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| Humpback whales and calves are vulnerable to boat collisions, with nine reported since December. See more below. Photo from Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. |
The EPA and county Department of Environmental Management provided the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Pāhala Community LCC Replacement Project to the state Office of Environmental Quality Control, which published it on March 8.
A statement from the EPA says, "The final EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), EPA and Council on Environmental Quality NEPA regulations, Finding of No Significant Impact determination on the Project was signed on February 20, 2020," and Chapter 343, Hawai‛i Revised Statutes (HRS), as amended. Construction of the Project will use federal and Hawai‛i County funds. Use of these funds requires environmental review by EPA and DEM.The statement says that the "purpose of the Project is to terminate the use of large capacity cesspools (LCCs) by constructing a new wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system. LCCs dispose of raw sewage in the ground and are a public health and environmental concern. A portion of the Pāhala community is served by two LCCs which are owned by the COH and operated by DEM. Federal law requires the closure of all LCCs.
"The public comment period for the Draft Environmental Assessment ended on December 10, 2018. All written comments received are discussed in Appendix E of Volume 2 of the Final EA (777 pp, 62 MB, About PDF) (EPA and County of Hawaiʻi Responses to Comments on the Draft EA).
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PROGRESS ON REBUILDING U.S.G.S HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY on Hawai‛i Island will be reported regularly to Sen. Mazie Hirono. During an Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today, she secured a commitment from Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt to provide six-month updates.
Hirono asked him directly, "I'd like to get a commitment that the Department or USGS will provide me with 6-month updates on the progress in rebuilding the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory." Bernhardt replied, "I think that we can certainly manage that, Senator."
Click here to watch Hirono and Bernhardt's exchange.
Following structural damage caused by the Kīlauea eruption, with thousands of earthquakes in 2018, Hirono has championed efforts to rebuild Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawai‛i Island. Last March, she pressed then-Acting Secretary Bernhardt. Two months later, she secured $72.3 million in the 2019 Disaster Supplemental Bill to fund both the continuation of USGS operations in a temporary space as well as money to construct the new HVO facility. That same month, she announced that USGS Director Jim Reilly committed to rebuilding HVO on Hawai‛i Island. Hirono also secured $21 million in additional funding to build a separate HVO field station in Hawai‛i Volcanoes National Park.
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.
GRANT- IN-AID APPLICATIONS TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE ARE DUE this Friday, March 13. The Joint Committees on Senate Ways and Means and House Finance will refrain from holding a public briefing for Grant-In-Aid applications, "due to concerns and uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In order to minimize the risk to residents, the committee will be instituting a process that avoids additional travel and a large gathering of people."
Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times throughout the year, not just when whales are visiting our 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.
Humpback whales are protected in Hawaiʻi. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers, and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
"Even though we are halfway through the season, a good number of humpback whales are in the sanctuary and nearby waters," said Ed Lyman, Natural Resource Management Specialist for the sanctuary. "By locating distressed animals, reporting and providing the initial documentation and assessment on the animal, ocean users are the foundation of our conservation efforts."
Anyone coming across an injured or entangled marine mammal is asked to maintain the required safe and legal 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, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.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.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WILL MAKE AFFORDABLE WALL PANELS, PLYWOOD AND BEAMS AVAILABLE FOR SALE to raise money for its mission to help local people become homeowners. Habitat has assisted with families building their own homes to own them in Ocean View and plans more work in Ka`u in the future.
PROGRESS ON REBUILDING U.S.G.S HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY on Hawai‛i Island will be reported regularly to Sen. Mazie Hirono. During an Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today, she secured a commitment from Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt to provide six-month updates.
Hirono asked him directly, "I'd like to get a commitment that the Department or USGS will provide me with 6-month updates on the progress in rebuilding the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory." Bernhardt replied, "I think that we can certainly manage that, Senator."
Click here to watch Hirono and Bernhardt's exchange.
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| Interior Secretary David Berhnardt visited Volcano last year to see the damage to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and has promised updates on its planned reconstruction. Photo by Julia Neal |
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.
