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Monday, November 19, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, November 19, 2018

A view from the Kaʻū Preserve of The Nature Conservancy, which is looking for a Program Coordinator to
work locally. See more, below. Photo by Shalan Crysdale
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO TODAY SUED PRES. DONALD TRUMP over the appointment of the Acting U.S. Attorney General. Hirono and colleagues filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, laying out a constitutional case for the authority of the U.S. Senate to provide advices and consent on who serves as U.S. Attorney General.
       Hirono, joined by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse, challenged the constitutionality of Trump's appointment of Matthew Whitaker as the Acting Attorney General. On Nov. 7, Trump appointed Whitaker to oversee the Department of Justice – including the Special Counsel's investigation – "in violation of the Constitution's Appointments Clause," the Senators contend. Their complaint asks the Court to declare Whitaker's appointment unconstitutional and to enjoin him from serving as, or carrying out the duties of, Acting Attorney General.
 Spirit of Justice, the 1933 C. Paul Jennewein cast aluminum, art deco statue of Lady Justice without a blindfold. She stands in Washington, D.C. inthe U.S Department of Justice Great Hall next to Trump appointed Acting Attorney
General Matthew Whitaker. Image from World News Now
     Stated Hirono, "Donald Trump cannot subvert the Constitution to protect himself and evade accountability. We want the court to make clear that the Senate must confirm Matthew Whitaker's appointment as Acting Attorney General – otherwise, this temporary appointment violates the Constitution's Appointments Clause. Without exception for President Trump's allies, principal officers who report directly to the President must be subject to a hearing and confirmed by the Senate."
     Said Blumentthal, "Installing Matthew Whitaker so flagrantly defies constitutional law that any viewer of School House Rock would recognize it. Americans prize a system of checks and balances, which President Trump's dictatorial appointment betrays. President Trump is denying Senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nation's top law enforcement official. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called 'constitutional nobody' and thwarting every Senator's constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts."
Sen. Mazie Hirono joined Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Sen. Richard Blumenthal of
Connecticut in suing Pres. Donald Trump today over his appointment of the Acting Attorney General.
Image from CNBC
     Said Whitehouse, "The stakes are too high to allow the president to install an unconfirmed lackey to lead the Department of Justice – a lackey whose stated purpose, apparently, is undermining a major investigation into the president. Unless the courts intercede, this troubling move creates a plain road map for persistent and deliberate evasion by the executive branch of the Senate's constitutionally mandated advice and consent. Indeed, this appointment appears planned to accomplish that goal."
     Two non-partisan, non-profit law firms represent the Senators in this case: Protect Democracy and the Constitutional Accountability Center.
     A statement from Hirono says that "The Constitution's Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm high-level federal government officials, including the Attorney General, before they exercise the duties of the office. The Framers included this requirement to ensure that senior administration officials receive scrutiny by the American people's representatives in Congress. The Appointments Clause is also meant to prevent the President, in the words of Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 76, from appointing officers with 'no other merit than that of…possessing the necessary insignificance and pliancy to render them the obsequious instruments of his pleasure.'
     "Because President Trump has denied the Senate the opportunity to consider whether Matthew Whitaker is fit to serve as a principal Officer of the United States, the full scope of concerns about Acting Attorney General Whitaker is unknown. However, issues that have come to light through public reporting underscore the importance of the Senate's constitutional responsibility to offer advice and consent before high-level executive administrators assume office.
     "President Trump's violation of the Constitution's Appointments Clause, unilaterally preventing members of the Senate from voting on whether or not to consent to Matthew Whitaker serving as a principal Officer, leaves Senators no choice but to seek a remedy through the courts."
     Anne Tindall, Counsel at Protect Democracy, said, "Under the legal theory currently being advanced by the White House, the President could elevate a family member who worked for an agency to lead it without Senate confirmation. The prospect that the Attorney General might seek to serve the President, rather than the American people, reaffirms the importance of a confirmation process that follows the Constitution."
     Elizabeth Wydra, President of Constitutional Accountability Center, a public interest think tank and law firm dedicated to promoting the progressive promise of the Constitution's text, history, and values, said, "President Trump has shown utter disregard for the bedrock constitutional plan for top executive branch officials to receive the advice and consent of the Senate before taking office. The prospect that a president's high-level executive branch appointments would be influenced by personal, rather than public, interests is one key reason why the nation's Founders required such appointees to receive the advice and consent of the Senate in the first place."

