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| Sanctuary Humpback Whale Count drew volunteers to Kaʻū Coast and beyond, today. See story below. Photo from NOAA |
TESTIMONY IS DUE MONDAY FOR FUNDING TO IMPROVE HEART ATTACK OUTCOMES WITH A CATHETERIZATION LAB at Hilo Medical Center. The bill will be heard by the state House of Representatives Health Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 8:30 a.m. Introduced by west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, a physician, and East Kaʻū Rep. Richard Onishi, House Bill 527 would appropriate funds to the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. to "establish a full-time catheterization laboratory, including the employment of staff" at Hilo Medical Center.
Deadline to submit testimony is Monday, Jan. 28, at 8:30 a.m. Submit testimony online at capitol.hawaii.gov/home.aspx: register, click on the "Submit Testimony" button, enter bill HB527, then follow prompts to submit by uploading or copy/paste testimony in the text box. Testimony can also be submitted via email to HLTtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov or by fax at 808-586-6051.
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HB144, introduced by Creagan, and SB888, introduced by Kanuha, would require "coffee blend labels to disclose regional origins and percent by weight of the blended coffees" and prohibit "using geographic origins of coffee in labeling or advertising for roasted or instant coffee that contains less than 51 percent coffee by weight from that geographic origin."
THE OCEAN WHALE COUNT drew more than 572 volunteers to the shores of Kaʻū and around the Hawaiian Islands today. It was the first of three monthly events of the 2019 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count. With the federal government recovering from being shut down, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is helping to coordinate Sanctuary Ocean Count events.
The improvement of cardiology services at Hilo Medical Canter is considered a boost to patients admitted to Kaʻū Hospital, who are frequently transferred to Hilo and then to Honolulu. Testimony for the measure states that saving time is saving lives. More patients would forgo the air time to Honolulu with treatment at a catheterization lab in Hilo.
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BILLS TO REGULATE COFFEE LABELING will go before legislative committees in the Hawaiʻi state Senate and House of Representatives this week.
House Bill 143, introduced by west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, and Senate Bill 894, introduced by west Kaʻū Sen. Dru Kanuha and Hilo Sen. Kai Kahele, would expand coffee labeling to include ready-to-drink beverages.
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| Legislators will review bills to regulate coffee labeling. Bigstock photo |
HB909, introduced by east Kaʻū Rep. Richard Onishi, and SB895, introduced by Kanuha and Kahele, would expand the "offense of false labeling of Hawaiʻi-grown coffee to include grade standard violations and all stages of production of Hawaiʻi-grown coffee."
SB896, introduced by Kanuha and Kahele, would require the sate Department of Agriculture to "inspect and certify all Hawaiʻi-grown green coffee beans for grade and origin, except for shipments of one hundred pounds or less."
HB143 and HB144 will be reviewed by the House Agricultural Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 30. SB894, SB888, and SB895 will be reviewed by the Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health committee. SB888 will also be reviewed by the Committee on Agriculture and Environment. SB895 will also be reviewed by the Judiciary committee. SB869 will be reviewed by the House Agricultural Committee on Thursday, Feb. 1.
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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.
THE OCEAN WHALE COUNT drew more than 572 volunteers to the shores of Kaʻū and around the Hawaiian Islands today. It was the first of three monthly events of the 2019 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count. With the federal government recovering from being shut down, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is helping to coordinate Sanctuary Ocean Count events.
Combined, volunteers collected data from 51 sites across all the main islands. A total of 168 whale sightings were seen statewide, during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteers collected data from 39 sites on the islands of Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i, with 96 whale sightings during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
On Maui, Great Whale Count volunteers collected data from 12 sites during timed intervals between 8:30 a.m. and 11:50 a.m. A total of 359 whales were seen throughout the day on Maui, with 72 whales counted during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteers collected data from 39 sites on the islands of Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i, with 96 whale sightings during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
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| The first whale count of the year happened today, with volunteers and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation helping out in the wake of the government shutdown. Photo from NOAA |
According to reports from organizers, weather conditions were not ideal for whale viewing at most sites across the state due to strong winds and high surf. Those factors made visibility difficult for viewing whales. However, some sites were fortunate to have perfect whale viewing conditions with partly sunny skies. A variety of other species were also spotted during the count including sea turtles, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, multiple sea bird species, and more.
The annual Great Whale Count by Pacific Whale Foundation brings volunteers together on Maui to count whales from shore as part of a long-term survey of humpback whales in Hawai‘i, with 12 survey sites along the shoreline. This event provides a snapshot of trends in relative abundance of whales and is one of the world's longest-running citizen scientist projects.
Two more counts will take place during peak whale season: the last Saturdays in February and March. Preliminary data detailing Sanctuary Ocean Count whale sightings by site location will be available at: oceancount.org/resources. After recovery from the shutdown, additional information will be available on Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's website at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. Pacific Whale Foundation's Great Whale Count data may be found at mauiwhalefestival.org/greatwhalecount, with additional information at pacificwhale.org.
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| 2,209 acres east of Nāʻālehu will be preserved, with 25 acres going to a wastewater treatment facility for the town. Image from County of Hawaiʻi |
Hawaiʻi county will pay for its portion of the land and the rest of the purchase is supported by money collected from two percent of county property taxes, as well as state and federal sources. The purchase of the parcel for conservation is near completion but transfer of titles may be delayed to allow for the 25 acres to go to the county.
The conservation parcel includes the ancient site of Waikapuna Village, miles of Kaʻū Coast and pasture lands above it.
