About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Janice Wei will lead a Chinese New Year hike tomorrow at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. 
See story, below. NPS Photo/Stephen Geiger
"IT RANG HOLLOW," said Hawaiʻi Sen. Mazie Hirono, following Pres. Donald Trump's State of the Union address to the country. "We've had the reality of two year's of the Trump presidency and their misplaced priorities, the Muslim ban, the separation of children at the border, the constant attacks on immigrants, trying to eliminate the affordable care act which supports health care for millions and millions of people, and the sabotaging of the health care program. And of course, the most recent, the shutdown, which hurt 800,000 federal workers, contractors, not to mention harming our entire economy. So, we have the reality - that is the real Trump.
     "So whatever he said tonight about bringing people together, in spite of that fact that he has been the most divisive President that I have experienced, it rang hollow. There is general acknowledgement that this is a President who doesn't learn, who cannot change. He can say all the nice things, but really with this President it's what he does. What he says is bad enough, but when he follows it up with what he does, then he creates chaos and harm for our country. And sadly, I don't think that's going to change."
Pres. Donald Trump with Vice Pres. Mike Pence on his left and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to his right.
See the speech with annotations on the Hawaiʻi Public Radio website.
     She pointed out that "after all the harm chaos of the shutdown, Trump did not say that "come February 15, I will sign a bill that makes sure government shutdown will not happen. I did not hear that." She asks the public to fill out her February 2019 priorities survey and "share your thoughts with me."

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HAWAIʻI SENATOR BRIAN SCHATZ sent out a message and posed a question before Pres. Donald Trump's State of the Union address today.
Sen. Brian Schatz
     "The State of the Union is supposed to be the President's chance to share his plans to address the challenges facing our nation with the American people. Over the course of this administration, President Trump has pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement. His last EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, was forced to resign in scandal, and his nominated replacement is a former lobbyist for big polluters in the coal industry. He's made it no secret that he doesn't believe that climate change is a problem.
     "According to a report put out by Trump's own administration, climate change is already having wide-ranging negative impacts across the country -- including on our economy, agriculture, health, and infrastructure."
     Schatz asked whether constituents thought Trump would talk about Climate Change.

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A SYRIAN KURDISH LEADER WAS GUEST OF REP. TULSI GABBARD for the State of the Union speech by Pres. Donald Trump before the U.S. Congress this evening. A statement from Gabbard said the female leader, Ilham Ahmed, Co-President of the Syrian Democratic Council, "has been a vocal advocate for achieving a political solution to the ongoing civil war in Syria, and the protection of the Kurds in the region." See the story in the Feb. 5 edition of Foreign Policy, describing Ahmed's visit to Washington to ask the President to protect the Kurds as thethe U.S. withdraws from Syria.
Syrian Kurdish leader Ilham Ahmed joined Tulsi Gabbard 
at the State of the Union and asks the President to protect 
her people from slaughter. Photo from Foreign Policy
     Gabbard said Ahmed "has been a leader in the battle against ISIS in Syria, where the Kurds have proven to be the most effective ground force, and a strong advocate for peace in Syria. We must bring our troops home from Syria, quickly and responsibly. President Trump's announced hasty withdrawal from Syria could leave the Kurds vulnerable to slaughter by Turkey's President Erdogan, who has repeatedly threatened to attack them, and invade Syrian territory long-held by Syrian Kurds."
     Gabbard, who is running for President, took on Trump with the following tweets this evening:
     "Trillions of dollars to pay for your endless regime-change wars, your new cold war, including your new nuclear arms race caused by your trashing the INF treaty. #SOTU... Trump promised North Korea that we will not wage regime-change war against them while we simultaneously threaten regime-change war in Venezuela and IranNorth Korea will look at Trump's actions, not his empty promises. #SOTU."
     "The root cause of mass immigration on our southern border is our history of US military intervention in Latin America that left countries destroyed. Before we talk about a wall, we need to end our ongoing threats of intervention - this time in Venezuela. #SOTU"
     "I applaud the president for standing up against anti-Semitism. Now we should all stand up against religious and racial bigotry of all kinds. #SOTU.... I visited the Auschwitz concentration camp and it is an experience I will never, ever forget. The world must never forget the genocide that the Jewish people suffered. Only then can we appreciate how necessarily it is to never allow such a thing to ever happen again. #SOTU"
     "Trump's tax cuts have been a failure - tax giveaways to corporations, adding $1.5 trillion to the national debt and not translating to relief for working Americans or benefiting small business. #SOTU... This president is incapable of unifying our country. He is a great divider. He was elected by and governs by fomenting division amongst us. His calls for unity are hollow. This is the state of the union. #SOTU"

