Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, February 16, 2019

Over 275 keiki participated in today's 11th annual OKK Fishing Tournament. See story below.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

BILLS TO FUND THE CARDIAC CATH LAB at Hilo Medical Center will be heard next week in their respective finance committees. Senate Bill 911 will be heard Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 9:30 a.m. House Bill 527 will be heard on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.

     Submit testimony, due 24 hours before each hearing, online via the Hawaii State Legislature website: click on the "Submit Testimony" button, enter the bill name, upload testimony or copy and paste in the text box. Submit testimony for SB911 to the Senate Ways & Means Committee at WAMtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov. Submit testimony for HB527 to the House Finance Committee at FINtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov.

     Questions? Contact Elena Cabatu, Director of Legislative Affairs at Hilo Medical Center at 808-333-7223 or ecabatu@hhsc.org. See video, "Improving Cardiac Care at Hilo Medical Center."

     The hospital provided this sample testimony: "This funding supports Hilo Medical Center's efforts to provide interventional cardiac care for East Hawaiʻi and potentially for all of Hawaiʻi Island. The procedure involved in this advanced level of cardiac care stops heart attacks in progress and reduces long term cardiac disability. The American College of Cardiology recommends interventional cardiac care as a best practice for treating heart attacks in rural areas like Hawaiʻi Island.  

     "Hilo Medical Center is well positioned to provide interventional cardiac care as it already has available cardiac imaging equipment and software, as well as a cardiology clinic that has space for three cardiologists. The hospital's cardiology program is on track to meeting its goal by the end of 2019 to provide interventional cardiology that will save lives and improve the quality of life for cardiac patients. The funding received in the 2018 legislative session was very much appreciated as it was crucial in the hospital's success in recruiting interventional cardiologists. Funding in this second phase is essential for Hilo Medical Center to continue the momentum in advancing heart attack care."

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OKK members, in blue, hand out hand poles. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

TODAY'S 11th ANNUAL KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT brought hundreds to Punaluʻu's shores to fish, eat, and enjoy the beautiful day. Dolphins jumped and humpback whales cruised in waters offshore. 

     The tournament was strictly catch and release. Keiki fished with barbless hooks and hand poles. Organizer ʻO Kaʻū Kākou provided hooks, lines, poles, shrimp bait, and buckets. Over 275 keiki, ages one to 14, participated. Keiki ages under age four caught floating plastic ducks with small magnetic fishing rods in a small portable pool.

     Lunch was free: chili, rice, hot dogs, brownies, water, and shave ice. Prizes for all registered participants were given. In addition, prizes were awarded to the top three largest catch in each of five categories: Largest Kupipi, Largest Po‘opa‘a, Largest Hinalea, Largest Aholehole, and Most Caught. See tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs for winners. There was also a raffle drawing which included fishing poles, gift cards, mini drones, and electric scooter prizes. Live music was provided by Ernest Kalani Jr.

Young keiki, fishing for ducks. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     Booths at the event included PARENTS, Inc., Department of Land & Natural Resources, Barbless Circle Hooks Project, UH Hilo's project providing free Play Yards for Keiki, and United Health Care Community Plan. American Red Cross had information on installing fire alarms in all household bedrooms, by appointment; call their Hilo office at (808) 935-8305.

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OKK President Wayne Kawachi speaks to the crowd at today's 11th
annual Keiki Fishing Tournament. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

THE TWO PERCENT LAND FUND is further challenged according to Debbie Hecht, who campaigned to successfully establish the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources fund in 2006, to use two percent of property taxes to conserve special lands.
     Hecht issued an editorial this week saying salaries and benefits for managing the fund, should too many people be hired or their role expand beyond the 2 Percent fund duties,  could "gut the two percent land fund." She says a "seemingly innocuous amendment submitted at the last minute by the (Mayor Harry) Kim administration via Charter Commissioner Kevin Hopkins" would pay staff wages and benefits from the money available for acquisition. "This would deplete the land fund, not strengthen it."

