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| Kilauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge continues through New Year's Eve. The public can vote for their favorite decorated cottage at KMC front desk. Park entrance fees apply. Photo by Dave Berry |
A NATIVE HAWAIIAN MAKAHIKI SITE between Na`alehu Police Station and Na`alehu town, along Hwy 11, is the subject of discussion regarding its possible preservation. The county considered using the state land and a smaller adjacent private property for the proposed Na`alehu sewage treatment plant until archaeological surveys revealed the existence of the ancient Hawaiian playing field on both properties.
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| The property that the Weatherfords want to preserve as part of a makahiki, Hawaiian games complex, is to the right of Hwy 11, surrounded by state property outlined in purple. Map from Pacific Legacy |
Most of the makahiki site is state land. The owners of the smaller 13-acre property, 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 this morning that they are hoping that it will be acquired by an agency or organization that will steward the property.
Pacific Legacy, Inc., which conducted the archaeological survey of the surrounding state land, noted that part of the land on old maps was called Kahua-olohu and was described in the famous book of archaeology and history, 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.”
Diana Prentiss, of Lotus Properties, who is helping the Weatherfords with the property, said the land has a 1,625-foot-long frontage along Hwy 11 that would provide a natural parking area for those visiting the makahiki site. Those interested in helping with the project can call her at 989-8777.
KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is an original co-sponsor of the Military Retirement Restoration Act, a bill that would repeal planned cuts to military retiree cost-of-living adjustments that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act last week. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace the cuts to military retiree benefits by closing loopholes and preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by abusing overseas tax havens.
“It is unacceptable to backpedal on the commitment we have made to our men and women in uniform who raise their hand to serve and put their lives on the line for us,” said Gabbard. “While it was far from perfect, the Bipartisan Budget Act was a modest step in the right direction to help us avert preventable government crises; however, we cannot pay for the agreement by short-changing our military retirees.”
Pacific Legacy, Inc., which conducted the archaeological survey of the surrounding state land, noted that part of the land on old maps was called Kahua-olohu and was described in the famous book of archaeology and history, 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.”
Diana Prentiss, of Lotus Properties, who is helping the Weatherfords with the property, said the land has a 1,625-foot-long frontage along Hwy 11 that would provide a natural parking area for those visiting the makahiki site. Those interested in helping with the project can call her at 989-8777.
KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is an original co-sponsor of the Military Retirement Restoration Act, a bill that would repeal planned cuts to military retiree cost-of-living adjustments that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act last week. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace the cuts to military retiree benefits by closing loopholes and preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by abusing overseas tax havens.
“It is unacceptable to backpedal on the commitment we have made to our men and women in uniform who raise their hand to serve and put their lives on the line for us,” said Gabbard. “While it was far from perfect, the Bipartisan Budget Act was a modest step in the right direction to help us avert preventable government crises; however, we cannot pay for the agreement by short-changing our military retirees.”
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| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard |
REP. TULSI GABBARD, WHOSE ELECTION as the first Hindu in the U.S. Congress made headlines in media in India, has released a statement about the treatment of an Indian diplomat recently arrested on charges of submitting false papers relating to domestic help.
“Diplomats play a vital role in our ever-shrinking globalized world,” Gabbard said. “Among America’s partnerships, the importance of our alliance with India cannot be overstated. This is why I was disappointed to hear initial reports about the treatment of Devyani Khobragade, India’s deputy consul general in New York. While we must ensure our laws are being followed by all those who reside in or visit our country, it is also essential that foreign diplomats in the U.S. are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity, as we expect the same for our own diplomats abroad.
“Our relationship with India is deeply valued, and the progress we are making on economic, political and security issues is key in Asia and the Pacific region. I urge the State Department to work with its counterparts in India to ensure our relationship remains strong and to ensure our law enforcement agencies put appropriate protocols in place for these situations.”
Gabbard, who is currently in Hawai`i on a statewide trip, visits Hilo today to meet with leaders of agencies and organizations that promote social justice and reduce recidivism.
“Our relationship with India is deeply valued, and the progress we are making on economic, political and security issues is key in Asia and the Pacific region. I urge the State Department to work with its counterparts in India to ensure our relationship remains strong and to ensure our law enforcement agencies put appropriate protocols in place for these situations.”
