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Thursday, April 12, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Thursday, April 12, 2018

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard visited Syria and met with women whose husbands were dead or away fighting, sometimes
on different sides of the battles. She concluded that there is no win for Syrian people through war escallation.
Photo by Abraham Williams
PEACE, NOT WAR IN SYRIA, is what Kaʻū's Representative in Congress, Tulsi Gabbard, is pushing, with a letter to Pres. Donald Trump. She asks Kaʻū residents to sign it. Gabbard visited Syria and met with religious leaders and people living in shelters, camps, and bombed out homes, in January 2017. With Trump threatening to strike Syria following apparent use of chemical weapons there, Gabbard sent out an online appeal this morning:
     "The people of Syria have suffered through years of brutal civil war, and all they want more than anything is peace. If President Trump decides to launch a U.S. military attack against Syria, it will not bring them peace - it will only bring more devastation to their war-torn country. Terrorist forces like ISIS, al-Qaeda, Jaysh al-Islam and others will be resurrected and reinvigorated, increasing suffering, death, and destruction, and causing more innocent civilians to flee the violence and seek refuge in other parts of the world.
 
Gabbard said that many children living in shelters she visited, like this
one in Allepo, have only known war in their lives. However, they
know the peace sign. Photo by Abraham Williams
   "We cannot keep repeating the same mistakes of the past and expect a different outcome. I've sent this letter to President Trump to urge him to work for peace, rather than escalating and expanding the war through a military attack against Syria. This is not a partisan issue. Will you join me in calling for peace today?
     "Launching a U.S. military attack against Syria spells further suffering for the Syrian people, prolongs and escalates the war, and continues to strip away American taxpayer dollars that are needed in our communities right here at home. If President Trump truly cares about mitigating the suffering of the Syrian people, he must work toward peace.
     "We must end our costly, counterproductive regime change wars. War, violence, chaos, and destruction is what terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda in Syria want - because it makes them stronger in their quest. Speak up now to stop the march toward war. Add your name to my letter to President Trump today."

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A MORATORIUM ON NEW ACTIVITIES ON MAUNAKEA passed the state Senate today through House Bill 1585, with a 15 to 8 vote. In the meantime, the board of directors for the planned Thirty Meter Telescope is determining whether it should take its project to the Canary Islands in Spain.
Canary Islands, with its own astronomy campus, waits for the opportunity
 to host the Thirty Meter Telescope. Photo from TMT
     Hawaiʻi Public Radio issued a news headline today, saying, "Mauna Kea Bill Could Spell the End to TMT."
     The TMT group set April as a deadline to settle the matter on whether it could situate the world's most powerful telescope on Maunakea. The board was considering extending its deadline past April to allow legal proceedings to reach completion. The addition of the new moratorium by the Hawaiʻi Legsilature, however, could seal the deal for Spain, reported HPR.
     In the House, the bill could draw opposition from both pro-TMT and anti-TMT organizations. Richard Ha, a board member of PUEO, which stands for Perpetuating Unique Educational Opportunities, supports TMT. "If we impose a moratorium so what happens to the Thirty Meter Telescope? Are we saying we're just going to kill it? I don't think that's what we want to do," said Ha.
     Kealoha Pisciotta, president of Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, said she opposes the moratorium because it could wind up with the management of Maunakea "back in the hands" of the University of Hawaiʻi.
     According to the HPR report, "The board of directors for TMT is expected to announce it's decision tomorrow on whether Mauna Kea is worth a longer wait."
     The bill also calls for an audit of U.H., concerning its management of Maunakea, and a review and updating of rules on activities at the summit and its campus of telescopes.
     After passing the bill today, the Senate sends it back to the House.

