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Friday, July 26, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, July 26, 2019

Kalani Vierra, an organizer of the Kaʻū Multicultural Society's third annual Pig Hunt, out with his dogs and 
and his big catch. See who caught the winning pigs, below. Photo from Kalani Vierra
NEW DRUNKEN DRIVING LAWS ARE BEGINNING TO TAKE EFFECT "to end the crisis of drunk drivers killing innocent people," says a statement issued today by the state House of Representatives. The new law passed by the Legislature this session places tough penalties on DUI offenders. The author of the bill, state Rep. Chris Lee, pointed out that "last year, 33 people were killed by drunk drivers in Hawaiʻi and each death was the result of a choice by a driver knowingly getting behind the wheel drunk. We will tolerate this reckless behavior no more. Our new law substantially increases fines, adds years of automatic license revocation, and helps send repeat drunk drivers to prison for up to five years to keep our roads safe."
     Since the bill was signed into law this month, at least four repeat DUI offenders have been arrested and face long prison sentences and other penalties under the new law. The new law makes a third DUI arrest a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Driving under the influence of alcohol now carries
heftier penalties. Image from dui.laws.com
     The new law increases fines, lengths of license revocation for first time offenders, and specifies that a habitual operator of a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant convicted two or more times can be sentenced to a five-year prison term or probation of five years, along with a mandatory revocation of license for three to five years, and a fine of between $2,000 to $5,000. In addition, any vehicle owned and operated by the person committing the crime may be subject to forfeiture.
     The bill also established a task force to determine which further changes in our DUI laws are needed to help keep drunk drivers off the road.
     Arkie Koehl, Public Policy Chair of the group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), said Hawaiʻi has had very lenient DUI laws for years. "We are looking for the task force to develop a comprehensive overhaul of the DUI laws as they stand now. There is a number of things that need to be changed," he said.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MET TODAY REGARDING THE MAUNAKEA STANDOFF.  Mayor Harry Kim said he wants to open Maunakea Access Road to the public, and telescope workers and stargazing enterprises. Police officers may begin escorting telescope workers through the barricade set up by Protectors of Maunakea, who have established an encampment there and received much publicity and support for their cause.
     Protest leaders say they also want access to the summit and will allow people headed to Maunakea summit to pass through their barricade when builders of the Thirty Meter Telescope take their program elsewhere. TMT officials say they want to stay at Maunakea and work with those who oppose it to come up with a solution. TMT would be the largest telescope on the planet. Protectors of Maunakea said it would defile the mountain, as a spiritual place for Hawaiians.
Richard Kaiawe and Stance Oyama caught 2nd place 
Tusk, at 5 inches. Photo from Kaʻū Multicultural Society
     Operators of existing telescopes say they are unable to do their research and that the telescopes are at risk without regular maintenance. Some maintenance workers have traveled through the blockade to reach their work sites.

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KAʻŪ MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S THIRD ANNUAL PIG HUNT drew many enthusiasts to Pāhala for the weigh-in last Saturday. Food booths and a variety of contests were featured, including Over-All Pua‘a prize for heaviest pig; Heaviest Boar/Laho‘ole; Heaviest Sow; Biggest Tusk; and the Smoke Meat Contest.
     Overall sow, at 171 lbs., was caught by Kaipo Kaupu. Jason Kaluaʻu caught both the 1st place sow, at 138.8 lbs. and the 3rd place boar, at 151.8 lbs. Clint Mederios caught both the 1st place Tusk, at 5.5 inches, and 3rd place sow, at 93.8 lbs. 2nd place sow, at 94.4 lbs., was caught by Tyrell Mason. 1st place boar, at 163.4 lbs., was caught by Billy Watan. 2nd place boar, at 162 lbs., was caught by Rodney Kuahiwinui. 3rd place Tusk, at 3.5 inches, was caught by Kalei Forcum. 2nd place tusk, at 5 inches, was caught by Richard Kaiawe and Stance Oyama.
Kalei Forcum took 3rd place Tusk, at 3.5 inches. 
Photo from Kaʻū Multicultural Society
     Organizers are Kalani Vierra, Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka. The location for the home base of the event is provided by the Edmund C. Olson Trust. Other sponsors are: Jeff Anderson, Punaluʻu Bakery, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, KTA, Costco, Walmart, Pearl's Feed Store, Coca Cola, Kona Reload, Creative Arts, Kona Car Quest, Rambler, Mauka Madness, Alan & Nancy Stafford, Archie & Marlene Hapai, Chris Navarro Jr., Susan Louis, and the Wroblewski ʻOhana.

