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Friday, November 15, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, November 15, 2019

An image of Lono held by Duane Pua at Kāwā. It was carried through Kāwā and Waiʻōhinu today, during the Makahiki
Lonaikaukahi Relay. See more on the annual event, below. Photo by Clarissa Pua
"MY GOD, SHE MAKES ME PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN," tweeted Sen. Brian Schatz, in response to testimony from former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, and anti corruption expert, Marie Yovanovitch. During today's public hearings on the impeachment inquiry of Pres. Donald Trump before the U.S. House of Representatives, Yovanovitch was questioned about allegations that Trump fired her because he was afraid she would reveal his corruption in his dealings with the leader of Ukraine, the largest country in Europe. Yovanovitch said she was abruptly recalled from her post, was told "The president has lost confidence in you," and was subject to a campaign to "smear my reputation falsely."
     During a phone call on July 25, Trump said Yovanovitch, is "going to go through some things."  Yovanovitch said she felt threatened.
     Said Schatz, "Americans are not going to be talked out of caring about the President extorting a foreign leader for his own benefit. Whatever a pundit or a politician may say, this is an historic moment and citizens get that.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch.
Photo from nbcnews.com
     "After watching Ambassador Yovanovitch I have hope that, if we win the next election, we will have a massive influx of talented and principled people racing into the State Department to re-establish the United States as the indispensable nation."
     During Yovanovitch's testimony, Trump tweeted, "Everywhere Marie Yovanovitch went turned bad. She started off in Somalia. How did that go?"
     Objecting to Trump's attack on the career foreign service officer  with more than 30 years of service, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff asked Yovanovitch, "What effect do you think that has on other witnesses' willingness to come forward and expose wrongdoing?" She testified that she felt Trump's actions were "very intimidating."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted, "To falsely malign, attack, and intimidate Amb. Yovanovitch while she testifies shows what a liar and a bully @realDonaldTrump is. A liar and a bully -- a terrifying combination in a president of the United States."
     She also posted a "Hearing Haiku for Today:"
     Cut through their shibai
     Republicans have nothing
     It's not a witch hunt.
     Rep. Ed Case tweeted, "An open and transparent impeachment inquiry process is essential to broad public understanding and involvement."
     Case said he was in a "critical hearing" this morning with the Appropriations Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on "failures in the (Veterans Affair's) internal accountability and whistleblower protection processes; these have to work to assure we deliver for our vets and ʻohana."
Rep. Ed Case in a hearing today on VA internal accountability and whistleblower protection. Photo from Cases' Twitter
     Case said the House impeachment inquiry "is critical, but I also continue work every day on the many other issues facing our country and Hawaiʻi, including meetings today with the @citizensclimate Hawaiʻi, @IBEW Hawaiʻi, and Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders Association.
     Another testifier, David Holmes, an aide to the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine, stated he overheard Mr. Trump asking EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland about Ukrainian president Volodmyr Zelensky's willingness to investigate former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and his son.
     Schatz retweeted a post from CNN's Manu Raju: "I obtained a copy of David Holmes' opening statement, saying that he heard Trump telling Gordon Sondland: 'So, he's gonna do the investigation?' Sondland tells Trump: 'He's gonna do it' and that Zelensky will do 'anything you ask for.'"
     Schatz also retweeted a post from Politico's Chief Washington Correspondent Ryan Lizza, "Two devastating details from Holmes's testimony, just read on air by CNN: 1. He personally heard Trump demand investigation of Biden. 2. Sondland said Trump didn't care about the war with Russia because he only cared about things that benefited him, like the Biden investigation."