     Hecht says she supports funding one staff member. She noted there is $19 million stockpiled and almost $3 million in the Maintenance Fund, though "there is no dedicated staff to work on acquiring properties, finding matching funds, and helping the non-profits that are the 'boots on the ground' to get funding. There is not a staff person dedicated to work only on the two percent Land Fund program."

A man hangs loose as he watches keiki fishing. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     She says she supports Charter Amendment 9, asking for one dedicated administrator of the fund. The administrator would be employed under the department of finance. Duties would include, but not be limited to: assisting the public with applications for acquisition; assisting the public access, open space and natural resources preservation commission with its prioritization of properties to be acquired; negotiation and acquisition of eligible properties; seeking and acquiring matching funds; and managing the maintenance of lands acquired by this fund, by overseeing and implementing the provisions of Section 10-16 of the charter.

Hand poles for the keiki were provided by OKK. Photo by Gabe Cuevas

     The proposal from the Kim administration, she says, proposes to "pay for the salary, wages and benefits of staff dedicated to advancing the Activities contained within this section and Section 10-16 of this charter." However, she has concerns. "How many staff member's salaries, wages and benefits is the Kim Administration talking about deducting from the Land Fund?  The word 'staff' is ambiguous… this is a back door way to take money from the fund."

     Hecht is also concerned that staff could be pulled to other duties in case of emergencies. "There are important contractual deadlines on real estate deals for land. What if there is a closing deadline or a due diligence deadline and the staff person is pulled off for other duties? What if a willing seller needs to close within a certain amount of time? Does the head of Public Works stop all their work to go help in an emergency? No, they keep their workers on task to keep the business of the county going. The County has only purchased 14 properties in 13 years. More than 160 have been proposed. There is much work to do.

On shore, in the ocean, or perched on rocks, keiki fished today at Punaluʻu,
catch and release, to win prizes and awards. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     "This does not get one staff person dedicated to administering only the two percent land Fund, which is what we are asking for. There is already a paid staff person provided for in the Hawaiʻi County Code to assist the Commission. This depletes the monies, which are needed to obtain matching funds, and money for acquisition with no guarantee that they will work on the two percent Land Fund Program.

     "The two percent Land Fund is a very important, voter-mandated program and should be treated accordingly, not to pull people off to relocate cattle or do inventories for Public Works. That is why the money is not being spent on land acquisitions or stewardship grants."

      Hecht suggests the community attend public meetings – in Nāʻālehu on Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m. – and the Charter Commission meetings at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 8 and Friday, April 12. "Please attend in your area and take your friends and neighbors. We have to start educating people for the two percent Land Fund Campaign. The Commissioners are saying over and over they want to hear from the public. You can also send an email to the Charter Commission and tell them your thoughts: Charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov."

OKK organized the fishing event. Photo by Gabe Cuevas

     Learn more about the two percent Land Fund Program at debbiehecht.com/2019/01/15/2-land-fund-program-at-the-charter-commission-as-of-january-142019/, or contact Hecht at hecht.deb@gmail.com.

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PROPOSED NĀʻĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT talk story meeting happens Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center, 75-5635 Mamalahoa Hwy. County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management invites all Nāʻālehu residents to the meeting, during which they will update the community on progress and changes that have been made to the project, outline the next steps of the environmental review process, and invite the public to share thoughts and ideas.

     RSVP to Brena Cabacungan Senelly of Earthplan at eplan1@aol.com, Mary Fujio of DEM at 808-961-8030, or Iris Cober or Brown and Caldwell Maui office at 808-442-3300.

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THREE $2,000 AND TWO $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS are available from American Association of University Women-Kona. The association gives three $2000 scholarships annually to female college-bound Kaʻū High School, home schooled, and West Hawaiʻi high school students Application packets were sent to high school counselors and are available through Palamanui counselors or on the AAUW Kona website at kona-hi.aauw.net. Criteria for choosing recipients are: academic achievement; community involvement; activities and experience; and financial need. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1.