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THE MUELLER REPORT, detailed for seven hours by Special Counsel Robert Mueller before Congress this week, drew conclusions from Sen. Mazie Hirono. In a message to constituents, she said, "Three things are clear from Mueller's testimony. The Mueller Report did not exonerate Pres. Donald Trump; there is overwhelming evidence of obstruction of justice by Trump; and the Department of Justice is essentially preventing Mueller from indicting Trump because of its Office of Legal Counsel's memo, stating that a sitting President cannot be indicted, which is outrageous," said Hirono. "No one is above the law — including Trump — which is why I'm renewing my call to begin an impeachment inquiry," said Hirono.
Kaipo Kaupu caught the Overall sow, at 171 lbs. 
Photo from Kaʻū Multicultural Society
     The Mueller Report is the result of two years of research into Russian tampering with U.S. elections, and the connections between Russia and the Trump campaign.

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TULSI GABBARD FILED A LAW SUIT AGAINST GOOGLE this week, contending that the company unfairly blocked her campaign's Google Ads account during the first debate of the Democratic Presidential candidates. A statement from her campaign says she was the most searched candidate during the debate. "Then, without any explanation, Google suspended Tulsi's Google Ads account.
     "For hours, Tulsi's campaign advertising account remained offline while Americans everywhere were searching for information about her. During this time, Google obfuscated and dissembled with a series of inconsistent and incoherent reasons for its actions. In the end, Google never explained to us why Tulsi's account was suspended," says her campaign statement.
Jason Kaluaʻu caught both the 1st place sow, at 
138.8 lbs. and the 3rd place boar, at 151.8 lbs.
Photo from Kaʻū Multicultural Society
     The statement contends that "Google controls 88 percent of all internet searches in the United States – essentially giving it control over our access to information. That's one reason why Tulsi has been a vocal proponent of breaking up the tech monopolies. And no matter what the motivation was for doing so, Google's arbitrary and capricious decision to suspend Tulsi's Google Ads account during a critical moment in our campaign should be of concern to all political candidates and in fact all Americans."
     Gabbard told The New York Times, "Google's discriminatory actions against my campaign are reflective of how dangerous their complete dominance over internet search is, and how the increasing dominance of big tech companies over our public discourse threatens our core American values. This is a threat to free speech, fair elections, and to our democracy, and I intend to fight back on behalf of all Americans."
     See the New York Times report on the lawsuit filed by the Gabbard campaign in federal court.

