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| Firefighters are working all night to tame a fire from Ka‘alu‘alu to Waikapuna above the Ka‘ū Coast. The fire was first seen this morning, above viewed from Wai'ohinu. See story below. Photo by Shalan Crysdale |
In the state House of Representatives, Creagan represents west Ka‘ū from Honu‘apo into Kailua-Kona. He chairs the Committee on Agriculture and serves on the Public Safety, Education, Higher Education and Ocean Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs Committees. In order to run for the Senate he will leave his House District 3 seat open during the election.
In a statement issued this morning, Creagan said that the Senate "allows a much freer voice for its members and the possibility of being a stronger advocate for you, my constituents.” He said he decided to run "when Senator Green officially announced he was running for Lieutenant Governor."
Creagan said that as a state Senator, he would continue to advocate for a new medical center for Kona next to the college campus. In coordination with University of Hawai‘i Medical School, it would be a teaching hospital for physician training and also would create more health careers for local residents. Near the Kona Airport, it could be a hub to develop a coordinated medical system for islandwide services. Funding for a $500,000 feasibility study won approval last session with Creagan's push in the state legislature. In 2015, Creagan was named Legislator of the Year by the Hawai‘i Medical Association.
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| Dr. Richard Creagan announced a run for state Senate today. Photo by Ann Bosted |
A graduate of Yale University and a former Peace Corps volunteer in the Marshall Islands, Creagan is a physician who has worked at Kona Hospital. He also worked for hospitals on the mainland and for a biotech company.
He and his wife have lived on their Ka‘ū farm for more than 25 years and Creagan is an officer of Hawai‘i Farmers Union United's Ka‘ū Chapter. Creagan studied agriculture at University of Hawai‘i-Hilo. Creagan said he supports the goal of Gov. David Ige to double food production, and advocates for more training and developing resources for new farmers as well as more effort by government in controlling and eradicating invasive species, such as the coffee berry borer.
He said he is disturbed that funding to fight rat lungworm disease, which has affected sales of local produce, failed in the legislature and would like to take it up again in the Senate.
In his statement, Creagan said, "We need to fight for a living wage. A living wage would be the foundation
for improved housing opportunities which we so desperately need and partially
address homelessness." He also called for diversification of the economy. "As a medical director
for a Bay Area biotech company, ACROGEN, I saw the power of biotechnology to
provide excellent jobs and I would champion further expansion of those
opportunities at NELHA and throughout our island."
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| Rep. Richard Creagan, meeting with Ocean View residents before this year's session. Photo by Ann Bosted |
Regarding schools, he said, "As a former educator, I realize how critical is our public
education system, including our excellent charter schools. I would, among
other things, fight for funding for facilities and infrastructure for our
charter schools as well as our non-charter schools. I also support expanding our public pre-schools."
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FIRE CREWS ARE EXPECTED TO STAY THROUGH THE NIGHT
to fight a large brushfire along the Ka'ū Coast below Nā‘ālehu, spanning from Waikapuna to near Ka‘alu‘alu.
A Civil Defense message at 6 p.m. announced the following advisories:
"There are no roadway closures at this time. Motorist should be on the lookout for emergency vehicles.
"Smoke from the fire may affect visibility for driving and air quality for Wai‘ōhinu area including Green Sands, Mark Twain Estates and Discovery Harbor.
"The public is requested to stay out of the active fire area.
"Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night.
"Additional Closures may occur without notice."
As of 5 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 21, Hawai‘i Fire Department dispatch reported that only one fire in Ka‘ū is being fought by fire crews today.
Ka‘ū resident Cheryl Cuevas said that the fire has been "burning on the coast below Mark Twain all day. It was going when we got up around 5:30 a.m. this morning and [the Fire Department] was already working it." She said that later in the day she saw it had "spread Mauka-Kona direction." When she called the fire department she said she was told the fire was still actively being fought and that they should evacuate if they think they should, but at their own discretion as it was not officially recommended at that point.
Some Ka‘ū community members have voiced concerns on Facebook about the preservation of cultural sites, should bulldozing fire breaks in those areas be necessary.
