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Saturday, January 19, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, January 19, 2019

A keiki full of kindness met the Kaʻū Voices group at the Women's Wave March in Hilo today.
See more below. Photo by Laurie Boyle
PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S SPEECH TO THE NATION ON THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN drew a response from Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, following his talk that was broadcast from the White House today. Said Hirono, "This is yet another bogus offer from a president who changes his mind on a whim and can't be trusted. Instead of succumbing to the president's strategy of negotiating through hostage taking, Mitch McConnell should bring the House passed bills to the floor of the Senate for a vote and end this shutdown."
     Hirono referred to bills to reopen the federal government that already passed the U.S. House of Representatives but are held up by Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, who could put them to a vote in the Senate and reopen the government. In a letter to constituents, Hirono said that Trump
"negotiates through hostage-taking, which hurts federal workers, contractors, and their families. House Democrats have taken the responsible course of action and passed numerous bills to reopen the government. If the president's 'hostage-taking' negotiations are successful, he will resort to this tactic again and again. We need to send a clear message this tactic is not only unacceptable, but unconscionable. That's why it's beyond time Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stop hiding and continuing to enable the president to wreak havoc on millions of families, our economy, and our country." She asks for constituents to sign a petition to help bring the House-passed legislation to end the shutdown up for a vote in the Senate immediately.

     Instead, McConnell announced that he would put Trump's plan before the Senate. The plan calls for $800 million in urgent humanitarian assistance; $805 million for drug detection technology to help secure ports of entry; an additional 2,750 border agents and law enforcement professionals; and 75 new immigration judge teams to reduce the court backlog of 900,000 cases.
     The president said that in order to build trust and goodwill, he proposes three years of legislative relief for 700,000 DACA recipients brought here unlawfully by their parents at a young age - many years ago. The extension would give them access for work permits and social security numbers, and protection from deportation. Trump said he would also give a three-year extension of temporary protective status - affecting 300,000 immigrants whose protective status is facing expiration. He said the extensions would give time to come up with a larger immigration policy.
     Trump's plans still includes $5.7 billion for a wall to block immigrants from coming across the Mexican border. He also refrained from promising to reopen the government.
The Coast Guard, on Friday, became
 the first branch of the military to go
without paychecks during a
government shutdown.
     Critics said the president failed to mention the federal workers suffering from the shutdown - accusing Trump of holding them hostage until he receives his wall money. Democrats said they would refrain from negotiating on immigration until he reopens the government.
     Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted, "There are three separate and coequal branches of government and there is no stunt, press conference, or tweet that will change that." House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi called Trump's plan a "not starter."
     In the meantime military insurance giant USAA and other financial institutions are offering government employees delayed insurance payments and other services until their income is restored. USAA also provided a donation to the U.S. Coast Guard, where more than 40,000 service members went without a paycheck on Friday, becoming the first military branch to go unpaid during a government shutdown.

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.

NOVA WILL PROFILE THE 2108 ERUPTION ON THIS ISLAND in a new PBS documentary—Kīlauea: Hawaiʻi on Fire — premiering this Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. It will also stream on NOVA's websiteThe documentary includes interviews of Volcano residents Tom Peeks and Catherine RobbinsPeeks said, "While the documentary, like other NOVA programs, will focus on the scientific aspects of the eruption, it will also likely include discussion of its human impact and cultural and socio-political aspects, topics we discussed on camera as Volcano residents and former eruption rangers at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaiʻi On Fire is the PBS NOVA documentary, profiling the 2018 eruption. It airs this Wednesday, 
Jan. 23, at 9 p.m.  Image from NOVA/PBS
     "We have not seen the film yet, but based on the questions we were asked by the filmmakers during the early stages of the eruption, we are hopeful that its rendering of this life-changing Big Island event will be probing and respectful. We'll see on Wednesday," Peeks said.
     Peeks, author of Daughters of Fire and other works, will host a workshop, Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection, Saturday, March 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus. To register, contact the Art Center at 808-967-8222.

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.

STORIES FROM THE SUMMIT will feature ten Volcano-area residents sharing personal, sometimes harrowing, stories of the 2018 summit eruption with its explosions, earthquakes, ashfalls, and collapsing caldera. The presentation is this Thursday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m., in the Dietrich Varez Hall at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus. Tom Peek will emcee the event.