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Observatories atop Maunakea. Bills passed today in the state Senate would either require auditing of University of Hawaiʻi, the current management, or hand over management to a new Authority. Photo from bigstock
A BILL TO REMOVE MAUNAKEA MANAGEMENT FROM U.H. and the state Department of Land & Natural Resources also passed the state Senate today, with a 21 to 2 vote. House Bill 1985 would give over responsibility to Maunakea Management Authority. Members would be selected by a new Mauna Kea Candidate Advisory Council and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
     The Authority would be funded by the State, with $800,000 for fiscal year 2018-2019. It would include start up costs and up to $250,000 for administration, capital improvement projects, and other purposes.
     The bill would also restrict the number of telescopes on Maunakea to 13, limit the footprint of development to no more than the land being used as of Dec. 2031, and change how the public accesses the summit. The bill would require the Management Authority to conduct a comprehensive review of all existing commercial tour permits, fees, and associated environmental impacts, and there would be the possibility of eliminating commercial tours to the summit by Jan. 1, 2020.
     After passing the bill today, the Senate sends it back to the House.

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SPINLAUNCH WILL MEET WITH THE PUBLIC, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman, who are looking for a location for a space launch facility, plan to talk with Ka‘ū community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.
     The meeting will be hosted by the Aha Moku Advisory Committee to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, which asked the state Senate to hold back a $25 million Special Purpose Revenue Bond until the company talks to the community about the possibility of Pohu‘e Bay becoming the location. The bond bill passed a third reading in the Senate on Tuesday.

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Allan Simeon is confirmed as new Public Works Director
for County of Hawaiʻi. Photo from DPW
NEW COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR received confirmation from the County Council on Wednesday. Allan G. Simeon, P.E., previously served as the Department's Deputy Director, and has served as the Acting Director of the Department of Public Works since October 1, 2017.
     "Each day is a blessing and each blessing is an opportunity to do something good for the people of our Hawai‘i Island Community, for our families, and for ourselves," Simeon said.
     Simeon is a licensed professional engineer and joined the county as a civil engineer in 1997. He has appointed Merrick H. Nishimoto as his Deputy Director. Nishimoto previously served as a civil engineer stationed at the West Hawai‘i office and has been with the county since 2007.

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HAWAI‘I'S TAX BURDEN IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE U.S., according to a new WalletHub study. With Tax Day fast approaching and a new tax code recently signed into law by President Trump, WalletHub has just made its 2018 Tax Burden by State report and 2018 Tax Facts infographic available. In order to determine which states tax their residents most aggressively,
WalletHub compared the 50 states based on the three components of state tax burden - property taxes, individual income taxes, and sales and excise taxes - as a share of total personal income.
     Hawai‘i is second-highest overall, second only to New York. Hawai‘i is highest in the nation in Total Sales & Excise Tax Burden at 6.52 percent, and second highest in the nation in Overall Tax Burden at 11.57 percent. The Individual Income Tax Burden is still high, ranking tenth at 2.85 percent. Property Tax Burden is fairly low, ranking 41st at 2.2 percent, but that may change if Senate Bill 2922 becomes law. It aims to raise money through taxing expensive investment properties and vacation rentals. See the full report.

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Park Ranger demonstrates Tī Leaf Sledding.
NPS Photo
RACE DOWN PU‘U O LOKUANA IN A TĪ LEAF SLED and join Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff at Kahuku in a test of courage, will, speed, and agility in a traditional Hawaiian game using he‘e hōlua kī. The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Apr. 20.
     The event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance. Enter Kahuku near mile marker 70.5 on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

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KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12, WELCOMED TO PAINT A RAINBOW, a free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program, on Tuesday, April 24, at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. The class runs from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register on Wednesday, April 18. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL games on Wednesday against Keaʻau were a solid wall of victories, with both JV games and all three Varsity games being won by the Trojan boys; four of five games were won while the Trojans were 12 or 13 points ahead.
     Three Spring season games remain; see below for full schedule.

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Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Boys Volleyball: Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū
   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo
   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM BASKETBALL CLINIC Sat, April 14; register through Friday, April 13. 9 to 11 a.m., registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old and those in high school are welcome. Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market" - $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOU OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL PUBLIC MEETING, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman come to talk with Ka‘ū Community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Apr 14, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 15
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Apr 15, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. nps.gov/HAVO

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.comMore info.

