Kaʻū News Briefs June 24, 2024

Ashley Oyama is a Republican challenging Democratic candidate and incumbent Jeanne Kapela in the race for the seat in the state House of Representatives, serving Kaʻū and beyond.

 ASHLEY OYAMA IS RUNNING AS A REPUBLICAN AGAINST DEMOCRAT JEANNE KAPELA, the incumbent in the race for the state House of Representatives District 5. The territory covers all of Ka'u and extends toward Kona to a portion of Kea'au and toward Kona to north of Ho'okena. Oyama is expected to appear in the Fourth of July Parade in Na'alehu this Saturday, July 29 at 11 a.m. Oyama's campaign website www.ahleyoyama.com says she is "a devoted wife, proud mother, teacher, and small business owner of Kūpa‘a Homeschool Academy. During the Covid pandemic, Oyama was named Teacher of the Year for West Hawai'i while she was teaching at Konawaena High School.

 

Ashley Oyama, candidate for state House of Representatives was  named West
 Hawai'i Teacher of the year when serving at Konawaena High School

      Oyama is quoted as saying, "Our community thrives on values like respect and aloha. ​Driven by a profound sense of duty, I step forward as a candidate for State House District 5. I'm not seeking merely a title but rather an opportunity to revive the essence of our community. As your voice, I pledge to uphold the values that have defined us, fostering a return to the unity and compassion we once shared.​
        "Iʻve lived in District 5 since I was four years old and am blessed to raise my family here. As the 2021 West Hawaii Teacher of the Year, Iʻve seen the need for change within the public school system. I will work for accountability, transparency, and fairness for students and families within the school system. I stand for parental rights and believe that students and families deserve to be a part of educational decisions that impact them.
    "I envision communities where families are respected and supported when it comes to their decisions on education and parental rights, food sustainability, and community and land preservation. I believe that proper maintenance of public roadways and community infrastructures have been overlooked and needs immediate attention. We need to take care of the families who are fighting to keep Hawaiʻi as their home. We need to invest in our people now so that there is a future to look forward to."

    Those wishing to vote can still sign up for the Primary and the General Elections. See https://elections.hawaii.gov/register-to-vote/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

TWO NEW JOB POSTINGS AT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: 

    The Museum Technician for Historic Image Collection Digitization will assist the Park in preserving history by digitizing the park collection. This job will close when Hawai'i Volcanoes receive 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Visit USAJobs to apply and learn more https://www.usajobs.gov/job/796887300
    The Conservation Legacy Intern will help document the cultural landscape of the Kahuku ahupuaʻa (land-division). "It's a unique chance to contribute to our understanding and preservation efforts," says the Park message. Visit Conservation Legacy to apply and learn more: https://jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationL.../Careers/jobs/5311
    For more information on how to get involved with the national park, visit the Park website.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.