conservation structures and other similar installations.
Producers who have suffered a loss from a natural disaster may contact the local FSA County Office and request assistance today through Friday, March 13. To be eligible for assistance, practices must not be started until all of the following are met: an application for cost-share assistance has been filed; the local FSA County Committee or its representative has conducted an onsite inspection of the damaged area; and the Agency responsible for technical assistance, such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service, has made a needs determination, which may include cubic yards of earthmoving, etc., required for rehabilitation.
For more information about ECP, please contact FSA at 808-933-8381 or visit fsa.usda.gov/hi.
The FSA Hawaiʻi County Committee is comprised of Michelle Galimba, Chair; Charles Onaka, Vice Chair; and Roger Uchima, Member. The next meeting will be held Friday, March 13 at 9 a.m. Contact the office to confirm meeting date and time, as budget constraints may limit the committee's ability to meet each month.
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ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN for the Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance and Society for Conservation Biology, Oceania , joint conference, Ola Ka ʻĀina Momona: Managing for Abundance. The conference will be held Monday, Aug. 31 through Thursday, Sept. 3 at Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu .
Students are "strongly encourage" to submit an abstract. "This is a great opportunity to participate in a professional conference in Honolulu ." Students will be eligible for awards with cash prizes. Scholarships are also available for students to greatly reduce registration fees and provide travel stipends for neighbor island residents.
Abstract submissions from working professionals are also welcome.
Abstracts are due Friday, Feb. 28.
The Conference Organizing Committee is soliciting abstract for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations under the following six tracks: Cultural Values and Practice in Conservation, Capacity in Conservation; Global Change & Challenges; Putting Research into Practice; New Technologies and Research in Conservation; and Place-based Conservation.
"Integrated, multi-disciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches to research and management are increasingly relying on community involvement, founded on multiple knowledge systems, and emphasizing biocultural knowledge. Proposals that demonstrate these innovative approaches are highly encouraged," states the announcement. See the Call for Proposals for full descriptions and to submit.
THE LAST DAY OF THE 28TH ANNUAL PANAʻEWA STAMPEDE RODEO is tomorrow, Monday, Feb. 17 at the Panaʻewa Equestrian Center on the Kaʻū side of Hilo . The Hawaiʻi Horse Owners' event will feature horse races at 9 a.m. , with the rodeo beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets are $8 pre-sale, $10 at the gate, free for keiki 12 and under.
See Kaʻū paniolo and paniola, rodeo clowns, cultural and historical displays, leather and saddle making exhibits, and food and craft booths will be on offer. See HawaiiRodeoStampede.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.
THURSDAY, FEB. 20
2020 U.S. Census Workshop, Thursday, Feb. 20,5 p.m. to 6 p.m. , Pāhala Gym Multipurpose room. Dinner and light refreshments will be provided. Census takers pay is $20/hour. Gas is reimbursable. Eligible applicants will be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security Number, and pass a criminal and background check. Those with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will have their Census income counted as exempt. See 2020census.gov/en/jobs.html for more and to apply.
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.
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
Wrestling
Fri., Feb. 21 HHSAA
Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. , @Waiakea
Wednesday, March 11, 3 p.m. , @Konawaena
Boys Baseball
Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m. , host HPA
Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m. . @Waiakea
Boys Volleyball
Friday, Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m. , Preseason at Christian Liberty
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. , host Christian Liberty
Judo
Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. . @Kealakehe
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m. , @Konawaena
UPCOMING
MONDAY, FEB. 17 – President's Day
AdvoCATS, Monday, Feb. 17, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , Ocean View Community Center . Free spay/neuter for cats. Reserve spot in advance. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
TUESDAY, FEB. 18
Keiki O Palehua ʻOhana Meeting on Childcare and Education for Keiki of Kaʻū Coffee Pickers, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room at 96-1219 Kamani St. in Pāhala. Organizer Laura Diaz said special guests aiming to help with the project will be Glenn Sako of county Department of Research & Development and Daniel Goya, of Partners in Development Foundation. Diaz said, "We need your input, ideas, and support to move forward with this program ; we're ready to open doors but need everyone's cooperation to do it." Keiki O Palehua ʻOhana is designed to help the Marshallese community care for young children while working on Kaʻū Coffee farms.
