 Gov. David Ige signed eight bills into law yesterday to tackle opioids, guns, ammunition, and marine events. See story below. Image from the governor's Flickr |
WHETHER TO APPEAL THE REVOCATION OF KAʻŪ LEARNING ACADEMY'S CHARTER
will soon be taken up by the KLA board, according to Executive Director Josh
DeWeerd. Kaʻū Learning Academy's charter was revoked on Monday by the
State Public Charter School Commission. DeWeerd and members of the
school’s Governing Board spoke at the Honolulu
meeting, before the Commission finalized the revocation decision. The school
has 21 days to file an appeal with the state Board of Education. A decision
would be made within 60 days. DeWeerd called the revocation “a gut
wrencher.”
DeWeerd said, “We’re working on our
options, with our Governing Board, to help every family and student here in Kaʻū.
We won’t leave a rock unturned to try and help our kids. This is a school for
our community. Every decision that we do here has to be in the best interest of
kids.”
In April, DeWeerd became acting
Executive Director for KLA; in June, he officially took over the position.
During the meeting with the Commission, which lasted about four hours on
Monday, “they gave us as much time as needed to answer each and every question
on the revocation, as well as any questions they had,” said DeWeerd. The commission
reported there were 22 violations involved with the decision.
KLA was issued a notice of possible
revocation in late 2017, after an audit showed accounting irregularities, which
the school administration promised to repair. The commission said that some
work was done for the school by people not allowed to be paid, including family
members of those associated with the school. Also, allegations were made of
deficiencies in the school building. The school administration described the
problems as start up issues and said they were all being fixed as soon as the
school could get them done.
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| Kaʻū Learning Academy students in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Photo from kaulearning.com |
DeWeerd said every effort
has been made by the administrators, board, teachers, and involved parents and
community members to resolve any problems with “the best interests of kids” in
mind. “It's about the students of Kaʻū, and the families of Kaʻū.” DeWeerd said
the meeting with the commission in Honolulu
was “a great opportunity to talk about all the great things we accomplished
during these three months. I was involved with all of those 22 issues –
and those, we rectified or put policies into place, procedures into place.” He
said administrative action plans were enacted “to run a better school for our
community, as well as reach our families on a much better level.”
As to why the revocation decision
was made despite all their efforts, DeWeerd said the Commission
“was actually thankful – they were very excited that we were able to get
as much done as we did. But I think it was a lot of stuff prior to myself
coming here that went to the decision they had. I believe wholeheartedly that
we fixed everything, but the decision they made superseded that.
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| Kaʻū Learning Academy students. Photo from kaulearning.com |
The commission, DeWeerd said,
stated it wasn’t enough to look forward; they also had to look back. “We really
did work hard. We tried to do what was best for kids – that was our driving
factor. Even though we completely changed the ship, and pointed that boat in
the right direction, it still wasn’t enough.
“I will do whatever I can to try to
help the students and families here in Kaʻū,” said DeWeerd, “in a positive way.
If that means we have to go through the application system as a new school… but
we are looking at all options. Trying to turn over every lava rock. Let that
new growth come through.
“We will do everything possible to
give quality education to the families and students of Kaʻū,” said DeWeerd. He
said the KLA board will soon take up the issue of whether to appeal the
revocation of the charter.
KLA is located at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle ,
in the old Discovery Golf Course Clubhouse. The school serves 93 students in
grades 3 through 7.
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– Opioid Warning Label, HB
1602: Requires the inclusion of a label warning of the risks of addiction
and death on the packaging of any opioid drug dispensed by a health care
professional or pharmacist.
– Uniform Controlled Substances Act, HB
2384: Updates Uniform Controlled Substances Act for consistency with
federal law. Allows prescription of drugs to patients undergoing medically
managed withdrawal, also known as detoxification treatment and maintenance
treatment, by practitioners who are properly registered.
– Prescription Drugs, SB
2646: Requires prescribers of certain controlled substances to consult the
State's Electronic Prescription Accountability System before issuing a
prescription for the controlled substance, under certain circumstances.
Provides that a violation by a prescriber shall not be subject to criminal
penalty provisions but that a violation may be grounds for professional
discipline. Repeals on 6/30/2023 .