The annual Makahiki Run around island. 
Photo by Clarissa Pua
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MAKAHIKI SEASON OPENED with the Lonaikaukahi Relay, Makahiki Pule ʻĀina Holo, traveling around the island this week. The annual event sees runners from different aphupuaʻa and districts carrying a carved staff with an image of akua, god, Lono – the Hawaiian deity of fertility and agriculture. The runners pass the image from one to another around the mokupuna, the island.
     Makahiki is a Hawaiian Thanksgiving, following the harvest season. Participants often give thanks for the abundance Hawaiʻi offers its people, with prayers to Lono. The runners and those accompanying them often stop for ceremonies and food from welcoming groups of people.
     The run follows the practice of Aliʻi processions that circled the island in the days of Hawaiian ancestors. Organizer Lanakila Manquail said he was inspired to revive the race because of a similar revival embraced by the Pitt River Nation of Northern California. Hawaiians have participated in their run and Pitt River Native Americans have joined the Makahiki run here.
     Today's procession stopped in at Kāwā and Waiʻōhinu.

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AN INTERIM RULING FROM THE HAWAIʻI PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION WILL NOT ALLOW HELCO TO INCREASE RATES, according to a release from Hawaiʻi Electric Light. The utility filed a rate review in December 2018. HELCO seeks a 3.4 percent increase in revenues, or $13.4 million.
     In requesting the rate increase, the company cited continued improvements to the power grid to help integrate even more renewable resources while improving reliability. It also described extensive vegetation management work that is credited with reducing outages and their duration during storms.
     An interim decision is one step in the ratemaking process. The PUC will continue to review the rate request and other matters and will later issue a final decision that could result in a rate increase or decrease and other changes.
     If the final decision results in a rate decrease, the difference will be refunded to customers with interest. If a higher amount is approved, the increase will be applied going forward, not retroactively.
     The decision and order is available on the PUC's website, dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms/. The docket is 2018-0368.

Sen. Mazie Hirono. Photo from Hirono's Twitter
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REAUTHORIZATION OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT is being blocked from coming to the U.S. Senate floor by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "McConnell's need to please the NRA," is influencing the decision, said Sen. Mazie Hirono this week. "He refuses to bring any gun safety legislation to the floor because he cares more about the gun lobby than the lives of women in our country," she said.
     According to Wikipedia, the United States federal government shutdown of late 2018 and early 2019 caused the Violence Against Women Act to expire on Dec. 21, 2018. It was temporarily reauthorized, states Wikipedia, by a short-term spending bill on January 25, but expired again on February 15.
     On April 4, the reauthorization act passed in the House by a vote of 263-158. All Democrats voted yes, joined by 33 Republicans.
     The Act imposed "automatic and mandatory restitution" on those convicted of violence against women, and "allowed civil redress in cases prosecutors chose to leave un-prosecuted," according to Wikipedia. The Act also established the Office on Violence Against Women within the Department of Justice.
     Sen. Brian Schatz also commented: "For 25 years, the Violence Against Women Act has provided support, shelter, and a new chance at life for women and children in Hawai‘i and across the country. This bill will strengthen vital services, improve prevention programs, and increase housing and financial assistance for survivors – ensuring that more Americans can live free from violence and abuse."

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KAʻŪ ART FAIR at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 16, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature hand-crafted and locally produced items by Ka‘ū artists and craftspeople. Items will be on display and for sale. "Kaʻū Inspired, Come Celebrate Beauty; Meet Talented Kaʻū Artists; Buy great handmade, aesthetic stuff." 92-8924 Leilani Circle. 939-7033, or DeeDee, 785-1158.

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FUNDRAISING BAZAAR AT KAUAHAʻAO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Waiʻōhinu happens tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the church campus at the corner of Mamalahoa HwyKamaoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store.
     The annual event will feature Kalua Pig Bowls, Smoked Meat bowls, baked goods, produce, crafts, and more, sold by the church. Other vendors selling food, crafts, and more will also be on hand.
     A huge book sale by the Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries will feature a large selection of art books, a collection of World War II books, many cookbooks, a collection on fighter planes, a collection on wines of the world, vitage books, antique books, Hawaiiana, novels, non-fiction, audio books, records, and DVDs. Plants, household items, and clothes round out their inventory for this sale. This event is a major fundraiser for FOKL. All proceeds go the Pāhala Public and School Library and the Nāʻālehu Public Library.
     Entertainment will be provided by community groups Hannaha's Makana ‘Ohana Hālau, Thy Word Ministry Praise Team, and Gene Akamu.
     For more, call Debbie at 928-8039.