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Sharing is Caring was the theme of the recent Interfaith Service held at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji. 
Photo by Carol Tsunezumi
A KAʻŪ INTERFAITH SERVICE last week drew members of many faiths from as far away as Puna. Alice Yonemitsu reported that with a theme of Sharing is Caring, Velvet Replogle asked for a minute of silence to send caring thoughts and prayers to the victims of the California wildfires. Stanley Mizuno read from Corinthians about what love means. The Rev. Satoshi Tomioka of Nāʻālehu Honwanji gave remarks of gratitude.
     Participants at the service are members of the following churches: Kauahaʻao Church, Waiohinu;
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Nāʻālehu; Tibetan Buddhist Church, Wood Valley; Thy Word Ministries-Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu; United Methodist Church, Nāʻālehu; Pāhala Hongwanji Mission;
Puna Hongwanji Mission; Keaʻau Hongwanji Mission; and Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission.

Iwao Yonemitsu, well into his 90s, assists an attendee at the Interfaith Service held at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji.
Photo by Carol Tsunezumi

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS LOOKING FOR A PROGRAM COORDINATOR for the Hawaiʻi Island Forest Program. The position is based out of the TNC field office in Nāʻālehu. TNC representative Shalan Crysdale says TNC hopes "to find someone who loves working to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends as much as we do."
     The full-time position will provide coordination and functional support for operations, procurement, meeting management, special events logistics, safety training and volunteer programs.
Kamehame is the hawksbill turtle preserve owned and managed by 
The Nature Conservancy, makai of Pāhala. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
     Minimum qualifications are: Bachelor's degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination. The candidate must have experience: coordinating administrative processes; generating reports and interpreting data; in business writing, editing, and proofreading; with various communities and partners on Hawaiʻi Island and knowledge of how to navigate with sensitivity to cultural norms for successful results; organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines; working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people. The candidate must also have a valid driver's license and not be considered a "high-rish driver." The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
     Desired qualifications include: multi-cultural or cross cultural experiences; ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems; ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results; excellent customer service skills and focus; experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results; knowledge of grant writing and/or reporting appreciated; and strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.  
The Nature Conservancy stewards Kaiholena, the most 
important hawksbill turtle nesting site in the U.S. 
It is located makai of Pāhala. Photo from TNC
     From the job description: "Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably, and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
     "The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies, and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond."
     External applicants must apply at nature.org/careers and internal applicants via PeopleSoft, by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 14, 2019. To more easily locate the position, and to read more on the scope of the duties of the position, enter the job ID #47090 in the keyword search. Please do not hesitate to contact Shalan Crysdale or Jan Eber with any questions or suggestions of possible candidates.

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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 High Winter Sports Schedule 
through end of 2018
Girls Basketball:
Nov. 23 and 24, Fri. and Sat., Kaʻū Tourney
Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm

Boys Basketball:
Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Nov. 24, Sat., @Konawaena
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
FREE DIABETES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM held by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi in Kaʻū on Monday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. Registration required; sign up to be a Hui Mālama client at hmono.org or call 808-969-9220. For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Keep up to date at facebook.com/HMONO.org.

A PREVIEW EXHIBIT FOR 2019 PROGRAMS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER is offered at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village on Friday, Nov. 23, and Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The special exhibit features work by artists who will be offering classes and workshops at Volcano Art Center in the upcoming year, with attendees of the preview event welcomed to browse through program proposals from painting and block printing classes to stained glass, pottery, horticulture, Zentangle, music and more.
     "The New Year is just around the corner and so are those New Year’s Resolutions. Whether it’s learning a new craft, a language, or broadening your artistic knowledge, Volcano Art Center is giving everyone the chance to see into the future and quite possibly offer the solution to those resolutions," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
     In addition, Hale Ho‘omana will be one of the stops on the Volcano Village Artists Hui Tour. Volcano School of Arts and Sciences will be selling poinsettias, and turkey legs, ribs, and soft drinks will be available for purchase on the both days of the Program Preview Exhibit. For more, call 967-8222. See volcanoartcenter.org.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue., Nov. 20, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