– Opioid Antagonists, SB 2247: Authorizes pharmacists to prescribe, dispense, and provide related education on opioid antagonists to individuals at risk of opioid overdose and to family members and caregivers of individuals at risk of opioid overdose without the need for a written, approved collaborative agreement; subject to certain conditions.
– Workers’ Comp & Opiods, SB 2244: Requires health care providers in the workers' compensation system who are authorized to prescribe opioids to adopt and maintain policies for informed consent to opioid therapy in circumstances that carry elevated risk of dependency. Establishes limits for concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions.
– Opioid Antagonists, SB 2247: Authorizes pharmacists to prescribe, dispense, and provide related education on opioid antagonists to individuals at risk of opioid overdose and to family members and caregivers of individuals at risk of opioid overdose without the need for a written, approved collaborative agreement; subject to certain conditions.
– Workers’ Comp & Opiods, SB 2244: Requires health care providers in the workers' compensation system who are authorized to prescribe opioids to adopt and maintain policies for informed consent to opioid therapy in circumstances that carry elevated risk of dependency. Establishes limits for concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions.
Ige posted to Facebook: “I’m proud that
Hawai‘i has one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the nation thanks to our
strict gun laws. At the same time, we must protect the rights of gun owners and
hunters to own and use guns safely. This legislation will help us uphold the rights
of gun owners while keeping guns out of the hands of mentally unfit
individuals.
“During the bill
signing ceremony at the Hawai‘i State Capitol, Honolulu Police Chief Susan
Ballard announced a 30-day amnesty program that allows bump stock owners to
turn in the firearm at any police station or to call 9-1-1 for officers to pick
it up.”
– Voluntary Surrender, Act 158, SB
2436: Requires voluntary surrender of firearms and ammunition, upon
disqualification from ownership, possession, or control, within seven days of
disqualification. Shortens the time period after failing to voluntarily
surrender or dispose of all firearms and ammunition upon disqualification,
after which the chief of police may seize all firearms and ammunition, from
thirty days to seven days.
Ige posted to Facebook: “The ban of bump
stocks and voluntary surrender of firearms will collectively improve the health
and safety of our community. In domestic violence situations, the period
following the threat is critical. Shortening the time period to 7 days will
further help to ensure the safety of our families and our communities.”
–Marine Events, HB 2259: Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to allow applications for marine event permits up to one year in advance and authorizes the Department to adopt rules to mitigate hazards posed by vessels, thrill craft, drones, and other means used by spectators to observe or record marine events. Requires a report to the 2019 Legislature.
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NEW and UPCOMING
WRITING FROM THE HEART WITH FRANCES KAI-HWA WANG takes place Saturday, July 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
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| Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
“The most powerful writing comes from the heart. What do you care about? What inspires you? What is special in your life?… Write about the people, places, and memories that matter to you. Write to touch, inspire, move, persuade, and provoke readers. Write with emotion, write with spirit. Write from your own truest self to help others find theirs. This course explores the kind of writing that changes people, oneself included. And it begins honestly, one word, one day at a time,” states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
The class fee is $65 for Volcano Art Center Members or $75 for non-Members. Participants are asked to bring a notebook, pen, and lunch. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
Wang is a journalist, essayist, speaker, educator, and poet focused on issues of diversity, race, culture, and the arts. The child of immigrants, she was born in Los Angeles, raised in Silicon Valley, and now divides her time between Michigan and the Big Island of Hawai‘i. She has worked in philosophy, ethnic new media, anthropology, international development, nonprofits, and small business start-ups. Her writing has appeared at NBC News Asian America, PRI Global Nation, New America Media, Pacific Citizen, Angry Asian Man, Cha Asian Literary Journal, Kartika Review, and several anthologies, journals, and art exhibitions. Wang teaches courses on Asian/Pacific Islander American media and civil rights law at the University of Michigan, and teaches creative writing at University of Hawai‘i Hilo and Washtenaw Community College. She co-created a multimedia artwork for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Indian American Heritage Project - online and a traveling art exhibition. Visit franceskaihwawang.com.
