Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, January 27, 2019

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National park will welcome visitors to more areas, with the funding of the National Park Service, after
35 days of the partial government shutdown, reversed on Friday night. Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
helped keep parts of the park open by raising money. Photo from Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

OPENING OF MORE AREAS OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is ongoing with the approval for three weeks of funding by Pres. Donald Trump and Congress on Friday night. According to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Facebook, "With the enactment of the continuing resolution, park staff will resume regular operations over the next several days. Chain of Craters Road will remain closed until staff can return to work and check for road hazards and impacts to critical resources such as nēnē, the endangered Hawaiian goose. Please visit nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes for updated information about the park."

Elizabeth Fien, President and CEO of
Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

     The Park's Facebook acknowledges community help during the shutdown: "We greatly appreciate the generous contributions of park partners, especially Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park." Friends helped to raise money to keep parts of the park open. An anonymous donation came in for $76,320. County of Hawaiʻi gave $38,160. The combined total of $114,480 funded many days of service, said Friends Executive Director Elizabeth Fien. The funding helped to pay park rangers and Friends guides to serve the public.
     Fien announced today another donation of $50,000 to Friends from Hawaiian Airlines Team Kokua Giving. Hawaiian Air's Hawaiʻi Island Sales Manager Craig Shiroma nominated Friends for the funding.
     Friends also announced that its new Chairman of the Board is Bernard Balsis, known in Kaʻū for his years as manager of Kaʻū Federal Credit Union. The board recently named Fien as its President and CEO. She began working with Friends seven years ago as Education and Outreach Coordinator, moving to Director of Development, Executive Director, and President and CEO. She was recently reelected to serve on the steering committee of the National Park Foundation's Friends Alliance.
     Fien, a resident of Discovery Harbour, said she plans to help develop the Friends organization into a self-sustaining major partner with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, much like the Friends organization at Yosemite.
     See more about Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on its website and Facebook.

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ELIMINATING TRAFFIC DEATHS AND SERIOUS INJURIES is the goal of the formation of a Vision Zero Task Force for Hawaiʻi Island. Mayor Harry Kim will sign a proclamation Friday, Feb. 1 to create the task force, says a statement from the mayor's office.

     The task force will be comprised of agencies and organizations with expertise in transportation, enforcement, education, public health, emergency response, equity, transit, biking, walking, and vehicles,. The Vision Zero initiative "focuses on thinking differently about traffic safety, to work together as a community for a truly worthy outcome: the elimination of traffic deaths and serious injuries on our streets."

Mayor Kim's Vision Zero Task Force aims to eliminate
traffic injuries and deaths. Photo from dmv.org

     The statement says Hawai’i County has the highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the State. In 2018, 32 people died in traffic crashes on Hawai‘i Island. Another 1,200 people sustained serious injuries. On average, three people are treated for traffic-related injuries in Hawai‘i County every day. Every month, two die from traffic-related injuries, the statement says.

     "Vision Zero recognizes that we all make mistakes, and that transportation systems should be designed to minimize the impacts of those errors.  When crashes do occur, they should not result in death or serious injuries. Crashes are not accidents; they are preventable – with the right actions and commitment.

     "Vision Zero is committed to reducing the severity of crashes so that crashes don't result in death or serious injuries. Everyone has the right to safely travel on our streets, no matter where they are going or how they travel.

     "By committing to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries through a Vision Zero plan, we will create a safer and more vibrant island for generations to come."

