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Monday, October 22, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, October 21, 2018


Snow on Mauna Loa this morning, as seen by a temporary USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory research camera on the north rim of Mokuʻāweoweo, the summit caldera. During the early morning and late evening, the camera often picks up a few thermal areas emitting steam. See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cams/panorama.php?cam=MLcam for the live image. 
See more, below. USGS photo
HAWAIʻI GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES ANDRIA TUPOLA AND DAVID IGE debated last Thursday on KHON television, moderated by Gina Manieri. Ige, the Democrat, is running for his second four-year term. Tupola, a Republican, has held the state House of Representatives District 43 seat for two two-year terms. She is one of five Republicans in the Hawaiʻi Legislature. She became House minority leader in 2017.
     Tupola and Ige weighed in on subjects like the high cost of living in Hawaiʻi. They were asked for "specific examples of your policies and plans that will benefit local families trying to make ends meet." 
     Ige said his strategy was to lower the cost of education. Tuploa pointed to state taxes – especially General Excise taxes on food and medicine, as "something as simple as groceries and medicine, yet it is essential for every family across the state of Hawaiʻi." 
     On business in Hawaiʻi, Tuploa said that shortening the long permitting time for new construction and encouraging shared work spaces would be two ways to support businesses. Ige answered that encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation in the universities "as we transform our economy… the university has to be a key part of that… to create the jobs of the future."
 Candidates for Hawaiʻi Governor, Andria Tuploa and David Ige, in their first debate Thursday night.
Photos from khon2.com
     The candidates were asked how they plan to facilitate their relationship with the new Lieutenant Governor. Ige said the Lieutenant Governor should be included in cabinet meetings, where "we have the most heated discussions about how to move forward on the most important issues." He said he would look to the Democratic contender Josh Green, Kaʻū's current state Senator and physician, "for his areas of expertise and his passion," especially concerning homelessness, and to help solve the statewide physician shortage.
     Tuploa stated it was "necessary" for her to work with a Lieutenant Governor who "challenges my thought," saying she would not want her partner silenced, taking her input for the betterment of Hawaiʻi. She also pointed out that the Republican ticket offers "two, strong, minority women," Tupola herself and her running mate Marissa Kerns.
Incumbent Gov. David Ige
     The moderator asked Ige and Tupola about their plans to help the chronically homeless and address mental health issues. Tupola said accurately counting the number of homeless people is an issue. She said the counts are voluntary, and that there are hidden homeless. "Secondly, we need to think about community-minded solutions… right now, we're trying to use a one-size-fits-all solution, and only certain areas are actually being impacted."
     Ige said there is no quick fix, and that homelessness is a whole-community issue. He said focusing on housing first gives support for lending mental health and substance abuse aid. He said his supporting initiatives like the Family Assessment Center has been successful 90 percent of the time, taking homeless individuals, and placing them in permanent housing in 90 days.
     During the debate, the candidates were allowed to ask one question of the other. Tuploa asked Ige, "How many homes were built for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands last year and how many of those 44,000 applicants can intend to get a lease with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands within the next four years?"
     Ige responded, "I am very committed to restoring beneficiaries to the lands as required by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. We have appropriated $25.1 million in operating funds, the highest operating budget ever in the history of the department, which allows us to create the staff so we can implement the programs to move forward and get the job done."
     Ige's question to Tupola was regarding the sitting President, asking, "You replaced Rep. Beth Fukumoto as a minority leader in the House because she criticized President Trump. Are there any policies you disagree with President Trump on?"
Republican challenger Andria Tupola
     Tupola answered, "You know, we've had differences on various implementations of it. And as you know, the President doesn't make decisions by himself. There's a Senate, a Congress that balances those decisions." Tupola contended that Fukumoto was ousted not due to disagreeing with Trump, but because, "we wanted to have clear leadership and where we were going as a caucus. To me it was very, very important that we have a balanced, two party system. Even if we disagree, to find ways forward. I'm committed. We can't always choose who we work with, but we can always choose how we work with them. So even in the disagreements we had with the legislators or the federal government, I'm committed to always finding paths forward so the people of Hawai`i can benefit from my decisions."
     Ige replied to that answer with, "The difference between myself and Andria is I disagree with Trump's policies on immigration, on affordable healthcare, on women's reproductive rights. I believe they are contrary to the values we share in our communities. I've chosen to challenge the president in those areas because I believe it is fundamentally important that we express our values that we share here, in Hawaiʻi.
     See more on tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs, including a story on the debate between Lieutenant Governor candidates Josh Green and Marissa Kerns. Watch the whole debate at khon2.com/news/political-news/governor-david-ige-and-state-representative-andria-tupola-square-off-in-first-televised-debate/1526713913.

