About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023

Kaʻū Coffee growers can submit their info on selling green beans for the Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo
coming up in November. Photo from Hawai‘i Coffee Association

KAʻŪ COFFEE FARMERS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR INFO on selling green beans for the 2023 Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo in November. Through a Synergistic Hawai‘i Agriculture Council marketing grant, the Hawai‘i coffee industry will have a booth at the 2023 Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo.       

   The Hawai‘i contingent, led by Ralph Gaston, a coffee farmer and marketer from Pāhala, will promote Hawai‘i coffees from several growing regions, award-winning lots, and dynamic and new processing methods. "Our goal is to raise awareness and knowledge of Hawai‘i's coffee industry, and also to promote export sales of Hawaiian coffees to Taiwan," said Gaston, of Hawai‘i Coffee Association and Coordinator of 2023 Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo.
     "If you produce green 100% Hawai‘i coffee that you're looking to sell, please fill out the survey on the Hawai‘i Coffee Association website at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCA_2023Taiwan. We will share your contact info with interested buyers at the Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo," said Gaston. The survey is due no later than Oct. 20.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

Hokulele of Kaʻū won second in the 6 & Under
division at Hokulele Super Saturday last 
weekend. Photo by Jan Kaeza Penera
LAST WEEKEND'S HOKULELE SUPER SATURDAY RESULTS ARE OUT. Hokulele Basketball Club, based in Kaʻū, drew some 22 teams from around the island to the Herkes Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Funds raised help to send sixth-grade players to O'ahu for the Hawaiian AAU.
    Last Saturday, for the 10 & Under group, first place went to the Stingrays, of Kona and second to Alaka'i of Kona.
    For the 8 & Under, first went to Paliki of Kohala and second went the Kahaka Kohala Kings of Kohala. For the 6 & Under, first went to Hawai‘i Select from Hilo. Second went to Kokulele of Kaʻū.
   The next tournament will be over Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 11 and 12 at the same gym for
youth basketball players from around the island who are 12 & Under and 14 & Under and will raise money to help eighth and ninth-grade basketball players travel to O‘ahu and the Mainland in 2024.
    Hokulele is a Kaʻū-based basketball training organization for youth. It is led by Hokulele Club & Organization President & Head Coach Ravel Kaupu Jr., Vice President Jan Kaeza Penera and Coaches Chrysa 
Hokulele uniforms celebrate youth
basketball. Photo by Julia Neal
Dacalio and Jaron Garcia.
    To join the club, register for a tournament, volunteer, and sponsor, contact Jan Kaeza Penera by email at kaeza.hokulele@gmail.com. 


REACHING OUT TO TALK STORY, COLLECT SURVEYS ON SEWAGE OPTIONS FOR PĀHALA, BRENDA IOKEPA MOSES will be available in the post office area of Pāhala Center on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The survey is for owners of property on the old plantation gang cesspool sewer system. It will be replaced by either new sewer lines and sewage plant or individual waste water systems in each yard. The County issued a statement saying it encourages residents to make a choice "so your voice will be heard." Surveys were mailed to all affected property owners and will also be available from Iokepa-Moses, who is Deputy Director of the county Department of Environmental Services.

Hokulele Basketball Keiki play and raise money to travel.  They took second in last weekend's tournament in Pāhala.
 Photo by Julia Neal





HPD ARRESTED 27 FOR DUI during the week of Oct. 2.through Oct. 8. Hawai‘i Island police made the arrests for motorists driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 752 DUI arrests compared with 760 during the same period last year, a decrease of 1.1 percent.
    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 645 major collisions so far this year compared with 636 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.4 percent.
    To date, there have been 13 fatal crashes, resulting in 14 fatalities, (one with multiple deaths); compared with 25 fatal crashes, resulting in 27 fatalities (one with multiple deaths, and one reclassified to a medical condition) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 48 percent for fatal crashes, and 48.1 percent for fatalities.
    To date, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) so far this year is one compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island-wide.


