About The Kaʻū Calendar

Monday, September 02, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, September 2, 2019

A song honoring reverence for Maunakea during the disagreement between those who oppose building the
Thirty Meter Telescope and those who support the telescope made its debut on ʻŌiwi TV today. In addition,
the Chair of University of Hawaiʻi Regents issued a statement. See stories below. Image from ʻŌiwi TV
HONORING THE HARD WORK OF PEOPLE was the focus of messages today from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, on Labor Day. While on the presidential campaign trail, Gabbard spoke to a crowd in Iowa about Labor Day. "God bless the working men and women of America," she wrote above a video post. She talked about Labor Day weekend's traditional break from laboring, including hanging out with family and friends, barbecues, and "great sales."
     Gabbard said it's important to remember that Labor Day celebrates people whose "hard work too often goes unsung." She said the U.S. economy is "expressed through what is our GDP," stocks, and Fortune 500 companies, without "much talk about who makes up the engine of our economy… the hard working men and women… that make our economy run, that make out government run."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in Iowa today, speaking about the
unsung, hardworking men and women of the U.S.
Photo from Gabbard
     Gabbard said the benefits for workers in the U.S. "didn't just come about because of the good intentions and the good-natured will of the big bosses. They came about because of labor leaders, who have fought hard, organized labor workers coming together, standing up for, yes, themselves and their families, but really for each other. Fighting for good and safe working conditions. Fighting for a living wage. Fighting for a good pension.
     "We have to stand with that solidarity and that unity, recognizing that an attack against one of us is an attack against all of us. One full-time job should be enough.
     "As our president, I will stand with our working men and women, bringing this value of service above self to the White House and stand up for organized labor and our right to collective bargaining; to make sure that we are no longer complacent and we fight every day for those rights of our hardworking men and women in this country."
     See the video at twitter.com/TulsiGabbard.
    Said Schatz, "The most important thing we can do for working people across the country is strengthen unions. The quickest way to turn around income inequality is to strengthen unions. The best way to ensure a strong middle class is to strengthen unions. Happy Labor Day!"
     Said Hirono, "Joined local unions across Hawaiʻi for this year's Hawaiʻi Labor Unity Picnic. This #LaborDay, let's honor the legacy of the American workers. From protecting workers to improving workplace safety, our unions have made huge contributions to our economy and country. Happy Labor Day!"

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.

Sen. Kai Kahele, Hawaiian Airlines pilot, walking a
picket line. Photo from Kahele
LABOR DAY SPARKED COMMENT FROM STATE SEN. KAI KAHELE, who pointed out that Pres. Grover Cleveland signed the public law that made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894, 125 years ago.
     Kahele, who is running for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's seat in Congress, said labor unions ensure that "wages and working conditions are safe and fair." He said, "The American workers and the unions that represent them are the backbone of this great country. For two centuries, our labor unions have protected and promoted the rights of American laborers.
     "I have been a proud member of the Air Line Pilots Association Union for 10 years. My wife Maria has been a member of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Union for over 18 years. As a union member," he said, he "personally walked picket lines with my fellow pilots and flight attendants."
     Kahele said Congress "needs members who understand the needs of everyday Americans," also mentioning health benefits and workers' benefits. "We need leaders that firmly believe that the strength of America's economy and overall economic prosperity is built on the backs of a stable middle class represented by strong unions. Unions have succeeded in this country because they understand that when people stand together, they can achieve great things.
Pilot Kahele, walking another picket line.
Photo from Kahele
     "American workers and our unions persist to this day. While many of the conditions that sparked the labor movement in the 19th century may no longer exist, there remains a critical need to have representatives in Congress who are watching out for the needs of our laborers.
     "I will fight for our laborers. I will fight for our American workers. From teachers, to
steelworkers, to government employees, to hotel employees, to auto workers, to pilots, to flight attendants, and all our great union members across this country, I promise to always stand with you.
     "I am a union member, and I am running for the U.S. Congress."

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.