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GOV. DAVID IGE AND DR. JOSH GREEN, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, have announced a new endorsement this week: The General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi.
     A statement from Team Ige said, "This endorsement is especially meaningful for Team Ige. The construction industry plays a vital role in our economy and has impacted many of Governor Ige's initiatives during his first term including building, repairing and investing in key infrastructure systems including transportation, roads, bridges, airports, and public buildings."
     Lance Wilhelm, Chair, GCA Legislative Committee, Member, GCA Board of Directors, said, "We are focused on ensuring that Hawaiʻi has a healthy construction industry, while improving the quality of construction and protecting the public's interest. GCA believes that Governor Ige and Dr. Josh Green understand the broader issues challenging our state and the issues specific to our growth and well-being."
     The Contractors join other groups and individual of endorsements:
Members of Volcano Community Action Network.
Photo from davidige.org
     Volcano Community Action Network: Chair Liz Miller wrote, "Governor Ige has proven to us that he hears our voice and has our back because he shares our values. He understands our particular concerns about such issues as energy independence and climate change; rat lung-worm disease and rapid ‘ōhi’a death; the importance of banning toxic chemical use and invasive species to protect human health and our native endemic species. He has knowledge of, and support for the environmental issues unique to Hawaiʻi Island like no other Governor before him nor either of the other candidates for governor have. 
     "Governor Ige has shown up for community meetings, in Volcano and throughout the island, made special trips to the Puna District to assess and address the disastrous effects of the current lava eruptions and secured federal funds for relief. He is humble, straight-forward and honest and believes in legislation intended to preserve and strengthen local culture and environmental integrity. Because he is an engineer, he has the ability to separate emotion and corporate monied interests from the realities of how things actually work and makes decisions based on what is best in the long run for the people and environment of Hawaiʻi.
     "We trust him as a person and as our state's leader, and wholeheartedly support David Ige for Governor."
     Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association: President & CEO Mufi Hannemann, a former Mayor of the City & County of Honolulu, wrote, "Governor Ige and his administration have been very supportive of the hospitality industry, and always accessible to our members. His leadership on tourism was reflected on how he heard our views on a potentially harmful resort fee bill and subsequently vetoed it. His administration's stand on the as-yet-unresolved transient vacation rentals issue, which is a top priority for HLTA, closely mirrors ours. Moving forward, we anticipate collaborating more with the governor on ways in which we can continue to provide jobs for the 200,000-plus people who are dependent on tourism for their livelihoods and healthy quality of life.
     Hawaiʻi Solar Energy Corporation: Board President Brian Gold wrote, "Governor Ige has a formidable record of support for clean energy in Hawaiʻi. He opposed the takeover of the Hawaiian Electric Company by NextEra, opposed the development of liquified natural gas, and led the effort to enact the state's commitment to a 100% renewable energy by 2045.
     "Governor Ige is committed to bringing renewable energy to Hawaiʻi. He understands that renewable resources like solar are not a risk, but an imperative. The Hawaiʻi Solar Energy Association is proud to endorse Governor Ige's leadership and clean energy for another four years."
     Read more endorsements for the Ige-Green team at davidige.org/endorsements.

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Wood Valley flood waters merge into a swollen torrent during heavy rains this past week. Photo by Julia Neal 
A DUSTING OF SNOW ON MAUNA LOA; a shut-down of Mauna Kea's access road at the 9,200-foot Visitor Information Station due to snow, fog, and ice; a statewide Flood Warning with Flood and Flash Flood Watches for Hawaiʻi Island; flooding in Kaʻū; and high surf warnings for south-facing shores can all be attributed to a powerful southern hemisphere storm.
     The high surf warning should be called off by tomorrow evening, according to forecasters.
     The National Weather Service said, "Today, the trough aloft will continue to move slowly eastward, with a drier airmass continuing to filter across Maui County and the Big Island during the day. This should put an end to the threat for flash flooding or thunderstorms, and we have cancelled the Flash Flood Watch. A few heavier showers may still be possible on the Big Island, especially in the afternoon, but thunderstorms appear unlikely as the airmass dries out and stabilizes during the day."

