The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, February 12, 2020

The Great Crack with Mauna Loa in view. NPS Photo/Janice Wei

THE FUTURE USE OF THE GREAT CRACK in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, between Pāhala and Volcano, will be the subject of a talk story meeting. The Park released a statement today saying it wants to hear from the community and will host the session on Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House at 96-3209 Maile St.

The Park acquired the 1,951-acre Great Crack, a geologically rich and rugged area on the remote Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano, in 2018. A statement from the Park says, "The area is mostly barren lava rock, with no surface water, few trees, and little shade, but it is a superb example

Close up of the Great Crack with a Kipuka in the distance.
NPS Photo/Janice Wei

of the geologic dynamism of the area. The Pacific Ocean borders this exposed, windward shoreline.
"The Park is working to create a long-term plan for managing the Great Crack area. It was designated as potential wilderness in 1978 while under private ownership. Over the years, various commercial developments were proposed by the previous landowners, including a space launch facility, but none were implemented."
The public may also submit comments via mail or email to the Park superintendent: Attention: Superintendent, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawai‘i National Park, HI 96718. Email havo_superintendent@nps.gov.
The Park statement says that "The mission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is to protect, conserve, and study the volcanic landscapes, and associated natural and cultural resources and processes, and to facilitate safe public access to active volcanism, diverse geographic settings, and wilderness for public education and enjoyment."

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park staff survey coastline at Great Crack looking towards Ka Lae.

NPS Photo/Janice Wei

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A STATE REP. FROM HAWAIʻI ISLAND PROPOSES MORE LEGISLATIVE ACCESS FOR RURAL PEOPLE. Rep. David Tarnas, who represents North Kona and Kohala, released a statement today, saying, "Have you ever felt frustrated by having to fly all the way to Oʻahu just to have your voice heard at the State Capitol? Or have you submitted written testimony but been unable to speak or answer questions from legislators during legislative hearings?"

State Rep. David Tarnas' bill to offer citizens the opportunity to testify live
from Hawaiʻi Island passed all committees in the House of Representatives.

His bill addressing these challenges to legislative access passed its final hearing today in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. HB1153 HD1 SD2 would improve public access to the legislative process by establishing a remote legislative access program that would allow individuals to present oral testimony at legislative committee hearings through remote testimony. After many years of persistent requests by neighbor island legislators and advocates, this is the first time such legislation has passed all its committees in both the House and Senate.

The legislation received broad public support, including from Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, Common Cause Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, and Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim. If this bill is passed, Hawaiʻi's new remote legislative access program will place the state alongside just two others, Alaska and Nevada, which have instituted remote testimony programs.
Tarnas said that "Remote legislative access will help neighbor island residents actively participate in the legislative process without incurring the significant, and often prohibitive, costs of air travel, lodging, and time off work, just to have their voices heard at the Capitol. This bill would not only increase engagement by allowing people who experience economic or physical obstacles to participate in the State legislative process, but will also reduce carbon emissions from air travel, supporting the State's climate change mitigation goals."
HB1153 HD1 SD2 now goes to the entire Senate for a vote, and then to a joint House-Senate Conference Committee, in which the House and Senate conferees negotiate to agree on an identical version of the bill, which would then return to the House and Senate for a final vote. See HB1153
HD1 SD2.

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Yang and Gabbard on Tulsi 2020 South Carolina Facebook.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TULSI GABBARD FINISHED AHEAD OF ANDREW YANG IN THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY on Tuesday. With 3.3 percent of the votes, Gabbard took seventh, followed by Yang's 2.8 percent and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's 0.4 percent.
After the New Hampshire Primary, both Yang and Patrick dropped out of the race for President. Gabbard moved on to South Carolina where Wednesday morning she was the only presidential candidate on the campaign trail. In Charleston, she told reporters, "I know our path forward lies in continuing to be able to reach out directly to voters and deliver our message about I'm the best candidate to defeat Trump in November."
In the New Hampshire Primary, Bernie Sanders came in first with 25.7 percent of the votes, followed by Pete Buttigeig with 24.4 percent, Amy Klobuchar with 19.8 percent, Elizabeth Warren with 9.2 percent, Joe Biden with 8.4 percent, and Tom Steyer with 3.6 percent.
Neither Gabbard, Yang nor Patrick received any delegates from the New Hampshire Primary.
Gabbard remains rural Hawai`i's member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Tawhiri windmills at South Point are a step toward net-zero carbon admissions. Photo by Julia Neal