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Experience Volcano Festival this weekend features a variety of artists, entertainment, activities for keiki, and more.
"You can watch artists getting muddy with Erik Wold (above) this weekend!" says a post on the group's Instagram. See
details of the festival, and the new Volcano race - happening tomorrow - below. Photo from ExperienceVolcano.com
EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at locations all around Volcano Village. All events are free of charge. A shuttle runs through the Village once an hour. Main parking areas suggested are Lava Rock Café, Volcano Winery, and Akatsuka Orchid Farm.
     Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy art, food, music, and performances. Events span the whole of Volcano Village area, from Akatsuka Orchid Gardens to Volcano Winery, with a concentration of activities in the heart of the historic village.
     Restaurants will feature special menus. Aunty Pons Thai Food truck will be at Volcano Winery all day Saturday. Tuk Tuk Thai Food truck will be at Akatsuka Orchid Farm all day Saturday and at Volcano Winery all day Sunday.
     A variety of musical performances are offered, including Lito Arkangel, Loyd Longakit & Doug Espejo, Randy Lorenzo, Loren & Lauren, Keoki Kahumoku, Loa Tripp Jr., Lauren Elle Broido, Veronica Rose, The Brown Boys, Makana Kamahele, and William Kauhane.
     Hawaiian culture activities include an opening oli, chant, both days at 9 a.m., ʻukulele lessons, hula performances, and lei making.
     Attendees are invited to get directly involved with the creation of artwork through make-and-take projects at Volcano Garden Arts, and to see ongoing art demonstrations at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus.
     Offered especially to keiki are Lili Farm House Petting Zoo, Kids Activity Corner, and Keiki & ʻOhana Time Activities.
     Winery and orchid tours are offered. Attend a workshop or demonstration about tea, quilting, ceramics, pottery, orchids, batik, bansai, raku, wine, and more. Take a group walk in the rainforest or to learn about Historic Homes of Volcano, or take a self-guided rainforest tour.
     Other vendors include Friends of Kaʻū Libraries, Larissa Liborio-Soares, TLC Oils, Make Nui, Treats N Sweets by Shaelyn, VERP, Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association, Elite Pacific Properties, The Lili House Farm, Rotary of Volcano, Clark Realty, Tree Hugger Products, Kīlauea Military Camp, Lava Paws, Bee Boys, Ann Kalber & Indigogo Designs, Chicken N' Ribs, Scott Pincus, Bowman Ink, Dover & Raven Abrams, Erik Wold, and more. 
     There is also a drawing that is entered by attendees having a card stamped at each of the main locations: Volcano Garden Arts, Lava Rock Café, Kīlauea Lodge, Volcano Winery, Volcano Art Center, and Akatsuka Orchid Farm. Cards are turned in at the sixth location visited. Prizes include a two-night stay at The Crater's Edge worth $500. The drawing happens Monday, July 29.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the recovering economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced visitor counts. "Long appreciated as one of the 'hidden gems' of Hawaiʻi, Volcano is more than just a gateway to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park," states the website for the group and Fest.
     See experiencevolcano.com for more.

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ʻŌHIʻA LEHUA HALF MARATHON, 5K, AND KEIKI DASH happen tomorrow, Saturday, July 27. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m. at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences' Haunani Road campus. The 5K starts from the same location at 7:15 a.m. The Keiki Dash takes place in the VSAS field at 10 a.m., and will consist of two races: a 300 meter run for 6 and under, and a 600 meter for 7 to 10 years.
     The race will close one lane of traffic along the course – see map, right.
     The races are coordinated with Volcano Village's Experience Volcano Festival – see article, above. Directed by Hawaiʻi Island Racers, the new race will fill the gap left by the end of Volcano Rain Forest Runs' nine years of competition.
     A portion of the proceeds from the new annual race go to assist with research on the prevention of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death through University of Hawaiʻi Foundation. Volcano School of Arts & Sciences will open their campus to runners and spectators to sponsor the inaugural event and aid in the fight against ROD.
     Registration prices on race day – register between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. at the VSAS race site – are: Half Marathon $85, 5K $45; Keiki Dash $10. The Half Marathon and 5K feature an elevation change of 500 feet, rolling hills, and aid stations.
     Visit ohialehuahalf.com. Email the Race Director at ohialehuahalf@gmail.com.

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Pāhala Recycling & Transfer Station will be open three instead of four days a week starting Aug. 1.
Photo from County of Hawaiʻi Solid Waste Division
NEW HOURS FOR THE PĀHALA TRANSFER STATION BEGIN NEXT WEEK. Starting Aug. 1, it is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays. The fourth day, Saturday, is eliminated, say county officials, because the volume of refuse is smaller in Pāhala than at transfer stations operating four or more days.
     The Waiʻōhinu transfer station remains open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ocean View is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays only. Volcano is open Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Miloliʻi is open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset.