GOV. DAVID IGE DECLARED THIS WEEK AS PAYROLL WEEK for Hawaiʻi. The event honors nearly 350 state payroll professionals across the islands, states a release from the governor's office. These individuals oversee, direct, and process payroll checks for nearly 70,000 employees on any given pay day, states the release.
     Payroll professionals play a key role in maintaining the economic health of residents by calculating accurate pay for all state employees: carrying out tax withholding, reporting, and depositing; and making sure proper amounts are forwarded for retired pay, health benefits, union dues, unemployment insurance, and other third-party payments.
     The payroll system modernization effort, which was successfully completed earlier this year, "was a tremendous accomplishment for the state," states the release. The payroll project was implemented by the Department of Accounting and General Services, in coordination with the Office of Enterprise Technology Services.
State payroll professionals join Gov. Ige for Payroll Week proclamation. Photo from governor's office
     Said Ige, "It is fitting that we celebrate and honor our state's payroll professionals who worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition from a 50-year-old, paper-based payroll system to a modern, accurate, efficient, and secure platform," said Ige.
     Comptroller Curt Otaguro said, "I congratulate our payroll professionals for being an important part of this significant milestone in Hawaiʻi's transformation. We will continue to support them as we proceed in our state's modernization journey. We applaud Gov. Ige's long term vision and commitment to modernizing the state's technology systems and providing employees with the tools necessary to do their jobs efficiently."
    Doug Murdock, Office of Enterprise Technology Services chief information officer, "I'd like to thank the payroll staff statewide for embracing the technology and change that this new system has brought to their jobs. It is because of their perseverance and persistence that employees across the state are benefiting from a modern payroll system."
     Payroll Week in Hawaiʻi runs in conjunction with National Payroll Week.

U.H. Regents Chair Ben Kudo
Photo from U.H. 
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.

MAUNA KEA IS SAID TO BE THE PIKO, or center, of Hawai‘i Island, wrote Ben Kudo, Chair of the University of Hawaiʻi Regents. In a message released today, the 181st birthday of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Kudo asked that Maunakea "be the center for all of us who call Hawaiʻi home."
     He called for the University to make a solution to the standoff over the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope become its top priority.
     Kudo acknowledged that "Nowhere in the world would you find such restraint, respect, and aloha on both sides. Many people are attacking protectors for blocking the road and others are attacking law enforcement for arresting kūpuna. I assert that what might be most important for Hawaiʻi is that each side did what they felt they needed to do, but they did it as respectfully as they could. That deserves to be recognized, celebrated, and sustained."
     The UH Regent urged: "Let us work to find what she (Liliʻuokalani) called 'the heavenly way.' Let us stop the attacks, mischaracterizations, mistruths, and move in a positive direction toward eliminating that line which divides us. Amongst the many voices, many at the university have been silent. For me, that changes today." See the complete letter.

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.

Maunakea is the subject of a new appeal from University of Hawaiʻi Regent Chair Ben Kudo and a song
from Hawaiian recording artists. Photo from University of Hawaiʻi
HAWAIIAN RECORDING ARTISTS released their music video about Maunakea today on ʻŌiwi TV. Called Kū Haʻaheo E Kuʻu Hawaiʻi, it is an anthem for those who aim to protect Mauankea from the development of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Over the last six weeks, the controversy has led to a large Protectors of Maunakea encampment near the entrance to the Mauna Kea Access Road. The road was regularly traveled by astronomers, visitors, and cultural practitioners going to the summit of the mountain, where a telescope campus has been operating for many decades. The Protectors oppose additional telescope development, saying the place is sacred.
     The song, composed by Hinaleimoana Wong, features some 40 singers, including Robert Cazimero, Amy Hanaialiʻi, Robi Kahakalau, Lehua Kalima, Natalie Ai Kamuʻu, Kealiʻi Reichel, Josh Tatofi, and Hōkū Zuttermeister.
     A statement from the singers says that Kū Haʻaheo will be included on a soon to be released album entitled Kūhaʻo Maunakea – a compilation featuring 18 new compositions, documenting the events and swell of Hawaiian community unity around aloha ʻāina associated with the Kū Kiaʻi Mauna movement. All income from the album will be donated to the Hawaiian Unity and Liberation Institute (HULI), which provides logistical support to the protectors on the frontline of Maunakea. Here is the song: facebook.com/OiwiTV/videos/2435376703411944.

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.

