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Friday, March 15, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, March 15, 2019

Nāʻālehu Elementary got STEAMy last week with the EXPLORE! Fair. See story, below. Photo from Sheilah Okimoto
REDUCING TIME KEIKI AND TEENS SPEND ON CELL PHONES, TABLETS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC SCREENS is the goal of legislation introduced by east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman. Senate Bill 433 passed from the Senate to the House of Representatives last week, and passed House Committees on Human Services & Homelessness and on Health this week, with no amendments and zero "no" votes.
Sen. Russell Ruderman.
Photo from Ruderman's Facebook
     SB433 "Appropriates funds for the Department of Health to create a social marketing campaign targeting children and their families to inform them of proven interventions to reduce child and teen screen time."
     Said Ruderman, "Great News! My bill... is on its way to the Final Committee, House Finance."
     Read the bill and testimonies. Submit testimony before next committee hearing.

Kaʻū marine debris artist Don Elwing with keiki at Nāʻālehu 
Elementary's STEAM-focused EXPLORE! Fair. 
Photo from Elwing's Facebook
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NĀʻĀLEHU EXPLORE! FAIR last week hosted over 200 people and 70 families. Attendees engaged in science experiments, feats of engineering, make-and-take art, and learning about the Kaʻū environment. 25 door prizes were awarded to fair participants, sponsored by L&L Ocean View, Nāʻālehu ACE Hardware, and KTA, and free food and popcorn were on offer.
     The event focused on the intersection of STEAM -  Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math - with school and community partner displays and activities.
     Interactive and educational displays included stereoscopic photography and computer coding, with the school tech gurus; chemistry and physics with wacky experiments hosted by Nāʻālehu ACE Hardware; an
Keiki and adults competed to make towers made from 
cups to represent buildings that could withstand natural 
disasters. Photo from Sheilah Okimoto
engineering competition to build tall cups towers to represent buildings that could withstand natural disasters, with the first-grade teachers; and making art pieces with eyedroppers and spin art at the pre-school table.
     Marine debris artist Don Elwing's mobile art gallery displayed some of his latest work made from detritus found on Kaʻū shores, and attendees could collaborate to create group artwork with plastic bottle caps.
     Nā Mamo o Kāwā encouraged dryland forest restoration by potting and teaching about native species ʻūlei, and sharing how second graders have incorporated learning about and visiting Kāwā with NMOK into their curriculum.
     The third grade table offered attendees a chance to "become a native species" by crafting take-home animal masks. Electricity and mathematics were explored with fourth-graders, where student-created model homes with a working circuit were on display. The fifth grade table offered a take-home moon shadow box craft.
     Department of Land and Natural Resources field experts Kaʻū resident Nohea Kaʻawa and officer John Kahiapo were on hand to teach about caring for the island's natural resources.
     A University of Hawaiʻi educator used a life-size replica of an ʻAlalā to help keiki and adults learn about this special endangered and endemic Hawaiian crow. 
Don Elwing displayed some of his artwork made from Kaʻū shore detritus, and offered a group artwork project 
involving stringing plastic bottle caps together. Photo from Elwing's Facebook
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KĪLAUEA VISITOR CENTER AUDITORIUM WILL CLOSE TEMPORARILY from April 8 through 15 for system upgrades. The visitor center will remain open, but park films normally shown in the auditorium will not be shown during this time.
     Long-needed improvements to the auditorium include a new sound system, a bulb-less projector, a new screen with a 16 by 9 foot surface ratio, new lighting, and a new computer controller interface for multimedia presentations.
     The work will be supervised by the National Park Service and is funded by park entrance fee revenue.

