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Friday, May 02, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, May 2, 2014

Miss Ka`u Coffee & Miss Ka`u Peaberry contenders have been learning about makeup and skin care from Myra Sumida (back center) and Ursula D'Angelo (back right) during sessions at the Old Pahala Clubhouse. The pageant is this Sunday at 6 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill Drying Room. Photo by Nalani Parlin
KINDERGARTEN IS NOW MANDATORY FOR FIVE-YEAR-OLD children in Hawai`i. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed Senate Bill 2768 (Act 76), which makes kindergarten mandatory for children who will be at least five years of age on or before July 31 of the school year, unless otherwise exempt.
Cristina-Nicole Kawewehi is a Miss Ka`u Peaberry contestant.
      “Mandatory kindergarten builds on this administration’s early childhood education initiative by providing continuity in a child’s learning experience,” Abercrombie said. “This legislation assists in implementation of Common Core State Standards designed for kindergarten to grade 12 and places our students on the path to success in today’s global marketplace.”
      Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said, “This bill aligns with the Department of Education goals and supports our young children so they may be successful learners.”
      Act 76 takes effect by the upcoming 2014-2015 school year.
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KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN has announced funding approved by the state Legislature for Ka`u projects.
      Lawmakers approved $2.5 million for design and construction of improvements to irrigation systems in Ka`u, including ground and site improvements, equipment and appurtenances.
      Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District has been working for about a decade on restoring plantation water sources for agriculture between Kapapala Ranch, Wood Valley, and above Pahala, across lands, including Makanau and Hilea, as well as property above Na`alehu and to Wai`ohinu.
Calaysa Koi participates in the Miss Ka`u Peaberry Pageant Sunday.
      The Legislature also appropriated $725,000 for plans and design for expansion of water resources at Ocean View, where one well went into operation in July 2012 after several decades of work by Ocean View residents.
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OCEAN VIEW WELL IS CURRENTLY DOWN, according to Kanoni Aton, of Hawai`i County Department of Water Supply. The drinking water spigot station remains open for community access. The standpipe facility is now closed to water haulers. Troubleshooting the repair continues. DWS requests residents’ cooperation, patience and understanding during this emergency. 
      For more information, call 961-8790.
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KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO Hawai`i County Democratic Party’s Convention from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Sangha Hall in Hilo, where more than 160 delegates will gather to hear speeches and consider proposed modifications to the County Party’s platform, resolutions and rules that will go to the state Democratic Convention on May 24 and 25 in Honolulu.
      Numerous elected officials are confirmed speakers, including Gov. Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.
Madison Okimoto will also be on stage at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
      Invitations have been extended to all Hawai`i Island elected officials and Democratic candidates with active campaigns for either statewide or county positions, including OHA trustees.
      Also, candidates for Chair of the state Democratic Party will have an opportunity to address the delegates.
      Two proposals from the Rules Committee will be discussed. The first proposes to periodically move the biannual state convention to neighbor islands.
      Another proposal is to establish a fair, consistent and transparent statewide procedure for the selection process of candidates for appointments to fill mid-term vacancies for state Senate and state House positions. This follows an appeal of the Party’s recent election of Na`alehu resident Richard Creagan to replace state Rep. Denny Coffman, who resigned.
      “This county level pro-active approach is to firmly embed defined procedures to ensure that Hawai`i County Democratic Party is accountable, responsive and inclusive to everyone who is Proud to be a Democrat,” said a statement from the Party.
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MISS KA`U PEABERRY CONTESTANTS LIGHT UP THE STAGE at Ka`u Coffee Mill Sunday, with doors for the Miss Peaberry and Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageants opening at 6 p.m.
      Cristina-Nicole Kawewehi, age 9, is daughter of Angelica Kawewehi and Bill Lorenzo, of Pahala. She is in third grade at Pahala Elementary School. “When I grow up I want to be a teacher,” said Kawewehi. She enjoys dancing, singing and swimming. Her siblings are Keana and Zachary Kuluwaimaka. She plans to do a Zumba dance for her talent.
      Calaysa Koi, age 9, is daughter of Cory and Connie Koi, of Pahala. She is sister to Callen and Casey Koi. Her pet family includes a dog, cat, bird and guinea pig. She is a fourth-grader at Pahala Elementary. She enjoys playing and videos. “When I grow up I want to be a star in Hollywood,” said Koi. Her talent is singing.
Chazlynn Marie Kapualokelanioku`uleinani is one of five Miss Ka`u Peaberry contestants.
      Madison Okimoto, age 8, is daughter of Malcolm and Sheilah, of Wai`ohinu. She has three sisters, Sydnie, Siena and Melia, a former Ka`u Peaberry first princess, and three dogs. She is a third-grader at Na`alehu Elementary School. “I aspire to become a doctor or geologist,” said Okimoto. She enjoys baking with her Easy-Bake Oven, swimming, playing baseball, playing with her dog, riding her ripstick and barbecuing with her family. Her talent will be hip-hop dancing.
      Chazlynn Marie Kapualokelaniokuʻuleinani Pua-Queja, age 7, is daughter of Jerilynn Pua and Chad Queja, of Pahala. She is in second grade at Pahala Elementary School. She has one brother, Preston, and two sisters, Zeishalynn and Jaymelynn. She is still considering the many possibilities of what she could be when she grows up. Her talent is hula.
      Shania Lee Napuamaelo`i`okewe Silva, age 8, is daughter of Wendylee Napoleon and Michael Silva, of Pāhala. She is in the third grade at Pāhala Elementary. She has seven brothers and sisters. “I want to apply for scholarships for becoming an E.R. doctor,” she said. She enjoys playing T-ball and Coach Pitch baseball. Her talent is hip-hop dancing.
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Miss Ka`u Peaberry contestant Shania Lee Napuamaelo`i`okewe Silva is the sister of
Amery Silva, who is a Miss Ka`u Coffee contender.
TUTU & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL is taking orders for fresh Krispy Kreme donuts through next Friday, May 9. This is a fundraising effort to help support the work of Partners in Development Foundation statewide. 
      All pre-paid orders must be picked up in front of Pahala Community Center or in front of Na`alehu Ace Hardware from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 16. Any orders not picked up by 1 p.m. will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
      Payment is by cash only. Price is $10 per dozen.
      Call 929-8571 for more information about placing orders.

