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Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Ready to sail the Alenuihaha Channel between Hawaiʻi Island and Maui on the Veterans for Peace Mission, the Golden Rule
is rigged in Hilo. On board, dockside, are James Akau, Helen Jaccard, Aaron Black, Joe Scarola, Keith Oney, and Alex Franceschini.  Photos from Veterans for Peace Golden Rule Project
WITH A KAʻŪ CREW MEMBER ONBOARD, THE GOLDEN RULE SET SAIL FOR PEACE yesterday, from Hilo to Maui, arriving this morning. The crew includes Pāhala resident James Akau. The 30-foot wooden sail boat is on an anti-nuclear warfare mission throughout the Hawaiian Islands this fall and onto the Marshall Islands in January. The Golden Rule will sail to Guam, Okinawa, South Korea, then onto Japan for the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, in 2020. Here is the story of the Golden Rule:
The Golden Rule was originally captained
by a retired Navy commander who sailed
for peace, opposing nuclear testing in
the Marshall Islands. 
     In 1958, the Golden Rule, captained by former U.S Navy commander Albert Bigelow (1906-1993), left San Pedro Harbor in California with the publicly stated purpose of sailing into the nuclear test zone in the Marshall Islands. This was a protest against the testing and deployment by the United States of nuclear weapons. Twice, the U.S. Coast Guard stopped and boarded the boat. The crew was arrested and returned to Honolulu – and jail.
     In 1959, Bigelow, working with the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers), played a prominent role in commissioning the writing of a play, Which Way the Wind by Philip Lewis, about the threat of nuclear weapons. It was performed on both coasts, with Bigelow as Narrator.
     The play and the Golden Rule peace boat sank from view for over 50 years, until 2010, when a long-neglected and abandoned vessel sank off the boatyard at Field's Landing in Humboldt Bay in California. After some research, the boat was found to be the Golden Rule. Local chapters of Veterans For Peace, with a diverse group of volunteers, restored the boat to a sailworthy condition. She was relaunched in 2015 into Humboldt Bay, which remains her home base. The reborn Golden Rule sails to advocate for nuclear abolition, and to demonstrate that bravery and tenacity can overcome militarism.
     In 2017, retired physician Jack Irvine, pursuing his interest in the Golden Rule and  in Albert Bigelow, rediscovered the play, Which Way the Wind, with its connection to the boat, Veterans For Peace, and Bigelow. He inspired a small group of volunteers, who share concerns about this country and the threat of conventional and nuclear war. They made a commitment to take action and to help support the Golden Rule Project, a National Project of Veterans For Peace.
     See more at vfpgoldenruleproject.org.

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UH Hilo ranks first in the nation in ethnic diversity. Photo from UH Hilo 
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI AT HILO IS THE MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE CAMPUS in the country, according to the 2020 U.S. News & World Report's college rankings. UH Hilo's diversity index is 77 percent, followed by Rutgers University in New Jersey at 76 percent and University of Nevada – Las Vegas at 75 percent.
     Data was derived from each institution's fall 2018 total undergraduate degree-seeking student body, as reported to U.S. News & World Report. In Fall 2018, the UH Hilo student body was comprised of 22.4 percent Asian, 36.1 percent Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 22.5 percent white, and 13.9 percent of two or more races.
     The Chronicle of Higher Education 2018 Almanac named UH Hilo the most diverse four-year public university in the nation.
     Said U.H.-HIlo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin, "We are proud to serve such a diverse group of students. The assets they bring to UH Hilo enrich our community and help us provide an inclusive, high-quality education for all of our students."