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.

Kaʻū Voices: Melissa Tveter, Missi Wheeler, Linda Berry, Larry Jonas, and visitor at the Women's Wave March in Hilo.
Photo by Laurie Boyle
KAʻŪ VOICES group registered voters today at the Women's Wave March in Hilo. Signs posted at the booth included Medicare for All; Invoke the 25th Revoke #45; Rise Above Fear, Inequality and Complacency; and Liar Liar (with drawing of pants on fire.)
Laurie Boyle and Judy Knapp
Meliha Corcoran and
Linda Morgan from
Kaʻū.
    Today was the third march in three years. Among the group's chants: "This is what Democracy Looks Like."
    Marches took place in Kona, Washington, D.C. and many cities and towns across Hawaiʻi and the country.

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.

ROOFTOP SOLAR IN HAWAIʻI INCREASED BY 5.3 PERCENT from 2017 to 2018, reports Hawaiʻi Electric Light. Hawai‘i is first in the nation in private rooftop solar, at 18 percent, with Hawaiʻi Island increasing from 15 percent to 16 percent from 2017 to 2018.
Rooftop solar produces 63 megawatts on Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo by Annie Bosted
     Statewide, nearly 4,000 new systems came online in 2018, supporting the drive to reach the state's next milestone of 30 percent renewable energy by 2020. Hawai‘i's percentage is more than double that of Connecticut, which is second at 6.8%. Hawaiʻi Island produces 63 megawatts from rooftop solar.
     Hawaiian Electric senior vice president of customer service Jim Alberts said, "We are extremely proud of the progress we've made as a company and as a state to build steady growth in residential rooftop solar. Rooftop solar is a critical piece of the renewable mix that will move the state toward a 100 percent clean energy future, and we're excited to see the numbers increase year after year."

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.

FREE CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS happen in Pāhala on Tuesday. Jan. 22, and Waiʻōhinu on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program is sponsored by Partners for Safe Keiki, Tūtū and Me, and Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, a coalition of Partners of Keiki, and Safe Grant Hawaiʻi.
     "Three of four car seats are not installed correctly," say the sponsors. "Feel free to post, share and circulate to help us to reach as many Kaʻū residents as possible. There is no eligibility requirement for these inspections. Just come with your vehicle, keiki and car seat(s)!" To make an appointment, call 896-1336.

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
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Div. II Finals
Feb. 6-9, Wed.-Sat., HHSAA
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo6pm
Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm, Varsity
Jan. 28, Mon. host Kanu, 6pm, Varsity
Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals
Wrestling:
Jan. 26, Sat., @HPA
Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo
Feb. 9, Sat., @BIIF @Keaʻau
Soccer:
Jan. 21, Mon., Girls BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 28, Mon., Boys BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA
Feb. 7-9, Thu.-Sat., Boys HHSAA
Swimming:
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Finals @KCAC, 1pm
Feb. 8-9, Fri.-Sat., HHSAA
Feb. 9, Sat., Oʻahu

NEW and UPCOMING
PARKS AND RECREATION TRACK AND FIELD PRACTICE, for keiki ages 6 to 14, continues at Kahuku Park on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., through Feb. 22. Athletic shoes are required. Open registration.
     For more, contact Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. Kahuku Park is located at 92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/ for hours.

OUTDOOR PLAY EQUIPMENT - volleyball, basketball, dodge ball, football, jump rope, hula hoop - free for keiki ages 6 to 14 to use at Kahuku Park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
     For more, contact Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. Kahuku Park is located at 92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/ for hours of operation.

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.

MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 22 (Committees), Wed., Jan. 23, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tue., Jan. 22, 10am, HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

The Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tue., Jan. 22, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques. Participants enjoy a sampling of several wines from Grapes store in Hilo. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The following event is cancelled due to partial government shutdown: After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - What Happened at the Summit of Kīlauea in 2018?, Tue., Jan. 22, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS geophysicist Kyle Anderson presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23
Lei - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work, will take place, despite partial government shutdown on Wed., Jan. 23, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Jan. 24, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us


Thursday Night at the Center: Stories from the Summit, Thu., Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. An evening of personal accounts by Volcano residents from the 90 consecutive days of earthquakes this past summer. Hosted by Volcano novelist Tom Peek. Includes tales from USGS HVO Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal and others living and working at Kīlauea's summit. Free, $5 donation suggested. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25
Human Trafficking Workshop, Fri., Jan. 25, 9:30-12:30pm, PARENTS, Inc. Office, Nā‘ālehu. Conducted by Melody Stone. Open to interested educators and community leaders: non-profit organizations, police dept., etc. Pre-registration appreciated. 430-5710



SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
Kīlauea Crisis Support Group Mtg., Sat., Jan. 26, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Last Saturday, monthly. Sponsored by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

Kula Kai View Estates Annual Mtg., Sat., Jan. 26, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Mixed Media Encaustic w/Mary Milelzcik, Sat. Jan. 26, 10-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Mo‘olelo - Stories - of Volcano, Sat., Jan. 26, 11-2pm, Volcano Garden Arts, 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano Village. Hawaiian historian and storyteller Kepa Maly shares traditions and history of Kīlauea and the lands upon which Pele dances in the Pu‘ulena wind. $35/person, lunch included. Limited space. Register w/Volcano Community Foundation, volcanocommunity@gmail.com, 885-1011


ONGOING
Applications for the first annual Acton Children's Business Fair in Pāhala are open through Friday, Jan. 25. The fair, on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., aims to inspire children to "discover their inner entrepreneur," states childrensbusinessfair.org. "The largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses."
     Planned for keiki ages 7 to 18 from all over the island, the event is hosted at River of Life Assembly of God, 96-2345 Paʻauau St., Pāhala.
     The flyer for the event says, "Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across the country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities. We want to encourage our youth to reach whatever goals they may have in owning their own businesses. This event gives them the experience at doing so."
     The application asks kids to think through elements of their business: What product or service do you plan to sell? What price will you charge for each product/service? How much will each product/service cost you? How will you pay for your startup costs? If someone is helping you with your startup costs, how will you pay that person back? How will you advertise/market your business before the fair? At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?
     Up to 15 businesses will be accepted to show their business at the fair. Up to three children are allowed per business. A donation of $5 per business is required. Booths will not have electricity. Parents are not allowed to sell or promote a child's product or service, though parents of younger children may sit in the booth so long as the child is responsible for set up, customer interactions, and sales. Parents may help their child fill out the application; however, the child should do as much as possible by themselves.
     To submit an application, visit childrensbuisnessfair.org/pahala. For more details, contact Regina Walker at 400-4722 or email pahalacbf@gmail.com.
     The Pāhala event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Wiki Wiki Mart, KRW Enterprises, and individual donors and volunteers. "We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation," states the website.

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes include Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) in Ka‘ū on Wednesdays through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.
     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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.

Friday, January 18, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, January 18, 2019

