Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, February 10, 2019

Rare fresh water near the shore at Kāwā, preserved on the Kaʻū Coast through the PONC Fund.
Photo by Julia Neal

PONC FUND IS SAFE – for now. On Friday, the Hawaiʻi County Charter Commission, including Kaʻū's Michelle Galimba, voted 5 to 4 to shelve its proposal to reduce funding that conserves land. The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission uses 2.25 percent of real property taxes collected in Hawaiʻi County to purchase and steward special lands for preservation. If the measure passed the Commission, it would have gone to a public vote on the 2020 ballot. It would have lowered PONC's income from 2.25 to one percent and allowed the fund to be suspended by a two-thirds vote of Hawaiʻi County Council.
     County Charter Commissioner Paul Hamano introduced the measure, which drew support from Mayor Harry Kim, who said the money is needed for other governmental responsibilities. However, testimony from the public in January was strongly against the bill. East Kaʻū state Senator Russell Ruderman told the Commission: "The people have voted the same way on this issue three times. The people have spoken loudly and clearly, saying that this Land Fund is important… People will start thinking 'No matter what we say or do, it's going to be undone.' Preserving open space is important – we have only one shot at it and once it's gone, it's gone. Stop subverting our democracy. Support the peoples' expressed wish."
     Kaʻū lands already conserved with PONC funds are Kahua Olohu in Nā‘ālehu, Kahuku Coastal and Kāwā oceanfront parcels, and 2,013 acres at Waikapuna, including the ahupuaʻa of Kahilipali Iki and Kahilipali Nui.

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High winds, up to 54 mph, may affect Hawaiʻi Island
through tomorrow morning. Image from NOAA

HIGH WIND WARNING, GALE WARNING, AND HIGH SURF ADVISORY remain in effect for all of Hawaiʻi Island. The National Weather Service reports onset of wind and waves this morning in some areas. Power outages occurred in Pāhala, Volcano, and other places, with Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. responding.
     The Weather Service cautions: "All persons are advised that the peak period for this storm and impacts are forecast for later tonight, into Monday morning."
     Seas may get to 35 feet. All county and state beach parks and campsites remain closed, and South Point Road is closed.

     Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense recommends the public follow these guidelines: Secure outdoor property that may be damaged or cause injury to others. Ocean front residents should be prepared for wave run up due to large surf. Complete all preparations before nightfall.
    HELCO asks customers to conserve electricity, especially between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. today. Power outages may occur without warning. Treat downed utility lines as live, stay clear, and notify authorities at (808) 969-6666. Treat flashing or inoperable traffic signal lights as a four-way stop. Minimize opening of refrigerators and freezers to keep items cold. Outage notifications are posted on the company's Twitter account @HIElectric Light with the hashtag #BigIslandOutage.
     If on water catchment, store extra water for domestic use and flushing toilets.

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Rep. John D. Dingell Jr., being sworn in by Speaker Sam Rayburn in 1955.
Photo from commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1335715

U.S. AND HAWAIʻI STATE FLAGS FLEW AT HALF STAFF through Saturday evening at the order of Gov. David Ige – under a presidential proclamation – in honor of the passing of former U.S. Rep. John D. Dingell Jr., who passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday, Feb. 7.

     Dingell, of Michigan, was the longest-serving member of U.S. Congress in the country's history. The Democrat served from Dec. 13, 1955, through Jan. 3, 2015, retiring at age 89. His wife, Debbie Dingell, was elected to serve after him.

     According to Wikipedia, Dingell was "instrumental in passage of the Medicare Act, the Water Quality Act of 1965, Clean Water Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the Clean Air Act of 1990, and the Affordable Care Act, among others. He was most proud of his work on the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

     Learn more about his life and efforts in Congress at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dingell.

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FOOD SECURITY FOR KEIKI is a program of Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island. Local clubs serve Pāhala and Nāʻālehu-Ocean View, where youth receive nutritious snacks before going home for the day.

     For some youth, school lunch at 11:30 a.m. may be their last, or only, meal of the day. Hawaiʻi County has the highest percentage of childhood poverty in the state, and the highest percentage of children who qualify for free and reduced school lunch programs. Islandwide, one in three youth who participate in Boys and Girls Club afterschool programs come from a situation of poverty.

Keiki line up for a hot meal. Photo from BGCBI

     Boys and Girls Club has developed a support program focused on providing youth members with daily supplemental nutrition, free of charge, in addition to its other activities.
     According to a statement from the Club, it costs an estimated $4,500 annually per child to provide effective after-school youth services. "Boys and Girls Club Big Island youth members receive quality enrichment services for only $10 a year. It is through community support that the most underserved community youth are provided with key, developmental opportunities."

     Chief Executive Officer Chad Cabral said, "We are providing a lot of good supplemental nutrition that community kids are in need of, but a lot more is required. Only being able to offer what our finances allow as a struggling nonprofit, we need to continue building the capacity to expand our ability to offer kids in-need full hot meals after the school day is done."

     More than 200,000 snacks and 28,000 meals have been provided to Boys and Girls Club Big Island youth thanks to the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development. In 2015, the county provided funding through HUD-Community Development Block Grants, allowing Boys and Girls Club to construct and equip a certified kitchen and covered dining area in Hilo. The Club provides provides free meals after school to community youth. Cabral said, "Our 2019 goal is to build enough capacity to provide all youth members in Pāhoa, Keaʻau, and Kealakehe with daily full meals... this planned expansion will take a coordinated community effort."