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COMMUNITY SPEAKOUT happens Saturday, July 27, from 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Keaʻau High School cafeteria. Hawaiʻi County residents are invited to drop in any time. The event – part of the county's Talk Action, Take Action initiative – is to share information with and gather input from the community regarding priority Kīlauea recovery objectives for Hawaiʻi Island.
     The day-long event will include the latest, most accurate information on recovery. It will include workshops and other opportunities for learning. The event is free and family-friendly; there will be interactive, educational activities for keiki, as well as food and refreshments.
     The event will address the critical challenges and opportunities with regard to Kīlauea eruption recovery; raise awareness and understanding of the disaster recovery process that includes county, state, and federal efforts; and share information about collaborative community-based recovery actions.
     There will be two workshops, with key financial and economic experts:
     The ‘Ohana Self-Sufficiency Workshop, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, will cover issues and opportunities relating to financial capability, housing, education, and employment. Panelists from the workshop include leaders who will speak about available resources and programs to help families.
     The Economic Recovery Workshop, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., will cover issues and opportunities relating to economic impact baseline and implications, community-based tourism and regional identity, agriculture and food systems, and energy and transportation. Panelists from the workshop include Paul Brewbaker, former Chief Economist of the Bank of Hawaiʻi, and Stephen Jordan, CEO of the Institute for Sustainable Development.
     SpeakOut's results will provide additional information to the Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee to make informed recommendations regarding priority recovery objectives. The committee meets on Tuesday, August 6 to consider various recovery goals relating to village town centers, infrastructure, natural and cultural resource management, and health and wellbeing.
     To qualify for federal government disaster recovery funds, this level of public input is required. Said Recovery Manager, Diane Ley, "One big goal of the SpeakOut is to catalyze collaborative partnerships – a Community-Based Recovery Network – and to increase involvement by residents in the recovery planning and implementation process."
     Bob Agres, Manager for Disaster Recovery Community Engagement & Collaboration, said, "We designed the event to provide an opportunity where you and your family can share your voice and shape what your future Puna looks like. We hope the exchange of information will provide insight and will lead to many ways for the community to engage in the recovery process."
     SpeakOut follows the recently announced County surveys to collect community input that will shape both near- and long-term recovery efforts on Hawaiʻi Island. The surveys will be available at the event and are on the Kīlauea Recovery website, recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. For more information on the Community SpeakOut, go to recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/88/138.

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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 August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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.

UPCOMING
SATURDAY, JULY 27
Volcano's ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua Half Marathon, 7 a.m., 5K, 7:15 a.m., and Keiki Dash, 10 a.m.. Races begin and end at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Campus on Haunani Road. Half Marathon, along road - $75/person until July 25; $85 July 26-27. 5K, along road - $40/person until July 25; $45/person July 26-27. Keiki Dash, grassy field, $10/child - ages 6 and under run 300 meters; ages 7-10 years old run 600 meters. No T-shirts given for Keiki Dash. Register at webscorer.com/register?raceid=175619. ohialehuahalf.com

Experience Volcano Festival, Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, multiple locations in Volcano. Features art, food, music, and performances. More details at experiencevolcano.com.

Bingo, Saturday, July 27, 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Prize donations needed. stjudeshawaii.org

Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #3, Saturday, July 27, 1-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Requires minimum of 6 participants to be held. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Grand Slam performance, Saturday, July 27, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Theater. Cover charge taken at door. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, JULY 28
Experience Volcano Festival continues Sunday, July 28, multiple locations in Volcano. Features art, food, music, and performances. More details at experiencevolcano.com.

