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Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Flags wave for preservation of Maunakea at Pāhala Community Center over the weekend. See what's new about the 
situation in several stories, below. Photo by Julia Neal
SEN. LORRAINE INOUYE expressed her support for the Thirty Meter Telescope project, in a letter this week to Gov. David Ige and state Attorney General Claire Conners. She wrote that "it's time" to allow the project to move forward and enforce laws allowing construction to begin. She posted a link to the letter on her Facebook. The letter appeared Tuesday in Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald.
     Inouye, who has also served as mayor of Hawaiʻi County, urged the governor to take action because "Laws must be followed, all laws, all the time. Public trust requires bold leadership: Difficult decisions need to be made about Maunakea, its management, and how we address the needs of our host culture."
Sen. Lorraine Inouye
     Inouye called past management of Maunakea "haphazard," but wrote that "frustration with the past does not justify blocking the public road to the top of the mountain. It's civil disobedience." She said "illegally blocking" Maunakea Access Road "does not help solve the challenges" of "past wrongdoing" or "level the playing field for our Hawaiian community." She said the establishment of the College of Hawaiian Language at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center "reflect progress," but that there's "a great deal more to be done."
     She gave the example that, if she blocked the road into Waipi‘o Valley, "which I wouldn't do," she "would be arrested, hauled to court, fined or jailed. But, if I say I am a 'protector,' and block the Daniel K. Inouye Highway or the public road to the top the mountain, I can, at this moment, do it without repercussion. That's wrong. It opposes our rule of law."
     She also said that "allowing protesters to determine who can and cannot access the mountain is malfeasance."
     She mentioned that the financial damage - "hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars" spent for police, emergency services, Department of Land and Natural Resources' employees, and National Guard - "harms everyone," and that there's "no end in sight."
     Inouye said that the TMT project went through "unprecedented review. Hawaiian, cultural, archaeological, educational, recreational, and environmental specialists were consulted at each step. TMT has committed to significant cultural and environmental protections and community benefits, and the process has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the state Supreme Court. TMT deserves to build.
Mauna Kea's summit is home to many telescopes. A new one, the largest ever to be built, is being protested by those who
feel the mauna is sacred. Photo from UH
     "I share the frustration about wanting to expedite removal of decommissioned telescopes, but an environmental assessment is mandatory. The old 'scopes will come down when legally permitted. TMT must move forward now.
     "I'm not telling anyone to forget their concerns, to give up dreams of sovereignty for our Hawaiian community, or to give up wanting our own children to be the astronomers and engineers operating the telescopes. We cannot give up on expecting a better educational start and choices for all our children, and on ensuring affordable housing, health care, and good paying jobs. 
     "These are essential human rights issues that are pressing in Hawaiʻi. But blocking the road, stopping TMT, and shutting down astronomy will only impede these – and further divide our community. We already have acute economic disparity. This is not how to right past wrongs.
     "Make no mistake, our future – and our children's future – is at stake."
Flags on the lanai in Kaʻū, in support of Maunakea concerns by Hawaiians. Photo by Julia Neal
     In closing, she addressed Ige directly, saying she supported his election, that he knows "right from wrong. I know you value education and science and believe all our children deserve a better future. I also know you know nothing good comes easy. We need you now to protect all of us with your leadership."
     Read the full letter at hawaiitribune-herald.com/2019/08/20/opinion/inouye-to-ige-its-time.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO VISITED THE PROTECTOR CAMP AT MAUNAKEA this week, one of her first stops since returning to the islands from Washington D.C.
     Today marked 37 days of Protectors of Maunakea guarding the access road to the summit, in protest of the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
     Hirono said in an interview on KHON that she went "when there weren't thousands of people there," to "talk to the kūpuna and some of the leaders." She remarked that the feeling at the encampment was "very respectful" and that they are "very well organized and very committed" to their cause: protecting the mauna because they believe Maunakea is sacred, and there have been "decades of broken promises" regarding the mauna.
     Hirono said she did not have the answer to resolving the situation, no "magic wand." She said she spoke to Mayor Harry Kim, who told her he wants to "peacefully resolve" the situation.

