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Saturday, November 18, 2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Saturday, November 18, 2017

A double splash booth added to the coolness of the Friendraiser Day on Saturday. See story below.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
THE TAX PLAN THAT PASSED THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES this week is the focus of a survey by Hawai‘i Sen. Mazie Hirono who wants constituents' opinions before arguing it before the U.S. Senate. She went further: "There’s no getting around it. The GOP tax plan is just another one of Trump’s broken promises to the middle class, and this scam will force 13 million Americans to lose their health insurance."
     Hirono said, "It’s time Republicans stop pretending this massive giveaway to corporations, and the One Percent, is a tax cut for everyday Americans, and start admitting that this plan is funded by the billions of dollars from Medicare they aim to cut over the next decade."
     Hirono contended that "This tax scam could raise taxes on 123,000 Hawai‘i families and drive health care premiums up by 10 percent per year." She asked for citizens to take a quick survey at hirono-taxes.

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THE PROPOSED GOP TAX PLAN DREW CONCERN FROM SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, who urged everyone to study graphs from the Joint Committee on Taxation, a nonpartisan entity serving both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. They show that taxpayers earning $75,000 or less would pay more taxes than currently. Those earning $75,000 to $100,000 would pay about the same and those earning more than $100,000 would pay less taxes. The biggest savings would be for those paying taxes on $1million and more in income each year.
     Schatz tweeted that if the bill passes and it is not retracted, "this thing blows up the debt by several trillion dollars."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES DEEP WELL REMAINS DOWN and is restricted to use for drinking water only. The county Department of Water Supply calls it a mechanical failure and issued a statement saying, "troubleshooting is being done to further analyze the problem, determine the needed repairs and develop and estimated repair timeline."
    The water department is leaving spigots open for community access, stating, "users are asked to limit their consumption to potable water needs only. Your cooperation extends current water availability in the reservoir."
     The county shut down the standpipe facility for water hauling and will reopen it when repairs are made and the well becomes operable. Haulers are allowed to use the standpipe at Nāʻālehu. "The Department requests your cooperation, patience, and understanding during this emergency," says the statement. For additional information, contact 961-8790.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

EACH OF SIX GOALS of the Nā Hopena A‘o: HĀ framework policy, adopted by the Hawai‘i Department of Education, was represented by an activity and booth at Nā‘āleha Elementary School's Friendraiser on Saturday. The first letter of the words representing the goals - Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-Being, and Hawai'i - can be combined to spell the English word BREATH, which can be translated to the Hawaiian word HĀ. Event attendees were encouraged to visit six key booths to gain a free raffle/game ticket or one pint of plain/chocolate milk. The booth that represented Excellence, for example, highlighted that Nā'ālehu Elementary is a Challenge Five School in which students are encouraged to miss no more than five days of school each year.
Kupuna Ke taught the Hawaiian games kōnane and hū.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
    During the Friendraiser, each Nā'ālehu Elementary School student was encouraged to take home a window planter box, along with a bag of potting soil and four to five garden starts. The project is called He keiki aloha na mea kanu, beloved children are the plants, after the saying of Hawaiian language expert and historian of Ka‘ū, Mary Kawena Pukui.
    The window boxes were sponsored by Island Insurance Foundation Excellence in School Leadership Award by Masayuki Tokioka. A letter distributed with each window box says:
      "It is said of farmers that their plants are like beloved children, receiving much attention and care. Families, please use this planter box and potting soil as a family to teach your children to love and to nurture, or to care for, what is important to each of us. This is also an opportunity to teach our children to grow healthy vegetables for our family meals. If you don't already have a family garden, this is first step.
University of Hawai‘i Native Hawaiian Student Center
reached out to Ka‘ū students and families.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
    "Planting in this garden box is a symbol of the diversity of the land of Ka‘ū. We have areas of rich soil and areas of rugged lava. Regardless of our circumstances we can develop and grow with attention and care."
    When working a child on a window box garden, families are invited to post pictures at Facebook - NaalehuElementary GardenProjects. Those without a Facbook account may email pictures (one or two at a time) to GardenProjects@naalehu.org to be posted. The goal is for families to take care of about 400 window box gardens across the community. "We would love to share how we grow and bloom!" says the letter.
    Hui Mālama Ola Nā 'Oiwi asked attendees to register with them as they took height and weight measurements of keiki. Keiki received fans, stickers, information, crayons and a coloring book in return. The booth also represented Total Well-Being.
    Tūtū & Me staff offered coloring books and information about their traveling preschool program and home visitor program. Some children also received a stuffed toy eel character Noa the Puhi from their parent program, Partners In Development.
Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Jami Beck and The Nature Conservancy 
booth representative John Replogle. 
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
     Blue Zones Project by Healthways offered information on the Power 9, claiming that by applying nine principles to everyday life, one can live longer. Power 9 principles are: Down Shift -  reverse disease by finding a stress relieving strategy that works for you; Purpose - wake up with purpose each day to add up to seven years; Plant Slant- put less meat and more plants on your plate; Social Hour, - schedule social time with friends while enjoying healthy drinks and snacks; Family First - invest time with family to add up to six years; 80 Percent Rule, eat mindfully and stop when 80 percent full; Move Naturally - find ways to move more ti burn calories without thinking about it; Right Tribe - surround yourself with people who support positive behaviors; and Belong - belong to a faith-based community and attend services four times a month to add four to 14 years. 
     The Blue Zones - areas in which the principles are taken from those who have lived longest - are: Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Loma Linda, California. To help demonstrate moving naturally, representatives encouraged keiki to take turns blending healthy smoothies with a blender powered by a pedal bike.
     Hawai‘i Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project offered information about turtles found in Hawai‘i and handed out illustrated brochures that educated attendees about how to identify weather a turtle was a Hawksbill or Green sea turtle. Kupuna Ke also offered lessons with Kōnane boards and Hū (kuikui nut spinner top).
     ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou offered shave ice for $3 each, with profits donated back to the school.
Exercise received a big push at the Fundraiser on Saturday.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
   Queen Lili‘uokalani Children's Center offered information about Queen Lili‘uokalani and shared values believed to create strong families. Lili‘uolkalani Trust also promoted two programs:
     Lili‘uokalani Trust is hosting a free Makana Financial Literacy program at Nā‘ālehu Community Center on Wednesdays, Nov. 22 and 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The program offers responsible money management advice from Bank of Hawai‘i; fraud and identity theft information from C.U. Hawai‘i, home owners tips from Hawai‘i Community Assets; and energy saving tips from HELCO. Food for the participating families will be available as well as activities for keiki in attendance ages five and older. The program is open to the public. Space is limited and there are currently four of 15 seats left. The Trust also offers free Kamalama Parenting Classes in Hilo.
    Call Ken or Lourdes at 935-9381 for more details on either program and to assure space is available.
     A representative from the Kīpuka: Native Hawaiian Student Center of UH Hilo was there. She encouraged signing up for scholarships and assistance programs to help freshman register early for classes and acclimate to the university environment before the majority of other students arrive. She said current and prospective students seeking financial aid for university should apply now while the funds are available. Her contact info: kipuka.hawaii.edu, 932-7418.
The ball toss was popular with keiki. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
   Officer Dane Shibuya and Reserve Officer Bill Doar were in attendance as well as 2017 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Queen Jami Beck.
    Other organizations present included Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, The Nature Conservancy, and United Healthcare Community Plan.
     Keiki enjoyed a bounce house, dozens of fair themed games and highly successful splash booths. Food, baked goods, beverages and popcorn were sold to help raise funds for Nā‘ālehu Elementary School.
       Raffle tickets were selected throughout the day for numerous prizes.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

