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Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Double rainbows over Pāhala Community Center as Kamehameha Schools holds a community outreach meeting inside. Photo by Shalan Crysdale
KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS REACHED OUT TO KA‘Ū Tuesday evening, Jan. 24, holding an open house at Pāhala Community Center to share information about the organization's vision and strategic plan, its current work and lands in Kaū, and to talk story with the community. Ideas included fitting education to Kaū young people, as well as their locally learned skills and desires to help their āina and community.
Mayor Harry Kim came to Pāhala, Tuesday evening, to take in the interaction
between Kamehameha Schools and the Kaʻū community. Photo by Julia Neal
     Leadership from Kamehameha Community Engagement & Resources Group included Hawaiʻi Island Director Alapaki Nahale-a, and both East and West Hawai‘i Directors Kilohana Hirano and Kaimana Bacarse.
     Both principals of Ka‘ū High & Elementary and Nā‘ālehu School attended, as did the administrator of the Tūtū & Me program in Ka‘ū for keiki and their caregivers. Both principals voiced their support for continuation of KS Kealapono services in their schools. The Kealapono Department fields four staff in Ka‘ū, who collaborate with the schools to provide science and literacy support, reading and writing intervention, and ‘Ike Hawai‘i. Mayor Harry Kim came to listen. Graduates of Ka‘ū schools talked about their love of place, the kūpuna, and the history residing within the people living in Ka‘ū. 
KS Kealapono Kumu Joni Shibayton discusses rock classification with
Nā‘ālehu Principal Darlene Javar and student Kamaha‘o Alcoran.
     Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder talked about learning from the elders who have so much knowledge about the land and culture here. "When they're gone, they're gone," she proclaimed. Donna Kekoa recalled her class at Ka‘ū High School in 1975 going into homes to document the knowledge of kūpuna in the 1970s. Ka‘ū High Principal Sharon Beck recalled teacher Maile Moulds Carr organizing students to take oral histories in the 1990s. Beck said she would look into bringing it back.
     One woman proclaimed that Ka‘ū doesn't need Walmart and other such establishments. She talked about there being much land, but a need for education and training in sustainable practices to grow food.
     KS Director of East Hawai‘i, Kilohana Hirano, talked about building an economy that works with the place, and the talents and desires, of the local people. He mentioned young people who like to hunt and use their skills. He also mentioned fishing.
     The idea of a Hawaiian-based charter high school was mentioned in the audience, and the mayor brought up the idea of working through existing schools that have Kamehameha outreach programs.
     Representatives of Kamehameha Schools talked about wanting to connect with those who know about the ‘āina and the community, and those connected to important Hawaiian cultural sites, and families related to them.
     Student displays and projects were shown around the room during the outreach program.

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U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD ENDORSED U.S. REP. COLLEEN HANABUSA, on Wednesday, for Governor of Hawai‘i. Hanabusa has announced she is running against incumbent Gov. David Ige in the Democratic primary race in August.
U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa will run against Gov.
David Ige. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard endorsed
Hanabusa on Wednesday.
     Gabbard said she has worked with Hanabusa for many years and has seen "firsthand her love and commitment to serving the people of Hawai‘i. She grew up in Wai‘anae and is proud of her roots. No matter where she has gone - to Honolulu to serve in the State Senate or to Washington, D.C. to serve in Congress - she has carried her values with her, working with aloha and fighting for what's right and best for our state."
     Said Gabbard, "Colleen asks the tough questions, and she makes the tough calls. When she sees a problem, she takes action to solve it. We don't always agree on every issue, but we have always been able to work together for the people of Hawai‘i. Colleen's experience and proven record of leadership have prepared and equipped her to be the effective Governor that Hawai‘i so desperately needs right now."
     Gabbard said that she knows and respects Hanabusa and Ige. "Both are good people, and both have spent their lives serving the people of Hawai‘i. But we live in a time of unique challenges. What has become abundantly clear, now more than ever, is that Hawai‘i needs a strong, dynamic leader at the helm of our state. I'm endorsing Colleen Hanabusa for Governor because she is the right leader for Hawai‘i in these times. Not only when dealing with terrifying crises like the false missile alert earlier this month, but in taking on the tough challenges we face like homelessness, lack of affordable housing, crumbling infrastructure, the need to strengthen our economy and food security by supporting local farmers, and so much more," said Gabbard.