ENFORCEMENT OF STREET VENDING AND OTHER COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY RULES ON state and county roads will be enforced beginning Dec.1. Hawai‘i Police Department, in collaboration with state Department of Transportation and County of Hawai‘i Planning Department made the announcement
this week to inform the public of an upcoming island-wide enforcement initiative focused on the illegal use of state highways and county roadways for commercial activities, including street vending.
    "This enforcement initiative aims to ensure that our roadways and highways are utilized for their designated purposes. While we recognize the value and appeal of local vendors in enhancing the vibrant culture of our island, it is essential to maintain order and consistency in the use of public spaces," says the HPD statement.
    Beginning Friday, Dec. 1, authorities will monitor, address, and enforce regulations prohibiting unauthorized commercial activities on state highways and county roadways across Hawai‘i Island. Those found in violation could face criminal prosecution and fines up to $1,000.
    "The Hawai‘i Police Department appreciates the community's understanding and cooperation in this matter," says the HPD statement. For questions or further information regarding this initiative, please contact Kona Community Policing Sergeant Brandon Mansur, at (808) 326-4646, extension 256, or via email at brandon.mansur@hawaiicounty.gov.


Posted by at

Monday, October 09, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Oct. 9, 2023

Indigenous People's Day, celebrated on Monday, Oct. 9 would become Indigenous People's Day nationally, a measure
supported by Hawai‘'i's two U.S. Senators. Image from Friends of Hawai‘i National Wildlife Refuge

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY would become a federal public holiday on the second Monday of every October, if The Indigenous People's Day Act, supported by both Hawai‘i Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz. becomes law. The proposal would change Section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code, by striking the item relating to Columbus Day and inserting ‘‘Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the second Monday in October."
    Schatz, who chairs the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, said, “Indigenous Peoples’ Day gives us all an opportunity to reflect on and recognize the enduring contributions Native people have made to our country. Recognizing this day as a federal holiday would be a meaningful step toward strengthening our
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. that officially celebrates
 the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in the New World in
 1492. Many Italian-Americans observe it as a celebration of heritage, but
 the holiday is growing unfashionable. In Hawai‘i and more than a dozen other
 states, it is called Indigenous Peoples' Day. Image from Northeast Public Radio
commitment to Native communities, addressing past injustices, and deepening the federal trust responsibility to the Indigenous peoples of the United States.”
    Hirono was one of the co-sponsors of the bill. It would replace any mention of Columbus Day in all federal laws or regulations with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. More than a dozen states across the country, including Hawai‘i, have recognized this change. In 2021, Joe Biden became the first U.S. President to formally commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. "Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a federal holiday is a necessary next step to address generations of trauma and inequity," said a statement from Hirono's office.
    The legislation is supported by The Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council of Governors, National Congress of American Indians, Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative, Association on American Indian Affairs, Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe, the Pocahontas Project, Cherokee Nation, National Council of Urban Indian Health, and Barona Band of Mission Indians.
 

SEVEN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS RECEIVED THEIR BADGES from Hawai'i County on Friday, after completing a course in order to join the new Animal Control & Protection Agency.
    The course gives officers a deep dive into the intricacies of county laws and regulation, along with training in writing citations. The program grants officers a two-year certification and will be conducted annually for eligible trainees. Eligibility for this program requires six months to a year of dedicated training and experience. 
    "The successful completion of the badging ceremony signifies a pinnacle achievement in these officers' 
Newly badged Animal Control Officers Charde Silva, Blake Cardines, Halcy Clinton, Charyse
Emmons, Jermy Dussan, Kamalani Andrews, and Aurabingy Tafari. Photo from County of Hawaiʻi
careers and underscores their steadfast dedication to the welfare of the community's animals." said a statement from the office of Mayor Mitch Roth who extended congratulations to Charde Silva, Blake Cardines, Halcy Clinton, Charyse Emmons, Jermy Dussan, Kamalani Andres and Aurabingy Tafari.
    "Assuming the responsibility of animal control for our island has been a tall order made easier by the unwavering dedication and compassion of our Animal Control Officers," said the Mayor. "These 
individuals work tirelessly to care for the numerous animals residing on our island while simultaneously striving for the safety of our residents. Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to these officers for their accomplishments and wish them ongoing safety as they contribute to making our island a more pleasant place to live, work, and enjoy."
    The Animal Control & Protection Agency plays a vital role in the community, enforcing animal welfare laws, responding to emergencies, and promoting responsible pet ownership. The certification of these officers will further enhance the agency's ability to fulfill its mission."
    The Mayor also said that work continues to be done to build out the Animal Control and Protection Agency in a broader effort to provide sufficient services to all areas of the community. Residents interested in applying for Animal Control and Protection Agency positions can visit jobs.hawaiicounty.gov for more information.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