Swarm Season, a film about the survival of honeybees, premieres at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan 19 at Ka Lae Coffee at
92-2186 South Point Road. The Sarah Chrisman film features bee expert and Ka`u resident Alson Yahna and
her daughter Manu, known for their efforts to save wild hives and take care of honeybees.
See more below. Image from Swarm Season
JAY IGNACIO, PRESIDENT OF HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO., is to retire after 28 years with the company. He will be succeeded by Sharon Susuki, President of Maui Electric Co.
        Ignacio has has served as HELCO president since 2008. When he retires on Feb. 2, Suzuki will be President of two utility companies - HELCO on the Big Island, and Maui Electric, which serves the islands of Maui, Moloka’i, and Lana’i. The new position is a part of the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ “One Company” transformation strategy, through which HECO aims “to bring together the best practices of Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai‘i Electric Light to reduce duplication, share resources and maximize efficiency to provide savings to customers while continuing to honor the cultures and meet the needs of each island’s communities,” according to a press release from the three electric companies.
Jay Ignacio talks to Pāhala residents about a biofuels proposal in 2011.
 He retires Feb. 2  as President of HELCO. 
Photo by Julia Neal
      Alan Oshima, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric, the parent company of Maui Electric and HELCO, said, “Our business is undergoing a fundamental transformation and so is our organizational chart. Like many other jobs in our company, the duties of the president are changing to meet new expectations, and this is an opportunity to reduce costs and look at new ways of working.”
     “I want to thank Jay for his tireless service to the people of Hawai‘i Island and for his steady, decisive leadership of Hawai‘i Electric Light through some of the most challenging situations any of us can remember, including earthquakes, tropical storms and two volcanic eruptions,” Oshima said. “No matter how complex the issue, Jay always brought the question back to what was best for the customers.”
Jay Ignacio retires after
28 years at HELCO.
     Ignacio, a Hilo native, is a graduate of Hilo High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Before joining HELCO, he worked at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in California and for GTE Hawaiian Telephone Company in Hilo. He owned a small business in Hilo.
     Ignacio joined HELCO in 1990 as a substation design engineer and was promoted to superintendent of construction and maintenance in 1994. He served as HELCO’s Manager of Transmission and Distribution from November 1996. Ignacio was named president of HELCO in 2008 and in 2015 took on additional responsibilities as senior operations adviser to the president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric.
Sharon Suzuki will oversee both Hawai`i
Island and Maui Island utility companies.
     Ignacio has been a local youth basketball coach for many years and is a leader of the successful HELCO Employees and Friend’s Toys for Tots program. He is a member of the Waiakea Lions Club. Ignacio is a Member of the Hawaii County Citizens Corp. Council. He said he plans to stay active in the community after his retirement.
     Suzuki holds a Master of Business Administration in finance from California State University at Fullerton, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics and Japanese from the University of Michigan. Suzuki has served as president of Maui Electric since 2012. In more than 25 years with Maui Electric and Hawaiian Electric, she has served in many diverse leadership roles in renewable energy, energy efficiency and customer service.
     Active in the Maui community, Suzuki serves as treasurer on the board of directors of the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association and vice-chair of the County of Maui Civil Service Commission. She is also on the boards of the Maui Economic Development Board and Boy Scouts of America Maui County Council.
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.

U.S. SENATE ARMED SERVICES SEAPOWER SUB COMMITTEE is the post accepted by Mazie Hirono, reappointed this week as Ranking Member. The committee oversees the vast majority of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps programs.
     "Our Navy and Marine Corps are at the center of confronting many of our country's most pressing strategic challenges," said Hirono. "I look forward to continuing my role in ensuring that our Armed Forces can meet these challenges in a responsible manner, while also supporting a strong civilian workforce and ensuring that our service members and their families receive the support they deserve."
     Hirono was first named Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee in 2015. She oversees Department of the Navy programs including Navy shipbuilding programs, Marine Corps ground modernization, Navy and Marine Corps aviation programs, and the Navy's effort to expand its fleet to 355 ships.
     During the 116th Congress, Hirono also serves on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittees on Readiness and Emerging Threats. The Readiness Subcommittee's responsibilities include oversight of public shipyards, including Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, energy and environmental programs, military construction, operations and maintenance accounts, and facility and housing maintenance and repair. The Emerging Threats Subcommittee's responsibilities include oversight of science and technology, special operations, intelligence, and homeland defense.

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.