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| Aerial photograph of coastal fire located at Waikapuna, believed to have been taken by fire crews working the area earlier today. Photographer unknown |
to fight a large brushfire along the Ka'ū Coast below Nā‘ālehu, spanning from Waikapuna to near Ka‘alu‘alu.
A Civil Defense message at 6 p.m. announced the following advisories:
"There are no roadway closures at this time. Motorist should be on the lookout for emergency vehicles.
"Smoke from the fire may affect visibility for driving and air quality for Wai‘ōhinu area including Green Sands, Mark Twain Estates and Discovery Harbor.
"The public is requested to stay out of the active fire area.
"Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night.
"Additional Closures may occur without notice."
As of 5 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 21, Hawai‘i Fire Department dispatch reported that only one fire in Ka‘ū is being fought by fire crews today.
Ka‘ū resident Cheryl Cuevas said that the fire has been "burning on the coast below Mark Twain all day. It was going when we got up around 5:30 a.m. this morning and [the Fire Department] was already working it." She said that later in the day she saw it had "spread Mauka-Kona direction." When she called the fire department she said she was told the fire was still actively being fought and that they should evacuate if they think they should, but at their own discretion as it was not officially recommended at that point.
Some Ka‘ū community members have voiced concerns on Facebook about the preservation of cultural sites, should bulldozing fire breaks in those areas be necessary.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Lomi massage demonstrated in the park. NPS Photo/Jay Robinson |
There are many different styles of lomi used throughout Hawai‘i, and most are used as a way to heal body and mind. The workshop is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” and will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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HAWAI‘I SEED FEST: LOCAL SEEDS FOR LOCAL NEEDS, sponsored by The Kohala Center and Hawai‘i Seed Growers Network, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon in Pāhoa and Honalō.
"Check out variety trials in progress, learn how to conduct successful trials in your garden, enjoy refreshments and tastings of crops being grown from local seed, talk story with a local seed grower, and meet others in your community interested in improving local food security," says an announcement from The Kohala Center. Attendance is free but space is limited. Reserve online at localseeds.eventbrite.com or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411. Visit Hawai'i Seed Growers Network.
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KA‘Ū TROJANS Girls Volleyball lost to Konawaena yesterday, Wednesday, Sept. 20. In the JV game, Kona won two sets, Ka‘ū zero. In Varsity, Ka‘ū lost 11-25, 15-25 and 23-24.
The game was held at Konawaena.
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| Pick up the September edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online at kaucalendar.com |
UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:
Girls Volleyball
Friday, Sept. 22, Ka‘ū vs. Christian Liberty, home.
Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka‘ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka‘ū vs. Pahoa, home.
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka‘ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka‘ū vs. Pahoa, home.
Cross Country
Saturday, Sept. 23, Ka‘ū vs. Hawai‘i Prep, away.
Saturday, Sept. 23, Ka‘ū vs. Hawai‘i Prep, away.
Bowling
Saturday, Sept. 23, Ka‘ū vs. Kealakehe at Kona Bowl.
Saturday, Sept. 23, Ka‘ū vs. Kealakehe at Kona Bowl.
IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP KEIKI SAFE, National Child Passenger Safety Certification, a Safe Kids Worldwide program, is offering free car seat checks at Pāhala Community Center tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Partners for Safe Keiki and Hawai‘i County Fire Department co-sponsor the event. All are welcome.
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER DAY at its Kona Hema Preserve in South Kona on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Space is limited so those wanting to volunteer must contact Schubert in advance to reserve a spot on one of the trucks. For more, read the Ka‘ū News Briefs from September 8. To contact Schubert, email lschubert@tnc.org or call 443-5401.
NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, a moderate hike approximately 2 miles takes place Saturday, September 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.
ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT PLAYERS, DRUMMERS, SINGERS AND DANCERS ARE WELCOMED for Kanikapila on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more, call Desmond at 937-6305.
THE KOHALA CENTER’S DEMONSTRATION FARM HOSTS A FIELD DAY on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (45-434 Lehua St, Honoka‘a).
The Kohala Center’s event description offers "a farm tour, hands-on training, and planting of an agroforestry system designed to diversify crops, control weeds naturally, and improve soil health."
