Ka`u News Briefs Monday, April 6, 2015

KAHUA OLOHU MAKAHIKI GROUNDS in Na`alehu are number 11 on the priority list of properties to consider purchasing for preservation. The county Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Commission said in its report to Mayor Billy Kenoi that it is a culturally important site with a potential long-term goal of using it to re-institute Hawaiian cultural games during the traditional Makahiki season. Most of the parcel is within an area known to be the site of traditional gaming fields and Makahiki grounds. The locations of very few Makahiki grounds are known; this site has been positively identified as being a famous bowling (`ulu maika) and dart sliding (pahe`e) field.

      The State Historic Preservation Division has recognized that the site is significant under multiple criteria.
      According to PONC’s report, the property is for sale, and “owners are anxious to work with the county to assist in its acquisition.” Owners James and Elizabeth Weatherford said they were considering farming and putting up a produce stand on their portion of the site until they learned of its historic significance. They said that they are hoping that it will be acquired by an agency or organization that will steward the property. 

      The property is described in Native Planters of Old Hawai`i: “The famous bowling field named Kahua-olohu (maika [bowling] stones were called olohu in Ka`u) was just below the present town of Na`alehu. It is a large level area to seaward of the road which must have been cleared and graded. In old Hawaiian times this broad kahua or plaza was used not just for bowling, but for other sports such as boxing, javelin throwing and hula dancing during the Makahiki festival.”
      The property is surrounded by the proposed 1,363-acre preserve known as Kaunamano.
      According to realtor Diana Prentiss, “It is worth noting that most, if not all, of the other properties on the priority list will have a higher – in some cases, much higher – price than Kahua Olohu. So, this site, while being culturally highly valuable, is, at the same time, relatively inexpensive compared to other sites being considered.”
      Now that the site has been placed on the priority list, the next step is for a resolution to be approved by Hawai`i County Council. Interested residents can contact Ka`u’s County Council member Maile David at 323-4277 or maile.david@hawaiicounty.gov to urge her to introduce a resolution.
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      Community organizer Ana Kailiawa Cariaga, of Pahala, remembers the Ka`apana brothers’ mother Regina Ka`apana, famous in Ka`u and beyond for her beautiful voice “like Genoa Keawe.” Mama Tina, as she was known, sang on her sons’ 1974 album Ke Kolu. Her portrait fills the "O" on the cover's Hui 'Ohana name. The twins' father, George Ka`apana, was known for his slack key guitar playing.
      More than a dozen years ago, Hawai`i Economic Opportunity Council, led by Cariaga and Darlyne Vierra in Pahala, invited Nedward and George Kahumoku, Jr. to come to Pahala and play for a youth program at Pahala Plantation House. It was the first time that many Ka`u people had been invited to Pahala Plantation House, the former home of numerous sugar plantation managers, Cariaga recalled. Since then, it has become a gathering place for many local families, music, hula and educational groups, with Led Ka`apana and George Kahumku, Jr. teaching and performing at the annual Keoki Kahumoku workshop each November. It is also the site of Ka`u Plantation Days, which is organized by Vierra, who heads up the sponsoring organization, Ka`u Multicultural Society.
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KEONEPOKO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, part of the Ka`u-Kea`au-Pahoa Complex Area, will reopen for the 2015-2016 school year now that lava is no longer an immediate threat to the area. 

      In late October 2014, Hawai`i Department of Education closed Keonepoko Elementary in response to the rapidly advancing lava flow when it was determined then that the lava would be crossing Hwy 130. DOE built a temporary facility in Kea`au High School’s lower parking lot and adjusted classroom assignments for students and staff within the complex area.
      Recently the lava flow changed in threat status from warning to watch. Hawai`i County Civil Defense has informed the DOE that, based on the most current information available, the lava is no longer headed toward Pahoa.
      “Many families were affected by our contingency plans to safeguard access to education, and we appreciate their cooperation and understanding through all of it,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We now have a ton of details to work out before making any official announcement on dates or assignments, however it is important to let families and staff know where we stand. The decision to reopen Keonepoko Elementary extends beyond just the facility. We want to be very thoughtful about our approach.”
      Decisions affecting employees will be made in consultation with Hawai`i State Teachers Association, Hawai`i Government Employees Association and United Public Workers Union. In upcoming weeks, principals in the complex area and DOE administrators will map out a course of action. The DOE is aiming to have details solidified by May to provide families ample time to plan for upcoming chool year.
      Complex Area Superintendent Chad Farias said, “We continue to evaluate what all possible futures might be for the education of children within Puna and are thinking not just about the current situation, but how to provide quality education to all of the families in our area for years to come.”
      The DOE will provide more information to its staff and the public once it is available.
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