 |
Nearly cloudless skies and a strong breeze accompanies keiki and their families at Saturday during the annual OKK Keiki Fishing Tournament and Canned Food Drive. Photo by Shalan Crysdale |
 |
| Volunteer removing the hook and measuring the fish. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
First place for Largest Āholehole went to Zy Sanchez, second place went to Makamae Parent, and third went to Alakai Baji.
First place for Largest Kupipi went to Hokulani Cariaga-Pascual and second went to Derek Higashi.
 |
Zy Sanchez took first place for Largest Āholehole. OKK photo |
First place for Largest Hinaleʻa went to Chesney-Jo Hara and second went to Kaimana Kawaʻauhau-Young.
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.
 |
Chesney-Jo Hara took first place for Largest Hinaleʻa. OKK photo |
BANNING USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS FOR THOSE UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE is a measure that could still have life in the Hawaiʻi Legislature this year. Introduced by west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, House Bill 2507 HD1 would have fined first offenders $500.
 |
Hokulani Cariaga-Pascual took first place for Largest Kupipi. OKK photo |
The bill passed the house Committee on Health and a reading on the floor of the House of Representatives. However, it languished, without further required hearings before a Feb. 14 deadline to pass it over to the Senate. According to Creagan, the bill still has hope and could come back to life with amendments.
In 2016, Hawaiʻi was the first state to make use of tobacco products illegal for those under 21, leading to other states, counties, and cities raising the legal age. The federal government adopted the 21-year old minimum last December for the entire country.
A bill to ban flavored tobacco products, except menthol and tobacco flavors, Senate Bill 2903, passed the state Senate Committee on Ways & Means on Friday.
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.
HIKING MINIMUM WAGE AND TAX BENEFITS FOR WORKING FAMILIES are aims of a bill in the state House of Representatives. HB 2541 HD1 passed through the House Committee on Labor & Public Employment and the Committee on Finance on Friday. It moves on to the full House for second reading.
 |
| Keiki concentrate on their casting with handpoles on Saturday. Photo by Shalan Crysdale |
 |
Arabella Ortega took first place for Largest Poʻo Paʻa.OKK photo |
 |
| Rylan Egusa took Most Fish. OKK photo |
Read more at: Working Class Economic Support Package, Star Advertiser Editorial: Working Families Need More Relief.
House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke said this bill is one of several bills to address Hawaiʻi's cost of living obstacles for working class families and individuals. "In this package of bills which deals with affordable housing, child care and minimum wage, what we are trying to do is take care of the working families," she said.
 |
| Volunteers hand out poles, bucket, and bait to keiki as old as 14 on Saturday, for the annual catch and release event. Photo by Shalan Crysdale |
 |
Makamae Parent second first place for Largest Āholehole.OKK photo |
THE FOURTH FATAL SMALL AIRCRAFT CRASH IN THE STATE in the last year, killed two pilots in a single engine Cessna used to taxi glider planes into air. The Saturday morning crash at Dillingham Airfield on Oʻahu sparked responses from U.S. Congressman Ed Case and U.S. Sen Brian Schatz.
Case said, "It's unbelievable that our island community has suffered now a fourth fatal tragedy involving a tour helicopter/small aircraft in less than a year. I again join with the rest of Hawai‘i in extending my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who were lost in this morning's incident.
 |
Derek Higashi took second place for Largest Kupipi. OKK photo |
 |
Kaimana Kawaʻauhau-Young took second place for Largest Hinaleʻa. OKK photo |
 |
Kendrick Saplan took second place for Largest Poʻo Paʻa.OKK photo |
 |
Evan Bebeau took third place for Largest Poʻo Paʻa. OKK photo |
 |
Alakai Baji took third place for Largest Āholehole. OKK photo |
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.
TRAILBLAZERS: BUFFALO 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Buffalo Soldiers were among the first caretakers of U.S. national parks. Park founders like Thomas Jaggar, geologist for Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, knew they couldn't build a national park alone. African American soldiers, nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers, were instrumental in building and protecting many national parks, including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Ben Hayes is the Chief of Interpretation and Education at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in history and began his NPS career as a volunteer in 2006.
Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (uphill) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Coffee will be available for purchase or attendees are welcome to bring their own. See nps.gov for more.