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TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM HEADS TO OʻAHU next month,
Feb. 6 through 8, for the HHSAA Girls Division II Championship.
Yesterday, the
Trojans ladies faced off with Honokaʻa in the BIIF Division II Semi-Finals, winning
47 to 33 against Honokaʻa.
The BIIF Division II Finals tonight saw the third place Trojan ladies compete for their 1st BIIF Division II Crown, challenging fourth place holder Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy. A close game ensued, with Kaʻū scoring 32 against HPA, who managed 38.
The BIIF Division II Finals tonight saw the third place Trojan ladies compete for their 1st BIIF Division II Crown, challenging fourth place holder Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy. A close game ensued, with Kaʻū scoring 32 against HPA, who managed 38.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
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Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Feb. 6-9, Wed.-Sat., HHSAA
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 28, Mon. host Kanu, 6pm , Varsity
Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals
Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA
Wrestling:
Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo
Feb. 9, Sat., @BIIF @Keaʻau
Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA
Soccer:
Jan. 28, Mon., Boys BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA
Feb. 7-9, Thu.-Sat., Boys HHSAA
Swimming:
Feb. 8-9, Fri.-Sat., HHSAA
Feb. 9, Sat., Oʻahu
NEW and UPCOMING
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM RECREATION ROOM-FITNESS STATION IS OPEN TO THOSE 15 YEARS OLD AND OVER, Monday through Thursday, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., through Mar. 29. Bring personal towel and drinking water. Open registration.
For more, contact Recreation Director Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. Ka‘ū District Gym is located on the Ka‘ū High School campus on Kamani Street in Pāhala. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for hours of operation.
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A Special Meeting for Local Residents about Senior Housing - the Fruit Stand Project - is held by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou at Nāʻālehu Community Center Sunday, Jan. 27, at 4 p.m.
MONDAY, JANUARY 28
Public Meeting on Future of Pāhala Transfer Station, where people take their recyclables and other trash, happens Monday, Jan. 28, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division invites the Pāhala community and users of the Pāhala Transfer Station to attend the informational meeting. The Solid Waste Division will join community members to discuss operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule.
"We welcome any input and participation from the community and users of this facility," said a statement from the county. County Council member Maile David will attend.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Jan. 29, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Jan. 30, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Monthly. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
Free Car Seat Inspections happen in Waiʻōhinu on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program is sponsored by Partners for Safe Keiki, Tūtū and Me, and Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, a coalition of Partners of Keiki, and Safe Grant Hawaiʻi.
"Three of four car seats are not installed correctly," say the sponsors. "Feel free to post, share and circulate to help us to reach as many Kaʻū residents as possible. There is no eligibility requirement for these inspections. Just come with your vehicle, keiki and car seat(s)!" To make an appointment, call 896-1336.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31
Craft Class, Thu., Jan. 31, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Public Meeting on Future of Pāhala Transfer Station, where people take their recyclables and other trash, happens Monday, Jan. 28, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division invites the Pāhala community and users of the Pāhala Transfer Station to attend the informational meeting. The Solid Waste Division will join community members to discuss operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule.
"We welcome any input and participation from the community and users of this facility," said a statement from the county. County Council member Maile David will attend.
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Jan. 29, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Jan. 30, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Monthly. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
"Three of four car seats are not installed correctly," say the sponsors. "Feel free to post, share and circulate to help us to reach as many Kaʻū residents as possible. There is no eligibility requirement for these inspections. Just come with your vehicle, keiki and car seat(s)!" To make an appointment, call 896-1336.
Craft Class, Thu., Jan. 31, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Jan. 31, 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
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Story Time with Lindsey Miller - PARENTS, Inc., Fri., Feb. 1, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Abstract Painting Workshop w/Darcy Gray, Sat., Feb. 2, 10-2pm, Volcano Art Center. For those with basic painting background. Supplies provided. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee for 5 sheets 300 lb. 18"x24" watercolor paper, pre-gessoed. Advance registration required. Limited to 8 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Art Express, Sat., Feb. 2, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 1st Saturday monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express
Keiki Science Class, Sat., Feb. 2, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. 1st Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Abstract Painting Workshop w/Darcy Gray, Sat., Feb. 2, 10-2pm, Volcano Art Center. For those with basic painting background. Supplies provided. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee for 5 sheets 300 lb. 18"x24" watercolor paper, pre-gessoed. Advance registration required. Limited to 8 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Keiki Science Class, Sat., Feb. 2, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. 1st Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com
Harry McKee Foundation Scholarships for Kaʻū Students are open through Feb. 15. Harry McKee Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors invites college bound high school seniors and current college students to apply for a $1,000 scholarship. Students must be residents of Kaʻū District and plan to attend any accredited college, university, technical institute, or vocational school, anywhere in the U.S. Students must enroll full time in the fall of 2019.
The application and more information are at mckeescholarshipfoundation.weebly.com. Applications must be mailed to the foundation office in Ocean View by February 15.
The website says that Harry McKee "left a legacy of commitment to the youth of Kaʻū. His foundation exists to give students an opportunity for higher education. Harry was a musician, a gardener, a WWII decorated veteran, an outdoorsman, and an active civic leader. Harry was well known for reaching out to local youth to support their education goals, and to encourage young people to share aloha and celebrate ʻohana." See more about the foundation at mckeescholarshipfoundation.weebly.com.
Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.
Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves 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 receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's 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 application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
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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 receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
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.
