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Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, the union lobbied at the
Hawaiʻi legislature for higher pay. Photo from HSTA
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Gov. David Ige pledged to secure the $14.7 million
needed for the first six months of the program. In addition the state Department of
Education, teachers union and the governor plan to lobby the 2020 legislature for $30.4 million to pay for the salary increase during the July 2020
through June 2021 fiscal year.
Under the initiative, teachers in rural,
hard-to-fill positions, such as Kaʻū, would see a yearly pay rise of $3,000 to
$8,000. Hawaiian language immersion teachers would receive an additional $8,000
per year. Special education teachers would receive an additional $10,000 per
year.
For more details, see yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
THE NAVY SUBMARINER WHO KILLED TWO CIVILIAN PEARL HARBOR
SHIPYARD WORKERS, injured another, and fatally shot himself yesterday, has been
identified. Officials report that the shooter was 22-year-old active-duty
sailor Gabriel Romero. Around 2:30 p.m. yesterday, while standing watch over the U.S.S. Columbia nuclear powered submarine undergoing repairs at Pearl Harbor Shipyard, Romero shot the three shipyard personnel with his M4 service
rifle, then used his M9 service pistol to kill himself, according to numerous news services. The gunman's motivation is still unclear.
All three victims are members of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 121. A statement from the union said, "These victims are not only dedicated IFPTE union members, they are hard-working public servants who go to work each day to serve the taxpayers and our military forces. They are reflective of the thousands of workers at Pearl Harbor and elsewhere that go to work to earn a living and secure their nation. No workers should have to go to work without the expectations of safely returning to their family and loved ones."
The union stated all three workers were quality assurance inspectors. They checked work such as welding by shipyard workers.
All three victims are members of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 121. A statement from the union said, "These victims are not only dedicated IFPTE union members, they are hard-working public servants who go to work each day to serve the taxpayers and our military forces. They are reflective of the thousands of workers at Pearl Harbor and elsewhere that go to work to earn a living and secure their nation. No workers should have to go to work without the expectations of safely returning to their family and loved ones."
The union stated all three workers were quality assurance inspectors. They checked work such as welding by shipyard workers.
The identity of one
of the three shipyard has also been released. According to a statement from his
family, Vincent Kapoi Jr., 30 years old, was a husband, son, brother, and uncle,
and was of Native Hawaiian and Filipino heritage.
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| U.S.S. Columbia submarine where sailor Gabriel Romero served before taking the lives of Pearl Harbor Shipyard workers and himself. Photo from Wikipedia |
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
responded to the incident late yesterday: "Sending my aloha and well
wishes to the victims of today’s shooting at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Our
gratitude goes out to the first responders who took action to secure the base
and keep people safe."
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.
ALMOST 500 SNAP RECIPIENTS IN HAWAIʻI are likely to be affected by new rules handed down by the federal government. Changes by the Trump administration to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called Food Stamps, would require able bodied recipients without children, 18-49 years of age, to work at least 80 hours a month or enroll in job training, for at least three months out of 36, to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months. The changes take effect April 1, 2020.
Presently, states can extend SNAP benefits beyond three months if the area's unemployment rate is 20 percent higher than the national average. The changes remove that option unless the area has an unemployment rate that is at least six percent, about double the national rate of 3.6. Hawaiʻi's unemployment rate is about 2.7 percent statewide, but it is 3.6 percent in Hawaiʻi County, so anyone able-bodied and age 18-49, with no dependents, who is receiving an extension, may lose benefits.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Secretary Sonny Perdue told reporters the changes are meant to "restore
the dignity of work to a sizable segment of our population and be respectful of
the taxpayers who fund the program. Americans are generous people who believe
it is their responsibility to help their fellow citizens when they encounter a
difficult stretch. That's the commitment behind SNAP, but, like other welfare
programs, it was never intended to be a way of life."
Brandon Lipps, deputy
undersecretary for USDA's Food Nutrition and Consumer Services, said about 688,000
people nationwide will lose access to food stamps. He said that this was an
extension of Pres. Donald Trump's April 2018 executive order, "Reducing Poverty
in America by
Promoting Opportunity and Economic Mobility." The work requirement rule is
expected to save the government $5.5 billion over five years, said Lipps.
Stacy Dean, the food assistance policy vice president at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told NCB News, "The policy targets very poor people struggling to work – some of whom are homeless or living with health conditions. Taking away basic food assistance from these individuals will only increase hardship and hunger, while doing nothing to help them find steady full-time work." |
| Craig Hirai, new Director of the state Dept. of Budget and Finance. |
CRAIG HIRAI WILL BE THE NEW STATE DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF
BUDGET & FINANCE if he is approved by the state Senate. His appointment by Gov. David Ige is effective Dec. 16. He would replace Neal Miyahira,
who will return to his position as budget division administrator at the
Department of Budget and Finance.
Said Ige, "Craig's
extensive experience and knowledge, along with his administrative skill set
will serve our state well. I am elated that Craig has agreed to come onboard as
a member of my cabinet. I would also like to thank Neal Miyahira for agreeing
to temporarily serve as Budget and Finance director and for doing a fine job
while we searched for a permanent candidate."