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
   Sat, Oct 27, 1pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Pāhoa vs. Kaʻū

NEW and UPCOMING
KA WA‘A KAULUA - The Double-Hulled Canoe, is the subject of this month's Coffee Talk, on Friday, Oct. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit's Visitor Center. This free gathering, will feature "Captain" Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa, canoe sailor and builder. He will share his knowledge and experience of these marvelous canoes.
     "How did people get to Hawai‘i?" asks the event description. "Many cultural groups across the broad Pacific were known for transporting themselves, plants, animals, and their culture in ocean-going canoes, often across great distances. A spectacular example of the Polynesian double-hulled canoe, the wa‘a kaulua of Hawai‘i, is still crafted and used today."
     Call 985-6011 or visit home.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?event=75E9EB93-1DD8-B71B-0B7BDBFEB8BAF4A2 for more.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
VOTE: Early Walk-In Voting Open, Tue., Oct. 23, through Sat., Nov. 3. elections.hawaii.gov

HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue., Oct. 23, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Oct. 25, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Oct. 25, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Oct. 25, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Craft Class, Thu., Oct. 25, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26
Coffee Talk, Ka Wa‘a Kaulua: The Double-Hulled Canoe, Fri., Oct. 26, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Canoe sailor and builder Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa shares his knowledge and experience of the double-hulled canoe, which are still crafted and used today. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Fall Costume Party, Fri., Oct. 26, 1:30-3:30pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Snacks, activities and prizes. Free to all ages. 939-2442

Halloween Party, Fri, Oct. 26, 8pm-midnight, Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $5 cover charge w/costume, $7 without. For patrons 21+. Call 967-8365 after 4pm for more. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27
VOTE: Deadline to submit General Election poll watcher names to Office of Elections or Clerk's Office, Sat., Oct. 27. elections.hawaii.gov

Craft Bazaar, Sat, Oct. 27, 9-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Discovery Harbour Community Association, 929-9576

Paint Your Own Silk Scarf Workshop w/Patti Pease Johnson, Sat., Oct. 27, 9-12:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Students paint and take home 8"x53" silk scarf using three colors of their choice. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Oct. 27, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Will & Estate Seminar, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-3pm, Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God. 929-7278

Lava Evacuee Support Group Meeting, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Reoccurring every last Saturday of the month hosted by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

Hands-On Fermented Foods Workshop: Sauerkraut and Kombucha w/Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member. Pre-registration required. All supplies and organic ingredients provided. No cooking skills necessary. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Tiki Mama's Road to the Sea Halloween Party will feature the Night Stalkers. Doors open at 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, Oct, 27, at 92-9122 Mamalahoa Hwy, Ocean View. Suggested donation is $10 plus a can of food. Tiki Mama's events support Hawaiʻi Food Bank.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Kamilo Point Clean-Up & Debris Survey with UH-Hilo's Marine Science Dept., Sun., Oct. 28. Call for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Oct. 28, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower, on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

ONGOING
Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival happens Saturday, Nov. 3, at Pāhala Community Center, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring Master Cultural Practitioners, Kukakuka (talk story), and many educational and cultural experiences with hands-on demonstrations. The festival is preceded by ceremonies at Punaluʻu Beach at dawn; at sunset, a ceremony will be held to honor ancestors; the festival will close with a ceremony at Makanau.
     Craft vendors, food vendors, and informational booths can still be applied for. Contact Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder at leionalani47@hotmail.com or (808) 649-9334 for an application. Last year brought over 1,000 spectators.
     The festival features hula performed by hālau from Mexico, Japan, West Virginia, Oʻahu, South America, and Hawaiʻi Island. Traditional ethnic dance performances will come from Mexico, as well as the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo Filipino Dancers. Taiko Drummers will perform. This year's headliner musical acts include Hoʻaikāne, Wailau Ryder, Keʻaiwa, Victor Chock, and Steven Sioloa.
     Sponsors include County Council member Maile David and community contributions through fundraising. See hookupukau.com.

Public Access Room comes to Ocean View on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The non-partisan division of Hawaiʻi state legislature's legislative Reference Bureau will offer workshops. Free and open to the public, they focus on training for creating, following, and testifying on legislation.
     Two workshops will be offered. The first is geared towards newcomers, provides an introduction to the state legislative process to prepare new participants for the session. The second workshop is for those with an understanding of lawmaking. It will offer advanced advocacy tips on effective lobbying and often overlooked online resources. How-To guides, informational handouts, and other resources will be available.
     PAR's staff will be at Ocean View Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 92-8924 Leilani Circle. The Beginners Presentation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; the Advanced Presentation will be from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additional presentations will be in Kona, Waimea, Pāhoa, and Hilo, from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.
     For more, call toll free to 808-974-4000, ext. 7-0478, email Keanu Young at k.young@capitol.hawaii.gov, or go to lrbhawaii.org.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, is temporarily moving their Pāhala site program for Oct. 23, 25, and 30, and Nov. 1, to the River of Life Assembly of God church. The group still meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. They will be back at Pāhala Community Center on Nov. 6. The Nāʻālehu location remains at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
     The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies. CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html

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