GRANT- IN-AID APPLICATIONS TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE ARE DUE this Friday, March 13. The Joint Committees on Senate Ways and Means and House Finance will refrain from holding a public briefing for Grant-In-Aid applications, "due to concerns and uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In order to minimize the risk to residents, the committee will be instituting a process that avoids additional travel and a large gathering of people."
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| The state Senate and House will forgo a public briefing on Grant-In-Aid applications due to concern about COVID-19. Applications are online. |
A statement from the Committees today announces that in lieu of a public briefing and testimony: Applications are available to legislators and the public at capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/2020GIA-Apps/; Applicants can submit a two-page, single sided summary of their 2020 GIA request at GIATestimony@Capitol.Hawaii.Gov; all eligible applications will be considered regardless of whether a summary is received; all summaries will be provided to members of the Joint Committee for consideration; and all summaries should be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, March 13. For more information, call (808) 586-6200 or (808) 586-6800.
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.
COLLISIONS BETWEEN BOATS AND WHALES in Hawaiian waters are of concern to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. At least nine instances of vessel/whale collisions have been reported since December within the sanctuary and nearby waters. Ocean users are asked to use caution when navigating shared waters. Humpback whale season in Hawai‛i generally runs from 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.
According to the sanctuary, most of the whales reported with injuries this season are young, including calves and sub-adults.
With recent reports of whales showing propeller injuries, ocean users are reminded to keep a safe distance from these annual residents of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Collisions with vessels are a risk to both the animals and humans.
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.
COLLISIONS BETWEEN BOATS AND WHALES in Hawaiian waters are of concern to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. At least nine instances of vessel/whale collisions have been reported since December within the sanctuary and nearby waters. Ocean users are asked to use caution when navigating shared waters. Humpback whale season in Hawai‛i generally runs from 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.
According to the sanctuary, most of the whales reported with injuries this season are young, including calves and sub-adults.
With recent reports of whales showing propeller injuries, ocean users are reminded to keep a safe distance from these annual residents of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Collisions with vessels are a risk to both the animals and humans.
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Humpback whales are likely to remain in Hawaiian waters until May. Boaters should always post a lookout person to search for them to avoid collisions. Photo from |
Humpback whales are protected in Hawaiʻi. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers, and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
"Even though we are halfway through the season, a good number of humpback whales are in the sanctuary and nearby waters," said Ed Lyman, Natural Resource Management Specialist for the sanctuary. "By locating distressed animals, reporting and providing the initial documentation and assessment on the animal, ocean users are the foundation of our conservation efforts."
Anyone coming across an injured or entangled marine mammal is asked to maintain the required safe and legal 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, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.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.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WILL MAKE AFFORDABLE WALL PANELS, PLYWOOD AND BEAMS AVAILABLE FOR SALE to raise money for its mission to help local people become homeowners. Habitat has assisted with families building their own homes to own them in Ocean View and plans more work in Ka`u in the future.
The sale is possible through a donation valued at more than $400,000 from developers of Lulana Gardens, LLC and its primary contractors, E.M. Rivera and TrueStyle Pacific Builders.
The wall panels will be sold at Habitat for Humanity’s three ReStores latter part of March and
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proceeds from the sale will help fund the Puna Recovery and other building projects around the island.
“This is the largest donation of materials we have ever received,” states Patrick Hurney, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity Hawai'i Island. “The principals at Lulana Gardens, LLC know that there is a need of affordable homes on Hawai'i Island and we are grateful that they want to partner with us. In Hawaii one out of five households spend half of their paycheck on housing! With the funds raised through the sale of these wall panels, Habitat for Humanity will be able to provide more affordable homes for families in need on Hawaii Island.”
“This is the largest donation of materials we have ever received,” states Patrick Hurney, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity Hawai'i Island. “The principals at Lulana Gardens, LLC know that there is a need of affordable homes on Hawai'i Island and we are grateful that they want to partner with us. In Hawaii one out of five households spend half of their paycheck on housing! With the funds raised through the sale of these wall panels, Habitat for Humanity will be able to provide more affordable homes for families in need on Hawaii Island.”