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HOMELESSNESS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS were key topics in Gov. David Ige's State of the State address to the Hawai‘i Legislature this week.
Robert Taylor, of Taylor Built Construction Co., Inc.; Arnie Koss, Managing Partner of Punalu‘u 
Bake Shop; General Manager Connie Koi; Architect Lloyd Sueda; and owner Duane Kurisu at 
the opening of Cookie Kitchen in 2015, in Nā‘ālehu. Kurisu was honored by Gov. David Ige 
Monday, Jan. 22, during the State of the State address for his work toward ending homelessness.
Photo by Pamela Taylor
     During his speech, the Governor recognized Duane Kurisu, who has grown Punalu‘u Bake Shop in Nā‘ālehu to employ many more people in recent years, and expand it from its Portuguese sweetbread beginnings to include a Cookie Kitchen. Kurisu - who grew up in a sugar plantation camp on Hawai‘i Island to become a successful business person statewide - has been working on plantation-style housing for homeless people, with the first in Honolulu opening late last year.
     Regarding the homeless, Ige started by saying, "When we say ʻohana, we truly mean nobody gets left behind. For those who want to live in Hawai‘i, probably no issue is more challenging than finding a decent, affordable place to live. And probably no issue challenges us as a society more than the daily sight of those who are now living on our streets and in our parks.
     "We have dedicated more money to mental health treatment and services, including to our homeless population. We have initiated the largest annual increase in production of affordable housing, with thousands of new units. We're on track to meet our goal of 10,000 new housing units by 2020, with at least 40 percent affordable."
     The Governor said he is requesting $100 million from the Hawai‘i Legislature this session "to maintain the momentum and produce more affordable homes across the state." He said, "Our 'Housing First' policy focuses on transitional housing as a way to get people into permanent housing. The New Kaka‘ako Family Assessment Center (on O‘ahu) moves families off the streets and into permanent housing in less than 90 days. A 'special team' in public housing reduced the vacant unit turnaround time from 267 days to just 7 days.
 Housing is in short supply and many homeless people have jobs. Graph from Homeless in Hawai'i
     "And our landlord summits increased the number of landlords willing to rent to families transitioning out of homelessness," Ige said. "Even in the tragedy that is homelessness, there are significant signs that these policies are starting to work. Homelessness is down 9 percent statewide – the first decline in eight years."
     The Governor said his budget request also includes $15 million in additional funding for Housing First initiatives, outreach services, and "maintaining safety in our public places."
     Pointing to Kurisu, Ige said, "We also know how important community partners have been in tackling this challenge. Take Kahauiki Village, a permanent housing project for homeless families launched by local businessman and philanthropist Duane Kurisu. Duane brought together city, state, nonprofits, and businesses, to make the village a reality in record time. The first 30 families recently moved in." He then asked Kurisu to stand and be recognized.
     The Governor continued the subject of housing with regards to Hawaiian Home Lands: "It has been my firm belief that the state must remain committed to developing and delivering Hawaiian homelands to beneficiaries. In 2016, we provided $24 million in funding to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. This was the highest level of funding in the department's 95-year history and more than double what had been set aside previously," the governor said. "For its part, Hawaiian Home Lands has been ramping up development of vacant and turn-key lots. More than 220 lots were awarded in 2017, and that number will more than double in 2018."
     He said his administration has "worked hard with the department to spend down federal funds and identify alternative sources of revenue that can be used to sustain the agency over time."
     See more about the 2018 State of the State address in Thursday's Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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KA‘Ū RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION invites the public to register today to give input this Friday during its informational and educational presentation, Crystal Meth Addiction in Communities.
     The session is part of KRHCA's Call to Action Prevention Campaign. Certified Prevention Specialist Gary Shimabukuro will give the presentation this Friday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Ka‘ū Gym & Disaster Shelter's multi-purpose room.
     Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Ka‘ū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.

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REGISTER TODAY TO HELP DOCUMENT HUMPBACK WHALES FOR THE SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT this Saturday, Jan. 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Ka‘ena Point on Crater Rim Drive in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one site of the annual 
Sanctuary Ocean Count of humpback whales. HIHWNMS photo by Thomas C. Stein
     Registrations help the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whales National Marine Sanctuary staff ensure that the south end of Hawai‘i Island will be covered by volunteers. There are four locations along the coast in and near Ka‘ū District: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Ka‘ena Point - end of Chain of Craters Road; Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park; Ka Lae Park - at the end of South Point Road; and Miloli‘i Lookout - from Hwy 11, continue makai towards Miloliʻi Beach Park, 1.9 miles down, turn left on Awapuhi and continue to dead end.
     Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides valuable data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time for orientation. Register at sanctuaryoceancount.org. Free; park entrance fees apply. Count will be held again on Feb. 24 and Mar. 31. Read more about locations at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

