Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Nīnole Bridge in Punaluʻu is one of the construction projects needed to keep travel safe around the island.
Learn about funds for bridge and road projects, below. Kaʻū Calendar photo

REPAIRING ROADS AND BRIDGES AS FAST AS POSSIBLE is a challenge for Hawaiʻi County, as it attempts to avoid transportation infrastructure funds from lapsing and returning to other government agencies.

     Some $7,500 that was slated for Kaʻū remains unspent, along with more than $8.3 million in unspent funds islandwide. Much of the money comes from the local fuel tax with has gone up 161.2 percent in the last two years to kill the coffers of the county for road improvements.

Bridge and road projects are vital on an island where rainfall can
have a big impact. Photo by Julia Neal

     Hawaiʻi County Council will be asked next week to reappropriate $8.4 million in fuel tax money that's due to lapse because it wasn't spent on time, reported Nancy Cook Lauer of Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald. She wrote that county administration attributes some unspent funds to project delays caused by last year's lava disaster and Hurricane Lane, which pulled road crews off regular projects to handle emergencies.

     Deputy Finance Director Steve Hunt told the Tribune on Tuesday that some of the funds, accumulating since 1996, come from completed or ended projects, leaving money that needs to be moved to more pressing projects; however, the money must be spent in the district to which it was originally issued.

     Islandwide, $1.7 million needs to be reappropriated for bridge inspections and repairs, including . That’s for the Opea Stream Bridge, Kaiwiʻilahilahi Gulch Bridge, Kaiwiki Bridge #1, all on Old Mamalahoa Highway, and the Honoliʻi Stream Bridge on Kahoa Road. The roadway projects include 22 specific resurfacing projects islandwide, none is Kaʻū.

     The county fuel tax from 8.8 cents per gallon in 2017 to 23 cents in 2020, which adds $6.1 million to the county's annual budget. The half cent general excise tax addition to county taxes also adds $50 million, which goes to road and mass transit projects.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

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WITHDRAWAL OF AMERICAN TROOPS FROM NORTHERN SYRIA sparked a response from Sen. Mazie Hirono and Sen. Brian Schatz today. Said Hirono:

     "President Trump's hasty, unilateral decision to withdraw U.S. troops and abandon our Kurdish allies in Northern Syria was made without consulting senior military and State Department officials. Trump's rationale is based on lies and misinformation which are evident in his tweets.

     "The President continues a pattern of erratic behavior that has resulted in the erosion of our long-standing alliances. It's actions like these that compelled Secretary (of Defense Jim) Mattis, who understood the importance of our allies, to resign. 

Sen. Brian Schatz

     "With this action, we stand to lose the gains we have made in the fight against extremism in the Middle East. This is a betrayal of the Kurdish forces who stood with us in the fight against ISIS and weakens the value of an American promise. 

     "I call on the President to rescind his decision and come before Congress to explain his unsound actions."
     Said Schatz, "'The U.S. will do nothing.' It makes me sick to my stomach that we would burn our credibility and let our allies in the fight against ISIS die. Credible reporting indicates that there is no plan to make sure the ISIS detainees in Northern Syria remain incarcerated. If these ISIS fighters get free, it will be directly traceable to the decision of the President of the United States."

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BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR THE DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS PROGRAM came from over 170 members and former members of Congress last week, including Sen. Mazie Hirono. President Donald Trump terminated the DACA program in 2017, which affected nearly 800,000 "Dreamers into chaos due to our nation's broken immigration system," said Hirono. She states the DACA program was "consistent with our nation's immigration laws" and that the decision to terminate DACA was "unlawful."

     The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on DACA on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

     As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, Hirono has been a leading advocate for reforming the immigration system. She supports Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and DACA programs.

Infographic from PBS

     Said Hirono, "Donald Trump put the lives of Dreamers at risk when he canceled DACA and sabotaged every effort Congress made to protect these young people. After creating this mess, he's now looking to his appointees on the Supreme Court to ignore the law and approve his unjustified actions. We must continue to fight the president’s unlawful actions to ensure that Dreamers can live their lives and pursue their dreams in the only country they know."

     Read the full text of the amicus brief here.

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HONOLULU RANKS IN THE MIDDLE when looking at the best place to live in the U.S for people with disabilities, according to a recent WalletHub report. Among 182 cities reviewed,  Honolulu ranked 93rd, Pearl City 124th.

     Honolulu ranked tenth in overall quality of life, but 142nd in affordability, and 178th – fifth worst – for health care. Pearl City ranked 115th in overall quality of life, 23rd in affordability, and 172nd – 11th worst – for health care.

     Pearl City's rank shows it has the highest cost of living, tied with five other major cities. Pearl City has the second highest employment rate of people with disabilities, and has the lowest percentage of people with disabilities in poverty.

Nāʻālehu Public Library offers services during normal hours, even when the
county council is in session. Kaʻū Calendar photo

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NĀʻĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY is in its new temporary location, and serving the community. During Hawaiʻi County Council sessions, limited services will be offered on the lanai: a selection of DVDs and new books to browse/checkout, holds pick up, and reference services. Once the session is concluded, regular services resume inside the library room.