MONDAY, APRIL 16
DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETINGS, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS CLOTHESPIN PLANE AND CAR, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 METER RACES FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12, WELCOMED TO PAINT A RAINBOW. Register by Wed, April 18. Free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program, Tue, April 24, Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19
VETERAN'S CENTER & VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 19, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org

HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 19, 9 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA from Tūtū & Me, Thu, Apr 19, 10:30 - noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

FAMILY READING, Thu, Apr 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū, Thu, Apr 19, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

ONGOING
ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.
     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Sen. Brian Schatz grilled Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during Senate hearings. See story below.  See CNBC
THE $25 MILLION BILL TO FUND SPINLAUNCH passed third reading in the state Senate Tuesday, with all three Senators who represent Ka‘ū and places closest to Ka‘ū voting, "No." Senators Russell Ruderman, serving east Ka‘ū and Puna, Josh Green, representing west Ka‘ū and Kona, and Lorraine Inouye, representing Hilo, were the sole votes against the measure to set up $25 million in Special Revenue Bonds that would give tax breaks to investors in the proposed space launch facility. The vote was 21-3.
      Initial reports were that Pohu‘e Bay and its 16,455 acres for sale for $18 million were under consideration. However, language in the bill was changed to make the location nonspecific in the state of Hawai‘i.
      Before casting his "No" vote, Ruderman said, "I rise in opposition.... Everybody who's come to Hawai‘i to look at a rocket launch facility ends up looking at Ka‘ū. It's got many geographical advantages that nowhere else in the state has - particularly water on three sides, a lot of empty land, and pointing towards the equator. In the past, Ka‘ū has rejected several rocket launch facilities and they rejected them very vehemently. That's because the nature of the community is agricultural based and it cherishes its clean environment."
Rusell Ruderman explained his "No" vote on SpinLaunch
funding Tuesday. Photo from Big Island Video News
     Referring to the SpinLaunch concept of using electricity to power the spinning of satellites thousands of miles an hour, at the end of a mechanical arm, to catapult them into space, Ruderman said, "An electric launching facility- I wonder if they realize that Hawai‘i Island has one of the most expensive electricity costs in our nation; and I wonder how that's going to work out.
     "I also hope that one day, those who propose and advocate for controversial lifestyle changing major projects, with environmental and cultural impacts, will talk to the people impacted, and or their representatives, before they proceed with the proposal. As the Senator from the district that this always seems to happen to, I will oppose any such projects."
    Sen. Glenn Wakai, of Waikiki, who proposed the measure in the Hawai‘i Senate, testified, "I rise in support of this measure. The opportunities for our aerospace growth are limitless and this measure in front of us simply allows for us to say, 'Go ahead SpinLaunch. Test your new and innovative way of launching small satellites some place in Hawai‘i.' So, in the Ways and Means Committee, there (were) changes to the language of this measure, which doesn't say that it's going to be on the Big island, doesn't say it's going to be in Ka‘ū, doesn't say it's going to be anywhere specifically in Hawai‘i, but just simply that we embrace this idea, this innovative approach, and would like to see it hopefully tested some place in the state. So there's misconception that somehow that this particular project will end up in Pohu‘e Bay.
      The Senator from O‘ahu said, "It's certainly been made clear to myself and to the proponents of SpinLaunch that this (Pohu‘e Bay) is a highly inappropriate area. But I would hope that my colleagues would see the huge opportunities that stand in front of us with the number of small satellites that will need to be launched into space in the very near future and see that Hawai‘i could play a significant role in this for economic benefits as well as scientific discoveries. So rather than be closed minded to saying not in one place, let's be open minded to say somewhere in the state of Hawai‘i."
     More can be read on the progression of this bill and the testimonies of Ka‘ū residents objecting to the proposed facility being placed in Ka‘ū, in past Ka‘ū News Briefs and Ka‘ū Calendar print and online newspaper issues. Saturday, Apr 14, at 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center will host SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman, along with Wakai, at a talk with Ka‘ū community members about the proposed facility.