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KAʻŪ YOUTH CAN JOIN GIRLS EXPLORING MATH AND SCIENCE. Registration is open to Kaʻū students for the annual event for fifth graders. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Kona Branch, it will be held on Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.
     The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     This annual day of discovery features hand-on workshops and exhibits led by local women volunteers who work in math and science-oriented careers, and who show the girls how they use math, science, and technology in their daily work. The program is designed to stimulate interest and bolster the confidence of girls in these fields, as well as provide positive female role models, and may also stimulate a girl's interest in a new career goal.
     Last year over 330 girls attended the program. This year, registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on September 9.  Registration this year is "First Come, First Served" and will close when GEMS organizers reach their capacity of 336 girls. If there is still space, registrations postmarked by 10/09/19 will be accepted.
     Early registration gives assurance of a spot at this popular event, and to have a better chance of signing up for preferred workshops. 
     Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted. 
     The girls attending will receive a GEMS t-shirt, continental breakfast, and visit interesting hands-on exhibits. Then they will attend three different workshops, where they will have fun with science, technology, engineering, and math. They will have lunch at the resort.
Some of the GEMS professionals. Photo from kona-hi.aauw.net
     Some of the workshops this year are: Underwater Adventure, Marine Science, Slime Time, Robotics, Anchialine Pools, Animal Doctors, Dig into the Past,Whale Sharks, Light and Reflection, Bridge Engineering, Creative Computer Programming, How Rainbows Solve Mysteries, the Skin Doctor is In, Animal Doctors, Turn Your Phone into a 3D Hologram Projector, and more.
     Some responses as to what girls learned in prior years: "We need to protect fish and animals and keep oceans clean."; "Stay fit and live longer."; "People litter and trash is harming animals."; "Women can do stuff men can do."; "Always follow your dream."; "We do physics everyday."; "Cooking uses math."; and "Girls are awesome."
     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

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TODAY IS PATRIOT DAY, which commemorates the attacks of September 11th, 2001. To honor the nearly 3,000 dead, all departments and agencies of the U.S. government display United States flags and state flags at half-staff, by order of Congress, and direction from Pres. Donald Trump and Gov. David Ige. "A moment of silence was observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the innocent victims of 9-11," states a release from the governor's office.
     Ige wrote, "Today we honor and remember those whose lives were lost on 9/11. Let us recognize our heroes, support the survivors and families of victims, give thanks to those who serve the people, and protect our country and renew our commitment to preserving America's spirit, by looking to our country's past, present, and future." Read the 9/11 Remembrance Day proclamation at ow.ly/an2F50w5Q3A.
     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard wrote: " As diverse as our country is, we stand united as Americans and we are there for each other, especially during the darkest of moments. When we stand together, united by our love for each other and for our country, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. #NeverForget
     "I love our country. It's why I decided to enlist after 9/11, why I serve in Congress, and why I'm offering to serve as your commander in chief — to protect you, our Constitution, our freedom."
     State Sen. Kai Kahele said that on 9/11, he and his Air Force Pilot Training class watched the burning North Tower of the World Trade Center after American Airlines Flight 11 flew into it, then watched United Airlines Flight 175 fly into the South Tower. He worried that his mother, a United Airlines Flight Attendant, might be in the air. He said his first deployment in the National Guard was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and that 18 years later, "it is difficult for me to comprehend that we are still at war in Afghanistan. For all but six months of my 18 year military career, I have seen a nation and a military at war.
     "On this day, we remember and honor those that lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. Of the nearly 3,000 people that died that day, nine of them were from Hawaiʻi or had Hawaiʻi ties: Rich Lee, Heather Ho, Maile Hale, Richard Keane, Patricia Colodner, David Laychak, Georgine Corrigan, Christine Snyder, and Michael Collins.
     "Today, as a country, we pause and remember those who lost their lives. We say their names and hold them tight in our hearts, our minds, and our memories where they live forever. May God bless their souls, may He bless their families, and may He bless these United States of America."