The Kona ReStores is located at 73-416 Uluwini Place off Hinalani Road above Costco
In Hilo, the Re-Store is off Hwy 11 left on Kekuaanaoa, airport road and left 863 Iolani St.
In Hilo, the Re-Store is off Hwy 11 left on Kekuaanaoa, airport road and left 863 Iolani St.
For more information on purchasing materials from Habitat for Humanity, please contact Elizabeth Royale, Habitat for Humanity Waimea ReStore Manager at (808) 885-9091.
CACAO AND CHOCOLATE PRODUCERS are invited to participate in an annual survey online. Responses will be accepted until Monday, March 16. Results from the 2019 survey can be viewed on the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Sustainable Agriculture website. Contact Eli Isele at elihu@hawaii.edu with questions.
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STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL CONDUCT ABOUT 200 COVID-19 TESTS per week from samples collected from people with flu and other respiratory ailments by health care providers statewide. The testing is in addition to tests ordered by health care providers who suspect a patient has COVID-19. They will attempt to measure the community spread of the disease, if any, in order to take actions to contain the novel coronavirus.
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| Image of COVID-19 |
The state Department of Health continues to investigate passengers on flight 21 from Seattle to Honolulu to determine risk of exposure to the state's second confirmed COVID-19 patient. Civil Defense will inform individuals of any threats to their health. DOH has no Health Advisories for Hawaiʻi.
Federal "Do Not Travel" advisories for China and Iran remain in effect, "Reconsider Travel" advisories have been issued for Italy , Mongolia , and South Korea , and "Exercise Increased Caution Travel" advisories continue for Hong Kong , Japan Macau . Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommend no travel to China , Iran , Italy , and South Korea .
Concerned persons can contact Hawaiʻi County call center 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at 935-0031, CDC at cdc.gov, and DOH at health.hawaii.gov, 808-974-6001, or after-hours at 211.
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.
UPCOMING
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 Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball
Wednesday, March 11, 3 p.m. , @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. , host Kealakehe
Tuesday, March 17, 3 p.m. , host Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m. , @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. , host Hilo
Boys Baseball
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m. , host Kealakehe
Wednesday, March 18, 3 p.m. , @Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 1 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m. , host Hilo
Boys Volleyball
Friday, March 13, 6 p.m. , host Konawaena
Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m. , host Kamehameha
Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m. , @Kohala
Judo
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. , @Hilo
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m. , @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m. , @Waiakea
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m. , @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
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Stone oven baked non GOM artisanal breads, including organic and vegan varieties, are available at Nāʻālehu Farmers Market Mondays and Wednesdays. Photo by Rocky D'Amore, owner of Blazing Shades |
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
OKK Outdoor Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.
Spring Flower Wreath Craft Registration, open Wednesday, March 11 to 18. Program Friday, March 20, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kahuku Park in HOVE. Ages 6 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 929-9113
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Lomilomi Demonstration, Wednesday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Lomilomi is a style of massage that incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha, which means to love, unify and breathe. Michelle Wall-O'Conner demonstrates the important spiritual components of lomilomi to promote personal harmony. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. nps.gov/havo
Family Reading Night, Wednesday, March 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Family Reading Night, Thursday, March 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ocean View Community Center. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free.