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

Football, Division II:
Sat., Sept. 7, 2 p.m., HPA hosts Kaʻū
Sat., Sept. 14, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
Thu., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Pāhoa hosts Kaʻū

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Wed., Sept. 4, 6 p.m., Christian Liberty hosts Kaʻū
Fri., Sept. 6, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha
Tue., Sept. 10, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kealakeha
Fri., Sept. 13, 6 p.m., Honokaʻa hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Sept. 17, 6 p.m., Waiakea hosts Kaʻū
Thu., Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Keaʻau hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū
Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Cross Country:
Sat., Sept. 7, 10 a.m., @Kamehameha
Fri., Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m., @HPA
Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m., @Kealakehe
Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., @Keaʻau

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
TUESDAY, SEPT. 3
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Sept. 3 (Committees), Wednesday, Sept. 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6-8p.m.Pāhala Community Center.

Wildlife Recovery and Restoration, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 7p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses recovery and restoration efforts after the Keahou Fire which ignited near HVNP and burned nearly 4,000 acres in 2018. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Sammye Young, Wednesday, Sept. 4 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, SEPT. 5
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Sept. 5 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Registration Open: Finger Puppet, Thursday, Sept. 5-10, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Sept. 5, 6-7p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Sept. 5, 6:30-8:30p.m.Aspen Centerokaukakou.org

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6
Stewardship at the Summit, Sept. 6, 14, 20, and 28, 8:45a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
Child Passenger Safety Event, Saturday, Sept. 7, 10a.m.-1p.m at Nāʻāehu Community Center. Certified Child Passenger Safety technicians will be there to demonstrate proper car seat installation, selection, and usage. Seat Belt Fit tests will also be done on-site to demonstrate proper usage of booster seats. kipchawaii.orgsafercar.gov/parents

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Sept. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

The Business of Art with Ira Ono - Full-Day Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 7, 9a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member. Bring personal art samples. See Ono's work at iraono.com. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Sounds at the Summit featuring Hawaiian Style Band, Saturday, Sept. 7, 5:30-7:30p.m.VolcanoArt Center. Multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning band. Doors open 5 p.m. Tickets, $20/VAC member, $25/non-member, available for purchase online. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
‘Ohi‘a Lehua, Sunday, Sept. 8, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

8-Ball Tournament at Kīlauea Military Camp, Sunday, Sept. 8, tournament starts at 1p.m., check-in starts at noon, KMC's Recreation Lodge, HVNP. $10 in advance. Pre-registration required, forms at lodge or 10-Pin Grill. Open to all patrons, with Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com 

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Sept. 8 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m.Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

Volcano Winery's 6th Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival, Sunday, Sept. 8, 4-7p.m. Vineyard and winery tours, live local music, souvenir glasses, heavy pūpū. Tickets available online - $50/person 21+ (includes two glasses wine/beer), $25/person under 21. Proceeds benefit VolcanoSchool of Arts & Sciences. 967-7772, volcanowinery.com

MONDAY, SEPT. 9
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Net Recovery Patrol, Monday, Sept. 9. Free; donations appreciated. Limited space available; B.Y.O.-4WD okay. R.S.V.P. required, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. 769-7629, wildhawaii.org

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, Sept. 9 and 23, 1p.m., field trips - contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

ONGOING
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

Applications are Open for Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Nā‘ālehu and Wai‘ōhinu, at Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Limited space available. Pāhala and Miloli‘i Home Visits also available. Call 939-8573 for Nā‘ālehu, 929-8571 for Pāhala. pidfoundation.org

Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.
     Tūtū & Me is also hiring full and part-time preschool teaching assistants in Ka‘ū. Minimum qualifications are: high school diploma; Early Childhood Education or related course work and/or experience working with children preferred; access to vehicle, valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and at least $100K in bodily collision per person and $25K in property damage liability insurance coverage.
     The position requires: good oral and written communication skills; ability to interact with caregivers and keiki in a helpful and professional manner, maintain confidentiality, analyze and problem solve, multi-task and prioritize; lifting, loading, and carrying up to 40 pounds on a daily basis; ability to sit and work on floor, and kneel and bend.
     Successful applicants will: exhibit courteous and professional demeanor; possess strong interpersonal skills; work well with other team members and perform other duties as assigned, which may include using computer and other office equipment, cell phone, and hand truck.
     Tūtū & Me offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits package including  medical, dental, drug, and vision: Flexible Spending Plan: 403b Retirement Plan: vacation and sick time; 14 paid holidays; and more.
     For more info visit pidfoundation.org/about/careers. E-mail resume and application with cover letter to HR@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.


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.