Gabbard, who is currently in Hawai`i on a statewide trip, visits Hilo today to meet with leaders of agencies and organizations that promote social justice and reduce recidivism.
HAWAI`I STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM now offers free new services to library patrons to enhance their computer learning experience, use an app to browse the online catalog, download eMagazines and learn how to speak Hawaiian.
Na`alehu Public Library is one of 37 libraries statewide offering netbook computers for loan for a three-week period free of charge. Each netbook is equipped with mobile Internet services as well as Microsoft Office 2010 programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
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| Na`alehu Library has netbook computers for loan to patrons. |
“We are delighted to offer our HSPLS Mobile program and envision it as an exciting new way to bridge the digital divide in Hawai`i,” state librarian Richard Burns said. “It is a unique opportunity to bring technology to Hawai`i’s people and share our abundant e-resources and free services through our HSPLS website.”
HSPLS also now offers Zinio for Libraries, the world’s largest newsstand for eMagazines. Patrons have access to more than 120 complete full-color digital magazines easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices through the HSPLS website.
“Zinio for Libraries is the perfect way for people who love to read magazines to read on the go,” said Ann Fujioka, HSPLS Technical Services Section manager. “Patrons can choose from a wide variety of the latest magazines including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, National Geographic and more, with no waiting and no loan period to worry about.”
HSPLS also now offers Zinio for Libraries, the world’s largest newsstand for eMagazines. Patrons have access to more than 120 complete full-color digital magazines easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices through the HSPLS website.
“Zinio for Libraries is the perfect way for people who love to read magazines to read on the go,” said Ann Fujioka, HSPLS Technical Services Section manager. “Patrons can choose from a wide variety of the latest magazines including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, National Geographic and more, with no waiting and no loan period to worry about.”
Patrons need to create two accounts, a library Zinio account to view HSPLS’ collection and a free Zinio.com account to read magazines online or via the Zinio Reader app on a mobile device.
HSPLS offers patrons the opportunity to learn the Hawaiian language anytime, anywhere, free via Mango Languages and the HSPLS website.
“The Mango Languages system offers a unique learning environment that allows patrons to take lessons at your own pace, reviewing and perfecting skills as you advance through new lessons,” said Lynne Kobayashi, HSPLS Language, Literature & History Section head.
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| Patrons can learn to speak Hawaiian at librarieshawaii.org. |
Memory building exercises are embedded into each unit to ensure that patrons retain what they learn. To ensure correct pronunciation, Mango offers an opportunity to record speech and compare it directly to audio from a native speaker. Intuitive pop-ups also help with pronunciation. Mango focuses on quickly getting to a point where users feel comfortable with a new language.
For more information, select the E-Learning @ Your Library button on the HSPLS website.
Patrons can easily access HSPLS on the go through a new mobile app called Hawai`i Mobile. In partnership with HSPLS, Chilifresh has created a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices that tie into the library system’s catalog.
To install HSPLS’ mobile app, scan the QR codes for iOS or Android devices, or search chilifresh hawaii in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on your mobile device.
In the near future, HSPLS will post library events and programs as well as library locations and hours through this new app.
For more information, see librarieshawaii.org.
For more information, select the E-Learning @ Your Library button on the HSPLS website.
Patrons can easily access HSPLS on the go through a new mobile app called Hawai`i Mobile. In partnership with HSPLS, Chilifresh has created a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices that tie into the library system’s catalog.
To install HSPLS’ mobile app, scan the QR codes for iOS or Android devices, or search chilifresh hawaii in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on your mobile device.
In the near future, HSPLS will post library events and programs as well as library locations and hours through this new app.
For more information, see librarieshawaii.org.
KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert Saturday at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.
PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School of the Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.
VOLCANO ART CENTER’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR KEIKI takes place Sunday at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities include a forest music walk with Dina Kageler and friends from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; kanikapila `ukulele group from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., marshmallow roast with Fireman Mike; games with Julie and ornament decoration with Lanaya. Call 967-8222 for more information.
KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.
SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
VOLCANO ART CENTER’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR KEIKI takes place Sunday at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities include a forest music walk with Dina Kageler and friends from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; kanikapila `ukulele group from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., marshmallow roast with Fireman Mike; games with Julie and ornament decoration with Lanaya. Call 967-8222 for more information.
KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.
SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