     Sara, a librarian, told The Kaʻū Calendar that only the smaller of the monkeypod trees in front of the old building will be removed. She said local woodworker Thomas King "has generously offered to use the wood to create benches and other furniture for the library when it reopens."
     Regular library hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

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HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS are forecast for Kaʻū through tomorrow, specifically Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, and Pāhala. Most of the state is expected to receive rain starting tomorrow.

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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.

2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals

Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū

Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau

Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau

Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

Final Day to Register at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, Thursday, Oct. 10. Grades K-8. 808-985-9800, volcanoschool.net

Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Oct. 10, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. 2 hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Oct. 10, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Oct. 11, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, Oct. 11, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

Every Kid Outdoors Day, Saturday, Oct. 12, all National Parks. Kid-friendly activities offered throughout the park. New Junior Ranger program at Kahuku unit. 4th grade students earn a free entrance pass to all national parks - everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm, print voucher and present, completed, at main entrance station. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Nāʻālahu Hongwanji Rummage Sale, Saturday, Oct. 12, 8a.m.-noon. Baked goods, clothing, crafts, books, household item, kitchen items, and garden tools. 95-5695 Mamalahoa Hwy.

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Oct. 12, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ka‘ū Skate Club Fundraiser for Kahuku Roller Rink in Ocean View: Yard Sale, Saturday, Oct. 12, 9a.m.-3p.m., 92-8907 Paradise Parkway, Ocean View. Donations welcome. Ka‘ū Skate Club President Lzena Barrett, 747-1147

Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Oct. 12, 9a.m.-12:30p.m., outside (weather permitting) at Volcano Art Center. Students complete one 9"x12" project. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. All materials supplied. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register - 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Oct. 12, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Palm Trail, Sunday, Oct. 12, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately d

difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo/

Zentangle Inspired Art: Milagros with Lydia Meneses, Saturday, Oct. 12, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Art supplies provided (students encouraged to bring favorite art supplies). Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Jazz in the Forest with Jean Pierre Thoma, Autumn Leaves & Jeannine Guillory-Kane, Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Doors open 5p.m. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Purchase tickets online, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Soul Town Band performance, Saturday, Oct. 12, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to eligible patrons; certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 13

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sunday, Oct. 13, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo/

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Oct. 13 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, OCT. 14

Monday Movie Night: Moananuiakea, Monday, Oct. 14, 6-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $5 donation suggested. Popcorn and snacks available for purchase. Bring a cushion. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, OCT. 15

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Oct. 15 (Committees), Wednesday, Oct. 17, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov. These meetings affect the temporary location of the Nā‘ālehu Public Library

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Ti Leaf Lei Making with Jelena Clay, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Why Hawaiian Honey May Be the Best on Earth, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Local beekeepers and representatives from the Big Island Beekeepers Association discuss the island's varieties of honey, with samples to taste. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria, 6-7p.m. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Hawaiʻi Nei Art Contest is open to all Hawaiʻi Island residents. All artwork must be registered online by Friday, Oct. 11 at hawaiineiartcontest.org. Initial online screening and jurying will take place Saturday, Oct. 12. Featured Category is Kō ā kai: Marine Species of Hawaiʻi Island. Artwork is not limited to the Featured Category; however, all artwork entries must depict a native species to Hawaiʻi Island.

     Amateur and professional artists of all ages, who are residents of Hawaiʻi Island, are invited to submit original works. Entry fees are $15 per entry for adults, youth under 18 are free. Artists are encouraged to explore a variety of media, including the performing arts.

     Artists will be notified by October 14th if their artwork has been selected for the exhibition. Final jurying and selection for awards will occur on Oct. 30 and will be announced at the opening reception on Nov. 1. Artwork may still be juried out despite adhering to all guidelines.

     Learn more at hawaiineiartcontest.org.

Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.

     SpeakOut meetings will be held in Kona, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Liquor Commission Boardroom; Capt. Cook, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pukaʻana United Church of Christ; and Waikaloa, Thursday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School.
     Topic Workshops will be held in Hilo at County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging on Saturday, Oct. 12 on Land Use from 9 a.m. to noon and Economic Development from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; and Hilo at County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging on Saturday, Oct. 26, on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

     Submit feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

Trunk or Treat at Kaʻū District Gym will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Organized by Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary school, the free event offers a haunted house, healthy recipes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and Trunk or Treat, where keiki and youth go from parked car to car, asking for treats.

     For those interested in participating in Trunk or Treat, distributing goodies, prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car: Most Beautiful, Most Original, Spookiest, and a special awards for teachers or staff who decorate; decoration not required. Contact Nona at 928-3102 or Angie Miyashiro at 313-4100.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival Booths can be reserved. The free event on Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center, will feature cultural practitioners and demonstrators; workshops; crafts; food; music and entertainment from artists such as Bali Hai from Mexico, Vero Cruz Folklore Dancers, taiko drummers, UH-Hilo Filipino/Samoan dancers; and hula from Mexico, Japan, Virginia, ʻOahu, and Hawaiʻi Island. Interested vendors can apply for food, craft, or information booths. Email leionalani47@hotmail.com or call 808-649-9334. See hookupukau.com.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.

     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale by Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu. The parishes are selling the truck to raise funds to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.

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