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2019 USHERS IN THE YEAR OF THE PIG TODAY. Gunshots, fireworks and firecrackers were heard throughout neighborhoods in Kaʻū, a district where hunting pig is very popular.
     Many ways to celebrate Chinese New Year include hiking at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with Mandarin-speaking guide Janice Wei, starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 at Kīlauea Visitor Center. The free hike skirts Kīlauea Caldera from Volcano House.
     Chinese New Year Traditions include: setting off firecrackers; cleaning the living space; gifting young relatives with money-stuffed with li see (lucky red envelopes); "feeding" dragon or lion - dancers in an elaborate costume - money, for good luck; making special foods, such as sesame balls or mochi; visiting a temple; ringing bells; and wearing and decorating with a lot of red, which is said to bring happiness.
     The Year of the Pig draws its name from the Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao, which has 12 animals, each taking over from the previous animal between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20 on the Gregorian (standard) calendar. Chinese New Year is based on lunar cycles.

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HAWAIʻI COUNTY VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS will be available via a self-serve kiosk at Hilo Safeway starting Thursday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. According to Hawai‘i County's Vehicle Registration & Licensing Division the kiosk will help shorten lines at the main office.
     The kiosk will open during business hours of Safeway. The renewal process is "quick and easy, taking approximately three minutes to complete," says the announcement. Customers may bring their old registration or renewal notice, or type in the license plate number, to access their vehicle record. A new registration card and decal is issued on the spot, upon payment by credit card or debit card. Credit card users will be charged a 2.50% credit card fee. A $3.00 "convenience fee" will be added to all transactions.
     Safety checks are uploaded to the County system within 48 hours, requiring time to elapse before renewing a vehicle registration at the kiosk.
Buddy Flores, winner of ‘O Ka’ū Kākou Halfcourt Shot for
 Cash at Friday's Boys Basketball game, joined by OKK's June
 Domondon and Ka’ū Athletics Director Kalei Namohala. 
Photo from Ka’ū Athletics
     A self-service kiosk opened in late January at the Kona Safeway store, and the Vehicle Registration & Licensing Division is reviewing possible future locations.
     For further information, please contact the Vehicle Registration & Licensing Division at 961-8351.

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ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU HALFCOURT SHOT FOR CASH at Friday's Boys Basketball game was made by Kaʻū's Buddy Flores. St. Joseph, the visiting team, was soundly beaten by the Trojans. Kaʻū Athletics received another $250 from the shot, totaling $1,250 for the season. See the remainder of the Trojans' Winter Sports Schedule, below.

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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
KEIKI KI’I PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB pilot group is showing its members' work at Nāʻālahu Public Library lanai through February. The club's organizers say it was created to introduce children in Kaʻū to photography; ki’i means picture in Hawaiian.
     Twenty keiki between the ages of four and 12 took part in the six-week pilot project. The Club loosely followed a Literacy Through Photography model, which "encourages kids to use photography to discover more about themselves and their community, and then write about their images. For many club members, it was their first time using a digital camera. The young photographers acquired visual skills and had fun." The club also provided an after-school activity for keiki in a rural area.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Arts & Crafts Activity: Mardi Gras, Wed., Feb. 6, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages five through 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.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Free STD Testing, Mon., Feb. 11, 9-noon, 2nd Monday, monthly, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Card, Tue., Feb. 12, 2:45-3:30pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 Feb. 4-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Feb. 12, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

ONGOING
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 StPāhalaHI96777, 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.orgFacebook 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 208PāhalaHI 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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