DATES FOR THE ANNUAL DECORATED COTTAGES HOLIDAY CHALLENGE at Kīlauea Military Camp within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park have been announced. The public is invited to view the cottages and vote for a favorite from Friday, Nov. 24, through Friday, Jan. 1. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8371 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka‘ū events for November including monthly meetings at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/novemberevents.html
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily and weekly community events at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/novembercommunity.html.
Pick up the November print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar, 
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, a free guided, 2.5 miles, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The guide will focus on the area’s human history. For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTRATION FOR THE FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY AT PUNALU‘U remains open through Monday, Nov. 20. The annual event to honor past, present and future generations will be on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, Medicine Pond.
      Taiko Drummers will join the celebration, as will hula dancers, local musicians and Gi Gong practitioners. Floating lanterns for inscribing messages will be provided to the first 50 registrants. Donations are tax deductible and will be used toward college scholarships through the events sponsor Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association. Call 928-0101 to register.

A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

REGISTER KEIKI OF ALL AGES FOR AN ANNUAL RUBBERBAND TURKEY art class at Pāhala Community Center that takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

REGISTER KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 TO MAKE A THANKSGIVING NATURE WREATH at Kahuku Park on Wednesday, Nov. 22,  from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more, call 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

CREATE A SMALL KĀHILI PA‘A LIMA, a hand-held kāhili, on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kāhili are a form of Hawaiian featherwork that traditionally acknowledged a person’s status and genealogy, and offered spiritual protection. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

A FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER is hosted at the Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the main hall. The dinner is open to all and boasts a full turkey dinner with "all the fixings." For more details, call 939-7033 or email ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

DENNIS AND CHRISTY SOARES PERFORM Thursday, Nov. 23, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. No cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

A THANKSGIVING BUFFET takes place Thursday, Nov. 23, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu features Roast Turkey, Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham and all the fixings. $21.95/adult, $11.85/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI'S 31ST ART STUDIO TOUR & SALE is Friday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., six artists studios in Volcano Village. Meet artists, view and purchase wide variety of artwork from local artists. Special drawing held at sales end. For more call 987-3472. Find a map of the six participating artists studios at VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meet Friday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m., in Hawaiian Ranchos' office.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
     The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.








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