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| A volunteer in communications for Midway Atoll is sought by Friends of Midway Atoll and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The stint could be six months to a year for the right person, who would live at the wildlife refuge. See more below. NOAA photo |
HEARINGS ON RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE will be held in the state Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday, with several bills seeking different outcomes.
House Bill 1191 is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 31, 9:30 a.m. See the hearing notice, links to the bill, and links to provide testimony online. It proposes a two tiered minimum wage: $17 by 2025 for workers without employer provided health insurance and $14 by 2025 for workers with employer provided health insurance.
Senate Bill 1248 would increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2024. Senate Bill 789 would increase the minimum wage to $12 by 2022. Some advocates are calling for a minimum wage of $17 with annual adjustments for inflation. Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce opposes both measures, saying they will harm small businesses and create unemployment should companies be unable to afford the increases. Their hearings are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 31, at 3 p.m. See the hearing notice, and links to read the bills and submit testimony online.
HB96, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 31, 9:30 a.m., would allow counties to determine a higher minimum wage than the state minimum wage. Read the bill and submit testimony.
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A VOLUNTEER TO WORK ON MIDWAY ATOLL FOR SIX MONTHS is sought by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Friends of Midway Atoll NWR. The volunteer will serve as a communication assistant out on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, according to Wayne Sentman, President of Friends of Midway Atoll.
While USFWS is seeking a volunteer for six months, there is potential to be extended to a full year of living at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. The mission is to upstart and sustain implementation of social media postings and website updates while assisting with development of internal refuge, reporting on or about March 12 through August. Applications are due by Feb. 28.
For more information, and instructions on how to apply, visit this website link or go to
See Friends of Midway Atoll NWR for news from the Refuge, updates on projects, and photos that tell the story of life on Midway Atoll NWR. Follow on Instagram at @FriendsofMidwayNWR.
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| Work with albatross and other endangered bird and marine life at Midway Atoll, with a volunteer position from March through August. Photo from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
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KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths to serve the public at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 atPāhala
Community Center
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THE U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES is the latest appointment of U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who is back in Congress. "This critical committee has jurisdiction over public lands and natural resources, and is ground zero for our efforts in Congress to preserve the natural heritage that was gifted to us for generations to come," said Case. "It is also responsible for our national oceans policy which is becoming even more critical as the threat to our world's oceans from climate change, resources degradation, and pollution become even more acute."
Case, who worked on preserving the Kaʻū Coast during his previous term in the House, said his appointment to Natural Resources will enable him to work on key areas for Hawaiʻi within the committee's kuleana, including ocean and fisheries programs through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Parks and Monuments, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"Our state is special and distinctive in all the world – we are lucky to live Hawaiʻi with one of the most unique natural heritages anywhere," said Case. "But our flora and fauna are also fragile – so much so that Hawaiʻi is considered by experts as the 'Endangered Species Capital of the World' - and we need constant vigilance and innovative programs to assure their survival."
Projects on which Case said he will focus include repairs at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park left severely damaged by the last year's volcanic and seismic activity, and the preservation of the 583-
square-mile Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument located in waters off the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, which Case worked to establish during his prior service in Congress.
The Committee also has jurisdiction over federal programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior on behalf of Native Hawaiians. "We are at an especially critical time as our Native Hawaiian community charts the best course toward establishing a direct relationship with our federal government akin to that recognized with other indigenous peoples for some 150 years now," said Case. "My role on the committee will be to oversee and support that effort in Congress in close partnership with Native Hawaiians."
Case was also recently appointed to the House committee on Appropriations, one of the U.S. House's few exclusive committees, meaning that members are not usually permitted to serve on others, but was asked by the House leadership to add Natural Resources to his portfolio. "This combination of Natural Resources and Appropriations should be especially effective for programs under Natural Resources in being able to focus not only on the programs themselves but on adequately funding them," said Case.
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KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths to serve the public at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at
Booth fees are
$100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and
coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. Campaign and
other political displays are not invited. Fifty percent discounts are provided
to bona fide non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts,
and coffee.
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Kaʻū Royal Coffee is one of many Kaʻū Coffee presenters at
the Kaʻū
Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa on May 4. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
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In addition to
Kaʻū Coffee Festival fees, each vendor is responsible for a Department of
Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Vendors must also
obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each, to be displayed at each booth.
Vendor and
display booths are the responsibility of sponsors who provide their own
equipment, including tents – up to 10' x 10' square – tables, chairs, signs,
and other equipment. Hot food must be served under metal roofs that Kaʻū Coffee
Festival provides. There is no electricity available. Generators are allowed.
Set up before 8 a.m. on May 4, day of Hoʻolaule‘a, and be
ready to serve the public from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. No smoking, drugs, alcohol,
propaganda, political speech, or activism allowed.
Kaʻū Coffee
Festival is a Green Event. All vendors are encouraged to use biodegradable
products whenever possible.
Deadline to apply is Friday, April 26. First come, first served. Find application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses,P.O.