A Meeting to Establish Child Care for Kaʻū Coffee Farm Workers happens Sunday, July 28 at 3 p.m. at the Kaʻū District Gym Activity Room. Farmers and other supporters of the effort met July 13.
     With the increasing employment of members of Kaʻū's Marshallese community to pick Kaʻū Coffee, organizers in the coffee producing community, led by Laura Diaz, have established a nonprofit organization called Keiki OʻPalehua ʻOhana Program. The group has completed renovations of a room in the Pāhala Hongwanji Schoolhouse, with educational supplies for up to 15 keiki.
     Diaz said the program is looking for an electrician to hang two ceiling fans at the childcare center, for some kind of food service for the keiki, and other donations. A grand opening is planned for Aug. 10.
     Call Diaz at 928-8188 or 408-306-5596.

TUESDAY, JULY 30
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, July 30, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, July 31 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 1
Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival tickets go on sale Aug. 1 at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 8, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Aug. 1 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Mayor Kim & Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Aug. 1, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Aug. 1, 6:30-8:30p.m.Aspen Centerokaukakou.org

Registration Open: Sunflower Craft, through Monday, Aug. 5, Kahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Aug. 6, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Registration Open: Shrink Art Keychain, through Tuesday, Aug. 6, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 2
Stewardship at the Summit, Aug. 2, 10, 16, 24, and 28, 8:45a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash Registration open through Saturday, July 27, the day of the races. It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. See ohialehuahalf.com.

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through Sunday, July 28 at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets are available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.org

Enroll at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for the 2019-2020 school year, which starts Aug. 5; orientation for new students is Aug. 2. Spaces are available in 1st through 8th grades of the expanding Kula ‘Amakihi Community-Based Education (CBE) Program; the school may also have space or short wait lists for certain grades in the regular on-campus programs. Contact 808-985-9800 or email enrollment@volcanoschool.net to enroll.

Talk Action, Take Action: surveys available through Aug. 4recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. The surveys focus on different areas of recovery after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption: households, businesses, and community.

Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.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. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com


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Thursday, July 25, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, July 25, 2019

Nāʻālehu hosted the Kaʻū Little League Championships. See how teams from all over the state fared. Photo from Elizabeth Crook
KAʻŪ LITTLE LEAGUE HOSTED THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN NĀʻALEHU July 19-23. Teams from around the Hawaiian Islands and their fans flooded Kaʻū accommodations, restaurants, and stores. Kaʻū Little League Pres. Josh Crook said the tournament drew umpires from California, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Among them is Jamie Perez, who will serve as an umpire in the Little League World Series, Aug. 15- 25 in Pennsylvania.
     With all the action at the Nāʻālehu Ballpark, the team from Maui won, defeating the 2018 world champions from Honolulu. Maui will head to the Western Regional U.S. Championships in San Bernardino, CA, Aug. 4 though 10. Winners will play Aug. 15 through 25 at Little League Headquarters Complex in South Williamsport, PA, during the 73rd Little League World Series. Eight teams from the U.S. and eight from abroad, will compete for the title.
The championship's volunteer umpires. Photo from Elizabeth Crook
     Teams that played in Nāʻālehu in the state finals were Kawaihau Kauaʻi, Central Maui, Ewa Beach Oʻahu, Honolulu Oʻahu, and Westside Big Island.
     Crook said the five days state championship brought great baseball to the downtown ballpark in Nāʻālehu. Ewa beach was eliminated first losing to Honolulu, then to Kauaʻi. Westside Big Island was next to go, losing to Honolulu and Kauaʻi. Kauaʻi suffered elimination by Honolulu.
     Maui began the final games, after beating Kauaʻi in round one and Honolulu in round three. Honolulu came to the finals after beating Ewa Beach in round one and Westside Big Island in round two, losing to Maui in round three, and beating Kauaʻi in round four. Honolulu, with one loss, needed to beat Maui twice to take the state championship.
     The first of the final games saw Honolulu beating Maui to even it up. Maui took it to Honolulu in game two, defeating the defending world champions 8 to 5.
     Kaʻū Little League President Josh Crook said, "Congratulations to Maui 2019 state champs. It was a great turn out all five days.
     "It brought much joy to the players and staff and benefited the community. Kaʻū Little League desires for a growing interest and resurgence into the game of baseball both for the sake of players and for families and the community."
Central Maui, the regional winning team, travels to California for the
Western Regional U.S. Championships. Photo from Elizabeth Crook
     Kaʻū Little League sponsored fundraising concessions, partnering with Miloliʻi-Kaʻū Volleyball on Sunday.
     Crook thanked Eugene Nairmatzu, Little League District Administrator, "and all the many volunteers who made it possible and gave their time and effort," including ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, Punaluʻu Bake Shop, Wikwiki Mart, Bee Boys, Andrade Contracting, Ed's Plumbing, Pāhala Pops, Kahuku Market, Kamakani Country Store, Lance Ako, and Randy Patton. He said there are many more who contributed, and "the gratitude is endless."
     Crook said that "baseball in Kaʻū will not be possible in the future without community and family support. If we are going to revive baseball here we need coaches and players and family involvement. We look forward to the future of youth baseball in Kaʻū."
     Contact Josh Crook, Kaʻū Little League President, to offer contributions, donations, and league involvement, at 345-0511.
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A MAN DIED TODAY after his vehicle rolled over near the 35 mile marker on Highway 11, in the Kaʻū Desert area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. At about 2:09 p.m., a park employee reported the accident. Park rangers found an unresponsive 57-year-old man pinned beneath an older model SUV, rolled on its side. Hawaiʻi County Fire Department medics extricated and transported the man to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
    The last fatal motor vehicle accident in the Park occurred on May 28, 2017, also on Hwy 11.
    The incident is under investigation by Park rangers, with the assistance of Hawai‘i County Police Department. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and further investigation.
     Anyone with information regarding this accident is asked to call Park dispatch at 808-985-6170 or HPD Officer Jason Foxworthy at 808-326-4646, ext. 229.