WEST HAWAI‘I WOODWIND QUARTET will perform kid-friendly classical music at two Kaʻū libraries on Wednesday. The hour-long concerts will feature pieces that were written primarily for keiki.
    The quintet musicians hope that the music will evoke memories of childhood among the adult audience members. Younger audiences are sure to appreciate the rare opportunity to experience a symphonic fairy tale played live, while learning the sounds of the five principal classical woodwind instruments. Quintet members are Barbara Coffman on flute, Peter Bosted on oboe, Robbie Brown on clarinet, Jessica Dalke on horn, and Lisa Wells on bassoon.
    Peter and the Wolf is a memorable piece, that relates to a story set in olden day Russia, and composed by Sergei Prokofiev, specifically for children. Each instrument plays the theme that represents a character in the story. The bird is played by the flute, the duck by the oboe, the cat by the clarinet, Peter's grandfather by the bassoon and the hunters by the horn. Peter's catchy theme is played by the entire ensemble.

Members of the West Hawai‘i Woodwind Quintet are, from the left, Robbie Brown on clarinet, Jessica Dalke on horn, Barbara Coffman on flute, Lisa Wells on bassoon and Peter Bosted on oboe.  Photo by Annie Bosted

    Also helping the story along will be a professional narrator, Charley O'Kelly, who tells the story of an adventurous young Russian boy, Peter, whose animal friends are threatened by a wolf.
    Rounding out the hour-long concert will be four short, crowd pleasing pieces from the Peer Gynt suite by Edvard Grieg, including Hall of the Mountain King and Morning Mood. Originally composed to portray Ibsen's traditional Norwegian fairy tale as a musical, these popular pieces are often used in movies, videos and even video games. Morning Mood was used as the opening theme music in PopCap Games' 2007 video game Peggle.
    Both concerts will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The Nāʻālehu library performance will start at 10:30 a.m. and the Pāhala library performance will begin at 2:15 p.m. The concerts are sponsored by the County of Hawai‘i. There is no charge to attend.





Posted by at

Sunday, October 08, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023

Punalu‘u, with its popularity, was selected by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority for a grant for a stewardship training program,
which is open for applicants through Oct. 18. Photo by Julia Neal

