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Sunday, February 03, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, February 3, 2019

A bill to protect eagle rays - like the spotted variation above - manta rays, sting rays, and all shark species in Hawaiʻi
last week passed the Senate Committee on Water and Land, chaired by Kai Kahele. 
See story, below. Photo from KonaHonuDivers.com
THE CHARACTER OF TULSI GABBARD was the theme of her colleague's introduction to her official announcement on Saturday. Kaʻū's representative in the U.S. House of Representatives announced she will run for the U.S. Presidency.
     Ryan Soon, a National Guard combat veteran, said he served under Gabbard's leadership in the MIddle East. "In all the time that I've known Tulsi, she's had this perfect balance of strength and compassion, resolve and compromise, courage and humility - all of the characteristics that just make people want to work for her; all the qualities that we need in our Commander in Chief."
     He recalled a mission in Kuwait, assigned to meet with government leaders to facilitate training for local police and military forces. "Now, remember Kuwait is a very male dominated society," said Soon. "And so they couldn't possibly fathom the idea of a female leader." He said the government officials practically ignored "Tulsi because she's a woman; and we're standing there very awkwardly trying to figure out what are we going to say because our whole thing was to bring her to talk to them."
Ryan Soon introduced Rep. Tusli Gabbard and her Presidential campaign 
kickoff on Saturday, with stories to illustrate his perception 
of her character and qualifications to be a leader.
     Soon contended that "Tulsi knew how to read a room. And instead of  being offended or jumping in there to assert her authority, and in turn, offending the Kuwaitis, she just stepped back and she let us exchange pleasantries. And ingeniously, she started to assign tasks to individual soldiers. So quietly and out of earshot of these Kuwaitis, she would go to one soldier and assign a task and they'd move. She'd go to another solider, assign a task, and they would move. As I'm talking to these Kuwaitis, I can see it in their face, that they finally realized what was happening around them.
     "Tulsi's now about six or seven soldiers in - before these Kuwaitis stopped talking to us and just ditched us to go talk to this woman who commanded such respect from the men that worked for her," said Soon.
     "So, long story short, we spent the next half hour sitting in the official's office very quietly, while Tulsi and the official talked like they were best friends who haven't seen each other for years. And at the end of the day, right before we left, I watched as the Kuwaiti official excitedly just listened to Tulsi lay out her plan for the joint operation. Now I know this might not seem like that big of a big deal for some people," said Soon, "but for me it was amazing, because I got to watch a lifetime of prejudice be washed away in a matter of minutes, because of the leadership and aloha of Tulsi."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's speech in her official announcement for her candidacy for President can be viewed here.
Video from Gabbard's Facebook
     Soon also talked about her "constant and continuous" 20-hour workdays in Congress. He said he picked her up after she flew back from D.C. and, concerned about overwork, asked her, "Tulsi, what you doing here? Is the juice really worth the squeeze?" He said that she responded with a bright smile on her face, "It depends how you define the juice." He said she told him, "I love what I do. Is it long hours? Yes. Is it hard work? Absolutely, but I love that I can make a positive impact in people's lives. Whether it's working in Hawaiʻi or in D.C., I love that one person can make a difference. I love to serve." Soon said Gabbard "can speak for people who can't speak for themselves" and "make things better for the people of Hawaiʻi, and share our values and aloha spirit with the rest of the country and make their lives better, too."
     Soon called Gabbard "a soldier devoted to serving our people and our country. And her life's mission is to serve others. Every choice she's made in her life reflects it."
     He reviewed her military career and public service, and said it is important to have a Commander in Chief who knows the cost of war. "Tulsi knows that cost of war and that's why she fights so hard for peace."
Gabbard embraces Ryan Soon, who served with her on two 
deployments to the Middle East. 
Photo from Gabbard's livestream
     Gabbard was first elected to Congress in 2012. She has served on the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees, and is a member of the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. Gabbard was Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2013 until she resigned in 2016 to endorse Bernie Sanders in his bid for President.
     She has served in the Army National Guard for nearly 15 years, deployed twice to the Middle East, and is one of the first female combat veterans ever elected to Congress. She continues to serve as a Major.
     Gabbard was born in American Samoa in 1981, and is of Samoan and European descent. She is the first Samoan-American to be elected to Congress. Gabbard is also the first Hindu to be elected to Congress. She graduated from Hawaiʻi Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2009. She is married to cinematographer and editor Abraham Williams. Her father, Mike Gabbard, serves District 20, Oʻahu, in the Hawaiʻi state Senate.
     A release from her campaign states she does not accept campaign contributions from corporations, lobbyists, or political action committees.
    