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THE MAUNAKEA STANDOFF TOOK SEVERAL TWISTS TODAY. Mayor Harry Kim said he wants to clear the Maunakea Access Road and Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Saddle Road, and reopen the access road to the public and employees. Maunakea observatories provide jobs for some 500 people. About 50 to 75 of them are at the summit each day, according to telescope officials.
     Protectors of Maunakea said they will stand firm in their encampment until TMT promises to go elsewhere. The board of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs voted to support the Protectors of Maunakea in opposition to TMT and agreed to help with funding the encampment.
     Honolulu and Hilo pro and con protesters waived flags and carried signs on Thursday, touting their views, as TMT spokespersons said TMT has no plans to abandon their plan to build the largest telescope on the planet at the summit of Maunakea.

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Telescopes atop Maunakea. Read support for, and objection to, adding another - the largest in the world.
Photo from Big Island Video News
COMPLICATED AND NUANCED is the description of the Thirty Meter Telescope situation, voiced by Doug Simons, Executive Director of Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope on Maunakea. He commented to Big Island Video News on the hundreds, sometimes thousands of Protectors of Maunakea gathered at Maunakea Access Road to the summit campus of the telescopes.
     Last week, directors of all the telescopes on Maunakea unanimously decided to remove staff after it became questionable as to whether maintenance crews and scientists could drive through the blockade aimed at blocking construction materials and crews to build TMT.
Doug Simons, Executive Director of the 
Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope.
Photo from Big Island Video News
     "Since then, we've obviously been not operating on the summit… there are no observations being conducted. It's a very unusual feeling." In the past, telescopes shut down for weather purposes, sometimes weeks at a time, "but never by choice. It's stressful on the staff," said Simons. He acknowledged that there is no date "to resume normal operations. Nobody's clear how the conflict is going to get resolved, and we're looking for a peaceful resolution, obviously. But that lack of clarity, over time, kind of eats at you."
     Simons said a letter penned by the observatories and co-signed by him was intended "to offer our perspective. The situation here is way more complicated, nuanced – layer upon layer. Anybody who's lived in Hawaiʻi a long time understands that." The letter was also meant to clear up any confusion, said Simons.
     He noted that another letter last week with several hundred signature opposes TMT. Simons said he believes "most of the signatories are in fact graduate students. It's a little frustrating because sometimes, in the general media, it's referred to as astronomers being opposed to TMT. Maybe I'm old-fashioned but if you're still a student, you don't have that title just yet. Their opinions are, obviously, very important, but the reality is that letter, we thought, was in some ways a misrepresentation of what was occurring here."
     Simons mentioned astronomy and Hawaiian cultural programs working together. He pointed to the A Hua He Inoa program, to associate Hawaiian names with discoveries made through Hawaiʻi based telescopes. Simons and Larry Kimura, a professor of Hawaiian language and studies at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in the Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language, gave a presentation tonight called The Physics of Pō. Simons
Members of the A Hua He Inoa program. Photo from Big Island Video News
said it is a joint perspective on Kimura's unpublished prelude to the Kumulipo, "the very famous Hawaiian creation chant, that I was amazed by when Larry first shared it with me. It has so many interesting and deep connections to modern astrophysics when I read it. Larry and I immediately connected over it, and in particular the concept of Pō, which appears over a hundred times in the first 500 lines or so of the Kumulipo. It is interesting and how it can map into what we call vacuum energy, or dark energy, and ultimately lead to phenomena like the Big Bang.