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SENATORS MAZIE HIRONO AND BRIAN SCHATZ QUESTIONED FACEBOOK CEO MARK ZUCKERBERG in a joint Commerce and Judiciary committee hearing yesterday in the U.S. Capitol. Hawaiʻi senators expressed concerns about Facebook's policies on privacy, and use and abuse of data collected from those using Facebook.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, under fire for possible
misuse of personal information posted on the social
media platform. Photos from Big Island Video News
     Schatz pointed out that each Facebook user is asked to ok an agreement with more than 5000 words and more than 50 links in order to set up an account. "People really have no earthly idea what they're signing up for," said Schatz, who asked whether Zuckerberg "could explain, to the billions of users, in plain language, what are they signing up for?"
     Zuckerberg hesitated before responding that it was a "good and important question," and described Facebook as, "You get the ability to share the information you want with people - that's what the service is."
     "What about the part that people are worried about - not the fun part?" asked Schatz.
     "What's that?" asked the CEO, which sparked a bemsued response from Schatz: "The part that people are worried about," responded the Senator, "is that the data is going to be improperly used."
     Asked Schatz, "What exactly are you doing with the data, and do you draw a distinction between data collected in the process of using the platform, and that which we clearly volunteer to the public, to present ourselves to other Facebook users?" 
     Zuckerberg said he did not understand the question, which caused Schatz to ask whether emails (messages) are farmed for details about people. Is the personal information used for marketing purposes?  Zuckerberg said private messages sent by What'sApp "would not inform any ads" - meaning the applications on Facebook used for messaging do not give info to the applications that shuttle ads to users - and were not viewed by Facebook staff.
Sen. Brian Schatz, inquiring about the usage
 of personal information posted on Facebook.
     Schatz also questioned the ownership of personal info on Facebook. Since Facebook earns money from the info provided by users, and users do not "get a cut" of the income, who actually owns the information? Zuckerberg responded that any info placed on Facebook licenses Facebook to "show it to other people," but all info posted can be taken down by the user at any time.
     Hirono spoke about the new Trump administration Immigration and Custom Enforcement plan, using a "new extreme vetting initiative," Visa Lifecycle Vetting. She asked whether Facebook plans to cooperate with the initiative, which seeks to use various methods - including social media like Facebook - to help assess people possibly entering the country.
     Zuckerberg responded, "We would not proactively do that; we cooperate with law enforcement in two cases," saying Facebook reaches out to law enforcement in cases of "imminent threat of harm," and responds when law enforcement submits "a valid legal subpoena or request for data," but that Facebook would "push back aggressively" if concluding the request is "overly broad or we believe it's not a legal request."
Sen. Mazie Hirono, inquiring about Facebook's intentions
regarding government collection of personal info
and action on discriminatory ads on Facebook.
     Hirono also asked about discriminatory advertising, which Facebook promised to bar in February 2017. Hirono stated, "It was discovered that you could, in fact, place those kinds of ads... Have you followed through on your... promise to address this problem, and is there a way for the public to verify that you have - or are we just expected to trust that you've done this?"
     Zuckerberg responded, "Those are all important questions. In general, it is against our policies to have any ads that are discriminatory."
     Hirono responded that the public was still able to post discriminatory ads even after Facebook promised to disallow them, to which Zuckerberg responded that Facebook "removed the ability to exclude ethnic groups and other sensitive categories from ad targeting... We review ads; we screen them up front... most of the enforcement today is still that our community flags issues for us," which leads to the taking down of such ads, he said.
     In looking toward solutions, Schatz asked whether Zuckerberg would consider Yale professor Jack Balkin's idea of information companies like Facebook adopting the responsibility of becoming an "information fiduciary" with users of its platform. In other words, Facebook and other platforms would adopt the duties of loyalty and care when it comes to using a person's information. Zuckerberg acknowledged Balkin's thinking about the subject and said he would consider it.
     See Information Fiduciaries in the Digital Age.