Hirai has served
as executive director of the Hawai‘i Housing Finance & Development
Corporation (HHFDC), State of Hawai ‘i
since 2013. He is also the sole member of Craig K. Hirai, CPA, LLC. Previously,
Hirai was a consultant (shareholder/director) at Bowen Hunsaker Hirai
Consulting, Inc. and Bowen Hunsaker Hirai, Certified Public Accountants. In
addition, Hirai has worked as a tax attorney in private practice.
Hirai is a
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania University
of California San Francisco New
York University
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Remove keys from vehicle
ignition when not in vehicle. Always take keys when departing a vehicle. Never
hide a second set of keys in a vehicle. Lock all vehicles when not in use. Park
in attended lots and in well-lit areas. Never leave a vehicle running, even if leaving
for a short time. Completely close all windows of parked vehicles. At home,
park vehicles in a locked garage, if possible. Back any rear-wheel-drive
vehicles into a driveway to make it more difficult to tow. When parking on the
street, turn vehicle wheels toward the curb to make it more difficult to tow. Set
the emergency brake to make a parked car more difficult to tow.
Do not leave valuables or paperwork in plain
sight. Eliminate drawing unwanted attention to contents in a vehicle by placing
packages or bags and other tempting items – especially cell phones and other
electronic equipment – out of sight.
To reduce the
threat of theft or identity theft, follow these tips:
When shopping, do
not leave purses or bags unattended in shopping carts. All it takes is a split
second for a thief to walk by, remove a bag, and flee undetected. Shoppers
should keep their bags or purses on their person and zipped or snapped shut. When
paying for merchandise, be wary of openly displaying checkbooks or credit
cards, as they contain vital financial information that identity thieves can
write down or photograph with smart phones. If paying with cash, avoid openly
displaying the contents of a wallet. When approaching a vehicle to load purchases,
keep at least one hand free to open a trunk or doors. While loading packages,
don't leave a handbag or purse unattended. Do not leave any papers with
personal information in a car; even blank papers might tempt a thief to break
into a car in an attempt to steal information.
Police ask the public
to report any suspicious activities by calling HPD's non-emergency line at
935-3311.
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MAGIC OF THE SEASON open house starts Monday, Dec. 9 at the Hawaiʻi County Building in Hilo . The free, annual event runs nightly, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. , through Friday, Dec. 13. Schedule of events is:
Monday, Dec. 9 – Kris Fuchigami & Mom, The Longakit ʻOhana, and DD and the High Rollers.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 – Iwalani Kalima & Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ʻE, Patio Productions, and Mark Yamanaka.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Christy Lassiter, Raily-Wood Band, and Lopaka & Friends.
Thursday, Dec. 12 – Randy Lorenzo & Friends, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and Hawaii County Band
Friday, Dec. 13 – Ben Kaili & Friends, Bending Elbows, and Darlene Ahuna.
Donations of non-perishable food for the Hawaiʻi Island Food Bank are welcome from all attendees.
Donations of non-perishable food for the Hawaiʻi Island Food Bank are welcome from all attendees.
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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
Realms and Divisions, Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
MONDAY, DEC. 9
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 11a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
Holiday Ornament Registration, through Dec. 16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
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 808-938-1088.
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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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UPCOMING
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 8-9a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
Stewardship at the Summit, Dec. 6, 13, 21 and 28, 8:45a.m. , meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center
Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 10-11a.m. ,Volcano Art Center
AdvoCATS, Saturday, Dec. 7, 7a.m.-4:30p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
Painting from Observation with Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9a.m.-3p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Dec. 7, 10a.m.-1p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Dec. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m. -noon , Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free.
Blackwater Railroad Company Band, Saturday, Dec. 7, 7-10p.m. , Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
41st Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sunday, Dec. 8, starts at Pāhala Armory. Parade participants can still sign up by calling Eddie Andrade at 928-0808. See floats and trailers with Christmas characters and music, classic cars, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, schools, and community groups representing the holiday spirit. Receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from his elves. After the parade, Holy Rosary Church
Pele & Hi‘iaka, Sunday, Dec. 8,9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo
Pele & Hi‘iaka, Sunday, Dec. 8,
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Dec. 8 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Accordion Paper Reindeer Activity Registration, Dec. 9-17, Ka‘u District G
TUESDAY, DEC. 10
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Dec. 10 and 24, and Thursday, Dec. 12 and 26, 8-10a.m. , Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park Volcanoes National Park
After Dark in the Park: 100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. UH Mānoa geologist Scott Rowland explains the significance of this eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Moa Pahe‘e Games, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10a.m. -noon , Kīlauea Visitor Center
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30p.m. , United Methodist Church
ONGOING
ONGOING
Santa's Workshop Event Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30p.m. All ages. 928-31
Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Holiday Ornament Registration, through Dec. 16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees app
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511
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 808-938-1088.
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.