Kīlauea Visitor Center will remain open while its auditorium is closed April 8 through 15 for upgrades. NPS photo
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A TELEPHONE SCAM SOLICITING BAIL MONEY FOR RELATIVES duped at least one target on Hawaiʻi Island, warns Hawaiʻi Police Department. An elderly female in Honokaʻa recently reported that her "grandson" called her and stated he was in jail in New Jersey, and that she needed to send money for his bail.
     Reports HDP: It is unknown how the criminals obtained her grandson's name and her phone number. The caller, posing as her grandson, was very brief and stated his attorney was going to call her with better details. Another male party called an hour later and claimed her grandson was in a traffic accident and arrested for drunken driving and she needed to send $7,500 to bail him out.
     "At first, they wanted her to FedEx the money, but she stated no FedEx in Honokaʻa so she would use Postal Service." They also asked her to forgo the signature required for the money to be received. They stressed for her "to not tell other family members." She visited her credit union, took out $7,500 cash, put it in an envelope, and mailed it to the address provided by the second caller.
     She later called her grandson's wife and spoke to her grandson to learn that he was in a different state and had not been arrested.
     HPD urges, "Please be aware and do not send cash to strangers." Red flags include asking to send cash only and refraining from telling family members. "Warn seniors who live alone, and let them know that they should not be tricked by this ongoing scam."

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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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Sat., March 16, 1 p.m., host Keaʻau
Thu., March 21, 3 p.m., @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 1 p.m., host Honokaʻa
Thu., March 28, 3 p.m., @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 1 p.m., @Konawaena
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m., @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., host Waiakea
Softball:
Sat., March 16, 11 a.m., host Keaʻau
Wed., March 20, @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 11 a.m., host Honokaʻa
Wed., March 27, @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 11 a.m., @Konawaena
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Fri., April 5, 3 p.m., @Kealakehe
Boys Volleyball:
Tue., March 19, 6 p.m., @Kealakehe
Wed., March 27, 6 p.m., host Kohala, Varsity
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m., @HPA
Wed., April 3, 6 p.m., host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty, Varsity
Track:
Sat., March 16, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Sat., March 23, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Sat., March 30, 3 p.m., @Keaʻau

JUST ANNOUNCED
WIKI WIKI MART HOSTS A FREE FOOD NUTRITION CLASS Tuesday, March 19 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event description says, "Live a healthy and prosperous life; find out where's the junk in junk foods. Food consumed in America has caused higher incidences of ADHD and Autism compared with other countries. This class can help you protect your children's future. Speaker is Renee Default, PhD, former FDA associate, founder Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, and Kaʻū High School staff associate."

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
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Cleanup, Saturday, March 16, contact in advance for meet-up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated.
RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629.

Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 2p.m., corner of Hwy 11, Kama‘oa Rd., and Pinao St., Wai‘ōhinu. Vendor application – no hot food or plate lunch – with $10 fee due by Sunday, March 10. Debbie, 928-8039, for application. Church members sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, roast chicken w/gravy bowls, baked goods, produce, and crafts.

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m. to 3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Intimate Acoustic Concert with Rebecca Folsom, Saturday, March 16, 5:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, MARCH 18
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, March 18, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Tuesday, March 19, RSVP in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Pāhala Recycling & Transfer Station Community Mtg., Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Discussion will focus on closing the station one additional day per week, bringing open days to three. See more on recycling and solid waste at hawaiizerowaste.org and hawaiicounty.gov/dem-solidwaste-division.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, March 20, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 21
Family Reading Night, Thursday, March 21, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

PiYo Live Classes, Thursday, March 21 and every Thursday after, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Low-impact Pilates and yoga-inspired workout to improve core strength, flexibility, and balance. Bring mat and water. Shoes optional. Donations welcome. Sara, 520-389-0620

Poetry Reading with Joe Harrington and Susan Schultz, Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MARCH 22
Rummage Sale, Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Center. Food and refreshments available. Donations accepted March 20 and 21, 8a.m.-4p.m., Discovery Harbour Fire Station. No clothes accepted. All tools and appliances in good working condition. Call for pick-up of bulky/large items. Tom Reis, 503-260-6187, or Ken Shisler, 410-299-5359.

ONGOING
Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., just above Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Bazaar vendor spaces will be on the church lawn Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.

Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through Sunday, March 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great and experience a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.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 Friday, 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.

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 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 208PāhalaHI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Applications for Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are open. Year-long, full-time position in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. $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, 443-5401, or call Kupu Hawai‘i, 808-735-1221.

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.