This event is open to the public, with high school students and teachers encouraged to learn about the upcoming fall High School Sustainable Agriculture Program.
Contact Dave Sansone at sansone@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411 for more information.
Those with recalled or structurally unsound car seats will receive a free new car seat, acquired through grant funding from the Department of Transportation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call or text 808-896-1336. For information about Child Passenger Safety, visit safekids.org.
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER DAY at its Kona Hema Preserve in South Kona on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Space is limited so those wanting to volunteer must contact Schubert in advance to reserve a spot on one of the trucks. For more, read the Ka‘ū News Briefs from September 8. To contact Schubert, email lschubert@tnc.org or call 443-5401.
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| Register online by midnight tonight, Sept. 21. For more details, see the Ka‘ū News Briefs from Aug. 30, 2017. |
THE 4TH ANNUAL KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN with races starting and ending at the Ka‘ū Coffee Mill will take place this Saturday, Sept. 23. Staggered gun starts begin at 7 a.m. Runners will receive a race goodie bag, including a T-shirt and more. Each registered participant will also be entered into a door prize drawing valued at $700.
Trail terrains vary between races: the 5K is a family-friendly, run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; the 10K is a moderate run through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; and the Half Marathon follows the 5K & 10K course, then continues up to an elevation of 3,100 feet, traverses onto a 4-wheel drive access road, marked trails undulating through grazing pastures. Through midnight tonight, Thursday, Sept. 21, runners can register online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=94997 with the following prices: 5K/$55, 10K/$65, and HM/$75.
Trail terrains vary between races: the 5K is a family-friendly, run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; the 10K is a moderate run through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; and the Half Marathon follows the 5K & 10K course, then continues up to an elevation of 3,100 feet, traverses onto a 4-wheel drive access road, marked trails undulating through grazing pastures. Through midnight tonight, Thursday, Sept. 21, runners can register online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=94997 with the following prices: 5K/$55, 10K/$65, and HM/$75.
Free music and entertainment and post-race massages, for $1.00/Minute, will also be available at the event.
Race day registration ends at 6:30 a.m. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org/kau-coffee-trail-run/.
Race day registration ends at 6:30 a.m. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org/kau-coffee-trail-run/.
ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT PLAYERS, DRUMMERS, SINGERS AND DANCERS ARE WELCOMED for Kanikapila on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more, call Desmond at 937-6305.
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| See story below. Photo of Palm Trail from nps.gov/havo/ |
The Kohala Center’s event description offers "a farm tour, hands-on training, and planting of an agroforestry system designed to diversify crops, control weeds naturally, and improve soil health."
This event is open to the public, with high school students and teachers encouraged to learn about the upcoming fall High School Sustainable Agriculture Program.
Contact Dave Sansone at sansone@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411 for more information.
JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' National Park. This moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART: For Metal Stamped Bracelets, register until Sept. 26. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.
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| kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf |
ART ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED ON MONDAY, SEPT. 25, for the Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce's Annual Art Show. The art show will be open for public viewing from Tuesday, Sept. 26, to Friday, Sept. 29, in the CU Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union Annex Building (behind CU) in Nā‘ālehu, during normal credit union business hours.
An Artist Reception for distribution of prizes and art pickup will be the morning of Saturday, Sept. 30.
Categories include: painting, graphics, photography, craft, lei, weaving, jewelry, quilting, sculpture, and woodworking. There will also be categories for Youth and Keiki entries, for which the entry fee is $1 per artwork - CU Hawai‘i has offered to sponsor any and all keiki who ask.
The winning popular vote piece will be displayed on the cover of The Directory 2018, according to new Chamber co-chairs Alan Stafford and Allen Humble who describe the annual art show as a fundraiser for the Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. For more details, visit the Chamber website at kauchamber.org or call 936-5288.
KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY OFFERS FREE FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.HAWAI‘I FARMERS UNION United has announced will host its annual Ka‘ū chapter meeting at Pāhala Plantation House, at 96-3209 Maile St., on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Members and friends are invited to participate in the Ka‘ū Chapter business and Convention discussion, election of board members and a potluck dinner.
