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Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Ka`u is the focus of this week's TV show Wahi Pana: Hawai`i's Special Places. See more below.
Photo by Peter Anderson
GOV. DAVID Y. IGE YESTERDAY signed a fifth supplemental proclamation on homelessness, which will remain in effect until August. The supplemental proclamation provides an additional 60 days in which to continue the state’s cross-sector collaboration and coordinated efforts with the counties.
Gov. David Ige signed a fifth supplemental proclamation on
homelessness yesterday. Photo from Office of Gov. Ige
      “The state has taken strides forward in creating a truly client-centered system among federal, state, county and community organizations,” said Scott Morishige, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. “We are seeing unprecedented alignment of services and a commitment to the common goal of connecting people to permanent, stable housing as quickly as possible.” Morishige made the statement from the Maui Landlord Summit, where he outlined progress in the state’s unified response to homelessness.
      The Maui Landlord Summit is the fourth in a series of state-supported events aimed at increasing government-assisted housing inventory. It serves to introduce potential landlords to homeless service providers and government agencies providing landlord support. The summit dispels misperceptions about Section 8 and the Housing First program.
      Hawai`i Public Housing Authority’s board has approved emergency rules to establish a special rental subsidy program, which will make available approximately $600,000 to quickly move at least 100 homeless families statewide into housing. HPHA Executive Director Hakim Ouansafi said, “With partnership with local nonprofits, this program is specifically focused on homeless families, where we expect to have an immediate, noticeable and lasting impact across generations.”
      Morishige underscored the importance of the developments. “These are two examples of community partnerships the state is forging to effectively and quickly address homelessness,” he said. “We are looking at new and creative ways for the community to pool funds, leverage resources and work in alignment across all sectors to house and stabilize people experiencing homelessness.”
      Over the past week, representatives from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the National Governors Association have been in Hawai`i as the governor’s office has convened cross-sector meetings with stakeholders from every county and every sector.
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This is Mosquito Control Awareness Week. Photo from AMCA
THIS IS MOSQUITO CONTROL Awareness Week. The American Mosquito Control Association promotes the three Ds: Drain, Dress and Defend as methods to enhance public health and quality of life through suppression of mosquitoes.
      Drain. Many mosquito problems in neighborhoods likely come from water-filled containers that residents can help to eliminate, according to AMCA. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around homes. Dispose of any tires; tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers. Clear roof gutters of debris. Clean pet water dishes regularly. Check and empty children’s toys. Repair leaky outdoor faucets. Change water in birdbaths at least once a week. Canoes and other boats should be turned over. Avoid water collecting on pool covers. Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on woodpiles. Plug tree holes. Even the smallest of containers (bottles, barrels, buckets, overturned garbage can lids, etc.) that can collect water can breed hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes. They don’t need much water to lay their eggs.
      Dress. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Studies have shown that some of the 174 mosquito species in the United States are more attracted to dark clothing and most can readily bite through tight-fitting clothing of loose weave. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.
      Defend. Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Registered products have been reviewed, approved and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions. Four repellents that are approved and recommended are DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3,8- diol, or PMD) and IR3535.
      See mosquito.org.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Mazie Hirono speaking on gun control.
Image from Sen. Hirono's Office
HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS YESTERDAY voted to support measures to curb gun violence, following the worst shooting incident in U.S. history, which left 49 victims and the gunman dead at the Orlando, FL Pulse nightclub on Sunday morning, June 12. The measures failed.
      The first would have strengthened background checks for gun buyers by requiring that each one, with exceptions, pass an instant background check. It also would have required states and the federal government to send all necessary records on felons, drug abusers, the seriously mentally ill and other dangerous people to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. 
      The second, cosponsored by senators including Sen. Brian Schatz and Sen. Mazie Hirono, would have closed the “terror gap” by giving the attorney general the discretion to keep suspected terrorists from buying guns and explosives if the attorney general has a reasonable belief that the weapons would be used in connection with terrorism.
Sen. Brian Schatz joined last week's
filibuster. Image from YouTube
      “More than 90 percent of Americans demand we take action on gun violence, but again Senate Republicans refuse to act. It’s unacceptable,” Schatz said. “Right now, known terrorists are banned from getting on an airplane, but they are still allowed to buy military-style weapons. It is absolutely insane. After one of the most horrific mass shootings in our history, we saw people across the country courageously stand up against gun violence and hatred. When will Republicans in Congress finally do the same?”
      “Last week on the Senate floor, I joined Sen Christopher Murphy in calling for action on commonsense measures to curb gun violence in honor of the more than 6,000 people killed by guns so far in 2016,” Hirono said. “Since that speech last Wednesday, nearly 200 more Americans have been killed by guns. Enough is enough. These victims and their loved ones deserve more than empty promises, thoughts and prayers. Today, Senate Republicans sent a clear message that they are more interested in pandering to special interests such as the National Rifle Association than taking steps to prevent tragedies like Orlando, like Newtown, like Charleston, from happening again. I will continue to fight alongside the millions of Americans demanding action.”
      Last week, Hirono and Schatz joined Sen. Murphy’s 15-hour filibuster to demand votes on the amendments. Click here to watch Hirono’s remarks and here for Schatz’s.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

PARTICIPANTS WEAVE THEIR OWN ti leaf lei tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

WAHI PANA: HAWAI`I’S SPECIAL PLACES focuses on Ka`u in its upcoming program, airing on KGMB Channel 7 Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Learn about the Business of Art from Ira Ono
Photo from VAC
AN UPCOMING WORKSHOP at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village focuses on the Business of Art. Volcano artist Ira Ono’ topics include Pricing your Product for Profit, Focus on Galleries/Gift Shops, Trade Show Visual Merchandising, Affordable Display Techniques, Fool Proof Presentations, Internet Marketing and Getting Free Publicity.
      Ono is an internationally known artist. His works are found in the Hawai`i State Art Museum and private collections in the U.S., Europe and Japan. He is owner/director of Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village. He founded the Trash Art Shows throughout the state and is well versed in every aspect of marketing fine arts and crafts in Hawai`i and beyond.
      During the workshop, Ono will help artists navigate basic business principles in this one-day intensive workshop. From the initial pros and cons of being your own boss to copyright basics to branding your product, artists discover what’s right for them and their art.
      The workshop is held on Saturday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $40 for VAC members and $50 for non-members.
      Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their own artwork for Ira to review.
      To register, call 967-8222 or see volcanoartcenter.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_June_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.