Box 208 , Pāhala , HI 96777
Deadline to apply is Friday, April 26. First come, first served. Find application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses,
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| Ed and Audrey Case during a visit to Kaʻū where he works on Kaʻū Coast preservation and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes funding. Photo by Julia Neal |
Case, who worked on preserving the Kaʻū Coast during his previous term in the House, said his appointment to Natural Resources will enable him to work on key areas for Hawaiʻi within the committee's kuleana, including ocean and fisheries programs through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Parks and Monuments, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"Our state is special and distinctive in all the world – we are lucky to live Hawaiʻi with one of the most unique natural heritages anywhere," said Case. "But our flora and fauna are also fragile – so much so that Hawaiʻi is considered by experts as the 'Endangered Species Capital of the World' - and we need constant vigilance and innovative programs to assure their survival."
Projects on which Case said he will focus include repairs at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park left severely damaged by the last year's volcanic and seismic activity, and the preservation of the 583-
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| Honuʻapo is one of the coastal areas preserved. Keiki learn about salinity of water through Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund. Photo from Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund |
The Committee also has jurisdiction over federal programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior on behalf of Native Hawaiians. "We are at an especially critical time as our Native Hawaiian community charts the best course toward establishing a direct relationship with our federal government akin to that recognized with other indigenous peoples for some 150 years now," said Case. "My role on the committee will be to oversee and support that effort in Congress in close partnership with Native Hawaiians."
Case was also recently appointed to the House committee on Appropriations, one of the U.S. House's few exclusive committees, meaning that members are not usually permitted to serve on others, but was asked by the House leadership to add Natural Resources to his portfolio. "This combination of Natural Resources and Appropriations should be especially effective for programs under Natural Resources in being able to focus not only on the programs themselves but on adequately funding them," said Case.
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.
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| Trojans Girls Basketball team, with Coach Cy Lopez and Jennifer Makuakani. Photo from Kaʻū Athletics |
The Trojans Girls Basketball Team will fly to Honolulu for the tournament, Feb. 6-9.
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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:
Feb. 1, Fri., host St. Joseph, 7:30pm
Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
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. 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
PANAʻEWA STAMPED takes place this year just outside ofHilo ,
the weekend of Feb. 16-18, with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the
island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. See
HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.
PANAʻEWA STAMPED takes place this year just outside of
DIABETES MANAGEMENT CLASSES offered by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi
happen in Ka‘ū on Mondays, in February. "Did you know that about 13% of
the adult population in Hawaiʻi have diabetes?" says the announcement on
Facebook. For more information about this statistic, see diabetes.org, the
American Diabetes Association. "If you have diabetes and want more info
about your diagnosis, join us for Diabetes Management classes. Sign-up by
calling 969-9220 or online at hmono.org/classes.
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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
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
KDENte Fundraising Dinner at Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant in Hilo happens Friday. Feb. 1, 6-8pm. $20 for all-you-can-eat buffet to support Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Call 982-7344 for more.
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
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Mon., Feb. 4 (Committees), Kona and Tue., Feb. 5, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Feb. 4, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Mon., Feb. 4, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
AdvoCATS, Tue., Feb. 5, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org
KDENte Fundraising Dinner at Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant in Hilo happens Friday. Feb. 1, 6-8pm. $20 for all-you-can-eat buffet to support Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Call 982-7344 for more.
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.comSUNDAY, 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
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Mon., Feb. 4 (Committees), Kona and Tue., Feb. 5, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Feb. 4, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Mon., Feb. 4, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
AdvoCATS, Tue., Feb. 5, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tue., Feb. 5, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Arts & Crafts Activity: Mardi Gras, Wed., Feb. 6, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 through Feb. 5. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Hula Voices, Wed., Feb. 6, 5:30-6:30pm, 1st Wed. monthly, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free, 967-7565
Open Mic Night, Wed., Feb. 6, 6-10pm, Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Arts & Crafts Activity: Mardi Gras, Wed., Feb. 6, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 through Feb. 5. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Open Mic Night, Wed., Feb. 6, 6-10pm, Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
A Lifeguard Training Course is offered at Pāhala Pool
Feb. 4 through 8 from 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. Sponsored by the county
Department of Parks and Recreation, Aquatics Section, and the American Red
Cross, the course fee is $75.
Participants are required to pass a
prerequisite test at Pāhala Pool, scheduled by contacting 928-8177. The course
fee and registration forms, available at Pāhala Pool, are due immediately
following completion of the test. The test includes: 300-yard continuous
swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of
both; two minutes treading water, without using hands; and completion
of a timed event in 1 minute 40 seconds. The timed event is: Starting in the
water, swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound brick from the deep end, return the
brick to the starting point, and exit the water.
Participants are responsible for
providing their own supplies, including CPR mask, swim suit, goggles, towel,
American Red Cross Lifeguard Manual, etc. The manual can be downloaded for free
at redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding/lifeguard-preparation/lifeguard-manual.
For more information about becoming a
certified American Red Cross Lifeguard, contact the nearest county swimming
pool, or the Parks and Recreation Aquatics Specialist at 961-8694.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.
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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