EXPOSURE TO TOXIC FUMES FROM BURN PITS - where toxic waste, human waste and other garbage is destroyed by open fires in remote military outposts - is the "Agent Orange of post 9/11 veterans," says a statement from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Founder and Co-Chair of the Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus, and a veteran of Middle East wars.
     Gabbard and Rep. Brian Mast, also a veteran, reintroduced the bipartisan Burn Pits Accountability Act to the House of Representatives this week. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Dan Sullivan reintroduced it to the Senate.
     The Burn Pits Accountability Act would evaluate exposure of U.S. service members and veterans to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals by requiring the Secretary of Defense to record whether service members have been based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used or exposed to toxic airborne chemicals. The records would including information from the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, in the Periodic Health Assessments, Separation Histories and Physical Examinations, and Post-Deployment Health Assessments.
     It would require enrolling any service member who meets the criteria in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, unless he or she opts-out.
     The legislation would require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to share information relating to exposure of burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals.
A bill reintroduced to Congress would provide for research and care
for veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits during their deployments.
Photo from military.com
     Said Gabbard, "Over 165,000 veterans have registered their names in the Burn Pit Registry, something that's voluntary, but there are millions of our troops who have been exposed to these toxic burn pits during their deployment. They deserve recognition. They deserve care, and they deserve the services they have earned. So far, our government has failed to fulfill its responsibility to them, and to recognize the toxins they have been exposed to -- just like what happened to our Vietnam veterans decades ago when our government ignored their exposure and the ensuing illnesses that came from Agent Orange."
     Gabbard said: "I've seen the devastating toll that's taken on my brothers and sisters in arms who survived combat and came home, but are now suffering from rare cancers, lung diseases, neurological disorders, and more."
     Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America Chief Policy Officer Melissa Bryant said, “IAVA members have been telling us their health concerns from toxic exposures for the last 15 years, and many veterans who I have served with are now becoming sick with cancers and respiratory illnesses.      "With 80 percent of IAVA members reporting exposure to burn pits and 63 percent reporting associated symptoms, we know the time to act is now. I often wonder how my own health will continue to be affected in the years to come. As the daughter of Vietnam veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange, I've observed how toxic exposures can plague you for decades long after the wars we fight in - and we know burn pits could be our generation's Agent Orange.This legislation will dramatically increase the quantity and quality of research and data about these exposures and how they have impacted our service members. We urge all Members of Congress to sign onto this bill immediately, and to pass it before the end of this year."


     The legislation also has the backing  of American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans for Common Sense, United States Army Warrant Officers Association, Marine Corps League, Coast Guard Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association, and the Fleet Reserve Association and Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.

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.

SWARM SEASON, a documentary film by Sarah J. Christman, explores survival of honeybees and the human relationship with the natural world in a critical moment of climate change. The film will be
Swarm Season will screen free to the public at Kalae Coffee on
Saturday evening. Image from Swarm Season
screened free to the community on Saturday, Jan. 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ka Lae Coffee.

     Swarm Season was filmed entirely on Hawaiʻi Island from 2015-2018 and features Kaʻū bee expert Alison Yahna and her daughter Manu. Swarm Season documents their relationship with bees.
     The filmmakers will join the public at the showing for the community, before Swarm Season's launch in European and U.S. film festivals.
     The event is sponsored by Bee Boys, Ka Lae Coffee, and Hawaiʻi Camera. Ka Lae Coffee is located at 94-2166 South Point Road.

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.
    
RACIAL PROGRESS IN HAWAIʻI IS STRONG, states Wallethub in a new report focused on diversity, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. 58 percent of Americans think increased diversity makes the U.S. a better place, says the personal finance site, while only 9 percent say it makes the U.S. worse.
     To measure "America's progress in harmonizing racial groups," WalletHub measured gaps between blacks and whites across "22 key indicators of equality and integration," ranging from median annual income to standardized-test scores to voter turnout.
     Says the site, "This report examines the differences between only blacks and whites in light of the high-profile police-brutality incidents that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement and the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who played a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement to end segregation and discrimination against blacks."
     Hawaiʻi ranks third overall in racial integration, taking second in overall employment and wealth equality.
     Hawaiʻi has the lowest gap in median annual household incomes between whites and blacks, at 7.74 percent, and has made the most progress in closing this gap since 1979, with a change of 33.19 percent.
     Hawaiʻi also has the lowest gap in poverty rates between whites and blacks, at 0.87 percent, and the lowest labor force participation gap. The gap in standardized test scores in also lowest in the nation.
Trojans, in white, tore up Keaʻau on the Kaʻū home court last night.
Photos by Julia Neal

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TROJANS TRIUMPHED IN GIRLS BASKETBALL last night, winning both games played against Keaʻau.
     The JV game was a clean sweep, with Kaʻū scoring 7 in the first quarter to Keaʻau's 5, and not letting that lead go. The Trojans scored 17 in the second, 10 in both the third and fourth, winning the game 44 to 22.
     Kaʻū gave Keaʻau a hard fight in the Varsity game. For the first quarter, the Cougars lead by 9 points, 15 to Kaʻū's 6. But the Trojans ladies weren't going down without a fight, and rallied back, scoring 16 points in the second, 10 in the third, and tying with 16 points in the fourth. Overtime was a hard battle, won by the Trojans, 54 to 53. Kianie Medeiros-Dancel scored 26 of those points, Reishalyn Jara 17.
     The Trojans Girls Basketball team will face Honokaʻa in the BIIF Division II semi-finals on Friday, Jan. 25.