Panaʻewa Stampede, through Monday, Feb. 17. Rodeo begins at 11 a.m. on Monday, with horse races held at 9 a.m. at Panaʻewa Equestrian Center just outside of Hilo . Rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island will be joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. Tickets are $8 pre-sale, $10 at the gate, free for keiki 12 and under. HawaiiRodeoStampede.com
Keiki O Palehua ʻOhana Meeting on Childcare and Education for Keiki of Kaʻū Coffee Pickers, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room at 96-1219 Kamani St. in Pāhala. Organizer Laura Diaz said special guests aiming to help with the project will be Glenn Sako of county Department of Research & Development and Daniel Goya, of Partners in Development Foundation. Diaz said, "We need your input, ideas, and support to move forward with this program ; we're ready to open doors but need everyone's cooperation to do it." Keiki O Palehua ʻOhana is designed to help the Marshallese community care for young children while working on Kaʻū Coffee farms.
Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp Short Film, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m. , Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park . The special After Dark in the Park program will address Japanese American internment during World War II. Following the movie, National Park Service Archeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura will discuss the experience and subsequent detention of Japanese Americans here following the December 7, 1941 , attack on Pearl Harbor . For more information on Japanese American confinement during World War II, visit nps.gov/subjects/internment/index.htm.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19
Concert with Christy Lassiter & Friends, Wednesday, Feb. 19; seating begins at 6:30 p.m. , concert starts at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. This talented trio plays traditional Hawaiian music and have performed together for several years. They are devoted to the perpetuation of the old Hawaiian songs they grew up hearing in their homes. The use of guitar, ‘ukulele, bass and three-part harmonies create a memorable and enjoyable musical experience. Part of the Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) Hawaiian music concert program. Free; Park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
THURSDAY, FEB. 20
2020 U.S. Census Workshop, Thursday, Feb. 20,
FRIDAY, FEB. 21
Mardi Gras Dinner Fundraiser for St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Friday, Feb. 21, Paradise Circle-Mauka. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dinner includes Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Cornbread, Drink, and Dessert. Tickets at the door, $8 per person, $15 for two, and $20 for family.
Free CERT Basic Training, four Saturdays starting Feb. 22 through March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center . Community Emergency Response Team encourages community participation and provides support to emergency response organizations when the need arises. Four consecutive classes are a 27-hour FEMA certification course. Sign up by emailing hawaiicert@gmail.com. Bill Hanson, 808-937-2181, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/hawai-i-county-cert.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's 12th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament and Canned Food Drive, Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration open through Wednesday, Feb. 19 at noon . 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 , Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nāʻālehu, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Bring one can per person for food drive. For more information, contact Guy Enriques at 808-217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 808-937-4773. okaukakou.org
ONGOING
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.
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. 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, PāhalaElementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nāʻālehu, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Bring one can per person for food drive. For more information, contact Guy Enriques at 808-217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 808-937-4773. okaukakou.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.
Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.
Register for Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes. Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.
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
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
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. 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, PāhalaElementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nāʻālehu, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Bring one can per person for food drive. For more information, contact Guy Enriques at 808-217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 808-937-4773. okaukakou.org
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 . Community Emergency Response Team encourages community participation and provides support to emergency response organizations when the need arises. Four consecutive classes are a 27-hour FEMA certification course. Sign up by emailing hawaiicert@gmail.com. Bill Hanson, 808-937-2181, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/hawai-i-county-cert.
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.
Performers will include: Maya Hoover , Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Jonathan Korth, Hawaiʻi based Pianist and Professor at UH-Mānoa; and Joshua Nakazawa, Cellist from Hawaiʻi Symphony. They will be joined by the three HIMF co-founders: Amy Shoremount-Obra, Internationally Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Soprano; Eric Silberger, Internationally Acclaimed Prize-Winning Virutuoso Violinist; and Carlin Ma, Multi-Media Artist and Pianist.
Register for Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes. Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.
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.