The class fee is $65 for Volcano Art Center Members or $75 for non-Members. Participants are asked to bring a notebook, pen, and lunch. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
Wang is a journalist, essayist, speaker, educator, and poet focused on issues of diversity, race, culture, and the arts. The child of immigrants, she was born in Los Angeles, raised in Silicon Valley, and now divides her time between Michigan and the Big Island of Hawai‘i. She has worked in philosophy, ethnic new media, anthropology, international development, nonprofits, and small business start-ups. Her writing has appeared at NBC News Asian America, PRI Global Nation, New America Media, Pacific Citizen, Angry Asian Man, Cha Asian Literary Journal, Kartika Review, and several anthologies, journals, and art exhibitions. Wang teaches courses on Asian/Pacific Islander American media and civil rights law at the University of Michigan, and teaches creative writing at University of Hawai‘i Hilo and Washtenaw Community College. She co-created a multimedia artwork for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Indian American Heritage Project - online and a traveling art exhibition. Visit franceskaihwawang.com.
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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 11
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, beginning at 9 a.m., Wed, July 11 (Council), Hilo , Tue/Wed, July 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building
THURSDAY, JULY 12
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thu, July 12, 10:30 -noon , Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Thursday Night at the Center - Witnesses in Words: The Literature of Kīlauea, Thu, July 12, 7-8pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village Kīlauea and their perspectives: William Ellis, Titus Coan, Mark Twain and Isabella Bird. Free; $5 donation suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Oliver!, a KDEN Production, July 13-29; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm , Sundays 2:30pm . Shows moved to UH Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $20 general, $15 seniors 60+ and students, $12 keiki 12 and under. Tickets available from July 2 at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo . Info and reservations: 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
Exhibit, Birds of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park 9-5pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
2nd Annual Bi-Annual Quilt Show, Quilts In The Forest - Where the Path May Lead, Opening reception: Fri, July 13, 5-7pm. Then daily, Tue-Sat, 10-4pm , through Aug 3, Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Sat, July 14, 8-11am , Ocean View Community Center
Kāwā Volunteer Day, Sat, July 14, 9:30am , Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, or 561-9111. nmok.org
Realms and Divisions of Kahuku, Sat, July 14, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
SUNDAY, JULY 15
Nature and Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sun, July 15, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
ONGOING
Libraries Rock Summer Reading Program: Hawai‘i State Public Library System, through Saturday, July 14, statewide and online. Register and log reading at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org or at a local library. Free. Reading rewards, activities, and programs for children, teens, and adults. 2018 participants have a chance to win a Roundtrip for four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
25th AnnualHawai’i Hawai’i Convention Center, Honolulu . Registration ongoing, $80+. hawaiiconservation.org
Paid Intern sought by The Nature Conservancy, to work from October 2018 through August 2019 with their Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which has native forest preserves located in Ka‘ū and South Kona. Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receive an entry-level conservation career experience. Applicants must be at least 17 years old by the program start date, October 2018, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applications must also have their own housing and transportation, a drivers license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an online application at kupuhawaii.org under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible, as spaces are limited; kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keaʻau High School Gym. Buses run to and from Keaʻau Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour; see full bus schedule on the Civil Defense Website at HawaiiCounty.gov/Active-Alerts. For a list of the information applicants need to bring to the DRC, or to register online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov.
Rangers offer new and familiar programs – free of charge, with no entry fees – for visitors at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo, and at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo.
Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.Volcano Art Center Mokupāpapa Discovery Center 
Grand Naniloa Hotel
25th Annual
Paid Intern sought by The Nature Conservancy, to work from October 2018 through August 2019 with their Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which has native forest preserves located in Ka‘ū and South Kona. Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receive an entry-level conservation career experience. Applicants must be at least 17 years old by the program start date, October 2018, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applications must also have their own housing and transportation, a drivers license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
Find Your Park, invites Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Kamaʻaina and tourist alike are encouraged to experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka‘ū to Volcano to Hilo. “While Kīlauea continues to shake the ground and blast ash from its ever-changing summit crater – causing the partial closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Kahuku Unit
In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ike Hana Noe ʻAu, Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, made possible by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. ; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
You can also find your park rangers in Volcano at the Volcano Art Center 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. , in Volcano Village 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.
The return of After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center
Find you park rangers at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in downtown Hilo, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., give a talk about all five of Hawai‘i Island’s volcanoes –including Kīlauea. Get your NPS Passport Book stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave. , Hilo Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
Two Park Rangers are stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo , from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room - as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit , Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
Tūtū and Me Offers Home Visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 464-9634.
Volcano Rain Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.
5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22,
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