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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
See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
Small Group Kama‘oa Cleanup, Saturday, Nov. 16. Limited space available. Contact to be added to waitlist. 769-7629, mattieHWF@gmail.com, or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.comwildhawaii.org

Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Saturday, Nov. 16, 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

Art Fair, Saturday, Nov. 16, 8a.m.-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Hand-crafted and locally produced items on display and for sale by Ka‘ū artists and craftspeople. DeeDee, 785-1158

Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 16, 9a.m.-2p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Wai‘ōhinu. Free entry. Hot lunches and baked goods for sale. Vendor booths. Debbie Wong Yuen, 928-8039

Free Haircut Day, Saturday, Nov. 16, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster. 12 slots available. Also, Free Shower Day and The Big Island Giving Tree will hand out clothes and items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Nature & Culture, Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Nov. 16, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, Nov. 16, 10a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Supplies provided. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

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

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Ha‘amauliola Aiona with haumana (students) of Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Public Charter School, Saturday, Nov. 16, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.comvolcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Wes Awana, Saturday, Nov. 16, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.comvolcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, NOV. 17
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sunday, Nov. 17, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

MONDAY, NOV. 18
P&R T-Ball League Registration, Nov. 18 - Jan. 6, Kahuku Park. Ages 5-6. Athletic shoes required. Program takes place Jan. 13 - Apr. 16, day and time TBA. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Nature Wreath Registration, Nov. 18-25, program takes place Tuesday, Nov. 26, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

TUESDAY, NOV. 19
Scholastic Book Fair, Tuesday, Nov. 19, Open to public: 7:30-8a.m. and 2:07-3:30p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2:07-7p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30a.m.-3:30-p.m.; and Friday, Nov. 22, 7:30a.m.-2p.m., Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Library.

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Nov. 19 (Committees), Wednesday, Nov. 18, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Ti Leaf Lei Making with Jelena Clay, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

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

Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6-7p.m., Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free.

THURSDAY, NOV. 21
Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday, Nov. 21, 11a.m.-noon, Pāhala Community Center. 928-3102

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Nov. 21, 4-6p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Thursday, Nov. 21, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, NOV. 22
Forest Restoration Project, Friday, Nov. 22, 8:30a.m.-3p.m., HVNP. 12+; under 18 require adult co-signature. Pre-registration required - include first and last names, email address, and phone number of each participant. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Guided Cultural Tour of the Ni‘aulani Forest, Friday, Nov. 22, 9:30-11a.m., Volcano Art Center. Kumu Hula Ryan McCormack leads. Tour focuses on Hawaiian protocol, traditional chants, history, and lifeways, as they relate to the native forest ecosystem. Free; open to public. Spaced is limited, reservations suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Dances of Universal Peace, Friday, Nov. 22, 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, hualaniom2@yahoo.com

ONGOING
P&R Track & Field Practice Registration, through Wednesday, Nov. 20Kahuku Park. Ages 6-14. Athletic shoes required. Program takes place Dec. 2 - Feb. 8, day and time TBA. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Vote for Izaiah "Bobby" Pilanca-Emmsley of rthe Wedemeyer Award - Two-Way Player of the Year, at khon2.com/uncategorized/vote-2019-cover2-hawaii-high-school-football-awards/. Voting remains open through Monday, Nov. 25. The winners will be announced on Thanksgiving by the L.A. Rams. Pilanca-Emmsley is the only candidate from Kaʻū. Fans can vote for six of the seven awards presented.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 299 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.

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