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| Creative Media is one of the educational and career paths of the new academies at Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School. Photo by Julia Neal |
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| The 4.8 quake near Pāhala was felt all the way to O'ahu on Tuesday at 9:27 p.m. USGS map shows reports from people feeling the quake. |
Hawai'i County Civil Defense issued a statement recommending precautionary checks for any damages in places where shaking was strongly felt. Civil Defense urged a close look at structural and utility connections of gas, water, and electricity.
Educational and job training opportunities are limited. The nearest community college and the four-year university on the ease side of the district are located 52 miles from Pāhala, 65 miles from Nā'ālehu and 86 miles from Ocean View. On the west side of the district, the nearest community college is 50 miles from Ocean View and 80 miles from Pāhala. Among the people living in Kaʻū, 12.7 percent have a bachelors degree or higher. In 2010, that number was higher - 18.7 percent.
The statement says, "These state funds will bring in an additional $42 million in federal funds in each fiscal year and ensure access to high-quality healthcare for our Medicaid population."
BEN KA'ILI IN CONCERT AT VOLCANO happens Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The concert with Ka'ili and friends is free, though donations are appreciated. The concert is one in a series entitled Nā Leo Manu - Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian Music.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the earthquake is one of the events in the constant seismic swarm under the Pāhala area since 2019. The quake had no apparent impact on Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes, according to USGS.
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DEFINING THE KAʻŪ COMMUNITY WAS PART OF THE ONBOARDING OF THE NEW ACADEMY AT KAʻŪ HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. A community reception held last week featured students talking with much positivity about their future and academy leaders explaining the plan. They provided an overview of Kaʻū, based on 2020 statistics, showing a resident population of 9,773, with 49.14 percent residing in the Ocean View and Ranchos area. The median household income in Kaʻū is $43,697, compared to the state's median household income of $84,857. Up to 37.2 percent of Kaʻū residents live below the poverty line. In 2010 that poverty line number was lower - 32 percent.
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| Health Services with Dr. Angie Miyashiro is one of the educational and career paths of the academies at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal |
To serve the community's educational needs, the leaders described the new Career Academies at the school, saying they are designed to prepare students for both college and careers. "They are schools within schools that link students with peers, teachers and community partners in a structured environment that fosters academic success. Often the strongest career academies have a Career & Technical program as their core."
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| Agri-preneurship is one of the educational and career paths in the new academies at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal |
Four key elements were named as central to development and implementation of the Career Academies at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary: A small learning community; a college-prep sequential curriculum with a career theme; an advisory board that forges partnerships with employers, higher education institutions, and the broader community; and a sequenced, comprehensive work-based learning component.
Community advisors and others who attended the onboarding event last week visited students and teachers with such career paths as health, agriculture and creative media.
See more on the new academies in Wednesday's Ka'u News Briefs.
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ADDITIONAL BUDGET REQUESTS FROM GOV. JOSH GREEN WENT TO THE HAWAI'I LEGISLATURE ON MONDAY. A statement from his office says, "These requests support the Governor’s priorities for affordable housing and infrastructure, reducing homelessness, protecting natural resources and climate, education, improving access to healthcare including mental health services, government efficiency, and reducing the cost of living."
Green said, “The state is in a strong financial position, and we need to act now to provide the relief that many people in Hawai‘i need. These budget requests in combination with my legislative proposals will 
immediately and directly help families, reduce the cost of living, provide essential healthcare services, and protect our climate and future of Hawai‘i.”
He listed the following as key highlights:
Infrastructure and Housing: $900 million for Hawai‘i Housing Finance Development Corp. programs to support affordable housing and infrastructure across the state; $40 million in each fiscal year for lump sum repairs and maintenance for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands existing infrastructure statewide; $12.5 million for the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority State Rent Supplement Program; and $20 million for Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority statewide public housing development, improvements, and renovations statewide.
Healthcare: $12.3 million to provide additional funding to Department of Health to provide additional resources for mental health services throughout the state; $5 million for plans for a new facility at Hawai‘i State Hospital for secure and semi-secure stabilization beds for individuals with behavioral health issues; $7.5 million to support the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital New Psychiatric Unit, Phase 1 on Kaua‘i; $5 million in fiscal year 2024 for plans to consolidate Health Care Unit operations at Hālawa Correctional Facility to provide services including counseling, mental and medical evaluation; $25 million in fiscal year 2024 and $20 million in fiscal year 2025 to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates up to 100% of Medicare.
Infrastructure and Housing: $900 million for Hawai‘i Housing Finance Development Corp. programs to support affordable housing and infrastructure across the state; $40 million in each fiscal year for lump sum repairs and maintenance for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands existing infrastructure statewide; $12.5 million for the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority State Rent Supplement Program; and $20 million for Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority statewide public housing development, improvements, and renovations statewide.