Caring for Hawai‘i: How to Make Wise Plant Choices, Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. Presentation by Jaya Dupuis teaches distinctions between native, Polynesian-introduced, and invasive plant species. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
CANCELLED: Community Dance, Friday, March 13, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. thecoopercenter.org, 967-7800
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LEGO Robots Migrant Education Program, March 16 through 20, 8 a.m. to noon, for keiki in grades 3 through 8, at Pāhala Elementary. Registration deadline is Friday, March 13. The program is free. Held during Spring Break, the Lego Education WeDo 2.0 program offers to "engage and motivate elementary school students' interest in learning science- and engineering-related subjects." The program used motorized LEGO models and simple programming. Register online at bit.ly/2VaaPUi or khpes.org. Pick up a registration form in the school's main office. Call 808-313-4100 for more.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Stewardship at the Summit, March 14, Saturday, and Friday, March 20 and 27, 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Additional planning details at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
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Kaʻū Plantation Days, Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nāʻālehu Community Center. Organized by Kaʻū Multicultural Society. Marlene Hapai, 808-557-4540
Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Zentangle: Enso Circle Techniques with Lois & Earl Stokes, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Second Saturday in Volcano Village, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monthly event showcases business throughout the village. Volcano Garden Arts will hold self guided "Secret Garden" tours of its famous gardens, with 10% off in the art gallery, which showcases the works of many local artists. Special menu selections will be featured at Café ʻOno, serving lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Mondays. experiencevolcano.com, volcanogardenarts.com, cafeono.net, 808-985-8979
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Miranda's Grand Opening of New Kaʻū Coffee Store, Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the mauka side of Hwy 11 between South Point Road and the Kahuku Section of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event will feature music and hula, ribbon cutting, tacos, tamales, Miranda Kaʻū Coffee, and cake. mirandasfarms.com
MONDAY, MARCH 16
Spring Break, Monday through Friday, March 16 thorough 20.
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OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.
TUESDAY, MARCH 17St. Patrick's Day Buffet, Tuesday, March 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. $24.95 Adults, $13.95 children 6 to11 years old. In-house guests & military ID holders, 20% discoun. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8356
ONGOING
Spring Flower Wreath Craft Registration, open Wednesday, March 11 to 18. Program Friday, March 20, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kahuku Park in HOVE. Ages 6 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 929-9113
Family Reading Night, Wednesday, March 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Family Reading Night, Thursday, March 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ocean View Community Center. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free.
Caring for Hawai‘i: How to Make Wise Plant Choices, Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. Presentation by Jaya Dupuis teaches distinctions between native, Polynesian-introduced, and invasive plant species. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
CANCELLED: Community Dance, Friday, March 13, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. thecoopercenter.org, 967-7800
Deadline to Enter the 2020 Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest, held by Dept. of Water Supply, is Friday, March 13. "Conserve to Preserve" is the theme contest, open to all Hawaiʻi Island schoolchildren enrolled in kindergarten through the fifth grade. Free entry. Submit original artwork by keiki on flat, 11 by 17 inch paper. No computer graphics or photographs; any medium may be used, except three-dimensional renderings, chalk, charcoal, and oil-based crayon. Each submission must be accompanied by a completed entry form available online at hawaiidws.org, via email by contacting dws@hawaiidws.org, or by calling DWS at 961-8050. Entries may be mailed to or dropped off at DWS offices in Kaʻū, at 95-6041 Māmalahoa Hwy in Waiʻōhinu, and in Hilo , Kona, and Waimea. Additional contest rules are listed on the entry form and the DWS website. DWS 2020 Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest flyer/entry form.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Stewardship at the Summit, March 14, Saturday, and Friday, March 20 and 27, 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Additional planning details at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Zentangle: Enso Circle Techniques with Lois & Earl Stokes, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Second Saturday in Volcano Village, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monthly event showcases business throughout the village. Volcano Garden Arts will hold self guided "Secret Garden" tours of its famous gardens, with 10% off in the art gallery, which showcases the works of many local artists. Special menu selections will be featured at Café ʻOno, serving lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Mondays. experiencevolcano.com, volcanogardenarts.com, cafeono.net, 808-985-8979
MONDAY, MARCH 16
Spring Break, Monday through Friday, March 16 thorough 20.
Fix-A-Leak Week will be held March 16 through 22. Pick up free leak detection tablets, one pack per household, at the county Department of Water Supply base in Waiʻōhinu, 95-6041 Māmalahoa Hwy. Additional detection and water conservation tips are available at epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week and hawaiidws.org.
Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Mondays, March 16 and 23, 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi offers sliding-fee payment scale sessions with experienced Licensed Massage Therapist and lomilomi practitioner Lehua Hobbs. "Improve circulation, alleviate muscle pain, and improve your overall well-being." Call for appointment, 808-969-9220.
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
ONGOING
Kaʻū Art Gallery is looking for local artists. Call 808-937-1840
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9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located on the corner of Mamalahoa Hwy , Kamaoa Road , and Pinao Street , just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu.
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Sign Up Keiki for the Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, to be held Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center
Check Out Nāʻālehu Elementary Student Artwork from the 32nd Annual Young At Art Juried Exhibit through Friday, March 27 at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in downtown Hilo. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.
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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.
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Mixed Flock Volcano Art Center Exhibit, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, March 29. Features prints by Margaret Barnaby and pottery by Emily Herb. Glazing techniques demo Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
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Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Mondays and 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.
Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be vendors at the "flea market" that will be located on the church lawn. The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods or plate lunches.
Vendors must fill out and submit a Vendor Application with the $10 fee by Wednesday, March 18. Call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-8039 for the application.
The Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and smoked meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.
For more information, call 928-8039.
Sign Up Keiki for the Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, to be held Saturday, March 21, 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.
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).
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Check Out Nāʻālehu Elementary Student Artwork from the 32nd Annual Young At Art Juried Exhibit through Friday, March 27 at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in downtown Hilo. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.
Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.
Prince Kuhio Hoʻolauleʻa will be held Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nāʻālehu County Park. Reborn after a 20-year hiatus through the efforts of local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū, the event will feature Hawaiian music and cultural demos, hula, crafts, food, and more. The drug- and alcohol-free event will offer entertainment with live entertainment from Gene Akamu and G2G, Uncle Sonny & Bro Tui, Braddah Ben, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and more. Local personality Kurt Dela Cruz will emcee, and several lucky number prizes will be announced throughout the day.
Hawaiian culture demos and activities, showcasing cultural knowledge of Kaʻū people and those tied to the area, include lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, waʻa kaulua (double-hull canoe) tours, kākau (tattoo) artistry, ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamps), traditional Hawaiian games, and more.
Travel through time by walking through a photo exhibit showcasing the history of Kaʻū, set-up within the Nāʻālehu Community Center. Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū representatives said they intend this to be like a visit to a mini version of their proposed Kaʻū Hawaiian Cultural Center, which has been their goal for the last 20 years. Visit Hana Laulima's booth at the hoʻolauleʻa to learn more about the revival of the Cultural Center
Choose from a variety of ono food including shave ice, korean chicken, roast pork plates, chili bowls, Kaʻū coffee, Big Island Candies Crunch Bars, and more. Local entrepreneurs will have pop-up shops displaying wares such as Hawaiian arts and crafts, jewelry, shirts, and hats.
Learn more about Junior Rangers, and natural resource management, with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers; ways to help free the coast of marine debris with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund; staying healthy with state Dept. of Health; native Hawaiian healthcare with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi; ʻōpeʻapeʻa monitoring with Friends of the Kaʻū Bats; and more.
The organization's new logo, symbolizing its rejuvenation, was created by Kaʻū High graduate and local artist Kaweni Ibarra, who is also a Hana Laulima board member. Newly elected board members also include Lisa Derasin, Kupuna Jessie Ke, president Terry-Lee Shibuya, vice-president Elizabeth Naholowaʻa Murph, secretary Nālani Parlin, and treasurer Kehaulani Ke. Membership is $10 per year. For more information about the hoʻolauleʻa, contact Terry Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.
Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū promises that the Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa will continue as an annual event.
Mixed Flock Volcano Art Center Exhibit, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, March 29. Features prints by Margaret Barnaby and pottery by Emily Herb. Glazing techniques demo Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
AdvoCATS, Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Mondays and Wednesdays, 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 for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
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.
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.
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Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village
See ohialehuahalf.com.
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
Half See ohialehuahalf.com.
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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