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KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY has a new Acting Executive Director. According to a letter to the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission, the school's founder Kathryn Tydlacka submitted her resignation in early April. She is on leave and Assistant Director Josh Deward was voted by a newly reorganized KLA Governing Board.
Kathryn Tydlacka and Joe
Iacuzzo, founders of
Ka`u Learning Academy.
     The letter from the KLA Board to the Commission states, "Our Board of Directors understands the importance of resolving any concerns that the Charter School Commission has regarding Ka‘ū Learning Academy. As a plan of action we have implemented the suggestions that were outlined in the 2016-2017 audit report. It is our intent as the Governing Board to have direct contact and work closely with the Charter School Commission, be available to help the school staff in any way possible and most importantly be diligent in making sure KLA is being held to the highest standards possible to ensure our students education.
     "We are looking forward to a terrific new school year and are excited to continue our goals for a better education for the children of Ka‘ū."
     The KLA Board is comprised of Pres. Doug Flaherty, Treasurer Jack Richard, Secretary Kailani Toriano, Harry McIntosh, Duane Kerr, Nick Sokash, and Becky Valverde.
     The school remains on notice of its charter possibly being revoked by the Commission, as the new board and staff aim to keep the school open. The commission cited irregularities in accounting, which Tydlacka and the board said they have repaired.

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MEETINGS ON THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT proposal continue on Thursday, April 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Find out the proposed location, the scope of the plan, and the homes and other buildings it would serve. The County asks those planning to attend to contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com; Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083; or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

KEIKI, GRADES K - 8, INVITED TO MAKE PAPER FLOWER WREATHS during a free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program at Pāhala Community Center. The class takes place Wednesday, April 25, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., with registration from Monday, April 16, to Tuesday, April 24. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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Learn about recent conservation efforts to save ‘Ōhi‘a 
Lehua from Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death during an After Dark in 
the Park presentation at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 
Photo by J.B. Friday
GETTING A HANDLE ON RAPID ‘ŌHI’A DEATH WITH J.B. FRIDAY, extension forester with the University of Hawai‘i, takes place on Tuesday, April 24, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Rapid ‘Ōhia Death is a threat to ‘ōhi‘a forests island wide, including many heavily visited areas in the park. Scientists working on the disease have now learned a lot about the fungus, how it spreads to new areas, and how it might be treated. On Tuesday, Apr. 24, Friday shares the current understanding of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, how affected forests are being managed, and what people can do to avoid spreading the disease.
     The After Dark in the Park program starts at 7 p.m. and is freely offered at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Suggested $2 donation helps support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Boys Volleyball: Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū
   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo
   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT public meeting Thursday, April 12, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM BASKETBALL CLINIC Sat, April 14; register through Friday, April 13. 9 to 11 a.m. Registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old, and those in high school are welcome. Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market" - $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL PUBLIC MEETING, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman come to talk with Ka‘ū Community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended but not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Apr 14, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 15
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Apr 15, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. nps.gov/HAVO

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.comMore info.

MONDAY, APRIL 16
DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETINGS, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS CLOTHESPIN PLANE AND CAR, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 METER RACES FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

ONGOING
ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.
     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Ka‘ū News Brief Tuesday, April 10, 2018

