Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Soto No Michi Aikido classes at Pāhala Hongwanji are free and open to the public. See story below.
Photo by Julia Neal

IF GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNS FOUR KUPUNA CARE BILLS, over $20 million would go to elder services statewide, over the next two years. The bills passed the Hawaiʻi Legislature today, dedicating $18 million to expand and strengthens the Kupuna Caregivers Program, support healthy aging, and coordinate and improve Alzheimer's disease and related dementia services. All four bills are on their way to the governor to sign or veto.
     Co-sponsored by east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman, Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, SB1025 SD1 HD2 expands funding for the Kupuna Caregivers Program to $1.5 million for fiscal year 2019-20. It requires the Executive Office on Aging to develop and implement a plan to maximize the number of caregivers served by the program, adds care coordination and case management to the services available to caregivers, and changes the maximum funds that can be awarded to a qualified caregiver from $70 per day to $210 per week, subject to funding availability.

Kupuna Caregivers Program received more support from the
Hawaiʻi Legislature this session. Photo from Hawaiʻi Public Radio

     Co-sponsored by west Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, HB465 HD1 SD2 appropriates $8,291,390 over two years to fund the Kupuna Care Program – in addition to approximately $9.7 million already appropriated in House Bill 2 – for a total of $18 million for fiscal years 2019-20 & 2020-21, $9 million each year.
     Also co-sponsored by Creagen, HB468 HD1 SD2 appropriates $550,000 to continue the Hawaiʻi Healthy Aging Partnership, which funds two programs – Better Choices Better Health (Ke Ola Pono) and EnhanceFitness – to improve the health and well-being of Hawaiʻi's kupuna.
     Hilo Sen. Kai Kahele co-sponsored SB366 SD2 HD2, which provides funding for the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Services Coordinator – $59,616 per year for two fiscal years – in the Executive Office on Aging.
     Rep. Gregg Takayama, Co-Chair of the Kupuna Caucus, said that by 2020, a quarter of Hawaiʻi's residents will be 60 or older. "It is more important than ever to protect and maintain the ability of kupuna to be healthy, live independently, and remain engaged with their communities. Every dollar that we spend on them, every person that we are able to keep out of a nursing home, saves money for all of us as taxpayers and improves their quality of life."
     Hawaiʻi State Director of the American Association of Retired Persons Barbara Kim Stanton said, "Our senior community, our kupuna, really thank the House and Senate for their leadership and their compassion. We have 154,000 family caregivers and the majority of them are still in the workforce. It is complex and stressful. I think this package of bills you passed shows that you really do understand the caregivers plight and you are going to make it so that kupuna are able to stay in their homes as long as possible. We are very grateful."

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Will Okabe from Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim's office, Gov. David 

Ige, and Sen. Russell Ruderman at the signing of Act 009, relief 

for Hawaiʻi County from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. 

Photo from Ruderman's Facebook 

SIXTY MILLION FOR HAWAIʻI COUNTY DISASTER RELIEF was appropriated today when Gov. David Ige signed HB1180 Act 009. Act 009 immediately provides funding for Hawaiʻi County's disaster relief, recovery, mitigation, and remediation activities in the wake of the Kīlauea volcanic eruption.

     Sen. Russell Ruderman, who represents east Kaʻū into Puna, said, "This was my biggest priority for the political year, and it's great to get it across the finish line."
     For fiscal year 2018-2019, $20 million is provided by the state as a subsidy to Hawaiʻi County to be used for disaster relief activities. The county will be required to report monthly expenditures to the state Department of Budget and Finance.

     An additional $40 million in general funds for fiscal year 2018-2019 is a loan to enable Hawaiʻi County to obtain non-state funds, such as federal funds, for disaster relief. The loan terms will be negotiated by the state Director of Finance.

     In addition, federal partners will cover approximately 75 percent of the costs to replace lost infrastructure, such as water lines and roads.

     Last year's eruption had an enormous impact on Hawai'i County, with the cost of public and private economic disruption estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. More than 700 structures were destroyed, more than 3,000 residents displaced.

     Said Ige, "This was an unprecedented four-month disaster. We know the recovery will take years, but the effort is supported by the state Legislature and my administration, which will help with local cost share and economic revitalization. At the same time, Hawaiʻi's congressional delegation is pursuing additional federal resources to support the recovery."

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 old Japanese schoolhouse at Pāhala Hongwanji serves as the place for aikido. Photo by Julia Neal

SOTO NO MICHI AIKIDO STUDENTS graduated last week under the mentorship of chief instructor Alan Morse and instructor Gabriel Cuevas at Pāhala Hongwanji.

Alan Moores and Gabriel Cuevas discuss student progress at 

Aikido on Mondays and Wednesdays at Pāhala Hongwanji. 