THE PA`INA OPEN HOUSE, Ka`u Coffee Festival 2014’s first event, happens this evening at Pahala Plantation House. The Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship fundraiser includes music, hula, refreshments and house tours. Candidates for Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry are introduced. Performers include Bolo presenting his new CD, Keoki Kahumoku and his `Ukulele Kids and Halau Hula O Leionalani. New Ka`u products, including Ka`u Coffee Mill’s Ka`u Coffee Singles and Alan Moores’ Iki Art, are introduced. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, the event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

TASTING SUCCESS: THIRD ANNUAL KA`U FARMERS’ TABLE is set for tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kalaekilohana Inn & Retreat
. The event, which has been sold out every year, features locally sourced fine dining, and premium, live entertainment. 
      See kau-hawaii.com or call 939-8052 for more information.

TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST takes place Sunday at noon at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Discovering the top original recipes for cookies, candies and cakes infused with a Ka`u Coffee flavor is the goal of the contest. Participants can earn up to $500 in prizes for the best recipes in adult and student categories. The event includes free coffee and recipe tastings.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SPONSORS its Spring Fling tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gardens of Punalu`u Bake Shop. The event features art and entertainment by Ka`u residents.
      For more information, call 854-1540.

HAWAI`I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL representatives, including founder George Yokoyama, discuss OEOC programs tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

KA `OHANA O HONU`APO INVITES KA`U RESIDENTS to Sunday in the Park, May 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event features La`au Lapa`au, Hawaiian Healing, with Momi Subiano. For more information, email kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.