LEGISLATION REQUIRING NET-ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS by 2050 in the U.S. was introduced into the U.S. Senate this week by Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz. The Hawaiʻi senators were joined by 31 other Democrats and Independents. They said that their Clean Economy Act, supported by numerous unions, and environmental, health, and scientific groups, responds to concerns from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and leading climate scientists who warn of catastrophic consequences if global temperatures rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Recent reports from the UN warn that global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to date has not been sufficient to keep global temperatures below that threshold.
The Act would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to find a path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions within 30 years at minimal cost, while maintaining public health and workforce training as priorities. The bill would require EPA and other federal agencies to partner with state, local, and private climate plans. It would set benchmarks for climate targets in 2025, 2030, and 2040.

Electric vehicle charge station at Kaʻū District Gym. Photo from bigislandev.org

Hirono, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said, "The devastating consequences of climate change in Hawaiʻi are clear, and that is why we were the first state in the country to commit to achieving a carbon neutral economy by 2045, which includes 100 percent renewable power. The Clean Economy Act spurs similar bold action across the country by setting a goal of achieving net-zero U.S. greenhouse gas production by 2050. The bill also requires a focus on public health, innovative and equitable access to worker training, and enhancing America's global competitiveness, all of which will be essential to address the broad impacts of climate change."

Lea Hong, Hawaiʻi State Director for The Trust for Public Land, said, "The Clean Economy Act will create healthier and more equitable communities, while growing our competitiveness. Its goals are consistent with the State of Hawaiʻi's own sustainability goals for clean energy transformation in the Aloha+ challenge, and I thank Senator Hirono for her leadership in moving the country quickly toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions."

Colin Yost, Volunteer Chair of the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, said, "The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi applauds Senator Hirono's enthusiastic support of the Clean Economy Act as an important means to address the Climate Crisis. Clean energy innovation in Hawaiʻi has demonstrated that the goals of the Clean Economy Act are achievable and will improve the economy and the environment."

Isaac Moriwake, Managing Attorney of the Earthjustice Mid-Pacific Office, said, "Hawaiʻi has been helping lead the way to a 100 percent clean, carbon-neutral future, and now our entire nation needs to rise to this challenge before it's too late. The science is clear that the clock's ticking on climate catastrophe, yet this administration continues to wage its war on our planet's future on behalf of the dirty energy sources of the past. Senator Hirono's legislation would give our nation a fighting chance to move to the kind of equitable and just clean energy economy we need to pass a healthy planet on to future generations. We're grateful for her efforts and look forward to working with her and her colleagues to ensure it passes."

Electric vehicle charge station blessed last year at Punaluʻu Bake Shop. Photo from Hawaiian Electric Co.

The Clean Economy Act is endorsed by the United Steelworkers, Utility Workers Union of America, Service Employees International Union, American Federation of Teachers, American Rivers, BlueGreen Alliance, Center for American Progress, Clean Water Action, Climate Reality Project, Defend Our Future, Earthjustice, Environment America, Environmental Defense Fund,
Green the Church, Hispanic Access Foundation, Interfaith Power & Light, League of Conservation Voters, Moms Clean Air Force, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Trust for Public Land, Union of Concerned Scientists, Voices for Progress, Wilderness Society, World Wildlife Fund, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Lung Association, American Public Health Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies, and others.
Hirono has called for national action to combat climate change. She is a cosponsor of the Green New Deal (Senate Resoultion 59), and the Good Jobs for 21st Century Energy Act (Senate Bill 2185) to provide tax incentives and federal grants to help create high-paying clean energy jobs with high labor standards. She also introduced the Next Generation Electric Systems Act (S. 2380) to modernize the electric grid to accommodate high amounts of renewable power through a federal grant program.

