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| Kilauea Military Camp celebrated its 99th anniversary on Veterans Day, while Honoring Those Who Served. Photo from Elene Rizzo-Kuhn/KMC |
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP CELEBRATED Veterans Day and its 99th anniversary with an outdoor ceremony on Wednesday. Under partly cloudy skies, 295 veterans and guests from local communities paid their respects in Honoring Those Who Served. As in the past, veterans were treated with a free Prime Rib Buffet meal following the ceremony.
This year’s keynote speaker was retired Col. Debra Lewis, from Hilo, and guest speaker was William Tehero, Jr., Veteran Outreach Coordinator for Hawai`i Community College, from Kea`au. Kahu Gaymond Apaka led the Invocation and Benediction, Hilo Civil Air Patrol Cadets presented Colors, American Legion Post Three presented a 21-Gun Salute, and Hilo Community Chorus shared patriotic music. Raymond Gandy, of Volcano, played Taps, and Raymond Dustin, of Mountain View, played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Charles Mapa, of Mountain View, who has volunteered as emcee for several years, was again this year’s emcee. Next year, KMC celebrates its centennial and is planning various events throughout the year, which culminate on Veterans Day.
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION seeks feedback on a waiver for 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. Funds would support afterschool programs that deliver high-quality services to support student learning and development.
This Tydings Waiver would allow DOE to continue using these funds for afterschool programs to support student learning and development and to support the continued efforts of DOE’s approved Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Waiver. DOE will host additional grant competitions for these funds to current sub-grantees now serving the children and families of Hawai`i, with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs, summer bridge programs and College/Career Readiness programs.
In addition, DOE would use these funds to continue its process to establish consistent and uniform program standards, a more effective program evaluation tool and to support Hawai`i Afterschool Alliance allowable activities, as allowed per the approved ESEA Flexibility Waiver.
According to DOE, extended authority to obligate these funds will improve academic achievement of students in the state. The additional grant competitions will afford current sub-grantees the opportunity to offer needed additional services for the programs and support enhanced educational experiences and opportunities for thousands of children and families in Hawai`i. These programs help working parents by providing a safe environment for students outside of school hours.
Send comments supporting or not supporting to daniel_williams@notes.k12.hi.us. Responses are due on Nov. 30 at 3 p.m.
For more information, contact Daniel Williams at daniel_williams@notes.k12.hi.us or 808-305-9863.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
In addition, DOE would use these funds to continue its process to establish consistent and uniform program standards, a more effective program evaluation tool and to support Hawai`i Afterschool Alliance allowable activities, as allowed per the approved ESEA Flexibility Waiver.
According to DOE, extended authority to obligate these funds will improve academic achievement of students in the state. The additional grant competitions will afford current sub-grantees the opportunity to offer needed additional services for the programs and support enhanced educational experiences and opportunities for thousands of children and families in Hawai`i. These programs help working parents by providing a safe environment for students outside of school hours.
Send comments supporting or not supporting to daniel_williams@notes.k12.hi.us. Responses are due on Nov. 30 at 3 p.m.
For more information, contact Daniel Williams at daniel_williams@notes.k12.hi.us or 808-305-9863.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
A FATAL DISEASE IS THREATENING Hawai`i Island's `ohi`a trees, and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists share their concerns in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
“One of the wondrous things about visiting a young lava flow on the Island of Hawai`i is encountering the tenacious plant life that emerges from a barren and rough volcanic environment,” the article states. “Volcanophile hikers know that taking a tumble on the sharp, glassy lava surface can leave a lasting impression. Yet, within a few years, a recent lava flow can host a community of plants that includes `ohi`a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) – one of the most common trees in Hawai`i and the first native tree to colonize young lava.
“From its humble beginnings on a barren flow, `ohi`a lehua, or `ohi`a, becomes the dominant tree of the Hawaiian rain forest. This keystone species, which holds the entire forest ecosystem together, evolved in complete isolation and occurs nowhere else in the world. The tree's original relatives are likely from New Zealand, with the wind-borne seeds making their way to Hawai`i by way of the Marquesas Islands.
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| `Ohi`a trees, pioneer plants on new lava flows, are threatened threatened by a fungal disease. Photo by Nate Yuen from hawaiianforest.com |
“The `ohi`a tree is adapted to colonize lava flows in an unpredictable volcanic environment. Mature `ohi`a forests always have some flowering trees, so the tiny, light-weight seeds are available year round to be dispersed to recent flows. The tree has a superior capacity for extending its roots vertically and can grow efficiently in cracks and fissures, taking advantage of residual moisture after rainfall. `Ohi`a also have the capability to close their stomata, or breathing pores, so the trees can ‘hold their breath’ when toxic volcanic gases are blown their way.
“`Ohi`a is a tree with immense cultural significance, symbolizing strength, beauty and sanctity. It is considered the physical manifestation of Ku, one of the four principal Hawaiian deities. The wood was used in sacred structures for heiau (temples) and for weapons and tools. The red, orange and yellow lehua blossoms are a symbol of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The `ohi`a is entwined with the art of hula, with its flowers and foliage frequently adorning the dancers and presented as offerings by traditional halau (hula schools).
“Unfortunately, there is a new menace threatening this important tree: a fungus, Ceratocystis fimbriata, that is causing a lethal disease in `ohi`a. Known as `ohi`a wilt, or Rapid `Ohi`a Death, a diseased tree exhibits rapid browning of the leaves on a single limb and/or in the entire tree crown and typically dies within a matter of weeks. Researchers report that nearly all of the trees in an affected stand will succumb to the disease within two to three years. This has the potential to change the evolution of the volcanic landscape and forest ecosystems in Hawai`i, putting our unique Hawaiian birds, invertebrates, plant communities and, potentially, entire watersheds at risk.