A fish collector scoops up fish in Hawaiian waters to sell to the aquarium industry. Input is requested by DLNR to decide 
whether to end a moratorium on new and renewing permits for aquarium fish collecting. See story below. 
Photo from Earth Justice
VOTERS WILL DECIDE WHETHER PROPERTY TAXES CAN BE TAGGED TO HELP FUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, should the state Senate decide to put the Constitutional Amendment on the ballot this year. Hawai‘i State Teachers Association reported that the state House of Representatives unanimously approved its proposed Constitutional Amendment today. The proposal goes to the Senate for a vote on Thursday. Listen to the overwhelming support among House members for the bill here
     The bill reads: "The legislature may establish a surcharge on visitor accommodations and on residential investment property valued at one million dollars or more for which the owner does not qualify for a homeowner's exemption, as provided by law, to fund public education for Hawai‘i 's children. Proceeds from the surcharge may be used for recruitment and retention of teachers, public preschools, reduction in class sizes, special education programming, career and technical education, art, music, Hawaiian studies, Hawaiian language instruction, afterschool programs, and such programs and projects as the legislature may authorize by law."
     Hawai‘i is the only state where property taxes are not charged to fund schools.

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MEETINGS ON THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT proposal continue on Wednesday, April 11, and Thursday, April 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Find out the proposed location, the scope of the plan, and the homes and other buildings it would serve. The County asks those planning to attend to contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com; Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083; or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

DEADLINE FOR INPUT ON ENDING THE MORATORIUM ON NEW COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM FISH COLLECTING permits involving the use of fine mesh nets, is May 8. The state Department of Land & Natural Resources published a study this week from the Office of Environmental Quality Control. It concluded that collecting aquarium fish could resume without damaging the fish population. DLNR will decide whether to repeal the moratorium on new and renewal of permits that began last September.
Achiles Tang, one of 47 While List species for the
commercial aquarium trade. Photo from Wikipedia
     The notice for public input says that the "proposed action is to create a program under the DLNR which helps to facilitate the permitting process for Aquarium Permits for the island of Hawai‘i including the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area," which includes the west coast of Kaʻū to South Point. It proposes to issue permits "to continue commercial aquarium fishers' livelihoods in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the industry." Read the notice.
     The moratorium was put in place after the state Supreme Court sided with plaintiff environmental groups, citing a lack of studies to verify the aquarium trade is not harmful to nearshore habitats. At the time, over 200 permits were valid for aquarium trade collection. A study was solicited by Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, and performed by Iowa-based Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. The draft can be viewed here.
     The draft, submitted to DLNR March 13, found - through investigation of 257 Hawai‘i Island NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystems Program-studied sites - that the commercial aquarium trade impacts less than 1 percent of the overall island populations for 37 of the 40 White List species in Hawaiʻi Island nearshore waters, including Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby (puffer), Potter's Anglefish, and Lemon Butterflyfish, which are all endemic. The draft says the fish collecting industry impacts less than 5 percent of three species, which make up 93.3 percent of all commercially collected species. They are the Achilles Tang, Yellow Tang, and Kole (endemic). The draft concludes that between 5 and 25 percent collection of each species per year is appropriate for sustainability.
     DLNR requests community input and is particularly interested in the state of the Achillies Tang. DLNR states it also wants feedback on the adequacy of the information in the study, and opinions on whether a 5 or 25 percent per year take should be used as guidelines for collection of certain species. DLNR also asks for comments regarding interpretation of the information in the study and suggestions on how best to conserve those species in the wild that are being taken by aquarium fish collectors.
     Comments should be sent to DLNR, attn: David Sakoda, 587-0104, david.sakoda@hawaii.gov, or 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 330, Honolulu, HI, 96813.