     "I feel very honored to be able to share [Kimura's] interpretation of that wonderful, ancient chant through the lens of a scientist who is eager to see… how the native and ancient Hawaiians saw the universe, in the hope that I can learn something from that process, that my so-called modern mind is incapable of. That's ultimately what I'm trying to do. And that's the beauty of this sort of marriage between Hawaiian culture and science. It gives you a completely new perspective, and one that really enriches you in the process."

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Sen. Russell Ruderman
BOTH SIDES OF THE MAUNAKEA ISSUE are seen by east Kaʻū's state Sen. Russell Ruderman. Via a statement on Facebook, he said has friends pro and con. "Some of my friends and longtime political colleagues are among the Protectors on the Mauna. And I also have friends among the police force and within the astronomy community. Even among Native Hawaiian families I know, there are people on both sides.
     "I have not opposed the TMT project until now, and I am still hopeful that a way forward can be found. I love astronomy and telescopes. My feeling has been that if its permits were found to be legal, then it should be built.
     "I also support Hawaiian rights, and recognize the many broken promises they've endured in every arena, and the historic mismanagement of our beloved Mauna Kea. I still believe an arrangement could be worked out to go forward with TMT with the support of Hawaiian Kūpuna, with some changes to the current plan. I will suggest those changes if the time comes.
     "In this moment, it doesn't matter what I think should happen. Protectors have won this round," said Ruderman. "The reality is a civil disobedience action has succeeded in stopping it for now. We cannot arrest our way out of this.
Kiaʻi, Protectors, of Maunakea, gathered at Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu. 
Photo from Big Island Video News
     "It has been said that when a large number of people are willing to be arrested for something, their movement is unstoppable. If the decision was made to arrest as many as needed to overcome this effort by force, we must be prepared for hundreds of arrests, and more the next day. To me this would be intolerable.
     Ruderman suggests that the confrontation must be defused, and that the emergency declaration and National Guard should be removed. "These were serious mistakes, unnecessary for a profoundly peaceful demonstration and counter productive," he said. He said acknowledging "the mistakes made and treat the people protesting with the respect and aloha needed to heal the wounds," is nessecary. He also said the decommissioned telescopes must be dismantled before constructing the new one.
     Said Ruderman, "I believe if the Governor addressed the people directly, regardless of the message delivered, he would be treated with aloha and respected for talking directly to them. This alone would help tremendously. The people on the Mauna are demonstrating love and aloha, and it must be acknowledged." 
The amount of pedestrians and cars on and near Daniel K. Inouye Highway, 
Saddle Road, at and near the Maunakea Access Road, has been cause 
for concern from officials. Photo from Big Island Video News
     Ruderman remarked, "This Mauna Kea Protectors action has successfully embraced the highest principles of non-violence, expressed on the Mauna as 'Kapu Aloha.' That is, people involved are committed to acting with aloha; it's not an option. This feeling of aloha has empowered the Protectors and helped the message spread and resonate far and wide. The same spirit of non-violence has been successful in the past, and the protectors know it is a crucial element of winning people's hearts.
     "People need to know about the Kapu Aloha of this action, because some have spread misinformation about it. I went to visit the protest Sunday, as a Caucasian TMT supporter. I was treated with aloha and respect by everyone I met and those I just saw. There is an undeniable spirit in the air. I didn't stop supporting TMT but I now recognize the power of the Protector's movement: It cannot be pushed aside.
     "We must work with them to succeed."