     This year, the association added two $1,000 scholarships, for any female high school graduate or woman returning to school from home or workplace who is attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus, 73-4225 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kona. Application packets were sent to high school counselors and are available through Palamanui counselors or on the AAUW Kona website at kona-hi.aauw.net and must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.
      AAUW promotes equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

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KAUAHAʻAO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FUNDRAISING BAZAAR happens Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located on the corner of Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamaoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu.

     Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be vendors at the "flea market" that will be located on the church lawn. The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods or plate lunches.  

     Vendors must fill out and submit a Vendor Application with the $10 fee by Sunday, March 10. Call Debbie at 928-8039 for the application.

     The Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.

     For more information call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039.  

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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

Boys Basketball:

Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA

Wrestling:

Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING

ST. JUDE'S MARDI GRAS DINNER FUNDRAISER happens Friday, March 8 at the church, 92-8660 Paradise Circle, Ocean View. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person, $15 per couple, and $20 per family, for jambalaya, red beans and rice, cornbread, drink, and dessert. Pre-purchase tickets during Aloha potluck, after service on Sundays, or from Thom White, Beverly Nelson, or Cordelia Burt. Questions? Call 808-939-7555 and leave a message.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Cleanup, Sun., Feb. 17, contact in advance for meet up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or 769-7629.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 18, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 19, Committees; Wed., Jan. 20, Council, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue., Jan. 19, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wed., Feb. 20, 12:30-1:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Arts & Crafts Activity: Eagle Handprint, Wed., Feb. 20, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 11-19. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Feb. 21, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Reading Night, Thu., Feb. 21, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Paint Nite II, Thu., Feb. 21, 6-8pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Open to adults. Register through Feb. 20. Supply fee. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Count Humpback Whales - Sanctuary Ocean Count, Sat., Feb. 23, 8-noon, Ka‘ū Coast locations: Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park and Ka Lae Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document whale surface behavior during survey, providing valuable data to NOAA. Register at oceancount.org. Registration closes one week prior to event. Last 2019 count is on March 30.

ONGOING

Panaʻewa Stampede takes place through Monday, Feb. 18 with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. HawaiiRodeoStampede.com

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes offered in Ka‘ū include: Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) on Wednesdays through Feb. 20. See more at hmono.org; Diabetes Management Classes on Mondays in February. Sign up by calling 969-9220 or online at hmono.org/classes.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant will accept applicants through Feb. 28. The pageant will be held again at the Ka‘ū District Gym on Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. Miss Kaʻū Coffee and her court will represent the Kaʻū Coffee industry throughout the year at events in the community and beyond, her appearances sponsored by the Edmund C. Olson Trust, II. Pageant Director is Trinidad Marques. Scholarship Committee Directors are Julia Neal and Gloria Camba.

     The community can support the pageant through purchasing tickets, volunteering, and providing scholarships.
     Girls three to 24 years of age are encouraged to enter the pageant. Talents often include hula and singing. Competitive categories include Talent, Gown, Photogenic, Career-Interview, Characters Outfit, and Swimsuit for Miss Kaʻū Coffee. Pageant hopefuls contend for titles of Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Miss Kaʻū Peaberry, and Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower.
      Email tmarques@yahoo.com.

Volunteer on Midway Atoll for Six Months. The volunteer will serve as a communication assistant out on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, on or about March 12 through August. Applications are due by Feb. 28. Potential to be extended to a full year. Get more info and instructions on how to apply.

Nāʻālehu Celebrates Craft Month with open crafting for all ages, while supplies last. Crafting starts off at 3 p.m. each Thursday in February. Free. Contact Sara Kamibayashi at (808) 939-2442 for more.

Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through March 15. The position, through FoodCorps, is a full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School.
     In exchange for service, members receive: $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly over the 11.5-month term; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; Student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; Health insurance; Ongoing training; mentorship; and professional development.

     Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.org, Facebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.

Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through March 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great and experience a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

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.

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 Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

     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. 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.

     Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

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 benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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