MANAGEMENT OF PUNALU‘U: APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE FOR KAʻŪ HOA PILI ‘AINA STEWARDSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM on Oct. 18. Ten positions are available. Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo received funding from Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and is partnering with Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund. The HTA contribution is part of its destination management and community effort, after recently naming Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach as one of the places on the island that needs additional stewards to care for the resources and interact with and help educate visitors to the coast.
    The announcement for Kaʻū Hoa Pili‘aina Stewardship Training Program says, "Are you 18 years old, live in Kaʻū and enjoy all things mālama ‘āina, or just want to learn more about how to best steward your moku? Then this is the experience for you!"
    The program is four months long and training is part-time. Applicants must be able to attend work days and volunteer days and willing to learn new things, as well as possess a positive attitude and love the ‘āina. Steward trainees will engage with community groups doing work in Kaʻū, learn mo‘olelo and cultural protocols, complete CPR and First Aid training, receive training from professionals with a wide array of expertise - from honu to hoku - and earn a monthly stipend. 
    No previous stewardship experience is necessary. To apply, send email to kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com with name, "where you call home, and a brief introduction to who you are and why you are interested," says the announcement.
      Trainees will attend class-scheduled events one to two days a week, and additional stewardship-related and learning opportunities. They will learn and possibly lead protocols, communicate with coordinator and Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo board members on a weekly bases, engage with visitors/tourists and effectively communicate pono behaviors and safety protocols, act as model citizens, and plan and participate in and end of program ho‘ike. They "must have a positive attitude and be an active participant in your own learning."
     Participants must have reliable transportation and be able to walk at least a mile on uneven ground on lava flows and beaches, in forest and loko i‘a. They must be willing to learn new things and embrace Hawaiian culture and protocols. They must possess a backpack for day hikes and a water bottle that holds at least 32 ounces.

Punalu‘u is a nesting place for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and also a place attracting people to look at the green sea turtles. A grant has been given for stewardship trainees to learn to teach the public about the value of Punalu‘u's natural resources.
Photo by Julia Neal


ON THE ROAD AND SHORT-HANDED, KAʻŪ Trojan football had a tough afternoon Saturday at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy in Waimea. Kaʻū lost 0-38. After Trojans won two solid home games with record-breaking scores, there were too many key team members unable to play in the game against HPA. Trojans were up against a solid HPA Ka Makani team, which now sits in second place in BIIF2 with a 6-2 record. 
Adahdiya Ellis-Reyes hauls in a pass with two Hawai'i 
Preparatory Academy defenders on him. Photo by Mark Peters
     At Waimea, the Trojans did experience growth with many team members getting more playing time in new positions. 
    This Saturday, Trojans will go up against the first place Kamehameha School at Pāhala ballfield at 1 p.m. It will be Senior Day and the last home game of the season.
    During the game against HPA, Trojan offense was led by Adahdiyah Ellis-Reyes who battled through swirling wind for seven completions on 14 attempts for 79 yards. He also ran the ball for 72 tough yards.
    TJ Kuahia-Faafia hauled in three catches for 34 yards.
    Jaestin Kurasuda caught three for 31 yards. Joe Buyuan made a nice catch for 14 yards and a first down.
    Trojan defense was led by Joe Buyuan with 13 tackles; La‘a Kajiwara-Ke with eight, and Stephen Adler and Adahdiya Ellis-Reyes both recording six tackles. Sophomore Isaiah "Hona" Minila-Louis played a solid game while getting a sack, causing a fumble, and recovering a fumble. 

Bonnie Sol Hahn sharing her perspective and
 painting from Kīlauea overlook. Photo from VAC
POINTS OF VIEW, A PLEIN AIR GROUP EXHIBITION has opened at Volcano Art Center Gallery and will be on display through Nov. 12. Hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.    Featuring the works of Bonnie Sol Hahn, Bob Weiss, Kira Kamamalu, Jack Kinkelaar and Amy Markham, the exhibit presents the unique perspective and approach to landscape by each participating artist. Painting outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the artists work to capture the impression or essence of a place or scene. "In a sense capturing the mana of the wahi pana (special place)" as expressed by Bonnie Sol Hahn. The artists' renditions illustrate varied inspirations, perspectives, textures and moods representing the same place in different ways.
    For those who can not attend the exhibition in person it may also be viewed online at www.volcanoartcenter.org Volcano Art Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaiʻi's people through the arts and education. Please visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for more information or call (808) 967-8222.

Artists presenting Points of View, the new show at Volcano Art Center Gallery.  (Left to right) Jack Kinkelaar,
Amy Markham, Bob Weiss, Kira Kamamalu and Bonnie Sol Hahn. Photo from VAC
















Posted by at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)