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CONCERN ABOUT POSSIBLE CENSORSHIP OF SCIENCE IN THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE has drawn a statement from Sen. Mazie Hirono and four other Senate Democrats. Today, they called for Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall to conduct an investigation into potential alterations to a scientific report. The report, Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Projections for the National Park Service, may have been altered bDepartment of the Interior employees, who are suspected to have removed references to human-caused climate change, the Senators suggest.
     Hirono and her colleagues wrote, "During a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on March 13th, Secretary (of Interior Ryan) Zinke defended his department's respect for scientific integrity, and challenged Senators and the public to find evidence that his department was editing so much as a comma in scientific reports for political purposes. Subsequent media reports indicate that National Park Service
The National Park Service came up with the above scenarios, predicting the
rise in water at anchialine pond sites north of Kaʻū at Puʻuhonua National
Historic Park. NPS conducts these studies around the country. NPS images
documents relating to the risk of sea level rise and storm surge on coastal national park sites are being edited for any mention of anthropogenic climate change. If true, this situation "casts doubt on the accuracy of the Secretary's comments, and raises serious concerns with respect to how the Department is - or is not - applying its scientific integrity policies to publicly released scientific reports."
     Last month, during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Department of the Interior's budget, Hirono questioned Zinke about the Department's censorship of the words "climate change" from documents relating to a United States Geological Survey report on the impacts of sea level rise on coastal flooding that was released last year. Zinke denied changing report language, and said, "there was no incident - no incident, at all, that I know of, that we ever changed a comma on a document itself."
     The statement from Hirono points to an article by Reveal published last week, from the Center for Investigative Reporting, which suggested that Department of the Interior employees internally edited out mentions of anthropogenic climate change from a National Park Service scientific report. This runs counter to Zinke's statement during the hearing and undermines the public trust, the announcement states.
     The letter to the Deputy Inspector General requests that the investigation include any instances when Department of the Interior employees, who are not subject matter experts, edited the report, and identify under who's direction those edits were made; the cause and impacts of the report's delayed release; any other instances of interference with scientific reports or scientific communications by the Department; and any activities that violate the Department's scientific integrity policy.
     Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-Il), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) also signed the letter. Click here to download a copy of the letter.

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DEFINING "AGRICULTURAL HUB" AND "FOOD HUB" is the subject of a hearing tomorrow, Wed, April 11, on SCR164. Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United urges community members to submit input to the House committee on Agriculture, as its members decide what areas in the state "are potentially suitable to becoming agricultural hubs or food hubs."
     The subject has come up, states the bill, "in response to the fading of the sugar and pineapple industries that negatively impacted the State's agricultural industry and resulted in lost jobs," which caused the State to establish the Agribusiness Development Corporation in 1994. The Corporation's mission is to "acquire, and manage in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture groups, selected high value lands, water systems, and infrastructure for commercial agricultural use, and to direct research into areas that will lead to the development of new crops, markets, and lower production costs," and to "help with the transition of former plantation lands and water systems to diversify the State's agricultural industry; initiate the development and support of agricultural facilities to assist farmers in Hawaiʻi; and provide solutions to issues facing the State's agricultural industry."
     Submit testimony here.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is championing
equal gender pay.
TODAY IS EQUAL PAY DAY, HIGHLIGHTING THE GENDER WAGE GAP. It sparked an invitation from Sen. Mazie Hirono: "On average, women are paid 80 cents on the dollar for the same work as men, and this inequality persists regardless of education level or industry. One thing is clear: Women deserve better, and right now they're not getting it.
     "I have fought for women's equality my entire life, and I will keep fighting until the gender pay gap is closed. When women are paid unfairly, we all suffer.
     "In the Senate, I'll continue fighting to ensure equal pay for equal work, but will you join me in signing my petition to demand equal pay for women? Add your name by clicking here: https://petitions.signforgood.com/hirono-equal-pay-day.
Together we can make progress that benefits all women. Mahalo."

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Kaʻū Mountain Water Systems Hike is taking reservations
for Wednesday, May 2, as part of Kaʻū Coffee Festival. It is
sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Photo from Kaʻū Coffee Fest
RESERVATIONS ARE BEING TAKEN FOR THE KA‘Ū MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEMS HIKE AND LUNCH Wednesday, May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day of exploration in Wood Valley is an official activity of the Kaʻū Coffee Festival. Ride through the coffee plantation, up the mountains, and into the rainforest to walk along waterways from sugar days of old. Sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Mill, reservations required; $45 per person, includes lunch. Call 928-0550.