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KAʻŪ SUPPORTERS OF THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, which serves Ocean View, Nāʻālehu, and Pāhala, along with other sites round the island, are invited its 8th Annual Youth of the

Year recognition gala on Saturday, March 7, at the Hilo Hawaiian, Moku Ola Ballroom from 5 p.m. to 8:30pm.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island will honor the late Barry Taniguchi, whose KTA stores sponsor much outreach into the Kaʻū community. The Club will also honor Gerald De Mello, who along with Taniguchi, will be recognized for community involvement, leadership, and significant contributions made towards the strengthening of Hawaiʻi Island communities.

The evening will include dinner and drinks, entertainment, and light humor, along with recognition of outstanding youth, including the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.

Sponsorships, including the purchasing of sponsorship tables, donating silent and live Auction items, and individual ticket sales are available. To donate and buy tickets, call Kaʻū board member Julia Neal at 808-928-9811 or email mahalo@aloha.net. See more about the Boys & Girls Club at www.bgcbi.com.

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See Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. See Kaʻū exercise,
meditation, daily, bi-weekly, and weekly recurring events.

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

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See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.

Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball

Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 HHSAA on Oʻahu

Wrestling

Fri., Feb. 21 HHSAA

Swimming

Fri. and Sat., Feb. 14 and 15 on Maui

Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule

Girls Softball

Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m., JV Jamboree at Konawaena

Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m., @Waiakea

Boys Baseball

Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m., host HPA

Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m.. @Waiakea

Boys Volleyball

Friday, Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m., Preseason at Christian Liberty

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., host Christian Liberty

Judo

Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30 a.m., @Kealakehe

Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.. @Kealakehe

Track

Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena

UPCOMING

FRIDAY, FEB. 14 – Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Buffet, Friday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Crater Rim Café at Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees are Prime Rib Au Jus, Lemon Butter Fish with Tropical Salsa and Vegetable Alfredo Pasta Bake. Adults $35.95, $17.95 children 6 to 11 years old. Military ID card holders and in-house guests: Adults $28.76, $14.36 children 6 to 11 years old. No reservations required. Located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

Community Dance, Friday, Feb. 14, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

Paint Your Own Silk Scarf with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enrolling a loved one in the class or the finished scarf, created in class, makes a great Valentine's Day gift, suggests the announcement. volcanoartcenter.org

Zentangle: Basics with Ellen O'Dunn, Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org

Valentine's Dance, Saturday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Learn the Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and more. volcanoartcenter.org

Panaʻewa Stampede, Saturday through Monday, Feb. 15, 16, and 17. Rodeo begins at noon on Saturday, 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday. Cowboy Church held 9 a.m. Sunday. Horse Races held 9 a.m. Monday. Panaʻewa Equestrian Center just outside of Hilo. Rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. Tickets are $8 pre-sale, $10 at the gate, free for keiki 12 and under. HawaiiRodeoStampede.com

SUNDAY, FEB. 16
RSVP for the Bicentennial celebration of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church, Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Henry ‘Opukahaʻia Memorial Chapel, Hokuloa Church, Punaluʻu. Celebration begins at 10 a.m.; pot-luck fellowship at 11:30 a.m. in large pavilion at Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach Park. For more information and to RSVP with the number of people attending, contact Debbie Wong Yuen, Kahu at Kauahaʻao Church, at 808-928-8039.

MONDAY, FEB. 17 – President's Day

AdvoCATS, Monday, Feb. 17, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. Reserve spot in advance. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

TUESDAY, FEB. 18

Keiki O Palehua ʻOhana Meeting on Childcare and Education for Keiki of Kaʻū Coffee Pickers, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room at 96-1219 Kamani St. in Pāhala. Organizer Laura Diaz said special guests aiming to help with the project will be Glenn Sako of county Department of Research & Development and Daniel Goya, of Partners in Development Foundation. Diaz said, "We need your input, ideas, and support to move forward with this program ; we're ready to open doors but need everyone's cooperation to do it." Keiki O Palehua ʻOhana is designed to help the Marshallese community care for young children while working on Kaʻū Coffee farms.

Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp Short Film, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., KīlaueaVisitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The special After Dark in the Park program will address Japanese American internment during World War II. Following the movie, National Park Service Archeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura will discuss the experience and subsequent detention of Japanese Americans here following the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. For more information on Japanese American confinement during World War II, visit nps.gov/subjects/internment/index.htm.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19

Concert with Christy Lassiter & Friends, Wednesday, Feb. 19; seating begins at 6:30 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. This talented trio plays traditional Hawaiian music and have performed together for several years. They are devoted to the perpetuation of the old Hawaiian songs they grew up hearing in their homes. The use of guitar, ‘ukulele, bass and three-part harmonies create a memorable and enjoyable musical experience. Part of the Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) Hawaiian music concert program. Free; Park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Fill Out the Survey for Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020, from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, by Friday, Feb. 14. The survey is anonymous and will be used to develop portions of the plan, which is the County's hazard and risk assessment for natural disasters. The Plan will include proposed projects to mitigate potential loss of life and property. Fill out the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/HawaiiCountyHMP. Learn more at hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/multi-hazard-mitigation-plan-2020. For further information, call the Civil Defense Agency at 935-0031.

RSVP for the Bicentennial Celebration of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church, Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Henry ‘Opukahaʻia Memorial Chapel, Hokuloa Church, in Punaluʻu. Celebration begins at 10 a.m., followed by pot-luck fellowship at 11:30 a.m. in the large pavilion at Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach Park. For more information and to RSVP With the number of people attending, contact Debbie Wong Yuen, Kahu at Kauahaʻao Church, at 808-928-8039.

Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning, Volcano Art Center Gallery exhibit, featuring the works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins, continues daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Feb. 16. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū, Thursday afternoons, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., through Feb 20, Kaʻū Resource Center, 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pāhala. The free class series on Chronic Kidney Disease lead by retired kidney doctor Ramona Wong. Bring a pen and whomever cares/cooks/shops for the person(s) with CKD. See alohakidney.com. Call (808) 585-8404 to enroll.

Register for a Free CERT Basic Training Course, four Saturdays starting Feb. 22 through March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team encourages community participation and provides support to emergency response organizations when the need arises. Four consecutive classes are a 27-hour FEMA certification course. Sign up by emailing hawaiicert@gmail.com. Bill Hanson, 808-937-2181, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/hawai-i-county-cert.

Register for ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's 12th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament and Canned Food Drive through Wednesday, Feb. 19 at noon. Event takes place Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Poles, gear, and bait, and lunch for all, provided. Each child receives a prize, chosen during registration, in the order they register; register early. Keiki one to 14 years old register online at okaukakou.org, or pick up form at Nāʻālehu Elementary School, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, PāhalaElementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nāʻālehu, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Bring one can per person for food drive. For more information, contact Guy Enriques at 808-217-2253 or Wayne Kawachi at 808-937-4773. okaukakou.org

PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, Sunday March 8, 6:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House. The concert will feature music that will celebrate native plants of the Kaʻū Dryland Forest and will raise funds for Hoʻomalu Kaʻū.

Performers will include: Maya Hoover, Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at Universityof Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Jonathan Korth, Hawaiʻi based Pianist and Professor at UH-Mānoa; and Joshua Nakazawa, Cellist from Hawaiʻi Symphony. They will be joined by the three HIMF co-founders: Amy Shoremount-Obra, Internationally Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Soprano; Eric Silberger, Internationally Acclaimed Prize-Winning Virutuoso Violinist; and Carlin Ma, Multi-Media Artist and Pianist.

