Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, May 1, 2022

Ka‘ū resident, actor and director Dick Herschberger portrays Dr. Thomas Jaggar in A Walk into the Past, onsite  where the famed geologist worked at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS

A WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. JAGGAR returned to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on Friday. A statement from the Park says, "Sharing and perpetuating history is at the core of what we do in the National Park Service, and we are elated to offer this wonderful living history program to visitors again!"
   A Walk into the Past takes attendees back to 1912 to meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Jaggar takes attendees on a short walk to the crater rim behind Volcano House, near his former lab. Through his words, the audience becomes aware of the motivation that led Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today.
    Space is limited; pick up a free ticket at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. The performance of A Walk into the Past is supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network. The event is free (park entrance fees apply).
Each performance is about an hour. Check the park calendar for future Friday performances: https://go.nps.gov/HVNP-events

    Tee Ball (ages 4-6) and Coach Pitch (ages 7-8) just ended their season. Crook praised their efforts this past season, saying, "We had a great turnout of kids and thank the parents for all their help."
    Current teams playing are Kamakani Minor Team, Southern Star Major Team, and Southern Star Junior Team. Kamakani Minor Team is currently undefeated 3-0 with Coaches Jeremy VanArkel and Kawika Karratti. Southern Star Major Team has 0 wins, 1 lose, and 1 tie with Coaches Justin Santos, Deseray Seaver, and Christina Ellsworth. Southern Star Junior Team is currently 0-12 with Coaches Josh Crook, Kai Koch, and Deseray Seaver.
    Due to ongoing renovations at Kahuku Park, Kaʻū Little League is now practicing at Waiohinu Park, which has no existing baseball diamond. As a result, Crook explained that Little League "has had to buy extra equipment this year for the safety of the players." Additionally, the number of registered keiki has reached close to 100 this year, meaning

Tee Ball and Coach Pitch wrapped up the season. Photo from Kaʻū Little League

more equipment is needed to support their growing number of players and to replace broken or damaged equipment from previous seasons. Examples of equipment needed include: bats, balls, helmets, bases, catcher's gear, and backstop nets for safety.
    Crook said that "Kaʻū Little League keeps their registration fees low so all kids have the chance to play. In order for Kaʻū to have a future we need help from the community. We are grateful for any donation to help offset the cost of running this league. Donation money goes towards: Sponsorship of players, insurance, equipment and uniforms. We currently have 7 kids who need sponsored." Contact Crook to offer contributions, donations, and league involvement at (808) 345-0511. Crook shared that "any donation helps these kids to get out and play ball!"
    Crook gave a special thank you to their sponsors who help to make Kaʻū Little League possible for our keiki. Gold Sponsors include ʻO Kaʻū Kakou, Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Orchards, ʻOhana Mac Nut Farm, Pitch in for Baseball and Softball, CROOKed C Ranch, Odum/Coke a Cola Kona, Queen K Texaco Gas Station, and Kahuku Country Market and Kamakani Store. Bronze Sponsors include LCS Backhoe Services, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, Hana Hou Restaurant, Waiohinu Farms, Alanui ʻO Kaʻū, Bailar Family, Riley's Da Kine, Foster Hair, and Ka Lae Coffee Shop.