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Various types of vaping devices. CDC image
A HAWAIʻI ISLAND TEEN WAS HOSPITALIZED WITH SEVERE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS this week. Hawai‘i Department of Health is investigating the illness as the first possible case of vaping-associated serious lung injury in the state. DOH reports that health officials are "aggressively gathering patient information to determine the cause of the illness." The individual is still hospitalized and receiving treatment.
     According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 450 potential or confirmed cases of severe lung injury related to vaping have been reported, including at least six deaths in 33 states and one U.S. territory. CDC indicated that many of these cases reported using illicit cannabinoid products, such as THC, when vaping.
A vaping device,
sold for use with
cannabinoids.
     DOH continues to urge physicians to be on alert for signs of severe respiratory illness among patients who recently used vaping products, including e-cigarettes and THC products, and to report cases. Tuesday, DOH sent a medical advisory with guidance to all physicians statewide. To date, there have been no confirmed cases in Hawai‘i of lung injuries associated with vaping.
     CDC suggests that lung illnesses after vaping are likely linked to chemical exposure, but has not identified any product or substance common to all cases of acute severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping.
     Health Director Bruce Anderson said, "We are cautioning people about using e-cigarettes and advise against using unregulated THC-containing vaping products. We are monitoring the situation locally and nationally, and coordinating with federal and state partners to stay up-to-date on the latest information available."
     Symptoms of acute severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping or use of an e-cigarette device may include: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Anyone who uses e-cigarette products should monitor themselves for symptoms and promptly seek medical attention for any health concerns.
     DOH advises people to avoid e-cigarette products from off the street and not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances that are not intended by the manufacturer. People should avoid vaping illicit THC products, as the available evidence from other states shows many of the injury cases had exposure to such products. E-cigarette products should never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.
     For anyone who wants to quit smoking or vaping, the Hawai‘i Tobacco Quitline offers free FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy and assistance regardless of insurance status. Call 1-800-QUITNOW or visit hawaiiquitline.org. Those concerned about their health after using an e-cigarette product should contact their health care provider. For medical advice, the public can also call the Hawai‘i Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222, which is staffed 24/7 with trained nurses, pharmacists, and toxicologists, or visit their website.
     Data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey and Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that 25.5 percent of Hawai‘i high school students currently smoke e-cigarettes, which is twice the national average. Hawai‘i is second in the nation for e-cigarette use amongst high school students, just behind Colorado.

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A wahine from Kaʻū High's Girls Volleyball team flies into the air, a Kealakehe WaveRider matching her.
Photo by Julia Neal
KAʻŪ TROJANS VOLLEYBALL hosted the Kealakehe WaveRiders last night. Junior Varsity played two strong sets, but lost to Kealakehe, 25 to 26 and 25 to 20. Varsity also showed its strength, but Kealakehe took all three sets, 25 to 17, 25 to 15, and 25 to 19.

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

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

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
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:
Fri., Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m., @HPA
Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m., @Kealakehe
Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., @Keaʻau

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UPCOMING
THURSDAY, SEPT. 12
Registration Open: Coffee 
Filter Art, Thursday, Sept. 12-17, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Sept. 18, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30p.m.United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Sept. 13, 9a.m.-noonOcean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, Sept. 13, 7-10p.m.Cooper CenterVolcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14
Macadamia Nut Pest Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 14, 9-11:30a.m., Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Alyssa Cho, CTAHR, presents. Learn to manage pests in the orchard, with a focus on macadamia felted coccid - applications for use of application equipment on eligible farms after training. Free event, snack provided. Limited space, registration required. 430-1876, bigislandmacnut@gmail.com

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Sept. 14, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Sept. 14, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.orgfacebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Sept. 14, 10a.m.-2p.m.Kīlauea Iki Overlook Parking Lot, HVNP. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile hike (one way). $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Zentangle Knot Work Celtic Inspired with Ellen O‘Dunn, Saturday, Sept. 14, 10a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. All art supplies provided - returning students encouraged to bring favorite supplies. Experience with Zentangle recommended by not necessary. Potluck. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Soul Town band performance, Saturday, Sept. 14, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to all patrons, with Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15
People and Land of Kahuku, Sunday, Sept. 15, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, SEPT. 17
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Sept. 17 (Committees), Wednesday, Sept. 18, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Registration Open: Painting, Tuesday, Sept. 17-23, Kahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, 796-0107, hihs.org

New Discoveries in Hawai‘i Lava Tubes, Tuesday, Sept. 17, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Cave biologist and UH associate professor Dr. Megan Porter introduces the unique community of lava tube animals found on the island. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Sept. 18, 12:30-1:30p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Community Mtg., asking for input from Kaʻū residents on what Kaʻū needs, happens Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Agenda TBA. oha.org

Kanaka Tree in Concert, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Hawaiian music. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
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. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

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.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted. 

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