Anticipation of a good meal lights up keiki faces.
Photo from BGCBI

     While newer to Kaʻū, Boys and Girls Club Big Island has been serving youth development since 1967. Programs in Hilo, Keaʻau, Kealakehe, Pāhala, Pāhoa, and Naʻalehu-Ocean View "offer a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for youth to participate in activities that inspire academic success, healthy lifestyles, and leadership and character building," says the Club's statement.
     Helping with the program are: Clark Realty Foundation; County of Hawaiʻi Nonprofit Grants Program; County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development; Enterprise Holdings Foundation; Food Basket; Kamehameha Schools; Hawaiʻi Electric Industries Charitable Foundation; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Pat Giles, Herbert M "Tim" Richards III and the Atherton Family Foundation; Rotary Club of Hilo Bay; and The Max and Yetta Karasik Family Foundation.

     To help support the Daily Nutritional Supplementation Program for Youth, contact Gail Hamasu, Resource Development Director at 808-961-5536 or email gail@bgcbi.org.

Miloliʻi-Kaʻū volleyball players did well in a tournament Saturday and 
Sunday, with teams from around the island. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

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MILOLIʻI-KAʻŪ VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT wrapped up today with Miloliʻi-Kaʻū 14 year-old girls taking on the 16 year-old girls from communities afar. Miloliʻi-Kaʻū came in second after Hoʻopa of Kailua-Kona. In the 14 year-old division, Kamehameha School beat Cuzins from Keokaʻa.
     See yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs for the results of the younger team divisions.

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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

KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM HOSTS A EAGLE HANDPRINT CRAFT ARTS AND CRAFTS ACTIVITY, for keiki 5 to 12 years old, on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., in the multi-purpose room. Registration is open Monday, Feb. 11, through Tuesday, Feb. 19. 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.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Free STD Testing, Mon., Feb. 11, 9-noon, 2nd Monday, monthly, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Card, Tue., Feb. 12, 2:45-3:30pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 Feb. 4-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Feb. 12, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit: Dental, Wed., Feb. 13, 8-5pm. Medical, Thu., Feb. 28, 1-5pm. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Feb. 13 and 27, 2-3:30pm, 2nd and last Wednesday, monthly, PARENTS Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Free. Registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Love Bugs, Wed., Feb. 13, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 4-12. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Feb. 14, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Valentine's Day Buffet, Thu., Feb. 14, 5-8pm, Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib au Jus, Lemon Butter Ono w/Tropical Salsa, and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/adult, $14.95/child, ages 6-11. No reservations required. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply. 967-8356

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Feb. 14, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
PATCH Class #428, Building Emotional Literacy, Fri., Feb. 15, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register at 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #619, Relationships w/Families in your Family-Centered Care, Fri., Feb. 15, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register at 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
11th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament, Sat., Feb. 16, 9-2pm, Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. For keiki 1-14 years. Free. Event day registration open 8-10am. Pre-registration packets available at Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Mizuno Supertte, Pāhala Gas Station, Nā‘ālehu Wiki Wiki Mart, Kahuku Country Market, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Free lunch and prizes. Guy Enriques, 217-2253, Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773. okaukakou.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Sat., Feb. 16, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Keala Ching w/Nā Wai Iwi Ola, Sat., Feb. 16, 10:30-11:30am, performance at hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Wes Awana, Sat., Feb. 16, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Panaʻewa Stampede takes place this year just outside of Hilo, the weekend of Feb. 16-18, with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. HawaiiRodeoStampede.com

Ham Radio Mtg., Sat., Feb. 16, 2-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

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.

ONGOING

Trojans Boys Volleyball is Raising Money with an invitational tournament on Friday, Feb. 15. The funding will help the team fly to Maui for a preseason tournament, beginning Friday, Feb. 22.

     The Feb. 15 tournament at Kaʻū District Gym will see the Trojans hosting Kamehameha teams from Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island as well as teams from Kealakeke and Pāhoa High Schools.

     Donations can be sent to Kaʻū High School, c/o Athletic Director Kalei Namohala 96-3150 Pikake St, Pāhala, HI, 96777, with the notation "Boys Volleyball Tournament on Maui."

Harry McKee Foundation Scholarships for Kaʻū Students are open through Feb. 15. College bound high school seniors and current college students encouraged 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.

11th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament happens Saturday, Feb. 16, at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. Organized by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, the event doubles as a canned food drive.

     Applications are available at the event, and before the event at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, or Ocean View Auto Parts.

     Registration at the event is open from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Welcome, rules, and distribution of poles and bait from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Keiki, aged one to 14 years old, can fish from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A free lunch for all is available at noon, then awards and prizes are distributed at 1 p.m. Every participant gets a prize. For more information, call Guy Enriques, 217-2253, or Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773. See okaukakou.org.

Panaʻewa Stampede takes place this year just outside of Hilo, the weekend of Feb. 16-18, Saturday through Monday, with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. See HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes offered in Ka‘ū include: Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) on Wednesdays through Feb. 19. 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.

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.

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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