 |
| FFA Ka'ū Chapter Competes: Laci Ah-Yee, Kaui Young, Joaquin Ross, Ezekiel Kaawa-Kamimura, and Collin Hanshew. Photo by Kaweni Ibarra |
Kaʻū Sophomore Joaquin Ross captured third place in creed recitation, which requires memorizing the multi-paragraph FFA creed. Ezekiel Kaawa-Kamimura and partner Kaui Young, both sophomores, placed fourth in vegetable judging. In this category, competitors assess the market quality of vegetables according to weight, size and appearance.
Ibarra and the FFA members are paying homage to the many accomplishments of Kaʻū chapter members by hanging past FFA plaques on the wall, which run back to 1958. "They won all kinds of events every year and chapter awards, too," said Ibarra. The strong showing of the Kaʻū FFA Chapter dwindled when longtime ag teacher Terence Moniz vacated the position.
Those wanting to support the reemergence of Ka'ū FFA can look forward to the program's Valentine's fundraiser this month and future competitions alongside Ka'ū 4-H members. For more information, email kaweni.ibarra@k12.hi.us.
"Shortly before 5 p.m. on Saturday, two officers went to a residence on the 92-1100 block of Kaumahana St. in Pāhala to serve a restraining order on a 52-year-old male. As officers knocked on the door and announced their presence, several dogs could be heard barking from within the residence however, there was no response from anyone within the home and the officers began to leave the premises. As the officers were walking back towards their vehicles, an individual within the home opened the door and four to five large dogs exited the residence and immediately ran towards one of the officers. Within seconds the pack of dogs began jumping up on him and clawing at his legs.
"As one of the dogs jumped up towards the officer’s upper torso, it snapped its jaw closed as if it was attempting to bite the officer.
 |
| Kai, the pit bull killed by police officer in Pahala. Photo from owner. |
"The residents were able to escort the remaining dogs back into the house where they were secured without further incident. The officer did not suffer any injuries and a dangerous dog investigation related to this incident has been initiated.
"Additionally, detectives from the department’s Office of Professional Standards responded and have
Hawai'i County's new Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowizca said, “Incidents in law enforcement can go from 0 to 10 in a matter of seconds. In this case, the officer was charged by several large aggressive animals and had less than three seconds to react and make a decision on how best to preserve his own life. That being said, any loss of life is tragic. We mourn the loss of the dog in this case, who ultimately, was a beloved family member,“ added the Chief."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
 |
| Trojans won most of their games this season. Photo by Julia Neal |
For the Trojans, Kaimana Kaupu Manini scored 26 points. Ivan Ramos, a senior, scored 5 three-pointers and a total of 17 points. TJ Faafia scored 13.
It "was the end of a very great season, with Ka'u giving the only loss to defending champion Kohala, which finished with a 10-1 record." The Trojans also pushed Division 1 Waiakea into double overtime, "a nail biter," ultimately won by Waiakea. Trojans beat Division 1 Kealakehe and Keaau and Division 2 HPA, Pahoa, St. Joseph and defending Division Champs Kohala. Ka'u wrapped up the season with a 6-5 record.
"I couldn't be more proud of these boys, coaching staff and managers and all the support from the wonderful hard working parents and all the support from the Ka'u High Athletic Department and administration," said Gacayan. "It was a great run, so close, yet so far. We fought to the final buzzer of the playoffs but just came up 3 points short from getting to the final championship game."
The inspirational message for every practice and every game, said Gacayan, is "Play hard stay humble!" He said the team is "100 percent blessed."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
.jpg) |
| Science-based comedian Ben Miller will perform at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m., as Artist in Residence and sponsored by The National Park Arts Foundation. Photo from Miller |
Miller is a New York City-based scientist-turned-comedian who has entertained at top clubs including the Broadway Comedy Club, Stand Up NY, The Stand, and as a child, had a picture in his bedroom of Mauna Loa erupting. During his month-long park residency, he will liaise with park rangers, scientists and other local residents and will ultimately combine humor and fact to explain volcanic processes in humorous context in a special Kahuku performance.
Feb. 2 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.: Hawaiian petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa between 4,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
Feb. 3 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.: Map Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in east Kahuku paddocks between 2,300- and 5,300-ft. elevation.
Feb. 6 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: Transport native plants and water to support dry forest
 |
| 'Ua'u, Hawaiian petrel monitoring, and other helicopter flights for park maintenance, repairs and studies will take place in February at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Jim Denny |
Feb. 16 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.: Sling load camp gear between the ʻŌlaʻa Koa unit and the agricultural station at the 3,500- to 4,000-ft. elevation.
In addition, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.
Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.
Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.
FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.
Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.
Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.