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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 August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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UPCOMING
FRIDAY, JULY 26
Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Friday, July 26, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, JULY 27
Volcano's ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua Half Marathon, 7 a.m., 5K, 7:15 a.m., and Keiki Dash, 10 a.m.. Races begin and end at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Campus on Haunani Road. Half Marathon, along road - $75/person until July 25; $85 July 26-27. 5K, along road - $40/person until July 25; $45/person July 26-27. Keiki Dash, grassy field, $10/child - ages 6 and under run 300 meters; ages 7-10 years old run 600 meters. No T-shirts given for Keiki Dash. Register at webscorer.com/register?raceid=175619. ohialehuahalf.com

Experience Volcano Festival, Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, multiple locations in Volcano. Features art, food, music, and performances. More details at experiencevolcano.com.

Bingo, Saturday, July 27, 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Prize donations needed. stjudeshawaii.org

Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #3, Saturday, July 27, 1-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Requires minimum of 6 participants to be held. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Grand Slam performance, Saturday, July 27, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Theater. Cover charge taken at door. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, JULY 28
Experience Volcano Festival continues Sunday, July 28, multiple locations in Volcano. Features art, food, music, and performances. More details at experiencevolcano.com.

A Meeting to Establish Child Care for Kaʻū Coffee Farm Workers happens Sunday, July 28 at 3 p.m. at the Kaʻū District Gym Activity Room. Farmers and other supporters of the effort met July 13.
     With the increasing employment of members of Kaʻū's Marshallese community to pick Kaʻū Coffee, organizers in the coffee producing community, led by Laura Diaz, have established a nonprofit organization called Keiki OʻPalehua ʻOhana Program. The group has completed renovations of a room in the Pāhala Hongwanji Schoolhouse, with educational supplies for up to 15 keiki.
     Diaz said the program is looking for an electrician to hang two ceiling fans at the childcare center, for some kind of food service for the keiki, and other donations. A grand opening is planned for Aug. 10.
     Call Diaz at 928-8188 or 408-306-5596.

TUESDAY, JULY 30
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, July 30, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, July 31 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 1
Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival tickets go on sale Aug. 1 at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 8, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Aug. 1 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Mayor Kim & Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Aug. 1, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Aug. 1, 6:30-8:30p.m.Aspen Centerokaukakou.org

Registration Open: Sunflower Craft, through Monday, Aug. 5, Kahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Aug. 6, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Registration Open: Shrink Art Keychain, through Tuesday, Aug. 6, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 2
Stewardship at the Summit, Aug. 2, 10, 16, 24, and 28, 8:45a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash Registration open through Saturday, July 27, the day of the races. It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. See ohialehuahalf.com.

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through Sunday, July 28 at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets are available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.org

Enroll at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for the 2019-2020 school year, which starts Aug. 5; orientation for new students is Aug. 2. Spaces are available in 1st through 8th grades of the expanding Kula ‘Amakihi Community-Based Education (CBE) Program; the school may also have space or short wait lists for certain grades in the regular on-campus programs. Contact 808-985-9800 or email enrollment@volcanoschool.net to enroll.

Talk Action, Take Action: surveys available through Aug. 4recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. The surveys focus on different areas of recovery after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption: households, businesses, and community.

Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.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. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

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