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Overcrowding along near Maunakea Access Road has sparked addition of new no parking signs.
Photo from Puʻuhonua O Puʻuhuluhulu Maunakea Facebook
VEHICLES MAY BE TOWED OR TICKETED if parked along Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Saddle Road, near Puʻuhonua O Puʻuhuluhulu and the access road to the summit, currently blocked by Protectors of Maunakea in protest of the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
     Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has recently populated the highway with "No Parking, Stopping, Standing, Loading, and Unloading," signs. An image of a car being towed is underneath each red-lettered sign.
     A warning about enforcement was sent out on the Maunakea Protector's Facebook by Kahoʻokahi Kanuha: "They will begin enforcing new rules along the highway today. If we park a 'reasonable' distance from the road then that 'shouldn't' be a problem. Super vague language that's not clearly defined. I told them we need something more definitive and they said that's the best they can do for now."
One of the new signs along Daniel K. Inouye Highway near the Muanakea
Access Road. Photo from David Corrigan/Big Island Video News
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HIGH SURF ADVISORY is in effect for all Kaʻū shores through Thursday. The swell, states the National Weather Service, is forecast to die down by the end of the week. Beaches may be closed without notice, states Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense.
     "Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves, and strong currents," warns NWS. "Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Boaters should expect recreational surfers and body boarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas."

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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
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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, AUG. 21
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12:30-1:30p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Registration Open: Kickball Instruction, Wednesday, Aug. 21-28, Kahuku Park. Program on Fridays, 2-3:30p.m, from Aug. 30-Sept. 27, for ages 6-12. Athletic shoes required. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, AUG. 22
Registration Open: Handprint Trees, Thursday, Aug. 22-Sept. 3, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Sept. 4, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, Aug. 22, 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

SATURDAY, AUG. 24
Free Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs Saturday, Aug. 24, Ocean View. KARES, Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service brings the clinic to Kaʻū in an effort "to reduce the high euthanasia rate within our community." For more and to register, call 328-8455.

Pickleball at KMC, Saturday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 25, Kīlauea Military Camp Tennis Courts, HVNP. $10 in advance. Registration forms at KMC recreation Lodge. 967-8352 or Jim Buck, kilaueajimmy@gmail.com. KMC open to all patrons, and has certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com 

Kapapala Ranch Tour by Volcano Community Foundation, Saturday, Aug. 24, time TBA, Volcano Art Center. Travel along the Peter Lee Road that runs between Pāhala and Volcano, built in 1988. See Volcano Art Center's partner event listed for Aug. 8. $50/person includes lunch. Reserve a space, 895-1011, volcanocommunity@gmail.com


Realms and Divisions, Sat., Aug. 24, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Dances of Universal Peace, Saturday, Aug. 24, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Church hall, across from Nā‘ālehu post office. Fun, easy to learn dances from many traditions evoking peace. Donations welcome. No registration necessary. 939-9461

SUNDAY, AUG. 25
Free Entry to all National Parks - NP Service 103rd Anniversary, Sunday, Aug. 25. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Give Input on the Draft General Plan for Hawaiʻi County on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Nāʻālehu Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. Drop in anytime to talk with planners. Download the Draft General Plan.

Palm Trail, Sunday, Aug. 25, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

A Taste of Tea & Pottery 2019, Sunday, Aug. 25, noon-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Annual fundraiser for VAC's Fire Arts Programs. $30/VAC members, $35/non-member, includes choice of one handmade tea cup or bowl, tasting of several freshly brewed Hawai‘i grown teas, and option to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Door prizes, silent auction, and cookies, packaged tea, and tea cups available for purchase. Vote for favorite Hawai‘i grown tea through Taster's Choice Award. Hands-on experiences with clay and demonstrations. Eva Lee speaks. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, AUG. 26
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, Aug. 26, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, AUG. 27
Registration Open: Door Knob Hangers, Tuesday, Aug. 27-Sept. 6, Kahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Sept. 10, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation 

H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Aug. 27, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

ONGOING
Applications for Grants to Steward PONC Protected Lands on Hawaiʻi Island are open through Friday, Aug. 31. In Kaʻū, areas of the Kahuku Coast, Kahua Olohu, and Kāwā Bay are eligible. Only 501(c)3 non-profits or organizations that operate under the umbrella of a 501(c)3 non-profit should apply.
     Applications are available at records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/95324/
2018-19%20PONC%20Stewardship
%20Grant%20Request.pdf. Information and applications are also available at the P&R office, Aupuni Center101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6Hilo. Completed applications must be submitted or postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018. Questions? Contact Reid Sewake at 961-8311.

Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival Tickets are on sale at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 84-7p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sunday, Sept. 15, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Nani Ka ʻIkena, that which is seen is beautiful, features vibrant colors and crisp, wide vistas which highlight the character and drama of Hawaiʻi Island’s landscape. The collection of ten photographs were captured over the past decade by Tunison and also document the dynamic changes which have occurred in such a short period of time. "While the landscape has changed the beauty has endured." Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

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