Photo by Julia Neal

     Soto No Michi Aikido translates to "The Outside Path of Aikido." Adults meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children 8 to 12 meet on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. All classes are free at Pāhala Hongwanji, with Morse and Cuevas teaching. A liability waiver is required.

     At the April ceremonies, Ron Ebert, Douglas Castro, Enrique Zepeda, and Glenn Okamoto earned promotions to Green Belt. Shem Doi earned a Blue Belt, Cuevas a Brown Belt.

      For more information see aikidokau.com.

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.

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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 20, BIIF Semi-Finals

Fri., April 26, BIIF Finals

Sat., April 27, BIIF Finals

Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA

Softball:

Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals

Sat., April 20, BIIF Finals

Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA

Boys Volleyball:

Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha

Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa

Mon. April 22, BIIF First Round

Wed., April 24, BIIF Semi-Finals

Thu., April 25, BIIF Finals

Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA

Track:

Sat., April 20, 9 a.m., @Kamehameha

Fri., April 26, 2 p.m., BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 27, 3 p.m., BIIF Finals

Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

JUST ANNOUNCED

THE GREAT KĪLAUEA ERUPTION OF 2018 AND WHAT MAY SOON FOLLOW, an hour-long talk by Geologist Dr. Richard "Rick" Hazlett, commemorates the one-year anniversary of the day lava began erupting in Leilani Estates in Puna. Hosted by Ocean View Community Center, come share his vantage point on Friday, May 3, starting at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Following the talk, Hazlett will answer questions from the audience.

Rick Hazlett will speak about the 2018 Kīlauea eruption at a
special presentation at Ocean View Community Center on
the first anniversary, Friday, May 3. USGS photo

     Hazlett was summoned by the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiʻi Volcano Observatory to help monitor and interpret the eruption as it continued to grow and spread, displacing traumatized area residents and covering the island in vog, as lava made its way to the ocean. From his front-row seat, he was able to photograph and observe events, all the while learning as much as he could as quickly as possible.
     The world-renowned volcanologist is co-author of popular book Roadside Geology of Hawaiʻi, and the definitive text book on volcanoes, Volcanoes: Global Perspectives. He is also an award-winning, many times published Professor Emeritus at Pomona University; Senior Editor, Oxford University Press Research Encyclopedia of Agriculture and the Environment; Affiliate Faculty Member, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Department of Geology; and Associate Researcher, USGS HVO.

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.

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17
Early Head Start, Wednesday, April 17, 10 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Easter Craft Day, Wednesday, April 17, 11 a.m. – pau, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; all ages. 939-2442

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, April 17, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Arts and Crafts Activity: Spring Basket, Wednesday, April 17, 3:30-5p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki grades K-6 April 8-16. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, APRIL 18
Family Reading Night, Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Slide Show Presentation: On Sacred Ground, Thursday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Dino Morrow, documentary and portrait photographer, shares an intimate collection of hula images. Free; $5 donations accepted. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 19
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Friday, April 19, 3rd Friday monthly, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

SATURDAY, APRIL 20
Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Saturday, April 20. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Earth Day Community Cleanup, Saturday, April 20. Free; donations appreciated. BYO-4WD welcome. RSVP: kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest Application Deadline, Saturday, April 20. sales@kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeemill.com,
kaucoffeefestival.com

Annual Wellness Fair and Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym. Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10 a.m. Educators encouraged to participate. Volunteers welcome. Free.

Junior Ranger Day at Kahuku, Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Program debut. Keiki who complete the junior ranger handbook (illustrated by Hawai‘i artists) earn a wooden junior ranger badge, junior ranger certificate, and will be sworn in by a National Park Service ranger. Free. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 21
Easter Brunch, Sunday, April 21, 7 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café. Menu includes Honey Glazed Ham, Beef Pot Roast with Gravy, Omelet Station, Waffle Bar with Sauce and Toppings, and more. No reservations required. $17.95/adult, $10.95/ages 6-11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m. in the ‘Ōhi‘a Room, Kīlauea Military Camp. Open to keiki 10 years and under; bring Easter basket. Register: 967-8352 before 8:45 a.m. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Easter Sunday Services, April 21, 9:30 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. 939-7000

MONDAY, APRIL 22
Hypertension Management, Monday, April 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym, with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, April 23 (Committees), Wednesday, April 24 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, April 23, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Merrie Monarch Festival Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Day 1: Weave coconut leaves, make lei. Rupert Tripp Jr. performs. Day 2: Learn/play the Hawaiian board game kōnane, learn about the tools, alter and plants that symbolize hula. Ti "Kawehi" Chun and Pōki‘i Seto perform. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Arts and Crafts Activity: Paint a Rainbow, Tuesday, April 23, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 April 15-18. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Read to Me, Tuesday, April 23, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register April 15-22. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

After Dark in the Park: Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tuesday, April 23, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Carolyn Parcheta recounts the progression and shares her experiences monitoring this dramatic eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

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 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. 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; or call 808-731-5409.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

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.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

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.