Tickets are $30 and are available at kauconcert.bpt.me. See himusicfestival.com for more.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, February 11, 2020

NOAA's Hiʻialakai was the busiest ocean dive platform among all NOAA research ships. It is out of commission but
will be replaced by Oceanographer, a state of the art research vessel with a homeport in Hawaiʻi. Photo from NOAA

NOAA'S NEW STATE OF THE ART OCEAN RESEARCH VESSEL will be stationed in Hawaiʻi, according to an announcement today from Congressman Ed Case. He said construction of the ship Oceanographer should be complete in 2023 as part of rebuilding the nation's oceanographic fleet. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration named Oceanographer after one of NOAA's original research vessels.
From its base in Hawaiʻi, Oceanographer will carry out world-leading research throughout the Pacific. Oceanographer is one of two brand new NOAA ships that Case says, "will ensure that our country can continue with the vital research necessary to research and preserve our marine world that while still largely unknown is so vital to the present and future of our planet."
Case's efforts toward rebuilding NOAA's fleet and assuring Hawaiʻi continues to lead the nation's marine research efforts began during his first month back in Congress last January. He explained that NOAA advised that the 35-year old, aging research ship Hiʻialakai, homeported in Hawaiʻi, was to be decommissioned. It served many missions, becoming the busiest ocean research dive platform for research and carrying out such studies as monk seal and humpback whale and coral reef surveys from Kaʻū to the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
Case said that, as a new member of the House Appropriations Committee's Commerce, Justice, & Science Subcommittee, which oversees all NOAA funding, he prioritized overall recapitalization of NOAA's aging fleet, a short-term replacement of Hi‘ialakai, and homeporting of the next new NOAA ship in Honolulu.

"In partnership with the rest of the delegation, especially Sen. Brian Schatz who sits on the Senate's counterpart appropriations subcommittee, we were successful in all three priorities. This will assure not only that Hawaiʻi will retain its world-leading role in oceanographic research but that the federal funding and high-quality jobs that come with it continue," said Case.

The Hiʻialakai, in service for 35 years, will be replaced by one of the world's leading ocean research
vessels, to be built in the U.S. with completion date projected for 2023. Photo from NOAA

The Oceanographer will be the first of two ships now under design for the fleet. The second ship, the Discoverer, will be assigned a homeport at a future date. Case said NOAA expects to award contracts for the construction of the ships by the end of the year. Both will be built in the United States. Construction timelines and target launch dates for the vessels will be confirmed after the shipbuilding contracts have been awarded.

NOAA currently has a fleet of 15 research and survey ships operated by NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, and crewed by NOAA's Commissioned Officer Corps and civilian professional mariners. Each year, NOAA ships conduct more than 100 missions to collect data critical for nautical charts, fishery quotas, exploration of the nation's 4.3-million-square-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, storm surge modeling, and climate research.

Read the NOAA plan to upgrade its research fleet.

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Church buildings on Tutuila, the largest island in the American Samoa

archipelago. An AP article reports that many residents of American Samoa

are concerned that a federal judge's recent ruling in Utah, saying those born

in the U.S. territory should be recognized as U.S. citizens, could threaten

faʻa Samoa, the Samoan way of life, which includes cultural traditions like

prayer curfews, communal living, and a belief that the islands'

lands should stay in Samoan hands. Tisa Faʻamuli via AP

U.S. CITIZENSHIP FOR AMERICAN SAMOANS is the subject of an ongoing court battle.
Many born in American Samoa who live there, in Hawaiʻi, and on the U.S. mainland, desire birthright citizenship. Others, including the government of the U.S. territory of American Samoa, oppose the idea that anyone born there could automatically become a U.S. citizen.
An Associated Press article reports that U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups, in December, ruled to grant citizenship to three people living in Utah, born in American Samoa, who sued to be recognized as citizens. He said they are entitled to birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
On Friday, the U.S. government filed an appeal to Waddrup's ruling, contending that automatic citizenship is a decision for Congress. The government of the territory of American Samoa followed up with an appeal on Monday. "We look forward to showing the Court of Appeals that Judge Waddoup's decision is incorrect as a matter of law and needlessly dismissive of Samoan's self-determination rights," said Michael Williams, a Washington, D.C. lawyer representing American Samoa's government.

American Samoan citizens are granted the status of "U.S. National." American Samoans pay income tax to the U.S government, but can't vote in federal elections except for their non-voting member of the U.S. House of Representatives. They also can't run for public office in the U.S. outside of American Samoa, or work jobs that require U.S. citizenship.

