Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, March 19, 2017

Lane Ueda runs the LIHEAP application program each summer in Pahala, Na`alehu and Ocean View.

Photo by Julia Neal

LIHEAP FACES ELIMINATION IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET. The program which helps hundreds of Ka`u's most needy families pay for electricity and gas for their homes, is completely axed in Pres. Donald Trump's 2018 budget proposed to Congress last week. The program has been running since 1981 across the nation and is funded by Congress annually, administered by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, with grants to local agencies.

     Money already approved for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in the state of Hawai`i for 2017 totals $4,586,732. 

     LIHEAP is administered in Ka`u by the Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council. Na`alehu school teacher Lane Ueda, of Pahala, spends part of his school break each year assisting low income families with filling out the applications. During summer, the Edmund C. Olson Trust II donates office space to LIHEAP for Pahala. Ocean View Community Center provides space and the Economic Opportunity Council office accepts applications in Na`alehu.

     LIHEAP offers two programs: The Energy Crisis Intervention program assists with up to $350 to restore or prevent termination of power to the residence of a household whose electricity or gas has been shut off within 60 days or is about to be terminated within seven days. This is a one-time only payment, which will be deposited directly into the utility account.

    The Energy Credit program provides needy households not in crisis with a one-time payment deposited directly into their utility account.

    The justification given in the Trump budget proposal is that "LIHEAP is a lower impact program and is unable to demonstrate strong performance outcomes."

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"WE MUST NOT LET HATRED DIVIDE US." That is the message from Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard in a statement yesterday regarding the White House budget. "It's when we care for each other -- choosing inclusion and love over division and hatred -- that this great country is at its greatest. The budget released by the White House puts division over love. From the programs that mothers and seniors rely on, to the environment that is so important to protect; these cuts will inflict more pain and suffering in our country and around the world," assessed Gabbard.

   "Programs that many in Hawai`i rely on, like the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), will be substantially slashed. Without proper nutrition our children will face increased developmental delays and increased aggression later in life. Meals on Wheels, a program that so many of our elderly rely on everyday, faces a critical blow in funding.

     "At a time when compassion and love is needed by so many, we must fight for a federal budget that represents what can help strengthen our country. Those of us that are able to must also step in where the government cuts and shuns. Your help with local non-profits organizations that assist the poor will be needed now more than ever.

       "Will you consider donating to Feeding America or a food bank in your home town?" asked the Congresswoman.

     Gabbard wrote about an "illuminated path to victory by choosing compassion. It is with our compassion towards each other that we can build a new movement to help achieve the greatness that is the destiny of all humanity, not just a select few."

Jeff from the Bee Boys explains the life of a hive.

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MATH & SCIENCE NIGHT AT NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL last week drew families to enjoy learning and fun as they explored displays, experiments and activities.
    Math & Science Night featured such activities as visiting with a beekeeper from Bee Boys who displayed a transparent hive with bees.

Linda Le teaches about circuits.

    Children made constellations with Kealapono Kumu Okimoto and readied to blast off in the Kealapono rocket ship with glow-in-the-dark constellations.
    They learned how to decide where to build a house safely on the slopes of an active volcano. They designed and made electrical circuits.
   Na`alehu offers pre-kindergarten through sixth grade public school classes under the leadership of Principal Darlene Javar.

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MURDER ON THE NILE, the Agatha Christie mystery, plays on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Theatre in Kilauea Military Camp through April 2.
     The play is sponsored by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network and director Suzi Bond. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and students and $10 for children under 12 years of age. For reservations and more information, call 982-7334, or email kden73@aol.
     

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Make Hū Kukui, Wed, Mar 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Help revive the practice of making and playing the traditional Hawaiian top. Free; Park entrance fees apply.

Exploring Tunnel Books, Sat, Mar 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Participants take a trip down the rabbit hole with Charlene Asato. $35/$32 VAC members plus $10 material fee. 967-8222

Ecstatic Dance, Sat, Mar 25, 2 – 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Participants discover a dynamic way to work out and meditate with Jo Caron. $15 or $20 at the door. 967-8222

Mongolian BBQ, Sat, Mar 25, 5 – 8 p.m., in the Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Pick what you want for $.85 per ounce from a array of veggies and proteins. Call 967-8356 for more details. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.