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| Bula Akamu returns to his home town of Pāhala to perform at the Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4. See the full lineup, below. Photo from bulamusic.com |
HB 1180 HD1 would
appropriate "funds for disaster relief, recovery, mitigation, and
remediation activities for the County
of Hawaii
East Kaʻū and Puna Sen. Russell Ruderman
said, "Mahalo to my Senate and House colleagues who worked so hard on this
bill. It is a giant step toward providing much needed financial relief to the County
of Hawaiʻi
Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi said on opening day of the legislature, "We would not forget the Big Island this session." Ruderman thanked him for keeping that promise.
Said Puna Rep. Joy San Buenaventura, "The people of Puna and the Big Island are hurting and need our help. They are struggling just to secure their basic needs such as food, water, and a roof over their heads. We are hoping the county uses these funds wisely and will be able to leverage it with FEMA funds. My community has been hard hit and it is very difficult to rebuild."
Hawaiʻi County Council member Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III said he wants to confirm the council is unified and committed to using these funds for rebuilding both the infrastructure and the economy. "It is not just the physical damage but also the economic damage that we've had on the whole Big Island that needs to be repaired," Richards said. "Estimates are that we suffered a $500 million loss in tourism. We have to rebuild that. We are looking at roads, tourism marketing, and jobs. It will take time, but we are moving forward reasonably quickly."
The 2018 eruption caused thousands of earthquakes and dozens of explosive ash eruptions at the summit, contributing to poor air quality along with high levels of volcanic gasses. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the most visited tourist attraction in the state, closed for about four months. The closure increased the already dropping tourism numbers, which may also have been affected by misinformed media exposure broadcasting the danger was more widespread than it was. In Puna, lava covered nearly 14 square miles, cutting off access to over three thousand parcels, and destroying 716 homes, Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, farms, cultural sites, recreation areas, roadways, water systems, a large portion of the electrical grid, part of Puna Geothermal Venture, and more.
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Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, hours before lava
covered it during the 2018
$60 million in disaster relief for those affected by the
destruction heads to Gov. David Ige's desk after
passing both House and Senate. Photo from Tropical Visions
|
Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi said on opening day of the legislature, "We would not forget the Big Island this session." Ruderman thanked him for keeping that promise.
Said Puna Rep. Joy San Buenaventura, "The people of Puna and the Big Island are hurting and need our help. They are struggling just to secure their basic needs such as food, water, and a roof over their heads. We are hoping the county uses these funds wisely and will be able to leverage it with FEMA funds. My community has been hard hit and it is very difficult to rebuild."
Hawaiʻi County Council member Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III said he wants to confirm the council is unified and committed to using these funds for rebuilding both the infrastructure and the economy. "It is not just the physical damage but also the economic damage that we've had on the whole Big Island that needs to be repaired," Richards said. "Estimates are that we suffered a $500 million loss in tourism. We have to rebuild that. We are looking at roads, tourism marketing, and jobs. It will take time, but we are moving forward reasonably quickly."
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Photo from Lillie Galarneau
|
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Lava approached the geothermal plant, destroying some buildings and
covering some geothermal wells. Puna Geothermal Venture plans to reopen. USGS webcam photo |
A BILL FOR FULL TRANSPARENCY IN FINANCIAL CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST, aimed at the Presidential and Vice Presidential offices, was
reintroduced this week by Sen. Mazie Hirono and 30 other Democrats.
Presidents and vice presidents are exempt from many federal financial conflicts of interest laws, but for decades presidents have addressed concerns regarding foreign and domestic conflicts of interest by divesting their financial interests and placing them in a true blind trust or the equivalent. To ensure compliance with the Constitution's Emoluments Clause, the bill would codify this longstanding practice by:
Requiring the President, Vice President, their spouses, and minor or dependent children to divest all interests that create financial conflicts of interest by placing those assets in a true blind trust, which would be managed by an independent trustee who would oversee the sale of assets and place the proceeds in conflict-free holdings;
Adopting a sense of the Congress that the President's violation of financial conflicts of interest laws or the ethics requirements that apply to executive branch employees constitute a high crime or misdemeanor under the impeachment clause of the U.S. Constitution;
Prohibiting presidential appointees from participating in matters that directly involve the financial interests of the president.
Presidents and vice presidents are exempt from many federal financial conflicts of interest laws, but for decades presidents have addressed concerns regarding foreign and domestic conflicts of interest by divesting their financial interests and placing them in a true blind trust or the equivalent. To ensure compliance with the Constitution's Emoluments Clause, the bill would codify this longstanding practice by:
Requiring the President, Vice President, their spouses, and minor or dependent children to divest all interests that create financial conflicts of interest by placing those assets in a true blind trust, which would be managed by an independent trustee who would oversee the sale of assets and place the proceeds in conflict-free holdings;Adopting a sense of the Congress that the President's violation of financial conflicts of interest laws or the ethics requirements that apply to executive branch employees constitute a high crime or misdemeanor under the impeachment clause of the U.S. Constitution;
Prohibiting presidential appointees from participating in matters that directly involve the financial interests of the president.