After Dark in the Park, Nontuberculou Mycobacteria: A Kīlauea Volcano Study within a Study, Tue., Nov. 20, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Jennifer Honda introduces her on-going research to study the environmental, host, and microbial factors driving Nontuberculou Mycobacteria – bacteria found in soil and water-based biofilms that when inhaled, can cause chronic disease in susceptible individuals – lung disease emergence in Hawai‘i, which has the highest numbers in the U.S. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Turkey Trot, Wed., Nov. 21, noon-1:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades Pre-K to 6. Register Nov. 5 to 21. Joint program with Pāhala Elementary School. Homeschooled keiki welcome to register and attend. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed., Nov. 21, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Thanksgiving Nature Wreath, Arts & Crafts Activity, Wed., Nov. 21, 3-4pm, Kahuku Park, HOVE For ages 6-12. Register Nov. 13 to 22. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Fall Wreath of Thanks, Arts & Crafts Activity, Wed., Nov. 21, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 13 to 20. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Free Thanksgiving Community Dinner, Thu., Nov. 22, noon-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored and hosted by Ocean View Community Association. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Thanksgiving Buffet, Thu., Nov. 22, 2-6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Turkey, Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham and "all the fixins." Meal tickets: $22.95/Adult, $12.95/Child (6-11 years old). Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Thanksgiving Dinner, Thu., Nov. 22, 3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Registration for Charades, open Nov. 23-30, Kahuku Park, HOVE Program, for ages 6-12, held Dec. 7, 2-3pm. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kīlauea Military Camp Holiday Challenge, daily, Nov. 23-Jan. 1, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. All invited to see and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Volcano Village Artists Hui 32nd Annual Studio Tour & Sale, Fri.-Sun., Nov. 23-25, 10-4pm, see map at volcanovillageartistshui.com. Meet artists and view wide variety of artwork on display and available for purchase.

Kamahalo Craft Fair, Fri., Nov. 23, 9-4pm, Sat., Nov. 24, 9-3pm, Cooper Center on Wright Rd, Volcano Village. More than 30 vendors on hand with homemade, handmade, and homegrown items. Volunteers provide soups and food. Sponsored by Cooper Center Council. Proceeds used to fund community activities and Volcano Friends Feeding Friends hot meal program. See thecoopercenter.org for vendor form. Linda Ugalde, 936-9705, kilaueatutu@gmail.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Small Business Saturday takes place at Kalae Coffee and Hawaiian Flowers at 94-2166 South Point Road, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 24. The event aims help residents of Ka‘ū "Show your love for local" by connecting customers to local small businesses so they may easily buy local for the holidays.
     The following local vendors will be present: Karen Dusenbery DoTERRA Essential Oils; Heidi's LuLaRoe; Crooked C Ranch; Yolanda's Gifts & Creations; Art by tabby; Navarro Coffee Farm; Sticks and Stones; J & J Farm; Hawaiian Inspired Jewelry by Malia; Hawaiian Grindz; Infinite High; Fresh Pit; Gallery on the Go; Tropical Trappings; Paparazzi Accessories by CindyE; KaLae Therapeutic Massage; Jacquolyn McMurray, Author; Nurturing Gemstones; Alena Griffey Norwex Consultant; Beyond Organic Consulting; alikka TAG; KULOLO made by the Pua's; Dr. Frederick Kennedy, Chiropractor; Ariix; LeiMona; Ohi‘a Soap Lodge; Kanahele Jewelers and Shaved Ice.

Realms & Divisions of Kahuku, Sat., Nov. 24, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring snack. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Kīlauea Crisis Support Group Meeting, Sat., Nov. 24, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Reoccurring every last Saturday of the month sponsored by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

8th Annual Floating Lantern Celebration, "Honoring Past, Present & Future Generations," happens Saturday, Nov. 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. The event is a scholarship fundraiser, with lanterns and limited edition t-shirts for sale. Entertainment includes Hilo Okinawa Kobudo Taiko Drummers, Tai Chi and Qidong demonstrations, and local musicians. The celebration is sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, and funded by Kaʻū Council member Maile David. Call 928-0101 for more.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Artist's Volunteer Clean-up at Kamilo, Sun., Nov. 25, contact in advance for meet up time. Limited seats available, BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Nov. 25, 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
Annual Christmas in the Country Event is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Sunday, Nov. 26, daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; Park entrance fees apply. In addition to the artwork, gallery visitors can find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including Volcano Art Center exclusives.
     For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park through Tuesday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply.
     The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Registration for Track & Field Practice open through Wed., Nov. 21, Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in H.O.V.E. Program for ages 6-14 to be held Dec. 3-Feb. 8. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center – no classes on Thanksgiving, or between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.org, facebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

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.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu 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.

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