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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
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Div. II Finals
Feb. 6-9, Wed.-Sat., HHSAA
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo6pm
Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm, Varsity
Jan. 28, Mon. host Kanu, 6pm, Varsity
Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals
Wrestling:
Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau
Jan. 26, Sat., @HPA
Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo
Soccer:
Jan. 21, Mon., Girls BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 28, Mon., Boys BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA
Feb. 7-9, Thu.-Sat., Boys HHSAA
Swimming:
Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Finals @KCAC, 1pm
Feb. 8-9, Fri.-Sat., HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING
WALKING FOR FITNESS, a program for those 18 years old and above, happens at Kahuku Park on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., from Jan. 22 through Feb. 26. Athletic shoes are required. Registration takes place through Friday, Jan. 18.
     For more, contact Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. Kahuku Park is located at 92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/ for hours.

GLITTER SNOW FLAKE ARTS AND CRAFT ACTIVITY, for keiki 6 to 12 years old, happens at Kahuku Park on Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration takes place through Friday, Jan. 18. Free.
     For more, contact Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. Kahuku Park is located at 92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/ for hours.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 19
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up at Kamilo, Sat., Jan. 19, contact in advance for meet up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629.

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ocean View Community Association Annual Members Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 12:30-1:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 2-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 22 (Committees), Wed., Jan. 23, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tue., Jan. 22, 10am, HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

The Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tue., Jan. 22, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques. Participants enjoy a sampling of several wines from Grapes store in Hilo. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

WILL BE CANCELLED IF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN PERSISTS: After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - What Happened at the Summit of Kīlauea in 2018?, Tue., Jan. 22, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS geophysicist Kyle Anderson presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23
Lei - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Jan. 23, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo


THURSDAY, JANUARY 24
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Jan. 24, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Thursday Night at the Center: Stories from the Summit, Thu., Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. An evening of personal accounts by Volcano residents from the 90 consecutive days of earthquakes this past summer. Hosted by Volcano novelist Tom Peek. Includes tales from USGS HVO Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal and others living and working at Kīlauea's summit. Free, $5 donation suggested. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25
Human Trafficking Workshop, Fri., Jan. 25, 9:30-12:30pm, PARENTS, Inc. Office, Nā‘ālehu. Conducted by Melody Stone. Open to interested educators and community leaders: non-profit organizations, police dept., etc. Pre-registration appreciated. 430-5710

ONGOING
Applications for the first annual Acton Children's Business Fair in Pāhala are open through Friday, Jan. 25. The fair, on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., aims to inspire children to "discover their inner entrepreneur," states childrensbusinessfair.org. "The largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses."
     Planned for keiki ages 7 to 18 from all over the island, the event is hosted at River of Life Assembly of God, 96-2345 Paʻauau St., Pāhala.
     The flyer for the event says, "Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across the country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities. We want to encourage our youth to reach whatever goals they may have in owning their own businesses. This event gives them the experience at doing so."
     The application asks kids to think through elements of their business: What product or service do you plan to sell? What price will you charge for each product/service? How much will each product/service cost you? How will you pay for your startup costs? If someone is helping you with your startup costs, how will you pay that person back? How will you advertise/market your business before the fair? At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?
     Up to 15 businesses will be accepted to show their business at the fair. Up to three children are allowed per business. A donation of $5 per business is required. Booths will not have electricity. Parents are not allowed to sell or promote a child's product or service, though parents of younger children may sit in the booth so long as the child is responsible for set up, customer interactions, and sales. Parents may help their child fill out the application; however, the child should do as much as possible by themselves.
     To submit an application, visit childrensbuisnessfair.org/pahala. For more details, contact Regina Walker at 400-4722 or email pahalacbf@gmail.com.
     The Pāhala event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Wiki Wiki Mart, KRW Enterprises, and individual donors and volunteers. "We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation," states the website.

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes include Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) in Ka‘ū on Wednesdays through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.
     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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