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THE SUBJECT OF RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY is taken up in an op-ed by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who represents Kaʻū in Congress and has announced her run for President of the United States. She would be the first person of the Hindu religion to be President. She is the first Hindu to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.      The op-ed was released today and published by Religious News Service. In a statement sent with the op-ed, she wrote, "For too long we have seen religion being used to foment hatred, bigotry and illicit fear and suspicion in people, by those who are trying to pit us against each other for their own political gain." She quoted Pres. John F. Kennedy, who said: "For while this year it may be a Catholic against whom the finger of suspicion is pointed, in other years it has been, and may someday be Tulsi Gabbard in the Hindu wedding with her husband, documentary  film maker Abraham Williams. Photo by Marco Garcia again, a Jew-- or a Quaker or a Unitarian or a Baptist. It was Virginia's harassment of Baptist preachers, for example, that helped lead to Jefferson's statute of religious freedom. Today I may be the victim, but tomorrow it may be you — until the whole fabric of our harmonious society is ripped at a time of great national peril."      Gabbard's op-ed stated, "Our country was established on the basis of freedom of religion, and the Constitution states there would never be any religious test for any public office. It is a freedom enshrined in our Constitution, and that every member of Congress takes an oath to protect — a freedom that many heroes have given their lives to defend. Nothing is more important to our democracy than this freedom.      "Those who are trying to foment anti-Hindu sentiment expose the dark underbelly of religious bigotry in politics, and must be called out. To advocate voting for or against someone based on their religion, race, or gender is simply un-American.      "As we stand for peace abroad, we must stand for peace and freedom here at home and recognize our interconnectedness.      "Whether it is Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Christian, atheist—whatever path people have chosen for their lives, it is important that everyone of us stand up, call out and condemn those who are seeking to incite bigotry based on religion and not allow them to try to use that to divide us... as Americans, that is not who we are." 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.

HAWAIʻI COUNTY SALARY COMMISSION TO DISBAND? Former Salary Commission Chairman Hugh Ono approached the commission on Thursday, suggesting the idea, according to a report from Nancy Cook Lauer of Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald.

      "I'm beginning to believe the County of Hawaiʻi can do without the Salary Commission," said Ono, testifying as a member of the public, reported Lauer. "Everything is in place."

     The Tribune-Herald reported Ono said the commission has provided a process for the Department of Human Resources "to recommend salary levels, with public participation possible when the County Council sets the budget. The HR director is hired by the Merit Appeals Board, whose members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council, providing another layer of separation from those receiving the raises."

     To disband the Salary Commission, a ballot amendment would need to pass, as it is in the county charter. On Jan. 11, the commission voted 5 to 6 against an amendment that would empowered the County Council and mayor to veto salaries submitted by the commission.

     The Salary Commission was created to give the public more notice on raises for public servants. Commission members have added steps in their process to gather more information to compare salaries from the Finance Department and private-sector groups.

Former Hawaiʻi County Salary Commission Chairman Hugh Ono.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     Lauer reports Commissioner Milton Pavao said, "We recently gave huge raises to catch up. I think before we give any more raises, we should really understand the county's financial situation. … It's nice to give raises and there's no question in my mind that they deserve it, but I cant see us giving raises to the detriment of the county itself."

     Chairman George Campbell, reports the Tribune-Herald, said the commission will consider Ono's suggestion at a future meeting. "Although it's not required that we look at finances, we take it very seriously. That's something the commission takes very seriously as commissioners and as taxpayers."

     Public testimony will be accepted at 10 a.m. on March 7 in Hilo regarding the new rules.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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 HOSTS A MARDI GRAS ARTS AND CRAFTS ACTIVITY, for keiki 5 to 12 years old, on Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., in the multi-purpose room. Registration is open Monday, Jan. 28, through Tuesday, Feb. 5. Free.
     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.

KAHUKU PARK HOSTS A VALENTINE'S DAY CARD ARTS AND CRAFT ACTIVITY, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years old, on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration takes place Monday, Feb. 4, through Friday, Feb. 8. Free.
     For more, contact Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. Kahuku Park is located at 92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for hours.

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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

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

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Super Bowl Sunday Party, Sun., Feb. 3, doors open 11am, kick-off 1:30pm, Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Food and beverages available for purchase. 967-8365 after 4pm for more. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Feb. 3, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. 1st Sunday, monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

ONGOING
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.

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes include Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) in Ka‘ū on Wednesdays through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org.

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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