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Laulima, meaning cooperation or many 
hands. Photo from kohalacenter.org
KOHALA CENTER'S RURAL AND COOPERATIVE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TEAM, dedicated to strengthening Hawai‘i's rural and agricultural businesses, has compiled a list of opportunities and upcoming events, including a Coffee Berry Borer subsidy program, Kiva microloans matched by Hawai‘i Food Producers Fund, USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance, GoFarm Hawai‘i AgCurious seminar, Business Center Action Days, employment with Hawai‘i Community College and Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, and more. Information on two new scale insects identified on O‘ahu that are infesting papaya, honey bee health, and more, is also available.
     Visit kohalacenter.org/business for more.

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Audrey Wilson's Cooking Show
COOKING, CRIME PREVENTION, BIIF SPORTS SCIENCE, and UKULELE are shows promoted in this month's Nā Leo TV online publication. They are available here in Ka‘ū on cable and On Demand. See below for a short list of current options:
   ● Audrey Wilson's Cooking Show, featuring Dean Shigeoka of AJ & Sons Catering, and Elena Cabatu of Hilo Medical Center, who produces the quarterly Ka‘ū Hospital and Rural Clinic news.
Crime Stoppers
   ● Crime Stoppers, featuring a police report by HPD, Hawaiʻi Island's Most Wanted, and the Prosecutors Corner with County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, who has led many meetings in Ocean View concerning crime prevention. Each month's new episode premiers the second Friday, airing every Friday on Channel 53 at 5:00 p.m., and every Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on Channel 54.
The Huddle
   ● The Huddle, with exclusive interviews featuring the Head Coach of the fiery hot Waiākea Boys Volleyball Team, Napua Canda, and Head Coach of Kamehameha Waterpolo, Dan Lyons. Both coaches share their insights and analysis on past opponents and on the league in general.
   ● All Things Ukulele with BJ Soriano, with two episodes available now. One episode is with the talented Seizen Ochi, the other featuring the veteran musician Rick Jitchaku.
All Things Ukulele with BJ Soriano
   ● Expeditions by NASA Astronaut Jack D. Fischer, from a January presentation at Hilo Studios. He was in town with the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial, starting off Onizuka Science Week.
   ● Nā Leo on the Go with Stacy Higa, featuring Bill Walter, President of the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce.
Expeditions by NASA Astronaut Jack D. Fischer
     Nā Leo TV won 1st place in the "Informational Lifestyle - Professional" category - with the submission of the first episode of ʻIke Pono, an original program covering the good news and uplifting stories throughout Hawaiʻi Island - at the 2018 Alliance for Community Media, Western Region Conference and WAVE Awards show, which took place in Sacramento, California on March 17. The Western Access Video Excellence (WAVE) awards program is a prestigious competition of the best TV and new media programming from a six-state western region.
     Nā Leo ʻO Hawaiʻi, Nā Leo TV (NLTV), is one of four independent PEG (Public, Education, Government) entities in the State of Hawaiʻi, which has responsibility for providing such services for the Island of Hawaiʻi.

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PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS CLOTHESPIN PLANE AND CAR, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wednesday, April 18. The program takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., with registration from until Tuesday, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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300 METER RACES FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Friday, April 20, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., announces Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration is open through Wednesday, April 18. Athletic shoes are required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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 Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
Girls Softball: Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH
   Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Boys Volleyball: Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
   Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū
   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo
   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11
LAU HALA DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Apr 11, 10 - noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn to weave leaves from the hala tree into many useful and beautiful items. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM BASKETBALL CLINIC Sat, April 14; register through Friday, April 13. 9 to 11 a.m., registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old and those in high school are welcome. Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market" - $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOU OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL PUBLIC MEETING, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman come to talk with Ka‘ū Community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended by not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Apr 14, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 15
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Apr 15, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. nps.gov/HAVO

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.comMore info.

MONDAY, APRIL 16
DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETINGS, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS CLOTHESPIN PLANE AND CAR, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

ONGOING
ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.
     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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