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A FREE PERFORMANCE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, JAN. 26, at 6 p.m. is offered by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's 2018 Artists in Residence. The event will be held in Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Park entrance fees apply.
     Musician Will Oldham - who performs under the name Bonnie "Prince" Billy - and his wife - textile artist Elsa Hansen Oldham - will present a dual multimedia performance. Oldham will sing and play music while Hansen Oldham stitches on stage, as her handiwork is projected on the auditorium's movie screen.
     The couple lives in Louisville, KY, and will reside in the park for a month. Oldham has performed since 1998 as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and prior to that as Palace Brothers, and Palace Music. His songs have been performed by Johnny Cash, Marianne Faithful, and others. His new record, Best Troubadour, is a collection of Merle Haggard songs.
     Hansen Oldham's textile art is displayed at the Dickinson Roundell Gallery in New York, and she was recently profiled in the New York Times.
     The non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation announced the selection of singer/songwriter Oldham - whose music is described as an alternative blend of country, folk and punk - and his wife - whose quilting and cross stitch work puts a folksy pop-art spin on history and modern culture - in October of last year.
     The project is supported by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and other benefactors. National Parks Arts Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the national parks, through creating dynamic opportunities for artwork based in the natural and historic heritage of America. All of its programs are made possible through the philanthropic support of donors. Visit nationalparksartsfoundation.org for details.
     For more information about the event, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at 
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/januarycommunity.html.
January print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout
the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Soccer: Thursday, Jan. 25, @ Pāhoa.

Swimming: Friday, Jan. 26, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, prelims).
     Saturday, Jan. 27, @ Kamehameha (BIIF Championships, finals).

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Jan. 27, HPA @ Ka‘ū.
     Monday, Jan. 29, @ Parker.
     Wednesday, Jan. 31, Kealakehe @ Ka‘ū.
     Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Jan. 27 @ HPA.
     Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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STEWARDSHIP OF KĪPUKAPUAULU takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, with volunteers meeting in the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa Road off Hwy 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, like morning glory, from an area said to be home to an "astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com or visit nps.gov/HAVO.
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place Friday, Jan. 26, with volunteers removing invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Interested volunteers should meet Paul and Jane Filed at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AND DISCUSS THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM USED IN PRE-CONTACT HAWAI‘I during Coffee Talk on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (entrance located south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11).
     During the January event, Farming the Rock in Ka‘ū: The Agriculture Field System of Kahuku, University of Hawai‘i Professors Seth Quintus and Noa Kekuewa Lincoln discuss their work uncovering the Ka‘ū field system at Kahuku, as well as how this knowledge might serve Hawai‘i in the future. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

MAKE LEI WITH KAIPO AHCHONG AT VOLCANO ART CENTER'S ALOHA FRIDAY event on January 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the VAC Gallery porch.
     Tropical Agriculture farmer AhChong shares his expert lei-making skills. As a member of Halau Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions.
     Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week. These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Dept. of Research and Development, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

‘O KA‘Ū KAKOU'S 10TH ANNUAL Keiki Fishing Tournament is held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. The event is open to keiki from one to 14 years old. Pre-registration has ended. Register at the event on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with fishing until noon, then lunch and prizes. Every participant gets a prize. Grand and mini-grand prize drawing - including personal tablets. For more, call Guy Enriques at 217-2253, Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773, or visit okaukakou.org.

BUILD YOUR OWN MINI ORCHID DISPLAY workshop is offered by Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
     Hilo Orchid Society's Shelby Smith and Donna Barr will be on hand to answer questions and show tips, tricks, and their orchid "know-how." Different categories of mini orchid displays will be covered, including Garden, Flower Arrangement/Cut Flowers/Ikebana, and Keiki.
     Pre-registration is required. Volcano Art Center members pay $20 and non-members pay $25.
     The event description on volcanoartcenter.org says, "Not only will you learn a thing or two, but also, thanks to the Hilo Orchid Society, you'll be able to take home an orchid."

U.H.-CTAHR EXTENSION AGENT ANDREA KAWABATA offers a Coffee Berry Borer Identification and Management Presentation at the Hamakua Harvest Farmers' Market on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn about identifying CBB and how to manage this coffee pest. "This class will be fairly basic, but see me after the presentation if you have specific questions," says Kawabata. The market is located at the intersection of Mamane Street and Hwy 19. For more details, visit hawaiicoffeeed.com.

JOIN ASTRONOMER AND CO-HOST OF PBS STAR GAZERS, DEAN REGAS, as he hosts Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's first-ever Star Party at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum) on Monday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Explore nearby planets and deep-space celestial wonders above the glow of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Dark Skies Rangers will answer questions. Powerful telescopes will be available at the Kīlauea Star Party event. Free, but subject to weather conditions; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, INC., distributes Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-Mauka, Ocean View, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All participants are asked to respect the grounds where this will be held. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 8:30 a.m., on the last Tuesday of each month.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.
VOLCANIC GEOLOGY ALONG SADDLE ROAD is the topic of an After Dark in the Park presentation given by Rick Hazlett, affiliate geologist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hazlett describes the "outdoor classroom" along Saddle Road, in which visitors can learn more about how the Islands aloha ‘āina (precious land) came to be. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

WITNESS THE LUNAR ECLIPSE WITH ASTRONOMER DEAN REGAS, co-host of PBS Star Gazers, as he guides event participants through the total lunar eclipse expected Tuesday, Jan. 30, atop Kīlauea Volcano. Meet Regas at 8:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Overlook (on Crater Rim Drive, before Jaggar Museum). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's event description says "the park will provide an excellent vantage point to view the spectacle – weather permitting." Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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