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Manta rays would be protected if Senate Bill 489 passes. Photo from BigIslandDivers.com
PROTECTING SHARKS, AND MANTA, EAGLE, AND STING RAYS, received much testimony from Hawaiʻi Island residents at the Hawaiʻi Legislature last week. Students from University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo and others flew to Honolulu to share the connection of these marine animals with Hawaiian culture and the environment.
     Senate Bill 489 "establishes an offense of knowingly, capturing, taking possessing, abusing, entangling, or killing" sharks and all three rays types found in Hawaiian waters. The bill passed the Committee on Water and Land, chaired by Sen. Kai Kahele. An amendment makes it clear that a persons defending themselves, such as during a shark attack, would not be prosecuted, if the shark is killed or injured. One of the bill's co-sponsors is east Kaʻū's Sen. Russell Ruderman. See the testimony on Big Island Video News.
Mike Nakachi
Photo from Big Island Video News
     Alohi Nakachi, a University of Hawaiʻi Phd candidate in natural resources and environmental management, talked about a new way of relating animals to Hawaiian traditions, culture, spiritual lives, and environment. She noted Hawaiian lore and moʻolelo (stories) involving sharks and rays, and their importance in the ecosystem.
     While treasured throughout history, sharks and rays have no legal protection. This bill is "long overdue," said Nagachi.
     She described incorporation of social-cultural knowledge into natural resources management. She explained the concept of cultural ecosystems services: "the way place-based and indigenous groups interact with their
Alohi Nakachi
Photo from Big Island Video News
surroundings to derive all forms of sustenance and maintain connection to place."
     She described four subcategories of cultural ecosystem services: ike (knowledge), mana (spirituality), palina kanaka (social interactions), and ola mau (physical and mental wellness). She said "sharks and rays play a great role in ike and mana" in Hawaiian culture.
     Kaikea Nakachi, a University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo graduate student, testified in favor of protection, stating his family has a responsibility that predates modern law and fishing methods, to protect sharks and rays.
     Mike Nakachi, their father, testified in favor of protection, citing cultural loss due to no protections of the sharks and rays.

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.

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
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Feb. 6-9, Wed.-Sat., HHSAA
Boys Basketball:
Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals
Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA
Wrestling:
Feb. 9, Sat., @BIIF @Keaʻau
Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA
Soccer:
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 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.

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.

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

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Women's Support Group, Thu., Feb. 7 and 21, 3-4:30pm, 1st and 3rd Thursday monthly. PARENTS Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org.

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thu., Feb. 7, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

 ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thu., Feb. 7, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Free Community Dance, Fri., Feb. 8, 7-10pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pupus welcome. Free admission; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Sat., Feb. 9, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

 Nā Mamo O Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Sat., Feb. 9, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.org, facebook.com/namamo.kawa

1st Annual Acton Children's Business Fair, Sat., Feb. 9, 10-1pm, River of Life Assembly of God, 96-2345 Paauau St., Pāhala. Support young on-island entrepreneurs in this one day marketplace for keiki ages 7 to 18 and their personal businesses selling their own brands, products, or services. childrensbusinessfair.org

15th Annual Love the Arts Fundraiser, 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, Sat., Feb. 9, 5-9pm, Volcano Art Center. Funds raised support classes, exhibits, workshops, and programs at Volcano Art Center. Music, gourmet buffet, and fine wines and brews. Live and silent auctions. $55/VAC member, $65/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Women's Wave meets the 2nd Sunday of the month, 2 p.m., at Punaluʻu bakery. Feb. 10 topic is expected to be comparing Women's Walk stories.

ONGOING
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. 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 info, contact the nearest county swimming pool, or the Parks and Recreation Aquatics Specialist at 961-8694.

 Money is Needed to Travel to State Championships for Kaʻū Trojans Girls Basketball Team. To donate, call Kaʻū High Athletic Director Kalei Namohala at 808-313-4100 or send a check to Kaʻū High School at 96-3150 Pikake St, Pāhala, HI, 96777, with the notation "Girls Basketball."
     The Trojans Girls basketball team will fly to Honolulu for the tournament, Feb. 6-9.

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.

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. 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.

A Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū is available through FoodCorps. Applications are open through March 15 to work for a year at Pāhala Elementary School. The position is a full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020.
     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.
     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. Mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777, email biokepamoses@gmail.com, 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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