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.
ST. JUDE'S MARDI GRAS DINNER FUNDRAISER will be held Friday, Feb. 28 at the church, 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.
LITTLE FIRE ANT WORKSHOP for commercial coffee, fruit, and nut growers will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kona Cooperative Extension Service Conference Room, 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua. Registration is required as the class is limited to 30 participants.
University of Hawaiʻi
Wasmannia auropunctata, states UH-CTAHR, are "vicious little ants with a sting that can leave you in pain. They can be found in the home, in nearly any crack or crevice, or on the farm, in trees where they have been known to 'rain down' on people, causing serious welts and long lasting discomfort. If not controlled, LFA can become a major agricultural pest. They can infest fields, where they can damage crops and sting workers."
Participants who suspect LFA are on their farm are asked to bring in a frozen/dead sample. Ants should be collected in a jar or plastic container with a tight lid, frozen for at least two days, and be labeled with name, collection location, and contact information.
Register at hawaiicoffeeed.com/lfa (preferred) or contact Matt at 808-322-0164 by Monday, Feb. 24. Participants will be given a free LFA sampling kit.
 |
| Despite their small size, only 1/16th of an inch, Little Fire Ants are a danger to humans, livestock, and plants. UH-CTAHR photo |
Participants who suspect LFA are on their farm are asked to bring in a frozen/dead sample. Ants should be collected in a jar or plastic container with a tight lid, frozen for at least two days, and be labeled with name, collection location, and contact information.
Those who register and are unable to make the workshop, please contact Matt at 808-322-0164 or Andrea at andreak@hawaii.edu as soon as possible to give someone else the opportunity to attend.
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.
 |
| Queensland Longhorn Beetle |
To participate in the survey, click here.
The invasive beetle, known by the official name Acalolepta aesthetica, is causing extensive damage to such trees as ulu- breadfruit, cacao and kukui trees by burrowing through their trunks, and ultimately killing them. The insect poses a threat to Hawai‘iIsland 's growing number of cacao farmers, and endangers culturally important plants such as kukui and breadfruit trees. If the beetle spreads to the U.S. mainland, it would pose a direct threat to the $3.85 billion citrus industry, stated U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.
The invasive beetle, known by the official name Acalolepta aesthetica, is causing extensive damage to such trees as ulu- breadfruit, cacao and kukui trees by burrowing through their trunks, and ultimately killing them. The insect poses a threat to Hawai‘i
 |
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 Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. , @Waiakea
Wednesday, March 11, 3 p.m. , @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. , host Kealakehe
Boys Baseball
Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m. , host HPA
Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m. . @Waiakea
Tuesday, March 10, 1 p.m. , @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m. , host Kealakehe
Boys Volleyball
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. , host Christian Liberty
Wednesday, March, 6 p.m., @Hilo
Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m. , host Makualani
Friday, March 13, 6 p.m. , host Konawaena
Judo
Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. . @Kealakehe
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. , @Hilo
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26Hū (Kukui Nut Top) Demonstration, Wednesday, Feb. 26 from
Visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm for additional planning details. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Ash Wednesday Service at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 4:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEB. 28
Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association Annual Health Conference, Friday, Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Pāhala Community Center
![]()
Mardi Gras Dinner Fundraiser for St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Friday, Feb. 28 at the church, 92-8660 Paradise Circle
SATURDAY, FEB. 29
Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, Feb. 29 and March 28, 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. , orientation included. Register at oceancount.org. Locations in Kaʻū are: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park
ONGOING
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.
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
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 are Maya Hoover , Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi
Tickets are $30, available at kauconcert.bpt.me. See himusicfestival.com for more.
![]()
![]()
Kaʻū Children's Business Fair guidelines are designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents of younger children (under eight years old) may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. Parents may aid a child, but the child runs the business.
Sign Up Keiki for the Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, to be held Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center
Learn more about participating at childrensbusinessfair.org/pahala. Visit Kaʻū Children's Business Fair's Facebook event page facebook.com/KAUCBF/. RSVP to the event at facebook.com/events/925342784527676/. Text KAUKIDSFAIR to 31996 for updates and information (message and data fees may apply).
Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi
Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
![]()
Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration. Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo ; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village
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.
![]()
![]()