“Currently, the disease is confined to the Island of Hawai`i. However, it is spreading from the island’s lower Puna and Hilo Districts (East Hawai`i), where it was originally identified, to West Hawai`i and Volcano, and has the potential to kill `ohi`a trees statewide.
“Since there is no treatment or cure for the disease at this time, the main tactic for managing ROD is to prevent the disease from spreading. In August, the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture imposed a quarantine on the intrastate movement of `ohi`a wood and plant parts without a special permit (http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/ohiaquarantine/). When visiting or working in Hawai`i Island forests, you should treat shoes, gear, tools, vehicles and clothing with a fresh 10 percent bleach solution, or greater than 70 percent rubbing alcohol, before moving to another forested area (http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/downloads/ROD-trifold-10.2015.pdf). Most importantly, `ohi`a wood, vegetation or soil should not be moved from its original location.
“This winter and holiday season is different than previous ones because of ROD. Residents who use wood to heat their homes should consider that buying `ohi`a firewood may spread ROD to trees in their areas. This year, wreath-making workshops include topics on preventing the spread of ROD, and wreath and lei makers are being encouraged to explore foliage alternatives to `ohi`a.
“Next time you pass by an `ohi`a, take a moment to appreciate the pioneer tree that shapes the volcanic landscape in Hawai`i. More information and details on preventing the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death is available on the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources website (www.rapidohiadeath.org) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RapidOhiaDeath).”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
“`Ohi`a is a tree with immense cultural significance, symbolizing strength, beauty and sanctity. It is considered the physical manifestation of Ku, one of the four principal Hawaiian deities. The wood was used in sacred structures for heiau (temples) and for weapons and tools. The red, orange and yellow lehua blossoms are a symbol of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The `ohi`a is entwined with the art of hula, with its flowers and foliage frequently adorning the dancers and presented as offerings by traditional halau (hula schools).
“Unfortunately, there is a new menace threatening this important tree: a fungus, Ceratocystis fimbriata, that is causing a lethal disease in `ohi`a. Known as `ohi`a wilt, or Rapid `Ohi`a Death, a diseased tree exhibits rapid browning of the leaves on a single limb and/or in the entire tree crown and typically dies within a matter of weeks. Researchers report that nearly all of the trees in an affected stand will succumb to the disease within two to three years. This has the potential to change the evolution of the volcanic landscape and forest ecosystems in Hawai`i, putting our unique Hawaiian birds, invertebrates, plant communities and, potentially, entire watersheds at risk.
“Currently, the disease is confined to the Island of Hawai`i. However, it is spreading from the island’s lower Puna and Hilo Districts (East Hawai`i), where it was originally identified, to West Hawai`i and Volcano, and has the potential to kill `ohi`a trees statewide.
“Since there is no treatment or cure for the disease at this time, the main tactic for managing ROD is to prevent the disease from spreading. In August, the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture imposed a quarantine on the intrastate movement of `ohi`a wood and plant parts without a special permit (http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/ohiaquarantine/). When visiting or working in Hawai`i Island forests, you should treat shoes, gear, tools, vehicles and clothing with a fresh 10 percent bleach solution, or greater than 70 percent rubbing alcohol, before moving to another forested area (http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/downloads/ROD-trifold-10.2015.pdf). Most importantly, `ohi`a wood, vegetation or soil should not be moved from its original location.
“This winter and holiday season is different than previous ones because of ROD. Residents who use wood to heat their homes should consider that buying `ohi`a firewood may spread ROD to trees in their areas. This year, wreath-making workshops include topics on preventing the spread of ROD, and wreath and lei makers are being encouraged to explore foliage alternatives to `ohi`a.
“Next time you pass by an `ohi`a, take a moment to appreciate the pioneer tree that shapes the volcanic landscape in Hawai`i. More information and details on preventing the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death is available on the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources website (www.rapidohiadeath.org) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RapidOhiaDeath).”
See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
KOREAN NATURAL FARMING comes to Ka`u tomorrow. Drake Weinert shares his knowledge during a free workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to Weinert, the method improves soil quality and boosts nutrients using non-toxic materials farmers can find in their own homes. It can also help reduce costs while increasing long-term health of farms.
Sponsored by Ka`u Specialty Coffee, the event takes place at 96-2384 Wood Valley Road above Pahala. Go past Ka`u Coffee Mill. About five minutes later on the left there is a small gravel road. Go past the gravel road until on the left appear a big pasture with some little green and gray buildings at the bottom and a small blue house with white roof at the top of the hill.
For more information, email malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER presents Ka`u Inspired tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from this show/fair featuring Ka`u artists benefit OVCA.
There will be a silent auction of artworks donated by participating artists.
For more information, email malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER presents Ka`u Inspired tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from this show/fair featuring Ka`u artists benefit OVCA.
There will be a silent auction of artworks donated by participating artists.
See ad below. For more information, email suzanne@dixstudios.com, or call 929-7113.
KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I Volcanoes National Park offers free programs this weekend.
Participants learn about the formation and various uses of the grassy cinder cone Pu`u o Lokuana tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A breathtaking view of lower Ka`u is visible on this moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top.
People & Land of Kahuku is a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain. The program on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. focuses on the area’s human history.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I Volcanoes National Park offers free programs this weekend.
Participants learn about the formation and various uses of the grassy cinder cone Pu`u o Lokuana tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A breathtaking view of lower Ka`u is visible on this moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top.
People & Land of Kahuku is a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain. The program on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. focuses on the area’s human history.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. |