Healthcare: $12.3 million to provide additional funding to Department of Health to provide additional resources for mental health services throughout the state; $5 million for plans for a new facility at Hawai‘i State Hospital for secure and semi-secure stabilization beds for individuals with behavioral health issues; $7.5 million to support the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital New Psychiatric Unit, Phase 1 on Kaua‘i; $5 million in fiscal year 2024 for plans to consolidate Health Care Unit operations at Hālawa Correctional Facility to provide services including counseling, mental and medical evaluation; $25 million in fiscal year 2024 and $20 million in fiscal year 2025 to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates up to 100% of Medicare.
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| The governor proposes $4 million for trail restoration, maintenance |
Environment & Agriculture: $3 million for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Control; $22.5 million in fiscal year 2024 for Wahiawā Irrigation System, Wahiawā Dam and Lake Wilson Reservoir to provide agricultural water for farmers; 13 positions and $434,668 in fiscal year 2024 and $793,980 in fiscal year 2025 to support capacity for climate justice and climate change mitigation and adaptation activities statewide to build a more resilient Hawai‘i that protects communities, economy, way of life, and future; $4 million for statewide trail restoration and maintenance to protect natural resources and preserve the islands; $6.2 million for watershed protection across the state; $25 million for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund to provide
technology and infrastructure projects statewide; $4 million to construct and repair deep monitor wells statewide, including monitoring the health of drinking water aquifers; $7 million for Maunawili Acquisition to protect and restore important cultural, agricultural, recreational and forest resources.
Education: $15 million in fiscal year 2024 and $10 million in fiscal year 2025 for Department of Education to support applied behavior analysis services for students with significant behavioral or social-communication deficits across schools statewide; $6 million in each fiscal year for Department of Education for skilled nursing services for the Department; $1.7 million in each fiscal year for Department of Education for physical and mental health direct service referral management system of care, to ensure all students across the state receive on-demand and scheduled care, treatment planning, care management and crisis consultation; 25 positions in FY 24 and 50 positions in FY 25 and $1.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, to expand Bilingual/Bicultural School Home Assistants across DOE schools and $38.8 million in each fiscal year for the Preschool Open Doors Expansion to support preschool access for keiki.
Government Efficiency: $5 million for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to support digital equity and access to broadband in rural and unserved communities; $9 million in fiscal year 2024 for Kahului Civic Center on Maui to consolidate government offices to a one-stop location for public services; $36 million to modernize unemployment insurance system. Full details can be found in the Governor’s Budget Message at https://governor.hawaii.gov/.../2302040-1_Senate...
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| Three Mountain Alliance watershed partnerships shown here could receive financial support. |
Education: $15 million in fiscal year 2024 and $10 million in fiscal year 2025 for Department of Education to support applied behavior analysis services for students with significant behavioral or social-communication deficits across schools statewide; $6 million in each fiscal year for Department of Education for skilled nursing services for the Department; $1.7 million in each fiscal year for Department of Education for physical and mental health direct service referral management system of care, to ensure all students across the state receive on-demand and scheduled care, treatment planning, care management and crisis consultation; 25 positions in FY 24 and 50 positions in FY 25 and $1.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, to expand Bilingual/Bicultural School Home Assistants across DOE schools and $38.8 million in each fiscal year for the Preschool Open Doors Expansion to support preschool access for keiki.
Government Efficiency: $5 million for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to support digital equity and access to broadband in rural and unserved communities; $9 million in fiscal year 2024 for Kahului Civic Center on Maui to consolidate government offices to a one-stop location for public services; $36 million to modernize unemployment insurance system. Full details can be found in the Governor’s Budget Message at https://governor.hawaii.gov/.../2302040-1_Senate...
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| Ben Ka'ili in concert Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. |
Kai'li is Hiloʻs own Hawaiian slack key guitarist and three-time Nā Hoku Hanohano award winner. Nā Leo Manu features cultural programs co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Park entrance fees apply.
Kai'li is Hiloʻs own Hawaiian slack key guitarist and three-time Nā Hoku Hanohano award winner. Nā Leo Manu features cultural programs co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Park entrance fees apply.
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POLYNESIAN CURIOSITIES EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park closes this Saturday, Feb. 19th. The show, free to the public, presents new hand carved woodwork by Jeff Roth. He uses driftwood and salvaged wood to construct what he calls his “functional furnishings.” While he works with traditional hand powered tools and designs, he said he tries his best to inject some element of humor or surprise into his pieces. Roth has a degree from Washington University School of Fine Arts, with courses in art history.
He said It was his study of Asian art history with Dr. Nelson Wu that inspired him to travel throughout Southeast Asia to see temples and shrines. While there, he was attracted to the handhewn folk and craft furnishings of everyday life and said he has tried to bring that approach to his own work. He still makes frequent trips to the library to see what is being done in the Pan-Pacific region.
He said It was his study of Asian art history with Dr. Nelson Wu that inspired him to travel throughout Southeast Asia to see temples and shrines. While there, he was attracted to the handhewn folk and craft furnishings of everyday life and said he has tried to bring that approach to his own work. He still makes frequent trips to the library to see what is being done in the Pan-Pacific region.
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FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.
Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.
Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.
FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.
Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.
Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.