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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| An Ocean View house burned down Thursday evening. Google map |
The fire was extinguished at 8:13 p.m. A fire inspector will investigate
the scene for cause. No one was in the structure, and no firefighters were
injured. The loss was estimated at $150,000.
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.
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO RESPONDED TO "ATTACK" from Pres.
Donald Trump where, at "another one of his infamous campaign rallies,"
he called her "vicious," regarding her questioning of his Supreme
Court nominees Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono in Washington, D.C. speaking about the New Green Deal. Photo from Hirono's Twitter |
"From the
only President in U.S. history who personally bankrupted an entire airline all
by himself, this wacky story and his insults toward me don't bother me.What
does bother me is his and his party's insistence on spreading lies and misinformation
in order to stall legitimate action on climate change, one of the most pressing
issues of our time that is already beginning to have devastating consequences
on our communities.
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THE ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP FOR THE KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST Hoʻolauleʻa is announced for Saturday, May 4 on the grounds ofPāhala
Community Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Coming home is Bule
Akamu, who grew up in Pāhala under the mentorship of his father and well known
musician Gene Akamu until the family moved to Kona, where their musical talents
are in great demand and Bula leads a hālau.
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.
THE ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP FOR THE KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST Hoʻolauleʻa is announced for Saturday, May 4 on the grounds of
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| Braddah Ben Mejia & Kanui. Photo from mejiamusic123.com |
Also coming home
is Braddah Ben Mejia, who lives on Oʻahu now and will bring his Hawaiian group
Kaniu.
The lineup for
all day free music, hosted by emcee Makana Kamahele, is: Kaʻū Sound &
Light, Hands of Time, Foggy, The Lucky Lizard Band, Hannah's Makana ʻOhana
Hālau, Leka & Demetrius, Bolo, Braddah Ben & Kaniu, Bula Akamu, and
Backyahd Braddahs.
Kaʻū Coffee Fest
features up close conversations and tastings with Kaʻū Coffee farmers and
baristas, coffee farm tours, numerous opportunities to purchase local foods and
crafts, cultural, agricultural and educational demonstrations, and games and
fun for the keiki. Sunday, May 5 Kaʻū Coffee College will happen at Pāhala
Community Center
See stories on
Miss Kaʻū Coffee and the week of events leading up to the Hoʻolauleʻa on Thursday, Friday, and upcoiming Kaʻū News Briefs.
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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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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m. , @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., April 6, 11 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Sat., April 13, 3 p.m. , @Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Semi-Finals
Softball:
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Fri., April 5, 3 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals
Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Finals
Boys Volleyball:
Wed., April 3, 6 p.m. , host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m. , @Christian Liberty , Varsity
Tue., April 9, 6 p.m. , host Waiakea
Fri., April 12, 6 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Wed., April 17, 6 p.m. , Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, 6 p.m. , host Honokaʻa
Mon. April 22, BIIF First Round
Track:
Sat., April 6, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., April 13, 9 a.m. , @HPA
Sat., April 20, 9 a.m. , @Kamehameha
OCEAN VIEW EASTER EGG HUNT at Kahuku
Park 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by D-Tech
solutions, Robert Unger, 238-8441, is accepting donations of plastic eggs and
individually wrapped candy.
UPCOMING
MONDAY, APRIL 1
Scholarship Application Deadlines for American Association of University Women-Kona, Three $2,000 awards for college-bound high school students: Monday, April 1. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.comKa‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 1 p.m., 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., Monday, April 1, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.
AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
Finger Puppetry, Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register through April 1. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
Hula Voices with Kumu Kini Ka‘awa, Wednesday, April 3, 1st Wednesday monthly, 5:30 p.m – 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. 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, APRIL 4Women's Support Group, Thursday, April 4, 1st Thursday monthly, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, April 5 and 26, Saturday, April 13 and 20, 8:45 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive plants. Gloves and tools provided. Free; park entrance fees apply. RSVP to Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu. nps.gov/havo
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
yART Sale, Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Gigantic rummage sale with proceeds to benefit VAC programs and workshops. Accepting donations of garden, kitchen, art, collectables, tools, appliances, and furniture. All items clean and in working condition. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, April 6, 1st Saturday monthly, 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
ONGOING
Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus . Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10. Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.
Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.
Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths 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
Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.
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. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. 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
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