The AP article reports that "automatic citizenship" supporters claim the approximate 155,000 American Samoan nationals who live in the states – three times as many as live in the territory – would benefit from citizenship.

Dancers representing Hawaiʻi and the Samoas join to form a link at a

ceremony celebrating the launch of a new fiber-optic cable

in Pago Pago, American Samoa, in 2009. AP photo/Fili Sagapolutele

Opponents to birthright citizenship for American Samoans contend that faʻa Samoa – the Samoan way of life – would be harmed. Faʻa Samoa includes "cultural traditions like prayer curfews, communal living, and a belief that the islands' lands should stay in Samoan family hands," according to the AP article.

The U.S. does not claim ownership of any land in American Samoa.
U.S. building codes and regulations do no apply there. Most American Samoan land is owned communally; within villages, extended families live together on communal lands. Matai, chiefs, are elected to oversee land. Most property in Samoa is not allowed to be sold to anyone with less than 50 percent Samoan ancestry.

In 2018, American Samoan Sailau Timoteo ran for Hawaiʻi House of Representatives but learned she was ineligible - not a U.S. citizen. She told AP she didn't know being born in American Samoa gave her "second-class status."

American Samoa's non-voting U.S. House delegate, Amata Coleman Radewagen, introduced a bill in 2019 to make citizenship easier for American Samoans. The bill would allow nationals to become citizens without having to leave American Samoa, as is currently required. American Samoans also would no longer have to take a citizenship test, and there would be a hardship waiver for application fees. The bill is pending in the Natural Resources Committee with a likely hearing in the year ahead, said her spokesman, Joel Hannahs.

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Security camera still of the suspected culprit in a vandalism event at
Cooper Center in Volcano on Dec. 5.

HELP IDENTIFY THE CULPRIT WHO DAMAGED COOPER CENTER in Volcano on Thursday, Dec. 5. Hawaiʻi Police Department released a photo caught on surveillance equipment at approximately 1:34 p.m., showing someone damaging the window of the Cooper Center Book Store.

HPD asks anyone with information on the identity of the suspect to call Officer Michael Sailer at the Pāhoa Police Station number (808) 965-2716 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential. The Crime Stoppers TV Program is available on-demand from Nā Leo TV.

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See Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. See Kaʻū exercise,
meditation, daily, bi-weekly, and weekly recurring events.

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.

Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball

Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 HHSAA on Oʻahu

Wrestling

Fri., Feb. 21 HHSAA

Swimming

Fri. and Sat., Feb. 14 and 15 on Maui

Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule

Girls Softball

Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m., JV Jamboree at Konawaena

Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m., @Waiakea

Boys Baseball

Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m., host HPA

Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m.. @Waiakea

Boys Volleyball

Friday, Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m., Preseason at Christian Liberty

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., host Christian Liberty

Judo

Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30 a.m., @Kealakehe

Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.. @Kealakehe

Track

Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12

Ki‘i Carving Demonstration, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to noon at Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai. Hawaiians carved ki‘i (statues) to represent forces of nature, gods, guardians and the spirit world. Acclaimed artist James Kanani Kaulukukui, Jr. will share his expertise and the essential role these ki‘i played in Hawaiian society. With a carrot, you'll learn how to make your own ki‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

FRIDAY, FEB. 14 – Valentine's Day

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

Zentangle: Basics with Ellen O'Dunn, Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org

Valentine's Dance, Saturday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Learn the Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and more. volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, FEB. 17 – President's Day

AdvoCATS, Monday, Feb. 17, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. Reserve spot in advance. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

TUESDAY, FEB. 18

ONGOING

Beginning Improv for Adults, Thursday, through Feb. 13, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. "Learn to live more in the moment, think on your feet, let go of self-judgment, bring more joy in your life, and recapture your playful spirit in the 6-week workshop series with improv legend Keli Semelsberger." Attendance to all 6 classes is not required – classes may be attended individually. No prior experience is necessary. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

Tickets are $30 and are available at kauconcert.bpt.me. See himusicfestival.com for more.

Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org

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.

About The Kaʻū Calendar

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, February 11, 2020